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Laurelhurst
She left Los Angeles burned out, bruised by ambition, and certain that quiet would save her.
Seattle gave her rain, distance, and a woman who was precise with her words and even more precise with her actions.
Laurelhurst is a slow-burn sapphic romance set against the muted beauty of the Pacific Northwest — grey water, mountain passes, border towns, and moments of stillness that stretch long enough to matter. Moving between hotel rooms, border crossings, and quiet nights, the story follows a woman learning to trust steadiness after years of survival.
Sensual, observant, and deeply felt, this is a love story for readers who’ve mistaken intensity for connection — and are brave enough to want something quieter, truer, and harder to walk away from.
Seattle gave her rain, distance, and a woman who was precise with her words and even more precise with her actions.
Laurelhurst is a slow-burn sapphic romance set against the muted beauty of the Pacific Northwest — grey water, mountain passes, border towns, and moments of stillness that stretch long enough to matter. Moving between hotel rooms, border crossings, and quiet nights, the story follows a woman learning to trust steadiness after years of survival.
Sensual, observant, and deeply felt, this is a love story for readers who’ve mistaken intensity for connection — and are brave enough to want something quieter, truer, and harder to walk away from.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 16, 2026
Okay read!
A short to the point -- pov type of love story with talking about a place is an added characteristic to the storyline... -- a bit weird but somewhat enjoyable at times
A short to the point -- pov type of love story with talking about a place is an added characteristic to the storyline... -- a bit weird but somewhat enjoyable at times
January 16, 2026
Lucie's writing style reminisces me of the poetic proses not dissimilar to Eva Baltasar which focuses on the inner life of the narrator. The thoughts and feelings whether in calm or in turmoil belies the exterior quiet and tranquil qualities of the narrator.
The story focuses on the interactional dynamics of the two women, navigating through emotional trajectories defined from past experiences and relearning and recalibrating the current path to realign in the present to a single bond of trust, expectations and inclusivity and perhaps love. Only time will tell.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story focuses on the interactional dynamics of the two women, navigating through emotional trajectories defined from past experiences and relearning and recalibrating the current path to realign in the present to a single bond of trust, expectations and inclusivity and perhaps love. Only time will tell.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2026
Lucie Wierzynski’s Laurelhurst is an impressive addition to the contemporary sapphic romance genre. The story follows a woman who leaves the high-pressure lifestyle of Los Angeles for the quieter atmosphere of Seattle, where she encounters K—a woman whose steadiness and lack of pretension offer a refreshing change from her previous relationships.
At times beautifully lyrical, what stands out is how Ms. Wierzynski’s writing is both grounded and atmospheric. Rather than relying on high-stakes drama or the usual, often melodramatic, tropes, the narrative focuses on the slow-burn development of trust and emotional intimacy. I really liked the muted, observant tone of the story, which mirrored the Pacific Northwest setting. The transition from survival and intensity to a "truer" connection felt authentic and well-paced, despite the novella's shorter length.
The character development is super; the contrast between the narrator’s past and her burgeoning future with K is handled with a sophisticated touch and is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to choose peace over chaos. For those who enjoy character-driven stories centered on emotional interiority and the quiet courage of letting someone in, I definitely recommend this. It is a refined work that proves a romance doesn't need to be loud to be deeply felt.
I enjoyed the audio version, and Robin Unger does a good job of conveying both the author’s calm approach and the emotional intensity.
Thank you to the author and the publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to relax and enjoy this slow-burn audio ARC.
At times beautifully lyrical, what stands out is how Ms. Wierzynski’s writing is both grounded and atmospheric. Rather than relying on high-stakes drama or the usual, often melodramatic, tropes, the narrative focuses on the slow-burn development of trust and emotional intimacy. I really liked the muted, observant tone of the story, which mirrored the Pacific Northwest setting. The transition from survival and intensity to a "truer" connection felt authentic and well-paced, despite the novella's shorter length.
