Gosh, what a fun voice. This is my first read from the author and I am DELIGHTED to find backlist to devour next. This was the perfect intro for me, though, as I love sliding door stories with a touch of time travel/light magical elements. SIGN ME UP! I will say I went into this book with very little knowledge of the plot and I highly recommend just plunging in!

First off, can Timothy Janovsky PLEASE be my bestie?!? According to his author bio, he loves romance novels and the characters he crafts are so damn dreamy! Nolan and Drew are no exception.

Nolan Baker is an aspiring comic. The night of his sister's wedding, he is faced with the choice of a lifetime. Stay at her wedding or leave to do the opening spot for a world famous comedian. Of course, he chooses the latter. What follows is him waking up 7 years later with all of his dreams come true. Or what he thought were his dreams. Because even though he has fame and fortune, he's lost the most important things in his life. His family. And most importantly Drew.

This book is Timothy's best one yet, and trust me that's saying something. His character development is so spot on, you find yourself rooting for Nolan even when he's being a selfish asshole. These aren't just characters in a forgettable love story, they have warmth and heart. Nolan and Drew's love story will be one of my favorites forever. Watching Nolan realize the mistakes he's made and work so hard to right his wrongs is such a wholesome and lovely experience. I devoured every single page and was actually sad when I finished. The inclusion of Doop was just icing on the cake and literally reason number 878473 that I'll forever advocate for Timothy to be my BFF! This is truly a five star read and one of my very favorites of the year!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Thank you to Timothy Janovsky, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date is August 15, 2023

Thanks you Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the eARC, these opinions are my own. This story was absolutely swoonworthy! Nolan is working to break into comedy and starting to make his way but he’s still weighted by his family not supporting him in his dreams and goals. They’d like for him to go into a more stable career. On top of that he’s completely in love with his best friend who he doesn’t feel worthy of yet. Then on the night of his sisters wedding he gets the chance of a lifetime for his career. Should he chose his family or his dream? The choice will wreak havoc on his life. He goes to bed thinking he can fix things in the morning but to his surprise he wakes up in a different life. It’s still his but 7 years have past and he doesn’t remember any of it. How did he get here? Worse his future self has no relationship with his family and his best friend can’t stand him. How does he fix it and right wrongs? How does he get back to his own time? Very on board for the waking up as your future self trope! I always wonder what my future would be like if that happened to me! Nolan is funny, charming, sweet, ambitious, and struggling with insecurities! All of which make him an interesting read! I loved the relationship between Nolan and Drew it made me feel all the fuzzies! New Adult will break you heart and then heal it again! Can’t wait to read it again!

I was so excited to read an ARC of this book on NetGalley, and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the author’s previous two books, and this one is in the same vein - charming and engaging. I always hated putting this book down, and always looked forward to picking it back up again. If you haven’t discovered Timothy Janovsky, you need his books in your life.

This book and its hea and the journey towards the hea was SO WHOLESOME, I need everybody to read it and scream about it with me 😭

This is a time-travel, second-chance, friends to lovers book - essentially, the MC proposes his love to and fights with his best friend, and then the next day, he wakes up 7 years in the future, and discovers that he has alienated his best friend and his family. He then spends a wonderful 200 pages winning back the trust of everyone he let down, and discovers what's really important in life 😭 a perfect Hallmark movie-esque journey and ending.

I had read the blurb beforehand, so I knew the fallout that would lead to the fight and the time travel, so um I'm not gonna deny, I spent the first 100 pages in mild pain, screaming at the MC to not mess it up 😭 but I'm so glad I went through it, because the flip side was so damn wholesome. I think I might reread the wholesome bits again 🥲

TWs - parent with declining memory and eventual Alzheimer's

-- ty to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Nolan Baker is an aspiring comedian who knows he's just one break away from greatness. When one such chance arrives during his sister's wedding, Nolan is out the door before you can say "knock? knock?". His short sidedness in prioritizing comedy over family leads to a killer set - and a family that is tired of his irresponsibility.

When a wedding favor offers him the chance to get a glimpse at the future he's so determined to get, Nolan is forced out of his comfort zone and into the fire.

This ARC is my first Janovsky book and I'm smitten (I know, I know, I'm late to the party). New Adult is charming, witty, and heartfelt - an homage to the genres that built it.

The plot, while seen in media like 13 Going on 30, doesn't feel stale or over-used - rather, it's fun as a reader to catch the myriad references and see the ways Janovsky has twisted the story to keep it interesting. Nolan's characterization straddles the line between infuriating and empathetic, which I think would be true to the situation if 23-year old me were suddenly in their 30-year old body as well, so I don't blame him one bit. Seeing his growth from chapter to chapter gave me a weird sense of hope, like I too have the choice to course correct as I head toward turning 30 myself.

