Hallmark holiday movie vibes. Adversaries to lovers. Celebrity romance.

Emmy and Grayson met on set when they were teenagers and it didn’t end well. Years later, they are thrown together on another project and… well, there is definitely some rom and some com, but also some miscommunication thrown in.

Loved the setting and the secondary characters. I know the author hasn’t done any spin-off of books yet, but… maybe Liz’s story next?

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Right On Cue to come out February 27, 2023.

Every once in a while I stumble upon a book that reminds me all books are not written for me, and that is okay. Right on Cue was my most recent run in with this. I very much support an author who chooses to write a book that suits their heart and fully acknowledge the time and effort it took to do so. The writing of this book was not bad, but the story did not cling on to me like the author's others.

I found the main female character to be far too immature and quite honestly a bit ridiculous at times. To me she did not show any growth from her younger self through the end of the story. I can accept a small amount of miscommunication as long as growth is shown afterwards but in this case there was miscommunication experienced as teenagers, as well as in the final few chapters of the book!

The main male character was a bit more bearable than the FMC, though I do wish we saw his perspective on written page. With the way the FMC acted throughout the book, I honestly think Grayson deserves better. The third act breakup was predictable and once again immature on the FMCs part. I was happy when the MMC initially said he did not forgive her. It was a little abrupt when he went back on that decision a few weeks later because readers do not get to see inside his mind in his POV.

Additionally, Greyson's looks were described countless times ('wearing jeans' mentioned almost every single time). We don't get in depth descriptions of many other characters, which could just be because the book is in the POV of the FMC.

I can see certain people very much enjoying this book, even if I didn't LOVE it. I've realized I find it hard to connect to any book that includes a celebrity romance because they are simply not relatable to the general audience. That was my major issue with Right on Cue.

I will certainly continue reading Falon's books in the future and recommend the author to any readers I feel would enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley, Putnam, and Falon Ballard for the ARC!

Okay, so I've never been a big fan of celebrity romance stories, but if anyone can convince me it would be Falon Ballard. She's had me hooked on her stories since lease on love, in fact right on cue might even be better. This felt like a holiday hallmark rom com and I am so here for. I haven't read a lot of celebrity romances but I think this definitely felt like a new approach to it! The Sex scene they had to act out for the movie, actually felt so awkwardly intimate like it was a real sex scene which had me blushing and kicking my feet. I also absolutely adore the relationship between Emmy, her bestie and her mother! Such a nice addition to the story. I felt attached to all the characters, and really cared about what they were going through. The only negatives I noticed were how many times the MC said "Grayson fucking west" which I totally understand has a point behind it but I felt like I was too aware of the amount it was said. I also believe there were a few typos, but I couldn't tell you were lol. Overall, so happy I gave this a shot and I can't wait for it to be released in February!!! Thank you for approving me for this ARC!!!!!!

This book is a heartwarming story that is told with sincerity. The author's writing style is smooth and descriptive, catering to visual readers like myself. this is definitely an emotional romance, and swooningly romantic. A second chance romance, a very satisfying comedy, witty fun bantering back and forth.,well-written. What’s amazing is not only are there plenty of laughs, but the characters have past hurts and fears they work to overcome. My only criticism is the miscommunication-conflict at the end, and the unnecessary need to tell the characters race or ethnicity. Bit predictable by still a cute read with an endearing story.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoy Falon Ballard’s storytelling. Her books are engaging and easy to devour in one sitting. Right on Cue was no different. It was a combination of several tropes, including my favorite: second chance romance (even if the first chance was burned relatively quickly.). Sweet love story, great characters, overall great read.

Thanks to NetGalley I received an advanced electronic copy of the book to read and provide a review.

This was a cute read! The story is a bit predictable but Emmy and Grayson are adorable characters with an endearing story. All in all, it was a good enough read to finish and enjoy, but didn’t capture my whole heart.

Fun, adorable, steamy - I loved it! Right on Cue is a charming and delightful read.

Emmy is a nepo baby beloved for her rom-com scripts and Oscar-winning foray into more “serious” subject matter. Grayson is Hollywood’s hottest action star and alleged himbo. But of course Emmy and Grayson are so much more than what meets the public’s eye. After filming one terrible movie together when their careers were first starting out 15 years ago, Emmy and Grayson have since avoided each other. When Grayson becomes a last-minute addition to a movie written by and starring Emmy, they are forced to play nice for the camera. And no one seems more surprised than Emmy when they start to play nice behind the scenes as well...

There is a lot to enjoy about the story - Emmy and Grayson complement each other well and have chemistry, the filmmaking takes place in a cute California town, and Emmy’s mother provides some comic relief. There are several tropes in the story including enemies-to-lovers, celebrity romance, forced proximity, and (unfortunately) miscommunication. The miscommunication element was the only drawback for me.

I love the author’s writing style and the way she creates warm and cozy environments for romance to develop (check out Lease on Love and Just My Type if you haven’t already). Recommended to anyone looking for a lovely, light rom-com with a swoon-worthy romantic hero. 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Where do I begin with this swoon worthy book?

From the beloved author of Just My Type and Lease on Love comes a new romantic comedy in which a former actress-turned-screenwriter finds herself back in the spotlight, only for her romantic lead to be the one man she can’t stand.

Hollywood darling Emmy Harper is considered the queen of writing romantic comedies. That is, until tragedy struck and she swore she’d never write another happy ending again. After some time away, and lots of encouragement from family and friends, Emmy is finally ready to dive back into the genre with her latest project. But more is riding on this movie than just her return to the big screen. This time, Emmy’s also been convinced to star as the lead, dusting off acting skills she hasn’t used in over a decade.

