Such an adorable romance! It's more character driven than plot driven- the plot is mostly the two of them falling in love and learning to support each other through their neurodivergencies and their challenges in following their dreams. It was well paced and I really appreciated how layered the characters were. They felt like real people you could meet and love in so many ways and I so appreciated how emotionally satisfying the spice scenes were. It wasn't just AH MY BOYS ARE KISSING but it was AH THEYRE KISSING AND SUPPORTING EACH OTHER. While there was attraction at first sight, the author does a great job of showing them bonding and showing how their connection leads them to love each other. And the representations of GAD and ED were really well done and showed a lot of knowledge and sensitivity. This was one of the best queer romances I've read in awhile.

Thank you NetGalley and Afterglow Books for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. 4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up) I was THRILLED to be asked to review another one of Timothy Janovsky’s books because he is one of my favorite romance authors! I absolutely loved the setting and premise of this one, and as always the spice 🌶️ did not disappoint! Timothy has an exceptional way of creating really well-balanced books: incorporating humor, descriptive settings, realistic mental health representation, and of course, some nice smut 😉 I always love to read his books and enjoy the journey through them so much. The only reason this was one was a 4.5 for me was the rising action/conflict toward the end seemed a bit forced and rushed. Other than that, I loved this and now I’m craving a nice fancy cocktail! Also his acknowledgements at the end were EVERYTHING!! Oh Timothy you’re just the best!!

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 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.

I enjoyed this book. Both characters aren't what they seem to everyone else, but to each other, they are everything. Both men understand each other once they get to know one another and that's when they fall. They have some bumps along the way trying to forget old wounds, but together, they are something special. It's not a long, drawn out story, but one that's worth being told.

A sweet and endearing rom-com! Greg and Julien’s story was lovely and meaningful, especially in its sensitive discussion of the effects of mental illness on life and relationships.