This heartwarming holiday M/M new adult romance started off a little rocky for me at first but won me over in the end. Matthew Prince is a spoiled rich NYC kid who gets sent to spend the holidays with his grandparents in the country. He's a very unlikable, privileged prick upon arrival but slowly starts to redeem himself when he starts helping with a holiday charity event and ends up falling for local townie Hector.

While there's really great anxiety rep in this book and wonderful found family, I didn't love the miscommunication, third act break up. Think Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl but make him gay and Grinchy and you've got a pretty good idea of Matthew Prince. Good on audio too narrated by Mark Sanderlin. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a delightful holiday read- Janovsky bottles up the magic of the holidays, the silliness of a fish out of water, and the tenderness of finding someone who just gets you and it’s a perfect little holiday confection! I loved seeing Matthew Prince learn about who he is and how to embrace all of it and truly come to live his best life, all the while making you fall more in love with his anxious little heart. Such a lovely, very human, very relatable story!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Matthew Prince makes a mistake of epic proportions, he is cut off financially from his very wealthy parents and sent to spend time in western MA with his grandparents to think about his actions and change his ways. He is determined to do anything but that - until he meets Hector, the college student living with his grandparents. It's hate at first sight. But together, Matthew and Hector take on planning the small town's annual charity gala and grow closer. Matthew starts to find he might be able to change his old ways after all.

This was a cute holiday read! I really appreciated the focus on mental health and the importance of therapy. I also really loved the characters' relationships - not just the one between Matthew and Hector, but the one between Matthew and his grandmother, Matthew and the local barista Noelle, etc. The relationships felt authentic and highlighted Matthew's character arc.

The book felt a little slow for me, especially at the beginning. There were a lot of details and at times I wanted to skip ahead. I also had a hard time connecting with Matthew at first, it was hard to like him right away. Once I hit the 75% mark I flew through it. I loved the way the author wrapped it all up - all the loose ends were tied up and it was satisfying for the reader.

Overall a fun read, I can see this becoming a holiday favorite in the booksta community!

This book was a roller coaster for me. I really liked this book in the beginning, through the middle and suddenly it lost me. The book started to annoy me then redeemed itself in a up and down pattern, rounding out with an excellent epilogue.
Matthew Prince is a rich snobbish 21-year-old who makes a very almost public mistake and in order to keep it out of the view of the public he is sent to a little town to stay with his grandparents. Accounts locked and social media banned he is not sure what he will do to pass the time of his punishment. Hector Martinez is a man of many jobs who tries to make a living enough to make it through school. When a charity gala suddenly has no runner it's up to Hector and Matthew to run it.
This book was marketed as a play on the Grinch and Schitts Creek and I love both so I was very excited. While it met the mark on Schitts Creek there was no grinch to be found except in a paragraph on the first few pages. I think this story would have been nice as a more Grinchy Schitt's creeky Matthew. The enemies to lovers with Hector would have been so nice but it wasn't there as it was marketed. I also felt no chemistry between the two main characters.

*Spoiler*
Matthew and Hector do get together at the end, but it was so unnecessary. Matthew was going on a self-discovery journey and apologizing to everyone he hurt in the past and it should have been left at that. Matthew didn't need a love interest at the end. In this case it would have been nice to see a resolution and then left it at that. While the epilogue was good, it would have been great if there was no love interest in it. Matthew deals with anxiety and I saw myself in him but the way he was portrayed going while on his self-discovery journey was stunted by having him stay with Hector. I think he should have apologized and left it at that. At the mental health gala, he should have just been greeted by Noelle and Hector as friends.
That was my main critique because I started to get annoyed by the tiny enemies to lovers, the forced needs a love interest, and the "grinch" Matthew.
This all being a critique, I actually really liked this book. I loved the characters, the story, the christmasy feelings emanating off this book, his "villainous" parents who actually weren't all that bad and the self-realization and drive to better yourself found in Matthew. I would definitely recommend this book. It would certainly be a 5-star review if I liked the Hector and Matthew relationship more.

