one word to describe this was: cute. it was a magical heartwarming holiday read. the tropes include enemies to ex lovers, forced proximity, and second chance romance. a quick adorable read i would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for an e-arc of this title!

Despite loving holidays like Christmas and Halloween, I tend to find these types of books lacking (however, that doesn't stop me from reading them CLEARLY). BUT when I found out that Falon Ballard was coming out with a holiday-themed romance novel, I had to give it a shot. I've really enjoyed her previous titles, so I figured if anyone can make me enjoy a Christmas romance in the middle of June, it's her.

I'm SO glad I was right.

This book was truly short and sweet! One major flaw I find with some of these holiday books is that they are way too long. I think that this book's length will definitely attract readers who want something quick and fun. I also enjoyed the maturity of the characters and the talk about how miscommunication, while overdone in romance novels, is truly a big problem in real-life relationships and does, in fact, contribute to break-ups.

The NYC setting was everything! I wish we got a little more of it, but what we did get was lovely. For most of the book, our setting is the inn - I liked this, but I also think something more atmospheric or engaging would have been ideal. The hotel room/inn was just missing something. In these holiday romances, I think setting is extremely important. Overall, this didn't really take away from the story, but I think readers who want a lot of Christmas vibes could be disappointed - they are definitely present, but they are kind of subtle and not overwhelming.

The only other thing that jumped out to me was how meta this book is. Romance authors, the publishing world, book marketing, second-chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the one-bed trope, are all things that are mentioned by our main character. At times, this works. It's funny to have a little inside joke with the reader, but I think it's a little overdone and I noticed it took me out of the story a few times.

All things considered, I enjoyed this read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, short, holiday-themed romance.

Falon Ballard continues to be my favorite romance author. Something about her books and her writing just speak to me in a way no other author does. I loved this second chance Christmas romance. Nick and Jess were both delightful to follow and watching them work through their past was such a treat. I love books about books and authors and the publishing world and this was no different. I will be sat for everything Falon continues to write in the future.

I want to start by thanking the author Falon Ballard and her publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this advance copy. I had the honor of reading an advance copy of Right on Cue and really enjoying that book but this book is my new favorite holiday romance. So many feels and the angst along with a ton of chemistry put this squarely in a top 5 Holiday book for me!
So Nick and Jess are ex's with a history. They are brought together for an awards ceremony put on by their mutual publisher. Jess has to introduce the award given to Nick and we see the fireworks start going off from the start.
I love a dual POV and Nick has it bad for Jess after making what is admittedly by him his worst mistake by breaking up with her.
This story is centered around Christmas and Jess's love for the holiday. Nick despises the holiday and we discover it's mostly because it reminds him of the one relationship that meant everything to him.
We have enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, one bed, spicy scenes and more.
Just pick up your own copy! You won't regret it!

This book sure made me want a peppermint mocha and a hot chocolate. It's a short and sweet Christmas story of two writers who are trapped in a picturesque inn for a conference because of a snow storm. The problem is that they are exes and have to share a room.

Falon mixes the sweetness of a Christmastime romance and her usual spicy scenes. The grand gesture was perfect for this book and the characters. It comes out in September but it would be perfect to read by a fire while snow is coming down. Thanks for the eARC netgalley.

Read this if you like:
Christmas rom-coms
Second chance romance
Both main characters are novelists
Dual point of view
They are each other's muse
Forced proximity
No heavy topics
Spice 🔥

Another stellar knockout from Falon Ballard! I will read anything written by her, and All I Want Is You is high on my favorites list. This was such a cute and cozy holiday romance that I didn’t want to end. Full of my favorite tropes, with relatable and lovable characters, this was a total hit! I want to read it again in the winter when I’m curled up in a blanket in front of a fireplace. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

This book is a delightful, cozy Christmas tale filled with warmth and charm. It’s a captivating enemies-to-ex-lovers story, set in a snowy backdrop, featuring a second chance at love that I thoroughly enjoyed! If you liked "Beach Read," picture this as its winter counterpart. In this story, a cynical male romance author, famous for his sad endings, crosses paths with a cheerful heroine who brightens his mood, despite her own painful Christmas memory when her true love left her five years ago.

