• Age: 13 to 18
• Grade: 4
• Reading age: 9 to 10

After years of bullying at school, 19-year-old Julian is depressed. He sees a glimmer of hope after meeting the similarly out-of-place Romeo at a party and sharing a kiss with him. The only problem: Romeo has always identified as straight and he hangs out with a group of intolerant guys. But as the two begin to fall in love, Julian finds strength he never knew he had. When Romeo's old friends come after the couple, a vicious fight puts both Julian and Romeo in the hospital. The two boys decide to take a stand for their right for respect.

Just Julian provides insight into the struggle against homophobia, reminding LGBTQ readers that they are not alone.

MARKUS HARWOOD-JONES is a writer, visual artist and documentary filmmaker. He has self-published the short story collections Confessions of a Teenage Transsexual Whore and Everything & All at Once; his feature film, Mosaic, tells the story of his journey across Canada and the United States to learn more about the trans community. He is author of the Lorimer Real Love teen romances, Just Julian and Romeo for Real. Markus lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Markus Harwood-Jones' profile page

"...these novels [Just Julian and Romeo for Real] provide much-needed representation for those whom society marginalizes."

Kirkus Reviews

"Overall, an easy, quick read. I think it would work for upper middle (8th) grade students as well as high school readers. The content is approachable, and dramatic enough to keep their interest."

NetGalley

"The novel boasts empathetic characters and enough dramatic action to hold readers' attention to its happy ending."

Booklist

"A unique way of telling a story in a new way to make it relatable to younger audiences. Would definitely be a good compare and contrast in a classroom and just a fun read."

NetGalley

"The romance stories in Lorimer's Real Love series reflect the diverse world that teens live in — at a reading level for emerging readers."

VOYA

"This modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet is just as heart-wrenching as the original — but with a happy ending."

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