Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio/Forever, and Lyla Lee for the advanced listening copy of Love in Focus in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, this one did not work for me. I thought the narration was fairly well done, but the characters themselves didn’t really grab me. At 20% in, I didn’t really care about the drama that the characters found themselves in. And even at that early stage, it felt like the miscommunication trope was going to be relied on heavily, and I was really not in the mood for that, so I DNF’d at that point. It may have gotten better as time went on, but it was too much starting out. It made me sad though, cause it sounded like a cute premise.

I would still love to check out Lee’s other works

I thought this was very cute and well narrated! The characters were complex and I loved the setting of their jobs, and the friend group. I wish the past was fleshed out a bit more and the stakes were a little bit higher, but overall, a new author I can't wait to read more from!

This was fine. I think that Gemma and Celeste definitely fell into the "we remembered sex and so we have to do that 25/8" hole which is despise so much. They definitely would have benefitted from having a conversation like halfway through the book and everything would have resolved much much quicker imo. The ending was good and very healthy adjusted adults of them, which was nice. It's not anything revolutionary imo, but also not a bad read.

I really liked the narrator for Gemma's POV (Natalie Naudus), since I thought her tone and "upbeat" voice really suited Gemma as a character. I wasn't the hugest fan of the narrator for Celeste (Catherine Ho), but that was more because she talked way too slow for me personally. I typically listen to books between 2x and 2.5x, and even with that there were still really long pauses that I feel like would be unbearable in 1x. I did think her voice fit Celeste as a character, though.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and Netgalley for the advanced audio copy!

I'm not usually a fan of second chance romances but when I saw the super cure cover and that it was sapphic I thought I'd give it a chance and I'm glad I did!

This was a quick, easy listen and the narrators did a fab job as keeping the reader engaged.

The plot was pretty predictable but it was still lots of fun, had lots of 'awwww' moments and made me laugh out loud a few times.

This reminded me of early 00s rom-coms in the absolute best way and I'm really glad I gave it a chance as it left me with a warm fuzzy feeling by the end!

4⭐️ 2🌶️ 4🎧
- FF
- Asian Rep
- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity

This was such a cute book! It was a fun and quick read with low angst and high tension. I loved the sapphic Asian representation (both FMCs are Korean) and I really liked how it drew attention to the lack of older sapphic representation.

Even though Gemma’s fiance dumped her unexpectedly and then she had to work closely with her ex who left her unexpectedly 8 years earlier. This book felt surprisingly low angst. Which for the mood I was is, is exactly what I needed.

Gemma was so adorable and I loved watching her find her confidence and her true sense of self throughout this book.

I didn’t feel as connected to Celeste as I did Gemma but I think this may have been by design. I believe Celeste has fewer POV chapters and hers were in 3rd person whereas Gemma’s were in 1st person.

I really enjoyed the audiobook. Gemma’s chapters were so fun and bright. But Celeste’s didn’t have the same vibrancy and I once again wonder if that was intentional since they were in 3rd person POV.

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Audio | Forever for the free alc. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I was immediately drawn to the cover and it sounded right up my alley. I really enjoyed the narration I thought it was done very well. I felt like there was too much alcohol consumption that made their relationship seem more like bad decisions, I feel that it took away from their connection and story.

Suggest giving it a try.

I always enjoy Lyla Lee's stories that have a unique blend of queer, Asian, and displaced identities, specifically with an emphasis on Korean identity and culture. In her previous YA stories, these elements were very well-represented, and especially grounded in settings that aren't generic to the genre. This one is my first adult romance novel by her. We love to see both protagonists have very specific and distinct relationships with their Korean identities. Also love to see one of them being bisexual and having to navigate unfair assumptions and attitudes both within and outside the queer community. It's a second chance romance, and I'm glad we get both POVs as well as a lot of honest communication around how to navigate a past relationship and a current work relationship. For someone who has been writing largely in the children's and YA worlds, the spice was surprisingly spicy, which is a rarity in sapphic romances. All of that said, I DO know how much better a work from this author could be and there were elements that I kept waiting for that never materialized. The story was heavily focused on Gemma and Celesete's POV was severely limited, even though she is the protagonist that has a more complex family background of being queer, growing up IN Korea, and having displacement trauma. This is a much more interesting character to center this narrative around, and one I would imagine is closer to the author's own experiences. Not that there's anything wrong with Gemma, but her POV is somewhat more akin to any California Asian, where their Asianness is more of an accessory than something central to every facet of their life, with conveniently understanding immigrant parents tucked away in the suburbs. Also, if you've seen any Kdrama (which the characters apparently do) or the movie Past Lives, you'll know that the theme of souls fated to intersect in every lifetime is a big spiritual trope in love stories, much like a lot of other Asian cultures. And yet, this was never once alluded to, and only the token woo-woo non-Asian queer mentions anything remotely close to that in all its white girl cringiness. Both of their social circles are severely limited to one set of queer friends, and Celesete's best friend barely even makes an appearance, which felt severely unbalanced and lacking that queer found family fullness. The work project that brings them back together seems cute but flimsy to have such career make or break weight behind it for both of them. Despite all the grumbles, I have to say, the story does stick the landing for me in a way most romance novels don't. Not in a happily ever after, but a "let's slowly learn to be unafraid together with no grand romantic illusions". Both narrators are two of my favorites whose works I've followed to many new authors. They both do a fantastic job of capturing both Gemma and Celesete's internal turbulence justice. They also capture the voice of each other's characters flawlessly. I finished listening to it in one sitting.

