Cover Image: New Adult

New Adult

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"Life is a series of in-the-moment choices, snowballing into an always uncertain future. Other people can weigh in on my choices all they want...but at the end of the day, I'm the only one who has to live with those choices."

Nolan Baker is 23, a struggling comedian, and hopelessly in love with his best friend. He desperately wants to fast forward to the "good part" of adulthood, where he's a famous comedian, beloved by fans, and his life is finally on track. But after being gifted some "magical healing crystals", Nolan wakes up seven years in the future. Now he's 30 and a successful comedian, but his best friend and his family don't speak to him. As Nolan tries to get back to his younger self, he has to prove to those he loves that he's not really the person that they think they know.

I loved this book - every little bit of this story had me sucked in from the beginning. The 13 Going on 30 plot, the messy little brother comedian vibe that Nolan has, the romance novel obsessed best friend, the potentially cult-y company that is throwing his sister's wedding...every piece of the pie was so sweet and enticing.

Something Timothy Janovksy does that I truly appreciate is not shy away from characters you can be angry at. And oh boy was I furious at Nolan for a good chunk of this book. He was just not the lovable romcom lead that you typically expect out of a romance novel. He was super frustrating at times. Not that it was always intentional, though, because there's something very fragile about being 23 and having to balance the expectations others have for you and your own dreams, and feeling like no one else cares about what you're working hard for. And I can really respect that, because it made me fall deeper in love with these characters by the end of the story.

By the end, this book gave me the full-on romcom crocodile tears. And I loved every second of it. New Adult is pure early '00's romcom bliss. I know it only came out a couple days ago, but like...Tim...when is the book four release date again? I'll be there with bells on!

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New Adult is my favorite of the books Timothy Janovsky has written so far. I expected to enjoy it, but I didn't think I would love it as much as I did, especially since I'm not a fan of the movie 13 going on 30 lol

Nolan is 23 and like most 23-year-olds he's a little bit selfish and his focus on making it big as a comedian was believable. I saw some reviews complain that he gave up on his dream to easily in the end, but in my opinion the whole point of the story is for Nolan to really look at what matters most to him, Fame or Family. From the moment Nolan wakes up 7 years later , I was rooting for him to fix all the rash decisions past him made. I found the entire journey of him asking for forgiveness from the key players in his life, learning what really matters to him , and the chooses he makes in the end to be satisfying . I mean I could have done without the third act break up because that hurt my heart lol

Usually I have trouble falling in love with both MCs when it's single point of view but I had no problem falling head over heals in love with Drew right from the start. It helps that Nolan's love for and regrets over him come across so genuine and honest. It also doesn't specifically say, but Drew gave off Demi vibes that made his love for Nolan even more special. I also appreciated that Drew had problems of his own that haunted him, he wasn't this perfect, flawless love interest. While Nolan is working on his inner self, Drew has a few things to work through on his own.

Overall, New Adult was a fantastic Queer romantic comedy. A best friend to lovers with pining, forgiveness, second chances, family, personal growth, a bit of steam, a fast-forward in time, and a HEA.

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I read this book without reading the blurb so I had no idea what to expect. I've read the other books in the boy meets boy series and really enjoyed them, and this was no exception. It wasn't like the other two though, which was a surprise. Some of the book was a bit slow but it was interesting enough of a concept that I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did. I love the character developement (I am a sucker for good characters above all else!) and the character arcs were the strongest part of this book. I liked that there was a little bit of magical-slash-time travel without getting too technical about it, and it wasn't bogged down with complicated magical systems or theories. It just was. Overall an enjoyable read with good characters and a satisfactory resolution.

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Nolan Baker is looking forward to being 30, when he hopefully will be a successful standup comic and have his whole life together. Now 23, those goals look far away -- he's struggling to get attention for his comedy and he can't quite bring himself to tell his long-time best friend, Drew, how he really feels. Then, he gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a last minute gig at a famous comedy club. The only wrinkle: The gig is in the middle of his sister's wedding. He goes to the gig and crushes it, but at the cost of his relationships with Drew, his date to the wedding, his sister, and his parents. So he wishes he could just skip ahead to being 30, when he presumes everything with his life will be settled. The next day, he wakes up and somehow it is seven years later. Nolan is now a nationally known comedian, with a successful career, huge apartment, and several assistants, but estranged from Drew and his family. Despite having the success he has always wanted, Nolan is desperate to get back to being 23 -- and is willing to do whatever it takes to convince the Drew in this timeline to help him and hopefully prove that he is not a bad guy after all.

