Ahhh! This book is so good! Much like his previous novel, this is a battle cry for all young queer people. This book gives teens the courage to stand up for themselves and fight injustices. I loved the fact that Zelda Fitzgerald was a muse for the main character. This book has great representation, friendship, and fun. I highly recommend this!

This book sounded like it would be a lot of fun, and it really was. I like Zeke’s story and journey to figuring out who he is and who he wants to be. The romance arc was really sweet and I liked his dynamic with Cohen. There was so many moments I wanted to shake some sense into Zeke with the choices he made, and I’m glad he never really go into any real trouble. The ending is also very positive and hopeful. It’s a very timely book, but with all the things Zeke was able to get away with it feels further removed from reality than I think I wanted? I dunno what I mean cuz I like that this was a sweet, overall light book, but maybe it’s that all the stress didn’t really get an outlet on those points? Overall I enjoyed this book and think it’s an important story, especially with Zeke being a queer character who doesn’t already know and feel secure in queer history and identity. This kind of story is important and I’m glad it exists.

Matthew Hubbard brings current policital chaos into YA fiction in the best way. I titty promise you are going to love this book.

A Rebel’s Guide to Pride will make you feel equally angry and hopeful. Zeke is a gay teen who recently came out and joined his bff in the school’s Queer Straight Alliance. The Pride Day Parade they organized is canceled at the last moment by the hateful mayor. Taking inspiration from Zelda Fitzgerald and the Roaring 20’s, Zeke and the QSA continue to celebrate Pride with underground speakieasies and help to create permanent change in their town.


Matthew Hubbard is an auto-buy author. I’ve loved both of his books and will read everything he publishes.

This is such a timely book right now, with so many places banning books and basically anything that remotely looks gay, Zeke and company fight to be allowed to be was powerful and touching.
Zeke too trying to come to terms to who he was and what he wanted and how it reflected on who he presented to be, and how important it is to have a support system, hopefully your parents, but your found family too.
The romance was cute too, although I didn’t think it was as important as Zeke’s journey of self-acceptance and discovery.

Matthew Hubbard wrote another slam dunk YA story centered around queer discovery, joy, and resilience in a time where LGBTQ+ people, specifically youth, are under attack.

The Rebels Guide To Pride takes real world issues like anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that targets the queer community and tells a beautifully story where our main character Zeke is forced to find out who he is as a gay boy, find out what pride is for, and how to fight back when people try to silence and erase us.

The characters are easy to root for even though the teenage angst is pretty high in this book but that is highschool kids for you. But Matthew does a wonderful job taking serious real world issues and weaving it into a hopeful and powerful YA gay contemporary story.

As a sophomore novel and follow up to The Last Boyfriends Guide to Revenge, The Rebels Guide to Pride makes a significant stance in this new universe and gives the reader the hope we need to remind us that the LGBTQ+ community may be under attack now, but we endure and we always overcome.

Rounding to 5 stars because this was a 4.5 star read!

★★★★★

With all the new laws going into effect targeting the LGBTQIA+ community, this book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. It serves as a reminder that as long as we keep fighting for our rights there will always be hope.

The Rebel’s Guide to Pride is a heartwarming read with realistic and lovable characters who will make you fall in love with this book. Also, Zeke’s nickname being “Coco” is adorable.


Thank you, Matthew, for writing this book and giving me hope when you hear about attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community every day in the news and politics. And thank you, NetGalley and Delacorte Press, for the Arc.

I’ve never needed this book more than I do right now.

Zeke is newly out and he feels no one understands him; not his homophobic father and especially not his town. When pride is shut down and a family first ordinance is put into action, Zeke and his friends have no choice but to rebel. What will it take to get people to listen?

This book, much like the author’s first, was a home run!! Zeke was a multidimensional character and was incredibly relatable. His struggles with coming out in the first place and then not being recepted were written beautifully. I loved his friends and the journey they all went on together, even when they felt like they were fighting for different things.

With everything going on in the world, it’s so easy to turn away and hide. But we can’t. We have to stand up for what’s right and let our voices be heard.