This book had all of my absolute favorite tropes wrapped up in one perfect little story!!
- xmas romance
- small town romance
- lgbtq+ romance
- forced proximity
- found family

I mean COME ON. Trope lists don't get much better than that! Plus, a bonus is that it was flawlessly executed with witting and heartwarming writing.

Love love loved it and will absolutely be recommending to everyone I know (and probably strangers too lol) this holiday season.

If you like Schitt's Creek, you'll love this LGBTQIA+ holiday romance book! The main character reminds me a lot of David from that show. This is a fun and quirky read, with some real feelings going on in there. There are a couple of spicy scenes, but nothing too crazy. The first 1/3 of the book is on the slower end, but once it picks up it moves along quickly, in my opinion. I read the middle-ending late at night before bed and put off going to sleep to see how this would end. Definitely an enjoyable read and good one to pick up this winter!

Trigger warning - this does talk a lot about Anxiety/Anxiety attacks as well.


**Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**

When you love an author's debut book, there is always that tension of "will the next one be able to live up to this?"

With You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince, the answer is YES for Timothy Janovsky.

This gay holiday enemies(ish)-to-lovers romance is exactly the warm fuzzy read we needed for the upcoming season. One part Schitt's Creek, one part cheesy (the good kind) holiday movie, and one part A Christmas Carol (with a heavy sprinkle of...A Christmas Carol), this book was such a sweet, festive delight. I've already ordered a copy to share upon release day. =)

My thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute but slightly underwhelming m/m Christmas romcom. I really wanted to like it, but kind of hated the main character and found the whole thing to be pretty slow. Look, I had trouble getting over my initial dislike of Matthew but if you like him maybe you’ll enjoy this. Maybe it’s just a me thing and you should still try it!

I understand the snobbishness was to set up growth for his character arc but I disliked him so much for the first half I wanted to quit reading. He doesn’t know his driver’s name (who works for his family, not, like, an Uber driver) and calls him “driver man.” He calls a barista “coffee girl.” etc, etc. The world clearly revolves around him, in his eyes, which is just something I have trouble getting over with ANY character, not just him.

Also, the author is clearly a fan of Schitt’s creek, including a blatant joke rip off involving cooking. It read a little bit like Schitt’s Creek Christmas fanfic to be honest, if David was the only one forced to live without money for a short period of time.

Overall it was okay, just not a favorite.

“I’m not maniacal. I have a heart. A small, mostly broken one currently, but it still beats just fine. I feel empathy. On most days.”

Oh, dude (IYKYK). What a funny hot mess hero. He reminded me of David from Schitt’s Creek (who I ADORE) but also as much as he was driving me bananas at the start- you can just see there is goodness inside, deep inside, and know that the Christmas spirit will heal him and all his douchery and love is coming.
For fans of Chloe Liese level descriptive language, this is a funny and sweet holiday romance.

As far as this reader goes, this book just wasn’t for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s not for other people. It uses very descriptive language which made it feel slow and I struggled and gave up 65%, I just stopped caring about what happened, which is not ideal.
I DO think people will really love it. It’s cute, funny, and you want to root for these dudes. Dude was used 79 times in the novel. Yes, I looked. It was to many. I totally understand the plot point! It was very cute and funny at first, but, by midway I was a little over it.

So while it wasn’t my favorite, that doesn’t mean it won’t be someone else’s favorite.

3.5 stars

Early copy provided by netgalley, all opinions are completely my own.

Christmas vibes in September? Bring. It. On.

Now typically I'm not a huge holiday book reader, but that's slowly been changing over the last year & all I want to do is cozy up with all the adorable holiday rom-coms this year.
I LOVED this book. Matthew and Hector were everything I hoped they would be when I first read the synopsis of this book. Matthew is very David-like from Schitt's Creek, and this book makes me want to give that show another shot because of how much I loved the sass and inner monologue from Matthew.
The author did such a wonderful job at including so much information about the LGBTQ+ & mental health community, without making the book ONLY about that. I loved the character arc of Matthew's in just the few short weeks he was cut off from his rich-party boy life style, but I loved the inner him that came out when he was around Hector even more. The relationship between Matthew and his parents made me so angry the entire time. How parents can choose their own image over their own child just infuriated me, so I'm glad that the book ended the way it did when Matthew finally opened his eyes to what was really going on around him his entire life.

This was the perfect Christmas rom-com that included real life issues and trauma in a very healthy and healing way.

Thank you NetGalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to be published on October 4, 2022.

this book was cute! I enjoyed watching the relationship between Matthew and Hector develop throughout the book. I also enjoyed watching Matthew change from being a complete holiday grinch into a more pleasant character. This book is the perfect holiday romance!

This book had me laughing, giggling, and kicking my feet. I was instantly hooked because Matthew and Hector’s banter was top-tier. I could feel their chemistry jumping off the page. I also loved the plot and it was so satisfying seeing Matthew find himself in the small town setting with the help of the locals. I loved this book so much - it’s the perfect cozy, queer holiday read.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

Matthew Prince is young, fancy, and spoiled 21-year-old from New York. But when he makes a huge mistake, his parents ship him off to his grandparents’ town right before the holidays, a place with no Starbucks and barely any reception. And on top of that, his new roommate, Hector, seems to be an insufferable and grumpy match for Matthew. But when the two of them need to pair up to throw a shindig for the town, it seems as though Christmas may still have some miracles in store for them…

Okay, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas books, so I was really excited for this one. That being said, I feel like this one fell a little flat for me. Don’t get me wrong — it was still a cozy romance, and I loved the holiday vibes. It just took me a LONG time to get through (even at around 75%, I wasn’t super excited to pick this up), and it was really slow-paced for me. I didn’t really feel any connection to the main characters (although I really liked Noelle). Also, the amount of times Hector says “dude” is alarming, and it was actually annoying to read after a while.

Overall, it was a cute read and got me excited for the holidays even though it’s only September. Look for this book on shelves near you on October 4, 2022!

I didn't love this story. I felt like Matthew was a shallow character that I felt like didn't have much character development for me. I did love the Christmas setting and I feel like it would be a great holiday read for the right audience. The LGBTQ representation was nice to see in a holiday specific romance. One review I read said it felt like Schitt's Creek so I was excited for that comparison but I think this book fell flat of what it was trying to do.

Adorable, and definitely another rom-com you will want to add to your shelves this holiday season! I am absolutely loving this influx of queer holiday romances--I don't think I came across a single queer holiday romance last year, but I've already read three that I loved this season and have more on my TBR.

Matthew Prince reminded me a lot of David Rose in the first few episodes of Schitt's Creek, where he's so spoiled that he can't figure out how to function without his reliance on drivers and credit cards. Don’t let that discourage you, though! Like David, Matthew quickly endears himself to the reader as he begins to be more aware of how his actions are affecting those around him.

I’m a sucker for ANY Christmas romance, so I especially loved the scenes of Mattew and Xavier enjoying Christmas-themed activities together.

My only gripe with the book was the bit of miscommunication trope–one shouted sentence could have resolved the whole conflict and avoided the third-act breakup. Why didn’t the accused call after the accuser to defend himself? Or text the accuser or a mutual friend? How did the actual culprit (I’m trying not to spoil too much here) watch the two break up and say nothing?? I’ll never understand this conflict, since one single sentence–or literally two words–could have resolved it.

Miscommunication trope aside, I loved everything eles about this book. Janovsky writes about mental health so well, and I appreciated the accurate portrayal of Matthew’s anxiety.

I really enjoyed Never Been Kissed by the same author last year, and was thrilled to see he had written a holiday romance. I’m definitely looking forward to more from him in the future!

