This book is truly feels like a Christmas movie! And may be one I read around Christmas year after year!!

Matthew Prince thinks he is just that - upper upper class New York City royalty. With mom and dad's bank cards in his wallet and a slew of tabloid headlines he thinks he is an unstoppable force. Until he has to go into PR hiding at his grandparent's Nowheresville cabin in the middle of winter. What's worse is he has to share a room, and a bunk bed of all things, with a stranger that seems to hate him. Can this selfish, materialistic frog become a true prince by Christmas? Read to find out.

This was such a sweet holiday romance. The two male main characters have tremendous chemistry right from the start and the enemies to lovers and forced proximity is delicious. Sometimes you want to punch Matthew in the face while other times your heart is just twisting for him. With both guys fighting their own battles it adds depth to this holiday romcom that makes it more than just a fluff piece. You have got to add this one to your list of holiday reads this year!

This turned out to be an adorable holiday romance! I wasn’t sure about it at first but it really grew on me and I ended up loving Matthew in all his messy, bratty glory.

Enemies to Friends to Lovers 😍

10S ACROSS THE BOARD!! 5/5 stars

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! It was so sweet and swoonworthly. Definitely one of my favorite holiday reads.


Thank you so much to Netgalley for an ARC!!

I absolutely adored this book. I would describe it as an LGBTQ+ Hallmark movie in book form, and who doesn't love a good Hallmark movie?

It was extremely funny, and I found myself laughing out loud throughout, especially with the banter between Hector and Matthew. In general, I loved the chemistry between them. The book also touched on some deeper topics, such as anxiety. I loved the raw depiction of someone who has generalized anxiety disorder and was glad that it was touched on throughout the book.

I loved all of the characters and I was rooting for all of them. Almost every character had great character development by the end of the book, and I loved watching them learn and grow. I also loved the epilogue and getting to see where most of the characters were a year after the original story had taken place - it was a nice touch.

Overall, this was such a heartwarming queer holiday romance. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves romance and Christmas.

This was a really cute new adult M/M romance with excellent mental health representation and just brimming with holiday cheer.

Matthew Prince is a spoiled rich kid who goes one step too far and his parents banish him to spend the holidays with his grandparents in quiet Wild River. When he arrives, in addition to getting used to the limited coffee options, Matthew finds that his grandparents have a house guest from the local university and only one set of bunk beds. When Matthew and Hector team up to plan a holiday gala to save Matthew's grandparent's small business, they find themselves getting closer and sharing the parts of themselves they never let others see.

I love small town romances where the town itself and the other folks living there are a meaningful part of the story. Matthew Prince delivered that in spades. I really loved seeing Matthew's transformation into still a bit of a spoiled rich kid, but one with more self awareness and selflessness who is letting people into his heart by the end. I docked one star from my rating because there's some casual ageism in a scene where Matthew and Hector visit a nursing home.

Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC!

I really liked this one, it only took me a little while to read because real life got in the way, and I left my iPad in a different state so I had to read on my tiny phone.

It was nice to follow Matthew’s mental health journey alongside his romantic one. The way he dealt with anxiety and stress was helpful to read about, and it was lovely to see what being around good people in your life can do for someone.

Hector was adorable, and it was really nice reading about a genuinely decent human being for once.

I wish this one got archived a little later, as it’s a bit of a struggle to read Christmas books in October for me, but, it was adorable and meaningful and I will definitely be buying it!

4.5 stars.

Timothy Janovsky’s You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince is one of those fish-out-of-water stories wherein a spoiled brat is sent away to some backwater they wouldn’t normally set one toe of their Louboutins in and finds meaning, purpose, and often, love as well. It’s a story we’re all read hundreds of times before (and as this one is set around the Christmas period, there are plenty of very obvious references to the most famous meanie-finds-humanity tale of all time), but while the story is decently executed and the characters are likeable, it doesn’t really have anything that sets it apart from the other gazillion stories that employ the same theme.

Twenty-one-year-old Matthew Prince has it all – good-looks, wealth and internet fame thanks to the regularity with which his antics end up on the gossip sites. His latest – the impulsive purchase of an island (yes, you read that right) following a recent break up has finally brought his parents to say enough is enough and put their collective foot down. To prevent a possible PR disaster, he’s sent to spend a month with his maternal grandparents at their cabin in Wind River in downright stifling, middle-of-nowhere western Massachusetts. And as if things aren’t bad enough, he learns he’s to be sharing a room – with bunk beds, no less – with Hector Martinez, a former student of his grandfather’s, to whom he offered temporary accommodation when it looked like Hector wasn’t going to be able to afford to finish college.