The character development is super; the contrast between the narrator’s past and her burgeoning future with K is handled with a sophisticated touch and is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to choose peace over chaos. For those who enjoy character-driven stories centered on emotional interiority and the quiet courage of letting someone in, I definitely recommend this. It is a refined work that proves a romance doesn't need to be loud to be deeply felt.
I enjoyed the audio version, and Robin Unger does a good job of conveying both the author’s calm approach and the emotional intensity.
Thank you to the author and the publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to relax and enjoy this slow-burn audio ARC.
February 23, 2026
My first time reading/listening to a book written by Lucie Wierzynski. Laurelhurst is a short story about two adult women navigating dating after their not so pleasant experience in their previous relationships. Overall, it was an ok audiobook, the narrator had a very calming voice which aligned to the style of the story.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2026
Space to breathe
Really good, solid writing. For anyone needing a palate cleanser after too much drama or too much sweetness. Holds its place, giving one room to breathe.
Really good, solid writing. For anyone needing a palate cleanser after too much drama or too much sweetness. Holds its place, giving one room to breathe.
January 13, 2026
I enjoyed this, a detailed exploration of a soft, self assured slow burning love between two women. It is a very interesting style of writing, but wrote very well. The story focus is on two women one who is recovering from a previous relationship and heady lifestyle of LA moved to Seattle and meets K. K is an altogether different type of women that our narrator is used too. Safe, comfortable, no games, we see the unfolding of the relationship. This is a gentle read, but I would not say it was a great romance as more a slow and quiet development of learning to trust and be a peace with each other. There is no real feel of passion or burning desire and at times they do feel quite odd with each other. Also it is incredibly short which I was not expecting, I would have liked a bit more but I do feel the end in itself is a reassuring nod to their hopeful future.
Read
January 16, 2026Short read and I am not sure if it is a lovely love story and finding oneself or a story of heartbreak and growth.
This book left me a little confused, maybe the in the best way. I don’t know.
It’s a good read, I just couldn’t tell you where it falls ont he spectrum of happily ever after.
This book left me a little confused, maybe the in the best way. I don’t know.
It’s a good read, I just couldn’t tell you where it falls ont he spectrum of happily ever after.
January 17, 2026
Wow! Loved this… Beautiful literary fiction about the female lead and discovering a new love. Very short gay fiction. Wonderful work and I will be following works by this author, thank you. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher. 6 out of 5.
January 4, 2026
Laurelhurst was a slow and calming read, different from what I’m used to. I liked to follow the main character thoughts while navigating this new life and new love. K was more confusing to me though, as if the character was a bit flat or unrealistic. It was a good and different short read overall.
January 27, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
definitely a slow burner
about learning how to trust again and taking it slow....
really wasnt sure about this one but as it was a novella its a quick read and the setting sounds lovely and the peace that k can give seems to healing
definitely a slow burner
about learning how to trust again and taking it slow....
really wasnt sure about this one but as it was a novella its a quick read and the setting sounds lovely and the peace that k can give seems to healing
March 12, 2026
"Laurelhurst" by Lucie Wierzinski is a novella of the start of a female to female romantic relationship. It was about 1.5 hours long in audiobook, narrated by Robyn Unger.
I found the story slow, but somewhat interesting. I also felt it was missing something. I think it was the lack of touch that bothered me. It may have been there, but the lack of any mention of it bothered me. Additionally, the book has zero spice, which I found disappointing. There was also the lack of communication between the leads, which becomes evident near the end of this book. I was not inspired enough to want to read the next book in the series.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 2/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 2/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 22/8 = 2 6/8 rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, and Lucie Wierzinski for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I found the story slow, but somewhat interesting. I also felt it was missing something. I think it was the lack of touch that bothered me. It may have been there, but the lack of any mention of it bothered me. Additionally, the book has zero spice, which I found disappointing. There was also the lack of communication between the leads, which becomes evident near the end of this book. I was not inspired enough to want to read the next book in the series.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 2/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 2/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 22/8 = 2 6/8 rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, and Lucie Wierzinski for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
February 20, 2026
Beautiful writing style - enjoyed seeing the dynamics of gentle reminders of the FMC’s past toxic relationships to discovering a healthy one and navigating. This was a very short sapphic read, looking forward to seeing if love is in their future.
