One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker

by Timothy Janovsky

The spiciest risks lead to the sweetest rewards

in this delicious, MM retelling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

Dario Cotogna has a problem. Per his late grandfather’s wishes, if Dario’s not married by his thirty-second birthday, his family’s chocolate empire will go to his philandering little brother. To make matters worse, Dario’s agoraphobia keeps him locked away from the rest of the world. How can he put himself out there and meet “the one” if he literally can’t put himself out there?

The solution? A global competition. Five lucky contestants get an all-expenses-paid trip to Dario’s luxury Italian villa for a chance at becoming his lawfully wedded spouse.

But aspiring tattoo artist Charlie Moore isn’t looking for love—he’s looking for a miracle. As his grandparents’ sole caregiver, he’s desperate to keep their bill collectors at bay. Marrying into the Amorina Chocolate fortune could save his family home from foreclosure. But when Charlie meets the brilliant heir, their attraction is instant—and very, very real.

After a whirlwind week of wine, indulgence and temptation as spicy as it is sweet, will Dario and Charlie melt under the pressure…or find a love that’s truly worth savoring?

From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…

The (Fake) Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky

You Had Me at Happy Hour by Timothy Janovsky

Once Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Queer, LGBT, Audiobook, Adult, Retellings

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, love. Where do I find it, this unexpected all-consuming magical kind where you visit another country and truly immerse yourself in something splendorous! Perhaps it's all imaginary, but it still makes you swoon and find those unforgettable first-experience moments. From chocolate to romance to sex to intimacy... there's enough to go around in spades. Didn't love the competition setting, mostly because it felt contrived, especially since 4 of the 5 'contestants' found reasons to go a different path, but then again... if true love is meant for just 1, aren't we supposed to root for that magic to happen naturally? Great dialog. Hot scenes. Intense moments with emotions. I can relate to agoraphobia, tho for me, I function well.... but poor Dario had a difficult case. I wish I could help him! But I also found myself falling for the blue-haired tattoo artist - Charlies was lovely in all ways. So many things to compare and contrast with the other chocolate-making movie (more about kids and goals and dreams coming true in a very different way)... that said... Janovsky continually shows me why he's a great romance author, with m4m his primary focus (despite the pansexual and bisexual characters, he really writes the male lust scenes so well). Just bought the remaining 2 I haven't yet read (other than the Boy series, which will come in time). Good reading!

[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very sweet. It's short and emotional, perfect for a palate cleanser.
One week to win the chocolate maker is exactly what it sounds, a competition to be chosen by the heir of a chocolate factory and marry him. But it was done in a cheese way that I actually liked. The length of the novel also helped because we didn't have much drama so it was just a nice read.
I liked how Charlie's money problems and Dario's anxiety were handled, it's an important part of the story. The spicy scenes were a little more explicit than what I've come to expect from Timothy but they were good.
Overall this was a very good romance, I highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC!

[Senne ┃ Bridge Burner Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

A sweet mix of The Bachelor and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, but it never felt original or convincing to me.

Dario, heir to a famous Italian chocolate empire, has to marry fast if he wants to stay in charge of the family business. Not an easy task when he’s constantly battling anxiety, so he creates a competition to find a future partner and secure his position.
Enter Charlie, who’s hoping to marry rich to save his childhood home and support his financially struggling family.

It reads very easily, but there was nothing refreshing for me. The competition was very superficial and the side characters were one-dimensional. I kept waiting for creative challenges or meaningful interactions, but those never happened.

You need a big dose of suspension of disbelief to get through this story, and that made it hard for me to fully invest in the romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this arc.

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a swoony story, I loved every second! MM retelling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

We are introduced to Dario, an Italian heir to a chocolate empire and Charlie, an American working a job he hates for shitty money at an off-license/liquor store.

Charlie receives a letter from the bank, declaring that his family home (currently housing his parents, grandparents, and himself) is going to foreclose due to payment issues.

