If you're still recovering from Every Summer After, Just My Type is your second-chance-romance remedy! I flew through this book about ex high school sweethearts who both become journalists, and, years later, are thrust into a competition to earn a highly coveted column. I loved every moment! Ballard's Lease on Love was a 5-star read for me and Just My Type proved to be even better!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the lovely ARC!

This book was just what I needed! I feel like I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately. A lot of middle of the road reads. This book exceeded all my expectations and pulled me right out of my slump!

This summer I've discovered just how much I love Second Chance Romances. Lana and Seth gave me all the heart eyes. I was rooting for them to work out from the beginning. I also liked how in the beginning there was a also bit of Enemies to Lovers sprinkled in.

The book started off strong with a scene almost straight out of Legally Blonde. Lea is expecting her boyfriend of four years to propose to her, but instead he dumps her. This is an eye opening experience where she realizes she needs to spend some time on her own before she can be in a healthy relationship again. I liked that this was a central theme to the novel. It gave it depth and validity.

The book was funny, heart warming, and the perfect summer read. I would whole heartedly recommend it!

I was drawn by this cover and title, and was excited to dive in. However, I struggled with the writing style.
Despite a few attempts I did not finish the book. Thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for me to read and review.

I finished this lovely book in on sitting. It captured my attention with the heartbreaking and yet inspiring character growth. The romance aspect was the perfect flirtatious amount. A great read for someone who likes the more complex aspect of this genre.

I love a good lovers to enemies to lovers second chance romance. The added workplace romance component where I fell in love with the coworkers was an added bonus. I thought the premise of the added competition / list was unique and really helped move the story and keep me invested. I will definitely read this author again. Her storytelling drew me in and I felt emotionally connected with the characters. My only complaint is the book is single POV from the FMC. I would have LOVED to have Seth’s POV even if it was only 4-6 chapters dispersed throughout.

I couldn’t put this book down! Childhood lovers to enemies to lovers! Hands down one of my favorites! I devoured this book so fast! Lana was definitely a character I connected with and Seth was loveable. I kinda wish there was more with her boss in the end, but other than that definitely a great read. Thank you so much for the ARC, can’t wait to purchase the book when it comes out.

JUST MY TYPE - FALON BALLARD
4.5⭐
PLOT
Lana Parker is a seriel monogamist working as a relationship columist for a LA website. After her recent break up she is challenged by her boss to explore being single. But here comes the twist, her high school BF and 1ts love Seth comes in board of their website to get a feel of LA and is pitted against Lana as a competitor wherein whoever gets maximum hits on their blogs wins a coveted columnist spot in their popular local newspaper.
But it's not only their careers but also their hearts on the line now!!
MY THOUGHTS -
This book deals with friends turned enemies to lovers..the tasks which they each set out for the other and how they accomplish them is fun to read.
Each chapter begins with a quote which summed up the narration perfectly (esp love the IKEA one..as i just spent a day there)
Lanas friends their chat thread was so entertaining to watch ..which we also are doing in our day to day lives..prying pulling each other's legs and so on.
The whole setting of blogs/pop culture reference is perfectly relatable to today's generation.
I just wish we had a Seth's POV.
Nonetheless highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I devoured this book. It was amazing! The writing was witty, fun, and thorough. The characters were lovable and I felt like I could truly understand them. I could not put this book down. In fact, I loved the writing so much I bought the author’s other book, Lease on Love, in the middle of reading this one.

Four stars because I wanted a more explicit on page moment where Lana to stands up to her boss.

*** An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

OH, THIS BOOK! I absolutely LOVED this story and how it played out. It made me laugh out too many times to count and I was super invested. I found Lana to be an awesome character, as well as, Seth. He is just the absolute sweetest and they have the best banter back and forth, which made this book 10x better. I truly love when authors don't make the characters super toxic, like what happens in books/movies often. This was truly a wonderful story of Lana and Seth both helping themselves get better on their own and together. I will be buying a paperback of this book as soon as it comes out to add to my reading collection!

Lana Parker worked as the relationship/dating writer for a Los Angeles lifestyle website, Always Take Fountain (ATF). She had wanted to change over to writing about television, movies, and books, but her boss liked Lana right where she was. She recently broke up with her boyfriend of two years and she didn't have much positive to say about dating and relationships. One day her boss called a meeting to let the staff know that they had been bought by the LA Chronicle and a new writer was coming on board for a while. Seth Carson recently moved to LA to possibly work for the Chronicle, but first the paper wanted him to spend some time at ATF. The problem for Lana was that Seth was her first love. She dated him all through high school and when they broke up after leaving for college, her heart was shattered. Lana saw him again at their 10 year reunion. It was a disaster and she was still nursing hurt over that encounter. Having to see Seth at work was not going to work for her. Natasha, their boss, posed a dating competition between Lana and Seth for the job opening at the Chronicle. Lana was seen by her co-workers as a "serial monogamist" and Lana told them that Seth had become a "serial dater". Lana and Seth were to create a list of 10 tasks for the other to complete. Lana was to learn to be happy outside of a relationship and Seth was to find someone to settle down with. Natasha saw this competition as an excellent way to bring traffic to their site and boost ATF's reputation with the Chronicle.

