Several of my friends had been encouraging me to read this book, assuring I me would love it, but for some reason I had been putting it off. When the hype and pressure are so much, I just get nervous I won't love it! But I shouldn't have been worried--Ballard's second book may be ever better than her phenomenal first. After heroine Lana is dumped by her boyfriend of four years on the night she expects him to propose, things go from bad to worse when another ex shows up at her workplace and turns out to be in competition with her for the reporting job of her dreams. And this isn't just any ex--this is Seth, her high school sweetheart and The One Who Got Away. When the two are forced to perform a series of tasks together in the name of content, their animosity grows back into sizzling chemistry. But will Lana's quest to finally stay single and old wounds from their prior interactions keep her from falling back in love?

This book has all the great tropes: second chance romance, enemies-to-lovers, "it's only one night," workplace/competition romance... There's something for everyone to love. It's also just wildly entertaining. Ballard has a knack for writing unmistakably real heroines who aren't afraid to swear and get drunk, and don't quite have the gloss we tend to see. And Lana and Seth... I shipped them so hard the entire time, even when I was supposed to be wishing Lana remained single! I can't wait to see what Ballard brings us next.

Thanks to Putnam for my eARC and finished copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

A second chance (and now workplace) romance for Lana and Seth. For Lana, Seth was the one who broke her heart although his reasons for letting her go weren’t meant to crush her. For Seth, he’s pined for Lana since he broke up with her and has regretted his decision every day since.

Finding themselves working together, competing for a column in a major newspaper, will sparks fly or will they go their separate ways?

Lana is excited for her boyfriend to propose…until he dumps her instead. And if that wasn’t bad enough, her high school sweetheart who broke her heart TWICE texts her saying they should talk…

The next morning, her boss calls a meeting at work where she announces that their website is now under the umbrella of a larger organization. Along with their acquisition, they must train a new employee who will subsequently take a position at their parent company.

The new employee is none other than Seth, Lana’s ex. Not just colleagues but competitors for the same position, Lana and Seth must complete a series of tasks assigned by the other person to win the promotion.

This is SUCH a sweet second chance romance. There were delightful pop culture references, a fabulous gang of side characters that had a very entertaining slack channel, and tension that builds as the MCs reconnect and rekindle their relationship.

Falon is such a great writer, and I was completely invested in this book. I laughed, I cried, and I was utterly hooked. Her characters feel so authentic and I loved the discussions around mental health that took place in this story. Three cheers for therapy!

Beyond the story itself, I loved the way it was written. It was a perfect melding of prose and dialogue, and the banter was witty. The pacing was top notch, and I’ll read anything Falon writes.

When I started reading this one I got SO nervous. It starts the exact same way another recent read does and I did not love that one. I put this down and came back to it a bit later. And I’m so glad I did because this wound up to be a five star read for me.

Things I liked:
⌨️ every characters’ personalities were everything
⌨️ the amount I busted out laughing
⌨️ the “miscommunication” - I’m not fond of this trope, and that’s why I’m leaving it here, if ever there were a way to write the miscommunication this is it. If you can call it that.
⌨️ alllll the fuzzy feelings I got during and after 🥰
⌨️ top notch competition

Things I could have done without:



I hope that explains everything enough. I wouldn’t change a thing in this book, I loved it. Falon Ballard has officially earned a spot on my auto read list.

JUST MY TYPE was my first book by author Falon Ballard, and I’m absolutely hooked on her writing, and can’t wait to read her previous book now too.

I loved this cute workplace/second chance romance so much, and it had all the “How To Lose A Guy in 10 days” feel to it.

The beginning chapter had me laughing out loud, and I knew from that point on that I would love this cute romcom!

*many thanks to Putnam + Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

If you are someone who grew up enjoying classic romcoms, this is the book for you. With an opening homage to Legally Blonde, a writing competition reminiscent of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and an ending channeling When Harry Met Sally, Just My Type hits all of the nostalgic notes.

Just My Type follows Lana, an established writer in LA writing a romance advice column, and Seth, the one who got away - and has stayed away - traveling as a freelance journalist for the past 6 years. When Seth moves to LA only to end up working with Lana, the two begin writing against each other, competing for a columnist position at a more prestigious publication.

With this setup, it would be easy for an author to publish a mediocre book leaning heavily on the feeling of nostalgia many will get from the movie similarities mentioned above. However, Ballard sets herself apart by writing complicated, and even broken, characters who have to actively work on themselves to confront their failings and grow. Taking responsibility for your actions and happiness, striving to understand the actions taken by those around you, and how your own actions may have affected them, and going to therapy to continue bettering yourself are major plot points in her books. By including these aspects, Ballard humanizes her characters and makes us root for their happy ending. It is incredibly refreshing to see characters and lives on page that have healthy relationships not because of an accident, but because of the work put into themselves and the relationships they have, both with their friends and their partner.