In the same week, he opens a chocolate bar, revealing a competition to vie for the heart and marriage of Dario, the reclusive and handsome heir.

Winning the competition, Charlie is flown to Perugia, Italy to spend the week with Dario alongside the other competition winners to fight for Dario’s heart (and hand in marriage).

I thought this was such a sweet, cosy read which had some great spicy scenes 🌶️
This has the most wonderful, whimsical style of writing. I loved that there was pansexual (and agoraphobic) rep at the forefront. Dario, an honourable short king 👑 I definitely plan to read more from Timothy Janovsky.

Reviewed as part of an ARC from NetGalley

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cute story. The central premise didn't quite make the most sense; one would think that the folks behind setting up the "chocolate maker" with potential soul mates would have come up with better choices! I couldn't always get past what I saw as a misstep in concept, but otherwise found this a solid enough book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Lenore ⸆⸉]

I’ve never see Charlie and the chocolate factory so wonder what this will be like


Thank you to the author for sending me the arc

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me some Timothy Janovsky and this book may just be the best thing Janovsky has ever written.
There is a great plot, fabulous location, adorable characters and kisses.
Traveling across the planet to meet the love of your life is bananas, but oh how I loved reading someone else do it.
Charlie & Dario were delightful and I adored this new take on Charlie & the chocolate factory.
Changing the competition to one of love instead of inheritance was a fabulous twist.
Much love to Harlequin and NetGalley for my ARCs.

[KorenaJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LIKED THIS IT WAS SUPER CUTE. WE HAVE DARIO WHO IS TO INHERIT HIS GRANDFATHER'S CHOCOLATE COMPANY. THEN THERE IS CHARLIE AN AMERICAN WHO HAS ENTERED A CONTEST TO GO TO ITALY TO WIN THE HAND OF DARIO!

[WhiskeredInquisition · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐
This is essentially a queer retelling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory except instead of a golden ticket, five “expertly selected” contestants enter a bizarre reality TV style competition. The prize? Marry Dario before he turns 32 so he can inherit the family's chocolate empire. With one week in a lavish Italian villa to prove you’re 'The One'.

I wanted to love this so badly… but the representation left a very sour taste in my mouth.

Yes, I understand we’re not meant to like the other contestants. It’s by design. But “unlikeable” and “painfully stereotypical” are two very different things.

Selena, the beautiful male to female trans model and influencer, spends the majority of her page time taking selfies, livestreaming, and shopping. That’s it. That’s the character. No depth, no softness, no complexity. As a queer reader, I was waiting for literally one redeeming, humanising trait. It never came. It felt less like satire and more like a checklist stereotype.

Then there’s Charlie, who the narrative repeatedly insists is “rebellious” because he has blue hair and tattoos. Rebellious… how? Because he shops at Hot Topic? I say this as someone who is queer, has dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings: looking alternative does not automatically make you a rebel. Let’s not confuse aesthetic with personality.

And Dario. I appreciate the pansexual representation — truly. But some of his character choices gave me the ick. His mother is an opera singer, and apparently the music he listens to mostly is… his mother’s opera. Not opera in general. Specifically his mother’s. It’s giving emotionally enmeshed “boy mum” energy.

The marriage before love premise also didn’t land for me. I can suspend disbelief for Insta love when it’s done well. Here? It felt contractual before it felt emotional.

And then we have the relationship arc itself.

Charlie enters the competition because his family needs money to save their house. I understand desperation. I sympathise with it. But he openly joins to manipulate and gold dig, spends days carefully crafting a persona to secure the win, and then we’re supposed to believe he’s genuinely in love by the end of the week. He does confess, yes. And Dario generously says he would’ve financially helped any chosen contestant anyway. But that doesn’t magically erase the manipulation. Trust, once cracked, doesn’t buff out that easily.