Thank you, once again, Matthew Hubbard. Not only for this book, but for continuing to fight for us and our basic human rights. Love always wins. 🌈

“You never know who’s listening, so be proud.”

Fight for Your Rights!

Brief synopsis:
Zeke Thompson has never thought of himself as a "good gay." He's felt forced to hide his sexuality by his Dad, a prominent attorney in their small Alabama town. He's not been able to be a full member of his high school's Queer Straight Alliance (QSA), whose president is Sawyer, his best friend for years--after their initial relationship was that of bully (Sawyer) and bullied (Zeke). Zeke's just never been able to be his true authentic self...until his parents' divorce is finalized and he and his mother move to their own place in town. His mother opens her own mechanic shop--something she's always wanted to do--and uses Zelda Fitzgerald, the first American flapper (and ex-wife to a famous American author) to inspire her. Zelda is also the inspiration for Zeke's name--and what he chooses to be called after the divorce. No longer Anthony, like his Dad, whom he refers to as JACass.
Zeke wans to be a "bad gay," i.e., all the stereotypical things associated with a young gay male.
He's now able to be a part of the QSA, and just in time to help Sawyer and the other members, Cohen--a former flame of Zeke's--and Kennedy, a popular, African-American cheerleader and graphic artist, and Sawyer's girl-crush/wannabe girlfriend, to organize Beggs, Alabama's first official Pride celebration.
Unfortunately, on the date--actually a few minutes prior to the start of the official first Pride event--Beggs' mayor puts a stop to the event, with Zeke's Dad there at the mayor's side, with a proclamation that the Pride event will go against the Mayor's newly introduced "Family First" initiative.
This upheaval leads Zeke to suggest the idea of speakeasies (again, using Zelda Fitzgerald and the 1920s as inspiration) in the month of June to allow those LGBTQIA+ people of Beggs and their supporters to celebrate....Mayor-initiative be damned!

Matthew Hubbard does an amazing job of writing diverse and related characters--both the main LGBTQIA+ teens and adults at the center of the story and those on the opposite side: the Mayor, the "anti" townspeople. Even secondary characters are relatable and likely trigger every reader to an "I know someone just like them" (in real life).

Zeke is not a "perfect" main character--his aforementioned want to be a "bad gay" to mostly get under his Dad's skin and sully his reputation, but also to figure who he is & just "be."
Zeke's want to live an authentic life leads him to speak up (to his own and others' surprise) at the Pride event, after it is cancelled, with that speakeasy idea. Though, at the time of that outburst, he has no idea how it will happen!
There are many trials and roadblocks--BUT through the support of Sawyer, Kennedy, and reluctantly, Cohen (also affectionately called Coco by Zeke), and MORE through his own guile and determination, the town of Beggs is changed from Zeke, his courage, and his desire for a life out loud.

This story of Pride-bans, stripping LGBTQIA+ individuals of rights or flat out refusing their rights, unfortunately continues to take place--not just in small-town Alabama, but everywhere.
Matthew's story, Zeke's story and journey, are important, timely, powerful and inspiring!

Rebel's Guide is relatable and fun, and addresses the hard-hitting discrimination, hate, and more head-on--No shying away from that in Matthew's book.
The "relationship" with Zeke's Dad is quite tennuous and strained. Watch out for the billboards, ya'll!!
Zeke's relationship with his Mom is strained at times; however, Matthew does show their relationship evolve and grow--pre- and post-divorce--and she becomes a major source of stability and LOVE for Zeke. I love that Matthew's characters have at least one, if not both, supportive and caring parents and MANY adult figures and role models in their lives. The adults aren't perfect & shouldn't be, and they often grow and evolve with the main characters--BUT that the majority are loving and supportive and reasonable is just so amazing to have in these stories, and we need more of these people in real life...EVERYWHERE!!

This book also offers a little more romance than Matthew's first book! A welcomed edition--not too spicy, now, but hints and openness regarding sex, for sure!

This book and story is very much a Pride/queer positive-story for teens, YA, adults--everyone!

