Timothy Janovsky continues to charm with his signature blend of heartfelt romance and witty storytelling. The (Fake) Dating Game and Once Upon You and Me each bring something sweet and fun to the table, with lovable characters, just the right amount of drama, and a strong emotional core.

I enjoyed the fake dating trope in the first story—it was playful without being overdone, and the chemistry between the leads felt natural. Once Upon You and Me had more of a fairytale vibe, but still grounded in real emotions and personal growth, which I appreciated.

Both stories offered lighthearted romance with meaningful moments that made me reflect on love, identity, and self-worth. They didn’t necessarily break new ground, but they were cozy, affirming reads that left me smiling. Perfect for a weekend escape.

The (Fake) Dating Game

Until 70%, this was a 3.5 star reading experience that I would have rounded up to 4 stars but there was so much about the last section of the book that just did not work for me that this is more of a 3.5 stars rounded down.

What I liked:
• Like Janovsky's other books, this book had a screenplay feel to it, which is particularly fun in audio (and works better when I can speed it up)
• I liked that, until the third-act conflict, the two love interests communicated with each other really well and I really did like their connection and banter
• The main POV character is managing a lot of grief, and until that 70% mark, I thought it was handled with a lot of thought, care and depth (particularly for a romcom format). In the last part of the book there was certainly still a lot of care but there were some things that didn't sit right with me.

What didn't work for me:
• This is the spiciest of Janovsky's books and while that is totally fine, I found those scenes lacked in emotional connection, making them a feel a bit clinical or detached
• This book REALLY leans into the themes and commits to its bits and it got tired for me - a bit too one the nose and unsubtle
• Almost everything from the 70-90% mark annoyed me - it required more suspension of disbelief than I could muster and some things felt like they came out of left field or contradicted things from earlier in the book.

Overall this book was fine, and I was happy to read it, because I'm a completionist and have generally enjoyed all of the author's books so far. This one just didn't work as well for me as the last two.

Once Upon You and Me

3.5 stars. This was a very quick and easy listen and a similar experience to most of Janovsky's books for me. I enjoy the characters and the relationship for the most part but there is not a ton of depth. It always feels a little bit like I'm reading a movie.

I didn't love the characterization of the ex-wife - even as it got better at the end. And I do find Janovsky's writing a little on the nose at times but it's mostly earnest and sweet so I keep going back for more because I know it will be a reliable easy listen.

The narration for this book was a little flat - without a ton of differentiation between the characters. I think Mark Sanderlin's deliver is a better fit for this author.

The (Fake) Dating Game

3.75⭐, 2.5🌶️

This was a fun and cute romance. I loved that both of our MMC's are 20-something's trying to find their place and life goals. The romance and spice was surprising (the first book I read by this author I wasnt as much of a fan of) so I'm happy this story was better for me, and more enjoying. The game show aspect was so fun and honestly I wish it was real cause it sounds like so much fun!

I enjoyed Mark Sanderlin's narration for this book. With one narrator it still felt "diverse" enough for me with the story.

Release Date: 4/29/2025

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

Once Upon You and Me

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.

Two cute cute books!

Starting with Once Upon You and Me, my favorite of the 2 books. The narrator for this book was GREAT! (The (Fake) Dating Game narrator never lands for me😬) I loved Taylor and his kind heart and how well he did his job and took care of his people! Ethan was so delightful from start to finish. Loved his journey of self discovery with Taylor. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


The (Fake) Dating Game had some great points like Leo who was just such a ray of sunshine, loved the concept of the game show and why it was so important to Holden andddddd adored the growth they each had by the end. The parents in this book were so lovely too! A fun, quick, spicy book!⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you for the ALC for my honest review❤️

4 stars.

Timothy Janovsky's "The (Fake) Dating Game" is a fun, spirited, light-hearted book that I enjoyed reading. If you grew up watching the show Supermarket Sweep, this is the story for you! I got through this book in a little less than two days. I liked both Holden and Leo as characters. Holden's connection with his deceased mother really tugged on my heartstrings. I know all too well the sting of wanting to do something to honor someone you loved who passed away. Holden's dream of competing on Madcap Market is an all-consuming force for him. Unfortunately, his jerk of an ex didn't understand how Holden coped with his grief, so he found Leo to go on the show with him instead. I really liked Leo, too! He was such a sweet guy. The two of them had great chemistry and banter with one another. As a couple, it took a minute for me to get used to them since they seemed to fall for each other so quickly, but I got there eventually. I also loved Mark Sanderlin's narration of the audiobook! He always does a spectacular job narrating Janovsky's books.
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4 stars.

