This book had such potential to be a hit for me - queer romance AND mental health representation? Sign me up - but alas it was not. The characters were very flawed, and sparked some great conversations about the experience of OCD and addiction, which was so great to see, and I loved how there was clear communication about boundaries, and what each enjoyed in sexual encounters, and how these were respected and not questioned - especially around Julien's OCD. That being said, the writing style and some of the plot points were not for me. Even so, it is worth noting there was something strangely addictive about this story. I wasn't loving it, yet I couldn't stop reading

There were 2 clear things that were aha moments of 'Ok yes this one isn't for me'. The first was the descriptors used, especially during spicy scenes. There was one scene, where the word penis was used - which is fine, objectively! It's an adequate word. In this context however, it took me out so fast, and I had to take a lap. It's a personal preference, but something about that word in the context of smut is such a turnoff for me.

The second was the third act breakup and miscommunication that occurred. The plot overall felt a little weak for my liking - like for example, Julien and Gregs relationship felt a lot like they were both there, I couldn't ever fully buy into them as a couple - but the third act breakup, like so many other reviewers have pointed out, was very jarring and so out of character. I am not a huge fan of the third act breakup trope, but I can tolerate it most times. This one however was such a weird pivot, and I found myself not only bored but also annoyed with the key charcter inciting it. I get that it was in some ways necessary to get closure for his storyline, but also what are you doing?? It's safe to say if miscommunication and third act breakups annoy you, this one isn't for you

Overall, there were things I really appreciated that this story brought, and there were certain technical and plot choices that irked me. It wasn't my favorite, or the most enjoyable, but I still had a decent enough time, and I finished it quite quickly. If you're looking for a quick queer workplace romance, with great representation and conversations about mental health, and you don't mind miscommunication or third-act breakups, this one could be a good fit for you

Thank you so much to Harlequin for an advance copy of this!

Timothy is an autobuy author & when I saw the cover for this book, I fell absolutely in love with it! He continues to have a variety of stories and characters to his repertoire.

Sighhh - Julien and Greg. They were opposite attracts and yet so completely gone for one another. The representation that Timothy created for both of these characters was super important to see on page. Julien has OCD & is neurodivergent and oftentimes finds that his partners cannot handle his specific requests and how sensitive he is too smells. Greg has GAD and his medication makes it hard for him to perform in the bedroom for his partners. Julien was so tender with Greg and they were able to have this dynamic that worked for them. I also thought the inclusions of toys was a fun twist to add to their intimate moments. I love how their relationship developed over time and got a chuckle at how Greg weaseled his way to a paint and sip with Julien. I think that night really changed everything and it snowballed (pun intended iykyk) from there.

"Everybody wants quick. That's why they choose the shot or the cocktail over the wine. They want a fast buzz, an immediate good time. On the Grindr grid, I'm the merlot you have to decant for forty-minutes before serving, not the tequila shot. I know that. I get it."

Majority of the book is navigating the work dynamic between Julien and Greg but we also get these other moments that are meaningful. I loved anytime Uncle Martin and Aunt Augustine were involved. There was such a sweet moment towards the end between Julien and Aunt Augustine that just made my heart so happy. I also loved Greg's relationship with his cousin Rufus. We didn't get too many scenes of them together but Rufus and his gf Jessica just seemed to want was what best for Greg.

I thought this book felt very current with the incorporation of Tik Tok and the rise and fall of creators. I also liked thow Timothy shed light on the ever frustrating algorithm that all types of creators face on the different platforms.

If you are looking for a small town vibe, spicy moments with characters who have great mental rep & lots of delicious drinks - check this out!

PS - I love that this took place in Bethlehem!!! It's such a charming city & I wish Martin's Place existed in real life!!