Matthew certainly appreciates the eye candy, but it becomes quickly apparent that the down-to-earth Hector is not the slightest bit impressed or awed by Matthew.

“For someone whose last name is Prince, you’re not very charming.”

He’s not used to being so easily dismissed, but then realises it doesn’t matter, because he’s already plotting ways to get back to NYC in time to throw his famous New Year’s Eve bash alongside his bestie, Bentley. But when his plan to sneak away is foiled – by Hector, no less – Matthew realises he’s stuck there until he does what his parents have sent him there to do – grow up and prove to them that he can behave like a responsible adult. The perfect opportunity to do just that presents itself when the organiser of the town’s annual charity gala is unable to undertake the job due to illness. When his grandmother suggests that perhaps Matthew should lend a hand, he just about manages to conceal his horror at the idea of becoming involved in what is undoubtedly the sort of thing he would never (normally) be seen dead at – until Hector subtly reminds him of something he’d rather his grandparents didn’t know about (his plan to go to spend his time in Wind River at the local hotel instead of staying with them.) Matthew decides he’ll pitch in and plan the gala – after all, planning parties is his ‘thing’ (he even copes with his anxiety attacks by planning events in his head) – but first, he’s got to switch gears and plan something that the people of the town will like, rather than something he thinks they should like.

Thankfully, Hector is on hand to point Matthew in the right direction and soon Matthew finds himself starting to enjoy making connections with the townsfolk and, for the first time in many years, enjoying the Christmas season. He’d always loved that time of year as a kid, but by the time he was thirteen, the joy had been sucked out of it, replaced by false sentiment and illusions of family togetherness – and expensive gifts that were somehow supposed to make up for the loss. It’s been a long time since he’s let himself feel anything approaching his youthful love for the season, but working on the gala with Hector alongside him – having a silly Christmas cookie baking competition and debating the merits of the various Christmas movies (the Muppets win every time!) – helps Matthew begin to find the comfort and joy he thought he’d lost. Along the way, he gets to know himself, too, learning who Matthew Prince is and what he could become away from the city, the wealth, the labels and the fair-weather friends.

Matthew is likeable despite his initial snobbishness, because the author does a good job of balancing the bratty attitude and behaviour with a good sense of humour and hints that behind the glitz, glamour and designer clothes, he’s struggling. His GAD (general anxiety disorder) is sensitively and realistically portrayed and the author skilfully explores what it’s like to be someone in the public eye and media spotlight simply because your parents are famous – and to be the child of parents who have little time for you – so that it’s easy to feel sympathy for Matthew and root for him to find his way through all the crap in his life to find happiness.

The festive, small town setting is well done, and the secondary characters are all nicely rounded – even Matthew’s parents, who are never demonised, instead coming across as flawed people who have made poor choices. That said, Matthew’s mother does something inexcusable in the last part of the story – and even though it’s clearly born of fear, it’s tough to get past.

Matthew’s romance with Hector is cute, and I liked how supportive Hector is once they get past that initial antagonistic phase, but the romance does play second fiddle to Matthew’s journey. Hector is a great guy – he’s funny, compassionate, sexy and sweet – but the story is more about Matthew growing up, learning to take responsibility for himself and his life and breaking out of the patterns he’s fallen into. (The couple of sex scenes barely require the ‘warm’ rating, by the way.)

I had a bit of trouble grading this one, mostly because I suspect I’m not really the target audience for a book like this, and so, while it has a lot going for it, for me, it hits that ‘just above average, but seen it all before’ area. The writing is strong, Matthew’s internal dialogue is a great mixture of poignant and funny, and his character growth is easy to follow, but the middle of the book is a bit slow and the Crisis Moment in the last section feels contrived and obvious.

