I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loved listening to every moment of this cute, cozy and a bit spicy rom-com. I’ve read a couple of books by this author and loved them both, they are starting to become an instant read for me.

DNF @ 34%
Thank you so much to Afterglow, Harlequin Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copies of this book. All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

I've had a hit or miss relationship with Timothy Janovsky's romances and sadly this one was a miss for me. I thought the premise and setup were really great, but I just didn't love the character dynamics or the pacing of the romance.

My biggest issue with this book was the (seemingly) villainization of the heroes ex-wife. Now I didn't finish the book, so I have no idea if this continues or gets resolved, but the first 1/3 of this made me really uncomfortable with how it depicted the ex.

The hero and his ex split when she wants to expand their business and focus on her career while he wants to stay small and local. It drives a wedge in their relationship and eventually the expansion takes her and their daughter to the other side of the country.

And all of it is painted to be her doing. That wanting this step was inherently terrible. Or that she "didn't understand the hero" when she literally never knew about his ADHD diagnosis. I don't know, the whole thing rubbed me the wrong way. Especially as the love interest, her personal assistant, started to be swayed against her.

I easily could have looked past it if the rest of the story had me committed. But I didn't feel any chemistry between the characters and dialogue/writing itself felt stilted and awkward.

While this book wasn't bad by any stretch, it was at most going to be a 3 star read. And with all the books on my tbr, it just wasn't worth pushing through for me.

I will also say that I didn't enjoy the audio narration for this one. As far as I can tell, the only books this narrator has done are Janovsky's HQ books. But I found he voices to be over acted and cringey.

I knew I could count on Timothy giving us another cute romance, and I was right! I adored Once Upon You and Me so much.

ALC Review
Once Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky
Narrated by Anthony Myatt

This was a super cute listen. I enjoyed the way the relationship developed between Taylor & Ethan. There was a lot of introspection regarding the feelings of loneliness and adult-diagnosed ADHD.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
MM Romance
Forbidden romance
Forced proximity
Age gap
Fairytale theme

I loved this story so much! Taylor and Ethan are so incredibly perfect for one another despite outward differences in age and experience. they fit together so well, as friends and as lovers. I love the way they both genuinely try to do the right thing, and eventually find it in each other. there’s so much love, acceptance, healing, protection, and growth in this story, it’s just so beautiful. and also spicy and hilarious, can’t leave that out bc it really is the romcom trifecta of beauty, spice, and hilarity!!!

I wish there had been different narrators, or some type of clear distinctions between who’s pov it was for the audio because I had a hard time figuring out who’s pov it was while listening. other than that, I loved this audiobook! thank you for the ALC :)

Once Upon You and Me is a really cute and generally light hearted read. There are some heavier moments but generally a sweet romcom. (and by sweet I mean sweet not no spice, it’s definitely spicy). I really enjoy Timothy Janovsky‘s books and this one is up there for me if I were to rank his books in my head!

I don’t know that I am familiar with the narrator necessarily but the audiobook was good! I do prefer dual narration in books with two povs, and tend to find same sex romances don’t get them nearly as often as opposite sex romances do so that’s a little disappointing to see, but not enough that I didn’t enjoy the book.

4.75
I love these two. Both with their own issues, acknowledged and respected by the other. Open communication of needs and fears. Banter, tension, and adorable sweetness.
I loved the setting!!!! I live semi locally to a “storybook village” but it’s more of a kids day attraction. I want to have a whole resort where I can go and live out my princess fantasies!!! It sounded perfect! The way the descriptions were written, I didn’t feel like I was being force fed the info, but more like a picture was being painted for me.
I really enjoyed the “coming of age” vibe of the story. I know both Taylor and Ethan were adults, but knowing that each man grew into their respective selves as adults, acknowledging their own personal struggles and accepting them was a great thing to see. It’s pretty rare for an adult to have that much growth in a story. Ethan seeking help and finding answers for his ADHD as an adult gives me such hope for my own future.
I take off a quarter star for the parts where we were given the term “Twink” way too many times, in order to push us to recognize Taylor by that term. The repetition of the word in a short amount of time felt forced to me, like it was necessary for me to acknowledge it. The same went for the term “Bear” to refer to Ethan. Yes, wonderful, i understand your reference, but to repeat it so many times within a few pages was too much for me. Repetitive language is always a no for me, regardless of subject matter.
I really enjoyed this one though, and would absolutely read more from this author. Not an all around fluff piece, while also not being a stern and serious work either. The narrator, Anthony Myatt did a bang up job!

