Learning to Love by M.A. Innes

Learning to Love

Self-Discovery Meets Slow-Burn Queer Romance

Written byM.A. Innes
Narrated byZachary Zaba
Length6h05m
Release dateApril 27, 2021
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.8 on Audible

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Listen to a Sample

Hear Zachary Zaba's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

Quick Facts

AuthorM.A. Innes
NarratorZachary Zaba
Runtime6h05m
PublishedApril 27, 2021
Rating★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 on Audible
CategoriesLGBTQ+, Romance
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Learning to Love isn’t just another romance audiobook—it’s a quiet revolution disguised as intimacy. M.A. Innes crafts a deeply personal journey through Leon’s realization of his sexuality later in life, grounding the story in emotional authenticity rather than melodrama. What sets this apart is how love unfolds not with grand gestures, but in the hesitant glances, overheard laughs, and shared silences between Leon and Morgan. It’s a narrative that respects the complexity of identity, especially when self-knowledge arrives later than expected, and treats the awakening of desire with both tenderness and honesty. This isn't about coming out for the world—it’s about coming home to oneself. Zachary Zaba’s narration elevates the introspective tone with a performance that’s understated yet profoundly expressive. His voice carries the weight of Leon’s internal struggle without ever tipping into sentimentality. Zaba nails the subtle shifts in tone as Leon moves from confusion to cautious hope, making the emotional beats land with quiet power. The audiobook’s strength lies in its restraint—both in writing and production. With minimal sound effects and a clean mix, the focus stays firmly on the evolving relationship and Leon’s inner world, making it ideal for listeners who appreciate character depth over flashy storytelling.

Tags: queer romanceslow-burn loveLGBTQ+ fictionself-discoverycontemporary romancecharacter-driven

About the Narration

Narrated by Zachary Zaba, this 6h05m audiobook holds a 4.8-star average rating on Audible. The narration brings M.A. Innes's writing to life, making it a compelling choice for audiobook listeners.

Start Listening Free
AE

Editor's Review

AudioBook Atlas Editorial Team

I went into Learning to Love expecting a sweet romance, but what I got was something far more resonant—a portrait of emotional recalibration that felt startlingly real. Zachary Zaba’s narration is the heartbeat of this production. His delivery is calm, almost conversational, which perfectly suits Leon’s reflective nature. He doesn’t overact the pivotal moments; instead, he lets the weight of a paused sentence or a breath do the work, and it’s incredibly effective. I especially loved how he differentiates Morgan’s warmth from Leon’s guarded tone—there’s a softness in his voice when Leon talks to Morgan that feels earned, not forced. The pacing is deliberate, maybe even slow for some, but I appreciated that nothing felt rushed. That said, the middle section drags slightly—there are moments where the internal monologue repeats itself, and without visual cues, it’s easy to feel stalled. And while the minimal production is mostly a strength, a touch more ambient texture during key scenes (like the café meetups or rainy walks) could have deepened immersion. Still, these are minor flaws in an otherwise exceptional listen. If you’re looking for a romance that prioritizes emotional truth over tropes, this one will stay with you.

This review was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

How to Listen

Learning to Love by M.A. Innes is available as an audiobook on Audible. You can start with a free trial — the audiobook is yours to keep even if you cancel. Zachary Zaba's narration spans 6h05m.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.