In the end, there’s nothing actually wrong with You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince – it’s cute and fluffy and full of Christmas cheer (extra Brownie points for two characters bonding over a love of The Muppet Christmas Carol) but it didn’t wow me or have anything really new to offer. It’s a head/heart thing; I can see perfectly well that there’s a lot about the book that some people will absolutely love – but I wasn’t feeling it, which is why I’ve ended up giving it a B-. It might not be something I feel I can recommend to readers who have similar tastes to mine – but I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who will enjoy it more than I did.

Rating: 3.5 stars / B-

Looking for a queer, Hallmark-style romance? Then this one is for you!

Reasons why you should read this:

💗 Great mental health representation! (Matthew suffers from General Anxiety Disorder and this gives you a good insight into how it affects him)

💗 I loved seeing Matthew grow from being spoiled and mean to caring and nice. It was done gradually throughout the story, so it felt like a realistic change.

💗 The relationship between Matthew and Hector was cute and heartwarming! Exactly what you need for Christmas!! Enemies to friends to lovers + forced proximity tropes? Sign me up!

My one issue? Overuse of the word ’dude’ - I know it was on purpose, but that doesn’t mean I liked it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

“I’m investing in me, believing in me, and holding my own damn heart is caring hands, forever and ever.”

💚

Quick summary:
🎄 Christmas time
🏘️ Small town setting
👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏽 City boy/Small town boy
☯️ Opposites attract
🙏 Forced proximity
🛏️ One (bunk) bed
🧠 Anxiety rep
🔥 Slow burn

I loved this beautiful story! Matthew Prince is such an interesting character, who kind of gave me David Rose vibes. His growth throughout the book is lovely to read. He’s a boy that just wants to be loved and accepted, and he gets that from his grandparents, Noelle and Hector. Hector is such a beautiful character. He is down to earth and kind and patient and the perfect match for Matthew. I loved how their childish rivalry soon turned into genuine friendship as they fell in love.
I highly recommend this!

This was a fun and quick read. My only complaint is that the word “DUDE” was overused to the point that I wanted to DNF the book

Christmas is my absolute favorite so I could not pass up the opportunity to read You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince. The title caught my attention instantly and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good small town, holiday rom-com with LGBT representation. Tropes include opposites attract and forced proximity. This is book two of the Boy Meets Boy series but can easily be read as a standalone.

🎄 It might be spooky season but it is never too early for holiday romance 🎄

Friends, You're A Mean One Matthew Prince should 100 percent be added to your holiday TBR. Janovsky has given us such an adorable, sweet, funny, WAY better version of a Christmas Hallmark movie. This one ran me fully through the emotional gambit and I loved every second of it.

What I loved:

💚 Matthew Prince has the absolute best character arc in this story. While we have seen a million times before the "spoiled rich boy becoming a sweetheart" trope, this romance emulates Schitt's Creek's David Rose more than the cringe-worhty Hallmark characters we see way too often on TV. Matthew's growth is slow, stilted, genuine, and has a resolution you believe in.
💚 Hector Martinez is adorable as all get out. I want a giant hug from that flannel wearing, bi teddy bear. His snark balanced with his patience for Matthew, taking care of him in his best and worst moments was EVERYTHING. Their witty banter was actually hilarious.
💚 The mental health representation surrounding generalized anxiety disorder was so well done. I loved the idea of grounding oneself through event planning. The care Hector shows Matthew in those moments is something absolutely beautiful.
💚 I want to be besties with all of these queer babies.
💚 Um, the 🥵 scenes, it's a round of applause from me. The truck loading scene?? IYKYK
💚 Matthew's grandparents are the cutest in the whole entire world. His grandma's love and devotion to both him and his mother is out of this world.

Things I struggled with:

❎ The ending miscommunication. It honestly was so bad. WHY?! This trope needs to be banished. I simply cannot.

Y'all, this absolutely PRECIOUS queer holiday romance came out October 4th! Go get your hands on it today!

This book was holiday perfection. I laughed out loud in multiple parts. The main character (Matthew) gives off big David Rose energy, which I adore.
I’m definitely ordering hard copies for my friends!

I loved this book. It was the perfect christmas-book to start this season with.
I think it was the perfect combination of lonliness, dark topics like mental illness and the cute fluffy romance.
I loved allt the characters and the setting of the smalltown romance.
It was just really sweet and I will recomend it to everyone I know who reads romance.

