You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince

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.