This was a great dual POV, enemies to lovers, workplace romance with EXCELLENT mental health (anxiety) and neurodiversity rep (OCD). I loved the way the two MCs were forced to work together, their friends with benefits arrangement that turned into something more and the way they utilized tiktok to help expand their workplace restaurant's profile and reputation. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

You Had Me At Happy Hour
By Timothy Janovsky

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The MCs, Julien and Greg were well thought out with truthful emotions, quirks, traumas and loveliness. If I had to pick a favorite I would pick Julien but Greg was perfect for him. The character development and reactions felt true. The supporting cast was likable and in the case of Aunt Augustine,in peculiar, most endearing. Mental health and related physical manifestations were well represented and informed. Acceptance and understanding overcoming insecurities and false assumptions was highlighted in this romance. Sexy, funny, fresh and learning lots about wine and cocktails on the way was a good read. I highly recommend this novel and will look for more from the author. I thank the author, Harlequin and Afterglow books and NetGalley for a copy to review. The couple is as adorable as the title. It’s available now, go read it.

4.5 stars

This is a sweet book that follows a reserved sommelier and an extroverted bartender who find themselves in a workplace fling. There is open discussion about mental health (anxiety, depression, OCD) and family trauma. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were loveable, despite their faults.

I did struggle with the frequent spelling and grammar errors, plus the sentence structure could make things confusing at some points.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys MM contemporary romance and especially anyone who wants to read more neurodivergent characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my review!

You Had Me at Happy Hour might be my favorite of this authors books! I really enjoyed this. I love a workplace romance, and the wine and mixology content was also really enjoyable. The mental health rep in the book was great and I also really appreciated that it was shown how it impacted their sex life and how they made accommodations for each other. It was great.

Julien Boire is a sommelier at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant in Bethlehem, PA but he has his sights set on becoming a master sommelier and getting out of there. Becoming a master sommelier requires a lot of work and focus so Julien can’t afford any distractions. This is why he isn’t thrilled when his aunt and uncle hire Greg Harlow, a TikTok mixologist, to help revitalize their restaurant. Julien and Greg don’t have a lot in common but Greg is new to town and looking to make friends. Julien is standoffish at first but is eventually won over by Greg’s charm.

While they work together to plan a series of happy hour events at the restaurant they form a sweet friendship and ultimately agree to enter into a no-strings sex pact that gives them a safe space to blow off some steam. It’s an arrangement that works well for both of them until they start developing real feelings. But can they possibly have a real relationship when Julien’s goal to leave Bethlehem remains unchanged and when Greg’s old life in NYC comes calling?

Overall I thought this was a really sweet story. It was cute seeing bristly Julien soften toward sunshiney Greg. Julien misjudged Greg when they first met but it didn’t take long for him to realize that perhaps there was more to Greg than the flashy bartender he portrays himself as on TikTok. Greg had a tough breakup with his old home in NYC and was searching for someplace to start over and where he could feel like he belonged.

This feels weird to say, but I really liked their sex pact. Julien had OCD and had very particular stipulations and Greg had clinical anxiety and sometimes experienced performance issues thanks to his medication. But I loved seeing how well they communicated their wants/needs and the creative ways they worked around any issues and still managed to have satisfying sex for them both. It all felt very realistic and it was refreshing to see this kind of representation.

My only gripe with the story is the communication breakdown in the last 25% or so. It was very frustrating and I didn’t love some of the decisions these guys made as a result. But they finally figure it out and the ending was very sweet and satisfying.

Another great example of why I enjoy Janovsky’s books - You Had Me at Happy Hour is so much fun while incorporating difficult topics of life and dating and the daily grind, and mental health as well, but making it possible to survive while all wrapped up in such a good story. The characters were both really likeable and relatable and interesting in their own ways, and the chemistry was just right.

Greg is an online sensation mixologist who Julien’s uncle finds and hires to spice up happy hour at their slowly fading small town restaurant. Julien is a server and working on his master sommelier course. The pair clash over beverages and many other things, but they end up working out a friends with benefits arrangement once they realize they’re compatible and Greg can work around Julien’s OCD needs, and they can also work together to upgrade the restaurant happy hour to keep the place from closing… until of course they have to pretend to be friendly at work, and soon everything goes off track.

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic book - if you have enjoyed Janovsky’s previous books, you absolutely have to get this one! It’s my favourite so far! I absolutely recommend it for everything it represents. Everyone needs this book in their lives!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and this is my honest feedback.

