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danscoada'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? It's complicated
5.0
This was absolutely everything I wanted from my first holiday romance book and more. I laughed, I nearly cried. I felt seen with this one. The Muppet Christmas Carol is indeed the best holiday film ever.
Many out there have criticisms of this novel, and I completely understand why. I don’t read much romance, and this was my first holiday romance. So, I’m not familiar with many of the tropes used in romance novels. This likely gave me a more favorable impression. However, I can’t deny that I absolutely adored this book. We deserve cheesy (holiday) romances, too!
Many out there have criticisms of this novel, and I completely understand why. I don’t read much romance, and this was my first holiday romance. So, I’m not familiar with many of the tropes used in romance novels. This likely gave me a more favorable impression. However, I can’t deny that I absolutely adored this book. We deserve cheesy (holiday) romances, too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Toxic friendship
theespressoedition's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
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
3.5
If you're a fan of Red, White & Royal Blue, you will most likely love this book. Considering that I am not a big fan of RWRB, I struggled to enjoy this one, particularly at the beginning.
Enemies-to-lovers is not my jam... like, at all. It takes a lot for me to really like that trope and this story just didn't have good enough reasons for me to put up with it. Our MC - a completely stuck-up, selfish, "I just bought an island because I was sad and wanted to prove myself" rich boy - doesn't like the love interest at first because... what... he exists in the same space as him and doesn't appreciate fashion and skincare? Okay. The initial dislike felt more like a disconnect and I just couldn't get with the program.
As time went on, I softened to the protagonist, understanding some of why he operated the way he did. However, the final conflict could have been avoided ENTIRELY, had he just not been a prick who refused to hear the other side of the story. Oh, and if he had recognized that his parents were just as selfish and fake as he was. Yeah, it was a lot. I felt I had finally gotten into the story for it to do a spin on me again and make me dislike it just as much as I did when I started.
The redeeming factor for me was the comedic aspect. This book is definitely funny and had me laugh aloud a few times. The other part that I appreciated was that it had pretty great anxiety rep. I appreciated the author's note at the beginning and the list of resources at the end of the book. That was really cool. More of that, please and thanks. I just wish I had actually loved the story itself.
Entertaining to some degree but not worth writing home about.
Enemies-to-lovers is not my jam... like, at all. It takes a lot for me to really like that trope and this story just didn't have good enough reasons for me to put up with it. Our MC - a completely stuck-up, selfish, "I just bought an island because I was sad and wanted to prove myself" rich boy - doesn't like the love interest at first because... what... he exists in the same space as him and doesn't appreciate fashion and skincare? Okay. The initial dislike felt more like a disconnect and I just couldn't get with the program.
As time went on, I softened to the protagonist, understanding some of why he operated the way he did. However, the final conflict could have been avoided ENTIRELY, had he just not been a prick who refused to hear the other side of the story. Oh, and if he had recognized that his parents were just as selfish and fake as he was. Yeah, it was a lot. I felt I had finally gotten into the story for it to do a spin on me again and make me dislike it just as much as I did when I started.
The redeeming factor for me was the comedic aspect. This book is definitely funny and had me laugh aloud a few times. The other part that I appreciated was that it had pretty great anxiety rep. I appreciated the author's note at the beginning and the list of resources at the end of the book. That was really cool. More of that, please and thanks. I just wish I had actually loved the story itself.
Entertaining to some degree but not worth writing home about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
4.0
f you loved Schitt's Creek, this one is for you! Especially if you loved David and Patrick's relationship.
Janovsky knocked this Holiday time romance out of the park. The chemistry between Matthew and his love interest Hector is palpable. I think my favorite part of this book was the way Janovsky wrote and showed how Matthew struggles with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. So many people struggle with GAD and it isn't talked about enough. Throughout the book Matthew is shown going through panic attacks and his own coping mechanisms.
On top of that Hector is so understanding and empathetic to Matthew's anxiety, which is a first for him. Since Matthew comes from parents who shoved him off on nannies and didn't spend too much time with him, his anxiety is a big theme throughout the novel.
Matthew's coping mechanism is to start planning a party in his head when he starts feeling things spinning out of control. Which is very relatable to so many people who deal with GAD. They try to hold on to the things they can control in a situation that is spiraling.
On top of the amazing Anxiety representation Hector is not only bisexual, but Puerto Rican. There are side characters that are sapphic, and trans. And it normalizes therapy.
The spicy parts were both tender and realistic, from what I know of queer men having sex. I really enjoyed the narrator as well.
cw
abandonment
gaslighting
toxic friendship
toxic relationship
sexual content
Janovsky knocked this Holiday time romance out of the park. The chemistry between Matthew and his love interest Hector is palpable. I think my favorite part of this book was the way Janovsky wrote and showed how Matthew struggles with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. So many people struggle with GAD and it isn't talked about enough. Throughout the book Matthew is shown going through panic attacks and his own coping mechanisms.
On top of that Hector is so understanding and empathetic to Matthew's anxiety, which is a first for him. Since Matthew comes from parents who shoved him off on nannies and didn't spend too much time with him, his anxiety is a big theme throughout the novel.
Matthew's coping mechanism is to start planning a party in his head when he starts feeling things spinning out of control. Which is very relatable to so many people who deal with GAD. They try to hold on to the things they can control in a situation that is spiraling.
On top of the amazing Anxiety representation Hector is not only bisexual, but Puerto Rican. There are side characters that are sapphic, and trans. And it normalizes therapy.
The spicy parts were both tender and realistic, from what I know of queer men having sex. I really enjoyed the narrator as well.
cw
abandonment
gaslighting
toxic friendship
toxic relationship
sexual content
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Classism
pvbobrien's review against another edition
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Emotional abuse and Outing
betweentheshelves's review
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
jennp28's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
Really liked this cute LGBT holiday romance with a dose of honest mental-health/anxiety rep thrown in. At first I really disliked the main character but that just made his character arc all the more satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Outing and Toxic friendship
chambersaurusrx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Outing
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
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
decklededgess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
trigger warnings: anxiety/panic attacks, financial problems, infidelity, toxic friendships, sexual content, alcohol
This book was so fucking cute!! I loved the Grinch x Schitt's Creek combination of plot. The tension between the two leads that sets up the enemies to lovers dynamic was exquisite. They both had valid reason to PROPERLY hate each other but the gradual growth and understanding of each other felt honest and symbiotic as they worked together to host the gala event. Matthew's grinch heart thawing as he learnt to appreciate the humanity in interaction instead of the social clout in appearance was really wonderful as well. A really well rounded and fun winter read!
This book was so fucking cute!! I loved the Grinch x Schitt's Creek combination of plot. The tension between the two leads that sets up the enemies to lovers dynamic was exquisite. They both had valid reason to PROPERLY hate each other but the gradual growth and understanding of each other felt honest and symbiotic as they worked together to host the gala event. Matthew's grinch heart thawing as he learnt to appreciate the humanity in interaction instead of the social clout in appearance was really wonderful as well. A really well rounded and fun winter read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
patricktreads's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
4.75
At first, this book was haaarrrddd to get through. The narration was good but the personality of the protagonist was grating. Even I didn’t want him and Hector to get together.
Thankfully that calmed down and it became more bearable.
Overall though, I did enjoy it and would happily read another one of his books.
Thankfully that calmed down and it became more bearable.
Overall though, I did enjoy it and would happily read another one of his books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism