Chameleon: A Contemporary Sapphic Novel

by Pip Landers-Letts

FROM THE WINNER OF THE KINDLE STORYTELLER AWARD 2025

Dr Catherine Truscote has spent her life ordering other people’s chaos while keeping her own under wraps. But when a scandal rocks her tightly controlled world, the careful walls she’s built begin to crack — and the betrayal that froze her heart decades ago threatens to resurface.
Then a new neighbour moves in upstairs — warm, magnetic, impossible to ignore — and a flirtatious stranger online starts slipping past her defences. Suddenly Catherine’s rigid boundaries no longer serve her, and the life she’s lived in the shadows of others no longer feels like enough.
As desire, loyalty, and long‑buried grief collide, Catherine must decide whether to retreat behind her walls… or finally choose herself.

Chameleon is a story about vulnerability, slow‑burn desire, and the courage it takes to let someone in — one brave step at a time.

Genres: Lesbian

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 17, 2026

About the author

Pip Landers-Letts is an emerging queer author of contemporary sapphic fiction. Her work explores themes of love, loss and transformation, by blending emotional honesty with warm, character-driven storytelling.

Pip won the 2025 Kindle Storyteller Award with her sophomore novel, Pyg, a retelling of George Bernard Shaw's play, Pygmalion, told through a modern queer lens.

Pip lives in Warwickshire with her wife, and their two ‘kids’ Mouse (the cat) and Roux (the dog). When she’s not hanging out with her imaginary friends, Pip loves travelling, being in the mountains, making delicious food – and eating it, pouring good wine – and drinking it.

Pip plans to continue writing funny, flawed sapphic protagonists because queer characters deserve stories that are expansive, richly layered, and full of possibility.

You can find Pip online in all of the usual places (including her website, where you can get a FREE Sapphic Short Story when you subscribe to her newsletter). Do reach out and say ‘Hi’, she’d love that.

Reviews

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (4.5 stars, rounded up here)

(ARC REVIEW)

My first thoughts after finishing were grinning like a fool and repeating “omg omg omg awww” the whole time. This story really tugged at my heartstrings! And I honestly loved it so much!!
Especially because I was already so curious about Catherine after I finished the first installment last year and reading about her story now just made me so happy!
First and foremost, I want to talk about the things I really liked and that make it worth reading. As I mentioned we get to know Catherine’s Story over the course of this book, her present life and her past aka her first (& rather toxic) love. I adored how this story was structured and how we switched between past and present, it felt really well woven in and made the reading process even more enjoyable. Besides that, I simply adored Catherine as a character, I loved reading her thoughts and I was especially addicted to reading about her past experiences and what made her be the woman she is now. Moreover, I think the way the story dealt with mental illness (particularly personality disorder) was done really well! I liked that the book generally wasn’t only happy and actually had dark themes that made it overall realistic as well as even more emotional and enjoyable to read.
I also really liked the writing style and the general pace of the story. As I mentioned before, I thought the timelines were nicely woven into each other!
Overall, it was a very nice and enjoyable read, with great themes and a well down exploration into mental illness.
4.25 stars.

[Maddie Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was accepted by Pip to be a part of the ARC team for Chameleon and below is my honest review.

Yet another wonderful slow burn sapphic romance from Pip. I am honestly one of her biggest fans and these books are the reason why!

Chameleon is book 2 in the Leamington Bloom series, I loved PYG (book 1) and I loved this one. It can absolutely be read as a standalone.

The story follows Catherine (what a woman!) and we’re taken through different times in her life as we see her character develop. I wanted to know more about her following the first book so I was so happy to know this is centred around her.

We get to meet a new character Jules who I really like. I also love the side characters Penny and Mei, I thought they really brought something to the story! Pip has a way of crafting characters so well that it evokes emotion.

There is a tough topic regarding a personality disorder but it is written so well and is approached in a way that feels real.

I recommend this to anyone who loves a slow burn and wholesome sapphic romance.

I give this 5 stars!

Thank you Pip for asking me to read and review!

[Theresa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying what I think to be the simplest truth about this book - wow, what a great read! This is a follow-up to the first book in the series, Pyg (or a Pygie-back to it, if you will - sorry, couldn't resist). I do think it should be read first (it's also excellent), to have a better idea of the depth of Francesca and Catherine's characters and the situationships involving all of the main characters. But I imagine even if you don't read Pyg first, you'd still find Chameleon to be an excellent book.