Timothy Janovsky is such a master at character development that he had me falling in love with and completely empathizing with a wealthy, self-entitled, socially elite snob! You're a Mean One, Mathew Prince draws the reader into the disastrous life of twenty-one year old Mathew Prince as he is forced to atone for his latest PR sins. Mathew is the son of an investment banker of old money and National Best Selling author of a fantasy series turned tv series. He has spent most of his young years in the media spotlight and has created a carefree, over the top persona that he wears unknowingly as an armor.

After his latest grandiose spending spree Mathew's parents cut him off from his cash, social media and his New York lifestyle. He is then banished and forced to stay with his small town grandparents whom he hasn't seen in almost two years. To make matters worse, upon his arrival to the quaint little cottage Mathew is surprised to learn he will be sharing bunkbeds with a new roommate. Enter Hector a hardworking college student who is staying with his former professor to allow him to finish his degree. This gruff and judgmental boarder is quick to let Mathew know he is completely unimpressed with this spoiled grandson. All of this is enough to get Mathew's designer panties in a tight little twist. After an immediate failed attempt at escape, Mathew decides to work hard to prove to his parents that he has learned a lesson.

This story takes us through Mathew's path to redemption. He begrudgingly starts to make connections with the folks of this small town. Along his journey Mathew begins to view his life and the lives of others through a different lens. Lessons are learned and friendships are formed and there's a nice little romance that blooms.

Although this is a romance, I found so much more than a happily ever after in reading this book. Like in his previous book Never Been Kissed, Janovsky takes on even deeper level topics. In this story he addresses living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). I love to see more authors bringing about real life character's dealing with real life issues So many people struggle in silence with personal issues from mental health, to physical health to sexuality and identity. It will be a great world when we can lift these perceived stigmas and realize that these differences are not flaws but are all apart of our collective humanity. I applaud Timothy Janovsky for doing his part and hope I can do mine by screaming my praises of this talented author.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.

You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovky is such clever, clever writing! I was hooked from the first sentence. Such a well-written story. The reader is never bored and never without taken along on the journey to love and the magic of colorful characters. I smiled so much and enjoyed the character development.

I highly recommend this romp of a great story.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher Sourcebook Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review You're a Mean One by Timothy Janovsky.

I loved seeing the representation in this book and I feel like that is so important for the correct audience. This felt a lot like Schitt’s Creek to me-Matthew felt a lot like David. And it was just too much in a book. I didn’t enjoy the way he acted towards the love interest especially in the beginning. It’s hard for me to get behind a contemporary book where the characters seem to legitimately hate each other at the beginning. But I can see some people really loving this book.

*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

3.5 stars rounded to 3

Spoiled rich boy Matthew Prince has gone too far. After "Island Gate", he's sent to live with his grandparents. Will a healthy does of Christmas cheer heal Matthew's spoiled, Grinch-like attitude? Or will sharing a bunk bed and sipping "half-decent" coffee turn him into a full-time Scrooge?

This was a wonderful steamy, swoony holiday romcom. It perfectly balanced feels with humour, and the self-growth arc was wonderful to see as it progressed with the story. There were so many sweet moments that were so heartfelt: Hector buying the nasal strips and earplugs?!? Excuse me, sir.

I liked the commentary on how we as a society have no boundaries when it comes to people in the public eye and the people who surround them. I'm sorry, but Matthew's parents are the WORST. I appreciated the way the author handled that situation and Matthew's journey to forgiveness.

I have one major gripe with this book, and it's how many times Hector says "dude". I know it was explained, but it was inserted in every sentence and at a certain point went from a character trait to a joke. If there had been 30% less "dude"s in the book, it would've been fine.

Overall, I'm giving this 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it, I think it's a great holiday romcom, and I definitely recommend it!

I liked the concept but sadly I didn't really connect to the characters or the story. It was sometimes cute & easy to read but I don't have much to say about it. Other people will probably like it more. 3 stars.