Emmy’s nervous, yet excited, to give performing another shot, until a last-minute injury benches her trusted co-star. With filming about to start, there’s only one other actor available on such short notice: Grayson West. A blockbuster action star known for his mega-watt smile and impossible abs, Grayson is anyone’s dream of a romantic lead. Anyone except Emmy that is, who still blames him for her disastrous first movie and the early end to her acting career.

As filming begins, the friction between Emmy and Grayson is palpable and it’s anyone’s guess if it’s unresolved awkwardness or simmering sexual tension. The two are pushed to get their acts together—and quickly—or they risk tanking the entire movie, but if working things out leads to sizzling chemistry on screen, what might happen when the cameras stop rolling?

I loved Lease on Love and Just my Type. But this one is Fallon Ballard’s best yet. Emmy and Grayson had the perfect enemies to lovers vibes. The Hollywood movie back drop was fun and made this not feel like your typical Rom Com. I loved the supporting characters. Sam! Amanda! You have my heart. I devoured it in two sittings. Thank you Net Galley for the ARC. I can’t wait to buy a physical copy when it is released. This is one I will read over and over.

I loved Falon Ballard's first two books, and I'm so grateful to get a chance to read this one early! This was a second chance romance that really worked for me, if you can classify it that way when the teenage time wasn't openly a first chance. I enjoyed the movie set setting and enemies to lovers story, definitely recommend!

Synopsis: Screenwriter Emmy Harper is convinced to play the lead role in her newest romantic comedy movie after not having acted in over a decade. However, when the casted male lead had to back out last minute, Emmy is surprised to see Grayson West, the person she blames for ending her short-lived acting career, standing across from her. With unresolved tension and a whole lot of hate, will Emmy find a way to work with Grayson before jeopardizing her movie.

Thoughts: I love rom coms set in the celebrity world, so from the start, I knew this was going to be a win. From learning about the filming process to the scenes with the intimacy coordinator and the amazing small town location, I felt like I was part of the movie crew. All the articles and tabloids from the press were a great addition too! Enemies to lovers is never my favorite trope, but I think since this was more one-sided with Emmy versus both of them bickering, it was bearable. Still, I think the fact that Emmy was hating on Grayson for something that happened when they were kids was a bit immature, especially when it took her a good chunk of the book to get past it. To me, this definitely felt like one of Falon’s steamier books, which I guess comes with the coworkers with benefits trope, but I was all here for that.

Read if you like:
-Celebrity romance
-Costars with benefits
-Enemies to lovers
-Tabloids, articles and interviews from the press
-Learning more about intimacy scenes on set
-California Inn setting

Thank you Putnam for the ARC. Pub date 2/27.

Right on Cue was a fun, quick read. I enjoyed the filming aspect, as well as the relationship between Emmy and Grayson, including their past. Even though it was a rom-com, this book had just enough drama, and sensitivity for it to be more than your average romance book.
-----
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

Let me preface my review by saying I absolutely love Falon Ballard and fully support her writing the book of her heart! This book just wasn’t for me, and that’s okay - because no one can unseat Sadie and Jack (Lease on Love) from my favorite of her characters.

I don’t think I’ve ever read Right Person Wrong Time trope (unless enemies to lovers is loosely considered that) but I am now a huge fan of this trope. Unfortunately, variations of the miscommunication trope occurs in this book twice and that’s why my rating is 3 stars. One time it was acceptable (a youthful indiscretion) but as adults, I expect more! And I just cannot stand behind a miscommunication being the reason for a third act breakup.

One other notable issue for me is that Emmy isn’t physically described, so I couldn’t picture her. Grayson is well described. I wish the rest of the characters’ physical descriptions were fleshed out as well. I’d hope that would be fixed in the final edits.

Overall, Right On Cue is an enjoyable third read from Falon Ballard. It’s just not a combination of my favorite tropes. I still would recommend her fans read her book because the writing is easy, breezy and has a several heartfelt moments. She is still an auto-buy author for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Synopsis: Let me just say I was so excited to get this advanced copy from Netgalley/Penguin Group Putnam and I’m sorry you’re going to have to wait until next February to read it! I jumped at the opportunity, though, after reading and really enjoying Falon Ballard’s Just My Type. In Right On Cue we meet two actors who shared the screen together as teenagers and are reunited again to film as adults, despite lingering animosity.
Pros: I love Falon’s style of writing. It is SO reminiscent of Christina Lauren and makes for easy, enjoyable reads.
Cons: I found the female lead to be pretty insufferable and really wished there was a dual perspective so we could get even more of the hunky male lead. There was an immature miscommunication trope as the conflict at the end- and I hate that. It brought down what was otherwise a cute read! But I still encourage you to check out her books!

Another hit from Fallon!! Loved the nepo baby aspect of the storyline and the love story was super cute. If you’re a fan of the genre you’ll enjoy this one.

although i really enjoy analyzing why two people work in romance, there really isn't much to go from here. it's not to say that i didn't enjoy reading this. in fact, i couldn't put right on cue down because ballard's writing feels like coming home to a sitcom that i keep rewatching because it's familiar. i would've loved to see ballard lean into our main character emmy's avoidant attachment style when it comes to relationships. at one point, emmy tells her mom that it's not that she viewed her parents' relationship as perfect, but that it's hard to separate that view from what the media and the movie industry keep churning out. leaning more into being a "nepo baby" so to speak as well as more showing and not telling with emmy and grayson's relationship would've helped with making their relationship more layered.

thanks to g.p. putnam's sons and netgalley for this earc!

I cannot even begin to contain my excitement regarding this upcoming novel! I am a huge fan of Falon Ballards writing enjoying her previous two books immensely. I am so excited for this one and will be sharing a full review shortly upon completion, but I just wanted to post my thank you and initial excitement for this book. I love how it is going to have a Hollywood theme to it which I love and I know are readers are going to want to snatch this one as well!