Member Reviews

Right on Cue is an enemies to lovers celebrity romance. Emmy is a writer who is stepping in front of the camera for the first time in over 15 years. Grayson is her costar but they unfortunately have history from Emmy’s first time in front of the camera. While I generally love celebrity romances, I had trouble connecting with both characters due to the never ending miscommunication trope. Falon Ballard is a talented writer and I would be interested in reading her other books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Want to read a book that will fill you with joy! Want to read a book with wonderfully endearing characters who will melt your heart as they catch feelings for each other? Want to read a book that will make you smile, laugh, swoon, and maybe cry a little? Want to read a book that is heartwarming and steamy and tender and lovely? This book ticks all those boxes as well as hundreds more! My heart is happy after finishing Emmy and Grayson’s love story,

Was this review helpful?

This was a really fun read! It was a cute enemies to lovers kind of second chance romance. I love books about celebrity/fame so I really enjoyed that aspect of this one. The writing was really easy to get into and it made for a quick read. I liked the characters and it was easy to root for them. Emmy and Grayson both had some emotional depth to them but that didn’t pull the tone of the story down.
I honestly thought the third act breakup was awful and that’s why I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 star. It would have been such an easy conflict to avoid with the smallest bit of communication and the way each character handled it didn’t feel all that believable.
Otherwise this was an entertaining, sweet and spicy romance. The author did a great job and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an easily copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

Right on Cue does the whole enemies-to-lovers, close proximity, slow-burn romance so, SO well. I never thought anything could beat Lease of Love and Sadie/Jack, but I was wrong because Emmy/Grayson are perfection! Emmy is a screenwriter who left her one-time acting career behind in her teens after a disastrous movie with Grayson. She faded into the background to write movies while he shot to stardom as a Hollywood heartthrob. After endless auditions for the right actress in Emmy’s latest romance movie results in Emmy herself being cast as the FMC, she is SHOCKED to turn up the first day on site to literally run into Grayson in the inn lobby where he’s set to play the MMC! The pair are instantly at each other’s throats, their past front and center, but when their inability to get along - let alone film their romantic scenes - begins to impact production and the success of the movie, the pair need to find a way to put their differences aside and at least convincingly fake it on screen. But once the anger and hurt is sidelined, it makes room for some other feelings. Written in a way that only Ballard can, the emotions between Emmy and Grayson practically jumps off the page - the hurt, disappointment, attraction, love… its real, complicated and utterly believable! I really wish I could either reread this again for the first time or just live in this book. Definitely a must read!

Was this review helpful?

Grayson and Emmy get a second chance at love and boy was it cute. I adored their snarky back and forth that eventually turns into more. Grayson was honestly my favorite and I’d have preferred to be more in his head than Emmy’s.

The way that grief is represented was done so well. I loved her mom in here too. She’s everything you want in a motherly figure. “You’re never too old to need your mom” really hit me because I’m 33 and still call my mom to remind me what meat makes the best roast. (…I should really write that down.)

There’s a bit of miscommunication trope (or no communication) which isn’t my personal favorite and left me yelling at my kindle “JUST TALK YOU CRAZY PANTS!”

Most of the side characters were amazing too. Sam was unexpectedly just a sweetie pie and I want one of my own. I didn’t really like Liz for some reason that I can’t put my finger on, but otherwise everyone was so good.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC!

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

If Falon Ballard writes it, I’m going to read it and love it. Which is exactly what happened with Right On Cue. Falon’s writing style makes it so easy to binge her books in a day and I wished I would’ve savored this one a little more.

Right On Cue is a hot, sweet, funny, sarcastic and very entertaining. The perfect enemies to lovers story with the added bonus of being a co-star romance where all the shenanigans take place on a movie set. There is so much chemistry that there is never a lull in the story and the enemies were enemy-ing with loads of sarcasm and banter.

Pick this one up on February 17 and fall in love with Emmy and Grayson like I did!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely devoured and loved LEASE ON LOVE… it’s actually the first romance that brought to my attention the story telling I’m always seeking out in romcoms. Where it’s a good balance of romance but also the passions of hobbies/careers of the MC.

RIGHT ON CUE first grabbed my attention due to the Hollywood romance of it all! A fav theme of mine. There were many things I loved about this book…

Former actress turned screenwriter
Blockbuster Action Star
California Inn setting
Costars with benefits
Process of filming

At times I felt a bit of the history/romance between the two felt off. I’m not sure really why I felt that way but overall I really enjoyed this one and looking forward to what else Falon creates!

Thank you G.P. Putnam’s Sons 📖
Releases 2/27

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.Andthebookshelf/

Was this review helpful?

Lease on Love is one of my all-time favs, so Falon Ballard is an autobuy for me, and Right on Cue was such a fun, bingeable read. Emmy Harper has always been in the spotlight but to make her movie script comes to life, she needs to step in front of the camera and act for the second time in her career—the only problem: her costar Grayson West, her first kiss and her first costar who made her never want to act again. This is a fun enemies to lovers / forced proximity. The banter and chemistry is good, and these characters are so sweet and endearing. I’d have done anything for Grayson’s PoV throughout though because he really is a jerk in the beginning so it made it a little hard to root for him. Until these two started hooking up and he became vulnerable and kind and gentle. I was swooning hard for him and how open he was in his affection and feelings. There was great balance in these two. I will say in the beginning, they felt a little immature and frustrating but as they grew and got closer, they became so complex and interesting. I didn’t love the third act conflict revolved around not communicating but Emmy’s overwhelmed feelings made so much sense. She has so much on her plate and there’s a lot of introspection, but she’s a romantic and it’s lovely. Her relationship with her friend and mom was just so well done too. There’s a lot of love, spice, and fun in this book!

