Spice Level: 0/5 Closed-Door / Fade to Black

The unnamed narrator continues her life as K is called to duty with the military. After months of deployment, K returns and things have changed between them. The distance only cemented what they know they have between them.

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. This book is the second in the Laurelhurst series. This book, like Laurelhurst, is a novella. Much like Laurelhurst, it is a slow burn romance that gives as much emotion and story in a quarter of the pages of a normal sized book and in this book, even less pages. Usually novellas feel rushed for me. This book did not do that. You get a sense of who the characters are and their love for each other in such a short period of time. It is highly recommended to read the first book in the series, Laurelhurst, to understand the full context of what is going on.

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

Permanent Station is a tender and quiet follow-up to Laurelhurst. I was hooked from the very first chapter, following the characters as they navigate the complexities of reconnection after military deployment.

This book perfectly captures the delicate, often mundane, and beautiful work of rebuilding intimacy when no one is leaving. It is not a story driven by high-stakes drama, but rather by “attention, trust, and chosen presence”. The way Wierzynski describes the transition from living in different worlds to sharing a kitchen, a bed, and a life in Seattle and Maui is both sensual and profoundly grounded.

I would love to see more emotional connection to the reader.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, the author Lucie Wierzynski, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Permanent Station feels like catching up with an old friend. Even though time has passed, the transition is seamless, so it genuinely feels like the story never really paused.

Where the first installment centered on healing and relearning trust, this sequel lingers in what comes after: the steadiness, tenderness, and almost fragile bliss of choosing each other again after distance. It's very much a slice-of-life romance, and that intimacy is its strength. It's reflective, gentle, and grounded in the quiet courage of letting someone stay.

Robyn Unger's narration is smooth and easy to listen to. It's a comfortable, solid performance that suits the book's softness.

While I love glimpses into characters going through difficult emotions and the trials and tribulations of healing, I think I may have enjoyed the sequel even more than the initial installment. It feels like basking in the calm after the storm, and sometimes that's exactly what a romance needs. If the series continues, I would absolutely be curious to see where these characters go next.

My thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-Op and Lucie Wirzynski for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.