Big Feelings and a Slow Burn That Hurts So Good
5 out of 5 stars
When I Picture You by Sasha Laurens, narrated by Lauren Fortgang and Hillary Huber, is a heartfelt, sexy queer rom-com that mixes celebrity, creativity, and second chances with surprising emotional depth
The setup hooked me immediately. A burned-out documentary film student and a pop star stuck in writer’s block reconnect years after a teenage crush. It sounds glossy on paper, but the story keeps its feet firmly on the ground.
I usually shy away from a celebrity-style romance, but scale was dealt with thoughtfully here. Lola’s problems are massive, public, and suffocating in ways most of us will never experience, yet the emotional core always felt intimate and relatable. That larger-than-life but made-small feeling is incredibly hard to pull off, and Laurens nails it. I never felt pushed away by the fame angle; instead, I felt drawn closer to both women as they tried to reclaim parts of themselves.
The writing itself deserves real praise. Even when the tropes kicked in, yes, this is absolutely a slow burn; it felt earned rather than frustrating. I knew what I was signing up for, and the emotional payoff made the waiting worthwhile. The tension felt honest and grounded throughout. And I know that’s difficult to pull off, but Laurens nailed it.
And then… the narration took it to the next level. Lauren Fortgang and Hillary Huber are both narrators I already trust, and they brought a layered sense of isolation and longing to their performances. You can feel the pressure closing in from both perspectives, but also the moments of joy that sneak through when these characters are alone together. It’s immersive in the best way.
This is the kind of audiobook that lingers. When I Picture You is romantic, thoughtful, and emotionally satisfying without being too much. If you like queer romance with depth, creative angst, and characters who feel painfully real, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Book Description:
A big-hearted and sexy queer rom-com celebrating the kind of sweeping romance that inspires our favorite love songs.
Renee Feldman is desperate for a fresh start. She’d hoped to rediscover her creative spark by taking time off from her MFA in documentary film. Instead, she’s stalled. Barista-ing doesn’t chip away at her debt, her thesis project is nonexistent, and if she doesn’t re-enroll next semester, she’ll be out of the program.
Pop star Lola Gray is supposed to be the songwriter of her generation—but she hardly feels like it anymore. It’s been a year since her secret relationship imploded, simultaneously breaking Lola’s heart, annihilating her plan to come out, and plummeting her into writer’s block.
But when Lola sees Renee at her sister’s wedding, all that stress comes to a grinding halt. Lola’s teenage crush on the fearless lesbian next door was so overwhelming, it secretly inspired her debut album. Lola and Renee haven’t crossed paths in a decade, but that night sparks fly.
Renee is still processing the hottest—and most unexpected—one-night stand of her life when Lola surprises her again. Her team is producing a documentary alongside her next album, but the director they hired is a creep. Lola needs Renee to replace him…and filming starts in a week. With her thesis deadline approaching, Renee knows this is her only ticket to graduation.
As Lola and Renee reconnect, there’s no denying the feelings they have for each other or the renewed creativity it inspires. But neither realizes how hard it will be to tell their love story in an industry that sets a narrative of its own.
When I Picture You by Sasha LaurensNarrator: Lauren Fortgang, Hillary Huber
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
Published by Avon on October 27th 2025
Genres: LesFic/Sapphic Fiction, Second Chance, Slow Burn
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