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Lovers & Liars
From the global #1 bestselling author of 'The Glitch', 'The Rebound', 'Told You So' and 'The Return of Ruby Darling' comes a story of love, lies and the messy truth behind Hollywood's greatest romance. Performed by Kaya Scodelario ('The Gentleman') and James Norton ('House of the Dragon').
Elise Vine believes in honesty. So what if she tells a few white lies for work? When you're the publicist for one of the most famous couples in the world, the truth is rarely convenient.
After fifty years, movie stars Sylvia and Richard Wild are divorcing. Elise can't save the marriage, but she can save the story — facing one final worldwide press tour as a devoted couple, then disappearing into retirement with their legacy untarnished.
She's prepared for anything, except Jonah Troy: unbearably attractive, enviably successful, and now Richard’s new PR man. Forced to work together, Elise and Jonah strike a reckless pact: no lies. They can deceive the world, but not each other. Whoever breaks it first must surrender their most closely guarded secret.
But as the tour unfolds and their chemistry ignites, Elise begins to wonder if the man she's falling for has been spinning a different story all along.
Elise Vine believes in honesty. So what if she tells a few white lies for work? When you're the publicist for one of the most famous couples in the world, the truth is rarely convenient.
After fifty years, movie stars Sylvia and Richard Wild are divorcing. Elise can't save the marriage, but she can save the story — facing one final worldwide press tour as a devoted couple, then disappearing into retirement with their legacy untarnished.
She's prepared for anything, except Jonah Troy: unbearably attractive, enviably successful, and now Richard’s new PR man. Forced to work together, Elise and Jonah strike a reckless pact: no lies. They can deceive the world, but not each other. Whoever breaks it first must surrender their most closely guarded secret.
But as the tour unfolds and their chemistry ignites, Elise begins to wonder if the man she's falling for has been spinning a different story all along.
- GenresAudiobook
Audible Audio
Published October 29, 2026
About the author
Leeanne Slade
6 books627 followersLeeanne Slade is the internationally bestselling author of romantic novels The Rebound, Told You So, The Glitch, The Return of Ruby Darling, and This Christmas.
Translated into multiple languages, her books have hit number one on Audible across the globe. They were also voted as Audible's Best of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. The Glitch is currently in development to be adapted into a feature film with Searchlight Pictures.
She lives in the south of England with her family, juggling motherhood and a busy household with writing (mostly in the midnight hours!)
For updates, find her on social:
Tiktok: @leeannesladeauthor
Instagram: @leeannesladeauthor
Translated into multiple languages, her books have hit number one on Audible across the globe. They were also voted as Audible's Best of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. The Glitch is currently in development to be adapted into a feature film with Searchlight Pictures.
She lives in the south of England with her family, juggling motherhood and a busy household with writing (mostly in the midnight hours!)
For updates, find her on social:
Tiktok: @leeannesladeauthor
Instagram: @leeannesladeauthor
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 7, 2026
I feel misled that James Norton only speaks in 3 chapters of this- and with an American accent at that!
October 31, 2026
I absolutely ADORE Leeanne Slade’s writing, so I was incredibly excited for this one. Some of her previous books have been among my favourite contemporary romances, and I had such high hopes!
One of the things I love most about Leeanne’s books is that they’re never JUST rom-coms. There’s always genuine character depth, thoughtful observations about real life and some absolutely gorgeous prose. Her stories have substance beyond the romance, and I really appreciate that.
And Lovers & Liars certainly delivers on those fronts. There are some BEAUTIFUL quotes, brilliant flirtatious exchanges and genuinely insightful passages about women in the entertainment industry, particularly the relentless scrutiny of their bodies and appearance. Some of the messaging is so important, and there were moments that reminded me exactly why I love Leeanne as an author.
Unfortunately, I just didn’t connect with the central romance quite as much as I’d hoped.
I think a lot of that came down to the audiobook experience itself. I found it a little strange that we didn’t hear Jonah’s perspective until around halfway through the story, and when his chapters finally arrived, I struggled to feel the emotional connection I wanted from him.
I was SO excited about James Norton’s narration. He has the most gorgeous British accent, so hearing him perform with an American accent was a bit of a disappointment! He barely sounded like himself, and unfortunately, his performance didn’t entirely convince me of Jonah’s feelings.
