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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (imprint of Grand Central Publishing) for the free copy of Love in Focus. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
✨ Sapphic Adult Romance
✨ Dual POV, First & Third Person
✨ 3/5 Spice Level
✨ Second Chance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Standalone
✨ Rep: Korean MCs, non-binary SC, bisexual MC, lesbian MC
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
I have some mixed feelings on this book. On one hand I really appreciated the representation with two South Korean main characters (along with rep from side characters). However, this book is written in both first person (Gemma) and third person (Celeste). I’ve read books before where that worked, but I’m not sure it works the best in the romance genre. I felt like I got to know and understand Gemma well, but I didn’t get that same opportunity with Celeste. It was more challenging to understand where she was coming from. She almost felt like a caricature rather than a fully fleshed out character. There was a statement made at the end of the first chapter of Celeste’s POV that felt stereotypical (in a bad way). I wonder if it was supposed to just be this silly offhand remark, but it didn’t sit well with me. I liked Gemma, I liked her friends, I liked the project Gemma and Celeste were working on which had a good message. I struggled with the characterization of Celeste though.
Additionally, while the beginning of the book had good pacing, the end of the book felt rushed in some ways. I didn’t really find myself rooting for them in the end. I think this book could have benefited from having both POVs in first person as well as some extra pages to flesh out Celeste and pace the story better. Overall, I was left wanting more.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ Ghosted
✨ Friends with Benefits
✨ Eating out (for the first time)
✨ The one who got away
✨ Undeniable chemistry
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
ended engagement, cheating (not between MCs), homophobia, cultural expectations
4.5 ⭐ 2 🌶️ 5 🎧
This was so cute. I was instantly drawn in by the cover, I love illustrated romance covers and then I knew we'd have an FF romance, Asian (Korean) representation, opposites attract and a photographer, just a few of my favorite things! And it did not disappoint.
Gemma and Celeste dated seriously in college when Celeste up and left one day, leaving Gem a bit broken... She ended up finding James, who in turn, wasted almost a decade of her life with his absolute nonsense (okay, I'm projecting after the fact, but the point still stands). When they're forced back together for a work project, sparks fly and tension ignites in this second chance romance.
But my favorite part wasn't that they just fell back into their old habits. No, both Gem and Celeste worked on themselves in and out of therapy and found themselves drawn back together again to ultimately find their happily ever after.
The audio was great. Catherine Ho and Natalie Naudus were both spectacular in this audiobook and I loved this listen.
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for this advanced copy!
This was so cute. I was instantly drawn in by the cover, I love illustrated romance covers and then I knew we'd have an FF romance, Asian (Korean) representation, opposites attract and a photographer, just a few of my favorite things! And it did not disappoint.
Gemma and Celeste dated seriously in college when Celeste up and left one day, leaving Gem a bit broken... She ended up finding James, who in turn, wasted almost a decade of her life with his absolute nonsense (okay, I'm projecting after the fact, but the point still stands). When they're forced back together for a work project, sparks fly and tension ignites in this second chance romance.
But my favorite part wasn't that they just fell back into their old habits. No, both Gem and Celeste worked on themselves in and out of therapy and found themselves drawn back together again to ultimately find their happily ever after.
The audio was great. Catherine Ho and Natalie Naudus were both spectacular in this audiobook and I loved this listen.
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for this advanced copy!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.25⭐️ Audiobook review
A cute sapphic rom-com that explores learning to love yourself post breakup.
Disclaimer: I read this book as part of the Hachette Audio influencer program. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The audiobook was well done for me. I liked both narrators and found the dictation to be clear and at a good pace. I never had to adjust my speed. The various characters have their own voice and agency and I didn't find any of them to be grating.
Representation:
💗Korean FMC's
💗Bisexual/Lesbian Pairing
💗Queer Latinx/Black side characters
💗Normalizing therapy
Themes:
✨: Finding yourself post breakup
✨: Learning to be single
✨: Queerness in Korea
Tropes :
💄: Second chance romance
💄: Corporate girlies
Summary of my thoughts:
This book had a ton of potential. Some it capitalized on and some it didn't. I liked the FMC Gemma. I found her to be super relatable, and I found the bisexual representation within her character to also be very well done. The way she handled herself post breakup was very relatable for a character of her age group. Celeste was a little bit harder of a character for me. I felt that a few of the things that she said and a few of the ways that she thought borderlined on biphobic. She made a few man hating comments, as well as a generalized comment within the first 20% that definitely made me raise my eyebrows. It was internal monologue, so there was no opportunity for it to be addressed or corrected and I don't really feel like there was any growth for Celeste in relation to her dislike of men or people who date men in general by the end of the book. I really enjoyed all the representations surrounding the Korean FMC's as well as their ties to Seoul and family. It was super relatable for me to hear how hard it was to come out as queer to their families. I liked the overall story and I liked the way that these sub plot line between Gemma and James ended up fleshing out.
