Just as You Are

8:20

English language

Published April 25, 2023 by Random House.

ISBN:
978-0-593-68328-6
Copied ISBN!
Goodreads:
61827548
3 stars (1 review)

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 …

1 edition

Some good points, but chained to the awfulness that is P&P

3 stars

2¾⭐️/5

Kellogg has done a solid job updating the "place in society" theme to the queer community and gender presentation. Liz's narrative shows her struggles to find (and afford) clothes which match her gender identity. Some are too femme and she feels constrained, while others are too masc and like she's putting on a costume. Relatable!

Having said that, it’s still Pride & Prejudice. It’s still about people being mean to each other and not actually talking, let alone communicating. And, IMO, the big 80% drama in this one goes a direction I find exasperating, and sends exactly the wrong message to the reader, shaming the wrong people.

Tags: #BIPOC #Misunderstandings #NuisanceEx #Retelling #RichPoor #RivalsToLovers #SecretsAndBetrayal #SinglePOV #ThirdPersonPOV

Subjects

  • Romance
  • Contemporary
  • LGBTQIA+