Happily Ever After? Think Again. Fairy tales, Disney movies, and romantic comedies: we love them, we quote them, and sometimes, we let them ruin our lives. From the idea that a magical romance will solve all your problems to the belief that a single grand gesture can fix a broken relationship, these stories have shaped how we see love, family, careers, and success—and not always for the better. In this sharp, hilarious, and insightful book, Tessa Conway takes a sledgehammer to the myths we've been fed since childhood.

Through laugh-out-loud anecdotes, biting sarcasm, and thoughtful analysis, this book explores many different challenges we face such as some of the following:

• The Beast Syndrome: Why your love isn’t enough to change a toxic partner.
• The Prince Charming Illusion Spoiler: Perfect people don’t exist.
• The Grand Gesture Fallacy: Why a bouquet of roses won’t magically fix your problems.
• The Love at First Sight Trap: Real connections take more than a meet-cute.

And so much more!

But don’t worry—this book isn’t about giving up on love, dreams, or the idea of a happy ending. It’s about replacing the unrealistic fantasies with something better: real, messy, and fulfilling lives! With a mix of wit, realism, and practical advice, Once Upon a Disappointment doesn’t just call out these myths—it offers a path forward. Together, we'll learn how to break free from the lies we’ve been told, embrace the chaos of real life, and find true beauty and happiness in the small, imperfect moments. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a fairy tale skeptic, or somewhere in between, this book will make you laugh, think, and maybe even roll your eyes. Because while real life might not always be a perfect rom-com, it doesn’t mean you can’t write your own happy ending. Are you ready to rewrite the script?