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You Had Me at Happy Hour
In this sexy, emotionally satisfying LGBTQIA+ romance, a grumpy sommelier and a flirty mixologist just might be the perfect pairing…
Rivalry never tasted so good.
O’ little town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania—it may be charming, but Julien Boire can’t wait to get out of there. Soon he’ll be leaving to take an advanced wine course that will put him on track to become a master sommelier. Meantime, his OCD demands he keep clear of distractions, especially the hot new hire at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant, Martin’s Place.
Which should be easy, because Greg Harlow is as ill-suited to Julien as a bold cabernet is to a delicate salmon entrée. As charismatic and confident as Julien is tightly wound, Greg is a TikTok mixologist who could charm a paper bag. One thing they do have in common: neither wants a relationship.
Greg’s history with dating is…complicated. Yet working together isn’t. First, they’re teaming up to launch a series of happy hour events at Martin’s Place. Then they’re agreeing to a no-strings sex pact that involves new worlds of experimentation. Nothing is off-limits. Except a future.
It’s exactly how Julien wants it. Except for the little part of him that wonders if maybe he’s about to lose the kind of happy that could last much longer than an hour…
Rivalry never tasted so good.
O’ little town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania—it may be charming, but Julien Boire can’t wait to get out of there. Soon he’ll be leaving to take an advanced wine course that will put him on track to become a master sommelier. Meantime, his OCD demands he keep clear of distractions, especially the hot new hire at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant, Martin’s Place.
Which should be easy, because Greg Harlow is as ill-suited to Julien as a bold cabernet is to a delicate salmon entrée. As charismatic and confident as Julien is tightly wound, Greg is a TikTok mixologist who could charm a paper bag. One thing they do have in common: neither wants a relationship.
Greg’s history with dating is…complicated. Yet working together isn’t. First, they’re teaming up to launch a series of happy hour events at Martin’s Place. Then they’re agreeing to a no-strings sex pact that involves new worlds of experimentation. Nothing is off-limits. Except a future.
It’s exactly how Julien wants it. Except for the little part of him that wonders if maybe he’s about to lose the kind of happy that could last much longer than an hour…
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2024
106 people are currently reading
10065 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
June 17, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this new release, You Had Me at Happy Hour, from a new author, Timothy Janovsky, to me. I enjoy cocktails. I enjoy wine. While I wouldn't have gone to the social gatherings, I would have loved watching this romance unfold, sitting at the bar and sipping on some juice whilst everything got me hot under the collar! Both personalities we're great -- a little quirky, needy, and tough, but underneath them... kind, thoughtful, and charming. Supporting characters were well built without overpowering. No made up drama. Lots of appropriate transitions in connections. And a lusty, intriguing sexual connection that offered some dirty scenes, some tender scenes, and some surprisingly comical yet heart-pounding ones. Was the kinda book you need to read every so often, switch it up out of your norm, and make a connection with a new genre or setting. Won't work for everyone, but if you've got an open mind and just want to see a relationship blossom, this will be a great read.
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July 14, 2025Mixologist /sommelier romance m/m romance where both leads are neurodivergent (anxiety and erectile disfunction for one, OCD for the other).
It's very focused on showing how they accommodate one another's needs, particularly in bed, and we're left in no doubt how sexually compatible they are (this is definitely the first Harlequin I've read with double anal penetration) but I didn't quite see them as a couple, all the same. Greg is immensely easygoing, possibly to a fault; Julien is pretty self-centred and struggles to look outside his own wants and needs. I feel it would have worked better for me if we'd seen more of them interacting outside the bedroom; as it was, I just didn't quite buy into them as two people who'd be able to live together long term.
Also Greg makes a cocktail with roasted butternut squash, to which I can only say, the fuck?
It's very focused on showing how they accommodate one another's needs, particularly in bed, and we're left in no doubt how sexually compatible they are (this is definitely the first Harlequin I've read with double anal penetration) but I didn't quite see them as a couple, all the same. Greg is immensely easygoing, possibly to a fault; Julien is pretty self-centred and struggles to look outside his own wants and needs. I feel it would have worked better for me if we'd seen more of them interacting outside the bedroom; as it was, I just didn't quite buy into them as two people who'd be able to live together long term.
Also Greg makes a cocktail with roasted butternut squash, to which I can only say, the fuck?
February 29, 2024
I have a love-hate relationship with Timothy Janovski’s writing. I liked Never Been Kissed, but I found You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince meh. I adored New Adult, but DNF The Fake Hating Game. After DNFing that last one, I started to wonder if Timothy wasn’t writing too much—quantity over quality instead of quality over quantity. Six books (three different publishers!) in just over three years is quite a lot.
You Had Me at Happy Hour is a captivating and vivid romance/romcom with a different view on several topics like alcohol and sex. And I liked that part very, very much. Julien has OCD and is neurodivergent. Greg has anxiety and takes medicine. I loved both MCs (even though I hated Greg for a moment when he pushed Julien to take a sip of his cocktail). Julien and Greg’s job is making and serving (and tasting) alcoholic drinks, but both of them don’t/hardly drink for different reasons. Because of Greg’s medicine, his libido is low, and because of Julien’s OCD, he has rules for sex. And still, when they start hooking up, they have a satisfying sex life (even mind-blowing, according to Julien).
