While this is marketed as more of a romcom, it falls more in the retelling because it focuses way more on that aspect of it.

Netherfield Park is let at last!

Nether Fields is a magazine for queer women, non binary people and trans people. It had been struggling for a while though, and is set to be shut down.

The four coworkers - who are also tight friends and roommates - are just about to throw a ‘farewell to employment’ dinner when they get the news that instead of being shut down the magazine has just been sold and now they *might* not all end up jobless.
Liz had hoped for a chance at a new start, but can’t deny that continuing employment for them all is a relief.

It’s not the easy save they all hoped for though. With budgetary changes, promotion and an attempt to get grants the magazine’s finances improve but it still can’t manage to pull a profit. Between the new employers, and friends both new old, the drama ratchets up with everything from hookups and heartaches.

I was pleasantly surprised how well this sapphic pride and prejudice update worked. There was all the drama, miscommunication and grand gestures of the original but tweaked just enough to shine in the modern setting.
Liz and Daria were an excellent Elizabeth and Darcy, you have to be pulling for Jane and Bailey and Weston was perfectly villainous. Navigating ‘class politics’ is still a strong issue.
What you wouldn’t get with the original P&P though - thoughts about gender expression and characters trying to find a place in the space where they feel they fit - is so well done and what makes this so more than ‘just another update’

Thanks to netgalley and thedialpress for the ARC!

**4.5/5**

In Just As You Are we follow Liz who works at a queer magazine called Nether Fields. The failing magazine is bought by two lesbians who have $$$. However Liz has a bad first impression of Daria due to her very strict ways of managing the budget. As time goes on, Liz and Daria spend more time together and Liz starts to realize her attraction to Daria.

I loved how Liz went back and forth between the butch and femme gender perspective, It was interesting how we were able to see Liz's reasonings for choosing how she chose to present herself that day. I apricated the unique way the author decided to include the uncomfy feelings that Liz felt while trying to fit herself into a box of either "butch" or "femme" showing us that it doesn't have to be one or the other. I wish there was more of that included with the plot.
I did not feel like this was a "rom-com" It felt more like a contemporary romance. The romance in this book did not seem like the main plot/what I expected when going into this. However, I really enjoyed reading about these characters and would absolutely recommend!

“It was time to be brave. To focus on what could go right. To focus on possibility, instead of fear.”

I’m a little bit obsessed with JUST AS YOU ARE, a sapphic romcom about a young lesbian writer trying to save a dying queer magazine while falling for the magazine’s new owner. It’s a Pride and Prejudice retelling set in present New York City and absolutely inundated with contemporary queer culture (Hayley Kiyoko! Autostraddle! TomboyX! The annual “is scissoring a thing” article! I could go on). The lead, Liz Baker, is an extremely relatable character: trying to figure out her career as a broke twenty-something in the big city, clinging tightly to her beautiful queer found family, and just a smidge self-obsessed and impulsive. Her love interest, Daria Fitzgerald, is such a perfect Darcy parallel: a hot, rich butch who’s shy but comes off cocky and rude. Their push-and-pull was my favorite part of the novel, the perfect nod to Kellogg’s source material while also feeling completely original. I especially loved their conversations about gender presentation: the pressures they feel from outside of and within the queer community, the difficulty of figuring out who you are in a world that’s always trying to decide for you, the joy of looking in the mirror and seeing someone you recognize. Liz’s internal struggles about her presentation - from feeling the need to be thinner in order to be effectively androgynous to the challenges of affording masc-looking button downs (*ahem* Wild Fang) - ring so true. I do wish some of the side characters felt a bit more fleshed out; Jane, for example, is a Black trans woman and felt a bit flat, more static representation than three-dimensional person. Nevertheless, this is a smart, funny, sexy novel about queer women, by a queer woman, and unabashedly for queer women. Thanks to Dial Press for the eARC! This novel is out 4/25.

Content warnings: family rejection, homophobia, toxic relationship

This was very much a 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗲 with a very inclusive cast of characters from all aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community represented. Add in a splash of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲 tv show and trying to save an entire magazine. The newest owners Bailey and Daria are trying their best to navigate Liz and her coworkers into reviving the magazine. But Liz and her boss Daria but heads often. True enemies to lovers, very 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗲.

This book had some funny moments and a lot, a lot of characters. The number of characters challenged me because I was reading two books at once (like I always do) and I sometimes had to flip back to the first few chapters to remember who was who.

There are some books that have been redone over and over. Pride and Prejudice is one of those. Whether it’s been reimagined as a book, movie, tv show, web series, etc… you usually know roughly how the story is going to go. Not every adaptation is good but the ones that stand out to me are the ones that don’t follow the plot beat for beat. This book was one of those.

I loved that pretty much every character fell somewhere on the lgbtq+ spectrum. There were characters questioning their gender. It was a refreshing take on the source material. I look forward to reading more from this author!

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love LGBTQIA+ books especially FF romance. As a bisexual woman who spent many years not wanting to admit she was bisexual, I could’ve used having books growing up that featured femme relationships and I’m glad the younger generation has that. This is marketed as a romance but really, it’s more of a contemporary fiction with romance in it but not the main part of the plot. There are multiple different queer characters; femme presenting lesbian, masc presenting lesbian, androgynous non-binary, bisexual, and trans. So much representation in one book and I love it. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it. Loved Liz and I especially love Daria 😉

The romance genre is jam-packed with Jane Austen retellings, and I'm a sucker for them. When I saw that this was a queer, sapphic retelling of Pride and Prejudice, I knew I needed to read it - and I'm so grateful to have received this advance copy!

The novel focuses on Liz Baker and her colleagues at Nether Fields, a queer magazine on the precipice of shutting down. At the last minute, the magazine is rescued by outside investors Bailey and Daria, who have a good cop / bad cop dynamic. Bailey wants to get to know the staff and is optimistic about the magazine's chances; Daria is the realist who sees that the problems are far-reaching and sets out to reduce expenses. Liz, as the magazine's designated advice columnist, quiz-and-lists writer, and reviewer of sex toys, immediately clashes with Daria - she overhears Daria criticizing her work, and immediately sours on her new boss. Over time, however, Liz and Daria become closer, and a hesitant trust begins to form between them.

If you've read Pride and Prejudice, you know where this is going, so I won't summarize any further. Yes, you know how things are going to turn out, but isn't that one of the joys of a retelling? I really loved following along as Camille Kellogg shifted the classic story to tell it from a queer perspective, and it was refreshing to see such well-drawn queer representation across these beloved characters. Liz wrestles with her own gender presentation throughout the book, which I found to be a really smart way to modernize the character. Elizabeth Bennet, in the original work, says "I am resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any other person wholly unconnected with me." Liz is trying to figure out what will bring her the most happiness, but struggles not to focus on how others are perceiving her, or to adapt her presentation based on the person she's interacting with at the moment. I found her introspective moments to be some of the strongest writing in the book, and it definitely helped to set this apart from other P&P retellings.

I received a copy from NetGalley for review.

Just As You Are is the perfect cross between The Bold Type and Pride and Prejudice but so much more sapphic, and I absolutely adored it. I loved it so much that upon finishing it at 1230 at night I immediately pre-ordered a copy. So, I definitely didn't realize that this was a Pride and prejudice retelling at first (not going to lie it took me 25% of the book to realize it)., but once it dawned on me I was like "yes, I'm dumb" but also this is excellent. The characterization of Liz and Daria as Elizabeth and Darcy was spot on and just about all of the other characters made an appearance too! I really enjoyed that Lydia and Weston were ultimately the villains of the story (but even less redeemable) and that Katie in the end stands up for herself. I also appreciated that we got more of the internal happenings of Jane and Bailey's relationship (comparatively to the original). It makes you feel those characters deeper.

The one comment that I have about the book as a whole is that I wish we got to witness Liz actually have the interview with Moira and not just hear a recap of it later on. I think it would have just enhanced some of the messaging that was portrayed in the story.

I wish this would have been marketed differently - didn't really feel like a rom com to me! The romance / love interest wasn't believable and there were too many characters and too many pop culture references. Unfortunately this book didnt work for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader.

Liz has worked at Nether Fields, a queer women of color, owned magazine, since she moved to New York after college. Working at the magazine has helped Liz to find herself and also bc the way she has made some great friends. The magazine is on the verge of closing when it is bought by two rich, lesbians, Bailey and Daria. Bailey is excited for the adventure of owning the magazine while Daria is hesitant. The employees of the magazine are excited for their second chance but will they able to save the magazine?

I enjoyed the self-discovery/self-love journey of the main character, Liz. She is still figuring out her place in this world and it was really nice to see her progress through the book.