You Had Me at Happy Hour is an entertaining queer romance. Timothy Janovsky writes fantastic, three dimensional characters with real life mental health issues. The result is a charming, steamy story that’s impossible to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Julien is stuck in Allentown, working in his aunt and uncle’s restaurant and studying for his sommelier exam. TikTok famous bartender Greg is new in town, and only wants people like him while he works to pay off his credit card debt. While their first few interactions are awkward, it’s tough to ignore their attraction. Eventually they open up to each other, and form a pact to just hook up. And, they each think it’s shocking that their no strings attached deal turns into a relationship with all the feelings.

I’m a huge fan of a short, well paced story, and You Had Me at Happy Hour delivers. Both Julien and Greg talk about what they need and what doesn’t work for them; their communication and consent is hot and they only have real issues when they stop communicating. The steam here is great, and helps develop the characters along with having a good time.

You can’t talk about this book without the spot on mental health rep. Between Julien’s neurodivergence and OCD, and Greg’s anxiety and subsequent ED as a result of his meds, the frank and thoughtful discussions are what sets this book apart. And, while I didn’t love the third act breakup here, it logically makes sense for the characters’s development.

Timothy Janovsky is the king of small town Pennsylvania queer romance. It’s a very particular niche that gives each story and characters a specific sense of place. Julien and Greg discover just how much Allentown feels like home while figuring out their own goals, along with their feelings. You Had Me at Happy Hour is a delightful romance with great characters, steamy moments, and wonderful mental health representation.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Timothy Janovsky has become an auto buy author for me. His books aren’t perfect, but I always love his characters and the same goes for Greg and Julien. Both of these characters had a depth to them and were dealing with other issues, but are a great match.

The story moved along great. It was emotional at times and had some good spicy scenes, though not overly spicy.

Thank you to Harlequin Romance and NetGalley for the arc.

thanks netgalley and the publisher for this arc! honeslty, i enjoyed this book after some intense battle w books i havent been enjoying! it def gave summery vibes to me *ik people can drink outside of summer and spring but tht feels wrong* so def pick it up when it releases july 23:)

You Had Me At Happy Hour by Timothy Janovsky
Rating: 3.5
Steam: 3 chilis
Pub date: 7/23

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harlequin for my advanced copy.

"You Had Me At Happy Hour" is an LGBTQIA+ romance set in the cozy town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It follows Julien, a grumpy sommelier, and Greg, a charismatic TikTok mixologist, as they navigate love, mental health, and career aspirations.

Julien is laser-focused on his goal of becoming a master sommelier. He’s determined to avoid distractions, especially Greg, the new hire at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant. Greg, on the other hand, is looking for a fresh start and brings his carefree attitude to Martin’s Place, immediately clashing with Julien.

As they work together on happy hour events, their initial tension turns into a no-strings-attached fling. From there, the story is filled with fun and steamy moments as they explore their quirks and compatibility.

What makes this book stand out is its honest portrayal of mental health. Julien’s OCD and social anxiety, along with his past trauma, add depth to his character. Greg’s struggle with financial issues and the side effects of his medication (erectile dysfunction) make him relatable. Their journey to finding happiness together is messy but heartwarming.

Some unresolved motivations and questionable decisions made during their third-act conflict felt way out of character for both of them and made me drop my rating by a full star. I understand where the author was going with this, but the way he got there seemed unnecessary.

This is still an enjoyable read that leaves you rooting for Julien and Greg, and I look forward to Janovsky’s next book!

Ok every time Timothy Janovsky writes a book I swear they keep getting better and better! You Had Me at Happy Hour was such a great medley of everything I want out of a romance. It has humor, it has chemistry, it has banter, it has lots of wine, it has amazing mental health rep, and of course a perfect ending. I absolutely love the premise of a bartender and a sommelier at odds at first but finding a way to work together. I personally read this book while sitting at a wine bar, then later sipping a cocktail which honestly was the ideal setting! I can't wait to see what he does next!

