NOVEMBER 2022 - AudioFile
Listeners will become engrossed in this warm performance by Mark Sanderlin. Matthew Prince comes from all kinds of money, but his parents cut him off after he purchases an island. To his dismay, he’s sent to live with his grandparents in a quaint town, and, even worse, has a roommate, a sarcastic yet attractive young man named Hector. While the reluctant romance that develops is fetching, Sanderlin’s performance really shines in Matthew’s character progression from a snobby, spoiled brat to a humble, exposed man who wants real companionship. It’s a story about breaking down walls, and Sanderlin’s smooth, charming narration provides much-needed depth. The buildup between Matthew and Hector is spicy and satisfying. A queer holiday romance for a wide audience to devour. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
08/29/2022
For this frothy Christmas romance, Janovsky (Never Been Kissed) exiles entitled 21-year-old socialite Matthew Prince, “New York City’s reigning Party Prince,” to the Berkshires for the holidays. As punishment for impulse buying an island, Matthew’s parents cut him off and cart him off to his grandparents’ cozy Wind River, Mass., cottage—where of course he’s a fish out of water. His professor grandfather has also offered a room to Hector Martinez, a financially struggling college student, who strikes up an immediate mutual dislike with snobby Matthew. The polar opposite roommates reach a kind of détente when Hector helps Matthew through a panic attack, each revealing hidden depths to the other. And when Matthew makes a plan to get them both home for the holidays by convincing his parents he’s changed his ways and regaining access to his funds, they become an unlikely team, baking cookies and planning the Wind River Holiday Charity Gala. As they work together, Matthew’s shocked to recognize himself “catching feelings” for his newfound friend. Janovsky is blatant about the “holiday romance magic” at work, but Matthew’s redemption arc is just as gratifying as the love story. The result is a sweet romance that’s sure to put readers in the holiday spirit. Agent: Kevin O’Connor, O’Connor Literary. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"[You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince] is a sweet, sexy holiday romp." — Booklist
"This is holiday rom-com perfection. Sparkling with a gloriously fresh, witty voice and timely messages of healing and hopeful new beginnings, YOU'RE A MEAN ONE, MATTHEW PRINCE is tender, sexy, and deeply heartfelt—a new all-time favorite!
" — Chloe Liese, author of the Bergman Brothers series
"YOU'RE A MEAN ONE, MATTHEW PRINCE is a funny, heartwarming pop of Christmas sparkle with a protagonist whose selfish ways are so entertaining to read that I'm almost sorry he can't be bad forever—but with as funny as Matthew is when he's wicked, his redemption arc is equally satisfying, sweet as a chai sugar cookie, and I was rooting for him and Hector, as well as the whole town, from the moment Matthew Prince stepped into Wind River in his Gucci boots." — Sarah Hogle author of You Deserve Each Other and Twice Shy
Library Journal
05/01/2022
Matthew Prince lives in a luxury New York City apartment with his wealthy parents, who also pay his credit card bills, and he bases his life on how social media will view him. He creates havoc and scandals with every step, leaving his parents' PR firm to clean up the mess. But when Matthew's generalized anxiety disorder overwhelms him and he panic-purchases an island (a small one), it's one scandal too many. His parents cut up his credit cards and send him to his grandparents' house in the small town of Wind River for Christmas while they handle his latest disaster. Storming into his grandparents' small cottage, he discovers a further outrage: He has to share a room, and bunk beds, with their boarder, Hector Martinez. Hector is hardworking, humble, and sincere…the exact opposite of Matthew. And he snores. Matthew is certain this will be the worst holiday of his life. Little by little, however, he begins to find his footing, and maybe even a direction for his future, as his frozen heart begins to thaw. This contemporary gay romantic comedy is told from Matthew's point of view, giving readers a close look at his anxiety, body issues, and lack of close relationships. While he could be, and occasionally is, unlikable, Janovsky (Never Been Kissed) gives Matthew a realistic backstory and believable emotional growth. The secondary characters aren't as well developed, leaving the focus on Matthew, but they all play important roles in his story. VERDICT Fans of Alexandria Bellefleur and Courtney Kae will clamor for this slow-burn, opposites-attract holiday treat.—Heather Miller Cover
NOVEMBER 2022 - AudioFile
Listeners will become engrossed in this warm performance by Mark Sanderlin. Matthew Prince comes from all kinds of money, but his parents cut him off after he purchases an island. To his dismay, he’s sent to live with his grandparents in a quaint town, and, even worse, has a roommate, a sarcastic yet attractive young man named Hector. While the reluctant romance that develops is fetching, Sanderlin’s performance really shines in Matthew’s character progression from a snobby, spoiled brat to a humble, exposed man who wants real companionship. It’s a story about breaking down walls, and Sanderlin’s smooth, charming narration provides much-needed depth. The buildup between Matthew and Hector is spicy and satisfying. A queer holiday romance for a wide audience to devour. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