Look forward to more writing and stories from Matthew Hubbard!!

Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for this eARC of Matthew Hubbard's second novel, "The Rebel's Guide to Pride."

This was a fun and timely coming-of-age story about the importance of Pride, both for individuals and the LGBTQ+ community. Zeke was lovable but flawed, and I enjoyed his journey to figuring out who he was and what (and who) he wanted. I definitely related to his struggles with his JACass father, the type of person who thinks the solution to homophobia is staying in the closet, rather than working towards a better, more tolerant world. The speakeasies were so much fun, and I wish I could attend one (even though it’s nice not to need to). I felt like there was a dash of Love, Simon to this with the unknown instagram buddy (though their identity wasn’t too difficult to suss out). I loved the Zeke’s relationship with his mother, who was a much better parent than his father in every possible way, but I wish there’d been a little more of Sawyer and her girlfriend, since I really love the gay guy with a sapphic best friend dynamic.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Sophomore slump? Defeated. Because Matthew Hubbard’s second novel, The Rebel’s Guide to Pride, is an absolute home run. Filled with so much heart, so much introspection, and so much hope, it is a story that is engrossing, timely, and necessary.

Why is this book such a knockout? I’m glad you asked!

- The premise is unique and topical, and takes inspiration from LGBTQ history. Modernizing the concept of speakeasies was an excellent idea that really stuck its landing.

- The plot never once lagged, and every chapter seemed to have its own purpose — which meant I did not want to put it down.

- The book is stacked with complex characters, all of whom demonstrate so much change throughout the story. If I had to single out just ONE of Matthew Hubbard’s talents as a writer, it would be his ability to craft vivid characters that are real, lovable, flawed, and human — characters that you want to root for.

Much like The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge, The Rebel’s Guide to Pride delivers a message of hope and resilience. With the current political climate, this is a book we need now more than ever.

This is on track to my favorite YA novel of the year, and I don’t foresee that changing.

Matthew Hubbard is an absolute gift to YA literature. His passion for advocacy and his fearless writing shine through and bring an authenticity to his work that is one of a kind.

I will never get sick of Hubbard's books exposing the system and their unfair treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community!

Hubbard writes stories that are REAL. Sure, fiction in nature. But REAL issues that youth in the LGBT community face in today's real world. And what does this do? 1.) Exposure. Books like this highlight the trials a marginalized community faces. This allows those who do not face these same issues to see life through a different, more challenging lens. And 2.) Provides a home. People will ABSOLUTELY see themselves and find solace in Hubbard's books. Perhaps illuminating a light at the end of seemingly bleak tunnel :)

This book honestly couldn't come at a more perfect time. We in the LGBT community are under heavy fire from our government. So to have a book like this put these injustices in a spotlight feels correct, to be quite frank. Especially with the amount of representation in this book. Like Oscar Wilde said, "The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame." This book, these characters, and this community are being targeted in this sense. And Hubbard's here to expose it.

This book is a masterclass in character development. Our MC struggles to determine what Pride means to him. Even struggling to embrace his own queerness. A father with political standing wanting him to hide his sexuality. Voices in his head telling him he isn't good enough to obtain happiness. An ex telling him he screws everything up. Yet rallies his community through a series of Pride speakeasy's to fight back against the oppression, finding himself along the way. It was honestly just so reassuring and personable watching his journey, while also allowing for reflection on my own journey, especially at that age.

Super appreciative to Hubbard and Netgalley for early copies of this book!

"Pride is about being heard. But to me Pride felt like a fight. A war between who I should be and who I was."

I've been wanting to read this book since I read The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge last year and the wait was so worth it. Matthew Hubbard has a gift for queer stories that we need with protagonists who feel so relatable and real in everything that they do.

"There was a place for me here, and I finally felt like I belonged."

Zeke is at a crossroads in life. He's trying to reinvent himself while also trying to figure out his identity as a queer person and what that means to him. When some harsh comments hit close to his heart and celebrating Pride is cancelled in his hometown, he sets out to prove that he can be the "right kind of gay" by hosting secret Pride speakeasies.

