This was cute story! A little corny but it takes place at a fairytale wedding resort so I feel like that can be expected. I loved both of the characters and I was invested in their stories. Unfortunately I didn't feel like we got enough emotional development for me to root for their relationship. They're basically strangers when they meet and I needed to see them get to know each other better before the instalust kicked in. However, I will say the sex scenes had some amazing character development. I adore scenes where things don't go perfectly and characters need to communicate with each other. I love the realism and it also shows me that they are able to express their needs. They way they both were so thoughtful about making it good for the other person made me very emotional. While I wish that we had gotten more emotional development, the other parts of the story were very cute so overall it worked for me. I adored all the representation we got. It was so fun to see an plus-sized, bisexual man with ADHD find someone who appreciated all those parts of him. If you're looking for something quick and cute with some spice this could be a fun pick.

Tim Morgan did a great job bringing Taylor and Ethan to life! I had a good time listening to this audio and I'd definitely recommend it if you like to listen to books.

I don't think it possible to go wrong with a Timothy Janovsky book. He creates such loveable real characters you can't help but love and root for. Once Upon You and Me is a fun cute queer romance you for sure should put on your TBR

Narration: I didn't care for the narrator chosen for this story. He didn't give emotion or change enough to distinguish characters, which led to me not being engaged with the story. Having two narrators chosen for this story would have made it more interesting.

Story: The plot was too slow for me and didn't hold my attention. The characters seemed interesting, but I think because of the narration it wasn't enough to keep me engaged with them.

I know this author has amazing stories and I will continue to read and support his work. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me.

Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

I love the premise and setup of this story, makes for a cute cosy romance story. However, the characters were both bland to me. We got a plus-size single dad and his ex-wife's assistant. Neither of them have any discernable personality besides having ADHD and being understanding.
My largest complaint was the smut in this one. I think this is a me thing as I don't seem to like the way that Janovsky writes his smut scenes. I am sorry but watching p*** together and... will never do it for me. Ended up skipping all the smutty scenes in this story as they were all just strange to me.
Tropes: Age gap, Single dad, fairytale camp, Smutty, 3rd act break up, forbidden romance, forced proximity
The archery lessons were done so well. That was the redeeming quality of this book for me.

If you're looking for a romance set in a wholesome environment with some dirty sex scenes, I have the book for you! I thought the environment of the fairytale resort was really cool, but I did have some conflicted feelings about our main character being at work at basically all times in the book and the fact that his love interest is his boss's ex husband. It just felt a little messier than I wanted.

I did think the audiobook was well done, though I wouldn't have minded more variety in the vocal choices between the two MMCs, On occassion, I had to really focus to know who was talking.

The narration was fine. The story was a bit boring and predictable. It was cute but nothing special.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!

Once Upon You and Me was a sweet, spicy, and short read. I enjoyed the neurodivergent representation for ADHD with Ethan, and how supportive Taylor was with Ethan’s needs. As a late-diagnosed AuDHDer myself, I always appreciate when authors portray all of the unseen ways this affects life.

I don’t normally enjoy instalove stories, but it worked well with the pacing of this story. The spice was great, although I do wish there had been a bit more tension and build up. But that makes sense given the length of the book!

I am normally a huge audiobook fan, and while I didn’t dislike this one, I did wish the narrator had a bit more variety in his delivery. It all felt very one note. That said, he is a good narrator and I enjoyed his voice as it was. But if you’re expecting a narrator who does a lot of noticeable voice changes, you might be disappointed by this audiobook

Taylor is tasked with planning his boss’s daughter’s sweet sixteen—only to fall for the birthday girl’s rugged dad, Ethan. Their chemistry is undeniable, but with Ethan’s ex (and Taylor’s boss) in the way, a happy ending won’t come easy.

This romance had all the ingredients for a charming, steamy read—an enchanting setting, a forbidden attraction, and an age-gap twist. Unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired.

Taylor and Ethan’s relationship had potential, but their characters felt underdeveloped. Taylor was reduced to a bundle of quirks without real depth, while Ethan never quite moved beyond the brooding mountain man archetype. The age gap felt like more of a marketing hook than an actual theme in the story.

To make matters worse, despite teasing a “spicy bedtime story,” the book barely delivered on the steam. The few intimate moments felt rushed and unmemorable, making the romance feel more lukewarm than fiery.

That said, the setting was charming, and there were some genuinely sweet moments between Taylor and Ethan that kept me engaged. I wanted to love this story, and while I enjoyed parts of it, I couldn’t help but feel it could have been so much more. With stronger character development and better execution of its themes, this could have been a truly magical read.

<i>As always, shout-out to my homies at Netgally and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin audio for the free alc. I love Timothy janovsky books they are tender, vulnerable and from time to time hot hot hot. I love his characters, I love their vulnerability I love how he takes tropes and makes them even better

4.5/☆

Another great Timothy Janovsky book! I enjoyed this M/M romance with tropes of forbidden romance, bosses ex, age gap, and forced proximity, the Bi and ADHD representation are great.

The audio was well produced and Tim Morgan created great character vocalizations and his tone kept me engaged.

Thank you HTP, Harlequin Audio, and The Hive for my gifted copies.
Available April 29.

Firstly, I want to thank @htp_hive and @htpbooks for the eARC and ALC. Another great read from Timothy Janovsky, and as always, I am never disappointed. This book features a perfect blend of spicy romance, heartwarming comfort, and a dash of family drama. The premise of "Falling for Your Ex-Wife Assistance" is scandalous and had me locked in! Yall know I love a good messy book🤣.

I absolutely love the chemistry between Taylor and Ethan. The fairy-tale-style resort described in the story makes me want to visit one immediately. Timothy does an excellent job of transporting you to this resort, making you wish it were a real destination.

Additionally, the representation of an adult with ADHD is commendable. The age-gap relationship is significant but doesn’t overshadow the overall storyline.

If you haven't added this book to your TBR, do so now! "Once Upon You and Me" will be on the shelf on April 29th, 2025.

I liked this M/M age gap, dual POV romcom but I wouldn't say it was my favorite by Janovsky. There's great ADHD rep, a parent with Multiple Sclerosis and a complicated love interest involving the assistant of the love interest's ex-wife. Good on audio and recommended for fans of authors like M A Wardell. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!