Timothy Janovsky has become one of my most anticipated authors. His book The Merriest Misters is one of my favorite romances. Once Upon You and Me is not quite at that level, but I enjoyed it. It has Janovsky’s charm and excellent storytelling.
Ethan is a divorced dad managing Storybook Endings Resort, the fairytale themed family resort in the Catskills that he used to own with his ex-wife, Amy. Taylor is Amy’s personal assistant, who has come to the resort to get it ready for a weekend long birthday celebration for Ethan and Amy’s daughter, Samara. Ethan is exploring his bisexuality and coming to grips with his ADHD diagnosis. Taylor is considerably younger, and as much as he likes working for Amy, he wants to advance professionally. He also seems to be allergic to underwear. Ethan finds this very distracting. Both are lovely characters who make each other braver. I did enjoy their love story.
Amy, the boss and ex-wife, loomed large, even when she wasn’t there. She starts out in bad guy territory, but evolves. Amy is strong willed and particular, and she doesn’t seem to have much respect for Ethan. Ethan and Taylor are correct to be concerned about Amy’s response to a relationship between them. Amy as a barrier to their relationship wasn’t my favorite part. I do appreciate that people are complicated and what Janovsky is showing is that people change and grow. Everyone in Once Upon You and Me makes mistakes and makes amends.
Once Upon You and Me is a quiet story with talks by the fire, shared wine, and reading aloud fairy tales. There is a third act breakup, and then some solid growing up. It’s sweet and lovely.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Afterglow Books and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.