Rating: 3.75
Release Date: October 4, 2022
Format: Audiobook Narrated by Mark Sanderlin
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
A Grump/sunshine trope with Christmas flair. Fans of Shitt's Creek, Hallmark Movies and A Christmas Carol will love this!
About the Book:
Matthew Prince is young, rich, spoiled and thoroughly unhappy! He’s top dog in New York City, but one major PR misstep later (anyone want to buy an island?) and Matthew is cut off and shipped away to spend the holidays in his grandparents’ small town.
When he gets there he finds out he has to share bunkbeds with Hector Martinez, an attractive townie who is unimpressed with anything and everything Matthew does and lets him know exactly what he thinks about him.
Just when it looks like the holiday season is bringing nothing but heated squabbles, the charity gala loses its coordinator and Matthew steps in as a saintly act to get home early on good behavior…with Hector as his co-contributer of course. Will the forced proximity and infectious holiday cheer be enough to make Prince’s heart grow three sizes this year?
TW: Panic attacks, mental illness and toxic friendships.
Review:
From strangers to unlikely allies to lovers, Matthew and Hector’s journey to romance while planning the town’s holiday fundraiser was incredible wholesome and stole my heart. The characters were believable and seemed like they could be really people, they were lovable, raw, honest and engaging. All of the relationship dynamics were so endearing, from Matthews grandparents, parents, old friends and new friends it felt like I was personally witnessing the banter, growth and love that he wanted to experience with others around him but his anxiety was holding him back.
My only complaint is the overuse of “dude” throughout, I get that it was supposed to be a funny gag but it went on far too long and farrrr too often.
I loved seeing Matthew grow from spoiled brat to hard working business owner. He learns to cope with his general anxiety disorder and openly communicate his mental health needs with friends/family. I also loved seeing Hector fall for Matthew and be there with him through the good times and the bad while supporting him no matter what.
🌶️ Spice Meter 🌶️ : 2 out of 5 Peppers
Final Thoughts: This was a really cute, predictable queer holiday romcom. If you have ever seen a Halmark movie you know what is going to happen but you still love it. Deffinatly a fun read to get into the holiday spirit.
Disclaimer: Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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