I found Catherine to be a fascinating character that I just wanted to root for. I think everyone could relate to some of her experiences:

-if you've ever been a baby gay
-if you've ever been a baby
-if you've ever been gay
-if you've ever pined over someone
-If you've ever let yourself accept mere breadcrumbs from someone knowing it's less than what you need, but you convince yourself it's enough
-If you've ever been involved with someone closeted, in denial, unsure, or unwilling to live authentically
-if you've ever been so deeply impacted by a failed romance you refuse to let anyone else in
-if you've ever been brave enough to open your heart again
-if you've ever shown loyalty and compassion to someone who hasn't earned it

She's just so complex. And remarkably she's not overly bitter from her experiences, which just makes you really want to pull for her even more.

Jules is just a breath of fresh air to this story. Much like Ash was for Alice in Pyg, Jules was the perfect person to come into Catherine's life. Their interactions, chemistry and intimacy were very well written.

Penny is the BFF we all need. Love her. Love that Catherine had her. She was just an awesome side character in this book. Her humor was on point.

This is my opinion of course, but I think Pip Landers-Letts brought some Milena McKay level angst, some Ruby Landers level dialogue/wit and some damn impressive character development to this book. Having said that, this book is definitely uniquely her own style, one that I've come to love after only reading two of her books (her debut novel is on my TBR).

I will definitely be purchasing the audio version of this book when it's available, and I can only hope Marisa Calin gets to narrate this one too, she did an amazing job with Pyg.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since reading Pyg and it was revealed that not only Alice but also her boss Catherine had been duped by the narcissist Francesca I was intrigued and wanted to read that story. Now we have this book, and we get just that and I loved reading this book that contains a lot of despair but also so much humour, the writing is just as excellent as always when written by this author. I tend to prefer to read romance books, and this book is having just a smudge of that, but I am all in since I loved to read about Catherine and her personal growth, finally trying to free herself from what happened with Fran decades ago.

The story about Catherine and her encounter with Francesca started at university, she was all in, so in love with Francesca that treated her like a dirty secret from the very beginning, but it was unavoidable, she still believed Francesca was her person. Then she gets the revelation that Francesca is this chameleon, she has just been playing her, and her focus was always on Catherine’s childhood friend Jeremy and all his money. When Catherine realizes all this, she is completely crushed, her heart is broken.

Catherine is still so tied to Jeremy and his family money though so she will move on to start a practice with him after they graduate. Imagine still seeing Fran around all that time, never able to truly cut ties. That must have been so damaging for Catherine. When the book starts, she is 56 years old and has never had a real relationship. She has her former lover, now best friend Penny, and that is about it besides her job. It is so sad to see.

Fortunately, Catherine is somehow ending up taking care of her new neighbour’s cat Juniper, a neighbour she has never met, just received a note from, things slowly start to shift. Caring of the cat makes things happen, the gorgeous owner Jules does of course have a big part in this but mainly the push she gets from her best friend Penny. Catherine realizes she has never been emotionally available after Fran, closed herself off to survive. That must change or she will never find full happiness and contentment.

I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.

[JJ Bellfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite finds this year was the first book in the Leamington Bloom series, Pyg, so I excitedly cracked open my Kindle to read Chameleon with high expectations—and it absolutely delivered.

One of the standout strengths of this book is the character development. Pip Landers-Lett has a real gift for crafting characters with depth and emotional complexity. I had such visceral reactions to Francesca and Jeremy, while constantly vacillating between frustration and compassion for Catherine. That range of emotion is a clear sign of truly effective writing. These characters feel real—messy, layered, and deeply human.

While Catherine was an important component of Pyg, she felt more like a background character there. In Chameleon, she takes center stage—and what a journey it is. I’ll admit, I initially found myself frustrated with her continued ties to Jeremy and Francesca. As a well-educated psychotherapist, I kept thinking she should know better. But as the story unfolded and the true nature of the dynamic—especially Francesca’s duplicity—came to light, that frustration softened into compassion.