Another thing I love about both this and her previous book is that Ballard has a gift for building a community through her writing. Both her books feature found families that the main character has surrounded themselves with - a support system of people rooting for them. As a reader, I felt drawn in and more a part of the story than simply a casual observer because of these groups.

Falon Ballard is now an auto-buy author for me. I highly recommend Just My Type and her previous book, Lease on Love for anyone looking for a nostalgic romcom with well developed but still growing characters. I can honestly say I will be counting the days until I have more to read by this new standout author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnams Sons and Netgalley for the advanced review copy.

Whew! This was my first read by Falon Ballard, and it most certainly won't be my last! A huge thanks to NetGalley, Falon Ballard, and Penguin Group Putnam for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book has all the vibes of a early 2000 romcom, and I was totally here for it! (think How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days)

Lana Parker is a love and relationships columnist for a LA- publication, who gets the shock of her life, when her ex-boyfriend shows up as the new hire for her company. Lana has been a serial-monogamist since Seth broke her heart 12 years ago, and she suddenly finds herself single right before he arrives in town. To make matters worse, her boss uses her single-ness to her advantage to pit Lana and Seth against each other for a position in her dream job.

You could feel the tension between Lana and Seth, and there was the perfect blend of chemistry, angst and banter. I love a single first POV and a good slow burn, and this checked both of those boxes. 😍

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶 (two open door scenes)

Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Workplace Romance

CW: abandonment

This book is published today, so definitely grab a copy if you haven't pre-ordered!

This book is now one of my new fav romcoms to recommend when asked. My fav trope is second chance romance and this book knocked it out of the park.

Lana is a dating/relationship columnist and a serial monogamist. She meets her current boyfriend for dinner, expecting a proposal, and is dumped right there in the restaurant of their first date. The next day at work when she tells her coworkers about the incident, she gets caught in a competition to get the column of her dreams. The only thing standing between her and her goals? Seth Carson. Her ex and first love. Will sparks fly as the competition heats up?

I really wanted this to work for me. I usually love this kind of premise but something just wasn’t clicking for me. I think it really could have benefited from a dual POV.

I felt like Lana’s boss was really invasive and way too involved with her love life. Really have me a gross feeling. I loved how the author portrayed how helpful therapy could be. It can be a help to do many and I was glad to see it in a positive light here.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to @falonballard @putnambooks and @netgalley for this gifted e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I thought this second chance romance was adorable! Everything from the meet-cute (or meet-puke as @bookswithnopictures calls it) to the moment when they finally come together was so good!

While I am not the biggest work-place romance fan, this had perfect chemistry and angst between these two old friends. I was dying to know what broke them apart, and how they would eventually get back together. And a great balance of swoony and LOL moments.

This book releases TODAY! So make sure to get your copy soon!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Romance: one open door scene

After the disastrous end of her long term relationship, Lana Parker is ready to stay single for a while. Her new coworker and direct competition is none other than the first man to ever break her heart, her highschool ex, Seth Carson. Knowing their past, her boss assigns Lana and Seth to work on a series of dating articles together.

Just My Type is a fun romcom with just the right amount of sweetness and humor. This rivals to lovers is a bit of a slow burn but it is low angst and well worth the wait.

I do think that the book would have benefited from a dual POV. While the writing is excellent, there are a few points throughout the storyline where I would have liked to know more of Seth’s inner monologue.

This is the first book that I have read from author Falon Ballard. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future and have already added her other book, Lease on Love, to my TBR.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam (G.P. Punam Sons)!

Loved. I could not help smiling while reading this book—that giddy feeling you look for in the perfect romcom? Check.

// Tropes:
* second chance
* enemies to lovers
* workplace (they’re both writers)
* close proximity
* “Ten Things I Hate About You” vibes

//Thoughts:
I could totally nitpick some writing, phrasing, and stylistic choices that I usually hate in a romcom—nothing horrible but I’m glad there was only one “omigod” ya know?

I don’t even care about some of the immature lines Lana and Seth throw at one another…because the witty banter and chemistry between them was everything. 👏🏽

The writing is on the more basic side; at times heavy on the on pop culture references and slang, which is how I felt about Ballards first book, Lease on Love. But she just knows how to write the perfect romcom story that I really could overlook those things that might otherwise bother me in another book.

I truly recommend Reading “Just My Type” definitely such a happy read that I look forward to reading again in the future. 🥰

Just My Type is a superb follow up to last year's Lease on Love, which I also adored.