Timothy Janovsky's "Once Upon You and Me" is a charming and lovely age-gap, forbidden-ish romance that is equal parts emotional and spicy with a little baggage thrown in for good measure. I admit it was a bit slow to start, but it picks up around 25% in and then doesn't let up until it finishes. I really liked Ethan and Taylor! I loved the concept of Ethan running a storybook/fairytale-themed resort. It made the story feel fun and whimsical in and amongst the relationship/family drama and turmoil. Great setting here! The forbidden aspect comes from Taylor being Ethan's ex-wife's assistant, so when they find an attraction to one another, it's a little scandalous! Ethan is a plus-sized bi-sexual MMC with ADHD and a lot of love to give. He's grumpy and lovely and I adored him. Taylor is a steadfast, hard worker who is rarely acknowledged by his boss, Ethan's ex-wife. He's at Storybook Endings to help Ethan throw his and Amy's daughter's 16th birthday party. The attraction between Ethan and Taylor is dynamic and instant and a little messy! I don't think I ever felt the stakes a whole lot, meaning I had no doubt that they would get their HEA despite the nature of their precarious situation. Regardless, I found this book to be the perfect palate cleanser. It's a quick read with a lot of heart and heat. I will say, I didn't love or hate the audiobook narration. While Anthony Myatt does a great job narrating the story, his voices are not distinct enough between the characters, I had to back up the audiobook several times to make sure I was getting it right. Still, I recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, Harlequin - Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

I love Timothy Janovsky’s writing so much. both these audiobooks are made well. thank you so much for this ALC bundle!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

These were so fun to read, and especially fun that I got a double feature! What I really loved about each of these books is that it's incredibly clear that Janovsky writes with so much heart. There are some similar themes (ex ADHD- which I appreciate as an ADHDer) but they are explored in ways that are so specific to each well-defined character.

These books are spicy, heart-felt, silly, and unimaginably endearing.

If you're a vibe/seasonal reader like me, The (Fake) Dating Game takes place in both NYC and LA so if you're in a bi-costal vibe this would be a great pick for you. It's giving Guy's Grocery Games but WAY more wholesome and not problematic. Grief is a big theme in this book, so if you're looking for something or someone to be a pal with you during those big, complicated feelings of losing a parent years ago, I think you'd really resonate.

In terms of vibes for Once Upon You and Me, this is a great spring book! It's full of unpredictable weather and the warmth trying to shine through both metaphorically and actually. It takes place at a storybook inspired campground so I think it would pair well with a weekend away in nature. A big part of the book also centre a sweet 16 birthday party, so if you're planning or attending a family event with a fair amount of pressure, this book may mirror that experience for you and offer some company.

In all, I highly recommend these books! The audio's were so well done, and I'm so impressed with how clear each character was written and performed. Reads these if you like heart and spice!

The (Fake) Dating Game:
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.

This was my first time reading Timothy Janovsky and it won't be the last. I love a good fake dating trope and this one didn't disappoint. A little too insta love, but it fit the story.

The narrator started out a bit off to me, but by midway I was really enjoying his voice and the voices he created.

I'm not gonna lie, I HATED the fake dating game. Hated it. It made me want to never read another book by janovsky again but then I remember how much I loved his first couple books and I decided to give him another shot.

I'm glad I did because Once Upon You and Me was very cute and a big redeemable moment for janovsky for me.

Here's my full review of each book:
Once upon you and me:
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 Janovsky's better books and a solid four star for me. there is explicit content on page but it's not super drawn out.

The fake dating game:
I fear that Timothy Janovsky has lost me. Cucumbers? Really?

Before I start this review feel the need to preface by saying I do not mind books with a lot of smut and I am a fan of kink in books but it has to be well done and this is not well done.

I think I went into this book not realizing just how spicy was going to be because Janovsky's previous books have not been and in fact had characters on the asexual spectrum and so I just wasn't ready for the almost constant horniness. Now I'm not necessarily holding that against this book because that's my own perception and authors can 100% change the type of books and the type of representation that they write.

What I am going to hold against this book is that it's just bad. There is no substance whatsoever. We essentially have Holden who is obsessed with his game show and starts the book by asking his long-term boyfriend to go on it with him and his boyfriend dumps him. So Holden decides to take The trip anyway and hope he can find someone to audition for this game show with him because he really wants to win the prize money. And then we have Leo who is a concierge for the hotel that Holden is staying up and the two end up having some chemistry.

After some things happen, Leo and Holden decide to fake date in order to pass as partners for this audition because the game show only chooses people who have an interesting dynamic. What neither one of them was expecting to happen were real feelings in their fake dating.

The premise is there but the execution was not. This book attempts to start some sort of soft BDSM kink but it's not discussed well enough for my liking and made me more uncomfortable than anything. Then we have to talk about the cucumbers. There's legitimately a scene where Leo tells Holden to fuck himself with a cucumber over FaceTime. I don't even know what to do with this.