This is a fun and often heartwarming story about success, family and friendship, and making the most of your time with those who are most important in your life.

Highly recommended!

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I didn’t know this book was an installment in an ongoing series, but although I might have missed a few inside jokes, this really didn’t bother me at all.

In this story we meet Nolan, who is so focused on becoming a successful comedian that he forgets that real life matters. When a mysterious gift bag at his sisters weddings gives him time travelling abilities, he finds himself transported into the life he has always dream of. Or…. The life he thought he always dreamed of. Now he is trapped seven years in the future and he needs the help of his former best friend to either help him get back to his own time or learn to live in the this new reality.

This is really a heartwarming romantic comedy and I really want to put the emphasis on comedy. Because the humor in this book is so on point. It keeps a perfect balance between really heart full scenes and that big smile on your face.

Definitly would recommend.

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New Adult is a wonderful romcom with a magical twist that will keep you on your toes while also providing a warm hug.

In this story we follow Nolan, a 23 year old aspiring stand up comedian living with his best friend Drew (who he might have feelings for). Nolan would give anything for a chance of stardom - and when the opportunity presents itself, he ditches his sister's wedding to make his dreams come true. Cue some magical crystals and a 13 Going on 30 twist and Nolan wakes up seven years in the future, where his life is full of fame and money, but his family and his best friend don't talk to him anymore. Can Nolan make it back to his timeline while also winning back his family and his chance at true love with his friend-turned-almost-lover-turned-enemy?

I absolutely LOVED this twisty little romance! Nolan had such a fantastic character development and honestly it really made me think about this capitalist, gotta win at all costs, little world of ours. Nolan's slow realization that it's usually the people you should fight for, made me melt a bit and Drew was such a perfect love interest that I maybe shed a tear or two or twenty.
Nolan's sister was a freaking firecracker and honestly one of my favourite side characters! The whole family dynamic aspect was wonderful and I wish more romances focused on that as well. So much of what Nolan did was connected to his family and the way he was determined to get back to them and I loved that.

This review is all rambly and starry-eyed, but that's what my reviews are usually like when I love the book. But all in all - New Adult is a beautiful romance with a magical twist that will take you back to your favourite early 2000s romcoms (minus the problematic aspects and lack of queer rep). I highly recommend!

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I’m so pleased I tried another book by Janovsky - I didn’t love the last one I read (I found Matthew Prince (book 2 in this series) quite immature for what it was supposed to be, and while I didn’t DNF it, I came close), but I definitely did LOVE this one! It was incredible!

New Adult was a breath of fresh air compared to what I’ve been reading recently - I was in a reading slump of disappointing books and this story brought me back up. The plot was totally fresh and super unique. I didn’t know what to expect with a time travel storyline, but it was super-well done! I loved how he wrote it, before, during and after the jump. The characters, the relationships - everything was absolutely perfect. I also wasn’t sure, going in, about a comedian character. Loved that and his growth, especially with the time travel arc!

Nolan, his relationship with his family, most especially his sister, and his former best friend and roommate - all are super special bonds and Janovsky did such a great job writing them in all the different time periods, the crazy company in the background (Doop), just everything … all so well done! And… the book! (the fictional book. You’ll understand when you read, but as soon as this was mentioned a whole lot was unlocked and I figured out where it was going/what was coming)

I definitely recommend this one - to absolutely everybody!

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, and this is my honest feedback.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Nolan Baker is trying to make it as a stand-up comedian in New York City. While his family does not understand his career choice, his best friend and roommate Drew is always supportive. Nolan is struggling with whether or not to tell Drew that his feelings have turned into something more than friendship, and whether or not to throw in the comedy towel for good. When the night of his sister’s wedding arrives, Nolan has a decision to make with wildly unforeseen consequences.

This was a really sweet and funny romance with a magical realism element. I love the movie 13 Going on 30, so I was really intrigued by this premise. And I think it worked well! It did drag a little bit in the middle, but picked up again towards the end. While Nolan’s character can be annoying at times, I think that was intentional to show his character development. I was worried that having him be stand-up comedian would mean a lot of punny dialogue and corny jokes, but it ended up being quite sweet and funny. There were a few plot holes that didn’t ultimately matter to me because I was here for the romance.

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This was pure magic and absolutely Timothy Janovsky's best! It really had me in my feels and was so heartwarming in the end--just pure joy. Could not wipe the smile off my face when I was reading.

