You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was my first sapphic romance and I thought it was cute! I loved how the characters all had distinct personalities and can I just say how I loved how most of the characters are nonwhite. I feel like that is so rare in a book nowadays and right up my alley as I mostly only read books written by authors of color.
I agree with another reviewer that Gemma’s character felt way more fleshed out than Celeste. I felt like we didn’t know much about her besides what we were told from Gemma’s perspective. I also thought we really didn’t need Celeste’s POV because her chapters were so short and it did throw me off that hers was written in third person instead of first like Gemma. Celeste felt a little immature to me and acted like she played no part in why they broke up. I wish she would’ve had a little more self reflection and honestly I think she should’ve had to work a little more to get Gemma back.
I absolutely loved Val and Kiara and honestly wish we could’ve gotten introduced to Min as he sounded interesting as well. The only thing I hated was how the narrator did Kiara’s voice but I let it slide because I loved the character. I loved the older queer couple of color too.
Overall I enjoyed the book and think it’s great quick cute read and fun romance. I would love to read more from this author.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Love in Focus by Lyla Lee is a quick, bingeable sapphic romance with a lot to appreciate—especially when it comes to representation. I loved the queer Asian rep and how seamlessly it was woven into the story. Both Gemma and Celeste are characters of color, and Celeste’s Korean identity and background added a beautiful layer of authenticity, especially with the inclusion of queer Korean cultural experiences. That level of intimacy in the storytelling was definitely a highlight.
The plot centers on Gemma, who’s reeling from a breakup with her fiancé of seven years, only to be paired on a work project with none other than Celeste—her ex and the one that got away. It’s a setup that promises angst and chemistry, and while the structure was strong (with a clear timeline and satisfying momentum), the execution didn’t always hit the emotional notes I hoped for.
Gemma felt more fleshed out as a protagonist—her friends, work life, and inner growth were well developed. Val and Kiara especially stood out as lovable and dynamic side characters with their own lives beyond just supporting Gemma. The San Francisco setting was vibrant and detailed, which added a nice sense of place. Celeste, on the other hand, often felt like a background character in her own love story. Her chapters were short and sometimes lacked emotional depth, especially considering the major reveal about her past and her move from South Korea. I really wanted more insight into her head and heart, especially given the year-long breakup and emotional weight of their shared history.
As for the romance itself—it was cute, for sure, but not always convincing. At times, the story read younger than the characters’ late-20s ages, leaning into a Gen Z vibe (derogatory lol). Their dynamic often felt more flaky than fated, with a lot of will-they-won’t-they tension that lacked the kind of emotional resolution I was craving. James, Gemma’s ex, was built up to be a villain, but ended up feeling completely irrelevant, which was a missed opportunity for some delicious angst.
Still, there were moments that totally worked—the steam was surprising and fun (there’s a scene that rhymes with trap... enough said
The plot centers on Gemma, who’s reeling from a breakup with her fiancé of seven years, only to be paired on a work project with none other than Celeste—her ex and the one that got away. It’s a setup that promises angst and chemistry, and while the structure was strong (with a clear timeline and satisfying momentum), the execution didn’t always hit the emotional notes I hoped for.
Gemma felt more fleshed out as a protagonist—her friends, work life, and inner growth were well developed. Val and Kiara especially stood out as lovable and dynamic side characters with their own lives beyond just supporting Gemma. The San Francisco setting was vibrant and detailed, which added a nice sense of place. Celeste, on the other hand, often felt like a background character in her own love story. Her chapters were short and sometimes lacked emotional depth, especially considering the major reveal about her past and her move from South Korea. I really wanted more insight into her head and heart, especially given the year-long breakup and emotional weight of their shared history.
As for the romance itself—it was cute, for sure, but not always convincing. At times, the story read younger than the characters’ late-20s ages, leaning into a Gen Z vibe (derogatory lol). Their dynamic often felt more flaky than fated, with a lot of will-they-won’t-they tension that lacked the kind of emotional resolution I was craving. James, Gemma’s ex, was built up to be a villain, but ended up feeling completely irrelevant, which was a missed opportunity for some delicious angst.
Still, there were moments that totally worked—the steam was surprising and fun (there’s a scene that rhymes with trap... enough said
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Cancer, Homophobia, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Grief, Lesbophobia
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Netgalley for providing this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
This was a profoundly feel-good story about missed opportunities, and the chance for a redo. Perfect for a summer beach read or for when you don't want something too heavy. The narration was good, easy to follow and distinguish the characters.
This was a profoundly feel-good story about missed opportunities, and the chance for a redo. Perfect for a summer beach read or for when you don't want something too heavy. The narration was good, easy to follow and distinguish the characters.
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes