Pretty Things by Devon McCormack

Pretty Things

Forbidden love heats up in this swoon-worthy romance

Written byDevon McCormack
Narrated byMichael Dean
Length11h38m
Release dateJune 10, 2019
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.5 on Audible

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Quick Facts

AuthorDevon McCormack
NarratorMichael Dean
Runtime11h38m
PublishedJune 10, 2019
Rating★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 on Audible
CategoriesLGBTQ+, Romance, Contemporary
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Devon McCormack’s *Pretty Things* delivers a slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you like a secret—first as a whisper, then as a full-throated confession. Liam McKinney isn’t just some charming stranger; he’s the kind of man who makes decisions based on instinct, not rules, and that reckless magnetism pulls our narrator into a tangle of desire they never saw coming. Their chemistry crackles off the page, but the real tension lies in the obstacles: a father’s disapproval, a past that refuses to stay buried, and the gnawing fear that what they’re building might be too fragile to survive the truth. This isn’t your typical forbidden romance—it’s messier, more human, and far more addictive, with a side of emotional gut-punches that linger long after the last chapter.

The audiobook edition, narrated by Michael Dean, elevates the experience to a whole other level. Dean’s voice is a rich, velvety instrument, shifting effortlessly between the protagonist’s guarded introspection and Liam’s brash, intoxicating confidence. His timing is impeccable, drawing out the pauses where the subtext screams louder than the words. The production quality is crisp, letting the emotional beats breathe without overpowering the intimate scale of the story. If you’ve ever wanted a romance that feels like a stolen glance across a crowded room—one where every touch and glance is charged with consequence—this is the audiobook you’ve been waiting for.

Tags: LGBTQ+ forbidden romance audiobookslow-burn contemporary love storysteamy queer romance with emotional depthMichael Dean narration audiobookcontemporary romance with family drama

About the Narration

Narrated by Michael Dean, this 11h38m audiobook holds a 4.5-star average rating on Audible. The narration brings Devon McCormack's writing to life, making it a compelling choice for audiobook listeners.

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Editor's Review

AudioBook Atlas Editorial Team

I’ll admit, I was skeptical going into *Pretty Things*. Forbidden romance is a dime a dozen these days, and the premise—older man/younger love interest with a familial twist—felt like a well-trodden path. But McCormack’s writing, and Dean’s hypnotic narration, turned my expectations inside out. Dean’s performance is the secret weapon here; his Liam feels like a real person, not a trope. That gravelly confidence mixed with moments of vulnerability? Chef’s kiss. The protagonist’s internal monologue is sharp and self-aware, making their spiral into obsession feel earned, not reckless. My only quibble is the pacing in the middle act—it drags slightly as backstory is unpacked, but that’s a minor sin in a book this emotionally gripping. What really sold me, though, was the ending. No spoilers, but McCormack refuses to take the easy way out, and that’s what makes this more than just a steamy read. The audiobook’s production doesn’t just meet the high bar set by the writing—it amplifies it. The subtle use of ambient noise (a distant ocean, a crackling fireplace) grounds the story in a tactile world, making it feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private confession. If you’re in the mood for a romance that’s as much about the ache of wanting as it is about the fulfillment, this is your next obsession. Just set aside a weekend—you won’t want to stop.

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

How to Listen

Pretty Things by Devon McCormack is available as an audiobook on Audible. You can start with a free trial — the audiobook is yours to keep even if you cancel. Michael Dean's narration spans 11h38m.

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