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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for inviting me to review a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King wasn't the greatest book I ever read, but it's not bad. One of the shining points of the book is that it's absolutely hysterical and I just couldn't stop laughing at some of the hijinks that Patch finds himself in throughout the book. The characters were easy enough to like and there's some meaningful character development that occurs in Patch. However, the writing, while absolutely funny at times, wasn't as memorable when Trevaldwyn isn't trying to make the reader laugh.
Nevertheless, if you want a British YA rom-com that will have you almost laughing your butt off and you're fine with books that have decent writing styles, you may like The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King. However, if you find main characters that constantly contradict themselves in every other chapter, you might want to reconsider if this is the book for you.
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King wasn't the greatest book I ever read, but it's not bad. One of the shining points of the book is that it's absolutely hysterical and I just couldn't stop laughing at some of the hijinks that Patch finds himself in throughout the book. The characters were easy enough to like and there's some meaningful character development that occurs in Patch. However, the writing, while absolutely funny at times, wasn't as memorable when Trevaldwyn isn't trying to make the reader laugh.
Nevertheless, if you want a British YA rom-com that will have you almost laughing your butt off and you're fine with books that have decent writing styles, you may like The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King. However, if you find main characters that constantly contradict themselves in every other chapter, you might want to reconsider if this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Blood
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For every teenage who thought they were a little over the top but was just trying to seize the most out of high school. Loved it
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Patch, self-proclaimed Drama King, vows to have a boyfriend by Prom. But when two new boys arrive—American and British, both distracting—his perfectly scripted plan starts to unravel.
With its diverse, lovable cast and a narrator who feels everything, The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is a hilarious and heartfelt dive into teenage love, queer identity, and the chaos of wanting something real.
Will Patch find love before the final curtain falls—or will drama steal the spotlight once again?
Big emotions. Bigger dreams. And one boy who treats every moment like opening night.
Because when your heart belongs on stage, every kiss, fight, and heartbreak is a full-blown scene.
With its diverse, lovable cast and a narrator who feels everything, The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is a hilarious and heartfelt dive into teenage love, queer identity, and the chaos of wanting something real.
Will Patch find love before the final curtain falls—or will drama steal the spotlight once again?
Big emotions. Bigger dreams. And one boy who treats every moment like opening night.
Because when your heart belongs on stage, every kiss, fight, and heartbreak is a full-blown scene.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Rep: All Cis, white cast. One gay male, one bisexual male, one non-straight male (never specified). Two straight females.
It’s no secret that I love stories about dramatic twinks who are always getting into trouble.
This one though, takes the cake (no I’m kidding I love all of them).
I won this as a giveaway and I’m so glad I did! I loved this story and the comedy but what really gave it heart was the RESPECT! Best Friend was a good ally and a reminder to watch for bierasure and force coming out and all sorts.
Also, no spoilers but the ending?! I saw it coming but with a twist! And a lesson learning twist no less. Love.
It’s no secret that I love stories about dramatic twinks who are always getting into trouble.
This one though, takes the cake (no I’m kidding I love all of them).
I won this as a giveaway and I’m so glad I did! I loved this story and the comedy but what really gave it heart was the RESPECT! Best Friend was a good ally and a reminder to watch for bierasure and force coming out and all sorts.
Also, no spoilers but the ending?! I saw it coming but with a twist! And a lesson learning twist no less. Love.
Laugh out loud funny. Such a sweet and lighthearted story, super fun to listen to.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF-skimmed to the end
3 Stars to Harry Trevaldwyn for the book
5 Stars to Harry Tevaldwyn for the narration
I abandoned ship at the halfway point and skimmed to the end but I'm still going to rate this 3 stars because I think this really had potential.
Before I get into why I dnf'd I just want to say that I really liked Harry Trevaldwyn's narration of the book. Sometimes when authors read their own work it doesn't always vibe, just because you wrote it doesn't mean you'll be good at reading it, but this was not the case here, Harry did a great job.
There were some funny moments and funny lines and dialogue but because we spend 95% of the book inside Patch's head listening to his inner monologue and self absorption it just got tedious. The other characters were so one-dimensional and lacking and there really was no chemistry with Sam. I picked up the book because I wanted to read a fun rom com, but alas, it was a little com with little to no rom.
3 Stars to Harry Trevaldwyn for the book
5 Stars to Harry Tevaldwyn for the narration
I abandoned ship at the halfway point and skimmed to the end but I'm still going to rate this 3 stars because I think this really had potential.
Before I get into why I dnf'd I just want to say that I really liked Harry Trevaldwyn's narration of the book. Sometimes when authors read their own work it doesn't always vibe, just because you wrote it doesn't mean you'll be good at reading it, but this was not the case here, Harry did a great job.
Spoiler
I ended up dnf'ing because I just got bored. I know a lot of folks here on goodreads hated Patch and I think if I had not listened to the book on audio I might have had the same reaction. I actually liked Patch, even though he was very over the top, narcissistic and shallow, I also thought he could be sweet and vulnerable and with some maturity I think he would have been more likable.There were some funny moments and funny lines and dialogue but because we spend 95% of the book inside Patch's head listening to his inner monologue and self absorption it just got tedious. The other characters were so one-dimensional and lacking and there really was no chemistry with Sam. I picked up the book because I wanted to read a fun rom com, but alas, it was a little com with little to no rom.