And when Charlie returns to the home he’s lived in for 28 years (his entire life) and declares it feels “different” and like he no longer belongs? After a two week luxury holiday? Boy, please. Let’s be serious.

Also both straight married men in the book cheat on their wives. Both. The coincidence is doing heavy lifting.

Credit where credit is absolutely due: the writing itself is beautiful. Some metaphors and descriptions genuinely sparkled. The prose had elegance. Unfortunately, elegant sentences can’t compensate for flat characters and a plot that felt more aesthetic than authentic.

I wanted queer whimsy. I got queer caricature.

And that’s the real disappointment.

[Ri]

MM romcom retelling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

. . .I’ll bite.

[Jen (Fae_Princess_in_Space) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is really hard to rate - there were some elements that I really enjoyed but some that were just not my cup of tea.

Things I liked:
- I enjoyed the locations; run-down Pennsylvania vs the beauty of Italy.
- We get lots of lovely descriptions of the countryside and towns in Perugia, where the majority of the book is set.
- It’s a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory retelling, so we had a trip round the factory (although it’s not nearly as exciting as Willy Wonka’s!)
- The focus on family, and the family drama.
- Charlie’s tattoo artist aspirations and the meaning behind his artworks.
- The depiction of an MC with agoraphobia (although this book did slightly fall into the trap of ‘love will cure your mental illness’, which made me roll my eyes a little).

Things I didn’t enjoy:
- The author uses the most bizarre similes at the weirdest times, especially during sex scenes. It got kind of cringy.
- There is a lot of casual cheating in this book (between side characters, not between MCs) which just felt unnecessary at times.
- Insta-love… but not believable to me? They fall in love in a week, all the while Dario is also wooing four other suitors?Plus, Charlie is initially only in it for the money, then suddenly falls in love with Dario via what feels like very minimal interaction? If I was Dario, I’d be very suspicious…
- The concept of Dario’s grandad, who supposedly loves him, hinging his whole inheritance on marrying someone within three months?? Psychotic!!
- Dario’s grandad’s letters were extremely specific, considering they were written by a dead man.
- The sudden and slightly non-sensical 180 in personality that Dario’s brother has at the end of the book.

There is a lot in this book to love, but also a lot to dislike (for me!). I think a lot of people will adore this, especially those in to quirky contemporary romance!

Thanks to Afterglow Books for an ARC! It’s available on the 27th Jan 2026 💕

[Marcos “MSMDragon” · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

I love Timothy Janovsky’s writing! One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker was a fun and memorable story. It had a lot of queer joy, excellent communication between the main characters, and a few spicy scenes. Dario and Charlie were good together and their relationship was sweeter than chocolate. This story also handled mental health issues and financial difficulties in a delicate way, which I really enjoyed.

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Week to Meet the Chocolate Maker may just be Timothy Janovsky’s most fun book yet. Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Bachelor meets a spicy, heartfelt queer contemporary romance set in an idyllic Italian villa. The story is fast-paced and has just enough character depth and compelling themes, including mental health and loss, to make the characters relatable and keep readers invested in the romance. It’s also worth noting that the spicy scenes come later in the story and never overtake the plot but will still fully satisfy spicy romance fans.

The story is told from the shifting third-person perspectives of Dario Cotogna, heir to an Italian chocolate empire, and Charlie Moore, a tattoo artist from small-town Pennsylvania struggling to keep his family home from foreclosure. After his grandfather’s death, Dario must marry by his next birthday to keep the business out of the hands of his devious brother—a nearly impossible task given his agoraphobia. In true fairy-tale fashion, his late grandfather arranged a solution: a contest where five contestants win an all-expenses-paid week at Dario’s luxurious Italian villa to vie for his heart (and hand in marriage). Charlie, a huge fan of the family’s Italian chocolate, enters the competition hoping for a possible chance at love and to save his family’s home. With five contestants living under one opulent Italian roof, battle lines are drawn, tensions rise, and soon real feelings begin to simmer between Charlie and Dario.