**This book contains Twilight references
⏰/📖: 7 hours and 40 minutes
🎤: Natalie Naudus/Catherine Ho
Publisher: Forever/Hachette Audio
Genre: contemporary romance
Triggers: homophobia (culturally based and addressed)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Release Date: May 27, 2025
A cute sapphic rom-com that explores learning to love yourself post breakup.
Disclaimer: I read this book as part of the Hachette Audio influencer program. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The audiobook was well done for me. I liked both narrators and found the dictation to be clear and at a good pace. I never had to adjust my speed. The various characters have their own voice and agency and I didn't find any of them to be grating.
Representation:
💗Korean FMC's
💗Bisexual/Lesbian Pairing
💗Queer Latinx/Black side characters
💗Normalizing therapy
Themes:
✨: Finding yourself post breakup
✨: Learning to be single
✨: Queerness in Korea
Tropes :
💄: Second chance romance
💄: Corporate girlies
Summary of my thoughts:
This book had a ton of potential. Some it capitalized on and some it didn't. I liked the FMC Gemma. I found her to be super relatable, and I found the bisexual representation within her character to also be very well done. The way she handled herself post breakup was very relatable for a character of her age group. Celeste was a little bit harder of a character for me. I felt that a few of the things that she said and a few of the ways that she thought borderlined on biphobic. She made a few man hating comments, as well as a generalized comment within the first 20% that definitely made me raise my eyebrows. It was internal monologue, so there was no opportunity for it to be addressed or corrected and I don't really feel like there was any growth for Celeste in relation to her dislike of men or people who date men in general by the end of the book. I really enjoyed all the representations surrounding the Korean FMC's as well as their ties to Seoul and family. It was super relatable for me to hear how hard it was to come out as queer to their families. I liked the overall story and I liked the way that these sub plot line between Gemma and James ended up fleshing out.
**This book contains Twilight references
⏰/📖: 7 hours and 40 minutes
🎤: Natalie Naudus/Catherine Ho
Publisher: Forever/Hachette Audio
Genre: contemporary romance
Triggers: homophobia (culturally based and addressed)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Love in Focus by Layla Lee is an absolute treat for fans of second-chance romance and chaotic queer shenanigans, especially if you're a sucker for tension-filled workplace setups and unresolved college heartbreaks. With the charm of Delilah Green Doesn't Care, this rom-com balances humor, emotional nuance, and some very swoony moments. While not without a few narrative hiccups, the audiobook experience kept me hooked from start to finish.
Natalie Naudus truly shines in this performance. She brings Gemma Cho—our skeptical, romance-wrecked columnist—to life with so much warmth, humor, and perfect comedic timing that it feels like you’re on the phone with your best friend dishing out all the drama. Catherine Ho, while a solid narrator, didn’t quite match the same energy or natural flow when voicing Celeste’s point of view, which made the transitions a bit jarring. And yes, the POV shifts between first and third person don’t help matters—Gemma’s voice feels vivid and personal, while Celeste’s sections feel more distant and occasionally choppy. It’s an unusual structural choice that might not work for every listener.
That said, the romance sparkles. Gemma and Celeste’s chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from awkward reunion to reignited flame is full of tender moments, sharp banter, and scenes that had me grinning (and blushing). Their shared history adds emotional depth, and watching them navigate forgiveness, vulnerability, and trust is genuinely satisfying. The ensemble cast is also delightful—supportive friends, awkward professional entanglements, and unexpected adventures help flesh out the world around the romance in really fun ways.
While the uneven POV execution prevents this from being a full five-star listen for me, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. It's a cozy, sexy, sweet ride with lots of heart—and if you’re an audiobook lover, Natalie Naudus alone makes it worth your time.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ALC of this audiobook.
Natalie Naudus truly shines in this performance. She brings Gemma Cho—our skeptical, romance-wrecked columnist—to life with so much warmth, humor, and perfect comedic timing that it feels like you’re on the phone with your best friend dishing out all the drama. Catherine Ho, while a solid narrator, didn’t quite match the same energy or natural flow when voicing Celeste’s point of view, which made the transitions a bit jarring. And yes, the POV shifts between first and third person don’t help matters—Gemma’s voice feels vivid and personal, while Celeste’s sections feel more distant and occasionally choppy. It’s an unusual structural choice that might not work for every listener.
That said, the romance sparkles. Gemma and Celeste’s chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from awkward reunion to reignited flame is full of tender moments, sharp banter, and scenes that had me grinning (and blushing). Their shared history adds emotional depth, and watching them navigate forgiveness, vulnerability, and trust is genuinely satisfying. The ensemble cast is also delightful—supportive friends, awkward professional entanglements, and unexpected adventures help flesh out the world around the romance in really fun ways.
