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angelo_vossen's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
Timothy Janovsky’s “You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince” is a heartwarming holiday romance that masterfully blends humor, charm, emotional depth, and an honest exploration of mental health. With its witty writing and lovable characters, the novel offers a delightful reimagining of the classic holiday redemption story while addressing real-life challenges like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Matthew Prince, the titular character, begins as a spoiled and self-absorbed socialite who is reluctantly banished to a small town for the holidays. What initially feels like punishment transforms into a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and unexpected love. Janovsky handles Matthew’s struggles with GAD with care and authenticity, portraying his intrusive thoughts, moments of panic, and the coping mechanisms he uses. This nuanced depiction allows readers who may deal with similar challenges to feel seen and understood while providing insight for those who may not.
The dynamic between Matthew and Hector, his gruff yet kind-hearted roommate, is the beating heart of the novel. Their slow-burn romance is as sweet as it is satisfying, and Hector’s unwavering support becomes an essential part of Matthew’s healing process. Janovsky doesn’t rely on romance as a “fix” for Matthew’s anxiety but instead shows the importance of self-work, understanding, and leaning on a supportive community.
The small-town setting, complete with cozy holiday traditions and quirky characters, adds an extra layer of warmth to the story, creating an environment where Matthew can slowly lower his guard. Janovsky’s sharp, humorous prose keeps the pacing lively, while tender and introspective moments ensure emotional payoff.
“You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince” is more than just a holiday romance; it’s a heartfelt exploration of identity, mental health, and the transformative power of love and community. With its deft handling of GAD and its message of hope, this novel is a perfect holiday read, offering equal parts laughter, swoon-worthy romance, and relatable lessons. Highly recommended for anyone looking to embrace the magic of the season while finding a meaningful connection to its themes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content and Classism
Minor: Biphobia, Body shaming, Cursing, Drug use, Homophobia, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
ivykennerauthor's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity
lauren_shilling's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I loved this book. I loved it so much. I was really hoping I would love it, and it absolutely did NOT disappoint! Matthew and Hector were incredible, and I absolutely adored reading about them both. I really was not expecting Matthew to be as relatable as he ended up being, but his struggles with anxiety hit really close to home for me. It was a really validating read, and I was actually surprised by how validating it was to read from his point of view about his struggles. I also really loved watching his character growth. It was done wonderfully well, and it was such a pleasure to join him on his journey. Something else I loved about this book was that it wasn't a story about a character realizing that they were meant to be in a small town instead of the city they always thought they loved. Matthew loves the city, and even as he grows as a person and begins to shift his priorities, he still loves it. I appreciated that because, even as someone who doesn't like NYC that much, I get tired of stories of people becoming almost a whole different person. Matthew didn't become a different person, just a better one. The side characters were all wonderful too, and I loved watching Matthew connect, not only with Hector, but with his grandparents and new friends as well. It was such a special thing to watch unfold. Hector was also such an amazing love interest. He was so sweet and kind and wonderful, and I loved him so much. I loved learning about him and getting to know him along with Matthew. He was really special. I loved everything about this book, and it was one of the easiest five stars I've ever given.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Classism
Minor: Drug use and Outing
fanboyriot's review
emotional
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
5.0
Read For:
🏳️🌈 Achillean
☃️ Holiday Romance
🫶 Enemies to Lovers
☺️ Wholesome Ending
🎄 Small Town Christmas
Loved this!! The holiday atmosphere and the small town vibes made this such an enjoyable read. Worth the hype for sure.
I wasn’t sure if I’d like Matthew or not, the spoiled rich kid usually is an ick for me but this was written so well. He was a well detailed character and had depth to his personality. The character development was so pleasant to read.
This was such a cute holiday rom-com!