Once Upon You and Me is a really sweet M/M age gap romance with bisexual rep. I loved that Taylor was close with Ethan's daughter and that they were able to bond over that and the archery. The romance and the spice were both great.
There were some moments I wished things resolved a little less cleanly (the tense moments were often smoothed over and even when there were consequences, things mostly didn't get super explosive, people were overly rational, etc) and I wish Taylor's family situation had been examined a tiny bit more (mostly his resentment over his brother leaving and why Taylor was more upset with him than with their parents) but overall I really really loved this book.

This story focuses on a divorced dad who is not necessarily looking for love but finds it with an unexpected someone. I am not usually a fan of the age gap/forbidden love trope but this story was very cute & gave me all fairy tale vibes. Taylor & Ethan were such a charming couple. The Catskills were the perfect setting as well. I would definitely recommend this sweet & spicy story for a quick read. 4 STARS!

Thank you NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, & Harlequin Audio for this ALC!

Timothy Janovsky's Once Upon You and Me is a delightful fusion of charming fairy tale and spicy romance that captivates from the very first page. The story follows Taylor Frost, an ambitious event planner tasked with organizing a sweet sixteen at the picturesque Storybook Endings Resort. What should have been a straightforward mission becomes delightfully complicated as Taylor finds himself irresistibly drawn to Ethan Golding, the ruggedly handsome manager of the resort—and also the father of the birthday girl, making him the ex-husband of Taylor's boss. This age-gap romance is filled with tiptoeing, slow-building tension, and plenty of heart.
The characters are beautifully developed, each complementing the other wonderfully. Taylor's youthful charm balances perfectly with Ethan's mature ruggedness, creating a dynamic that feels both authentic and sweet. Their chemistry is palpable, and rather than the awkwardness often found in getting-to-know-you stages, their connection unfolds comfortably, adding to the overall charm of the narrative. The presence of Amy, Ethan's ex-wife, adds a layer of complexity that keeps the stakes high and the interactions interesting.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of the Catskills, the resort's idyllic setting enhances the romantic atmosphere and provides the perfect environment for Taylor and Ethan to explore their feelings for one another. Though there are steamy moments that leave you a bit breathless, I found some of the spicier scenes moderately subdued, which left me slightly puzzled at times.
Janovsky delves into deeper introspection about post-divorce loneliness and the challenges of rediscovering love, especially in the shadow of an ex-partner who remains involved in one's life. This exploration of emotional vulnerability adds rich layers to the characters and their journey together.
While the ending left me wanting a tad more than just a long-distance conclusion, the ultimate happily ever after is what truly counts. Overall, Once Upon You and Me is a sweet and steamy read that fulfills every romantic itch while tackling themes of connection and personal growth.
Janovsky has struck gold once again, masterfully blending spicy romance, heartfelt hurt/comfort, and family dynamics into a compelling narrative. If you haven’t yet explored Timothy Janovsky’s work, I highly recommend diving into this enchanting tale—it’s a journey you won’t want to miss!

This book was ok! I felt that the characters lacked depth and connection. The spicy scenes werent really for me, but I also recognize that I’m not the target audience. I thought the narrator did a good job. I do wish he’d made Ethan’s voice a bit deeper.

3.5⭐, 2.5🌶️

This was a cute age gap MM romance with a cute Disney theme. Ethan is a rustic county man running the Disney resort he and his ex wife started for their daughter. Now in anticipation of her 16th birthday party, Ethan's ex-wife, Amy, assistant, Taylor, is in town prepping for the party. And chemistry rises for the two, even though they both know Amy is notttt gonna be happy if she learns of this relationship.