Thank you to #LaurelHurst and #NetGalley for this advanced copy read.
Thank you to #LaurelHurst and #NetGalley for this advanced copy read.
March 2, 2026
Laurelhurst is a very short but sweet romantic story. It's definitely not a traditional romance and feels more like a reflective diary of one woman's journey navigating a new relationship.
The story shows the journey of a couple from first date to living together to deployment. It focuses on the difficulties military life brings and navigating new experiences in a relationship.
The narrative is emotive and thoughtful but it was hard to form a proper connection with either of the main characters due to the fast paced nature of the book. It's described as a slow burn but I think it's too short for it to be a true slow burn. It would have been more enjoyable to see a more in depth view of their relationship.
Overall, this is a very introspective short story from a unique perspective.
The story shows the journey of a couple from first date to living together to deployment. It focuses on the difficulties military life brings and navigating new experiences in a relationship.
The narrative is emotive and thoughtful but it was hard to form a proper connection with either of the main characters due to the fast paced nature of the book. It's described as a slow burn but I think it's too short for it to be a true slow burn. It would have been more enjoyable to see a more in depth view of their relationship.
Overall, this is a very introspective short story from a unique perspective.
March 8, 2026
After leaving Los Angeles burned out and bruised by ambition, a woman relocates to Seattle in search of something quieter. What she finds is rain, distance, and a connection with a woman whose steadiness challenges her understanding of love. Laurelhurst is a slow-burn sapphic novella about learning to trust again after surviving toxic relationships.
| What This Book Does Well |
This novella knows exactly what it wants to be. The slow-burn romance feels earned, even with the constraint of its novella length. The emotional development unfolds with intention rather than urgency as it explores more facets of relationships than just a new relationship. I appreciated the military-adjacent element, which isn't something I often see in sapphic stories. It meaningfully contributes to the external tension and helps anchor the emotional arc. That added layer strengthened the cohesion of the story for me and prevented it from feeling purely introspective.
| Where The Book Fell Short For Me |
Since this is a novella and the start of a series, the ending felt somewhat sudden. I'm still unsure whether that reaction stems from wanting the story to expand further in length and depth, or from the subtle emotional distance I felt from the prose. The writing is smooth and gently poetic, but it carries a spareness that, at times, reads as emotional restraint. That restraint feels intentional, but it occasionally left me wanting a bit more immersion.
| Craft & Writing Quality |
At its core, Laurelhurts is interested in recalibrating what connection looks like after being in survival mode. I really loved the way that the novella prioritizes emotional recalibration through quiet steadiness and presence rather than sweeping plot moments.
I would classify this as literary fiction first, with romance as its vehicle. The love story unfolds in a way that feels quieter and more reflective than contemporary romance.
| Narration & Audio Quality |
From a technical standpoint, the audio quality was smooth and clear. However, I didn't fully connect with the narrator's performance. It may have been the combination of the prose and tonal delivery, but the narration created a slight distance for me. It didn't diminish my overall enjoyment, but I also wouldn't say it elevated my experience. Readers who prefer a more emotive narration style may feel similarly.
| Who I Would Recommend This To |
Readers who prefer literary fiction about romance. This story is more interested in exploring the emotional nuance and rebuilding trust than dramatic plot turns. While the themes are broadly relatable, the sapphic relationship adds a meaningful layer. Readers seeking queer love stories may find this one especially resonant.
| Final Thoughts & Opinions |
Laurelhurst is a brief but thoughtful story. I'm glad to see that it will continue as a series, because I would be interested in spending more time with these characters and seeing how their relationship develops next. This story explores romantic healing in a way that feels touching without becoming overwhelming - quiet, reflective, and intentional.
My thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
| Scoring Breakdown |
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution (Did the book do what it set out to do): 4.5/5
Writing Quality: 4/5
Characters: 3.75/5
Plot: 4/5
Audio/Narration: 3.5/5
| What This Book Does Well |
This novella knows exactly what it wants to be. The slow-burn romance feels earned, even with the constraint of its novella length. The emotional development unfolds with intention rather than urgency as it explores more facets of relationships than just a new relationship. I appreciated the military-adjacent element, which isn't something I often see in sapphic stories. It meaningfully contributes to the external tension and helps anchor the emotional arc. That added layer strengthened the cohesion of the story for me and prevented it from feeling purely introspective.
| Where The Book Fell Short For Me |
Since this is a novella and the start of a series, the ending felt somewhat sudden. I'm still unsure whether that reaction stems from wanting the story to expand further in length and depth, or from the subtle emotional distance I felt from the prose. The writing is smooth and gently poetic, but it carries a spareness that, at times, reads as emotional restraint. That restraint feels intentional, but it occasionally left me wanting a bit more immersion.
| Craft & Writing Quality |
At its core, Laurelhurts is interested in recalibrating what connection looks like after being in survival mode. I really loved the way that the novella prioritizes emotional recalibration through quiet steadiness and presence rather than sweeping plot moments.
I would classify this as literary fiction first, with romance as its vehicle. The love story unfolds in a way that feels quieter and more reflective than contemporary romance.
| Narration & Audio Quality |
From a technical standpoint, the audio quality was smooth and clear. However, I didn't fully connect with the narrator's performance. It may have been the combination of the prose and tonal delivery, but the narration created a slight distance for me. It didn't diminish my overall enjoyment, but I also wouldn't say it elevated my experience. Readers who prefer a more emotive narration style may feel similarly.
| Who I Would Recommend This To |
Readers who prefer literary fiction about romance. This story is more interested in exploring the emotional nuance and rebuilding trust than dramatic plot turns. While the themes are broadly relatable, the sapphic relationship adds a meaningful layer. Readers seeking queer love stories may find this one especially resonant.
| Final Thoughts & Opinions |
Laurelhurst is a brief but thoughtful story. I'm glad to see that it will continue as a series, because I would be interested in spending more time with these characters and seeing how their relationship develops next. This story explores romantic healing in a way that feels touching without becoming overwhelming - quiet, reflective, and intentional.
My thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
| Scoring Breakdown |
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution (Did the book do what it set out to do): 4.5/5
Writing Quality: 4/5
Characters: 3.75/5
Plot: 4/5
Audio/Narration: 3.5/5
March 1, 2026
Laurelhurst is a slow-burn sapphic novella about learning to trust again after surviving toxic relationships. It explores romantic healing in a way that feels touching without becoming overwhelming - quiet, reflective, and intentional.
What This Book Does Well
This novella knows exactly what it wants to be. The slow-burn romance feels earned, even with the constraint of its novella length. The emotional development unfolds with intention rather than urgency as it explores more facets of relationships than just a new relationship. I appreciated the military-adjacent element, which isn't something I often see in sapphic stories. It meaningfully contributes to the externsion tension and helps anchor the emotional arc. That added layer strengthened the cohesion of the story for me and prevented it from feeling purely introspective.
Where The Book Fell Short For Me
Since this is a novella and the start of a series, the ending felt somewhat sudden. I'm still unsure whether that reaction stems from wanting the story to expand further in length and depth, or from the subtle emotional distance I felt from the prose. The writing is smooth and gently poetic, but it carries a spareness that, at times, reads as emotional restraint. That restraint feels intentional, but it occasionally left me wanting a bit more immersion.
