Listen Closely

Author: Egan, Leon

Interest age: from c 14 years

Published on 3 July 2025 by HarperCollins Publishers (Harper Fire) in the United Kingdom.

A heartwarming, cozy YA romance, perfect for fans of You've Got Mail, Jenny Han, Beth Reekles, and Heartstopper, from the highly-acclaimed author of Lover Birds.

Jude's smile is magnificent. Their sharp edges melted away into a rare and beautiful joy. The flash illuminates them as their photo is taken, and for just a second, they glow. It feels like lightning has struck.

When Jude and Aiden are paired up together for an internship at a local radio station, things are awkward. Jude is quiet, withdrawn, has one friend, and is suspicious of everyone. Aiden is charming, outgoing, and popular, with a seemingly easy confidence and golden retriever energy.

But after they discover a shared love of podcast dramas, Jude and Aiden realise that they have more in common than they first realised – especially after Aiden reveals that he is a huge fan of Jude’s own podcast, The Night Merchant.

With a wonderful and original meet-cute premise, an adorable couple with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic and gorgeous chemistry, and themes of forced proximity, found family, and mistaken identity, Listen Closely is an irresistible, heartwarming, swoon-worthy romance and a beautiful coming-of-age story – perfect for fans of You’ve Got Mail, Heartstopper, and Rainbow Rowell.