But …
Although I liked this one way more than The Fake Dating Game, I hated what happened in the third act (Greg, what were you effing doing in NY??? and Julien, what were you thinking??? and Greg, no way, you stupid …!!!). And in the end, a book I was sure I was going to rate four stars ended up as a three stars rating. All because of that ridiculous third act.
Thank you, Harlequin Romance and NetGalley, for this ARC!
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You Had Me at Happy Hour is a captivating and vivid romance/romcom with a different view on several topics like alcohol and sex. And I liked that part very, very much. Julien has OCD and is neurodivergent. Greg has anxiety and takes medicine. I loved both MCs (even though I hated Greg for a moment when he pushed Julien to take a sip of his cocktail). Julien and Greg’s job is making and serving (and tasting) alcoholic drinks, but both of them don’t/hardly drink for different reasons. Because of Greg’s medicine, his libido is low, and because of Julien’s OCD, he has rules for sex. And still, when they start hooking up, they have a satisfying sex life (even mind-blowing, according to Julien).
But …
Although I liked this one way more than The Fake Dating Game, I hated what happened in the third act (Greg, what were you effing doing in NY??? and Julien, what were you thinking??? and Greg, no way, you stupid …!!!). And in the end, a book I was sure I was going to rate four stars ended up as a three stars rating. All because of that ridiculous third act.
Thank you, Harlequin Romance and NetGalley, for this ARC!
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August 15, 2024
4 stars!
"You Had Me At Happy Hour" by Timothy Janovsky is a lovely, captivating, charming, sexy, surprisingly deep queer romance! It is one of those books that will play out right in front of your mind in vivid detail. I adored the main characters, Julian and Greg. I loved their chemistry and easy acceptance of one another. They are both imperfect main characters. They are both a little needy, both a little quick to judge for different reasons, but they find solace in each other once their walls come down just a little bit. Greg and Julian are complex people who have their own quirks and hang-ups and needs. What starts out as a mutual agreement/arrangement for them to both blow off steam with each other physically quickly turns into much more for both of them. As Julian and Greg get to know each other outside of their public personas, there are moments of deep tenderness, funny miscommunication, and steamy spice. I liked the balance of seriousness and levity. I really love how Janovsky handles the alcohol issue in this story, considering both of the characters work at a bar/restaurant and are around alcohol all of the time. One of the characters doesn't drink because of the medication they take (HARD relate on my end!), and the other doesn't drink because of something that happened in his past related to his parents. My one complaint is that I had no real sense of time duration while reading this story. I thought it had only been a few days/weeks during some portions of the book, but it turns out, it had been a few months into their relationship! It's a small complaint, but it's definitely something I noticed. Still, I would absolutely recommend this book. I had a lot of fun reading it, as I always do reading Timothy Janovsky's work!
Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, Harlequin - Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"You Had Me At Happy Hour" by Timothy Janovsky is a lovely, captivating, charming, sexy, surprisingly deep queer romance! It is one of those books that will play out right in front of your mind in vivid detail. I adored the main characters, Julian and Greg. I loved their chemistry and easy acceptance of one another. They are both imperfect main characters. They are both a little needy, both a little quick to judge for different reasons, but they find solace in each other once their walls come down just a little bit. Greg and Julian are complex people who have their own quirks and hang-ups and needs. What starts out as a mutual agreement/arrangement for them to both blow off steam with each other physically quickly turns into much more for both of them. As Julian and Greg get to know each other outside of their public personas, there are moments of deep tenderness, funny miscommunication, and steamy spice. I liked the balance of seriousness and levity. I really love how Janovsky handles the alcohol issue in this story, considering both of the characters work at a bar/restaurant and are around alcohol all of the time. One of the characters doesn't drink because of the medication they take (HARD relate on my end!), and the other doesn't drink because of something that happened in his past related to his parents. My one complaint is that I had no real sense of time duration while reading this story. I thought it had only been a few days/weeks during some portions of the book, but it turns out, it had been a few months into their relationship! It's a small complaint, but it's definitely something I noticed. Still, I would absolutely recommend this book. I had a lot of fun reading it, as I always do reading Timothy Janovsky's work!
Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, Harlequin - Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
April 29, 2024
I've enjoyed all of Timothy Janovsky's books, and You Had Me at Happy Hour is my favorite one yet. Five huge stars!
The characters are quirky and unique. Janovsky delves deeply into each of these guys' issues, and makes them completely real and so interesting.
There's wonderful chemistry between Julien and Greg. From the moment they meet, it's clear that they're going to make a great team. The pacing on the romance is just perfect. Janovsky doesn't waste any time getting these two into a physical romance (yay), and the build to the happily ever after is beautifully paced.