“Love in Focus” by Lyla Lee is a quick adult second chance sapphic romance.
It's the third book I've read by this author, and unfortunately, it's my least favourite so far.
It’s not particularly bad by any means; it was a pleasant read and overall it was pretty fast-paced, but it wasn’t particularly memorable either.
Also, I wasn’t a big fan of the switching between first-person and third-person pov, but that’s just my personal preference.
The audiobook narrators and the quality of the audiobook were generally excellent, though.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was the best sapphic romance book I read in a long while!

In Love in Focus, we follow Gemma, who recently got dumped by her ex-fiancé (who is also her coworker), is crashing on her friends' couch, and now has to work on a long work project with her ex-girlfriend from College, Celeste. The one that got away.

Opposite to what would usually happen in a romance book, drama does not ensue. Gemma and Celeste really try to communicate with eath other over the extended periods of time they spend with each other. Even the third-act breakup is very low-drama which I appreciated.

Lyla Lee did two things great that sometimes don't work well for me: the second-chance romance felt believable. Even though Gemma and Celeste have a lot of history, I could feel and believe their chemistry. And the spicy scenes were also done very respectful but hot.

I also liked that both main characters are Asian American and that we learn how that may or may not influence your experience as a queer person. Celeste seeing an older Asian American lesbian couple for the first time and being deeply moved because her experiences with her sexuality in Korea have not been great, really moved me as well.

It was a very nice touch that the two narrators, Natalie Naudus and Catherine Ho, are also Asian American. That made it all the easier to immerse myself in the story. And I just like that the production studio, Hachette Audio, treated this audiobook with so much care that they considered the message of the book when casting the narrators.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – Love in Focus (Audiobook Review)
This was a fun and cute listen overall. The voice actors did a great job bringing the characters to life — their performances were definitely a highlight and made the story easy to enjoy.
I did find the switching between first and third person a little strange, especially in Celeste’s chapters. It made her perspective feel inconsistent, and I think those parts would’ve worked better in first person. I also wish there had been more time spent in her point of view overall — it felt like a missed opportunity to get to know her better.
Still, it was an enjoyable audiobook with a sweet vibe. Just missing that extra something to make it truly memorable. I would 100% recommend this to everyone it makes the perfect palate cleanse. A massive thank you to netgalley for ARC.
@HachetteAudio #LoveinFocus #NetGalley

I truly enjoyed this story. It was a 3.5 for me. I loved the characters chemistry throughout the story. To see more Asian representation is a blessing especially sapphic asap a representation you rarely see on the publishing industry. This book was so so cute and I will recommend to everyone I know.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

I listened to this an audiobook, I really enjoyed the narrators.

This story follows Gemma, who has found herself single at 29 after her fiancé broke her out of the blue, after 7 years together with no explanations.

Gemma's life is in a state of chaos; she has moved out of their home and is living on her friend's couch. At work, she has to face her ex daily as they work together, only to find he has already moved on with another girl at work. She feels untethered and a bit lost.

She soon receives an exciting new assignment at work , something that could further her career. What she doesn't expect is to be paired with her collage ex Celeste, now working as a successful photographer.

Celeste was Gemma first and only girlfriend, and first heartbreak. They were together for a year when Celeste just disappeared and ghosted Gemmas , breaking her heart and causing her to think she was easy to forget.

However, Celeste , has a different view on this time. Her mother became sick suddenly back home in Seoul , causing her to fly home suddenly. While dealing with her mother sickness, she did distant herself from Gemma but as they both make promises to be together forever , she thought when she returned 3 month later - she could fix everything. Only to find that Gemma had moved on with a guy. Breaking Celeste heart and warping her views on relationships.

Now , 8 years later, they are both working together and the chemistry and attraction hasn't faded. But they are both very different people now , can they keep things professional while working so closely together again.

This story had so many layers, I loved how both Gemma and Celeste got therapy to deal with their baggage and feelings before agreeing to be together. It was heartfelt and sexy and romantic. I related to these characters as I am the same age and can imagine the upheaval of a break up after being in a long term relationship.