I also struggled a little with Kaya Scodelario’s narration. Her delivery felt quite consistent in tone, even during scenes that deserved a much bigger emotional response. There were some absolutely stunning lines that I wanted to FEEL, but they didn’t quite land for me.
And that’s what makes this review difficult, because I genuinely think this particular story might have worked better for me on the page. The writing itself is so lovely, but I don’t think the narration always did it justice.
I’m a huge Leeanne Slade fan, and I desperately hope we get to see her books published in print. She’s such a talented writer, and I would LOVE to have her stories sitting on my shelves.
Ultimately, this wasn’t quite the love story I’d hoped for. There was so much to appreciate, particularly in the writing and the wider themes, but I finished feeling more admiration for the words than emotional attachment to the romance.
3.5 stars from me. Not my favourite Leeanne Slade, but absolutely still an author I’ll continue to read and wholeheartedly recommend some of her other audiobooks.
One of the things I love most about Leeanne’s books is that they’re never JUST rom-coms. There’s always genuine character depth, thoughtful observations about real life and some absolutely gorgeous prose. Her stories have substance beyond the romance, and I really appreciate that.
And Lovers & Liars certainly delivers on those fronts. There are some BEAUTIFUL quotes, brilliant flirtatious exchanges and genuinely insightful passages about women in the entertainment industry, particularly the relentless scrutiny of their bodies and appearance. Some of the messaging is so important, and there were moments that reminded me exactly why I love Leeanne as an author.
Unfortunately, I just didn’t connect with the central romance quite as much as I’d hoped.
I think a lot of that came down to the audiobook experience itself. I found it a little strange that we didn’t hear Jonah’s perspective until around halfway through the story, and when his chapters finally arrived, I struggled to feel the emotional connection I wanted from him.
I was SO excited about James Norton’s narration. He has the most gorgeous British accent, so hearing him perform with an American accent was a bit of a disappointment! He barely sounded like himself, and unfortunately, his performance didn’t entirely convince me of Jonah’s feelings.
I also struggled a little with Kaya Scodelario’s narration. Her delivery felt quite consistent in tone, even during scenes that deserved a much bigger emotional response. There were some absolutely stunning lines that I wanted to FEEL, but they didn’t quite land for me.
And that’s what makes this review difficult, because I genuinely think this particular story might have worked better for me on the page. The writing itself is so lovely, but I don’t think the narration always did it justice.
I’m a huge Leeanne Slade fan, and I desperately hope we get to see her books published in print. She’s such a talented writer, and I would LOVE to have her stories sitting on my shelves.
Ultimately, this wasn’t quite the love story I’d hoped for. There was so much to appreciate, particularly in the writing and the wider themes, but I finished feeling more admiration for the words than emotional attachment to the romance.
3.5 stars from me. Not my favourite Leeanne Slade, but absolutely still an author I’ll continue to read and wholeheartedly recommend some of her other audiobooks.
October 31, 2026
I am a sucker for a Hollywood romance and thought having the main couple being PR flacks a refreshing spin on that setting. I really felt for Elise, an endearing character doing her best to remain in control while everything is chaotic. Jonah was a total sweetheart slowly getting her to understand that she can’t control everything. I loved all the various reveals and the subtext of the entertainment industry’s misogyny, homophobia and total boys club.
The narrators were fantastic though. Kaya Scodelario has such a warm inviting voice that I think matched Elise’s vibe. James Norton did a brilliant fairly standard US accent that was consistent and I think matched Jonah. Normally I can hear an actor’s real accent slowly leak through but I was fooled. In some respects though I wish Jonah was written as British so we could just hear his regular voice. Also, given Jonah’s chapters don’t appear until quite near the end of the novel, I wish they did a duet narration to utilise James Norton’s casting more.
I can’t wait for the next Leeanne Slade audio treat. They’re my annual audiobook highlight.
The narrators were fantastic though. Kaya Scodelario has such a warm inviting voice that I think matched Elise’s vibe. James Norton did a brilliant fairly standard US accent that was consistent and I think matched Jonah. Normally I can hear an actor’s real accent slowly leak through but I was fooled. In some respects though I wish Jonah was written as British so we could just hear his regular voice. Also, given Jonah’s chapters don’t appear until quite near the end of the novel, I wish they did a duet narration to utilise James Norton’s casting more.