You Had Me at Happy Hour is an absolute pleasure!
an arc of You Had Me at Happy Hour was provided by Harlequin - Romance | Afterglow Books by Harlequin, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The characters are quirky and unique. Janovsky delves deeply into each of these guys' issues, and makes them completely real and so interesting.
There's wonderful chemistry between Julien and Greg. From the moment they meet, it's clear that they're going to make a great team. The pacing on the romance is just perfect. Janovsky doesn't waste any time getting these two into a physical romance (yay), and the build to the happily ever after is beautifully paced.
You Had Me at Happy Hour is an absolute pleasure!
an arc of You Had Me at Happy Hour was provided by Harlequin - Romance | Afterglow Books by Harlequin, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
August 28, 2024
4 stars. Steamy, compulsively readable, and surprisingly thoughtful in the subjects that it handles, You Had Me at Happy Hour is a delightful cocktail of a romance.
November 17, 2024
At no hour was I happy to be reading this
September 9, 2025
I loved this romance of a mixologist and sommelier a love hate relationship opposites attract mental health representation of anxiety, ocd and depression with tragic past and found family. Julian and Greg’s relationship blossoming from start to Finish was amazing and I loved every second of this book.
July 7, 2024
An aspiring sommelier working at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant bumps heads with the new hire mixologist/bartender. In dual POV, this was a very cute, sex positive, grumpy sunshine love story that also tackled heavier topics like alcoholism and mental health. I loved how mature both of these main characters were and how heavier topics on both sides were handled with respect and care. This was such healthy relationship goals! 4.25
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2024
"You Had Me at Happy Hour" by Timothy Janovsky is a cheerful romance that combines humour & heart to create an engaging read.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the author's ability to balance humour with genuine emotion. The witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments are perfectly complemented by deeper, more introspective scenes that explore themes of disability and vulnerability. The chemistry between Greg and Julien is palpable from the get-go, and their relationship develops in a way that feels both organic and satisfying. I found myself not wanting the book to end.
Tropes:
-OCD Representation
-Anxiety Representation
-LGBTQ+
- 🌶️🌶️
-Restaurant Setting
-Instant Attraction they try to deny
-He (Greg) falls first
-FWB
Thankyou to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the author's ability to balance humour with genuine emotion. The witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments are perfectly complemented by deeper, more introspective scenes that explore themes of disability and vulnerability. The chemistry between Greg and Julien is palpable from the get-go, and their relationship develops in a way that feels both organic and satisfying. I found myself not wanting the book to end.
Tropes:
-OCD Representation
-Anxiety Representation
-LGBTQ+
- 🌶️🌶️
-Restaurant Setting
-Instant Attraction they try to deny
-He (Greg) falls first
-FWB
Thankyou to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review
July 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Such a beautiful and gentle romance.
I loved the actor´s voice and I was so captivated I couldn´t stop listening to it!
I really liked Timothy´s writing in New Adult and this book was just a confirmation of it! I absolutely love how he treats some pretty difficult themes in such a delicate way and even though this attention is there for the length of the book I still had my stomach in knots during the third act not really break-up.
This book was quick and cute. I loved how both characters were flawed but still so open and ready to listen to each other's needs. The representation was spot on!
Recommended for any lover of sweet yet spicy mm romances.
Thank You HarperCollins UK Audio for the ALC.
Such a beautiful and gentle romance.
I loved the actor´s voice and I was so captivated I couldn´t stop listening to it!
I really liked Timothy´s writing in New Adult and this book was just a confirmation of it! I absolutely love how he treats some pretty difficult themes in such a delicate way and even though this attention is there for the length of the book I still had my stomach in knots during the third act not really break-up.
This book was quick and cute. I loved how both characters were flawed but still so open and ready to listen to each other's needs. The representation was spot on!
Recommended for any lover of sweet yet spicy mm romances.
Thank You HarperCollins UK Audio for the ALC.
March 28, 2024
✰3.5 stars✰ rounded up
Julien is a sommelier with big aspirations, he wants to save his money and get out of his town for something bigger and better where he has more opportunities. Greg on the other hand feels like he had his moment of bigger and better and just wants to settle down in a place where he feels like he belongs and save his money to make up for the debt living in New York caused.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the representation and break from cookie cutter main characters. Julien has OCD and Greg has chronic anxiety. Julien prefers a very specific routine before hooking up with someone, and he feels that his quirks make it hard to find a casual one night stand on an app. Greg takes medication for his anxiety that occasionally causes ED and he’s a bit self conscious about it. While paired together to plan a happy hour for Julien’s families restaurant, they end up opening up about their sex quirks and decide to hook up with each other in a sex pact.
This book was shaping up to be at least four stars for me, maybe even a little higher… and then we get to the third act and Greg makes some No-Good-Very-Bad-Choices that feel out of character. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll be vague here.
The first choice he makes and fields Julien with in the car I can understand. Juliens reaction is obviously supportive but more so out of self preservation, a fact that Greg doesn’t catch and thinks Julien just doesn’t like him any deeper than sex.