A second chance romance, fantastic chemistry, laugh out loud banter, well-developed secondary characters, positive representation of therapy...gosh, what more could a reader ask for?

I didn't want to stop reading once I started, and I actually teared up at the sweetest, most perfect ending and epilogue.

“I’m the spinning needle of a compass and you’ve always been my true north”

Just My Type - 4/5 ⭐️
📍Second Chance
📍Slow Burn
📍 Enemies-ish to lovers

The writing and pacing were great! It was a very enjoyable and fun read and it genuinely felt like a 2000’s rom com.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the gifted copy!

Lana Parker is a writer in LA, trying to get away from her dating column and write about her passion of pop culture. Then her high school sweetheart turned sour ex-boyfriend shows up to compete for her job!

We all know a Lana. Can’t stay single, jumps from one bad relationship to the next, all to avoid being by herself. Now she has to stay single like her job depends on it. Because it does. (Toxic work place much?)

This was a fun read, light 🌶 and heavy on the pop culture. Marvel/RomCom crossover we never knew we needed?!

Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the advanced e-reader copy!

What a cute little second chance romance!

Lana and Seth were the absolute definition of soulmates, and I loved that they worked through the hurt and issues of the past before committing to each other once again. I also loved that Lana in particular went through so much personal growth as she learned how to take care of herself again post-breakup. It was amazing to see how she began to prioritize herself and take charge of her mental and physical health before allowing herself to try to find love again. The competition aspect of this book was so interesting, and I loved Lana's co-workers too - they added some much needed comedy and support!

Read this book if you like:
- second-chance romance
- competition between MCs
- workplace romance
- a hilarious cast of side characters
- a fellow book nerd FMC
- tons of character growth

This was such a cute read, and I recommend checking it out if you are looking for some new romance recs for February! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ok, so here’s the thing. I read this synopsis like 500 times before reading the story and for some reason every time I read that it was focused on a second chance romance, it went over my head. I don’t usually like second chance romances but the way this author pulled me into the story, I couldn’t help enjoying it so much. One of my favorite aspects of the writing, is how much it genuinely feels like a 90s-early 2000’s rom com. I grew up obsessed with rom coms and to this day it’s so hard to find a book that plays out like a rom com movie.

If you love Legally Blonde, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, or Clueless, you need to read Just My Type!

We found Just My Type to be exceedingly witty and an overall quick read, we had some things we both liked and some we didn't.

The Pros:
We love books about the writing/publishing industry - give us journalists, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, etc. and we eat those stories up!
The pop culture references were on point - Star Wars, Ted Lasso, Schitts Creek... excellent.
The inclusion of lines from each of their columns.
The witty Slack channel that appears a number of times throughout the book.
Seth. Just...omg, Seth.

The Cons:
Lana. We didn't get the hard sell on her. She's really hard to like.
The nicknames - no human has ever used these nicknames.
There are a lot of loose threads or missing plot points that don't quite work.

Overall, it was a recommend, however, with caveats. Please see our podcast for a longer review and other insights: www.chicklitbookclubpodcast.com.

DNF @ 62% (after chapter 18)

i was honestly liking this book and the story quite a lot within the first 20%. it reminded me a lot of how to lose a guy in 10 days (which i love) with the journalism aspect. but as i kept reading, i was getting more and more frustrated.

i wish we would have found out what had happened at the reunion between lana and seth wayyy sooner (from lana’s perspective at least, and then seth’s later on) so that we could see why she dislikes seth so much. since we didn’t get that information sooner, i really liked seth and i found it annoying when lana would get upset when seth looked hurt by what she said to him and how he didn’t deserve to feel that way when he was the one who broke her heart (i was especially annoyed with this after we find out what actually happened at the reunion). at times it felt like lana was being straight up mean to seth.

i typically don’t like second chance romances either, but i thought this might be an exception to that until i started to become frustrated.

i did like seth though, and i enjoyed some of the nerdy pop culture references (especially drag race and marvel).

OMG what an absolutely adorable/perfect romcom?! I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did, but, wow, I am blown away.

Lana and Seth were high school sweethearts who broke up over a decade ago and are now reunited when Seth gets a job at the company Lana writes for and they're pitted against each other in a relationship competition. Lana's goal is to stop being a serial monogamist and learn how to live on her own, and Seth's goal is to start a long-term relationship.

I love the enemies-to-lovers, second-chance-romance tropes and they both totally shine in this novel. I love Lana and Seth and all the minor characters. Everyone seems so thought out. Unlike many other romcoms, this wasn't cheesy at all. Very realistic and not too dramatic for my taste.

Spice factor gets a solid 3.5 out of 5. There are really only a couple of spicy scenes, but lots of sexual tension leading up to those.

Also, the epilogue?!?!?! I literally swooned.