This is a true opposites-attract romance. Charlie and Dario are very different men thrown together by circumstance, yet their shared values and undeniable chemistry allow their connection to develop quickly and naturally. With his tattooed body and blue hair, Charlie isn’t exactly the suitor Dario—or his family—ever envisioned him marrying, but his fierce loyalty to family and surprisingly grounded attitude win over not only Dario but also his eccentric family. Completely out of his element, Charlie has rarely travelled beyond his home state and wears his vulnerability on his sleeve—and watching him evolve from a cautious dreamer to someone willing to risk his heart is satisfying! Dario’s journey is just as compelling. His struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia—combined with intense familial pressure—make him very guarded and hesitant, but as his bond with Charlie deepens, he learns to open up and trust not only others but also himself. The way both men push each other beyond their comfort zones feels authentic and makes their romance one readers can’t help but root for!

The secondary cast adds even more charm and depth, especially Charlie’s fellow contestants: a trans woman model from Spain, a female fashion student from France, a man band member from California, and a dubious man from Germany. Along with Dario’s eclectic family and staff, the characters add texture, humor, and a fun multilingual flair to the story.

There’s so much Italian culture and charm in this book. For real Italian speakers, there are lots of Italian phrases and short bits of dialogue scattered throughout the story—mostly coming from memorable members of Dario’s family and his feisty personal chef, Paola. The family villa resides in the Italian province of Perugia, which is the real-life home of the world-famous Baci chocolates, and the chocolates in this book feature a similar special surprise—an embedded, unique inspirational love note inside each wrapper. Dario’s lavish family villa is beautifully described, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story and feel as though they’re getting a tour of the adjacent chocolate factory, with strong Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibes. Charlie also ventures out into the historic city of Perugia, where brief references to real historical sites add even more Italian charm.

The pacing of the story makes it perfect for a single-sitting read. The opening chapters introduce the contest along with both Charlie’s and Dario’s struggles and family backstories before quickly moving into the high-stakes competition and the contestants. There are unexpected surprises that shake up the stakes for the contestants and allow Dario and Charlie more time alone—just like an episode of The Bachelor! The ending beautifully ties up the characters’ emotional arcs and delivers a heartwarming, authentic happily-ever-after.

Overall, One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker is a highly original and fun queer romance with a playful premise, lush settings, and memorable characters who have real emotional depth. If you’re a fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (or its retellings) or love cozy, feel-good romances with some spice and plenty of sun-soaked Italian vibes, then add this book to your TBR pronto!

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I ever in all my years of life expect to read a spicy MM romance retelling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Nope. But you can check that off the inventory of unexpected bucket list items. Thank you, Timothy Janovsky!

Charlie Moore (not to be confused with Bucket) isn’t in the market for love. He’s looking more for a miracle. He’s the person who’s in charge of his grandparent’s well being, but after his uncle ran off with all of their money, it’s not only their health that’s withering away, but any hope of keeping their family home from being taken by the bank.

After the passing of his grandfather, Dario Cotogna knows that his family’s chocolate company will be his inheritance, but instead, he gets an ultimatum from beyond the grave. In the form of letters from his Nono, he’s told that the only way to get the company is to get married in the next year. But he hasn’t left the area around his villa and the factory in a year.

How do they plan to find him love? A contest!! 5 lucky winners will receive an all expenses paid, all included, round trip to Italy to spend a week getting to know the chocolatier at his private villa. They’ll get a free trip and the chance to marry a young, attractive, and (very) wealthy Italian businessman. (He’ll get his legacy!) What could go wrong?

The plot was perfect! I could definitely see the correlations to CATCF, but this isn’t a 1-for-1 retelling. First of all, they aren’t children winning the chance to inherit his business. They’re adults who may win his heart. But as expected, most of them don’t want anything to do with the man at all. They just want the free vacation.