There’s a genuine emotional depth to this story that makes it difficult to step away from. I found myself struggling to put it down, always needing to know what the next twist or revelation would be.

Spice-wise, I’d rate this a 3.5/5—a satisfying mix of open-door scenes, sexting, and implied intimacy that complements the emotional arc without overshadowing it.

I sincerely hope there are more books to come in the Leamington series. I’d love nothing more than to dive back into this world and spend more time with these characters.

PS: For my fellow American readers—this is delightfully British, complete with plenty of British-isms. Consider it part of the charm once you settle into the rhythm.

I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.

[sapphicliteratureirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review 📚 Thanks to the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ever had a first love you’ve never quite been able to leave in the past?

This novel centres on the formidable character of psychotherapist Catherine Truscote, and there’s so much within its pages - every chapter offers a deeper glimpse into her life, from first love at university to her current life in her fifties.

The story shifts between past and present, as well as between third and first person perspectives, creating a brilliant character-driven narrative 📚

The author tells us that Catherine has grown used to “being in the shadows”. At first, I thought the title 'Chameleon' might hint at a hidden side of her character - but you’ll have to read to discover who the real chameleon is 🦎

This can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I’d recommend reading 'Pyg' first so you can fully understand who the character Fran is 😈 At times, it almost felt like her story alongside Catherine’s. And also like 'Pyg', this is a story about moving on in every sense - facing the past, growing, and learning to leave behind what no longer serves you. Only then do we see a protagonist ready for a truly brilliant kind of love.

Catherine’s present timeline romance builds gradually, really taking shape later in the novel through online flirting, chance encounters, and a sapphic twist of fate that brings a spark to the story and encourages her to step outside her comfort zone ✨️ With instant chemistry, fun dates and some sexy spicy moments, Jules quickly became a standout for me - she loves directly and loudly, no games (once she’s honest), and who wants Catherine in all the ways Catherine has longed for.

Through vulnerability and courage, we follow Catherine from her first painful love to something truly beautiful 💖

[Angela Dunne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read romance novels but I do read queer fiction and having read and enjoyed the debut novel from local author Pip I was excited to get an advance copy of Chameleon.

Like her first book, there are well developed characters made believable by their flaws that you immediately relate to. I found I was propelled forward through the story by my need to discover how they were shaped on their journeys. So much do it led to two nights going to bed bleary-eyed from staying up too late reading 'just one more chapter'. Although I was rooting for Catherine, I wasn't wishing ill on the antagonist. I just wanted them to stop being so selfish and sort themselves out!

I also loved the little moments of humour such as the name of Catherine's blog, the wild swimmers and Juni's antics.

Although personally I could take or leave the intimate scenes as they do nothing for me they didn't detract from the plot.

Now I need to get round to reading book #2 Pyg which has been on my TBR! especially since I've found out it's linked to this book by some of the characters.

If you want a book you easily engage with that has great queer representation and characters you can both love or love to hate, you can't go far wrong with this one.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

📆 non-linear timeline.
�� 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "love isn't perfectly groomed; love isn't pretending you're something you're not."
I have one major issue with this book! And that is that I have finished reading it.

Seriously.

Either Pip's a witch who has cast a spell making me believe her books are pure perfection. Or she's a superhero whose power is writing books that are pure perfection. Maybe you should read them and decide which is true!

One of the things I loved about this book was so much, was how relatable Catherine was. I could see so much of myself in her. I hope I can learn to let my walls down one day. The non-linear timeline worked so well for this story, and the more I read about Catherine the more I loved her. The opposite was true for some of the other characters!

This is a spin-off story of Pyg which can be read as a standalone. However, as its not been released yet you have no excuse not to read Pyg whilst you're waiting. It's even on KU for those who subscribe. And if you don't then it's well worth buying!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of Pyg, and had enjoyed following Alice’s story as she moved on from
Francesca.
Chameleon gives a fresh new perspective on the story of some of the characters featured in Pyg. Catherine was previously more of a background character but is at the heart of Chameleon.
Right from the start I found myself rooting for her to find some joy for herself. Reading about her present day personal growth, alongside the history of her relationship with Jeremy and Francesca had me hooked. Genuinely struggled to put the book down, just desperate to find out what the next twist and turn would be.

Catherine is such a complex human, with relatable emotions - she is written so well - even her mindful moments have me pause as I read the book.