Greg then makes a series of questionable choices and observations. They felt way, way out of character. They felt a little dirty almost or made it feel like Julien was actually not as important to Greg because he made the choice to do X, Y and Z in the first place rather than talking to Julien or even fighting for him. I didn��t get it and it put a big hole in their forming relationship for me. I could understand the first choice because he was worried about money and it was a defense and worked for the plot. The rest felt unnecessary to the plot and actually messed with some relationship strength in my opinion. I could have seriously done without, like what the hell Greg?
It was almost enough for me to rate this 3 stars because I was so thrown off. I rated 3.5 because of how much I appreciated non cookie cutter characters and how much I love this author. But damn am I bummed about a few moments there in the last chunk.
I don’t think it’ll ever be a comfort re-read for me solely because of that last bit (and it could have been otherwise), but the first 2/3’s are cute and fun and I loved that part. So in my head I’m cutting out some moments and pretending they didn’t happen so I can love these two the way they deserve.
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Julien is a sommelier with big aspirations, he wants to save his money and get out of his town for something bigger and better where he has more opportunities. Greg on the other hand feels like he had his moment of bigger and better and just wants to settle down in a place where he feels like he belongs and save his money to make up for the debt living in New York caused.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the representation and break from cookie cutter main characters. Julien has OCD and Greg has chronic anxiety. Julien prefers a very specific routine before hooking up with someone, and he feels that his quirks make it hard to find a casual one night stand on an app. Greg takes medication for his anxiety that occasionally causes ED and he’s a bit self conscious about it. While paired together to plan a happy hour for Julien’s families restaurant, they end up opening up about their sex quirks and decide to hook up with each other in a sex pact.
This book was shaping up to be at least four stars for me, maybe even a little higher… and then we get to the third act and Greg makes some No-Good-Very-Bad-Choices that feel out of character. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll be vague here.
The first choice he makes and fields Julien with in the car I can understand. Juliens reaction is obviously supportive but more so out of self preservation, a fact that Greg doesn’t catch and thinks Julien just doesn’t like him any deeper than sex.
Greg then makes a series of questionable choices and observations. They felt way, way out of character. They felt a little dirty almost or made it feel like Julien was actually not as important to Greg because he made the choice to do X, Y and Z in the first place rather than talking to Julien or even fighting for him. I didn��t get it and it put a big hole in their forming relationship for me. I could understand the first choice because he was worried about money and it was a defense and worked for the plot. The rest felt unnecessary to the plot and actually messed with some relationship strength in my opinion. I could have seriously done without, like what the hell Greg?
It was almost enough for me to rate this 3 stars because I was so thrown off. I rated 3.5 because of how much I appreciated non cookie cutter characters and how much I love this author. But damn am I bummed about a few moments there in the last chunk.
I don’t think it’ll ever be a comfort re-read for me solely because of that last bit (and it could have been otherwise), but the first 2/3’s are cute and fun and I loved that part. So in my head I’m cutting out some moments and pretending they didn’t happen so I can love these two the way they deserve.
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2024
ARC given by NetGalley for Honest Review
"You Had Me at Happy Hour" somehow lacks passion and substance despite it's plot. The backstory/plot about each characters' past and mental health issues should have been deep, personal, and intimate but instead felt thrown together. The representation of someone with OCD and someone who deals with erectile dysfunction due to taking SSRI's is really cool, but it just felt...lifeless. The dialogue was INCREDIBLY cringey to the point that I had to take breaks to awkwardly laugh off my secondhand embarrassment. The sex was lackluster and felt too informal and clinical.
This book had the makings to be cute, funny, sexy, and inspiring but falls flat.
"You Had Me at Happy Hour" somehow lacks passion and substance despite it's plot. The backstory/plot about each characters' past and mental health issues should have been deep, personal, and intimate but instead felt thrown together. The representation of someone with OCD and someone who deals with erectile dysfunction due to taking SSRI's is really cool, but it just felt...lifeless. The dialogue was INCREDIBLY cringey to the point that I had to take breaks to awkwardly laugh off my secondhand embarrassment. The sex was lackluster and felt too informal and clinical.
This book had the makings to be cute, funny, sexy, and inspiring but falls flat.
July 21, 2024
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!
February 5, 2025
You Had Me at Happy Hour was a quick and enjoyable read. The characters were very cute together and really balanced each other out. Their ability to communicate, for the most part, was my favorite aspect of their relationship. The story dealt with some pretty heavy topics, but in a positive and respectful way.
February 26, 2025
I received this as an ARC in Netgalley.
You Had Me At Happy Hour is a fun and spicy mm romance that has you falling head over heels for Julien and Greg.
These two in the beginning could not be any more different. But that is that magic of Janovsky’ work because these two go together like the ingredients to the best cocktail ever. Julien is a sweet and insecure fireball of emotions and cannot help but wear his emotions on his sleeves and Greg is the beautiful bartender hunk that really needs a break to get his life back on track financially, socially and romantically after his recent breakup. Ultimately they both need their fresh new start, Greg needs to make money at his new gig to get his debt under control and Julien needs to get through his sommelier program and get out of his aunt and uncles hair.
