Reviews with content warning for Outing - You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince

Reviews tagging 'Outing'

You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky

16 reviews

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.

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lauren_shilling's review

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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.

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alexcp104's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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womanwill's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

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ghoulishcrypt's review

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reflective slow-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

3.5

I think snobby rich people even in books are just not my thing. Okay, Matthew grew on me by chapter twenty-one. If you want a queer book that’s like a Christmas Hallmark movie this fits that bill. The mental health talk was great and you definitely learn why Matthew was the way he was. The fact that he plans events to calm his anxiety is personally so relatable because while I don’t plan events in those times I do design possible future homes, make lists with the items I imagine in them, and make list for almost anything instead. There’s also some good quotes in this.

I wasn’t bothered by this but I know others might be Hector (li) calls Matthew dude so many times so beware of that. I do think this could have been shorter but at the same time it wasn’t like dragging to the point where things absolutely needed to be cut. Also, the parents but specifically the mother in this just no. And lastly I would like to admit that until I got to chapter twenty one I was constantly thinking about DNF’ing this.

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fanboyriot's review

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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

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kaydeedickins's review against another edition

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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!!

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danielle_isreading's review

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emotional funny lighthearted tense 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

4.75

This book really was a perfect holiday read. It was my favorite type of romance read: A true rom-com (these characters are over the top and kitschy in a way that truly works!) that still has immense depth, particularly in its narrator.

There were some pacing things that I wasn’t quite sure of, but I really thought the way it all happened and then came together worked.

Also “Krampus” was a phenomenal choice.

Finally, I should note that I did this one in a combined audio/ebook read and the audiobook narrator was WONDERFUL. Highly recommend.

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morganperks's review

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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.

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ggreen1379's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

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