Who doesn't want a gay 13 going on 30 rom com?

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I finished this book a few days ago and still feel at a loss for words about how to review this book. I laughed, cried, reevaluated my life, and came out of this reading experience with a refreshed view on how I'm living my life. Janovsky skillfully takes the beloved familiar tale of 13 Going On 30 and adds his own unique and charismatic characters to create a fresh new story. He is one of the only authors I can always trust to use pop culture references that are relevant and not cringey/out of date. There are several subtle references that fans of the movie and Taylor Swift will be thrilled to discover as they read. Additionally, the love interest Drew is my new favorite book character. This book is SO good!

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I have read all of Timothy Janovsky's books now (this being the third) and I have come to rely on his books for a consistently great romance read. "New Adult" continues this trend and I definitely recommend it!

I was immediately drawn in by the sci-fi/fantasy elements of the premise, with the MC travelling forward in time. The underlying mystery of this event really drove the story, although I think the lead-up to it felt a bit long for my taste. I preferred the second half to the first half.

I also adore friends to lovers and this book was a unique twist on the trope (with the MC and LI being enemies for a bit, too). Overall, I really liked all the characters and seeing their growth throughout the story.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

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Sweet, witty and with it's own kind of unique charm, New Adult is bound to leave you smiling.

With a quirky, magical flare and a Freaky-Friday-esque plot this pun filled slow burn is the perfect comfort, second chance story. Full of magic, sass and feels, this is a great growing-up tale, that perfectly encapsulates Timothy's enchanting style and a truly lovely read.

4.5 stars and a crystal

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I really like Timothy Janovsky’s writing and his humor. I also LOVED the idea behind this book, but I must say I had a hard time relating or even liking the main character Nolan. It’s probably a me thing, I tend to be slightly prejudiced against comedians. I really did not like Nolan and I couldn’t understand how and why a sweetheart like Drew would ever be friends with such an asshole. I know that’s the reason for the whole plot, Nolan needs to grow and change and learn, but I don’t feel that he did that throughout the story. Also, I was intrigued by the whole magic crystal thing, but I wasn’t sold on the resolution.

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NEW ADULT was everything I've wanted from the "new adult" genre. It started with an MC who was a little self-centered at 23 years old, but when he wakes up into his 30-year-old life, he quickly grows up and sorts his priorities out. Nolan's character growth is incredible, and it's so fun to read. It's a coming-of-age story that's SO WORTH IT as the MC goes from mildly unlikeable to a real adult in the most heartwrenching and heartwarming way.

Y'all, this book is so. cute. Drew and Nolan's relationship was so much fun to read through all its stages: friends to enemies to friends to lovers. Drew is such a sweetheart.

If you like time travel, 13 Going On 30, crystals, or sweet M/M romance, make sure you read this book! I'm already excited for Timothy's next book coming this January.

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This book was an emotional time-traveling rollercoaster - and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Nolan, oh Nolan: my self-sabotoge king.

I found myself yelling at my Kindle and facepalming when he kept getting in his own way. However, I resonated heavily with this because like Nolan, my 20-something year old self is also prone to this. This made me eager to see how Nolan's journey would play out, and boy was it satisfying.

I always love when I witness the MCs character growth throughout the book and they don't just have an "a-ha" moment at the end. I honestly think that's what I admired the most: Nolan continuously learns from his mistakes, even if he may not remember some of them (damn you, time travel). He learns to take things in stride, stand up for himself, and most importantly, take accountability and apologize.

As for the romance, Nolan and Drew were delightful, I always love a good friends-to-lovers arc, but this was more of a friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, which I enjoyed!

They both supported each other's dreams and it was satisfying watching their relationship come back together in the future timeline. Though sometimes their dynamic was unbalanced at first (Drew being there for Nolan more, in my opinion), it sorted itself in the end. Plus, I liked that they were both down bad for each other from the jump, even if they didh't want to admit it 🤭

This is a sweet romance that will make you self-reflect, and has the perfect balance of 13 Going On 30-esque vibes.

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Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Timothy Janovsky for this ARC in return for an honest review!

This 13 Going on 30-esque queer romcom was an absolute joy to read. It was fun, it was magical, it was heartwarming, it was everything I wanted from it!

Nolan's self growth journey through this book was done so well, It felt like truly a genuine response to seeing the future you only dreamed of and realizing the toll it may take on other aspects of your life. Drew was the golden retriever love interest i NEEDED him to be, i want to be his friend. Also Milkshake is the cutest little corgi and i petition every book has one from now on.