I’ve read several of Janovsky’s work and to date this has to be my favorite one. The overall stroyline was so engaging but what had me was how intimately it was romantically and sexually. I loved getting to see mm sex and romance look different than traditional dynamics. You Had Me At Happy Hour has a raw and unique look into varying sexual relationships and dynamics while also breaking down the stereotypes gay men and even straight men experience in the bedroom.
I loved the characters, the spice, and the love that Julien and Greg found for one another. This was a 4.5 star read for me and a stand out amongst Janovksy’s other work for me.
You Had Me At Happy Hour is a fun and spicy mm romance that has you falling head over heels for Julien and Greg.
These two in the beginning could not be any more different. But that is that magic of Janovsky’ work because these two go together like the ingredients to the best cocktail ever. Julien is a sweet and insecure fireball of emotions and cannot help but wear his emotions on his sleeves and Greg is the beautiful bartender hunk that really needs a break to get his life back on track financially, socially and romantically after his recent breakup. Ultimately they both need their fresh new start, Greg needs to make money at his new gig to get his debt under control and Julien needs to get through his sommelier program and get out of his aunt and uncles hair.
I’ve read several of Janovsky’s work and to date this has to be my favorite one. The overall stroyline was so engaging but what had me was how intimately it was romantically and sexually. I loved getting to see mm sex and romance look different than traditional dynamics. You Had Me At Happy Hour has a raw and unique look into varying sexual relationships and dynamics while also breaking down the stereotypes gay men and even straight men experience in the bedroom.
I loved the characters, the spice, and the love that Julien and Greg found for one another. This was a 4.5 star read for me and a stand out amongst Janovksy’s other work for me.
February 25, 2024
Janovsky writes such reliably enjoyable romances and You Had Me at Happy Hour is no exception. Here he brings together two very different main characters and demonstrates over the course of the novel just how well they complement each other (while they of course also navigate trying to boost business at a failing family restaurant). He’s also able to deftly tackle serious issues while also making you laugh and swoon.
My only small issue is that the books in these series are short (I think I read this in two short sittings) and I do wish we got a bit more in the third act resolution. But to be honest, complaining that you wish a book was longer is probably more of a recommendation than anything else. Overall, this is another great romance from an author that’s an auto-buy for me.
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My only small issue is that the books in these series are short (I think I read this in two short sittings) and I do wish we got a bit more in the third act resolution. But to be honest, complaining that you wish a book was longer is probably more of a recommendation than anything else. Overall, this is another great romance from an author that’s an auto-buy for me.
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2024
This was sweet and complex, with a lot to like. Julien is a sommelier at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant and feeling rather stuck, looking for a way to take the next step in his career. Greg is a TikTok famous bartender whose views have tanked and he’s looking for a fresh start. When he’s hired on at Martin’s Place to mix custom cocktails and hopefully bring in a fresh young clientele, he immediately clashes with Julien and it takes them a while to get comfortable.
I found Julien a bit hard to understand, and I think that was purposeful. He did not drink due to trauma from his neglectful, alcoholic parents, and mistrusts Greg on instinct due to his work with hard liquor. It felt a bit odd that Julien would choose a career as a sommelier which involved selling wine that he refused to drink. Julien also has OCD, fear of abandonment and some social anxiety, but he grew on you.
Greg was a little more straightforward, but had GAD and was facing some heavy debt he’d incurred living above his means. Sex was a challenge for him due to side effects from his SSRI. The beginning of his and Julien’s sexual relationship was basically like “hey, we’re both kinda quirky with sex, let’s see if our quirks are compatible” which was an odd beginning but it worked. Of course as they spent more time together, in bed, filming TikToks and hosting happy hours, they developed feelings.
I absolutely loved the mental health representation, and it was great to see characters with realistic sex issues still have great sex. They used a plethora of toys to make things work in the beginning which was a lot of fun to read. Also both had some character growth over the course of the book, although neither felt completely like the healthiest version of themself.
The book lost a bit for me because the characters have motivations that are never quite resolved- Julien keeps saying that he wants to leave but then he doesn’t, and Greg said all he wanted was to stay but he ran away at the first opportunity. I also didn’t love that Greg hooked up with an ex during the 80% breakup, it felt coerced and off to me. I still enjoyed the story and characters overall, though.
I found Julien a bit hard to understand, and I think that was purposeful. He did not drink due to trauma from his neglectful, alcoholic parents, and mistrusts Greg on instinct due to his work with hard liquor. It felt a bit odd that Julien would choose a career as a sommelier which involved selling wine that he refused to drink. Julien also has OCD, fear of abandonment and some social anxiety, but he grew on you.