“It’s okay to be afraid, Zeke. I’m afraid too, but knowing that I’m not the only one… That makes me feel like I’m not alone.”

Zeke's never had the opportunity to figure himself out. When he impulsively throws himself into running the speakeasies, he goes down a path that he's not sure he deserves. Being crowned "King of Pride" and being a source of inspiration is daunting and scary. But he soon realizes that while fear can tear down friendships, relationships and himself, it can also build something great. When you share your fears with people, it gives you the strength to fight and rebel and can power an entire revolution.

"The speakeasies brought together fighters who would continue their efforts no matter what happened. They were in town all along, and now they were here because of us."

There are a lot of amazing things about this book but my favorite has to be Zeke's journey of figuring out what Pride means to him. We see so many things in social media and the people around us and while it can be joyful, it can also get intimidating. I love the message of how Pride doesn't have to mean just one thing for everyone. It can mean being fearless or brave or being heard. But regardless of all that, it really just means that you get to be who you are. And just like Zeke, everyone deserves the freedom to figure out who that is on their own time and no one else's.

"Our story began today, and we would be the ones to write it."

Zeke and Sawyer and Cohen and Kennedy and every person who took part in the speakeasies built something that matters. They created a community that makes every person feel like they matter and that they have a voice. This story was painful and emotional and made me cry, but it's also hopeful and joyous and needed. I loved everything about this book and I truly cannot wait to see what comes next from Matthew!

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press/Get Underlined for access to this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another five star read from Hubbard! Gosh, I knew I was going to enjoy this book going in, but it still exceeded expectations. I loved Zeke and Cohen and watching them realize the idea they have of the other person is so wrong. They are truly enemies to lovers, and it had me in my FEELS. Speaking of feels, Hubbard always seems to know how to say something in a way that I needed to hear, and how to get me so emotionally invested into his characters. I loved that this wasn't just about Zeke and Cohen, but also Zeke's friendship with Sawyer and how he overall wasn't the same person he was just a few months ago. I could relate to Zeke so much, though we sadly do not agree on our favorite Doctor (sorry, I'll always be a Tennant stan). Being able to read (and watch in my head, because a little movie plays in my head while I read) about Zeke coming into himself and realizing that "the perfect gay" doesn't exist was so heartwarming. And Hubbard also does a fantastic job at bringing topics into his books that are real life scenarios happening in the US right now. This book (and my recent read of Imogen, Obviously) has reminded me that even within the LGBTQ+ community, there is discourse and lack of understanding. But Hubbard also reminds us in this book that you can't stop fighting. Even if you don't "win," that doesn't mean you lost. Lost the battle, win the war (can't go wrong with a Paramore lyric). But seriously, this book is not just funny and romantic, it's powerful, inspiring, and can make or break the difference to teenagers who are too scared to speak up for themselves yet. If it isn't obvious, I 100% recommend this book to EVERYONE, not just queer people. It's a guide for rebels, both in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies surrounding them.

I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc of Matthew Hubbard's sophomore title, The Rebel's Guide to Pride, via NetGalley. This is my first time reading Hubbard, but I know it won't be my last. The writing is quick paced and easy to get sucked into. While the MC came off as a bit self-centered through a good portion of this story, as we learn about his past and what he has endured, we definitely come to understand why he is the way he is. I loved the found family aspect in this one as well - always one of my favorite parts of queer stories. Check this one out for a quick, fun, queer romcom.

4.5 stars

Oh, I really enjoyed this one. The issues I had with Matthew Hubbard's previous book were not present here. This book is easily one of my favorites at the moment. The young queer experiences are so real, and the political climate around LGBTQIA+ existence is so relevant. The writing is gripping, the characters are very real and relatable, and the story itself is an emotional journey. Zeke is finally able to be himself and accept himself, but it takes him a while to really get there, which is something I think a lot of people can empathize with whether they are queer or not. I also really loved the exploration of all the different relationships in this story. Zeke and his friends, Zeke and the town of Beggs, Zeke and his mom, Zeke and his dad, and Zeke and his love interest. While some points felt predictable, it didn't diminish my enjoyment in the slightest. I really enjoyed this and powered through it in a day. I loved the story and its relevant messages of living as a queer person. I highly recommend checking this out!