All in all, New Adult is getting a 4.5 for me, and I've got Jankvsky's other books added to my tbr.

New Adult has a few scenes of mild spice, regular references to alcohol, one instance of on-page drug usage, grief, a parent with Alzheimer's, and perception altering items. Stay safe, y'all 💖

"New Adult" by Timothy Janovsky is an enjoyable read that combines romance, humor, and a touch of magic. The main character, Nolan Baker, is relatable with his desire to achieve success and find love before turning 30. The use of "magical healing crystals" to skip ahead in life adds an interesting element to the story, and the consequences of Nolan's actions create tension and a sense of urgency. The romance between Nolan and Drew also promises to be engaging, as they have a complicated history and Drew initially dislikes Nolan. Overall, "New Adult" appears to be a lighthearted and entertaining read that explores themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery.

*thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review*
This book was the cutest, wittiest use of the ‘13 going on 30’ trope. Timothy Janovsky has this brilliant way of making his characters beautifully flawed but relatable. When we meet Nolan, he’s hustling and making decisions aimed at becoming a ‘successful’ comedian. We know that’s one of those careers that needs full dedication to the grind, some people spending years in dive clubs and never anything beyond that. So most of Nolan’s decisions seem understandable! And those closest to him let things slide.
But on the night of his sister’s wedding, Nolan’s priorities take a true shift which cascades into the trope playing out— he wakes up 30 and staring at his future self.
I spent so many moments reading this book with a full on grin, giggling, then really wondering what I’d choose in each moment too.
The love between Nolan and his bff Drew is so beautiful too. The details of the 🌶️ are kept hazy and minimal, but just spicy enough…like you’re peeping through a foggy window (like the total creeper you are).
Loved it. And I can’t wait to order a physical copy too.

Good romcoms are hard to do right in my book, and unfortunately, this one missed the mark. This felt like a mix of Boyfriend Material and One Last Stop - both very popular queer closed-door romances that also didn't really work for me. Maybe fade-to-black romance is not my thing? I also thought I'd like the 13 Going on 30 plot device here - who doesn't love a good redemption arc? - but just found it to dominate the plot and be distracting more than additive.

For me, this book fell short on both the "rom" and "com" parts of the equation– I didn't find it very funny at all, which is a shame because the main character is supposed to be a stand-up comic. And sadly, I didn't feel a lot of chemistry or connection between the two main characters. It's one of those "tell, don't show" romances where the main character tells you he's in love with his best friend, but you don't really see it manifest itself any more than that.

Other reviewers seem to love this one, so maybe take my grumpiness with a grain of salt! Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC via Netgalley.

timothy is one of my favorite authors and this is another incredible addition to his excellent collection of works.

struggling stand-up comedian Nolan wakes up seven years in the future to discover he’s achieved all of his dreams. the only problem? everyone he’s ever loved or cares about hates him. can he mend those relationships while figuring out how to return to his own timeline?

this was such a wonderful, uplifting story about following your dreams and also realizing how those can change over time. Nolan’s journey is so important to anyone who puts an immense amount of pressure on themselves to succeed (aka me lmao)

like no joke: the themes around Nolan were something i needed to hear right now.

it’s got the laughs, it’s got the romance, and it’s got all the heart you need. as much as you want to shake some sense into Nolan, you also understand where he’s coming from.

his best friend and love interest Drew is also amazing. a quiet, subtle but layered character i need more of.

it’s got tropes you love and the best part?? this book loves those tropes.

but something i really loved was the complex family dynamic here. these people have a LOT to work through!!

another banger from Timothy Janovsky!!

In the first 5% of the book, we have watched our character sit on the floor and fail to match socks. New adults are a mess, sure, but this takes it to a new level.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

My main and biggest takeaway from this book is how relatable it is, which seems to be a theme for me with Timothy’s books. Who hasn’t at one point or another thought to themselves “I wish I could just fast forward this part of my life” or “when are things going to work out for me? Can we just skip to that?”

Well, this book shows us what happens when you actually get that wish. The main character is a precocious and rather typical young man in his twenties who is just scraping by as he works on his five year plan- to achieve his ten year plan, and in the mean time loses sight of everything he has going for him right in the here and now. When he accidentally time skips to “the future” where he is successful and all of his future plans have worked out he realizes that this plan doesn’t include his family and best friend/ love interest. Is all of the fame and success worth it? What really matters and what is worth fighting for?

This is the third book in series, but absolutely can be read prior to the other two.

Nolan and Drew have been best friends forever, are currently roommates, and are secretly (not really secretly to anyone not named Nolan or Drew) in love with each other. Drew works at a bookshop and Nolan wants to be a comedian. Nolan won’t confess his feelings until he hits it big. He will do anything, and I mean anything, to catch a break. To top it off, Nolan needs a date to his sisters wedding. What could possibly go wrong when the wedding is sponsored by the mysterious Doop?

