The Romantic Tragedies Of A Drama King

Description

First there was Bridget Jones. Then there was Georgia Nicolson. Now get ready to meet Patch Simmons . . . The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is the hilarious rom-com debut from rising star Harry Trevaldwyn, perfect for fans of Heartstopper.  Patch has decided that this is the year he will get a boyfriend, so it's goodbye to his French pen-pal Jean-Pierre and hello to the world! Unfortunately, the only other "out" boys in his school year are dating each other, so finding a boyfriend isn't going to be easy . . . Until fate finally intervenes and two new mysterious boys join drama club: Peter, who’s just moved from New York (very chic) and his best friend, Sam. Patch is confident that one of them will be his first boyfriend. So, armed with his over-supportive best friend Jean and an alarming level of self-confidence, Patch sets out to make his mission a success. Whether or not they actually like boys or him is a problem for later. The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud comedy about boldly being yourself and never losing sight of who truly has your back. 

Promotion info

A wonderfully hilarious rom-com about finding your first love when your personality might be too big for the world around you!

Reviews

One of the funniest, warmest YAs to be published this decade. -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *My favourite genre of book is 'Charming Lunatic Complains About Life,' and this is a wonderful entry. Funny and full of heart, Patch is up there with the great whingers Adrian Mole, Georgia Nicolson, and Bridget Jones. -- Monica Heisey, bestselling author of Really Good, ActuallyThe Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is nothing short of perfect, a joy from start to finish. Patch is Gen Alpha's Adrian Mole. -- Rebecca HumphriesFunny, voicey and fresh. Patch makes Georgia Nicolson seem demure and composed -- Elle McNicoll, author of Some Like it ColdA rarity of a novel that had me laughing out loud from the very first page. I loved it. -- Tanya ReynoldsBeyond hilarious and totally brilliant! I dare you not to be immediately obsessed with Patch and his story. Fair warning: it'll have you laughing out loud the entire way through! The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is spectacular and dazzling debut, filled with so much heart, humour and warmth, it is THE perfect teen romcom! A total delight to read. -- Beth Reekles, bestselling author of The Kissing Booth Patrick Simmons has rebranded himself as Patch ("more characterful and mysterious"), taken wisdom from his single mum's self-help books, and is determined to have a boyfriend before Prom (which is really just an after-party for the Drama Club), all with his incredibly supportive best friend, Jean, by his side. Drama Club is the perfect place to find potential prospects, and although Patch's mood is soured at first by the arrival of his former-friend-turned-nemesis, Tessa, it perks back up when two new boys, Sam and Peter, join as well. Both seem like good options to Patch at first, but as the club's production of Sweeney Todd gets underway, Patch's usual exuberant confidence is shaken by shifting friendships and crushes. Patch's first-person narration is laugh-out-loud funny, and although he can be self-involved, his big heart shines through, making him an endearing and engaging lead as he learns and grows. The story succeeds as a sweet romance while also subverting expectations and giving equal weight to the importance of friendships in a thoughtful and moving way. This tale is distinctly and charmingly British, yet it's an ode to queer theater kids everywhere-particularly those with big personalities. Main characters present white.A winning debut: the perfect blend of hilarious and heartfelt. * Kirkus, Starred Review *Actor Trevaldwyn crafts a sparkling debut starring an aspiring teen actor living in small-town England. Gay 16-year-old Patrick "Patch" Simmons has decided it's time to get a boyfriend. He sees potential in New Yorker Peter and his English best friend Sam, two newcomers to his community drama club. Though initially torn between the two, Patch endeavors to pursue the more outgoing Peter, but his confidence is shaken when Sam is cast as the play's lead, Patch's dream role. Then Patch's former friend turned nemesis, popular girl Tessa, rejoins drama club and catches Peter's eye at a party. When Patch has a falling-out with his best friend Jean after catching her bowling with Tessa, he tries befriending Sam, hoping that he can help Patch understand both Peter and Jean's choices. Witty prose keenly captures Patch's over-the-top reactions and the beleaguered yet loving friends and adults caught in his schemes. It all culminates in a frothy and formulaic tale overflowing with hasty-and messy-decision-making, misunderstandings, reconciliations, and sweetly budding romance. * Publisher's Weekly *

Author description

Harry Trevaldwyn is an actor, comedian and writer who has been listed as a Screen International Star of Tomorrow. Initially rising to fame through writing and starring in his own online skits, Harry has since been nominated for Best Debut Writer at the New Voice Awards. His acting credits include Ten Percent, The Outlaws, How To Train Your Dragon, My Lady Jane and The Acolyte and he has multiple writing projects in development with leading production companies. He has worked with the Soho Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and the Bloomsbury Theatre. The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is his first novel.