Guy Lockard narrates this fresh and funny novel from Jason Reynolds. Told from the perspective of 17-year-old Neon, the novel moves backward over Neon’s past 24 months. As he prepares to celebrate his anniversary with his girlfriend, Aria, he reflects on everything that has happened since they first met. From work to school to family, Neon’s life is average but warm and loving. Reynolds uses a stream-of-consciousness style to showcase Neon’s creativity and intelligence. Lockard’s deep, resonant voice is expressive and full of humor that fits Neon’s youth and the bright banter between Neon and his friends. This contemplative novel is a joyful celebration of young love. C.R. 2024 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
(Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2024
Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668118689
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Small’s performance will keep listeners invested.
Narrator Izzy Meikle Small infuses this teen tennis romance with tension and heart. Billie has the potential to win junior doubles at Wimbledon, but she needs a new partner. Her last hope is her coach’s nephew, Harley, whom she has always despised. But as Harley and Billie spend more time together, they soon become more than teammates. Small’s bright, expressive, British-accented voice emphasizes Billie’s vulnerabilities, determination, and desires as she pursues her goals and gives in to her feelings for Harley. However, her tone lacks the same variation when delivering Harley’s dialogue.
Small’s performance will keep listeners invested. (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 17 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063516861
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: June 16, 2026
Lee captures the slow-burn romance as well as the heroes' fears of and fights against censorship.
Michelle H. Lee has narrated several of Hur’s books, and here she proves her talents once again. Her narration easily moves between the dual perspectives of novel-loving commoner Haewon and writer Lord Yu Seojun in 1792 Korea, during the Joseon Dynasty, a time when fiction has been banned. Lee clearly identifies the many secondary characters while she portrays the oil-and-water meeting of the protagonists. Seojun dismisses Haewon because of her lower class, while Haewon detests his arrogance. Listeners may realize sooner than the protagonists do that they have already revealed their true hearts while exchanging secret letters. Haewon is “Magpie,” a committed fan of “Black Lotus,” Seojun’s alter ego.
Lee captures the slow-burn romance as well as the heroes' fears of and fights against censorship. (Historical romance. 14-adult)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217345687
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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