Imagining a soundtrack for this book, Wham's “Last Christmas” and George Michael's “Careless Whisper” would perfectly capture the mood.

I found this quick read delightful, and the only reason I didn’t rate it five stars was due to the frustrating reason behind the hero’s breakup with our lovely heroine. Even though it eventually makes sense, I couldn't help but get annoyed at our brooding hero for being so foolish!

Now, onto the plot: Picture the tune “Who’s that girl” from New Girl playing in the background, because our main characters are named Jess and Nick! Think of them as less quirky, more stubborn versions from the show (another reason for my love for this book as a New Girl fan).

Jess and Nick are both romance novelists. Five years ago, on Jess's favorite holiday, Christmas (which our hero Nick, a total Grinch, managed to ruin), he breaks up with her for reasons unknown, and his writing career skyrockets, making him a bestselling author known for his sad stories. Meanwhile, Jess is stuck working at a coffee shop, struggling with her career and trying to move on.

When Jess is forced by her agent to present the Romance Author of the Year award to none other than Nick Matthews at a big event (which covers her hotel stay and could boost her exposure), she can’t believe her luck. She’s dreading seeing the man who broke her heart and has become a literary star while she’s battling writer's block. But Jess isn’t one to back down from a challenge.

Nick, on the other hand, is also struggling creatively and regrets letting Jess go. When he starts messaging her on social media, he finds himself inspired by the idea of a second chance love story, just as Jess is fueled by their fiery exchanges.

On the night of the event, Jess and Nick expect to part ways after a few awkward hours, but fate has different plans. A snowstorm leaves Jess without a room, and with nowhere else to go, Nick offers to share his room with her. What harm could it do, even if there's only one bed? They promise to be civil and keep their distance.

But as the storm rages on, they’re forced to confront their unresolved feelings and the painful past they share. Could this unexpected night together reignite the spark they once had? Will their imaginary second chance love story become their reality?

In the end, this book is a heartwarming, addictive holiday read that I couldn’t put down. It’s perfect for fans of the author!

A big thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with a digital review copy of this enchanting holiday story in exchange for my honest review.

What a cute book! I absolutely love it! Would definitely recommend this book to everyone! I couldn’t put it down!

This was a cute, heartwarming, enemies to lovers type story. Nice holiday read. Jessica and Nick, who are both romance writers and are stranded at a hotel a week before Christmas. They ultimately spark up some feelings for each other again and romance ensues.

Alison is a romance writer whose last serious relationship was with another romance writer, Nick. When the two are reunited at an awards ceremony five years later and get snowed in at the hotel (together in the last available room OF. COURSE), they reflect on their relationship and what went wrong. They begin to collaborate on a romance to save both of their careers, and it begins to heal them both. Can they overcome their differences and find love again?

3.5⭐️

I'm not always a fan of holiday romances, but this one was very sweet one! This is a Christmas second chance romance, with some forced proximity and one bed added on. Nick and Jess (yes, like the New Girl characters) are exes and writers that are trapped at an inn during a snowstorm. They are forced to share a hotel room and work on a romance novel together. There is a little bit of angst (no OW/OM drama) as they work through their issues. I thought he could've done more groveling after it came out why he broke up with her, but otherwise really liked it.

This is a cute little holiday read. While not my favorite Falon Ballard novel, it's a (mostly) easy breezy second chance romance with enough spice and drama to keep it interesting.

3.5 stars, rounded up because while I liked this, it wasn't particularly memorable.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advance reader copy of All I Want is You!

Jess and Nick are former lovers. Both are writers for the same publisher. Nick has become a romance author known for writing non HEA stories. He is being recognized with an award from the publisher at an event and who is asked to present the award to him? Jess! Not only does the event bring these two back into each other’s proximity, but soon a snowstorm comes through forcing everyone to extend their stay at the inn. And if those elements of forced proximity didn’t already sell you - there’s also only one bed!

If Falon Ballard writes a second chance, enemies to lovers romance, I must read it! I love the tension and the back and forth built between the main characters as they progress back into lovers status. You will be drawn to Nick and Jess from the beginning and rooting for their reunion as each turn in the story brings them closer and closer together. Some of my favorite parts of the book happen within their shared writing document.