I can’t wait for the next Leeanne Slade audio treat. They’re my annual audiobook highlight.
October 30, 2026
⭐ 1 Star — DNF
I am so disappointed. I have loved every Leeanne Slade book I’ve listened to, and I’ve even gone back and listened to several of her stories multiple times. Unfortunately, Lovers & Liars was a complete miss for me.
For starters, the male main character is absolutely insufferable. He’s arrogant, cocky, completely full of himself, and frankly, not someone I’d even want to work with, much less root for romantically. I couldn’t understand why the female main character continued to entertain him.
The storyline itself felt messy and disjointed. Between the supposedly famous couple going through a divorce, the attempts to make them appear happy together, the publicity drama, and the main characters’ own storyline, it felt like two separate stories competing for attention. None of it was particularly compelling, and I found myself increasingly irritated by the characters and their decisions.
Unfortunately, the audiobook narration made an already frustrating experience even worse. Kaya Scodelario’s delivery was painfully monotonous. There was virtually no inflection or emotion, regardless of what was happening in the story. Happy, sad, angry, dramatic—it all sounded exactly the same. It was like listening to someone read a biology textbook aloud.
I kept hoping something would finally click, but I reached the point where I simply didn’t care what happened next.
I rarely feel this disappointed by an author I’ve consistently enjoyed, but this was a definite DNF. Such a shame, because I know how good Leeanne Slade’s storytelling can be.
I am so disappointed. I have loved every Leeanne Slade book I’ve listened to, and I’ve even gone back and listened to several of her stories multiple times. Unfortunately, Lovers & Liars was a complete miss for me.
For starters, the male main character is absolutely insufferable. He’s arrogant, cocky, completely full of himself, and frankly, not someone I’d even want to work with, much less root for romantically. I couldn’t understand why the female main character continued to entertain him.
The storyline itself felt messy and disjointed. Between the supposedly famous couple going through a divorce, the attempts to make them appear happy together, the publicity drama, and the main characters’ own storyline, it felt like two separate stories competing for attention. None of it was particularly compelling, and I found myself increasingly irritated by the characters and their decisions.
Unfortunately, the audiobook narration made an already frustrating experience even worse. Kaya Scodelario’s delivery was painfully monotonous. There was virtually no inflection or emotion, regardless of what was happening in the story. Happy, sad, angry, dramatic—it all sounded exactly the same. It was like listening to someone read a biology textbook aloud.
I kept hoping something would finally click, but I reached the point where I simply didn’t care what happened next.
I rarely feel this disappointed by an author I’ve consistently enjoyed, but this was a definite DNF. Such a shame, because I know how good Leeanne Slade’s storytelling can be.
November 6, 2026
There were so many unexpected turns in this book, and it was so good!
Elise is the publicist for Hollywood's most famous couple. Now in their 70's, and coming up on their 50th wedding anniversary, the world believes that they've defied the odds. But behind the scenes, they are getting divorced that things have become incredibly messy.
So messy, that the husband, Richard, has hired his own publicist to help navigate it all. Elise and Jonah have to work together for the summer to preserve their story and help them fade out of the limelight with grace.
But as more secrets keep coming up, Elise realizes that even after a decade working with Richard and Sylvia, she might not know anything about them.
I love this author's writing style! And her narrators are always incredible!
Elise is the publicist for Hollywood's most famous couple. Now in their 70's, and coming up on their 50th wedding anniversary, the world believes that they've defied the odds. But behind the scenes, they are getting divorced that things have become incredibly messy.
So messy, that the husband, Richard, has hired his own publicist to help navigate it all. Elise and Jonah have to work together for the summer to preserve their story and help them fade out of the limelight with grace.
But as more secrets keep coming up, Elise realizes that even after a decade working with Richard and Sylvia, she might not know anything about them.
I love this author's writing style! And her narrators are always incredible!
October 31, 2026
Leeanne Slade can write a story and the female narrator was perfect. Can’t say enough good things. This captured my heart in a way that I wished SHOEH had.
November 6, 2026
obsessed with the enemies to lovers
did not predict the twist
give billy his own book!!!!
did not predict the twist
give billy his own book!!!!