Greg was a little more straightforward, but had GAD and was facing some heavy debt he’d incurred living above his means. Sex was a challenge for him due to side effects from his SSRI. The beginning of his and Julien’s sexual relationship was basically like “hey, we’re both kinda quirky with sex, let’s see if our quirks are compatible” which was an odd beginning but it worked. Of course as they spent more time together, in bed, filming TikToks and hosting happy hours, they developed feelings.
I absolutely loved the mental health representation, and it was great to see characters with realistic sex issues still have great sex. They used a plethora of toys to make things work in the beginning which was a lot of fun to read. Also both had some character growth over the course of the book, although neither felt completely like the healthiest version of themself.
The book lost a bit for me because the characters have motivations that are never quite resolved- Julien keeps saying that he wants to leave but then he doesn’t, and Greg said all he wanted was to stay but he ran away at the first opportunity. I also didn’t love that Greg hooked up with an ex during the 80% breakup, it felt coerced and off to me. I still enjoyed the story and characters overall, though.
May 22, 2025
A fun little read. Was not prepared for the level of smut this book would carry, reading this while sat in a middle seat on a plane in Texas was a wild ride 😅
October 15, 2024
Being forced to work closely with your work nemesis always leads to more.
At least in books.
Greg & Julien are both great characters I loved watching them unravel the mysteries surrounding each other.
Add in some tasty sounding mixed drinks and a cute small town setting and you have a winner.
Much love to NetGalley & Harlequin - Romance for my ARC.
At least in books.
Greg & Julien are both great characters I loved watching them unravel the mysteries surrounding each other.
Add in some tasty sounding mixed drinks and a cute small town setting and you have a winner.
Much love to NetGalley & Harlequin - Romance for my ARC.
January 29, 2025
Complex but flirty.
Full-bodied with hints of pain.
Clean, sexy, let breathe.
Full-bodied with hints of pain.
Clean, sexy, let breathe.
January 25, 2025
Good salty junk food, which is exactly what I was looking for and wanting. It just needed a bit more seasoning.
This is about a sommelier with OCD falling in with a mixology tiktok star, but their respective professions didn’t get as much attention as I hoped. What takes priority is the will they won’t they element, and that just isn’t as fun for me as it is for other folks.
I do, however, really appreciate the inclusion of having an MC grapple with erectile dysfunction. It’s surprisingly (and sadly) underrepresented in a lot of romance media outside of lazy and offensive jokes.
This is about a sommelier with OCD falling in with a mixology tiktok star, but their respective professions didn’t get as much attention as I hoped. What takes priority is the will they won’t they element, and that just isn’t as fun for me as it is for other folks.
I do, however, really appreciate the inclusion of having an MC grapple with erectile dysfunction. It’s surprisingly (and sadly) underrepresented in a lot of romance media outside of lazy and offensive jokes.
June 8, 2025
rating: 4/5 stars
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it isn’t just the alcohol flowing in this book and i think that’s beautiful
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it isn’t just the alcohol flowing in this book and i think that’s beautiful
April 1, 2024
The Boy Meets Boy series from Janovsky is very cute and sweet and zero spice. And then he started writing for Harlequin and Fake Dating Game scorched my face off, while still having the same charm and heart of his previous books. You Had Me at Happy Hour keeps the high scorch and introduces toys. Yes, please, more toys in romance thank you. But still kept me engaged with very real people with real issues and heart.
Julien Boire is a sommelier at his aunt and uncle's restaurant, the aunt and uncle who raised him after his alcoholic parents lost parental rights. And you go what he's a sommelier? But the way Julien tries to control the world and his life so no other bad things can surprise him, it makes total sense. Enter Greg, a former TikTok star, and new mixologist at the restaurant. Greg is charming and Julien has no time for this. But then they are forced by his aunt and uncle to work together for the restaurant. I just loved these two. I also really appreciated a story that included the effects of SRIs on a sex drive and the very kind and judgment free way Julien approached that. And also the very hot way lol. And while yes this was sold to me as hotter than Fake Dating Game (I do think Fake Dating Game was scorchier by a fraction), this one really got me in the feels. There's a scene where Julien is talking with his aunt and I just cried. Anyways, a full spectrum going on in this book. PLUS A CHARACTER NAMED AFTER ME. How could I not mention that part? She's pretty great. And sparkly.
You Had Me at Happy Hour is out July 23, 2024.
Julien Boire is a sommelier at his aunt and uncle's restaurant, the aunt and uncle who raised him after his alcoholic parents lost parental rights. And you go what he's a sommelier? But the way Julien tries to control the world and his life so no other bad things can surprise him, it makes total sense. Enter Greg, a former TikTok star, and new mixologist at the restaurant. Greg is charming and Julien has no time for this. But then they are forced by his aunt and uncle to work together for the restaurant. I just loved these two. I also really appreciated a story that included the effects of SRIs on a sex drive and the very kind and judgment free way Julien approached that. And also the very hot way lol. And while yes this was sold to me as hotter than Fake Dating Game (I do think Fake Dating Game was scorchier by a fraction), this one really got me in the feels. There's a scene where Julien is talking with his aunt and I just cried. Anyways, a full spectrum going on in this book. PLUS A CHARACTER NAMED AFTER ME. How could I not mention that part? She's pretty great. And sparkly.