POV: First Person
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rep: Gay (MC), BI (LI), Anxiety (MC), Mental Health, Poly Relationship (Past), BIPOC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content and Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
kaydeedickins's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
If you like Schitts Creek (especially David Rose), then you might just love this book. The first 5-10 chapters are very David Rose-esque. Such a good book! Love love love!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming, Drug use, Fatphobia, and Outing
casdelvo's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, and Toxic relationship
morganperks's review
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? It's complicated
5.0
Well, I'll be darned if the small-town romance didn't thaw my stone-cold heart and make it grow three sizes. 5 stars. Only cause I'm feeling sappy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Drug use, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Outing, and Gaslighting
kirstym25's review
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Drug use
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An adorable Christmas rom-com, just what I was in the mood for! I realize I never really read that many holiday books during the Christmas season, so it's even better when it's a gay holiday book. This read kind of like a Hallmark movie to me, which is just the vibes you want in a Christmas novel. There's just something comforting about reading a romance where you know where it's going. Especially around the holidays!
If you pay atteniont, there are a lot of little hints for the Grinch peppered throughout the novel, and some of them were clever! I thought it made the book ever more fun to read. You don't want to sympathize with Matthew at the beginning, but as we get to know him more, you get to unpack some of his anxieties and stress. I really came to like him by the end.
There were some repetitive things that I wasn't a huge fan of (mostly, the repetition of "dude." I know it was supposed to be a character thing, it just drove me crazy). But there was great chemistry between the two main characters and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
If you pay atteniont, there are a lot of little hints for the Grinch peppered throughout the novel, and some of them were clever! I thought it made the book ever more fun to read. You don't want to sympathize with Matthew at the beginning, but as we get to know him more, you get to unpack some of his anxieties and stress. I really came to like him by the end.
There were some repetitive things that I wasn't a huge fan of (mostly, the repetition of "dude." I know it was supposed to be a character thing, it just drove me crazy). But there was great chemistry between the two main characters and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, and Outing
melaniereadsbooks's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Dream Scape Media and Netgalley for an ALC of this book.
When Matthew hides out from social media scandal with his grandparents for Christmas, he finds himself temporary roommates with Hector. Both from different worlds, the two butt heads immediately, until they team up to throw a Christmas charity event.
This was so cute! It was funny at times but also sweet and slow when it had to be and I absolutely loved it. I loved the relationship development. I loved the hallmark movie esque setting and plot and how deep Matthew's character went. The anxiety rep was really good and I loved how it all ended. Such an adorable holiday romcom!
Funny story- After reading this book from Netgalley, I went to buy it when it came out. I was at Barnes and Noble and couldn't find it because they had been remodelling and things were kind of all over the place. I asked for help and the employee couldn't find it either. I figured I would order it online and went to get a coffee at the starbucks. While I was ordering, another employee came up to me holding the book! They asked if I was the one looking and I said yes and was visibly excited to have gotten it. The Starbucks cashier asked what book and I told them, holding it up, I said, "It's a gay Christmas romcom!" The cashier gaped and then three other people in the cafe pivoted their heads to see what book I was holding! I think I found some fans that day.
Can't recommend this enough if you are in the mood for some adorable holiday romance!
When Matthew hides out from social media scandal with his grandparents for Christmas, he finds himself temporary roommates with Hector. Both from different worlds, the two butt heads immediately, until they team up to throw a Christmas charity event.
This was so cute! It was funny at times but also sweet and slow when it had to be and I absolutely loved it. I loved the relationship development. I loved the hallmark movie esque setting and plot and how deep Matthew's character went. The anxiety rep was really good and I loved how it all ended. Such an adorable holiday romcom!
Funny story- After reading this book from Netgalley, I went to buy it when it came out. I was at Barnes and Noble and couldn't find it because they had been remodelling and things were kind of all over the place. I asked for help and the employee couldn't find it either. I figured I would order it online and went to get a coffee at the starbucks. While I was ordering, another employee came up to me holding the book! They asked if I was the one looking and I said yes and was visibly excited to have gotten it. The Starbucks cashier asked what book and I told them, holding it up, I said, "It's a gay Christmas romcom!" The cashier gaped and then three other people in the cafe pivoted their heads to see what book I was holding! I think I found some fans that day.
Can't recommend this enough if you are in the mood for some adorable holiday romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Drug use and Infidelity