I liked the start of this one, the wedding section almost lost me, but the <insert redacted for spoilers favorite movie title here> subplot? Those parts, as well as the ending, I loved. Oh, and the Doop “wellness brand”. I will never not think that is funny. It made me laugh when first introduced and never stopped.

As for the characters, Drew is the literal best. The fact that he works at a bookstore made him even more of a catch. Plus he is a super introvert…he is the perfect man, I swear. Kind, attentive, supportive, wants to spend quality time, goes to medical appts, the real deal.

Nolan…Nolan I struggled with like I do every romance hero that is a comedian. I’m not sure what it is, but I never like them. These character seem selfish, self absorbed, and will stop at nothing to make it big. Nolan really lost me at the disaster of his sisters wedding, until … he won me over. I won’t share how, because spoilers, but I am as shocked as anyone that he pulled it off. I was truly rooting for him at the end.

A fairly strong group of secondary characters round out this book. Specifically, Nolan’s family and his coworkers. They were entertaining but didn’t detract from our heroes.

Keep the trigger warnings in mind, but if you want to read about a clueless comedian realizing he has the perfect love interest right in front of him? Definitely pick this book up. If you like this one, I highly recommend reading the other two in the series!

TW: Alzheimer’s, siblings fight, foul language

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an arc of this book.

This is a romance book triumph; it’s truly so lovely and really embodies everything I love about Nora Ephron-esque romantic comedies. I’ve read all of Janovsky’s published novels so far and this is by far my favorite.

A combination of inspiration of 13 going on 30 and A Christmas Carol where 23 year old Nolan Baker makes a really selfish decision and ends up in his own life at 30 years old (with the help of some suspicious crystals) where he must live with the consequences of his actions stemming from this event over the last seven years. Nolan must make amends with his former best friend, sister and choose those close to him over fame, money and the general public.

There is also a close relative of Nolan’s who has Alzheimer’s and I couldn’t help but tear up at this part of the story. A devastating diagnosis for all involved and you really felt the grief as you were reading. I had to set the book down for a bit to compose myself (though I am an emotional volatile person to begin with so take that as you will).

A beautiful romance full of heart, friendship and putting others before yourself every once in a while.

This book features an MC with ADHD, a demisexual love interest, a family member with Alzheimer’s and a strained sibling relationship.

5/5 stars I can’t wait to add the complete copy to my shelf upon release.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a cute story.... easy / quick read. I've read "Never Been Kissed" but not "You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince." I felt similarly about this one as I did "Never Been Kissed" -- cute enough story, but (especially for the first 1/3d or so) found myself skimming along pretty quickly. The second half was better, where we see more of Nolan's reflection and redemption.

The '50s-esque cover and vibe with the whole quest for all the crystals was kind of fun & silly in an endearing way. I did enjoy the shade thrown at Gwyneth Paltrow with "Doop" (Ha!) and at twitter" "You know twitter is barely a thing anymore, right?" (by a character in 2030). The theme is a tried and true one - the 'look at the future & see what your life has become, then learn your lesson' (the author even mentions Scrooge at one point), so you basically know what's going to happen (this is why the first part of the book is not as interesting/pretty skimmable -- but towards the end, I did feel some (good) tension, wondering whether Nolan would go / be able to go back in time or not, after he's worked hard to improve the 'future' timeline he landed in.

There were some cute moments, but also some where Nolan responded to a situation with trying to make a (bad) joke, where it seemed his character/the situation was not a joking one. I get that he's a comedian, but it seemed too much sometimes... There were some moments that bumped me out of the story (e.g. A "1989 era Taylor Swift poster)... Maybe this was a joke/I am a pedant...

Drew was a sweetie and I would have liked a little more from Drew's perspective/more filling out of his character at points.

I liked this sentiment, at Nolan's 2nd go-round at CeeCee's wedding: "This time around at dinner, I don't take the passive- aggressive care of our distant relatives to heart. I accept their concern as love manifested in a way that may not be helpful to me, but feels right to them. Just this small change in attitude has opened me up tot he joys of the day."

Cute story, quick read. Not an instant-buy, but a beach read rec for folks who like the genre!

I'm so glad I was able to read this early! It was the perfect spring read.

After enjoying You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince, and now this new book, I think it's safe to say that Timothy Janovsky really knows how to write and redeem an unlikeable main character. It's no mean feat to make someone root for a character they initially dislike, especially in a romcom, but by the end I was tearing up and grinning like a fool because it was so unbelievably cute.

Look, I'm a huge sucker for a time travel plot, especially in romcoms, and this was just a really really fun one. I can see myself rereading this lots!