Just as You Are follows Liz and her three roommates, who are devastated when the queer magazine where they work together, The Nether Fields, is about to be shut down. However, what Liz is telling no one is that she might actually be glad that the magazine is shutting down because it would finally force her to pursue her dream. But then, just as everything seems lost, the magazine is saved by two wealthy lesbians, Bailey and Daria. Liz and Daria immediately get off on the wrong foot when Daria mocks the listicles Liz writes for the magazine. But the more often the two incompatible women are thrown together, the more they can’t help but soften towards each other. When Liz finally sees beyond Daria’s tough, prickly exterior, feelings run wild.
Just as You Are has a lot going for it. For one, it feels like an even queerer The Bold Type (a show I highly recommend watching) that is filled with intriguing characters, relatable gender and identity representation and has, as its core, strong friendship bonds between distinct, engaging queer characters.
To me, however, the highlight was the fact that Liz and her friends work at a queer magazine and what it means to every single one of them to reach and support queer readers.
Just as You Are does primarily focus on the workplace situation and while I can see why some might be a tad confused since this is marketed heavily as a romance, I actually loved that shift in focus all the more. While we do have a bit of a Pride and Prejudice-inspired romance between Liz and Daria, we also get so many insights in the inner-workings of a queer magazine.
Kellogg expertly delineates why queer media (and especially being represented accurately in it) is so important. With jokes and nods at popular queer media out there, the book also highlights how much it can mean to someone to find themselves in a story or to be able to read about queer topics in a fun magazine.
Highlighting the importance of queer representation in the media, featuring a Pride-and-Prejudice-esque retelling and delivering the beloved queer found family trope, Just as You Are is perfect for fans of The Bold Type!
Just as You Are is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of April 25th.
Will you be picking up Just As You Are? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Equal parts witty and steamy, this debut rom-com brings a healthy dose of queerness and a whole lot of heart to a Pride and Prejudice -inspired enemies to lovers romance.
The only thing worse than hating your boss? Being attracted to her.
Liz Baker and her three roommates work at the Nether Fields, a queer magazine in New York that’s on the verge of shutting down—until it’s bought at the last minute by two wealthy lesbians. Liz knows she’s lucky to still have a paycheck but it’s hard to feel grateful with minority investor Daria Fitzgerald slashing budgets, cancelling bagel Fridays, and password protecting the color printer to prevent “frivolous use.” When Liz overhears Daria scoffing at her listicles, she knows that it’s only a matter of time before her impulsive mouth gets herself fired.
But as Liz and Daria wind up having to spend more and more time together, Liz starts to see a softer side to Daria—she’s funny, thoughtful, and likes the way Liz’s gender presentation varies between butch and femme. Despite the evidence that Liz can’t trust her, it’s hard to keep hating Daria—and even harder to resist the chemistry between them.
This page-turning, sexy, and delightfully funny rom-com celebrates queer culture, chosen family, and falling in love against your better judgment.
