Lyla Lee's Love in Focus is a delightful sapphic rom-com that explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and second chances. With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, the novel offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, particularly through its focus on a bisexual protagonist and her journey towards understanding love in its multifaceted forms.

The story centers around Gemma Cho, a relationship advice columnist whose personal life is in shambles after her boyfriend of seven years abruptly ends their relationship. This event leaves Gemma questioning the very existence of true love, a poignant theme that resonates throughout the novel. As a bisexual woman, Gemma's romantic experiences with both men and women have been less than ideal, adding layers to her character and making her journey all the more compelling.

Enter Celeste Min, a world-renowned photographer and Gemma's ex-girlfriend from college. Their unexpected reunion is both a blessing and a curse for Gemma. On one hand, Celeste is the perfect collaborator for a career-saving piece on modern love. On the other, she is the woman who broke Gemma's heart and left her with unresolved feelings. The tension between maintaining a professional relationship and rekindling a past romance is palpable, and Lee navigates this dynamic with finesse.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its character development. Gemma is a well-rounded protagonist whose vulnerabilities and strengths are portrayed with authenticity. Her skepticism about love is not just a plot device but a genuine reflection of her past experiences. As readers, we are invited to empathize with her struggles and root for her as she navigates the complexities of her emotions.

Celeste, on the other hand, is portrayed as a charismatic and talented artist whose past decisions have had a significant impact on Gemma. Her return into Gemma's life is not just a catalyst for the plot but also an opportunity for both characters to confront their past and explore the possibility of a future together. The chemistry between Gemma and Celeste is electric, and their interactions are filled with both tension and tenderness, making their relationship dynamic and engaging.

The novel also delves into themes of forgiveness and self-discovery. As Gemma and Celeste work together, they are forced to confront their past mistakes and misunderstandings. This process of reconciliation is not rushed, allowing for a realistic portrayal of how relationships can evolve and heal over time. Lee's exploration of these themes adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple romantic comedy.

In terms of style, Lee's writing is both witty and heartfelt. The dialogue is sharp and often humorous, providing levity to the more serious moments in the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged without feeling contrived. Lee's ability to blend humor with emotional depth is reminiscent of works like Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and The Bold Type, making Love in Focus a standout in the genre.

Comparatively, Love in Focus shares thematic similarities with other contemporary romances that explore second chances and the complexities of love. For instance, Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue also features a protagonist grappling with the challenges of love and identity, though it does so in a different context. Similarly, Emily Henry's Beach Read explores the idea of past relationships and personal growth, albeit with a different narrative approach. Lee's novel, however, distinguishes itself through its focus on a sapphic relationship and its nuanced portrayal of bisexuality, offering representation that is both meaningful and necessary.

Overall, Love in Focus is a charming and insightful novel that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies and those seeking stories with diverse representation. Its exploration of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery is both poignant and uplifting, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever questioned the nature of love and the possibility of second chances. Lyla Lee has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving readers with much to ponder long after the final page is turned.

For those interested in exploring this delightful novel, it can be found on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads, where readers can further engage with the story and share their own insights and experiences.