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not_undeadr3dshead's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
noxii's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
cardbuck1720's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.25
jefferz's review
5.0
A Holiday TV-movie taken straight off ABC family given a queer spin with harder hits and surprisingly solid pacing, in Boy Meets Boy #2 Janovsky takes everything that was good in #1 and refines it. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, I sometimes felt like I was over-scoring it because of how cute and breezy it felt vs directly looking at its objective qualities. This one beefs up all of the weaker elements with better execution.
The pacing is better, characters (especially the side characters) are more developed and complex, the overarching plot being more compelling and involved, I was pleasantly surprised given how predictable most holiday fairs can be. There are still the usual tropes of a Grinch warming to the holiday cheer but the plot twists and it's conclusion help elevate the material beyond simply being cute. It also helps that the comedy is cranked up to an 11 thanks to the protag's overdramatic spoiled rich boy persona. The first 50 pages of diva material can be off-putting but we love a good character development journey (I'm no expert on the matter but it takes a genuine stab at generalized anxiety disorder). Thought book #1 might've been a lucky fluke, now I'm invested and moving on to #3 in the anthology series soon.
The pacing is better, characters (especially the side characters) are more developed and complex, the overarching plot being more compelling and involved, I was pleasantly surprised given how predictable most holiday fairs can be. There are still the usual tropes of a Grinch warming to the holiday cheer but the plot twists and it's conclusion help elevate the material beyond simply being cute. It also helps that the comedy is cranked up to an 11 thanks to the protag's overdramatic spoiled rich boy persona. The first 50 pages of diva material can be off-putting but we love a good character development journey (I'm no expert on the matter but it takes a genuine stab at generalized anxiety disorder). Thought book #1 might've been a lucky fluke, now I'm invested and moving on to #3 in the anthology series soon.
cboschie's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
5.0
rainbowbookworm's review
3.0
Cute holiday romance, but I am over super privileged white protagonists-regardless of their mental health struggles.
cinderrunner's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was cute but overall rather weak in terms of the quality of writing and being an engaging read
garrett_7926's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
groundsatpemberley's review
3.0
From the title I was expecting a How the Grinch Stole Christmas-type story, but I got more A Christmas Carol vibes from this. There aren’t any ghosts, but through the kindness of others and some serious self-reflection our MC learns the errors of his ways.
Janovsky did a great job with Matthew’s transformation. I REALLY did not like him from the start and I questioned for a while whether or not I ever would, but by the end I really felt for him—even when he backtracked. I’ve seen some people compare him and his growth to David Rose from Schitt’s Creek and that is a totally excellent comparison.
Janovsky did a great job with Matthew’s transformation. I REALLY did not like him from the start and I questioned for a while whether or not I ever would, but by the end I really felt for him—even when he backtracked. I’ve seen some people compare him and his growth to David Rose from Schitt’s Creek and that is a totally excellent comparison.