I wasn't majorly invested in the storyline for this book, so while it was cute I wasn't obsessed or invested. By the time I really cared about the relationship the third act breakup had occurred. Additionally, I had issues listening to this audiobook because the narrator, Anthony Myatt, had a rather monotone voice, even during the spicy scenes. Like show some excitement pleaseeee.

🩷Age Gap
💛 LGBTQIA+ (MM)
🏹Forbidden Romance - He's his boss'es ex-husband
💛 Neurodivergent Representation
🩷Forced Proximity

Release Date: 4/29/2025

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the audio and eARC of this!

I've really enjoyed Janovsky's books in the past, but this one took the cake. I loved the characters, the setting, the pitch perfect angst, and the narrator did a great job.

Ethan was an excellent main character and I enjoyed seeing his second chance at love. He is older than the typical romance protagonist, fat, and bisexual, with ADHD. I found him especially relatable. Everytime his weight was discussed I was happy again to be seeing the representation. Also, I feel like typically when I see a bisexual character in a romance it's a woman protagonist, though perhaps I just haven't been seeking them out well enough. This discourse about his sexuality was well done. I also liked the age gap, it felt like it added well to the story, without being questionable. Taylor was so sweet and I loved the way the two of them interacted throughout the whole story, they were very easy to root for a happy ending for.

The setting was such a neat thing, I definitely haven't read something set in a fairytale themed resort. It added to the romance, giving the feel of fairytales without leaving the real world. I liked seeing the different activities that they got up to there.

I'm a sucker for angst that feels like it goes well, if I have to cry at a book it's almost always five stars. I thought the upset made tons of sense with how the story was set up, and getting a resolution after made it all the sweeter.

Ever since I read The Merriest Misters last fall, @timothyjanovsky has been a must-read author for me. His writing is all the things needed in a contemporary romance: funny, realistic, and hot.

Oh my gosh! Y’all. Ethan Golding is a sexy giant of a teddy bear. I would love to have him carry me to bed as well. And Taylor, gorgeous caretaker that he is, will bring your perfect coffee to you in bed.

These two sweet, darling men and their love story is absolutely delightful. Ethan manages Storybook Endings Resort which he created with his now ex-wife, Amy. They’re hosting their daughter’s sixteenth birthday party there, so Amy sends her personal assistant, Taylor, across the country to prep. Taylor has enjoyed looking at Ethan’s photo in the company email, but that’s nothing to seeing this beautiful man in person. The author practically has the cartoon heart eyes pop out when they see each other and I love that.

Obviously getting involved with your boss’s hot ex-husband is maybe not the greatest idea, but how can they deny an attraction this strong? Dear reader, I think you understand they cannot.

These two dummies think they can have a fling and move on. Bless their little hearts.

Highly recommended for lovers of light romantic comedy with some delicious spice!

I received this eARC via #netgalley and @harlequinbooks. All thoughts are mine alone.

#booksbooksbooks #romancebooks #romance #contemporaryromance #mmromance #gayromance #onceuponyouandme #timothyjanovsky #bookrecs #bookreview #bookstagram

Open up this bewitching book  that reveals that love truly can have a fairy tale happily ever after! 

Y'all, it's no secret that I am a fan of my friend Timothy Janovsky's romance novels, and his newest, ONCE UPON YOU AND ME, might be my favorite one yet. Janovsky's newest, part of his steamier works published with Harlequin Books, has one of his most clever setups, and a couple worth rooting for until the very last page. 

Happily ever after is a great thing to aspire to, but what if you could visit it any time? Well every visit to Storybook Endings is a chance to immerse yourself in the fairy tales you know and love. When Taylor Frost is sent by his boss, Amy, to check in one the hotel chain's first location to prepare for her daughter's Sweet Sixteen, Taylor has no idea how freeing it is to be out from under his boss' thumb. Only, it might be a little too freeing, because he's fallen for the location's manager, Ethan, who... just so happens to be his boss' ex-husband, and the father of the young woman he's here to celebrate. But can big, burly Ethan open himself up to the charming, intriguing Taylor? Throw in a leaky roof, a failed attempt to bond with children, and archery classes armed by Cupid's bow, and, well, you'll have to see what happens next.