I loved that Charlie wants to be a tattooist. He loves art and beauty and it made his relationship with Dario really special.

I didn’t love that we didn’t really get that full on Veruca Salt moment of “I want it and I want it now!” When I think of Willy Wonka, that’s what I think of. So while we had a weak imitation of it, it felt missing.

I also wanted a little more longing and maybe more banter. They felt very into each other from the start (save that conversation Charlie overhears and translates where Dario says that Charlie isn’t the one you marry), it felt a little rushed. I mean, it is a week long whirlwind that ends in marriage, so I guess it needs to be.

All in all, this was a solid romance and what I’ve come to expect from Timothy Janovsky.

[Dev (lit.lark) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin for this early copy! 3.5 stars rounded up

This was my second book by this author and I can definitely tell he has a distinct writing style. It’s very whimsical and almost a little silly (complimentary). I think this story requires a bit of suspension of disbelief in order for it to work but luckily for me, I can easily do that and it made this one pretty enjoyable.

I knew going in this was going to be a quick story timeline wise and I do wish it had maybe been drawn out a little longer, but overall the almost fairytale like quality of it was fun. It’s sickeningly sweet in the best way and just a feel good story. I enjoyed both MMCs and how quirky they were. The side characters and some more serious aspects of this story were not explored super in depth but I think it worked for what this was: a sugary, quick romance where everyone ends up happy. All the notes of Charlie and the chocolate factory were hit and since I love that movie I adored that aspect of this story.

(One note I have to mention: Charlie is from a small town in PA - and gosh do I love when PA makes an appearance in my books - but I got really hung up on the fact that his job is an OVERNIGHT clerk at a drive thru liquor store. Pennsylvania liquor laws do not allow that (liquor stores are all state owned and closed by 9/10pm to my knowledge and I’ve NEVER seen a drive thru lol). PA liquor laws are notoriously some of the strictest in the country and apparently THAT is where my suspension of disbelief ends 🤣 it obviously wasn’t a deal breaker for me but it sat in the back of my head the entire time I was reading so I had to bring it up)

[sunnoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

so !!! this is definitely a hit for me haha

i loved this book so much, even tho i don’t like chocolate at all i enjoyed reading about it 😭😭 and charlie might be my favourite character !!!!! this was really good and i was a little worried that it wasn’t going to be for me but ended up being marvellous

as someone with anxiety (not quite the same as Dario) i understood how he felt at times and i was very stressed at moments when someone was asking him to go somewhere when he didn’t want to ): im glad he found someone who understands this and helps him to explore and go back to the world little by little.

thanks harlequin & netgalley for the arc 🫶 !!!

[Vito · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Week is a cute, The Bachelor meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (after dark) and it’s mostly successful even if it’s just a by the numbers MM romance.

We follow Dario in Italy, the son of a famous chocolate maker whose recently passed grandfather has left the family chocolate factory to him IF he marries someone before his quickly approaching birthday. Across the globe, Charlie is down in the dumps, working at a drive through liquor store to pay for his dreams of one day becoming a top tattoo artist. That is if he can ensure his family don’t lose their home — yes, like the book / movie this is somewhat based on, he lives with his parents and grandparents in a home that is about to be foreclosed on. That is until Charlie discovers an ad on a chocolate bar detailing a contest to meet and marry Dario. You know where this is going…

While there are no short workers here (Dario is a short king, however) nor any contestants who are turned blue or sucked up a tube (there’s some sucking happening elsewhere though,) the inspiration of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory looms large with modernizations and more honest and tender conversations about loneliness and mental heath.

Despite the ending being very clear from the opening pages, you should know it’s the journey not the destination that matters. That journey is sweet like chocolate and spicy in other spots like Arrabbiata sauce (that’s spicy sauce for those who’ve never ventured past marinara sauce.) Yes, I can also litter text with Italian words like our author. It’s those little touches that brought a smile to my face but understand if it’s not everyone’s cup of espresso (dang, did it again.) Speaking of the spice — it’s there but it’s a 3 out of 5 on the scale and sometimes give “Men At Play” suit s*x and all (yeah, don’t look that up on a work computer).