Julian, an aspiring master sommelier, is working at his uncle and aunt's down on its luck restaurant. In order to up their presence and sales, they hire a popular TikTok mixologist named Greg. Julian's aunt tasks them to create buzz for a happy hour to boost sales. After initial disinterest and time spent working on attracting customers to their happy hour, the two fall into a relationship purely to fulfill their needs-- no strings attached (if there were such a thing).

In today's social media heavy world, books often try to pull in current trends into their plots and oftentimes it falls flat. Either the references that are made at the exact moment and time of the book are already irrelevant or just plain cringy. I think this book rides the line very carefully. There are just enough references to TikTok and social media that you can understand the dynamics of Greg's past life and its ability to create a viral destination, but not so many that it feels over inundated with references to him being a TikToker or making references to TikTok memes that people wouldn't get once the trend is over. There is also good commentary about the influencer lifestyle where people rise to fame and earn money much quicker and freely than with a regular 9-5, but the success ends up going to people’s head and the money is blown even quicker and freer than it was made. 

Much like a lot of the newly released books I have reviewed this year, there is a lot of focus on mental health and its struggles. Julian suffers from OCD, and Greg suffers from crippling anxiety. Both of these factor heavily in their relationship, and it was lovely to see how much care and respect was written into both of the characters towards their struggles and adaptations for themselves and between each other. Their relationship, while with its own problems, presented a very healthy discussion on boundaries, expectations and goals for how things needed to happen. 

While this book has come out in July, this would be the perfect book to read in the fall.

 #netgalley #youhadmeathappyhour #harlequinbooks

Thank you NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the ARC of You Had Me at Happy Hour.

You Had Me at Happy Hour by Timothy Janovsky is a charming romantic comedy that proves that rivalry never tasted so good. Set in the quaint town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we meet Julien Boire, an aspiring master sommelier eager to escape his small-town life while keeping distractions at bay—especially the hot new hire at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant.

Julien's obsessive nature makes it difficult to deal with Greg Harlow, a charismatic TikTok mixologist whose carefree spirit is the complete opposite of Julien's meticulousness. Despite their differences, the two find themselves teaming up for a series of happy hour events, leading to an unexpected no-strings sex pact that explores new levels of chemistry and connection.

Janovsky's writing is both witty and engaging, bringing the characters to life with relatable struggles and delightful humor. The dynamic between Julien and Greg is electric, filled with banter that makes you root for them despite their initial reluctance to pursue anything serious.

Ultimately, You Had Me at Happy Hour is a fun exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery that leaves you pondering if Julien might be missing out on something lasting. It's a charming read that will have you rooting for a connection that extends beyond just happy hours!

🍸I must be in my delectable-beverages-in-fiction summer, because I’ve had the opportunity to review three ARCs that feature - and not in a side-plot kind of way - mixologists and sommeliers and other cuisine-related creatives! And all the books have been yummy. Last month, TRIPLE SEC by TJ Alexander came out (see review on my IG grid); this month (next week! July 23), YOU HAD ME AT HAPPY HOUR (YHMAHH) by @timothyjanovsky gets its release; and next month THE PAIRING by Casey McQuiston launches. I feel like I’ve been at that gorgeous bar at the Beekman Hotel, sipping the fruits of these authors’ spirit-inspired labors.

🍹In YHMAHH, we meet big-dreaming, intractable, neurodiverse sommelier/king of wine Julien Boire (who has OCD) AND down-on-his-luck TikTok influencer/king of mixology Greg Harlow (who has anxiety). They become co-workers at Martin’s Place, the restaurant that Julien’s Aunt Augustine and Uncle Martin own, in Allentown, PA - a far cry from Greg’s former high life in NYC or the imagined fancy restaurant where Julien dreams of sommelier-ing (this is a word because Timothy and Julien say so). Uncle Martin wants to pump the place up with trendy cocktail options so he can leave it to his nephew in good shape. Julien doesn’t think he really wants the legacy, but he owes his aunt and uncle a lot. They raised him.