Craft & Writing Quality
At its core, Laurelhurts is interested in recalibrating what connection looks like after being in survival mode. I really loved the way that the novella prioritizes emotional recalibration through quiet steadiness and presence rather than sweeping plot moments.
I would classify this as literary fiction first, with romance as its vehicle. The love story unfolds in a way that feels quieter and more reflective than contemporary romance.
Narration & Audio Quality
From a technical standpoint, the audio quality was smooth and clear. However, I didn't fully connect with the narrator's performance. It may have been the combination of the prose and tonal delivery, but the narration created a slight distance for me. It didn't diminish my overall enjoyment, but I also wouldn't say it elevated my experience. Readers who prefer a more emotive narration style may feel similarly.
Who I Would Recommend This To
Readers who prefer literary fiction about romance. This story is more interested in exploring the emotional nuance and rebuilding trust than dramatic plot turns. While the themes are broadly relatable, the sapphic relationship adds a meaningful layer. Readers seeking queer love stories may find this one especially resonant.
Final Thoughts & Opinions
Laurelhurst is a brief but thoughtful story. I'm glad to see that it will continue as a series, because I would be interested in spending more time with these characters and seeing how their relationship develops next.
My thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Lucie Wierzynski for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Scoring Breakdown
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution (Did the book do what it set out to do): 4.5/5
Writing Quality: 4/5
Characters: 3.75/5
Plot: 4/5
Audio/Narration: 3.5/5
What This Book Does Well
This novella knows exactly what it wants to be. The slow-burn romance feels earned, even with the constraint of its novella length. The emotional development unfolds with intention rather than urgency as it explores more facets of relationships than just a new relationship. I appreciated the military-adjacent element, which isn't something I often see in sapphic stories. It meaningfully contributes to the externsion tension and helps anchor the emotional arc. That added layer strengthened the cohesion of the story for me and prevented it from feeling purely introspective.
Where The Book Fell Short For Me
Since this is a novella and the start of a series, the ending felt somewhat sudden. I'm still unsure whether that reaction stems from wanting the story to expand further in length and depth, or from the subtle emotional distance I felt from the prose. The writing is smooth and gently poetic, but it carries a spareness that, at times, reads as emotional restraint. That restraint feels intentional, but it occasionally left me wanting a bit more immersion.
Craft & Writing Quality
At its core, Laurelhurts is interested in recalibrating what connection looks like after being in survival mode. I really loved the way that the novella prioritizes emotional recalibration through quiet steadiness and presence rather than sweeping plot moments.
I would classify this as literary fiction first, with romance as its vehicle. The love story unfolds in a way that feels quieter and more reflective than contemporary romance.
Narration & Audio Quality
From a technical standpoint, the audio quality was smooth and clear. However, I didn't fully connect with the narrator's performance. It may have been the combination of the prose and tonal delivery, but the narration created a slight distance for me. It didn't diminish my overall enjoyment, but I also wouldn't say it elevated my experience. Readers who prefer a more emotive narration style may feel similarly.
Who I Would Recommend This To
Readers who prefer literary fiction about romance. This story is more interested in exploring the emotional nuance and rebuilding trust than dramatic plot turns. While the themes are broadly relatable, the sapphic relationship adds a meaningful layer. Readers seeking queer love stories may find this one especially resonant.
Final Thoughts & Opinions
Laurelhurst is a brief but thoughtful story. I'm glad to see that it will continue as a series, because I would be interested in spending more time with these characters and seeing how their relationship develops next.
My thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Lucie Wierzynski for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Scoring Breakdown
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution (Did the book do what it set out to do): 4.5/5
Writing Quality: 4/5
Characters: 3.75/5
Plot: 4/5
Audio/Narration: 3.5/5
March 11, 2026
This is a very short story of a romance between two women. One is an artist, the other is in the military - just to give you the big picture, set the scene a bit.