You Had Me at Happy Hour is out July 23, 2024.
November 1, 2024
2.5 stars.
Lately I have been finding Timothy Janovsky books (referring to this and "The Fake Dating Game") a bit disjointed. They look and seem like YA books but the characters seem older than they are. And the sex scenes are pretty kinky. The characters are likeable but they seemed incredibly objective and rational at first and then completely hopeless and irrational towerds the end. The third act break up was so tedious and insufferable and felt like there was some sort of word count to hit. The ending was formualic and I wished I abandoned it long before the end. I don't recommend.
Pros:Disability rep. ED rep. Likeable characters.
Cons: Everything else.
Narration: I don't love this narrator.
Lately I have been finding Timothy Janovsky books (referring to this and "The Fake Dating Game") a bit disjointed. They look and seem like YA books but the characters seem older than they are. And the sex scenes are pretty kinky. The characters are likeable but they seemed incredibly objective and rational at first and then completely hopeless and irrational towerds the end. The third act break up was so tedious and insufferable and felt like there was some sort of word count to hit. The ending was formualic and I wished I abandoned it long before the end. I don't recommend.
Pros:Disability rep. ED rep. Likeable characters.
Cons: Everything else.
Narration: I don't love this narrator.
June 24, 2024
This book was a truly glorious rivals-to-lovers story, with great writing and loveable characters, but you know what absolutely made this book stand out for me? The mental health representation. Holy heck this was one of those books where I was just so impressed by the representation and the way the author handles incredibly sensitive topics - it was so much more than I was expecting it to be!
Julien Boire works at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant, Martin’s Place, as a server and sommelier. They adopted him as a child after his alcoholic mother got into a car accident and he has a slew of trust issues from that, as well as OCD and being on the autistic spectrum. He is fixated on getting his master sommelier’s qualification and refuses to let anything stand in his way.
That is until his aunt and uncle hire Greg Harlow, a TikTok sensation and bartender, to help get in more customers by curating special cocktails and running happy hours. Greg is absolutely burnt out from his previous high-flying New York life filled with social media, product promotion and wild parties. He’s also wracked up an almost unmanageable amount of credit card debt and he’s hoping this escape from the city will be the reset he needs to get his life back together. He suffers from anxiety and depression and takes SSRI meds for this which seriously affects his sex drive and causes ED, which causes him performance anxiety around sex.
Watching these two navigate their hangups around sex (Julien’s OCD needs inc. a strict showering regime and Greg’s performance anxiety) was just perfection - I think it’s so rare to see these concerns, especially round ED, in romance (MM or MF) and I loved watching the pair navigate this whilst still making each other feel sexy, special and loved (although they won’t admit the last part!!)
The only reason this book loses a star from me is that HORRENDOUS third act breakup. Like… what were they both thinking? Like Julien’s reaction I 100% understand but Greg? Ugh. His choices whilst they were ‘split up’ really made me angry ha. But they do get back together and they do get their HEA but holy heck did we really need to be jerked around like that?? I think not 🤣 Other than that it would have been a 5* read!
Read ‘You Had Me At Happy Hour’ for:
✨ Rivals to lovers
✨ Bartender vs Sommelier
✨ Amazing mental health rep
✨ Navigating bedroom hangups (ED & OCD)
✨ Amazing adoptive parents & found family
✨ Moving to a small town to start again
✨ The pitfalls and successes of social media stardom
Thank you so much to Afterglow Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! It is available on 23rd July 2024 ✨
Julien Boire works at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant, Martin’s Place, as a server and sommelier. They adopted him as a child after his alcoholic mother got into a car accident and he has a slew of trust issues from that, as well as OCD and being on the autistic spectrum. He is fixated on getting his master sommelier’s qualification and refuses to let anything stand in his way.
That is until his aunt and uncle hire Greg Harlow, a TikTok sensation and bartender, to help get in more customers by curating special cocktails and running happy hours. Greg is absolutely burnt out from his previous high-flying New York life filled with social media, product promotion and wild parties. He’s also wracked up an almost unmanageable amount of credit card debt and he’s hoping this escape from the city will be the reset he needs to get his life back together. He suffers from anxiety and depression and takes SSRI meds for this which seriously affects his sex drive and causes ED, which causes him performance anxiety around sex.
Watching these two navigate their hangups around sex (Julien’s OCD needs inc. a strict showering regime and Greg’s performance anxiety) was just perfection - I think it’s so rare to see these concerns, especially round ED, in romance (MM or MF) and I loved watching the pair navigate this whilst still making each other feel sexy, special and loved (although they won’t admit the last part!!)
The only reason this book loses a star from me is that HORRENDOUS third act breakup. Like… what were they both thinking? Like Julien’s reaction I 100% understand but Greg? Ugh. His choices whilst they were ‘split up’ really made me angry ha. But they do get back together and they do get their HEA but holy heck did we really need to be jerked around like that?? I think not 🤣 Other than that it would have been a 5* read!
Read ‘You Had Me At Happy Hour’ for:
✨ Rivals to lovers
✨ Bartender vs Sommelier
✨ Amazing mental health rep
✨ Navigating bedroom hangups (ED & OCD)
✨ Amazing adoptive parents & found family
✨ Moving to a small town to start again
✨ The pitfalls and successes of social media stardom
Thank you so much to Afterglow Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! It is available on 23rd July 2024 ✨
July 31, 2024
Having recently read The Fake Dating Game, I was looking forward to delving into this story of two men - Greg, a TikTok mixologist, who takes a job at a restaurant, Martin's Place, in Bethlehem PA, a step-down from his career in NYC - and Julien, the sommelier at Martin's, with plans to leave the restaurant he basically grew up in after he gets his master sommelier certification.
Julien is neurodivergent and has OCD, while Greg has chronic anxiety and as a result of his medication, is dealing with ED. Each had a difficult childhood, details of which are alluded to briefly without fleshing-out. And while Greg is more quickly relatable, getting to know Julien takes longer ... perhaps because the first time we meet Julien, he is discouraging a customer from ordering the wine he wants in a tone-deaf scene that just won't quit, and he has a very prickly demeanor.
Greg and Julien eventually begin a friends-with-benefits relationship, which spectacularly derails when Julien goes to Dallas for his master sommelier training, and Greg goes to NYC. And at this point, I almost DNFed because it was an almost total reversal of what we thought we knew about each man and their aspirations. We do get a HEA at the end of the book, but personally, little of the book really worked for me. 3 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Julien is neurodivergent and has OCD, while Greg has chronic anxiety and as a result of his medication, is dealing with ED. Each had a difficult childhood, details of which are alluded to briefly without fleshing-out. And while Greg is more quickly relatable, getting to know Julien takes longer ... perhaps because the first time we meet Julien, he is discouraging a customer from ordering the wine he wants in a tone-deaf scene that just won't quit, and he has a very prickly demeanor.
Greg and Julien eventually begin a friends-with-benefits relationship, which spectacularly derails when Julien goes to Dallas for his master sommelier training, and Greg goes to NYC. And at this point, I almost DNFed because it was an almost total reversal of what we thought we knew about each man and their aspirations. We do get a HEA at the end of the book, but personally, little of the book really worked for me. 3 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2024
You Had Me at Happy Hour follows Julien who wants to get out of his hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He wants to take an advanced wine course that will put him on track to become a master sommelier. Until then he works at is aunt and uncles restaurant Martin’s Place. Greg is a TikTok mixologist but can’t make ends meet so he gets a job working on Martin’s Place. At first things between Julien and Greg don’t go well. And they are forced to launch a series of happy hour events to help the restaurant. They soon start a no strings attached FWB situation. But they both realize that they might feel more of each other.
I have enjoyed every Timothy Janovsky book I have read. This book did not disappoint and it is now my favorite of his books. This was so, so, so cute. I loved the OCD rep in this book. Also this book had a lot of spice! I thought the relationship between Julien and Greg was just so dang cute. This book had everything I loved in a romance book. I found myself yelling out loud many times because I loved this one so much. Please do yourself a favor and just read this. I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to reread it.
This book comes out July 23!
I have enjoyed every Timothy Janovsky book I have read. This book did not disappoint and it is now my favorite of his books. This was so, so, so cute. I loved the OCD rep in this book. Also this book had a lot of spice! I thought the relationship between Julien and Greg was just so dang cute. This book had everything I loved in a romance book. I found myself yelling out loud many times because I loved this one so much. Please do yourself a favor and just read this. I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to reread it.
This book comes out July 23!
November 3, 2024
You had me at happy hour was such a fun read. I initially thought I knew how this would play out and while some things did occur I was still pleasantly surprised with the characters and their story. The character development was done quite well and I appreciated how Julien and Greg had real life problems. There is a certain trope that I’m not too fond of that happens in the third act but even with that I did enjoy this overall. This is my second book from Timothy and I’ll certainly check out more!
Cheers!
Cheers!
October 23, 2025
You Had Me at Happy Hour is a queer contemporary romance between a prospective sommelier and a mixologist influencer. The characters were awkward but fun, and while it was easy to root for them and relate to them, I often struggled to see the chemistry between them. Their relationship shifted too suddenly, and I wish there had been more development for it outside of the bedroom. I loved the representation of neurodiversity, especially as it explored side effects of medication and how that can influence other relationships. These issues were handled realistically and in a way that seeks to normalize conversations about them, and we always need more stories to do that. The setting felt underdeveloped, especially since so much of the story takes place inside a single restaurant. There are some scenes in which the characters act in ways inconsistent with their behaviors so far, almost as if they needed personality changes just to have the plot check some boxes. While this made for a quick and enjoyable read, it wasn't especially memorable, and though I'll praise it for its diversity and realistic depictions of underrepresented mental health conditions, the story didn't leave much of an impression on me.
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