There's nothing I won't do to see you shine: JUST AS YOU ARE.

Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Liz and her three roommates are devastated when the queer magazine where they work, The Nether Fields, is about to be shut down. But the magazine is saved at the last hour by two wealthy lesbians, Bailey and Daria. Liz and snobby Daria get off on the wrong foot immediately, with Daria mocking the listicles Liz writes. She can't help but rage at Daria as the woman eliminates kitchen supplies and lacks all faith in the magazine's future. Still, the more Daria and Liz are thrown together, she also sees a softer side to her as well.

This is an excellent romance--a fast read filled with hilarious queer inside jokes. It covers serious topics like gender expression and presentation. I loved having a chance to read a queer HEA with older characters (they have jobs! rent! romantic histories!). Liz and many of the characters work at a magazine devoted to queer topics, which has had a serious impact on society. JUST AS YOU ARE highlights the importance of gay media and queer culture as a whole. I love reading books like this that represent my demographic and contain jokes and topics relevant to my life. Even though there is so much more queer lit out there now, it is still really nice to find books filled with LGBTQIA+ characters living their lives.

JUST AS YOU ARE is billed as a Pride and Prejudice-based enemies to lovers story, and it nails all of that on the head. Liz and Daria hate one another from the start. That does not keep Daria from being a butch dream, however, as Liz struggles with her own gender presentation. There's plenty of angst along the way to the "lovers" part, but it's certainly understandable in the lesbian context. Liz's found family is wonderful too. Kellogg nails covering serious topics but also giving us a witty, sexy, romantic, and fun tale. Overall, this is an incredibly enjoyable read. Can't wait to read what Kellogg comes up with next! 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Random House and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for JUST AS YOU ARE on 04/25/2023!

View all my reviews