I received this ARC in audiobook format in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It also appears to be Lyla’s first venture into adult fiction and she’s handled it with a maturity and charm that really shine through.

I’m a big fan of sweet, romantic palate cleansers and this one absolutely delivered. The story thoughtfully explores themes of diversity, including race, age and sexuality in a way that feels both authentic and tender.

If you’re in the mood for a sapphic romance with a happy ending and just the right touch of spice, this is one to add to your list.

While I did receive the audiobook version, I found the narration for ‘Celeste’ a little flat and robotic at times. That said, increasing the speed to 1.25x helped improve the overall experience.

Love in Focus by Lyla Lee was one of my favorite second-chance romances! I loved how the issues that led to their initial breakup were addressed pretty early in their reconnected relationship. Now that they are more mature, they are able to handle the harder conversations with only minor issues.

Gemma and Celeste are a perfect couple that I was rooting for the whole time. The Korean influences on the Sapphic relationship was predominant features in the book. The story was well woven and made it a breath of fresh air! Second-chance can be really hit or miss for me, and I can say this was a hit! If you're looking for your next romance, look no further!

The audiobook was well done and I enjoyed the narrators.

A solid 3.5.

As you can see from the cover, this is a contemporary sapphic romance set in San Francisco. As a lesbian in the Bay Area myself, I was immediately sold. It was fun to hear all the mentions of San Francisco landmarks, but I wished they'd left the city more. That would've felt more realistic as the Bay Area is very interconnected and the city is pretty small.

I listened to it on audio, and the narrators were great!

The writing was fine. The narration was fine. The plot was fine. The characters and their chemistry was all fine. Everything was fine, but it all felt a bit lackluster. I wanted to like this book, and there's not really a lot that's very wrong with it. But the stakes always felt too low for me to feel engaged and the more dramatic plot points didn't pack much of a punch. The last two hours really dragged on and I was so ready for the book to wrap itself up. Maybe some cuts could be made.

But overall, I still really appreciated the book, and I think a lot of people who love sapphic contemporary romance could love this too.

Thank you NetGalley for the ALC!

Just finished Love in Focus by Lyla Lee, and it was such a soft, heartfelt sapphic romance! This was an ARC audiobook from NetGalley, and the voice actors truly brought the characters to life.

Set in San Francisco, this quick listen follows a photographer and a journalist navigating love, identity, and the pressures of being queer and Asian in a world that doesn’t always make space for both. It’s a beautiful second chance love story that explores therapy, staying closeted, and finding your voice through art and storytelling.

It’s tender, affirming, and had just the right amount of emotional depth. Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for a thoughtful, queer contemporary read.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for the ALC.

Did Not Finish.

I got through 69% of this audio (giggity) before I finally lost all interest and quit. Even at that point, I didn't feel any connection to either FMC. I judged Gemma for jumping into a rebound relationship so quick after her break-up with Celeste (don't get me started on how she acted with James) and I judged Celeste for being so uncommunicative when she broke up with Gemma over text then getting mad that Gemma tried to move on and deal however she could. I liked Gemma's narrator a lot though!

Love in Focus by Lyla Lee
What happens when your college ex — the one who ghosted you for 8 years — suddenly becomes your coworker on a career-defining project? Cue the sparks, tension, and a whole lot of unresolved feelings.

Gemma’s fresh off a heartbreak, Celeste has sworn off relationships, and neither is ready for the chemistry that still lingers. This short, sweet sapphic rom-com is full of second chances, cultural nuance, and flirty bathroom meet-cutes. Lyla Lee’s adult debut is a fun, fast read that delivers both heart and heat.

Full review available on blog: https://brewsbooksandbffs.blog/

Love in Focus by Lyla Lee
What happens when your college ex — the one who ghosted you for 8 years — suddenly becomes your coworker on a career-defining project? Cue the sparks, tension, and a whole lot of unresolved feelings.

Gemma’s fresh off a heartbreak, Celeste has sworn off relationships, and neither is ready for the chemistry that still lingers. This short, sweet sapphic rom-com is full of second chances, cultural nuance, and flirty bathroom meet-cutes. Lyla Lee’s adult debut is a fun, fast read that delivers both heart and heat.

Full review available on blog: https://brewsbooksandbffs.blog/

Before I get into my review, I first want to say thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC of “Love in Focus.”

Love in Focus was a sweet, sapphic second chance romance that follows two characters, Gemma and Celeste, after being forced to work with each other. I really loved everything about this book. But my only issue with the book was the switching between first person with Gemma’s POV being the majority of the book and third person with Celeste’s point of view.

During the audiobook, I did enjoy Natalie Nadus’s narration of Gemma more than catherine Ho of Celeste’s. Natalie seemed to bring Gemma’s character to life while Catherine’s seemed flat with Celeste, but overall, the narration is absolutely beautiful!