I adored this story. Lana and Seth's history affected them years later and colored choices they currently made. The challenges set for each other were fun to follow. Natasha had them complete some of the challenges together and the time they spent together reminded them of their past friendship and love. The side characters were great as well. They added to the story and I loved the challenge banter in their Slack channel. I love a second chance romance and this one was excellent. This was my first book by Falon Ballard and I will be looking to read her other book, A Lease on Love, as well.

I received an ARC for Just My Type and want to thank Falon Ballard, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and give an honest review of this book.

Cute story. Definitely got a How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibe. Love the pop culture references and writing. The character arc for Lana was great and being able to read her transformation was empowering. There were times I wasn’t a big fan of Seth. I just didn’t get the chemistry from him; he wasn’t swoon worthy to me. Enjoyed the story overall.

My review for Just My Type:

First off, I haven’t read a rom-com in a bit so this was a nice change of pace for me. I really enjoyed some of the jokes and bits of funny in the book and some of it actually made me smile/snicker (which is saying a lot for me and reading books). The competition and main conflict with the ex was pretty entertaining. The main character was relatable even though some of the things she might do are a bit far fetched, they totally seem reasonable when you think of the situation she is in and then think about what you would do. When I did that, I shrugged and thought “Yeah I’d probably do the same thing!” ha-ha. The close knit circle of work friends is something anyone would love to have!
Lana and Seth’s ever developing and intertwining relationship was a fun roller coaster. All and all, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of rom-coms and stories with positive character developments.

First NetGalley review so I took notes of my thoughts as I was reading to be a thorough as possible. I was intrigued by the “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” kind of vibes I got from the premise of this as the idea for the “competition” unfolded and knew the tasks were going to lead to some great scenes. It does take some suspending of belief to accept because, realistically, most of it wouldn’t/shouldn’t fly as an actual workplace assignment. Ignore that, and it’s a fun, heartfelt read.

Lana’s introduction referencing “Legally Blonde” already had me in—another classic favorite rom-com. Lana is a bit of mess. (Aren’t we all?) When we meet Seth, she comes across a bit immature in her reactions, but that lends itself to showing his impact on her life. The verbal sparring between the two is sharp and quick, and you can feel Lana’s lingering hurt and embarrassment. It’s clear she’s lashing out in response to her emotions—don’t worry, therapy is on the list of tasks for the competition. It’s also clear that Seth has more to his story and he’s not just in LA for a job. Their history unfolds throughout the novel without needing flashback scenes or chapters, and I personally prefer that style of revelations. It was done in a way that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything or couldn’t grasp how deep their past was.

Once we get into the various outings and activities to complete the tasks on their lists, the tension and unresolved feelings between Lana and Seth are clear on the pages. I was impressed by the fact that even with minimal words and actions from Seth and no direct POV from him, it was still evident that he was feeling a lot more than he let on, and his reasons for being there went far below surface level. Also, shoutout to Lana’s therapist for acknowledging the borderline inappropriateness of the whole assignment, and for reframing it for both Lana and the reader by encouraging it to be viewed more as a life project than a work project.

When all the details surrounding their past are finally revealed, I was conflicted. On the one hand, personal preference, miscommunication is not my favorite. Making one-sided choices without allowing the other partner to have a say frustrates me. On the other hand, they were kids navigating huge life choices and that has to be remembered when viewing from adult eyes and perspective. When it comes up again, I’m less forgiving, but it is redeemed in a way that I appreciated.

As it’s all coming to a head, I felt like Lana really showed her growth and strength of self in both her work life and personal life, and I loved that for her. The resolution happens in a way that is both sweet and believable that a solid future is ahead.

I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys second chances and a rivalry with a little competition to drive the interactions. I felt multiple heart-clenching moments, both in sadness and joy for these characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the e-ARC.

Fans of Beach Read who are feeling withdrawals from Gus and January stop what you're doing and pre-order this book! If you love second chance romances and enemies-ish to lovers you need to read this book.

I really enjoyed Seth and Lana's story, the misunderstanding/miscommunication, the longing, the competition, SIGH. I am so happy I received an ARC for this book!

The only reason I took one star off was the amount of Marvel references. Ooof, I enjoy a good marvel movie but wow, every time the author would write "thank God" she would change God out for Thor or Loki or Hela. It was a little cringe and definitely threw me off, at first I thought they were typos until I saw that the whole book was peppered with Marvel characters. But soon enough I got so into the cute storyline and finally got over the over-the-top Marvel references.

Please plan to read this book!

AHHHHHH I LOVED THIS! I'm usually not a huge fan of exes to lovers, but this was beautiful. Ballard painted the pining and hostility? for lack of a better word between you and the one you lost too soon. Oh and the sunflowers (I'll leave it at that suspense and ambiguity) left me in tears. Just beautiful all around.