*Thank you to Sourcebooks for a copy in exchange for an honest review*

I got 20% done with the arc, and now that I have the audiobook, I'm going to finish it that way in November. I'm enjoying the story, but I need a break from Matthew. I get he is a spoiled rich kid, but within this first 20%, it is a LOT.

You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince follows Matthew, a young, rich, and thoroughly spoiled guy. After a PR misstep, his parents send him to his grandparents' charming small town. In comes Hector, an obnoxiously attractive local who's unimpressed with anything and everything Matthew does. Just when it seems like the holidays will bring nothing but heated squabbles, the charity gala loses its coordinator, and Matthew steps in as a saintly act to get home early on good behaviour...with Hector as his plus one. Yet, even a Grinch can't resist the joy of found family, and the forced proximity and infectious holiday cheer might be enough to make a lonely Prince's heart grow three sizes this year.

I'm enjoying the story, however, I think I will enjoy the audiobook more than reading the arc or a finished physical copy. From what I've read, I think it will be at least a 4 star.

"You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince" is a quick, witty, holiday rom-com read. Although maybe not entirely "Red, White, and Royal Blue"-esque, its definitely Schitt's Creek meets your classic Hallmark holiday movie. It was cute, fluffy (at times spicy), and everything you'd expect (and want) from a seasonal read. Plenty of Christmas cheer, but also littered with some touching, deeper moments that balance out the sweetness. I will be recommending this to customers in need of a feel-good, happy-ending holiday story. You'll most certainly catch me recommending this for table displays.

This was such a cute book! Imagine a gay Hallmark Christmas movie, but actually good. Matthew Prince is a spoiled trust fund baby who gets banished to the perfect winter wonderland small-town, to stay with his maternal grandparents. Upon his arrival he meets Hector, a hard-working dreamboat who temporarily lives with his grandparents. I have to say that at first, I wasn't a fan of Hector. As much as Matthew is a spoiled brat, Hector seemed unnecessarily harsh on him. Once Hector warms up, I warmed up to him as well. The story has forced proximity, plenty of LGBTQIA characters, redemption, and a steamy love story.

Oddly, I have to say my favorite part of this was how the author handled Matthew's Generalized Anxiety Disorder. There was an author note at the beginning providing a trigger warning of the detailed depiction of Matthew's anxiety disorder. Timothy Janovsky handled the subject matter with such grace and attention.

All-in-all, this is the perfect cozy holiday story and a definite read if you want a festive rom-com.

You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince is basically a Hallmark movie in which David Rose moves in with a handsome lumberjack and I was here for all of it. The titular mean one is spoiled brat rich boy Matthew Prince, who has been banished to his grandparents' house in the middle of nowhere for the holidays because of his bad behavior. When he arrives he finds out that he will be bunking (literally - they have bunk beds) with Hector, a local college student who has been staying with Matthew's grandparents to save money. 4

We have all of my favorite tropes here: enemies-to-friends-to-lovers (though I did think the transition from enemies to friends could have been drawn out a little more), small town romance, a quirky supporting cast, forced proximity (seriously, bunk beds). And our Mean One gets his redemption arc and learns to love Christmas and other things besides himself.

Things here are all light-hearted and fun and what you would typically expect from a holiday rom-com. But Janovsky also gives us a reality check in the form of Matthew's anxiety disorder. Matthew refers to his anxiety and panic attacks as Krampus, which is both seasonally appropriate and pretty darn accurate (I say this as an anxiety warrior myself). Through Matthew we are given a look at the real effects that anxiety can have, and I'm so pleased at the representation in this book.

All in all it was a fun read, and if you're looking for your next holiday rom-com, I recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this rom-com and what a great way to start of queer xmas rom-coms for the season! This was about Matthew Prince slowly getting humbled after he uses his parent’s money to buy an island. The first third of the book had Matthew really acting as a spoiled brat, which was certainly annoying. However, his surroundings, particularly his family and his love interest Hector, really help humble him in a way that is both funny and endearing. I really enjoyed the romance and holiday atmosphere and I would definitely recommend this to those looking for holiday romances. I had many moments where I thought to myself…that was really stinking cute.
Also, while I didn’t love the premise of the third act conflict, I think Janovsky did a really great job of resolving the conflict in a way that treated all characters with respect and empathy, and (unlike some other rom-coms) he did so in a way that did not make villains out of any of the characters. I look forward to reading more from Janovsky in the future!