The Name Game cover art

The Name Game

the mind-bending, heart-mending new love story from the author of The Flatshare

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About this listen

 'So gorgeously life-affirming and heart-warming' PAIGE TOON
'Fiendishly gripping and searingly romantic' ROSIE WALSH

The Isle of Ormer: population 500, soon to be 501.

Charlie Jones has landed on the island to embark on her brand new life. As the manager at Ormer's only farm shop, this job will be her perfect next chapter. Good riddance to the mainland, this is it - fresh air, and a clean slate.

Except there is one small issue . . .

Charlie Jones has also just arrived on the Isle of Ormer, to embark on his brand new life. His job at the farm shop feels like fate, and could not have come at a better moment. On Ormer, Charlie has promised himself he'll escape old friends, bad habits and heartbreak.

This second chance is the best thing that could have happened to Charlie . . . and Charlie.

That is, until they are introduced . . .

The Name Game is the brand new love story from the multi-million copy bestselling author of The Flatshare and Swept Away, about second chances, new beginnings and about love finding us in the most secluded of places.

'O'Leary at her surprising and heart-stopping best' GILLIAN McALLISTER

'A fabulous, playful, twisty ride' CAROLINE HULSE

'One in a million!' CHELSEA CURTO

'Playful, twisty and achingly raw' ANNABEL MONAGHAN


EVERYONE LOVES BETH O'LEARY'S NOVELS

'Beth O'Leary crafts novels with such wit, heart and truth' SOPHIE KINSELLA

'That rare, one-in-a-million talent' EMILY HENRY©2026 Beth O'Leary Ltd Contemporary Editors Select Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction Heartfelt Romance

Critic reviews

O'Leary at her surprising and heart-stopping best. This book has it all. A wild meet-cute, a moody and autumnal setting [and] the best twist you'll read all year
So gorgeously life-affirming and heart-warming. I loved it so much, just a complete joy
A fabulous, playful, twisty ride - another clever, fresh take on "boy meets girl" from O'Leary that ticks every box. She always does that something extra and, when I'm in the mood for dreamy romance, her books top my list, every time
Beth O'Leary crafts novels with such wit, heart and truth
Beth O'Leary is that rare, one-in-a-million talent who can make you laugh, swoon, cry and ache all in the same book
Fiendishly gripping and searingly romantic, this edge-of-your-seat, will-they-won't they love story harbours a series of twists that should come with their own health warning. I binge-read this wonderful book in hours and had many, many laughs along the way
I tumbled head over heels into this novel, falling for Beth's gorgeous cast of characters, her whip-smart plotting, and the genius way she has of making her readers care, cry, and laugh alongside her protagonists. The Name Game is a clever, compelling, and immersive love story that will stay with you long after you've finished the final page.
Playful, twisty and achingly raw
Cosy, clever, and full of quintessentially British humour, The Name Game is packed with twists, surprises, and a cast so endearing I wished they were my friends. Perfect for anyone who loves a trail of Easter eggs hidden in their story.
Lush, unique, and boasting a plot twist I never saw coming, Beth O'Leary wrote one of the most fascinating romance books I've ever read. The Name Game kept me on the edge of my seat with its tension, chemistry, and the secrets waiting to be revealed, and I'm in absolute awe of O'Leary's ability to craft this one-in-a-million story!
A warm, charming romantic comedy about second chances, identity and the joy of happenstance
All stars
Most relevant
Another fantastic story line, lots of twists and turns, couldn't put the Audio version down. well done Beth on another great book.

The Bame Game

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I fell headlong for Beth O’Leary after the Flatshare and I feel this is almost on par with that story. Whilst I have enjoyed her other books, The Name Game gave me all the same feels.

Back on form

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Another incredible read from Beth O’Leary. By far my favourite read of hers so far. I laughed, and I cried. A lot. Beautifully written and well developed characters and one very surprising plot twist! Narration was fab!

My favourite so far!

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I want to go live on the island. Classic Beth O’Leary, the story has an element of the impossible or impractical, but it is all the better for it. You’ll fall in love with every character they are completely real in my head.

It’s really good

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Beth just doesn't know how to disappoint! Every time I pick up one of her books, I think, "No way this could be as good as the last one"—and every time, I end up staying awake for hours, while my heart is given a full range work out!

I recommended it to all my friends even before I finished.

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