While the uneven POV execution prevents this from being a full five-star listen for me, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. It's a cozy, sexy, sweet ride with lots of heart—and if you’re an audiobook lover, Natalie Naudus alone makes it worth your time.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ALC of this audiobook.
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Love in Focus was a sweet and cozy, sapphic second chance romance that follows two women on their late 20s. The two main characters are Gemma a relationship advice columnist and bisexual woman who's newly single after her relationship of seven years falls apart; and Celeste a renowned photographer and lesbian woman. Fate does what it usually does when it throws them together to work on a project about modern love that could potentially save Gemma's company.
The premise of the book was interesting from the get go even though second chance is not something I usually look for in my reads, however this was great. I liked that it followed the FMCs and their present lives and didn't mention the past more than the strictly necessary. The pace of the book was good and there was a good balance of plot and spice. I particularly loved the friendship between Gemma, Kiara and Val, they gave supportive friends/parents vibes. There was a lot of great BIPOC and Queer representation. However there were parts were some Korean dishes or costumes were mentioned and I got a bit lost because it's not something I know so some context would have been great.
Also, all the conversations about age felt a bit premature for characters that are just getting to their 30s, I feel like that's more of a conversation that people in their middle to late 30s have, not 29 year olds.
As for the audiobook, I very much enjoyed it. I think Natalie Naudus did a great job bringing Gemma to life, she fit her personality and depth really well. On the other hand, Catherine Ho as Celeste felt a bit weird and slow at times, I'm not sure why but I couldn't connect with her character completely. It could be because it was written in third person while Gemma's was in first but that's the author's decision so we can't fault her for that.
Overall, Love in Focus was a light and sweet story that you can read in one sitting. II liked it and would recommend it.
Thank you Hachette Audio and Netgalley for the Advanced Listener Copy.
Release date: May 27th 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Audio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The premise of the book was interesting from the get go even though second chance is not something I usually look for in my reads, however this was great. I liked that it followed the FMCs and their present lives and didn't mention the past more than the strictly necessary. The pace of the book was good and there was a good balance of plot and spice. I particularly loved the friendship between Gemma, Kiara and Val, they gave supportive friends/parents vibes. There was a lot of great BIPOC and Queer representation. However there were parts were some Korean dishes or costumes were mentioned and I got a bit lost because it's not something I know so some context would have been great.
Also, all the conversations about age felt a bit premature for characters that are just getting to their 30s, I feel like that's more of a conversation that people in their middle to late 30s have, not 29 year olds.
As for the audiobook, I very much enjoyed it. I think Natalie Naudus did a great job bringing Gemma to life, she fit her personality and depth really well. On the other hand, Catherine Ho as Celeste felt a bit weird and slow at times, I'm not sure why but I couldn't connect with her character completely. It could be because it was written in third person while Gemma's was in first but that's the author's decision so we can't fault her for that.
Overall, Love in Focus was a light and sweet story that you can read in one sitting. II liked it and would recommend it.
Thank you Hachette Audio and Netgalley for the Advanced Listener Copy.
Release date: May 27th 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Audio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was so so cute. Celeste and Gemma dated for over a year in college, then suddenly and unexpectedly lost touch, and Gemma moved on to date a man. Years later, Gemma finds herself newly single (and dumped) and also put on a work assignment with Celeste, whom she never expected to see again. The second hand romance that unfolds is heartfelt, sometimes hilarious, and infused with local area details and culture that I loved.
The San Francisco Bay Area references are top notch, especially with so many Korean culture highlights. I'm all about the instagrammable cafes that Celeste and Gemma visit. I also really enjoyed the workplace aspect of this as Celeste and Gemma are forced to work together on a series of interviews / photoshoots. I absolutely melted when Celeste and Gemma interviewed the older sapphic couple and everything that came up with that. The Asian Queer Immigrant feelings are so good in this. The feelings between Gemma and Celeste, however, are somewhat lackluster. I enjoyed their ending but didn't find myself hardcore rooting for them.
The San Francisco Bay Area references are top notch, especially with so many Korean culture highlights. I'm all about the instagrammable cafes that Celeste and Gemma visit. I also really enjoyed the workplace aspect of this as Celeste and Gemma are forced to work together on a series of interviews / photoshoots. I absolutely melted when Celeste and Gemma interviewed the older sapphic couple and everything that came up with that. The Asian Queer Immigrant feelings are so good in this. The feelings between Gemma and Celeste, however, are somewhat lackluster. I enjoyed their ending but didn't find myself hardcore rooting for them.
