Reviews

Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg

asvanroekel29's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

anacereading's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I feel like I only heard negative things about this book but I liked it.  The mc is a little annoying, but I feel like there’s growth. 

kdotreads's review

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

cspalmer's review

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

caseygracee's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

littlespookysmut's review

3.0

At first I absolutely loved this but towards the end, it just got too messy and it was more about the workplace then the romance. Like I’m not even sure if I would call this a romance but it was very gay and I loved that part.

lbarsk's review

4.0

This was an enjoyable adaptation that was a really solid queer take on Pride and Prejudice. My only gripes are a) needed more Steamy Scenes between Liz and Daria; b) needed a longer ending (more on that in a second); and c) needed some balance with the non-binary characters (more on that in a second as well).

Re: the ending, I know that actual P&P ends right as Darcy and Lizzie get together, but that’s the point of an adaptation… we can give the readers more than the original! I love that they got their HEA, but it just felt so sudden and I wanted a little more time with both of them.

Re: balance and non-binary characters, I didn’t love the fact that one of the two Main Antagonists, both of whom aren’t redeemed in this retelling, was the main non-binary character in the book. Yes, there are a couple non-binary side characters, but they barely feature in the way this Main Antagonist does. I’m not saying that this Main Antagonist needed to be cis, but maybe there could’ve been one more prominently featured non-binary person so that it didn’t feel so skewed? I think the author unintentionally played into some tropes about how non-binary people present and carry themselves sexually when writing this character, which stunk.

HOWEVER, Liz and Daria’s gender thoughts were handled with care and sweetness, and I would’ve loved even more of that! All in all a solid read.

emmabings's review

3.0

I really enjoyed this book, especially in how resonated with how Liz felt about her gender and gender expression. I love a good enemies to lovers and I LOVE that it was butch4butch. Reading the other reviews though, I do agree that the buildup felt rushed and definitely could use some work. Especially when one reviewer said it felt majority of a personal journey ( which I love) besides romance. I did enjoy the found family, queer media and being set in New York City. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book!

kejuka's review

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

kaatelin's review against another edition

3.5

Just fine, generally sweet. Hard to keep track of the roommates and they really made one a complete villain. Had a hard time keeping track of the timeline and how long this all spanned, so I think things sounded faster than they were. Daria and Liz needed to interact more