Author Timothy Janovsky
Publisher Afterglow Books
DOP January 27, 2026
One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker by Timothy Janovsky is a queer romance novel that leans heavily into whimsy, nostalgia, and comfort. This LGBTQ+ love story clearly draws inspiration from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, queering the premise into a romantic competition centered around chocolate, inheritance, and connection.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. At the same time, it felt a little too formulaic, especially for readers familiar with the source material that inspired it.
A Queer Romance Built on Familiar Ground
The novel introduces readers immediately to its high-concept setup. Charlie, the main character, enters a romantic contest tied to a famous chocolate empire and its enigmatic heir. The influence of Roald Dahl is unmistakable, from the structure of the competition to the tone and even the protagonist’s name.
Rather than easing readers into the world, the story drops you directly into it. The rules, stakes, and setting are established quickly, relying on cultural familiarity to do much of the narrative work. For readers looking for a fast-paced LGBTQ+ romance, this approach works well. For others, it may feel like the world is assumed rather than fully built.
Where the Book Shines
Where One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker succeeds is in its celebration of queer joy. Janovsky writes LGBTQ+ romance with sincerity and warmth, creating a love story that feels affirming and emotionally accessible. The chemistry between the main characters is easy to root for, and the book never hesitates to center queer love within a traditionally heteronormative fairytale framework.
As a queer romance novel, it delivers exactly what many readers are looking for: a light, comforting story with clear emotional payoff. Fans of cozy LGBTQ+ books and feel-good romantic fiction will likely find a lot to enjoy here.
Where It Feels Predictable
The book’s biggest limitation is its reliance on a familiar formula. The romantic competition structure, character arcs, and plot beats unfold in largely expected ways. Because the narrative moves quickly, there is less space for deeper world-building or surprises that might set it apart from similar queer romance novels.
As someone deeply familiar with Willy Wonka and Roald Dahl’s work, I found myself wanting more originality and risk. The homage is affectionate, but that closeness invites comparison. Readers without that attachment may be more forgiving, while longtime fans of the original story might notice the parallels more sharply.
Final Thoughts
One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker is a charming, accessible LGBTQ+ romance that knows its audience. It is playful, comforting, and intentionally familiar. While it may not offer extensive world-building or narrative surprises, it succeeds as a queer love story designed to entertain and affirm.
For readers seeking a lighthearted queer romance with a nostalgic hook, this book is an enjoyable choice. Those hoping for a more inventive or immersive reimagining may find it a bit predictable, but the joy of seeing a classic story reframed through a queer lens still makes it worth the read.