The romance was ok to me. There was some insta-love romance and then a slower burn romance. I struggled with the connection between the characters.

I also struggled with some of the friendships within the book. Some of the characters were horrible and catty. However, there were a couple of true friendships in the book.

This book is also very inclusive which was nice to see.

Overall it was an ok read for me but if you are interested in a self-love journey with some sapphic romance, you should check it out.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was so sweet and so heartfelt! I really enjoy it!

*I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

Queer Pride and Prejudice reimagining? YES PLEASE. This was such a good book, it beautifully captured queer experiences and had a wonderfully diverse cast of characters. It had a strong plot and stronger characters. I absolutely devoured this book!

I wanted so badly to love this book. Camille Kellogg’s writing is solid, and a lesbian “Pride & Prejudice” retelling is everything I could ever want, but I really struggled with these characters. I think this book will really resonate with a lot of readers, but I was not one of them. As a queer woman who doesn’t live in a hub of queer culture, it was hard to relate to the characters or engage with their story. That being said, I’d love to try more of Kellogg’s work in the future, because she really is a super talented writer.

While I was initially excited to request and receive this book, as I have started reading it I have to note that the writing style and the story are just not working for me and I've made the decision to DNF. This year I've come to realize that I am just not as much a fan of Pride and Prejudice retellings that stick close to the beats of the original work. What I can appreciate about this iteration is the focus on identity and Liz struggling with presenting butch and femme, depending on her mood and preference but also understanding that people are going to treat her differently if she presents a certain way. I didn't get far enough in for Darcia and Liz to form a friendship let alone a relationship, but as a romance I know it is coming. I'm sure readers more familiar and loving of Pride and Prejudice will enjoy seeing the similarities, and I know that some are going to love seeing how the story itself plays out, but I can say that "Just As You Are" was just not a story for me.

A queer pride and prejudice. Yes, please. I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author represented the queer community. I could not put this book down and had to finish it. I just loved it so much. Liz and Daria's enemies to lovers. A modern retelling of a classic.

This is often a laugh-out-loud novel that involves four gay roommates who work for the magazine, Nether Fields. Each brings their own style to the publication, but when it is bought out by Bailey and Daria there are big changes coming! Liz falls hard for Daria but there are so many complications, and Jane falls for Bailey. Workplace romances?? Some work, some don't...isn't that the way of the world? But it's a great storyline that kept me smiling throughout (even the heartbreaks as it's part of life)! So sit back and enjoy as it's an awesome read!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg is currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. 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.

Just as You Are is a novel that will be exactly what some readers need. I loved the honest look at gender identity and the struggles that every character had with in figuring out who they were, what the wanted, and how to be true to that. This is something everyone can relate to, and I think will definitely strike a chord with readers. I also like the character growth for everyone- in found family, friendship, and work not just through the romance lenses. I have to admit that I want to know more about some of the secondary characters, even those that only came up in very specific settings. I look forward to reading what ever Kellogg releases next.

Just as You Are is a highly engaging and honest look at friendship, finding yourself, and the complications of all that and love.

thank you to netgalley and random house for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review :)

okay okay okay okay. um i don’t even know where to start. i could not put this down!!!! camille kellogg i owe you my life for this one. and you’re telling me this is a debut?!?!?

just as you are follows liz, someone who is struggling with gender presentation, her love life, her career, and so many other things that queer twenty-somethings are actually going through. i am so grateful that this book exists!!! as someone who struggles with gender presentation, liz was so goddamn real and important!!!!

the general plot of the book follows the shut down of the magazine that liz and her roommates write for. the magazine is bought by two wealthy lesbians which brings me to daria fitzgerald, butch icon, kinda grumpy kinda the sweetest person on the planet. their love story is very much pride and prejudice inspired and flowed well from hate to love.

obviously, being a romance, the love story took center stage but it wasn’t afraid to touch on the importance of queer + trans media. just as you are is an ode to the queer community and is full of queer love and queer joy!!!! 5/5 stars from me!!

An entertaining retelling of Pride and Prejudice which might make you realize where some of those tropes originated! Liz is not happy when Daria and her partner take over the publication where she works but that changes as they get to know one another. If you remember P&P, you'll find yourself sorting through the characters to match them up with the original- but doing that might distract you from the fun in this novel. These are fun women, proud of being queer, and in love with their lives. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.