Member Reviews

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn is a witty, charming read that had me laughing out loud! The story follows a loveable yet hopelessly dramatic protagonist, whose romantic misadventures are both hilarious and heartwarming. I loved the humor throughout, with Trevaldwyn’s clever writing bringing both absurdity and sweetness to the plot. It’s the perfect book for anyone who loves a good romantic comedy with a quirky twist. I think our library patrons will really enjoy it—it’s light, funny, and a perfect escape for anyone looking for a feel-good read with a lot of laughs!

Was this review helpful?

This is a feel good laugh out loud book! I even snorted a few times lol. Patch is my favorite character in a long time. He's unapologetically himself for all the good and bad. Definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

The book was funny and heartwarming in parts, but all in all, Patch was a lot. It irritated me how delusional he was and crafted crazy narratives in his own head so much. If he was toned down, I would have likely loved this book. I’m all for a great LGBTQ read, but Patch was so much more than extra. His mental gymnastics gave me a headache. Apart from that, loved the characters, wish there had been more resolution with Peter though. Solid effort, solid story.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Harry Trevaldwyn and his publisher for an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest review of this young adult, light-hearted rom com.

I thought this book was funny and, although Patch is truly a self-centered, drama king, he made me laugh out loud and I found it all quite endearing.

I think his best friend Jean is amazing and she made me nostalgic for days long past of high school and college friendships when your friends really are everything.

The romance part is just okay, not really sure how it even developed and I, honestly, would have liked to see more there.

Otherwise, this is a funny, light, and quick read that I'll be sure to recommend to others!

Was this review helpful?

This was a beautifully done romantic comedy and enjoyed the overall story going on. I was engaged with the characters and getting to know them in this story. I enjoyed how well Harry Trevaldwyn wrote this and had that element that I was looking for.

Was this review helpful?

I don't think I'm the target audience for this one. While it's billed as YA, it feels geared toward middle grade/teen. Patch was... a lot. And having the story from only his POV felt chaotic. There would have been more space to breathe if done as a dual POV. I think it was clear from the start that Sam would end up the love interest and that Patch had some serious growing to do.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!

Was this review helpful?

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King took me straight back into high school, in a good way! Patch's voice was so clear and it made his character development so rich. I truly felt like I was experiencing things as a high schooler would. 

We meet Patch and he has goals for this school year, the main one being find himself a boyfriend. So of course all hilarity ensues on that journey. I thought the author's exploration of emotion and feelings and how we aren't always seeing the full picture was so well done. It's particularly challenging to see things from the other perspective at times, and this book does a great job of showing how its characters can do that amidst their own inner turmoils. 

If you love theater, drama, strong friendships, and romance I'd recommend picking this up. Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC

Was this review helpful?

What a tremendously good time I had reading this book. Really brought me back to my Kurt from Glee days. Teens being dramatic about love and life is my jam. I loved how the story started and ended with a letter. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest e

Was this review helpful?

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed out loud at a book as much as I did reading this one. This was a fast and enjoyable read with just enough tension and character development that it kept me interested.

I knew from the first page that I was going to enjoy this book. Patch had such a clear voice and personality from the very beginning and it stayed consistent throughout, even as he matured a little bit. You know right from the start exactly who he is, and he is oblivious and endearing in the best way. Over the course of this story I enjoyed how Patch’s more formidable character flaws were addressed but the root of his personality stayed the same. I also appreciated the supporting characters just as much as I did Patch, and found myself empathizing with them quite often. The entertaining and unique characters are what made this book stand out to me and I really liked it.

This was one of my most delightful reads of the year and thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately this book just wasn’t my cup of tea. I absolutely could not stand Patch. I get he’s dramatic being a theater kid but the narration and just how he was… I’m sorry I couldn’t do it.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. So sweet! Patch is determined to get a boyfriend by PROM which for them is just a dance after the drama club puts on their musical at the end of term. But when the only two other out guys at his school begin dating he’ll begin to doubt his plan. Lucky two new boys show up to Drama club. Patch would be fine with either but he’s drawn to Peter and anyway Sam doesn’t really seem to like him. But do they even like boys? His best friend Jean is determined he find out before he gets to ahead of himself. Also his ex best friend and current nemesis, Tessa, rejoins drama club too. Will this be an opportunity for them to mend fences? Will Patch finally get a boyfriend? Or will the pressure be too much? I chuckled so much while reading this! Patch is a cocky, full of himself, somewhat selfish, little butt, that I just loved!! He’s also sweet, kind, and talks a lot! He has that witty awkward banter and personality that I love to see in a character! Some of my favorite parts are when he’s interacting with Ms. Beckett. I’ve had three Ms. Beckett’s in my life and I cherish each of those relationships! And the wise wisdom I got from those older ladies! Charming, romantic, and will keep you turning the pages! Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Story of Patch and his quest to find a prom date. Can he find someone that will like him back? This has been done before but I do enjoy a quest for love. Honestly, I need to like the main character to love the book. Unfortunately, I didn’t like Patch. I found him overbearing, silly, and a bit grandiose. And I’m aware some actors might have those qualities but to read the whole book with those qualities was a bit tedious. The love interest was not flushed out so no clue what made him special. The other supporting friends were not standouts. I wasn’t really rooting for anyone. They were some funny bits. I enjoyed his teacher that was too honest in her quest to finding her own love. Though if you love the theatre and finding a date to the prom this might be one for you. Overall, it was a bit meh for me. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

Was this review helpful?

The premise for this book caught my attention, and I liked the idea of a boy looking for his first love, but I really struggled with the the main protagonist, Patch. He is simply sooooo unlikable. I didn’t root for him. Despite that, other characters were fun to read, and the setting of high school was well done.

Was this review helpful?

maybe i'm just too old and world weary for this one but i could not standdddd patch. i know he's supposed to be an endearing fumbling theatre kid but guys i think i just hate theatre kids

glad he had his little redemption arc but my god what an insufferable narrator

that being said. an extra star for "it's not very bi of him to have two girlfriends" i'll admit that made me cackle

ultimately i think it's largely an issue of personal taste! would recommend this for younger readers, particular queer youth ages 12-14 (i certainly had a much higher tolerance for annoying protagonists at that age lol)

2.5

Was this review helpful?