A review by cozycritiques
You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
“Never in my life has someone come for me so directly like this. Everyone hides behind their computers, writing articles and mean tweets they think I’ll never see, but here’s this stranger unabashedly going toe-to-toe with me. Fuck. Do I find that…refreshing?“
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine
Representation: Mental Health (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), LGBTQ+ (Gay and bi), BIPOC (Puerto Rican-American)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶
CW: Mental Illness, Panic Attacks, Mentions of Outing, Toxic Friendship, Gaslighting
This was my first book by Timothy Janovsky, but I will definitely be going back to read his first book now. You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince was utterly delightful. It had all the warm, heartfelt vibes of a Hallmark Christmas movie but with depth and steamy chemistry. The small town setting was perfect, and I loved getting to know all the side characters.
I tend to prefer dual POV when it comes to romance novels. However, I think this book is one of the rare instances where a dual POV may have detracted from the story. Although clearly spoiled and snobbish, Matthew was a surprisingly likable character, something I think can be attributed to the first-person single POV. Because we only see the story through Matthew’s eyes, we can fully understand his struggle with anxiety and the character growth he goes through throughout the book.
My only complaint was Hector’s overuse of the word “dude.” However, I must admit that by the end of the book, I started to find it as endearing as I did annoying. So do with that information what you will.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sweet and funny read with witty banter and a Schitt’s Creek feel, look no further than You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine
Representation: Mental Health (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), LGBTQ+ (Gay and bi), BIPOC (Puerto Rican-American)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶
CW: Mental Illness, Panic Attacks, Mentions of Outing, Toxic Friendship, Gaslighting
This was my first book by Timothy Janovsky, but I will definitely be going back to read his first book now. You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince was utterly delightful. It had all the warm, heartfelt vibes of a Hallmark Christmas movie but with depth and steamy chemistry. The small town setting was perfect, and I loved getting to know all the side characters.
I tend to prefer dual POV when it comes to romance novels. However, I think this book is one of the rare instances where a dual POV may have detracted from the story. Although clearly spoiled and snobbish, Matthew was a surprisingly likable character, something I think can be attributed to the first-person single POV. Because we only see the story through Matthew’s eyes, we can fully understand his struggle with anxiety and the character growth he goes through throughout the book.
My only complaint was Hector’s overuse of the word “dude.” However, I must admit that by the end of the book, I started to find it as endearing as I did annoying. So do with that information what you will.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sweet and funny read with witty banter and a Schitt’s Creek feel, look no further than You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Gaslighting