Neither Holden or Leo are well developed characters and the game show itself is honestly a back burner plot. This book only gets good in the last maybe 10 or 15% when we get a little bit more depth into Holden and his depression but it's too little too late at that point for me. Had I not had an arc of this, I would have DNF'd. I also feel like I gave it a shot because I liked the author's previous books. If this said had been my first book by him I would not read anything else so do with that information what you will.

I absolutely loved these books. I can't wait until I can read the next book by Timothy Janovsky. Five out of five stars from me and would be more if I could.

I enjoyed the fake dating game. It gave me vibes of supermarket sweep. I enjoyed the romance that unfolded but I wish it had unfolded more during the games. I wanted the majority of the plot to take place during the games. I think that would have made it a lot more interesting, but the games was a very small portion of the story. Most of it took place prior to the games and then after. I still enjoyed the read, but not as much as I had hoped.

audiobook specific: the narrator was great. One of the narrators I have enjoyed many times before.

content warning: spicy content, grief over past death of parent


I struggled with once upon you and me because I just couldn't stand the narration. It destracted me from the enjoyment of the book and I was unable to retain anything that I was listening to so I couldn't get attached to the characters or their story. I hope to reread it one day in a different format.

content warning: spicy content, biphobia

This is my 1st time reading anything by this author, but been looking forward to it since I have Never Been Kissed on my TBR.

This is a combo of 2 books. Fake Dating Game is fun and some spots are predictable, but while the author painted 2 losers triumph and find love; it really is each of them finding their true self - not being out, but who do they wanted to be when they grow up.

The beginning started out with a breakup and you see Holden spiral out and in come Leo to the rescue. He's kind, non judgmental, see Holden needed help and pulled him out. There's no 2people that 'get' each other more. Holden has is emotional hang up about his mom and Leo has his hang up on relationships, but that does not stop them from having strong attractions.

I got the audio book, let me tell you, at first I wasn't too sure about the narrator, but as the book goes on, he grows on me. By mid-way I need the narrator to give me the entire story on a platter. He was good with voices and did well with the emotional bits.
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For Once Upon You and Me, it's a sweet story about Ethan, a 40s bi-man who has bad luck meeting anybody in a small town. Then Taylor (27) walks in, and no one 'get' Ethan better than Taylor. What bonded them are alot of things, but fairytale stories bonded them.

The supporting characters are a tad flat, I do like Samira, but I wish there's more from her that shows depth. She's shown to be a very smart character, but it's missing a little something. I love Ethan.& Taylor great, Ethan knows how people sees him, and Taylor lets him be vulnerable, and that was very beautiful. Not having the parts, but can feel how it's intimate, vulnerable and there's love between the MCs.

For the audiobook, I think the performance is fine, wish the voices are more defined, but it worked for the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ARC. There are trigger warnings on Fake Dating Game, please read with care.

These are both so cute, light hearted gay rom coms with minimal drama and a good amount of heat. I particularly loved the bisexual teddy bear Ethan in the second novel, he was adorable and so sweet

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Romance, and Timothy Janovsky for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Okay- could the setting BE anymore.. fun?  ...Whimsical? Disney Adult? Timothy really gave us a fairy tale themed resort for all sorts of visitors and occasions.  FUN!  

This MM, age gap, somewhat forbidden (young gent is the assistant to older gent's ex wife.. who is ALSO his boss!) romance was so enjoyable.  I loved seeing the growth in our older gent as he learned from his past relationship AND began to take care of his mental health.  Gave himself grace, got himself an ADHD diagnosis and deployed tools and coping skills.

Smol spoiler (but you already know you're getting the HEA sooo just chill!?) What I love about many of Timothy Janovsky's third act break ups is that he gives them time.  For growth, reflection and healing and for coming back together.  The HEA in this one absolutely was not thrown together in one passionate moment. It came together through conversation and time.  I LOVE THAT.

Additionally- this edition was a bundled audiobook with The (Fake)Dating Game that was published in early 2024.  I enjoyed this Super Market Sweep inspired game show romance.  Again, a beautiful third act breakup with time, grace and space!

An audio duo of spicy, gay, fluffy romance reads, sure to leave readers of Timothy Janovsky wanting more!

THE FAKE DATING GAME:
Thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this novel.

3/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

This was my first Timothy Janovsky book and it won’t be my last. While I didn’t love the story necessarily, I loved the characters and the spice that was thrown in. Give me a good MM romance any day. This def was spice with a side of heart and emotion.

ONCE UPON YOU & ME:
Thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this novel.

