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.

Timothy Janovsky tends to be hit or miss for me. He’s a wonderful author, and I’ve found some of his books to be a delight. This was one where the tone and feel of the book didn’t work for me. Maybe it’s because I have anxiety and reading about characters with anxiety makes me anxious. Julien was in his head so much, and it was too much for me. I’m sure others will enjoy the book.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Another fantastic romance from Timothy Janovsky! The pacing flows well, the plot of light and airy but still has enough depth to make it super enjoyable. The characters are lovely, and I really loved and appreciated that this book specifically deals with sexual performance issues and anxieties and shows how those can be worked around. It was very refreshing to read and I think this book would be very helpful to folks who deal with these issues and feel unworthy or that sex is impossible.

I look forward to the next book!

Tim does it again with this opposites-atrract, beverage-based romcom. I love how the characters' mental health plays such an integral part of the romance. We love some understanding, boundary-respecting kings!! Very steamy with lots of sex toys. Hooray for inventive queer sexuality!

You Had Me At Happy Hour is my first read by Timothy Janovsky and I can say it's made me a fan! I enjoy Timothy's style of writing and how he combines the right amount of heartfelt moments, humor, and spice. I enjoyed the characters as well as their overall development. Julien and Greg are clearly opposites, and it was great watching them slowly build a relationship, especially since it was supposed to be strictly FWB at first. There is mental illness representation in this book and, of course, queer representation, and I appreciated it all! Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin-Romance, and Timothy Janovsky for this ARC!

The chemistry between Greg and Julien was chefs kiss. Had amazing character arc’s for both MCs, lots of heartfelt moments and sexy scenes to melt you.

YOU HAD ME AT HAPPY HOUR is a spicy, queer romance about a sommelier and a mixologist who decide to become friends with benefits since neither one of them is looking for a relationship. as their physical relationship progresses, they find themselves having more-than-platonic feelings for each other. this was such a good romance that touched on a lot of important themes like mental health, alcoholism, erectile dysfunction, among others, but still managed to be lighthearted and a fun read.

read if you like:
- meet-disaster
- opposites attract
- workplace romance

thanks to netgalley and harlequin for the advanced copy! YOU HAD ME AT HAPPY HOUR comes out july 23.

Finished this in like 3 hours. Could not put it down!!! While this is not the typical theme I read, the story line was intriguing.

4.5 - “The point is: People can change. Nobody is just one thing, one trait.”

I can’t tell you how much I anticipate and enjoy Timothy’s writing. I always manage to fall in love with these beautiful, vulnerable characters he creates, and Julien and Greg were no different.

The premise of this is so fun, leading to Julien and Greg’s not-so-meet-cute. Greg is hired to help Julien’s aunt and uncle’s restaurant gain more business by creating cocktails and boosting happy hour. All this is to Julien’s dismay, as he’s a sommelier and takes that so seriously. There is an immediate tension between them that develops into an attraction they can’t ignore.

I loved this book so much because of the honest and sensitive conversations Greg and Julien have. Julien’s OCD has affected his relationships in the past and it keeps him from fully opening up. Greg is on an antidepressant that has affected his performance in the bedroom and his own insecurity. They take such great care of each other and develop this incredible understanding of each other. Their conflict also feels natural because of both of their internal struggles. Julien is scared that everyone he loves will leave him and it hinders his ability to open up to people. Greg has such a clear idea of what his life should be like that it takes a return to New York for him to realize what he really wants.

“Patterns don’t break just because you want them to.”

Even when discussing these heavier topics, this book manages to be sweet and heartwarming. The relationship that Julien has with his Aunt Augustine is one of my favorite parts of the story. She cares so much for him and wants him to be happy. She's one of the side characters that really brings this story to life. It's overall so relatable and heartwarming, and also impossibly sexy. It's the perfect summer read.