Camille Kellogg’s sophomore novel delivers exactly what its title promises—a fresh chapter in contemporary queer romance that manages to be both deeply personal and universally relatable. Following her debut Just as You Are, Kellogg returns with a story that feels more confident, more nuanced, and surprisingly more vulnerable than her previous work.
The Next Chapter centers on two women navigating the complicated intersection of authenticity and ambition. Katrina Kelly, a former child star desperately trying to rebrand herself as a serious actress, meets Jude Thacker, a butch bookseller running The Next Chapter, a beloved queer feminist bookstore in the West Village. What begins as a chance encounter over Eileen Styles novels evolves into something far more complex than either woman anticipated.
Character Development: Where the Novel Truly Shines
Katrina Kelly: More Than Just Hollywood Glamour
Kellogg’s portrayal of Kat transcends the typical “former child star” trope by delving deep into the psychological cost of growing up in the public eye. Kat’s struggle with her sexuality isn’t just about coming out—it’s about learning to trust her own feelings after years of being told what to think, feel, and say by managers, directors, and the industry machine.
The author excels at showing rather than telling Kat’s internal conflict. Her discomfort during theater events, her careful curation of social media posts, and her genuine confusion about her own desires all ring authentically. When Kat admits she Googles things like “how do I know if I’m bi or gay?” the moment feels both heartbreaking and real.
Jude Thacker: The Complexity of “Playing It Safe”
Jude represents something equally compelling—someone who thinks she’s living authentically but has actually been playing defense against life since her mother’s death. Kellogg masterfully reveals Jude’s emotional walls through her relationship with the bookstore, her chosen family of coworkers, and her almost paralyzing fear of taking risks.
The dynamic between Jude’s confidence in her professional life (she’s brilliant at book recommendations) and her hesitancy in personal relationships creates a fascinating tension that drives much of the novel’s emotional core.
Plot Mechanics: A Formula That Works
The “fake dating” trope gets a fresh twist here, as the publicity aspect emerges organically from Kat’s career needs rather than feeling forced. Kellogg handles the media attention subplot with surprising sophistication, showing how fame affects not just the celebrity but everyone in their orbit.
Strengths of the plotting include:
- Pacing that allows for genuine relationship development – The romance feels earned rather than rushed
- Secondary storylines that enhance rather than distract – The bookstore’s corporate pressures and Jude’s job opportunity create meaningful stakes
- Realistic obstacles – The conflicts stem from character flaws and genuine incompatibilities, not misunderstandings that could be solved with a conversation
Where the Novel Stumbles
Dialogue and Voice Inconsistencies
While Kellogg has improved significantly since her debut, some dialogue still feels stilted, particularly during emotional confrontations. Kat’s theatrical background provides some cover for her more dramatic statements, but even accounting for that, certain exchanges lack the naturalism the rest of the novel achieves.
Additionally, the alternating POV structure occasionally creates voice confusion. Both characters sometimes sound remarkably similar, particularly in their internal monologues about books and relationships.
Pacing in the Third Act
The novel’s strongest sections occur in the middle, where the relationship is developing and both characters are discovering new things about themselves. The final act, while emotionally satisfying, feels somewhat rushed. The resolution of Kat’s career crisis and the bookstore’s corporate drama could have used more breathing room.
Cultural Authenticity and Representation
Kellogg demonstrates a clear understanding of queer culture and community, particularly in her depiction of The Next Chapter as more than just a business—it’s a genuine community space. The bookstore scenes feel lived-in and authentic, from the staff’s chosen family dynamic to the careful curation of their queer book selection.
The novel also handles late-in-life coming out with sensitivity, acknowledging both the challenges and the joy of discovering new aspects of identity in your twenties. Kat’s journey feels particularly authentic in its messiness and uncertainty.
Writing Style: Growing Confidence
Kellogg’s prose has matured since her debut. She’s developed a lighter touch with exposition and shows more trust in her readers’ ability to pick up on subtleties. The book descriptions and literary discussions feel natural rather than shoe-horned in, and the New York setting comes alive through specific, well-chosen details.
The author’s background in children’s and YA publishing shows in her ability to write characters who feel genuinely young without being immature. Both Kat and Jude make believable twenty-something mistakes while still being fundamentally likable.
Comparisons and Context
The Next Chapter fits comfortably alongside contemporary queer romance like Beach Read by Emily Henry (though with queer characters) and Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner. It shares DNA with classic romantic comedies while bringing modern sensibilities about identity, mental health, and chosen family.
Readers who enjoyed Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall or Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas will appreciate Kellogg’s approach to identity exploration, though in a completely different context.
Final Assessment: A Worthy Follow-up
Despite its flaws, The Next Chapter succeeds where it matters most—in creating characters worth caring about and a relationship worth investing in. Kellogg has crafted a romance that feels both escapist and grounded, both specific to queer experience and universally relatable.
The novel works particularly well for readers looking for representation that doesn’t center trauma, though it doesn’t shy away from the real challenges of homophobia, family expectations, and industry pressures. It’s a book that believes in the possibility of happy endings while acknowledging that getting there requires real work and genuine change.
Recommended Similar Reads
- My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner – Another fake relationship that becomes real
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – Enemies-to-lovers with publishing industry elements
- Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters – Small business owners finding love
- Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake – Character growth through new relationships
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Hollywood setting with LGBTQ+ themes
The Next Chapter proves that Camille Kellogg is a romance author worth watching. While not perfect, it’s a charming, heartfelt novel that understands both the power of love and the importance of loving yourself first. For readers seeking queer romance with substance, this next chapter is definitely worth turning the page.