I found it especially jarring that, while Gemma's POV is in first person and sounds approachable and inviting, Celeste's POV (which is infrequent) is entirely in third person, and sounds cold and detached from the events rather than giving a unique perspective into Celeste's point of view. This is even more pronounced on audio with the chosen narrators for this book. Natalie Naudus is absolutely darling with her narration as Gemma and it is full of inflection and emotion. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Catherine Ho's narration as Celeste. It felt flat and detached and made Celeste seem like a very unapproachable character. I think I found myself really disliking Celeste based on the narration alone, or maybe it was the third person POV combined with the flat narration? I wish this book had been entirely from Gemma's POV, as Celeste's chapters felt like they took away from an otherwise darling story.
I received a free copy of this book from Forever Publishing, and a free copy of the audio from Hachette Audio. Thank you both! Thoughts are my own.
3.5 🌟
Cute second chance romance!
I enjoyed the plot, side characters and Gemma & Celeste’s character growth however I do feel like it was missing something.
I also wasn’t the biggest fan of Celeste’s POV being in 3rd person and it threw me off a bit but I wouldn’t say it’s a reason to not read.
Thank you Hachette Audio & NetGalley for the ALC!
Cute second chance romance!
I enjoyed the plot, side characters and Gemma & Celeste’s character growth however I do feel like it was missing something.
I also wasn’t the biggest fan of Celeste’s POV being in 3rd person and it threw me off a bit but I wouldn’t say it’s a reason to not read.
Thank you Hachette Audio & NetGalley for the ALC!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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 @hachetteaudio for providing me an early copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
First of all, what’s not to love about that cover?? I just think it’s so pretty! 😍
As for the inside of the book: I enjoyed it!
Gemma’s fiancé just broke up with her after a 7 year relationship, and she’s also just happened to be put on a project with her ex-girlfriend (who ghosted her back when they were in college). But with so many hurt feelings all around, they really shouldn’t try to rekindle anything…right?
A cute second-chance romance where they’re teamed up on a project to interview couples. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the long term romantic relationships of the interviewees with Celeste’s detest of love after some *personal* stuff. The book also delves into Celeste’s difficulty with being a queer woman in Korean society, and how that’s definitely had an impact on her.
I really enjoyed the ending, and the lead-up and circumstances that led to it (including therapy 🙌).
Overall a quick and cute little read (with plenty of spice! 🔥)!
Audiobook notes: Natalie Naudus was as fantastic as ever, and I also really enjoyed Catherine Ho’s narration as well! 👍
What this book is giving:
✅ Sapphic Romcom
✅ Dual POV (1st AND 3rd person 👀)
✅ Second Chance
✅ Workplace
✅ Korean/Korean-American Culture
✅ Project about Love
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, this was a good book, though possibly a little underwhelming. It features the quiet, almost-shy but not quite girl, making herself smaller to fit into a man's world. Which is a very common struggle for closeted queer women and/or bisexual women. Well, let's face it, women in general. So I like that representation and the fact that the character recognised that and worked on herself to move past those issues. It was very mundane at times, the day-to-day drudgery was a lot to endure. I felt like I could have been reading about one of my friends... Which was nice but I always wanted a little more excitement or tension.
The cultural aspects really drew me in. Representing queer women of color was a major wow factor for me because it just doesn't happen much. It was great to see that.
What I hated, though, was the use of the word "Sapphic" in the dialogue between the two leads. It was prolific. even so far as referring to people as "Sapphics". Which fine... it's not inaccurate, but as a queer woman with many queer friend this just isn't a descriptive term that comes up in casual conversations. I might refer to a book, or movie as Sapphic if I were recommending it. But I certainly wouldn't say I was going on a double date with my wife and our sapphic friends. Maybe the authors circle of queer friends does this? But it just felt like he was prodded in there at any opportunity.
It's a great afternoon read if you are looking for something the pass a day or two without the sure to throw your book in a fit of emotion or don't want something that will make you cry. It was emotionally neutral and predictable in a comforting way.
The cultural aspects really drew me in. Representing queer women of color was a major wow factor for me because it just doesn't happen much. It was great to see that.
What I hated, though, was the use of the word "Sapphic" in the dialogue between the two leads. It was prolific. even so far as referring to people as "Sapphics". Which fine... it's not inaccurate, but as a queer woman with many queer friend this just isn't a descriptive term that comes up in casual conversations. I might refer to a book, or movie as Sapphic if I were recommending it. But I certainly wouldn't say I was going on a double date with my wife and our sapphic friends. Maybe the authors circle of queer friends does this? But it just felt like he was prodded in there at any opportunity.
It's a great afternoon read if you are looking for something the pass a day or two without the sure to throw your book in a fit of emotion or don't want something that will make you cry. It was emotionally neutral and predictable in a comforting way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Lesbophobia, Abandonment
Moderate: Biphobia, Alcohol
Minor: Vomit