I enjoyed reading this book! It is such a sweet and sentimental book. A classic enemies to lovers trope that is very much a fast paste open door romance. The characters of Emmy and Grayson are well developed and I came to care about their story very much. My only complaint is how the third act breakup was blown out of proportion. Although, I am always annoyed a bit with miscommunication that would be easily resolved causing a dramatic break up. But I have to say the ending makes up for everything!

Overall, Fallon Ballard has written another very entertaining book and, as always, I am looking forward to her next book! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

I am extremely grateful to Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this fun rom-com in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Putnam and Netgalley for the ARC!

I love Falon Ballard so much! She does a great job of mixing humor and swoon and you can count on great banter with her characters.

Right on Cue had a lot of really sweet and tender moments before the MCs that I loved. The ice skating, the quieting of insecurities, the support. I loved it.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the miscommunication that caused the third act breakup but I did like that they took some time apart to work on forgiving each other.

The steam in this one was fantastic. Very well written and really showed the chemistry between the characters!

You can count on me to be a fan of Falon!

What happens when you combine second-chance romance, enemies to lovers, and a Hollywood setting? You have three of my favorite tropes and a recipe for a good time! The main thing that keeps this book from being five stars is that the story hinges on more than one instance of the miscommunication trope and that can feel repetitive and derivative which I don't always love--especially when the third act breakup felt unnecessary because of the trope!

I loved Emmy and Grayson once we got to know them together, but I wish we'd seen a little more of them growing back together and bonding. Showing and not telling is such a hard line to walk and I know sometimes the pacing of the story doesn't allow for it but that's just a small gripe for me, personally.

I feel like I may have more thoughts later when I sit with this for a bit but it was a quick, fun, and spicy read that I'd recommend giving a shot!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Right on Cue by Falon Ballard - Book Review

What it’s about:

Right on Cue introduces us to Emmy Harper, a one time child actress-turned-screenwriter and Grayson West, her teenage on-screen love interest and present-day nemesis. After Emmy becomes her latest screenplay’s leading lady and her preferred on-screen partner is replaced none other than Mr. West, sparks fly as these two navigate their tumultuous history and try to rewrite the script.

What I liked:

I had ALL THE FEELS for Emmy and Grayson! I loved watching their chemistry unfold and the way their past dynamic impacted their current situation. And of course watching old unresolved feelings and insecurities playing into their relationship… ahhh, I was just rooting for these two to get out of their own ways and get together. After all, we all know anyone who suggests doing it “just this once” to get it out of their system is secretly asking for trouble.

Of course, it wasn’t completely without its issues, such a good old 3rd act miscommunication conflict.

“You could have told me.”
“I swear I was going to, when the time was right.”

Sigh… of course you were Grayson.

Nonetheless, these two had me hooked early on and eagerly cheering for their HEA. A bonus about their celebrity status: although the FMC and MMC are both famous, their celebrity isn’t a main focus of their story. Sure, it plays a small role, considering it’s their profession, being actors, but Emmy and Grayson could be any workplace couple throwing caution to the wind and betting on each other.


Stars: 4/5
Spice: 2/5

Read if you like:
Workplace Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Second Chances
Forced Proximity


Falon, this was your best yet! Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

One thing about me? I love a Hollywood-set romance. And whew this delivered!! Emmy and Grayson’s chemistry was undeniable from the start, I love them!! This was so much fun.

Emmy Harper is a romantic comedy writer who gets roped into acting in her most recent movie, after not acting for more than a decade. A last minute casting change, has Grayson West, a blockbuster action star, replacing her original love interest. But Emmy and Grayson have a history – they filmed their first movie ever together back when they were teenagers (Emmy’s last acting gig). With an unresolved past and lots of sexual tension, will they be able to put aside their issues and make a great movie?

I could not put this one down – it reminded me of Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder. I loved the premise of co-stars being enemies to lovers. The characters had great chemistry, and when the characters were getting along, things were SO good. I loved the side characters, specifically the nosy hair and makeup crew, and her meddling best friend/director and mother. I think the while the characters moved fast from co-star with benefits to lovers, the forced proximity was realistic. They both opened up to one another and I could see the connection they were creating was more than physical.

I would have liked to have Grayson’s POV, I think that would clear up a lot of confusion and explanations about the past, as well as make the miscommunication at the end get more of a resolution. There was a miscommunication trope, which most people hate (including myself), but at least it didn’t last long. Both the characters could be immature and had bad communication – especially in the beginning and end of the book. Even with these annoyances, I really enjoyed this book and it was a quick, easy read! The story contained a lot of my favorite tropes and I felt a connection to the characters. Can’t wait for the next Falon Ballard book!

Highly recommend for those who love:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Celebrity Romance
- A bit of Second Chance
- Co-stars with Benefits

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC!

