Model Monster

Guy Veryzer’s narration is the secret weapon in this audiobook—he doesn’t just read *Model Monster*; he performs it. His voice dances between a posh British lilt and a rough-and-ready rasp, perfectly embodying the duality of Simon, the golden Adonis with a criminal streak. Veryzer nails the timing, letting the humor land like a punchline and the tension coil like a live wire, especially during the bed-sneaking opening scene. He also captures the protagonist’s internal panic and smitten confusion with a vulnerability that could’ve felt schmaltzy in less capable hands. The pacing is relentless, which is both a blessing and a mild curse—by the halfway mark, you’ll be desperate for a breather, but the story’s momentum is impossible to resist. My only quibble? The production occasionally drops into a tinny, basement-level audio quality during the protagonist’s introspective moments, which jars against the polished narration. That said, it’s a minor hiccup in what is otherwise a masterclass in vocal performance. Story-wise, *Model Monster* is the kind of novella that lingers because it refuses to play nice. The romance isn’t soft or sentimental; it’s a push-and-pull of attraction and distrust, with a climax that’s as unexpected as it is satisfying. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at traditional love stories, this audiobook will slap you with its charm. Highly recommended for fans of queer rom-coms that refuse to tie things up with a neat bow—instead, Frondes leaves you with a bruise and a grin.