3.25/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️

This was my second Timothy Janovsky book and it won’t be my last. I lived the characters and giving the bi-rep for an older male. Also giving plus-size man rep too! I love a good age gap romance, especially when it’s MM… add in the forced proximity and the employee/employer (kinda) relationship.

I read a lot of books and I am always happy when a new Timothy Janovsky book comes out. He always read lovely love stories of two men who just are perfect for each other and have a good adventure falling in love. I think the world needs more Timothy Jankovsky books. I am already greatly anticipating his next novel that comes out in September!

The (Fake) Dating Game
This is unapologetically GAY & I am so here for it. I loved the unique game show element in this. I felt like Timothy dealt with grief very well in this while still keeping the quirk & charm!
Short & sweet! Perfectly paced.
Also, this was unexpectedly STEAMY.

Once Upon You & Me
It took me awhile to get into this, but I’m happy I trekked on! Age Gap romance hasn’t always been for me, but this was a delight.
Timothy writes spicy heartfelt rom coms with such ease. I loved the way Taylor & Ethan’s relationship developed. I was rooting for them as soon as they hit it off.
I loved the setting of this story too.
Lots of introspection into ADHD & loneliness. I felt like Timothy wrote with care for his characters & readers.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio for the duo ALC for this & Timothy’s next book!

4 🌟
Spice: open door

This was super cute! I loved the game show aspect, and their meet cute was adorably unique. I was surprised by how spicy this was. It's my first from this author, and it won't be my last. The 3rd act breakup was a little nerve wracking, but I loved how they came together in the end.


3.75 🌟
Spice: open door

While I found this one cute, it didn't blow me away. I think a big part of it is with the audio. It's 3rd person dual POV, and having the one narrator made me confused on who's POV we were in. I love the characters and the setting. I just wanted more I guess. It felt like they fell into bed with each other so quickly and suddenly were obsessed. My favorite is towards the end when they are reading each other fairytales, so cute.

I am in love!

With the writing, With the characters. With the cheekiness and tension and the beautifully realistic take on scenarios so unlikely they might just be true. And with the amazingly honest mental health and neurodivergency rep, no sugar coating or flashy quirkiness to make it attractive.
Before I started The (Fake) Dating Game I had never heard to Timothy Janovsky. Now I know for sure, I'll return for more.


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The (Fake) Dating Game
4 stars

I'll be honest. I didn't want to start the book when I got it and I'm pretty sure that was my own neurodivergence blocking me. Because I had no reason for it and straight of the bat, the writing proved to be exactly what I value in a well written book. Eloquent, yet matching the context, filled with conversations that felt so real, made me laugh and tear up and feel the Holden's pain as if it were my own.

I don't know when exactly I fell in love with the story. Just that upon finishing, it felt like, as with every good book that burrows itself deep inside me, I have found a new home. A new reality to snuggle into and remember fondly.

The character dynamics carried this book and they were incredibly well executed - not only between the two MMCs but also with the many layers of past and present on and off page personal relationships and how they impacted the interactions between Leo and Holden.

And, without any spoilers, I just want to acknowledge how much I love this ending. Because it didn't feel forced into a framework of what a HEA 'should be' in a fairytale world. Instead, true to the tone of the entire book, it combined dreamy romantic notions with a realistic take.

One extra thought: I would love to know how Timothy Janovsky comes up with some of his metaphors because I enjoyed them immensely!

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Once Upon You and Me
4 stars

Since this was my second book by the author, I was excited to dive in!
I loved the premise and how some of the outcome was super predictable but all the more special for it. Matching the theme of the setting, this book had a more fairytale-y vibe than The (Fake) Dating game while still tapping into that shade of realism, the unpolished and sometimes unflattering.
I very much enjoyed how the fairytale theme is strung through the entire plot, serving as an ideal without requiring the story to match it.

The way Taylor and Ethan pretty much crashed into each other's worlds, each with their own baggage and unresolved issues, and - instead of the fairytale rose-colored love - SAW each other, fully and complimented each other's needs and capacities was beautiful!
Again, Timothy Janovsky manages to capture dynamics so realistically by perfectly orchestrating the characters without over explaining or dipping in proverbial glitter.
I can totally see this one being a movie, not least because of the imagery these books provide and the intricately carved characters.

The ADHD prep in this book was top notch and I felt very seen not only in what being neurodivergent means but also in what it demands. From the person who is neurodivergent, sure, but even more so from the surrounding, the social systems and responses, the care and love given.
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These books are well suited for fans of Alexis Hall and those who just generally love blunt romance with good amount of tension, a dose of realism, 'non-quirky' mental health rep and beautifully intricate relationship dynamics.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Timothy Janovsky for providing an ALC for both these books.