🥃 But Getting-to-Know-You G&T samples AND sparks fly in a “nemeses”-to-friends-to-friends-with-benefits-to-lovers kind of way, and it is not an easy stroll through the bar or the wine cellar by any means. Things don’t go well between them at first, and the restaurant’s Yelp reviews subsequently suffer. So Uncle Martin makes the two team up for Wine Down Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays happy hours to try to get back on Lehigh Valley’s Best Restaurants list, and things, fortunately, do “progress” nicely. For a while.

🎨Before you know it, there are flirty paint-and-sip nights and lovely chats across several platforms and pink Snoballs (iykyk) and a s3x pact (complete with toys) and cocktail/mocktail collaborations and advanced sommelier test questions - and New Year’s Eve kissing! Of course, it’s all fun and games until the L word creeps in. Julien and Greg begin to dance around whether they, indeed, have feelings for each other and whether they actually want their strings to be, er, attached.

🍷However, snap decisions are made, separate trips to Dallas and NYC occur, they forget their healthy talk life, and the guys finally realize they need to figure out their stuff. One way or the other.

🥂This is a really sweet grumpy/sunshine rom-com with signature Timothy Janovsky humor, dancing, TikToks, music, and serious topics, too. I really love this book for 1) what feels like very respectful neurodivergent rep, 2) mature conversations about consent and comfort in their (pretty-dang-spicy!) bedroom, 3) Greg’s encouraging cousin and his gf, 4) Julien’s supportive aunt and uncle, and 5) the characters’ thoughtful and caring discussions around alcohol use/alcohol abuse (the latter is off-page when Julien was a child, but here’s a content warning).

🌸 On a personal note, I loved the details about Allentown, especially the little airport, which I’ve used many times, including that strange United shuttle bus from ABE to EWR that’s somehow part of the flight plan. And let’s not forget Biscoff cookies. And cherry blossoms.

🍾Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

This was a cute story, and I think, a good book for a reader that may be new to “spice” in books. I loved the representation in the story. I feel like it could have been a bit longer, there felt like there was a few gaps to fill (as in I desired more detail.) The characters were lovable, it played like a movie in my head while reading. Julien and Greg’s relationship is so sweet - it made me think of this quote “to be known is to be loved”. Some representation in the story I loved: OCD, SSRI, sex toy positivity, alcoholic parents, and neurodivergence.

Thank to Netgalley, Afterglow Book by Harlequin, Timothy Janovsky for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.25 stars. Overall, I enjoyed this book but I didn’t love it. I found the pacing and timeline to be a bit all over the place and it wasn’t as engaging as I hoped. Also, I know nothing about wine so that element of the plot didn’t make a lot of sense to me but that’s definitely a me problem, not the book. I enjoyed the mental representation though and the romance between the main characters too.

3.5 stars
This was a fun and easy read. I appreciated the mental illnesses representation and the sobriety conversations.
This fell flat with the characters, who seemed kind of interchangeable in my mind. Also, the miscommunication was infuriating. I get that this is a common trope for a reason, but I did not enjoy this one.

3.5 Stars. Julien is a sommelier at his family’s restaurant who is not pleased when his uncle hires Greg, a flashy TikTok mixologist, to work the bar. Julien has OCD and is very exact while Greg is outgoing and charming. When forced to work together on a few special events the pair find common ground and begin a friends with benefits arrangement. Greg doesn’t mind Julien’s need for cleanliness and Julien is not bothered at all by Greg’s erectile disfunction caused by his anti-anxiety medication. The two have a great relationship until Greg is offered a job in New York and must decide if he wants to stay or go.

I always have mixed feelings on Timothy’s books and this one is no exception. Both Julien and Greg were complex characters going through their own issues. I especially appreciated the inclusion of erectile disfunction and how it was treated as not a big deal in their physical relationship. I have seen reviews from people with OCD saying the depiction of Julien’s OCD was not great, so take that for what you will. The book moved quickly and is relatively short so it only took a few hours to read. I hated the last third of the book. A third-act breakup is fine, but this one took things too far and then resolved so quickly that I don’t think there really was a satisfactory HEA. That being said, I did really enjoy the cast of side characters and would read something else in the same universe.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.