Kick off your holiday season on September 24th with this second chance romance!

Ok this book is a perfect fit for Christmas. Like if anyone ask I would recommend it specially for Christmas. Even that obviously I read it on summer 😅.
The story is totally adorable from lovers to enemies to lovers to second chance gone amazing.
This is a second chance novel and I love every second of it. Actually stared this book at 6:30 am and finished at 9:30pm. I think is useless to said that I literally ate this book in one day.
Definitely on the small side but so worth it.
The characters are so damn real.
Jess is such a christmas girl, that is so damn cute. Her story is so heartbreaking because she lost the love of her life and she is not sure after 5 years why. But as the book progresses you see her embracing what is coming her way and making some taught decisions.
Nick to be honest is a likable character (he is a grinch fir christmas) until you find out he broke her heart, and after you spend the whole book wondering what made him decide to break up with her.
As you embark in their story you realize this two are perfect for each other and need some serious good communication if this second time around it is going to have a chance.
Enjoyed immensely and definitely will be getting my copy as soon is out 🫣. Because if Fallon writes it I need it

I love Fallon Ballard, I’ll read anything she writes. This was no disappointment, if you’ve read her other books you’ll enjoy this one too. I loved the chemistry and the dialogue. Can’t wait for others to get their hands on this.

Spicy second chance romance between two romance writers. Who run into each other 5 years after they broke up at a work event and end up sharing a room. 🔥 This book would be the perfect book to read around the holidays or anytime of the year really!

.Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

✅ set at Christmas
✅ second chance romance between Jess & Nick. Jess is a romance author and Nick is a “romance” author because he writes love stories that don’t have a happy ending
✅ snowed in
✅ only one bed
🌶️: yes

I loved this book. Two romance authors get stuck at a cozy hotel before the holidays. Ex lovers with an unfinished story work together on a new book. Will they get their fairy tale ending or not?

Thank you Net Galley and G. P. Putman’s Sons for this arc.

All I Want Is You will be out September 24,2024.

This was almost a DNF for me and that just kills me. I loved, LOVED Falon's first two books. (I have not read her third yet).

I just wasn't a fan at all of Jess.

Spoiler alert: for the reason Nick left to be basically a miscommunication issue was meh, but when Jess wouldn't admit she too didn't bother to explain to him her own feelings (of let's face it, jealousy) it just ....

Also, I'm not on board with this new trend of the characters in romance stories basically hating all men. It's becoming a trope and it's disheartening.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an e-copy of ALL I WANT IS YOU to review.

I rate ALL I WANT IS YOU three out of five stars.

I was beyond excited to read another swoony Falon Ballard book. I absolutely adore her other books, especially A Lease on Love. I couldn’t wait to dive into this one!

Once critique partners, romance writers Nick and Jess fall for one another right before they make it big. However, after Nick gets the book deal of a lifetime, he dumps Jess on her favorite holiday, Christmas. Five years later, he is a wildly popular author while Jess struggles to gain a foothold in the romance world, working as a barista to help make ends meet. When she is voluntold that she has to present a prestigious award to Nick, Jess is less than thrilled. However, their five minutes together turns into a lot longer when the weather takes a turn for the worse and they are trapped together in the hotel right before Christmas. They end up using the time forced together to write a novel, but will their sparks fly like their characters?

As expected, this is filled with the typical witty banter that one would expect from a Falon Ballard novel - which of course I was here for. I also loved the side characters so much - I would 100% read a book with Kennedy or Alyssa as the lead. I think my biggest issue was the pacing of this one. It felt like there was no real build up between Jess and Nick; it went from 0 to 100 in seconds. I wanted there to be more tension and a deeper understanding of why they were into one another, why they fell in (and out of) love - beyond just physical attraction. I wanted to connect more deeply with them than I actually did. Additionally, I struggled with the sporadic flashbacks throughout. I felt like they didn’t add a whole lot to the story or deepen any of the plot lines that substantively. They just took the reader out of the story for a few pages with no real plot gain. Overall, not my favorite book from the author, but a solid, light-hearted holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!