“The Rebel’s Guide to Pride” by Matthew Hubbard is such a sweet and powerful book. It follows Zeke Chapman, a teen who is newly out as gay and trying to figure out who he really is. His dad wants him to be quiet and perfect, but Zeke wants to rebel and be true to himself. When the town cancels all LGBTQ+ events, Zeke decides to fight back by throwing secret Pride Speakeasies to bring the community together. What starts as a small act of rebellion grows into something meaningful. This story shows how fear can be turned into strength and how standing up for yourself can inspire others. In today's world, where queer youth are often targeted, this book feels like a bright light of hope.

Zeke is a messy character, but in a good way. He feels real and relatable, making mistakes and learning from them. I especially loved the relationship between Zeke and Cohen. They start off as rivals, but slowly grow closer in a way that feels natural and heartwarming. Watching their connection go from sharp and guarded to soft and caring was really nice. Even though the twist near the end was pretty easy to guess, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story. This book made me happy, and I’m so thankful that queer teens today have stories like this that show them they are seen, loved, and strong enough to change the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

Matthew Hubbard is now an auto read author of mine. He hit it out of the park again with this book. Full of heart, humor, and lovably messy characters. This feels like such an impactful and important book that we really need right now. Pride was a riot!!

Zeke is someone that even though he’s showed to be extremely “flawed” I was really rooting for. It’s so obvious he’s masking his pain. I enjoyed seeing him grow and find himself in his community.

The messages here are ones that I think everyone can take with them. There’s no way to be a “bad” gay and there’s no one way to celebrate pride. Helping each other and making sure that everyone is represented and seen is the most important thing. Matthew’s books are ones to watch and always going to read them!

Gay teen Zeke Chapman is struggling to be out and proud in his small Alabama town when his father wants him to stay in the closet and the town cancels its Pride festival. Determined to rebel against the growing homophobia and anti-LGBTQIA+ action in his town and state, Zeke organizes a series of underground speakeasies.

Full of heart, romance, friendship, a mix of supportive and unsupportive parents and a hopeful message about the power of resistance, this was a great YA coming of age novel that is highly recommended for fans of books like Dragging Mason County, Shampoo Unicorn or Let them stare. A perfect read for Pride month! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Narrative: 📕📘📗📓📒
Angst: Moderate
Spice: 🌶
Humor: 😆😆😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Slow

I don't normally place reviews with personal feelings but this book is causing me to just by how it hit. The story of a high school student trying to figure himself out even though external forces keep trying to lessen him, it's a story that crosses all age boundaries and this one does it so well. As a 40 something gay male I'm still trying figure myself out, find my tribe, and exist in this ever changing world trying to hold us down.

This one is empowering in the best way. I will say I kinda wish the end had a bit more to it, but I can't say why without a spoiler.

The Rebel’s Guide To Pride is the newest novel from Matthew Hubbard. I loved his debut novel and getting to know him since then has been so amazing. I was so excited when I received an approval for this ARC and even more excited doing this as a buddy read with Jordan.
Zeke is working through a lot having recently come out, including an unsupportive father, not so welcoming teammates, and lower grades. He finds solace with his mother, best friend and attending his first pride event since being out. When the mayor cancels the pride event day of, something awakens within Zeke, something even he didn’t know he had. With the helps of his friends and unlikely allies, he spearheads a movement by creating some hidden celebrations in homage of speakeasies. As their popularity increases, and the pressure of wanting to do more intensifies; Zeke learns the importance of being yourself and proud to be a rebel. This story has such an amazing and important message, now more than ever. It was great seeing these characters go through real situations many of us face and how it’s ok to be scared and unsure of things but we cannot give up. The importance of support systems with family and found families was lovely to see. I went through several emotions reading this but what I left with was hope, hope that this book will reach many people and hope that we continue to fight. One line that resonated with me was “You only lose if you stop.”