If you pick this one up, skip dessert because it’s THE SWEETEST!! Just My Type feels like re-watching your favorite comfort rom-com. You already know where it’s going, but in the best way possible because you have no idea how it’s getting there. The pop culture references and witty remarks absolutely made this read for me. I just finished reading this, but I can already tell that this is one I’ll be returning to with a cup of cocoa on hard days.

If you need a hug but you’ve also hit your people capacity, pick this book up because it’ll absolutely hit the spot,

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing for an advanced reader copy. This review is my honest opinion, not sponsored content.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for sending me this eARC! I thought the concept of this book was funny, and I enjoyed the exploration of mother-daughter dynamics. However, there wasn't palpable chemistry between the two main characters, so the book dragged a little bit for me. I was going to rate it two stars, but I thought the final resolution was really well done.

*3.5 stars rounded up because I'm a softie

Just My Type is a second--or rather, third chance romance complete with palpable tension, a competition, and an amazing friend group to top it off!

Lana Parker-30-year-old serial monogamist ends up confronting her first love Seth Carson at their (now) mutual workplace--Always Take Fountain, where they are then pitted against each other in a fight to the death. Okay, not exactly a fight to the death, per se, but a fight for a spot as a columnist at the Los Angeles Chronicle. The catch? They each have a list of ten items to complete in order to succeed on their missions-Lana to become comfortable with being single after 4 failed long-term relationships, and for Seth, who has been traveling the past 12 or so years, to get himself ready for a serious relationship. But with unresolved issues between the two, there's a lot more at stake than just the news column.

I absolutely loved Lana's friend group from the get-go--can we please have a spin off with Rob and Tessa? Pretty please? And May is the sort of best friend every girl needs! The friend group is full of empowering women who are super supportive and loving, not only towards Lana, but each other as well.

Lana, on the other hand, I had to warm up to a little bit. She starts out a bit immature, but throughout the book (especially towards the end), we get to see her growth! She really learns about herself and her emotions--therapy is a godsend, y'all!

Seth also took a little bit for me to warm up to him, granted we only see him through Lana's eyes. Seth's motivations become a lot clearer throughout the book, and we have no choice but to stan a man that goes to therapy. Even if it was because it was an item on the list. I repeat, therapy is a godsend.

The vibes of this book are similar to You Deserve Each Other (one of my favorites!) and the general workplace romance. However, with the second chance romance aspect, I would argue this book sets itself apart from other workplace romances. One area I found this book lacking in; however, was the show-don't-tell aspect. There were moments where the banter between Seth and Lana was mentioned, but not described. This definitely got better throughout the book, but at the beginning, there was definitely a bit of banter to be desired. Some of the dialogue was cringy and the banter was cute at some points, but a lot of the romance aspects didn't really kick in until the end. I liked it, but I didn't love it, and I think that it was, in part, almost due to the lack of romance between the main characters until the halfway point and beyond.

Overall, Just My Type is a cute, fluffy romance with a bit of spice and steam and also has a deeper message about the importance of self-discovery and being comfortable with being single.

My sincerest thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I adored Lease On Love and Falon Ballard quickly became a favorite new author (especially for my AOTM book club) and I couldn't wait to get my hands on Just My Type. I was not disappointed.

Falon creates stellar groups of friends and then takes it up a notch with outstanding banter in group texts (or in this case, a slack channel). There are laugh-out-loud one liners and amazing MCU references.

She also writes the sweetest cinnamon roll heroes ever. You can't help but fall in love with them. I loved the premise of Lana and Seth trying new things but doing them together. I didn't love how Lana felt victimized, especially when we learned the truth of what happened at the fateful reunion. I wished Lana was a little more self-aware but so many things more than made up for it. I can't wait to see what Falon shares with us next!

I am realizing that the more that I dive into second chance romances, the more that I love them. This book is no exception.

For the past eight years, Lana has been a columnist for a small L.A. website giving dating and relationship advice. Relationship-prone and newly single, Lana finds herself in a work competition than her high school ex-boyfriend, Seth. Seth, who has spent years on the road as a freelance journalist, is ready to put down roots. In this competition, winner gets a column with a local paper, but they have to complete ten tasks that go against how they date. For Seth, he must learn to settle down. For Lana, she must learn to be single. Will they be able to do that?

Characters: Personally, I really loved Lana and her relationships with her friends. She truly took what they said to heart and she really developed as a character. Her phone call with her mother bugged me, but that is mainly because I feel like that type of phone call would be extremely rare in real life. However, it did give Lana clarity in who she is as a person.
While I wish this was a dual POV to get his perspective, Seth, too, was a fantastic character to balance Lana out.
He never went against his character that Lana describes and *he bought the yellow tie.*

Pacing: I have no complaints.

Honestly, This was enjoyable and I think even better than Lease on Love.

Read this if you love
second chance romances
workplace rivals
high school sweethearts
sunflowers

This is not a closed door romance for those looking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this eARC. All opinions are my own.