I really appreciated how this book, even while being a romance, did such a heavy focus on inner healing and self discovery/growth. Timothy Janovsky has a way of writing character development in a way that feels truly authentic and in line with the stories he writes - not just a separate self and romantic development storylines, which I really appreciate! Nolan was able to grow as an individual in order to repair his relationships both with himself and his family and loved ones, rather than just two different paths if that makes sense! And he does this all without the book feeling overwhelming in any way.

Overall I really loved this book and would highly recommend if you're looking for a fun romcom full of crystals and tarot and comedy and corgi love and a delicious friends to lovers story!

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4.5 stars!

I loved Timothy Janovsky's "New Adult." I could not put this book down, and I read it sooo ridiculously fast. It's like a New York comedian-centered queer retelling of "13 Going on 30" meets Casey McQuiston's "One Last Stop." I was here for every single minute of it. While the premise of this book is familiar, Janovsky's astute observations about life and love make it feel fresh and new. His writing is sharp, witty, hilarious, comforting, gratifying, and devastating all at the same time. The story revolves around the main character, Nolan, getting the shocking opportunity to look into his future. He sees that his professional and monetary successes have cost him everything: his family, friends, morals, comedic style, and most importantly, the love of his life, his best friend Drew. This book is all about regrets, doing things differently, not getting "lost in the sauce," growing from your mistakes, staying true to who you are, and not waiting to tell people how you feel about them. I adored the characters here, especially because they are imperfect but are willing to change. Nolan's personal maturation by the end of the story was absolute perfection to me. I loved Drew so, so much, and loved Drew and Nolan together. I feel lucky to have been able to read this lovely, hilarious, touching, sexy, mystical novel!
Mark Sanderlin gives a fantastic audiobook narration that really adds to the charm and wit of the story. I implore you, however: go into this book knowing as little as possible about the plot for the most overall enjoyment. I cannot wait to read Timothy Janovsky's next novel!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, and SOURCEBOOKS Casablancas for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

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

CW: sick parent (Alzheimer's), family tensions

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/m new adult
-time twist
-friends to lovers
-coming of age

This book was so soft and sweet. On what should be the best day of Nolan's life, telling his best friend he loves him, getting his dream job, he hits rock bottom instead. Add in some magic crystals and suddenly he's transported from 23 to 30 years old and missing 7 years of his life. A fun twist on the movie 13 Goin on 30 this just really spoke to me. About just keep waiting to hit these certain milestones in your life, but then missing so much. Life isn't going to wait for you, so why are you waiting for it? Waiting for the right moment, waiting for the right part i your career, waiting to call that person and tell them how you feel?

While quiet this book just held such meaning and just made me really think. A beautiful book and such a lovely story about just finding your person and saying screw it, it's right now and I love you and I'm gonna take the jump.

Steam: 3

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New Adult is a charming and real story of self-discovery and finding the life you want. This queer take on 13 going on 30 features Nolan Baker, who makes a decision to ditch his sister's wedding in order to advance his career in stand-up comedy. A collection of magic crystals transports his 7 years into the future, where he is 30 years old with the career he always dreamed of. However, Nolan finds that his future self has isolated his family, as well as his roommate/best friend (that he is secretly in love with), Drew. With the help of 30-year-old future Drew, Nolan attempts to find where he went wrong and return to his original timeline in the past so that he can make different choices.

While this is a well-written and nuanced story of relationships, personal growth, and staying true to yourself, it didn't work for me quite as well as Janovsky's previous works. I found Nolan difficult to root for until about halfway through the novel. The love interest, Drew, was my favorite character, and there wasn't quite enough of him, especially early on in the story, to center my attention. I did appreciate Nolan's character growth and I really enjoyed the latter half of the book, as well as the ending. This is a funny and sweet story that I would recommend to others, and I wish it had worked out a bit better for me. I continue to be excited for Timothy Janovsky's future works!

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I’ previously read Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky and absolutely loved it! I really thought I would enjoy this one just as much.

I like going into books blind but I didn’t really enjoy the sudden time jump in this one & that is entirely my fault for not reading the blurb. They don’t always bother me but this time jump felt very forced. It ultimately made the middle of the plot go very slow for me.

Overall, I do really enjoy Timothy Janovsky’s writing style but this specific book wasn’t the one for me. Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Timothy Janovsky for letting me read an early copy!

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