I was provided with an eARC of One Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky. I’m a big fan of Janovsky’s romances, so I was super excited about this book, probably because of the age gap element in particular. I mean, who doesn’t love a hot, single dad? When Taylor Frost’s boss, Amy Lu, flies him to across the country to help prepare for her daughter’s sweet sixteen at Storybook Endings Resort, he jumps at the opportunity to take on more responsibility. He didn’t expect the resort manager and Amy’s ex-husband, Ethan Golding, to be quite as handsome, caring, and cuddly as he turns out to be. After his divorce, Ethan thought maybe he wasn’t meant to have a storybook romance. When he meets Taylor, however, he begins to wonder if a second-chance at happiness might be within his reach after all.

I was definitely invested in Ethan and Taylor as a couple which is a pretty key element to enjoying any sort of romance novel. What I really liked, with Taylor in particular, is that Janovsky really considered the character’s backstory and how that influences adult Taylor’s personality. I found his relationship with Samara, Ethan and Amy’s daughter, to be particularly sweet. I had a few misgivings about the way Amy was written in a few scenes, but I really enjoyed the overall family dynamic and thought it was an interesting approach to the story. And Ethan! I definitely wanted to be swept away by this sweet daddy. I’m all about plus-size representation in romance and I’m glad there wasn’t any dreary introspection over this facet of his character.

I thought Once Upon You and Me was a very sweet read and the perfect sort of romance to distract myself from the world with. I really enjoyed the premise and there were several moments that really endeared me to Ethan and Taylor as a couple. I may have craved a touch more angst during the final act of the story, but ultimately I was very satisfied with the book as a whole. There were a couple of moments that induced actual laugher, which is always a nice treat. Janovsky writes consistently good romances, so I always know that I’m in for a treat when reading one of his books and I definitely wasn’t disappointed here.

I really enjoyed this book. It has all the feels. Ethan is living in the Catskills and working as the General Manager of a mountain resort. His ex-wife Ann and daughter Samara live in California. It's his daughters 16th birthday and she and a handful of her friends decide to celebrate her sweet 16 at the resort. Taylor who is Ann's assistant is sent ahead to get things ready for the party. Taylor and Ethan hit it off and the chemistry is off the charts. Both guys know that they shouldn't let what they are feeling escape them however they also know that if Ann finds out all hell will break loose!

This was a great read. Characters were well developed and it had me in my feelings. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

This was a really sweet read, the slow-ish burn and the deep, vulnerable conversations were so well-written!

I really liked the fairytale-themed resort and the associated activities - it was fun to read that from the angle of hospitality services. Also the small town! Catskills sounds like a place I wanna visit for sure 🥲

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

This book was so cute. I loved the main characters - I was rooting for Ethan and Taylor from page one. Each man's relationship w Ethan's daughter felt real and watching them navigate it all wasy delightful. The growth of every character was so good and so grounded. Janovsky handled everything in a way that grounded but not heavy - from sexuality to ADHD to body image, everything felt like it was given proper acknowledgement without making a cute, horny book feel sad. Even the ex-wife's redemption was not perfect and wrapped in a bow, but rather the first steps of actual growth you might see in someone you love(d).

If you've liked Timothy Janovsky's other books, you'll enjoy this one too. Feels like a traditionally published book in that the characters are unremarkable. I didn't feel like the age gap was taboo (which is why people read age gap right?) and it didn't feel all that spicy but both of those terms are in the tag line for the book. I think "just a very normal romance" wouldn't have people picking it up.

This book felt like a cozy winter vacation to a cabin. This age gap romance is so sweet and brings all the wholesomeness of a Hallmark movie but better because it’s queer and a bit spicy as well.

Enchanting and full of charm with humor laced throughout this book, giving a great balance of sincere emotion and lots of laughs. It was so enjoyable to read. These characters were all so well thought out and written wonderfully. The supporting cast were even amazing too. I loved the plot and how things played out.

I will not be finishing this book. I heard about this author and was excited to read something from him. I could have given this book more of a chance but Josh the first chapter about divorce and problems with his child… that’s not the book I want to read. I never liked books with that as a starting point and, well, I’m sad. I’m sure this book may have been good but I’m not its audience.

This was a very cute read. It was a bit hard for me to read at first, it didn't catch my attention in the beginning, but after the sixth chapter, it started getting interesting to me. Other than the start I really enjoyed the characters, lesson, and vibes of this and I definitely recommend it.

This was a cute, lighthearted romance with all the fairy tale vibes. Ethan and Taylor had an instant connection and even though their relationship progressed very quickly there was still a lot of tension and pining. I enjoyed both Ethan and Taylor’s relationships with Ethan’s daughter Samara. I thought it was really sweet and I especially liked how Taylor looked out for her even though he was originally just her mom’s assistant.
Since Ethan and Taylor’s relationship moved so fast and was so focused on the physical aspect, I felt like I didn’t get as much depth from it as I would have liked. The relationship felt a little surface level and I wanted to see them have some deeper conversations and more building of the relationship.

If you like:
-forced proximity
-age gap
-semi-forbidden romance
-fairy tale vibes
-adhd representation
Then I recommend checking this book out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC!

What a fun and fresh plot for a story! I loved Taylor- he's so earnest and trying to get to where he needs. He's heard all about Ethan from his boss, but he's not been given the full story. He certainly didn't expect to feel an instant attraction and pull. Taylor has to figure out how to make thi perfect sweet sixteen party happen and keep his distance from Ethan.. Mother Nature decides to push these two together with a tree fall and some forced proximity. Ethan is just as adorable as Taylor and their chemisty is smoking. But there is also a sweetness to the story as Taylor helps Ethan around the camp and also gives him cofidence in his attractiveness and ability to find love. I definitely think Ethan's ex is the perfect pseudo villain. redeemable but annoying. Fun read!