There are also some tropes here where kilometers will vary — one such trope / plot device is communicating from beyond the grave through daily letters that find themselves explaining predicaments Dario finds himself with clues of solutions in between the lines. Again, cute but might not work for all.

My thanks to the publisher Harlequin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight of a read, a queer mashup of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Bachelor that is guaranteed to delight fans of whimsical love stories full of family and forced proximity.

I really adored both Charlie and Dario. Charlie, a rural American aspiring artist and convenience store employee, applies to Dario’s search for a spouse in order to save his family from bankruptcy and eviction. His family is so amazing, right down to his bed-ridden grandparents that are so true to the Wonka source material. And boy, does he ever win the golden ticket when he’s selected.

Dario is forced to marry in order to secure his chocolate factory inheritance. He’s not the greedy corporate CEO you would expect from the set up. He’s a sweet chocolatier who wants to honor his grandfather’s legacy and keep creating treats to share with the world.

The side characters that are in the contest are all just as endearing and hysterical, from the social media marketing maven to the guy who just wants to run off and join a band, to the grown man who just wants a free vacation.

Although the love story can be sappy sweet, there is definitely some spice! And it’s delicious and backed by true emotion.

Mark Sanderlin’s narration was great. He really nails the accents and gives Charlie and Dario their own personalities and voices.

Thanks so much to Harlequin for the gifted physical copy and the audio. Immersive reading was a fantastic way to consume this story.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is a struggling liquor store employee, with a dream of being a tattooist, trying desperately to provide for his family.
Dario is the heir to the famous Amorina Chocolate company fortune. He has to get married or forfeit his claim to the inheritance. He only has a week to do so.
Dario throws together an extravagant contest in his home and hosts 5 contestants for who could win his heart.
Charlie has his heart bent on the prize money, but he finds himself falling quickly for the enigmatic sharply dressed Dario.
Dario, likewise, is becoming smitten with Charlie, in spite of the alluring uniqueness of the other contestants.
What could happen?

If you love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or the Gene Wilder film and you want a Queer version, this is it.
The colorful contestants, Dario's family, Charlie's family, and all of the chocolate, wine, drama, and savoring delights of romance blend into a perfect sweet treat!

Spice level is about a 1.5, but you can't help but root for Charlie and Dario. The book also does a great job of addressing Dario's travel anxiety and coping. The financial hardships of Charlie's family and the emotional turmoil that causes also is showcased more than I think any other adaptation because Charlie is clearly an adult here with adult problems.

All in all, a delicious sweet read, wrapped in a bar of chocolate! Enjoy

[ChristineReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look, if Timothy Janovsky wrote it, I am going to read it, and likely I am going to love it. This latest book was very cute and sweet and this does such a great job capturing what mental health struggles can look like.

We meet our main characters, Dario, our chocolate maker, and Charlie, our contest winner as they both are trying to solve respective problems in their lives. Dario needs to marry to keep running his chocolate factory, Charlie needs money to help keep his parents and grandparents a float. But both have their own struggles which can impact their future happiness.

Dario silently struggles with agoraphobia, and Charlie doesn't know if he can open his heart. What we get is a sweet romance where the two learn to love and support each other. If you are looking for a sweet romance, with a happily ever after and good mental health representation. I reccomend this one! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another romance novel win by Timothy Janovsky .A charlie and the Chocolate factory retelling between a struggling tattooed American and a suit wearing chocolate empire heir Italian . An Italy setting with emotion, humor , a dash of steam plus mental health rep & positive therapy rep make this a great read /listen .



