Drop Dead Handsome - by Matthew Hubbard (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A heartwarming and hilarious YA romance about the high-stakes world of pageantry and the beauty of first love. Perfect for fans of rom coms by Casey McQuiston!

"This book takes the crown."--Sara Raasch, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightmare Before Kissmas

Parker Ryland has always been the master of his own destiny, meticulously planning his escape from his small town. But when he's told that his college application is "boring", he is thrown for a loop. Parker may be many things, but boring is not one of them.

So, Parker applies to his school's Miss Spirit pageant to spice up his application and challenge himself--and the town's antiquated gender ideals.

Pageant life in southern Tennessee is intense enough without the nerdy--but undeniably charming--student body president, Dean, offering to give Parker a crash-course in pageantry. As the two get closer, Parker's carefully constructed plans begin to unravel. And then someone starts sabotaging Parker, threatening not only his chance at the crown, but his future.

As paint splatters and sparks fly, Parker learns that sometimes the best way to win is to play--and love--by your own rules.

Review Quotes

Praise for Drop Dead Handsome

"Beauty, brains, humor, heart; this book takes the crown."--Sara Raasch, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightmare Before Kissmas

"No one writes charming, earnest, queer misfits like Matthew Hubbard. Drop Dead Handsome is glitzy, romantic, and playful--I loved every jewel-encrusted minute."--Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

"Vibrant, voicy, and full of iconic pop culture references, Matthew Hubbard's Drop Dead Handsome is a winning romance with a true heart of gold." --K.L. Walther, New York Times bestselling author of While We're Young

"A sharp, hilarious rom-com with a huge heart. Drop Dead Handsome is pageant chaos mixed with a swoon-worthy romance that had me grinning the entire time I was reading!"--Mason Deaver, bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best

"Drop Dead Handsome is glittery, gutsy, and gloriously tender--a pageant of heart, where protest and love waltz toward a perfect score. Matthew Hubbard is the real deal."--Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of Thrown for a Loop

"Beauty is pain, but that won't stop Parker in this dazzling and hilarious story about identity, belonging, and never giving up. A true show-stopper!"--Robby Weber, author of Everything About You

"Daring, dreamy, and downright fun. Parker's story challenges our preconceived gender norms in the best way--with humor, heart, and a dash of Miss Congeniality." --Trish Lundy, author of The One That Got Away with Murder

"Both fierce and funny, Drop Dead Handsome is brimming with heart."--Ellen O'Clover, author of The Heartbreak Hotel

"With his delightfully subversive riff on the beloved pageant romcom, Matthew Hubbard proves he's not only among the cleverest voices in the YA genre, he's also among the most empowering."--Venessa Vida Kelley, author-illustrator of When the Tides Held the Moon

"A sweet story of queer love in the South, with elements of mystery and plenty of pageant shenanigans."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Matthew Hubbard writes the kind of stories he wished he'd had as a teen in rural Alabama. He studied English, marketing, and psychology in college. Armed with a TARDIS tattoo, Matthew can be found on adventures when he isn't writing. He enjoys traveling to different countries, hiking in search of breathtaking views, reading as many books as he can get his hands on, and cheering for his favorite hockey team. He lives in Tennessee with his husband, their dogs Layla and Phillip, and Jay Gatsby the cat.