This is a light, enjoyable romance between 27-year-old Taylor, a personal assistant from California, and Ethan, a 40-year-old owner of a fairytale-themed resort in upstate New York. It's complicated not just because of the age gap but because Taylor's boss, Amy, is Ethan's ex-wife.

I liked the development of their relationship between Taylor, who is described as a "twink" with a surfer bod, and the husky bear-type Ethan. The dad-body rep was appreciated, as was his explanation of his late in life diagnosis of ADHD and how it affected his life and relationships. What I didn't love was one of my least favorite romance book tropes: the evil bitch ex-wife. The book tells us over and over what a horrible wife she was and what a controlling shrew she is to everyone around her. She predictably has a complete meltdown when she finds out about Ethan and Taylor, but then has a change of heart later that isn't really explained. I loved what we saw of the teenage daughter and her connection with Taylor and I thought we would see her confronting her mom and calling her out for firing him. That would have made the late development of her suddenly being nicer to him more understandable.

Regardless, it is a cute story with a fun setting (I wish I could visit this resort IRL) and some enjoyable spice. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I'll certainly be seeking more out.

This is the second book I’ve read Timothy J and as usual I really enjoyed it! One of the things that really stands out when I’m reading his books is the care he takes towards anything relating to mental or physical health. His last book, You Had Me At Happy Hour, dealt with OCD and alcoholism in a really sensitive and honestly caring way. In this book the topics of ADHD were one of the defining aspects and, as someone who sometimes feels debilitated by it, felt like the way it was handled was absolutely incredible. So 10/10 just for that.

The story itself was really unique but if there was anything I’d have liked to see mentioned more it was the fairly big age gap. I felt like it wasn’t talked about enough unless it was to drive conflict into the plot. But other then that I really enjoyed reading the characters and the drama that ensued in the third act.

Thank you to Harlequin for this eARC! This may have just become my favorite Timothy Janovsky book! It was so sweet and soft and romantic while also being complex about ADHD and sexy as hell. It made me want to pick up a bow and arrow and wait for a big burly man to wrap his arms around me and correct my stance. Taylor and Ethan have incredible chemistry and the storybook like setting is such a cozy little bubble to get to lose yourself into for this story!

Yet again Timothy Janovsky hit it out of the park!!! The way he writes characters just draws me in. I very much enjoyed this book. I very much an audio book reader normally so I can't wait to get this book that way too soo I can enjoy it in my normal fashion and get the most out of the story. Can't say enough good things about this book

I loved the premise of this book! The characters were both likable and I loved the representation of a fat character with ADHD. That said, I’m unsure why Ethan and Amy were ever together, and Taylor seems a little discombobulated to be a really effective assistant/events coordinator.

I always enjoy Timothy Janovsky's books. He has a way of capturing real human experiences and conditions and incorporating them seamlessly into his characters to make them relatable. This one had a fun and unique setting that worked well. This was an easy read that included age gap and forced proximity tropes, plus a little spice. After the main conflict in the story, the two MCs develop a cute way to mend their relationship and get to know each other better, and it fits perfectly into the theme of the story. I also liked that it did not resolve too perfectly before the epilogue. This was cute but I enjoyed You Had Me at Happy Hour and the (Fake) Dating Game more.

Once Upon You and Me tells the relationship between Taylor a 27 year old and Ethan who just turned 40. Ethan manages a resort that is ex-wife owns and Taylor is the ex- wife's personal assistant. A week before Ethan's daughter turns 16, Taylor arrives to prepare for her big day. Feelings start to grow as they spend more time together.

This was a cute quick read that is not my usual fair. It was an easy read that was a tad too predictable. Taylor and Ethan were likable characters who I wanted to get together. The side characters felt a little two dimensial and I wouldn't have noticed if they weren't in the story. I wanted more from the relationship between Ethan and his daughter Samara. The one scene we get is good but I wanted more of that relationship. The ex-wife Amy came around a little too fast for my liking as well. She was so angry when she found out and then like a week later she apologizes and puts his name in for a job opportunity. I know we are in the POV of Ethan/Taylor but I would have liked to see Samara with Amy too. I can see Samara defending Taylor.

So like I said this is not something I usual read but it was still a fun read. If you are wanting a cozy sweet read this book is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Afterglow books for an ARC for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley and Afterglow Books for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. 4.5 ⭐️ I have been a fan of Janovsky’s romances for several years now and I have been loving how many new releases he’s come out with! I absolutely loved the setting and premise of this one. The touch of whisky that Janovsky likes to sprinkle in his books is just so enjoyable. I really enjoyed the characters in this one and was really rooting for them. NGL, very happy to have the spice back in this one after reading closed-door “Merriest Misters.” 😉 As usual, can’t wait for his next release!!

I have long been a fan of Timothy Janovsky's books and this one was no different! Once Upon You and Me follows Ethan, a divorced dad running a fairytale themed resort, and Taylor, Ethan's ex's personal assistant sent to the resort to inspect it and set up Ethan's daughter's Sweet 16. Ethan and Taylor have instant chemistry and I loved the way their relationship developed pretty organically (for a relatively short book). They are sweet to each other, funny, full of heart, and I love the world that was built up around them. I sped through it during a long car ride and would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a sweet, sexy, queer, age gap romance set in an idyllic, small (and queer affirming) town.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I enjoyed it, as I have almost all of this author’s novels.

Ethan and Taylor were a cute couple, and the challenges they faced in relation to Ethan’s ex-wife (who is also Taylor’s employer) added an interesting edge to the plot. A satisfying read!