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luvstephanie 's review for:
Love in Focus
by Lyla Lee
This is a sapphic, second-chance romance set in San Francisco, featuring Korean‑American protagonists: Gemma, a romance‑advice columnist, and her ex‑girlfriend Celeste, now a world‑renowned photographer. Reunited for a magazine Valentine’s Day feature, they delve into modern relationships and their own past with each photographed couple mirroring stages of their reconnection.
The story thoughtfully weaves in Korean culture including family dynamics, language, and identity alongside Gemma’s bisexual journey and Celeste’s exit to South Korea. Both representation of the queer identities and Korean identities and how those interrelated felt true and added deeper understanding to these characters.
The relationships, both romantic and friendship, were nice adds to the story. I appreciated the background both Gemma and Celeste had and how their history played into their current and future as well. I enjoyed these characters so it made it easy to enjoy them together as a couple too. Gemma also has some close friends who are on their own love story who serve as good touchpoints throughout the book but also as a cute secondary romance. So happy everything worked out well for everyone!
While I did enjoy the romance, I do feel like there was not a ton of new emotional bonding happening in the current day, it was more just rehashing and clarifying what happened historically around their split and forced proximity to realize it was a misunderstanding. Again, I still enjoyed it, but that is one thing to note.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, culturally inclusive sapphic romance with strong representation and emotional sincerity. This is ideal for those seeking gentle, second-chance love, cultural backdrops, and strong friendships. The charm, warmth, and affirming visibility make it a delightful read.
The story thoughtfully weaves in Korean culture including family dynamics, language, and identity alongside Gemma’s bisexual journey and Celeste’s exit to South Korea. Both representation of the queer identities and Korean identities and how those interrelated felt true and added deeper understanding to these characters.
The relationships, both romantic and friendship, were nice adds to the story. I appreciated the background both Gemma and Celeste had and how their history played into their current and future as well. I enjoyed these characters so it made it easy to enjoy them together as a couple too. Gemma also has some close friends who are on their own love story who serve as good touchpoints throughout the book but also as a cute secondary romance. So happy everything worked out well for everyone!
While I did enjoy the romance, I do feel like there was not a ton of new emotional bonding happening in the current day, it was more just rehashing and clarifying what happened historically around their split and forced proximity to realize it was a misunderstanding. Again, I still enjoyed it, but that is one thing to note.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, culturally inclusive sapphic romance with strong representation and emotional sincerity. This is ideal for those seeking gentle, second-chance love, cultural backdrops, and strong friendships. The charm, warmth, and affirming visibility make it a delightful read.