I hope more stories come from the Leamington series, I’d love to dive back in with these characters.

I received a free ARC from the author, and this review is all my own views. (I LOVED IT!)

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel to Pip’s book PYG which introduced our main character Catherine Truscote. Catherine is navigating her life after the scandal between Alice and Francesca. Alice worked for Catherine and Francesca who is connected to Catherine in a very personal way. As Katherine life is getting back to normal-a new an neighbor moved into her building-circumstances makes sure that Catherine doesn’t actually meet her for several days but she comes to assist the new neighbor in feeding the cat while away. The story is told with flashbacks that fills in the missing pieces of how she met Francesca. And of course along the way a love story happens with lots of downs and ups that keep you wondering if they will ever get together in the end!

I love Pip’s writing style-she write stories full of humor and angst that grab your from the beginning and keeps you entertained till the very end! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it and all of Pip’s books as well!!

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved everything about the finished book, even the back and forth timeline…… which individually and when reading, I didn’t like because one time line invariably finished on a cliffhanger….. or at least with more questions that I immediately wanted answers to but would have to wait. However it worked very well for the unveiling of all the backstory that had so impacted the present.
I don’t read self improvement books….. despite the many I have been gifted in the past….. what is that all about?? Anyway, I would read them all if they were done like this, interspersed throughout a romance that grips. The funny thing is, the love interest isn’t really clearly in the first bit of the book but I was delighted when she appeared and even the “I suspect, then know, something about her the main doesn’t know” was so well done that I wasn’t frustrated by that plot device as we waited for it to become a thing.
A fantastic novel. Entertaining, thought-provoking and a great romance!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5.
This was the 2nd book of Pip’s that I had read, having recently finished Pyg, and the writing style that I loved in the first book continues into this book.
This book is the sequel/interlinked to Pyg, and whilst I think you could read without having read Pyg my experience was enhanced having read Chameleon 2nd , as I already had a more detailed understanding of some of the characters from the first, that were threaded though this book.
The characters were very well developed, including their flaws. It built on how past experiences can shape future behaviour and expectations, and it was good to see how Catherine had previously been linked to Fran from Pyg.
This was an easy-to-read book, with short chapters, that kept me engaged from start to finish, and I would recommend
I have got Pip’s debut novel on my TBR so look forward to picking that up to read in the note to distance future.

My thanks to Pip for the advanced copy of the book.

[Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book!
I really enjoyed this book. Catherine is just this adorable, sexy, weird little mess, and I totally fell in love with her. It was so good to learn more about her after her appearance in Pyg. The chapter format was great too. I loved the time jumps between her past and present, learning about her history with Fran and how it's affected her throughout her life, particularly during moments with love interest Jules. And the best friend, Penny....Weiss?! Stop it. Honestly, I could read a whole book of Penny's backchat and one-liners. Her scenes are some of my favourites in the book. I'm praying for bonus content of Penny and Catherine's meet-cute. Overall, this was a fun, emotional read and it will definitely be added to the reread list.

[JAYNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chameleon by Pip Landers-Letts totally rocks. The messy, complex ties between Fran, Catherine, Jeremy, the new neighbour and scene-stealing cat Juniper, was spectacular from the start.

If you love a novel packed with razor-sharp humour, quirky characters, a dual timeline, and plenty of angst then this is definitely one to pick up.

On a side note, read Pyg first as this is the second in the Leamington Bloom Series. It can be read as a standalone but all the better for reading Pyg.

[Katherine Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable - if that is a word! The characters are so real and the story keeps you on your toes but it is the, sometimes cringeworthy, situations that will resonate with everyone to some extent. There were times I felt that Pip had read my memories and used them. Highly recommended

[Karen Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! The writing really demonstrated the characters depth! A great storyline, kept me gripped and you know you have read a good one when you can’t stop thinking of the characters after you’ve finished reading it! A must read!

[Rachel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading this in between all the usual parts of daily life. I even managed to enjoy some of Dr T's mindfulness moments along the way.
Pip's third novel and second in this series had me hooked from the beginning. If you haven't read Pyg then start there but it was lovely to return to this world, get to know more about Dr. T and see her evolve from being a footnote in Alice's tumultuous life.