Queer Representation: bisexual FMC, sapphic female LI

Summary: Gemma is unlucky in love - not only did her first girlfriend suddenly disappear from her life without a word and flee back to Korea, now her fiance is breaking up with her out of nowhere. Maybe it's best for her to focus on work, and the new project where Gemma will pair with a photographer to interview couples on their relationships and their ideas on love. The only problem? The photographer is the previously mentioned ex-girlfriend, Celeste. Can Gemma and Celeste navigate the way they made each other feel, both before and after their breakup, to manage this project and succeed in landing on the magazine's front page, all the while still having the hots for one another? Only one way to find out....

You will like this book if you like:
- more variety in sapphic sex than I've seen in a GOOD long while
- Korean representation!
- couples who grow and change into better people while apart
- First person POV with occasional chapters of third person POV

I flew through this book like it was butter! Just a smooth, easy read. As an adult only a bit younger than Celeste and Gemma, I really enjoyed the emotional growth that happened in the last 15% of the book particularly.

Lyla Lee’s *Love in Focus* is a delightful sapphic rom-com that blends humor, heart, and second chances into an engaging contemporary romance. Perfect for fans of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and The Bold Type, the novel follows two exes who reconnect and are given a shot at rekindling their love.

Gemma Cho, a relationship advice columnist, has built a career out of guiding others through their love lives. However, when her boyfriend of seven years suddenly breaks up with her, she becomes disillusioned with the idea of real love. Struggling with heartbreak and writer’s block, Gemma’s world is upended when she unexpectedly crosses paths with her ex, who once held her heart. As their lives intertwine once again, Gemma must confront her past, reassess her beliefs about love, and determine whether she’s willing to take a second chance at happiness.

Lee crafts a compelling and authentic romance, capturing both the angst of heartbreak and the joy of rediscovery. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, and their emotional journey feels natural and deeply relatable. The novel also excels in its witty dialogue and engaging banter, making for a fun yet heartfelt read. Additionally, the book shines in its representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, portraying Gemma’s sapphic romance with sincerity and depth. Themes of self-love, career aspirations, and personal growth intertwine seamlessly with the central love story, giving the novel an added layer of richness.

Lyla Lee’s *Love in Focus* is a heartwarming, witty, and empowering romance that beautifully captures the magic of second chances. With lovable characters, sharp humor, and meaningful themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of sapphic rom-coms. Whether you’re a longtime romance enthusiast or simply looking for a feel-good read, *Love in Focus* delivers an enjoyable and emotionally fulfilling experience.

Okay, WOW!

The amount of swooning I did for this book!

Gemma, the soft-hearted romantic, reminded me so much of myself in my twenties. Hopping from relationship to relationship to fill a void I never thought I would be able to fill, so I relied on long-term relationship dependency. She was such a relatable character, and I loved her!

But omg, Celeste! 😍 She is me in my thirties. Jaded, scared to try relationships, scared that another relationship might break me. Someone who doesn't know how to feel about love and marriage, but is secretly yearning for one.

The two of them together? Literally the best representation of romantic and platonic love I've read in a long time. Not only was there great communication between the two of them when they actually were communicating, but they BOTH did the work!

While I'm as white as they come, my step-mom is Filipina, which I know is not what is represented here, but I did feel like I could relate a bit because of similarly held ideologies about family and conservative viewpoints. However, I think Lee did an incredible job really explaining the intricacies of cross-cultural norms, experiences, and expectations. Seeing–well, reading in this case–representation of older queer characters made me absolutely break down and sob.

This book was perfection, and it's made one of my top favorite sapphic books I've ever read.

Thank you so much to Forever and NetGalley for this ARC. I feel deeply humbled to have been accepted to read this one early.