The story is centered around Emmy Harper's reluctant return to acting alongside her least favorite co-star, Grayson West, and is a whirlwind of emotions, humor, and undeniable chemistry. Their tumultuous journey from adversaries to potential lovers against the vibrant backdrop of Hollywood kept me hooked from start to finish. Ballard blends the tension of past conflicts with the spark of rekindled connection, making every page a delight. This book is a testament to the magic that can happen when you mix a well-crafted enemies-to-lovers trope with the allure of showbiz. It is a truly engaging read that I couldn't put down, and I would highly recommend it to any rom-com enthusiast.

Thank you to PRHAudio for my complimentary audiobook, and to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my complimentary eARC.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Right on Cue was my first Falon Ballard novel.
I truly enjoy enemies to lovers and this one stays true to form. I will overlook the thread of miscommunication that runs through the first part of the book because once those lines opened up I fell head over heels for Emmy and Grayson.
Grayson could do no wrong in my eyes when he helped Emmy with her cramps. I felt so seen in that moment. I also suffered debilitating cramps when I was younger and would have given anything for someone to take care of me.

In spite of the dreaded third act break up caused by that darn miscommunication, I am still giving Right on Cue all the stars.

“Love is only complicated when we make it complicated.”

I paired the audio with the eARC. Curt, Rachel, Gail and Andera did an amazing job. They worked together seamlessly to provide an engaging and entertaining listening experience.

Thank you @prhaudio and @putnam for the gifted copy of the physical and audio book.

I have enjoyed Fallon Ballard's first two novels and this one didn't disappoint either!

4/5

Emmy Harper is an Oscar winning screenwriter who is struggling to find the female lead for her upcoming rom com. Her best friend is directing the movie and convinces her to act in the movie even though it's been a long time since Emmy has been in front of the camera. Turns out at the last minute Emmy's nemesis is cast to play the leading man. Grayson is the reason Emmy stopped acting to begin with. They must put aside their differences and tension to make a good movie.

I love a celebrity normal person romance, and this was kind of two celebrities but still along that vein. The setting of the movie/book was so sweet, and I loved the insight into the filming world. I really felt immersed in the story and in Emmy and Grayson's relationship/annoyance with each other. I also absolutely loved Emmy's mom and best friend Liz. They got a lot of page time, but I could have even had more, that's how much I enjoyed them.

My few complaints - Emmy felt a little self centered and like she never gave Grayson a chance from the get go. This does play a part into the story so by the end I understood, but it was annoying to read. I also could not get over how many times she referred to him as Grayson F****** West. It was overkill. This book was a little predictable, but it didn't put me off.

Overall, I would recommend this book and can't wait for Ballard's next read.

A straight-forward, easy read. I suppose you could call it enemies-to-lovers, but I wouldn't quite say there's enough animosity for them to be enemies enemies.

The one thing that I noticed was the resolution of the third-act breakup. Usually, this section gives me so much anxiety because the characters are acting like they've learned how to communicate for the first time, but this one was not that bad!

Overall, a fun, goofy, pretty expected read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

“‘How did you know that? We’ve literally never spoken about that.’

‘Maybe I know you better than you think, Harper.’”

Happy Publication Day to this absolute gem of a book!!!

I love, love, love a celebrity romance and any plot that is centered around creating a film/being on a film set, and this book delivered. I’m in college studying to be a screenwriter so when I say I JUMPED at the chance to request this ARC, I mean it! (A main character named Emmy who’s a screenwriter for rom-coms??? I needed this book in my hands immediately.)

This story takes place on a film set for Emmy’s first rom-com in years, and her first acting role—that she begrudgingly agreed to— in over a decade, and Grayson’s first role in a non-action film. One of my favorite things about this book is how it felt very visual, like a behind-the-scenes look at an already existing movie, and we’re just getting an exclusive look into how the organic relationship formed between the costars when the cameras weren’t rolling. It was like watching your two favorite people, in addition to your comfort characters, fall in love, make mistakes, and find their way back. <3

Falon did a wonderful job making this story feel cozy and natural, building some great tension and faux animosity between the main characters, as well as crafting fantastic banter!!!! and sweet moments of vulnerability that let Emmy and Grayson slowly trust one another.

Oh and Falon Ballard, I’ll read your grocery lists!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this eARC!! (:

I had a really fun time reading this one! I loved the forced proximity element of the characters staying at the inn during the weeks of filming. I thought the romance was easy in the best possible way and liked them together. I liked how the author included the bits of media in between chapters as well. There was some predictability in the plot in the last half that left me a little less invested in the conflict and resolution.

I loved Falon’s previous work, and this was just as wonderful to read! I always enjoy her characters and the banter between them. It’s all so delicious.

Screenwriter Emmy is happy being behind the scenes after her one failed attempt at acting. With her bestie directing her new romcom, she’s feeling back on track since her father’s passing. When she’s convinced to play her heroine, the last person she expects to be acting alongside her is the man who ruined her last acting experience. Can they put their anger aside for the sake of the movie, or will real sparks be flying between them on set?

I thought it was a neat view into how a movie set works, and now I’m interested in more books with that setting! I felt like Grayson’s feelings were evident from the beginning, but it was fun to see Emmy discover them and work through her own feelings.

Both characters made me laugh and swoon, I loved them both. Their mutual vulnerability was beautiful and heartwarming, it felt like they were each other’s home before they even realized it.

My one sadness about this one was the miscommunication leading to the third-act breakup. I had a feeling it would play out that way, so I was prepared, but it was still sad to see them so hurt and the time wasted. I’m just a sucker for things going right all the time in books (unrealistic, I know).

The CHEMISTRY was off the charts! The whole “will they, won’t they” buildup was killing me, thank god it wasn’t too much of a slow burn because I was so eager for it to boil over. Basically, if Falon writes it, I’m going to read it!

This was a sweet and straight forward rom com- I really enjoyed the tv show setting and well developed cast of characters!

Title: Right on Cue
Author: Falon Ballard
Publisher: PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Right on Cue" by Falon Ballard

My Thoughts:

'Right on Cue' was a nice love story of Emmy and Grayson reuniting after what happened earlier while working together in their teens. It was fun reaching out to how these two could finally put the past in the past and move on, and from there, something unexpected happened between them. Will this be a second-chance romance? I don't know if I would say that, but pick up this read and see what you think. Will these two finally unite from enemies to lovers and be given a HEA? Pick up 'Right on Cue' to see how it will all come out. Be ready for a good read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Right On Cue is a great friends to lovers romance that takes place on a movie set, so right off the bat it hits several of my favorite tropes. The main characters, Emmy and Grayson, have history: they met on their first film, also a romance, and shared their first kiss on screen - but any chemistry disappeared when Emmy overheard Grayson maligning her kissing skills, and their stilted performances led to the movie flopping. While Grayson went on to have a successful action career, Emmy pivoted to screenwriting, penning a series of successful rom-coms. When her latest film needs a leading lady, she agrees to give acting another shot - except Grayson ends up as the male lead opposite her.

I appreciate that Emmy isn’t written as a perfect character. She has flaws and her behavior toward Grayson contributes to the enmity between them. She isn’t perfect and neither is he, and they have to learn to trust each other and to communicate if they have any shot of making it work. The chemistry between them is undeniable when they can set aside their differences, and I really enjoyed watching their story unfold.

This was a fun enemies to lovers romance between a screenwriter (who ends up having to star in her own movie) and a male actor she has a difficult history with. At first the two can't stand each other, but over time they end up falling for one another. There were some funny moments as well as some heartfelt interactions between the two. It took me a while to get into this one, probably because I didn't connect with the lead characters, but fans of Amy Lea, Olivia Wade and Ava Wilder will enjoy it!

A charming, sizzling romance. It was a fun read
Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion. .

Title: Right on Cue
Author: Falon Ballard
Length: 335
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: February 27, 2024
Genre: RomCom, ChickLit, Contemporary Romance
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Level: open door
Summary:
Hollywood's romantic comedy queen, Emmy Harper, returns to the genre after a personal tragedy. In a surprising twist, she not only writes but also stars in her latest project, opposite Grayson West, a charismatic action star. Despite past tensions, they must overcome their differences for the sake of the film. As the cameras roll, the line between on-screen tension and off-screen attraction blurs, leading to unexpected chemistry. Will they salvage the movie and discover a real-life happy ending?

Thoughts:
You know when you fall in love with a book and its characters all the while they are falling in love with each other? Yeah, that’s this book! I like to go into books blindly (especially with auto-buy authors such as Falon), and I’m so glad I did. I was just as surprised as Emmy when I found out she’d have to play the part of the FMC in her romantic comedy. And I was just as surprised when Grayson showed up to play opposite her. It was so fun! (Hoping you don’t like to go in blindly since you’re reading this review haha) The chemistry between Emmy and Grayson was top notch. I loved the tension, the banter, the organic feeling of them falling in love, all of it!

And don’t get me started on the side characters. Emmy’s best friend, Liz, is literally the best friend. She’s so level-headed and knows exactly what Emmy needs. And Sam and Amanda gave me Cinna from Hunger Games vibes!

If you’re looking for a rom com that you can’t put down, that’s going to make you laugh, that’s going to make you swoon, and has the (what I think) is the perfect level of open-door spice, then this one’s for you!

Read if you love:
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers
Enemies with benefits
Celebrity romance
Witty banter

Special thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and @netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

This was fun, spicy and sentimental all at the same time! I truly loved getting wrapped up in Emmy’s world of filming her Hallmark-type movie, set in a winter wonderland. All the characters felt so relatable and I enjoyed watching Emmy and Grayson let their guards down as they learned more about one another and started believing in themselves. The banter kept me laughing throughout but I was also tearing up during moments of vulnerability. There was a bit of miscommunication and lack of communication which always frustrates me, but the ending was so perfect! Lastly, I loved that Falon Ballard incorporated texts, blog posts and news articles- which makes books so fun to read!
If you’re in the mood to get swept away into a swoony romcom, give this a try!