November 8, 2026
I’m sorry, but there was just not enough here for me. The MMC was fairly bland, I barely got why they were attracted to each other given how little personality each had, and there was a lot of personality traits that were more told rather than shown. No witty banter, and yet the MMC claimed she was “the smartest woman he’s known” or something like that. Or, for example, that she always has to control things, but the only example of that in the novel is her doing her job, which is…you know, her *job.* The stakes are supposedly high but didn’t feel like it - again, told rather than shown. Similarly, the betrayals outweighed the apologies/sympathies, so felt uneven and unearned, particularly with Richard - what a prick. He’s supposedly a super kind guy, but we never get to see it, only eccentricities and the changes to his character for reasons of the twist. Hard to feel sorry for someone you don’t care about in the first place.
Lastly, I’ve really enjoyed Kaya Scoldelario as a narrator before, but here wasn’t quite matching up. She was mostly reading a story to us, rather than living/acting it, maybe? And wtf was the point of Jonah’s random-ass chapters? James Norton did fine, except the writing was still so blah that it still didn’t sell it.
Maybe I’m feeling harsh after having just finished an excellent Ali Hazelwood with the also excellent Teddy Hamilton?
Lastly, I’ve really enjoyed Kaya Scoldelario as a narrator before, but here wasn’t quite matching up. She was mostly reading a story to us, rather than living/acting it, maybe? And wtf was the point of Jonah’s random-ass chapters? James Norton did fine, except the writing was still so blah that it still didn’t sell it.
Maybe I’m feeling harsh after having just finished an excellent Ali Hazelwood with the also excellent Teddy Hamilton?
October 30, 2026
I am a lover of Leeanne Slade books and again she does not disappoint.
This book is so beautifully written and the detail on all the character’s is so good that you feel you are watching on the side seeing all the scenes play out,
I loved the unexpected twist in the plot when you least expect it ,this then takes the story onto another journey.
Elise and Jonah are great leads and some really interesting topics are raised In their story,
5 stars all the way - make sure indulge yourself with this wonderful book !
This book is so beautifully written and the detail on all the character’s is so good that you feel you are watching on the side seeing all the scenes play out,
I loved the unexpected twist in the plot when you least expect it ,this then takes the story onto another journey.
Elise and Jonah are great leads and some really interesting topics are raised In their story,
5 stars all the way - make sure indulge yourself with this wonderful book !
November 7, 2026
Let me start off by saying, I knew this wasn’t going to be Shakespeare, but there was a lot of unrealized potential here. Steak left on the plate, if you will. Instead of a run of the mill romcom, this had some very dishy, soapy details that were undeveloped. This could have even 100+ more pages level ensemble intrigue. Instead the romcom stayed lukewarm and uncharming and the secondary story always felt like secondary verging on tertiary. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore would never.
November 8, 2026
I really enjoyed Lovers & Liars by Leeanne Slade! It was such an easy, low-stress read, making it perfect for unwinding. The publicist dynamic and Hollywood press tour setup made for great chemistry and banter, but the highlight was definitely the plot surprises—there were a few twists towards the end that I totally didn't see coming before the big reveals! It balanced lighthearted, fun romance with just enough mystery to keep it super engaging.
November 11, 2026
This book risked a DNF. It began slowly, with a fairly one dimensional publicist, stewarding with loyalty, two vacuous and unlikeable movie stars. Elise needed a better character arc. Her ‘control’ issues were underwhelming. As a character, Elise improved with the introduction of Jonah, and thankfully there was a substantive plot twist that made the book more likeable. But for an Audible adaptation, there are much better options available.
October 31, 2026
This was such a fun read!! Once you start, you simply can't stop listening. I thought once or twice while reading, that I had the plot twist figured out, but oh boy the twist hits you fair and square. Really really enjoyed it!!
October 31, 2026
The gasp I gasped with the twist at the end!
November 2, 2026
She's done it again! Another incredible, can't stop listening story from Leeanne. Yet again she has created characters I truely engage with and feel like I know. A truely talented author
November 11, 2026
I thought this was a pretty good audiobook. It reminded me a bit of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Nothing groundbreaking, but definitely an enjoyable listen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2026
This was a good pallet cleanser after a heavy read. It made for a fab companion whilst roaming the streets on holiday. Kaya S does a superb job with narration. James Norton pops in a few times.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews