Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sterling_sapphic_reads 's review for:
Love in Focus
by Lyla Lee
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.