Once you get a bite of this not-poisoned-apple of a book, you'll want to devour the whole thing real fast! Taylor and Ethan are expertly drawn out here on the page, with relevant backstories, experiences navigating mental health issues, and enough repression to make their fiery nights on the picturesque property really, REALLY pay off. This age gap romance offers far more than the standard fare, and though you'll be able to finish this brisk novel, quickly, you'll feel wholly satisfied and, like Taylor and Ethan, ready for another round with it real fast.

Taylor and Ethan are adorable in this romance.
Ethan, I was rooting for him in this story. I really enjoyed it! 5 stars!
Many thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This has been my second Timothy Janovsky book (more on my TBR) and I loved it.

Text-
The setting seems fun. My brain mushed together a super beautiful setting, cheesy storybook theme, and a summer camp. 😂

I feel like there relationship/feelings progressed pretty fast but I was here for it. Both MMC felt likable and relatable. Overall this gave me cozy feelings (minus the 3rd act breakup).

Audiobook-
The narrator is good but the characters are done with the same voice. I think I’ve gotten spoiled with books with duel POV books having two narrators. So my slow ass brain needed to pay more attention.

Timothy janovsky and I have a rocky history so I'm always a bit hesitant going into a new book of his. thankfully this time, I was pleasantly surprised.

This one has an age gap, body diversity, and a lot of character growth from all angles.

Ethan is a fairly recently (5 years) divorced dad and he's fat and bi with adhd and 40. Taylor is an assistant to Ethan's ex-wife and he's gay and 26(I think).

When it comes time to plan Ethan's daughter's birthday party, Taylor has been given the task by Amy and he sets out to the rental property Ethan manages to handle all the set up. He didn't expect to have a tree fall on his cabin and have to stay with Ethan and be sure didn't expect to find a lot of love with the man his boss didn't have any love for anymore.

I feel like the real highlights of this book are the ADHD representation and the character growth. at first I was concerned that we were getting a bitchy ex-wife trope because I get really exhausted by gay male authors writing bitchy women into their books but Amy actually gets a full circle moment and has a chance to not only apologize but recognize where her behavior went wrong and how to fix it. She is a secondary character but she plays large role in the book. There are also additional positive female characters in the book so that was a plus.

I did like Taylor and Ethan's relationship but I would have like to see just a little bit more on the page and less talked about. I also love that Ethan is fat and that is not shied away from. But really the ADHD rep felt very well-rounded and discussed more than just being absent-minded sometimes. it really went into a lot of facets of ADHD and sometimes that's missing from ADHD rep.

All in all this is one of Timothy Janovski's better books and a solid four star for me. there is explicit content on page but it's not super drawn out.

There’s a lot to love in Once Upon You and Me—especially Taylor’s journey to figure out his path beyond just romance. That element gave the story some added depth and made it more than a typical love story. Ethan, with his self-conscious dad-bod and genuinely kind nature, was a refreshingly sweet love interest, and his daughter added a great dynamic—charmingly observant.

The story really shines in the final act, when both leads take time apart to grow and reflect. Their slow reconnection felt earned and emotionally grounded. That said, I would’ve loved more time spent developing the actual relationship between Taylor and Ethan earlier on. The connection was sweet, but I found myself wanting to feel more of their chemistry on the page.

Overall, it’s a gentle, feel-good read about finding your way—both in love and in life.

Ethan runs the romantic Catskills resort he started with his ex-wife Amy. Taylor is Amy's assistant and comes to the resort to help plan Ethan and Amy's daughter Samara's big 16th birthday bash. Taylor and Ethan hit it off and sparks fly at the resort.

Once Upon You and Me is such a cute sweet romance. I loved Ethan and Taylor's chemistry and romance. The Catskills resort setting was swoon worthy and the reading of fairy tales was a cute gimmick. I loved the forced proximity of this, as well as the bi representation! Very fun read for spring/summer!

Tropes:
* Single Dad
* Age Gap
* Forced proximity
* Bi representation
* ADHD Representation
* Workplace romance (kind of)
* Resort Setting
* Reading Fairy Tales Outloud

4.5 stars