When I Picture You

A Novel

By: Sasha Laurens

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang, Hillary Huber

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

Celebrity romance. Secret childhood crush. Coming out journey. Fake boyfriends. Good friends and bad ones. This story had some depth. Also, it's pretty hott - Renee and Lola's chemistry was off the charts!

It wasn't just a love story though. It's about figuring out who you are in the world. Renee and Lola each had their own journeys to go through. I enjoyed watching things all come together, then fall apart, then come together again. It was a great story - truly enjoyable!

Lauren Fortgang and Hilary Huber did an awesome job narrating!