Guest post written by You Had Me At Happy Hour author Timothy Janovsky
Timothy Janovsky(he/him) is a queer, multidisciplinary storyteller based in DC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College and a self-appointed certificate in rom-com studies (accreditation pending). When he’s not daydreaming about young Hugh Grant, he’s telling jokes, playing characters, and writing books. He is the author of Never Been Kissed, You’re A Mean One, Matthew Prince, and New Adult.
It might be controversial to say having grown up near the Jersey Shore (*fist pumps into infinity*) but I’m not much of a beach person. Don’t worry, I’ll hold for the huge gasp you just let out after reading that!
You good? All right. Let me explain.
When the weather heats up, while everyone is talking about “beach reads” and “books to throw in your beach bag this summer” I’m often thinking, “Hey! What about me? Someone who burns easily and doesn’t like sand everywhere!”
As a romance author, I write fun, breezy books that are perfect for a little escape while you’re on a vacation. None of my titles more so than my latest, You Had Me at Happy Hour, which is a grumpy/sunshine, sommelier/mixologist workplace romance brimming with snarky banter and plenty of laughs along the way. Seriously, nothing will steam up your sunglasses more than two co-workers entering a sex pact with some inspired uses of sex toys. Everyone is going to think you’re sunburned from how hard you’ll blush!
While I approve of you taking Julien, Greg, and the entire gang at Martin’s Place (the bar and restaurant where the story takes place) with you to whatever beach your heart desires, my preferred summer activity is sitting poolside with a queer novel. Give a me a lounge chair, some shade, and a sweet drink, and I’m a happy, relaxed guy!
Greg Harlow, one of the heroes in You Had Me at Happy Hour, is a hot, popular TikTok cocktail-maker who has fallen from social grace but is still deeply passionate about his craft. To support my fellow poolside sippers, I’ve put together a list of queer books perfect for outdoor reading paired with Greg Harlow-approved cocktails to enjoy.
We Could Be Heroes by Philip Ellis
This male-male Marvel-inspired romance sees a drag artist falling for the hunky actor starring as Captain Kismet, the fictional comic-book superhero, in a flashy movie filming in his town. Greg Harlow would pair this out-of-this-world tale with Rocket Fuel. This is a traditional Pina Colada with a twist! Drink-makers will add Amaretto and 151-proof rum to pineapple juice, coconut, and (oh, yeah) more dark rum. It was invented on Fire Island, New York, so you know drinks don’t get gayer!
Find the recipe here.
The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee
This slow-burn sapphic romance is about two bowling nerds and former friends, Ava and Grace, who are now teaching at the same high school. When tasked with spearheading the new bowling team together, sparks start to fly. Greg Harlow would take inspiration from Peach Blossom, Georgia, the name of the charming, fictional small town where the book is set. He’d recommend a Peach Whiskey Refresher. This is a rare frozen whiskey drink with fruity notes that is perfect for beating the cruel summer heat!
Find the recipe here.
Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun
This is another sapphic former-friends-to-lovers romance, except this one takes place on a long, trying road trip from Washington state to coastal Maine with a dying former-English teacher and a lovable dog along for the ride. Because one of the heroines Rosemary, a binder-wielding, buttoned-up teacher, is a bit sharp at the offset and because margaritas get drank by the characters in the story, Greg would recommend you drink-along with a Prickly Pear Margarita. This cold drink for a hot day mixes tequila with triple sec, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup. The flavors won’t be the only pleasing thing about this drink! The prickly pear syrup turns the concoction a beautiful shade of pink perfect for racking up likes on social media.
Find the recipe here.
You Had Me at Happy Hour, by…Me!
If Greg had to choose a drink to represent his own love story with the enigmatic, scowling sommelier Julien Boire, he’d have to go with Julien’s own creation, the I Really Like You Red Sangria. It’s apples, oranges, brown sugar, orange juice, brandy, and a full-bodied fruity red wine of your choosing (though Julien, a certified sommelier, will have many, many suggestions for you, including some of the best non-alcoholic reds on the market for our sober friends).
If you’re looking to wet your whistle alongside more queer, drink-themed romances, grab yourself copies of these additionally delicious books: Triple Sec by TJ Alexander, The Pairing by Casey McQuiston, and I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram. They’re guaranteed to quench your summer thirst!
Please read and drink responsibly. Cheers!