Favorite quote:
Two weeks of Charlie Moore would never be enough. He wants his body to be Charlie’s sexual outlet and second tattoo canvas. He wants his heart to be Charlie’s place to call home. He wants his literal home, Villa Meraviglia, to hold Charlie’s belongings. But not just his belongings— the sketchpads and Nike socks and hair dye. But also his laugh and his mischief and his stories. One day, potentially, his family members— should they be willing to move across the world.

[Laurensliterarylair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute. Thank you so much to Harlequin Shameless Romantics, the author, and Netgalley for the audio and the physical book!

I never would have thought of reading a Willy Wonka retelling so this was such a pleasure to read. It brought back so much nostalgia while also making a new spin on the story.

I loved the way the book incorporated a lot of different elements such as a dating competition with the chocolate factory theme. I also loved the anxiety and agoraphobia rep in the book. Not a lot of books address agoraphobia and as someone who works in mental health it was good to see characters with mental health representation.

Overall this book was literally so cute. And very spicy!! I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a fun retelling!!


Tropes
Mental health rep
Italian setting
Willy Wonka retelling
MM romance
Dating competition

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

OF COURSE THIS BOOK IS ABOUT CANDY WITH HOW SWEET IT IS!!!! I absolutely adored Charlie and Dario, they were both so well written and I got a clear understanding of their mindset and motivations. As all Timothy Janovsky books I loved the mental health rep in this. Mark Sanderlin always does such a good job with Timothy's audiobooks too, and I loved getting to hear him speak Italian as Dario.

Thank you Harlequin, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC & ALC of One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker.

[Eden]

DNF @32%

I didn’t like the ““Willy Wonka” main character. He didn’t have much to make him relatable or to make me sympathetic towards him. I really liked Charlie, but I didn’t like how he was being treated. The dating scenario was fun, but people get to stay even if they make it obvious they don’t want to date the WW guy…? Like no? Why are we wasting time on them?? And then there was a miscommunication scenario that was starting that I found so infuriatingly ridiculous. So it’s a DNF from me.

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin romance for this eARC! What a sweet treat of a book. A lovely twist on a Willy wonka tale with the addition of love and family and steam coming out your ears. Ever the PA boy we love to see the commonwealth be the home base for the loving little family that could and the sprawling Italian countryside with a sweet chocolate factory just elevated this story so much.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for early copy for review*

This is not great. It is not a great a good retelling. It is not a great romance. Filled with a lot of selfish characters wanting to use each other. It was at least decent until the couple chose each other then it just got worst. Would not recommend.

[Kelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

...I actually enjoyed this and it was just as silly and chataciture as the source material. I only gave it 4 and not 5 because there were points that felt just a little slow.

Edit: I knew there was another reason I wanted to give 4 stars but I couldn't remember until now. The continuity errors. The main one that bugged me is Charlie's height. It went from 5'9 to suddenly towards the end he is 6'2". There were a few others, but that one the main one that really bugged me.

[Boundingfeather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah it's bad. 1.5 stars because prose is passible but oh my god. Terrible premise, terrible one note characters, characters have no chemistry, awful sense of humor, and I feel compelled to defend the state of Pennsylvania. I don't even LIKE Pennsylvania

[Justin Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute read. It’s a fun, queer, romance take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When Dario’s grandfather died he put in his will that Dario must find a spouse. A contest is created and Charlie and a handful of others make it. Charlie is a down on his luck wannabe tattoo artist with a family struggling in rural PA.

Janovsky is a solid writer and makes sure the characters are inclusive and diverse which is fun to read. I also appreciate the discussion of the environmental impact of chocolate making. Overall though, it’s light and fun and if you know the story it’s based off of, you basically know the story here. No surprises which can be nice in a chaotic world.

[Sharon Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and cute story based on Charlie and The Chocolate factory. I love how Timothy wove the original story with a modern twist of a short king who needs to get married before his 32nd birthday in order to inherit his grandparents beloved chocolate factory 🍫🍫

Thank you to Edelweiss for an advance copy.