When I Picture You

by Sasha Laurens

Michael Joseph When I Picture You ABISBOOK Michael Joseph.

Paperback

About the author

Sasha Laurens is the author of the adult romance When I Picture You and the young adult novels A Wicked Magic and Youngblood. She spends her time doing research on authoritarianism, training for powerlifting competitions, and hanging out with her mini dachshund, Kiki.

Reviews

[Georgia Munro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one. It has so many elements I’m naturally drawn to - music, personal growth, representation, and characters trying to find themselves - but I never quite became emotionally invested.

For me, the biggest thing missing was the chemistry. I never fully believed the relationship, so I found myself appreciating the story more than feeling swept up in it. I also didn’t connect with the characters as deeply as I’d hoped, and I wasn’t left with that feeling of missing them when I put the book down.

That said, this wasn’t a bad book by any means. I can absolutely see why it will resonate with other readers, especially those looking for a heartfelt contemporary romance with themes of identity and ambition. It simply didn’t give me the emotional depth or character connection that I personally look for.

I’m learning that my favourite books are the ones where I completely believe the relationships, become attached to the characters, and finish wishing I could spend a little more time with them. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite get there for me.

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glitzy, over the top, but it hits all the right emotional beats and genuinely tears at your heartstrings at times