The writing is ok. It's definitely not bad but doesn't feel extraordinary either. But it does work, as long as the story is strong enough.
Now, the things I feel should be mentioned are:
- the blurb mentioned "sensual". I did not find that in this book. I didn't find their touching of "the stomach" or "back of the neck" sensual at all.
- no plot whatsoever. I understand some books are about the feeling, the emotion, however this is not the case.
- minimum to almost not-at-all character building. I do not feel anything towards these women. I don't know them at all by the end of the book. I learn some things about their location, about previous relationships maybe, but nothing about their personalities, fears, traumas.
I think this book can be grown into a good book if:
- the author were to create really good backstories for both women
- we could see into their lives post-draft: what each woman does on her own, how they miss each other, write letters maybe to one another. I know this comes up in the sequel but to be honest, it feels unfair to use this intro (I could easily consider this novel as a short story or a 1st chapter) as a whole book.
- give them a difficult thing to overcome together
- if there's more emotion put into their moments together, like actual sensual description.
Thank you @Netgalley for this ARC!
The writing is ok. It's definitely not bad but doesn't feel extraordinary either. But it does work, as long as the story is strong enough.
Now, the things I feel should be mentioned are:
- the blurb mentioned "sensual". I did not find that in this book. I didn't find their touching of "the stomach" or "back of the neck" sensual at all.
- no plot whatsoever. I understand some books are about the feeling, the emotion, however this is not the case.
- minimum to almost not-at-all character building. I do not feel anything towards these women. I don't know them at all by the end of the book. I learn some things about their location, about previous relationships maybe, but nothing about their personalities, fears, traumas.
I think this book can be grown into a good book if:
- the author were to create really good backstories for both women
- we could see into their lives post-draft: what each woman does on her own, how they miss each other, write letters maybe to one another. I know this comes up in the sequel but to be honest, it feels unfair to use this intro (I could easily consider this novel as a short story or a 1st chapter) as a whole book.
- give them a difficult thing to overcome together
- if there's more emotion put into their moments together, like actual sensual description.
Thank you @Netgalley for this ARC!
March 3, 2026
Spice Level: 0/5 Closed-Door / Fade to Black
An unnamed narrator moves from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest looking for a life that could bring her peace. Within that peace, she finds a woman she can share that peace with, known only as K. This story navigates the trust the two women build with each other to bring them closer together.
I received this audiobook from NetGalley in return for my honest review. This is a novella so this will be a short listen / read. At the beginning, I wasn’t sure how invested I was going to get with how quickly the storyline was going because of the length of the book but as short as the book was, it was like I was listening to a full length book. This book delivers the story to you in a quarter of the pages / time that other books can. You get enough background on the unnamed narrator and K that the short amount of time you have with them, you feel like you know them. If you’re looking for a low intensity, slow burn, relaxing romance to read / listen to, Laurelhurst is one to choose.
This audiobook is narrated by Robyn Unger. She does an exceptional job at narrating this novella. She brings life to the quiet lives of the unnamed narrator and K.
♥️ Sapphic Romance
♥️ Butch / Femme
♥️ Slow Burn
♥️ Novella
♥️ Military Service Background
An unnamed narrator moves from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest looking for a life that could bring her peace. Within that peace, she finds a woman she can share that peace with, known only as K. This story navigates the trust the two women build with each other to bring them closer together.
I received this audiobook from NetGalley in return for my honest review. This is a novella so this will be a short listen / read. At the beginning, I wasn’t sure how invested I was going to get with how quickly the storyline was going because of the length of the book but as short as the book was, it was like I was listening to a full length book. This book delivers the story to you in a quarter of the pages / time that other books can. You get enough background on the unnamed narrator and K that the short amount of time you have with them, you feel like you know them. If you’re looking for a low intensity, slow burn, relaxing romance to read / listen to, Laurelhurst is one to choose.
This audiobook is narrated by Robyn Unger. She does an exceptional job at narrating this novella. She brings life to the quiet lives of the unnamed narrator and K.
♥️ Sapphic Romance
♥️ Butch / Femme
♥️ Slow Burn
♥️ Novella
♥️ Military Service Background
March 1, 2026
Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Loved this. Military Spouse here. It’s written in the way only a significant other could write soldier. K isn’t flat, she’s composed and is learning to love someone and let someone in.
The story rhythm pulled me in immediately. It was truly wonderful to read, like a warm hug. I was surprised the FMC didn’t know immediately about K’s job. The characters were written with depth and nuance. Author captured the love between K and fellow soldiers. K know’s she is asking a lot of a partner and she hesitated with good reason to let the FMC in. K was as consistent as her job allows and had to learn to trust.
This book explores the quiet third part of a relationship called Army in romantic relationships with service members, and the growth of FMC. I love this book. Well written and beautifully understood.
Loved this. Military Spouse here. It’s written in the way only a significant other could write soldier. K isn’t flat, she’s composed and is learning to love someone and let someone in.
The story rhythm pulled me in immediately. It was truly wonderful to read, like a warm hug. I was surprised the FMC didn’t know immediately about K’s job. The characters were written with depth and nuance. Author captured the love between K and fellow soldiers. K know’s she is asking a lot of a partner and she hesitated with good reason to let the FMC in. K was as consistent as her job allows and had to learn to trust.
This book explores the quiet third part of a relationship called Army in romantic relationships with service members, and the growth of FMC. I love this book. Well written and beautifully understood.
March 25, 2026
Laurelhurst and its followup "Permanent Station" read like a love letter from the author to both their inner self, and to their partner, embodied in Kay's character.
It's a reminder to slow down and really see yourself, what's important, and what you need. And to see why the person you love has those things, to see them too. To wave away all that facade and see the true soul of your relationship.
Very relatable with the Seattle and LA vibes, and the different approaches to life in each place.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily, to say it was a nice, calming read.
The only downside is that both books are short; this one ends on an uncertain future and they could easily be merged into two parts of a single volume.
Overall a good story, well told and intimate.
It's a reminder to slow down and really see yourself, what's important, and what you need. And to see why the person you love has those things, to see them too. To wave away all that facade and see the true soul of your relationship.
Very relatable with the Seattle and LA vibes, and the different approaches to life in each place.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily, to say it was a nice, calming read.
The only downside is that both books are short; this one ends on an uncertain future and they could easily be merged into two parts of a single volume.
Overall a good story, well told and intimate.
March 2, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC of Laurelhurst.
Laurelhurst is a novella following a sapphic couple and the beginnings of their journey through past relationship traumas. Set in Seattle, I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the city and wished for more of it. The writing was lovely but the story fell a little flat for me as little happened and it felt too short for me to really connect with the characters. I give it 3 star based on the writing and a few moments that made me pause and reflect. I would read something else by this author as I did enjoy her writing style.
Laurelhurst is a novella following a sapphic couple and the beginnings of their journey through past relationship traumas. Set in Seattle, I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the city and wished for more of it. The writing was lovely but the story fell a little flat for me as little happened and it felt too short for me to really connect with the characters. I give it 3 star based on the writing and a few moments that made me pause and reflect. I would read something else by this author as I did enjoy her writing style.
February 27, 2026
Laurelhurst by Lucy Wasinski was a romantic short story that felt more like a reflective essay than a traditional romance. The story follows a couple from their first date through moving in together and eventually navigating a partner’s deployment, with their relationship evolving very quickly over a short span of pages. While the writing itself was strong and thoughtful, I didn’t feel deeply connected to the characters due to the fast pacing. Overall, it was well written and enjoyable, just not emotionally immersive for me.
March 17, 2026
I'm not usually a big novella reader, unless it's part of a bigger series but this has me questioning why. This is a sweet, straightforward, honest, realistic romance. It's like a friend telling you about their relationship and how they are falling in love in all the simple ways - the ways that matter and prove you are truly compatible through love, acceptance and the everyday acts.
Lucie's wring is compelling and engaging, her characters realistic and engaging. Cute little read for realistic romance lovers.
Lucie's wring is compelling and engaging, her characters realistic and engaging. Cute little read for realistic romance lovers.
March 1, 2026
A novella-length romance with a straightforward, realistic plot. Not much happens but the writing is exquisite, and had me hanging on every word. The descriptions of Seattle made me nostalgic.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration by Robyn Unger is excellent.
I'm excited to listen to the sequel next!
Thanks to NetGalley and author Lucie Wierzynski for this audio ARC to honestly review.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration by Robyn Unger is excellent.
I'm excited to listen to the sequel next!
Thanks to NetGalley and author Lucie Wierzynski for this audio ARC to honestly review.
April 5, 2026
A short riveting read that I enjoyed
A short story that was a joy to read. Honestly the awesome cover drew me in and I thought I’d give the story a chance which I’m glad I did.
I enjoyed the introspective story of how meeting K changed how the narrator learned to have her ‘own legs’ or stand on her own.
The writing with the quiet romance kept me hooked til the end. I wasn’t ready for the story to end.
A short story that was a joy to read. Honestly the awesome cover drew me in and I thought I’d give the story a chance which I’m glad I did.
I enjoyed the introspective story of how meeting K changed how the narrator learned to have her ‘own legs’ or stand on her own.
The writing with the quiet romance kept me hooked til the end. I wasn’t ready for the story to end.
February 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
Laurelhurst is part one of a story of two women who meet and fall in love in Seattle. This is a quick novella, and the narrator doesn’t over perform or give extreme vocal differentiation to the characters, so it kind of gave the impression of having a chat with a friend about a new relationship. Off to start the second book.
Laurelhurst is part one of a story of two women who meet and fall in love in Seattle. This is a quick novella, and the narrator doesn’t over perform or give extreme vocal differentiation to the characters, so it kind of gave the impression of having a chat with a friend about a new relationship. Off to start the second book.
February 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🎧
Laurelhurst is a slow burn sapphic romance that follows two complex characters. I thought the story was great for a shorter novel which is why I couldn’t rate it higher. I wasn’t fully immersed and captivated but nonetheless, it was still a good read.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an early access copy.
Laurelhurst is a slow burn sapphic romance that follows two complex characters. I thought the story was great for a shorter novel which is why I couldn’t rate it higher. I wasn’t fully immersed and captivated but nonetheless, it was still a good read.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an early access copy.
March 3, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC of this audiobook.
This audiobook was a really quick, and very meaningful listen. The writing was very descriptive, but in the way that added to the story, not taken away from. I think because it was such a short book, the descriptive writing was so much more appreciated.
This audiobook was a really quick, and very meaningful listen. The writing was very descriptive, but in the way that added to the story, not taken away from. I think because it was such a short book, the descriptive writing was so much more appreciated.
March 22, 2026
This seems to
Be a book about relationships. In particular letting someone into your life. Not holding expectations but instead letting them breath, be a part of you as you except them for who they see.
Be a book about relationships. In particular letting someone into your life. Not holding expectations but instead letting them breath, be a part of you as you except them for who they see.
February 4, 2026
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I really like her writing style. The book was very short, and I wish the author had expanded on the story. I know a second one is scheduled for release, and I look forward to reading it. The story is told from the point of view of an unnamed main character. Her love interest talks occasionally, but their conversations don't reveal much about feelings. I definitely wish the author had expanded, and I look forward to reading the next book.
I received an arc
I received an arc
February 26, 2026
This was different and I must say that I am impressed by it. A rather unusual type of writing to be honest.
However, not my cup of tea - too short to build or convince.
However, not my cup of tea - too short to build or convince.
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