You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
Matthew Prince is a young, affluent, and utterly spoilt person. Why does it matter that neither his parents nor the media even know he exists? He is in a universe of his own. But after a serious PR gaffe, Matthew is cut off and sent to his grandparents’ quaint little village hellscape to spend Christmas. Who cares about the population?
You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
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Even worse than the fact that he is forced to live in a cheerful winter wonderland, Hector Martinez is a loudly gorgeous local who is unimpressed by anything and everything Matthew accomplishes.
The charity gala loses its coordinator just as it seems the holiday season will only bring violent arguments and Matthew steps in as a pious act to get home early on good behaviour…with Hector as his annoying plus-one. In the end, the forced intimacy and contagious holiday cheer might be enough to make a lonely Prince’s heart grow three times this year. But even a Grinch can’t resist the unexpected delight of the new family.
You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky has its charms and most definitely has its qualities. Most significantly, the book addresses the extremely prevalent mental illness known as a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQ+ community. Janovsky deserves praise. Although he never uses a heavy hand or preaches on this subject, he does throw some light on it, and that is crucial. As Matthew Prince, the main character discovers more and more about himself, there is a solid story arc for him as well. And while the plot could have been much heavier, it is actually quite engaging.
Because it’s adorable, and touching, and who doesn’t love a rom-com? plus it’s about Christmas, I truly did enjoy reading this book. In all honesty, Matthew was a bit of a spoilt brat. He was forced to leave because his parents objected to the media coverage of his purchase of an island. Oh, and he also has a famous author for a mother and a powerful businessman for a father. He meets Hector after being delivered to his grandparents in this joyous winter setting. Aside from the fact that he almost always ends a sentence with “dude,” Hector has a lovely voice.
Matt and Hector don’t get along well at first; there are arguments and squabbles. However, they wind up working together on a community charity event, and during that time, they grow to appreciate one another and even develop affection for one another. It everything comes to a screeching halt the night before the gala when news of Matt’s controversy with the island surfaces. His mother claims that a young man with an “H” name had been extorting them.
