REVIEW: New Adult

New Adult by Timothy Janovsky is a charming and heartfelt story about finding yourself, growing up (even when you think you already have), and learning to let go of the past. It’s delightful, with humor, emotion, and just the right amount of magical realism.

What I loved most about this book was its emotional core. Janovsky captures the messiness of early adulthood with so much heart—it’s a time of big dreams, more significant mistakes, and the constant question of whether you’re doing any of it right. Nolan’s journey felt relatable, and I rooted for him as he navigated his second chance. The humor in this book was also a highlight; it’s witty and self-aware without feeling over the top.

The relationships in New Adult also stood out. Whether it’s Nolan’s complicated dynamic with his ex, his tension-filled yet endearing friendship with Drew, or his evolving family relationships, every interaction felt genuine. I especially appreciated how the book explored themes of forgiveness and self-compassion—it’s not just about fixing things with others but also about learning to forgive yourself.

Sometimes, the pacing felt uneven. Some parts of the story dragged a bit, while others felt slightly rushed, especially toward the end. While I enjoyed the magical realism element, it wasn’t as deeply integrated into the story as I would’ve liked—it sometimes felt more like a plot device than a meaningful part of Nolan’s journey.

That said, New Adult is a feel-good, thought-provoking read perfect for fans of contemporary fiction with a sprinkle of magic. It’s equal parts funny, moving, and inspiring—a great reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Thank you, Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

I really liked the story but I had such a hard time with the writing style, that even the great story made me take weeks to get through this book. I'm sure people will love this, but sadly this wasn't really for me.

What a fun book. This is a popcorn type book, that you’ll consume quickly. You could easily read it over a weekend or a day and be completely happy. This is the type of book that hallmark dreams are made of.

When Nolan Baker finds himself torn between his family and his career, he chooses poorly. Determined to prove his family wrong, he sets his intentions on being successful. Being successful doesn’t mean that you’re happy. Falling asleep on a collection of crystals, he wakes up seven years in the future and all of his dreams of being successful come true. But at what cost? Now he hast to find his way back to his timeline past and make peace with the future.

This is a very sweet book with all the Timothy Janovsky charm you’ve come to know and love. I think my favorite scene in the book is at his sister’s wedding where Drew is holding the bouquet that he caught. “ he loves me, he loves me not.” Such a sweet seen!

This book is such a great reminder that “Home always holds the answer”

This book was so sweet. I loved that we got to see Nolan, the main character, go through so many changes when he thinks he's found exactly what he's supposed to be doing. But then it destroys his friendship and eventually, his life. It was inspirational and easy to identify with the hard choices he had to make.

Like I’ve said before, I will devour any queer rom and this one didn’t disappoint at all. Each inconvenience the characters went though was for a purpose and by the end of the book you see how much growth they have gone through! This was my first Timothy Janovsky book and I’ll definitely be reading more!

I’m really struggling to understand how these books are considered a series. There are no overlapping characters, and the only connecting theme seems to be MM romance? That’s not really enough to make this a series, is it?

No wait I’m wrong there is something that at least book and You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince have in common: black and white characters with no shades of grey. Drew is perfect and Nolan is a nightmare. But wait, throw in some time travelling crystals and Nolan can be perfect too!

All book did was prove that Nolan is a terrible person who is only capable of change if his nose is literally rubbed in his mistakes and he’s forced to grow up. I’m sorry but is ‘comedy’ a personality trait? And did Nolan actually make a joke that was funny in this entire book? His complete lack of self awareness combined with his horrendous personality make it very difficult to believe he has any skill as a comedian. And since that's the only thing he values about himself, it’s hard to like him as a character.

I felt almost no connection to this book and these characters. Even Drew, who is begging to be loved as the gentle giant with a book obsession, could not force me to engage. Honestly, it felt like Janovsky himself was barely engaged. The plot could’ve been copied and pasted from any early 2000s teen movie and very little effort was made to make New Adult unique or interesting.

I love a good friends to lovers book and this one delivered. I added the time travel element as well.

While I DNF'd this one early on, it's only because the main trope isn't for me. What I did read I really adored - Janovsky's writing was fantastic as always! If you like the main trope of the book this book is for you!

YES, YES, A THOUSAND TINES YES!!!

Timothy Janovsky again, stole my heart and soul!! Amazing, beautiful and so full of LOVE. I’m addicted to how Timothy tells a story!! Amazing character development and kept me hooked until the very last page.

The 13 going on 30 vibes was PERFECT and one of my favorite storylines. I can’t wait to read more of Timothy’s work!! Auto-buy for life!!

This was a fun story where the main character is given the opportunity to learn what really matters in life when he is magically sent 7 years in the future and the future isn't looking great.
It was sweet and fun as long as you ignore the magic that made absolutely no sense

This was adorable. Soft, sweet and charming, a little slow to begin and took about a quarter of the way for it to lock in for me, which is touch, it once it did, I loved the cute story and the 2 lovely men growing together.

I think this one wasn’t for me. I don‘t really know why but I couldn’t get into it and for some reason I wasn’t excited to pick it back up again.

I was also in a reading slump so I might have liked it better without but I would still absolutely recommend this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an earc

I enjoyed this LGBTQ twist on the cult classic movie 13 Going on 30. Gave the story a fresh voice, with an exploration of growing into what you want for your life.

I am in a major reading slump right now, so it is no fault of this book, but it was just not vibing with me. I was just looking for the thing to get me hooked again and unfortunately this wasn't it. Again, that is not to say this was not a good book, I was just not in the mood for it.

This 13 Going on 30 romance did not disappoint. The character arcs are fantastic and the romance is so so sweet.

Fun, young, and flirty - all the good vibes and the cute rom com I needed. Highly recommend to pick you up during a reading slump!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, this book had me at "Thirteen Going on Thirty" and it was such a great release by Janovsky. New Adult follows Nolan Baker who just wants to make it in the stand-up comedian world. A la the popular TikTok sound "can we skip to the good part" Nolan wakes up after a disastrous day to realize that he has skipped forward in time by seven years. But is it really the good part, or was the past better than he realized?

Nolan was such a relatable character for me and I absolutely loved everything about this. And the romance with Drew? Guh. The early 2000s vibes were PERFECTION and the way the author uses time travel in romance is so unique. Timothy Janovsky is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I can't wait to see what else he comes out with!

Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted e-book/audiobook! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

Read this book if you like: 13 going on 30, LGBTQ representation

This was cute. I liked the time spin and take on 13 going on 30. My issue was the pace. It dragged a lot for me. I wasn't pulled in as much as I hoped to be. I needed more. I seem to be the minority in this opinion.

A queer 13 Going on 30! It’s like everything I wanted as a teenager!!!

Nolan is a stand up comic who wants his big break and wants to be famous. After letting down his family and his best friend (who he’s super in love with), he falls asleep and wakes up seven years later to find that he has it all! Fame! Fortune! And all by the age of thirty.

But we know how this story goes. His relationship with his family is strained. His friendship with the BFF is nonexistent. And he has to wonder if getting everything he wanted really is what he wanted after all.

Look, I was always going to love this given that 13 Going on 30 is so deep in my bones. I also have enjoyed the other Timothy Janovsky books I’ve read. He has a unique voice and writes great dynamic between characters.

Do I wish the cause of the ~magic~ were different? Yeah. But don’t forget it’s like, magic glitter in the movie.

This was a great time and if you love the movie, absolutely pick this one up.

This fun, romantic take on the time-shift trope would be a fun vacation read. Lighthearted with a satisfying ending.