Was this review helpful?

sweet and sentimental. the weakest part for me was the third act breakup, which singlehandedly tanked the score down one entire star. third act breakups usually work fine, but i really don't get in this one why the fmc is the one to apologize when the MMC is the one to do something that's seriously just... not nice. thanks for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

Emmy and Grayson’s first time filming a movie together was a bit of a disaster. So when a last minute casting change results in them starring in a rom-com together a decade later, they have to learn to get over their differences.

I enjoyed Lease on Love and Just My Type, so I was really excited about this one. Unfortunately, it was a little lackluster for me.

Neither of the MC’s were particularly likable, and I didn’t think they had that much chemistry together. I love a good enemies to lovers trope, but their dialogue felt a little too mean spirited for me. Even after they were “together” they were still saying incredible hurtful things to each other.

The author gets some points for a cute setting and a fun concept. Fans of Hallmark movies will probably love this one, but I couldn’t get into it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A well written romcom!! I felt the couple had a LOT of chemistry and their romance was very believable. The story is just cheesy enough to be endearing and self-aware. I definitely want to pick up another of Falon Ballard's romances!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this earc

This book is exactly what it sounds like, adorable rom com with kind of second chance, kind of enemies to lovers.

Was some of the scenes completely unrealistic? Absolutely. But isn’t that exactly why we read?

It was actually refreshing to see that both characters had insecurities and we got to see both side of their first meeting. I think my favorite scene was Grayson talking about his dad. I just wish we maybe saw that reunion.

I absolutely adored Emmy’s mom. She was awesome.

Emmy on the other hand, kind of annoyed sometimes with her inability to communicate. She hated Grayson for over a decade and it took her weeks to actually let him talk to her. The same issue happened with the “big” drama. Like girl, just talk to him. Would have saved everyone lots of time.

Overall, this is a great combination of Hallmark and spice.

Was this review helpful?

As a fan of Falon Ballard's "Just My Type," diving into "Right on Cue" carried a wave of anticipation. The novel shares a reminiscent vibe as the lead characters, Emmy and Grayson, grapple with a history clouded by a mysterious event that fractured their connection.

Emmy, a screenwriter reluctantly cast as the lead in her own script, navigates the complexities of her feelings toward acting. Set against the backdrop of a small California town during winter, the story exudes warm, cozy feelings, inviting readers into a world tinged with both frost and familiarity.

Grayson, the male lead, adds a layer of charm to the narrative, delivering humor through witty lines and clever references. However, the dynamic between Emmy and Grayson, while embodying the enemies-to-lovers trope, occasionally tiptoes into intense territory. The feelings between them, at times, were more antagonistic than affectionate, creating a challenge in fully embracing their connection beyond the passionate moments.

The plot follows a familiar trajectory, with the expected third-act breakup we've seen many times. While the characters consistently exude conflicting energies, it aligns with the overall tone of the narrative.

A noteworthy aspect that could have enhanced the story is a dual perspective, offering insights into Emmy through Grayson's lens. This could have added depth to their relationship, shedding light on the intricacies of their emotions.

Overall, the book delivers an enjoyable narrative, peppered with spicy scenes that strike a satisfying balance. While the intensity between the characters occasionally overshadows the softer moments, the charm of the small-town winter setting and the allure of a rekindled connection make this a cozy addition to romance shelves.

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed this rom-com about a rom-com. Emmy and Grayson are adorable when they're feuding and even more so once they fall in love. But the course of true love never runs smoothly, does it? Although I received an ARC, my opinions are my own and i heartily recommend this book.












but

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publishers, and Falon Ballard for an ARC of Right on Cue. Oh did this warm my little mystery/thriller heart. I found Falon before I got completely turned to thriller books and she has a special place in my reading heart and is an auto buy. I, and I can’t say this enough, loved this book more than I can put into words. This had everything - tension, tears because of course, happiness. The sexual tension alone! Emmy is a screenwriter and takes another chance at acting after she swore it off when she was 15 after her first shot at acting. She wrote the movie, will act in it, what could go wrong? Until her enemy, Grayson f West, shows up to take her partners part. Will they be able to put there differences aside so her second film doesn’t tank? You will definitely need to find out 😉

Was this review helpful?

This was delightful! I adore Emmy and Grayson, and I love how they challenge and support each other. Their banter and chemistry was top notch. The plot sounded fun and promising, but this was even better than I expected. The miscommunication bit drove me crazy, but it all played out well as anticipated. It was such a fun read!

Was this review helpful?

These characters were awful. I really did not like either Grayson or Emmy. Emmy was really annoying because she never thought she was in the wrong. The whole conflict at the beginning was so frustrating because both characters were at fault, and yet neither one of them thought they possibly could have done anything wrong. I also did not care for their relationship because it was all about lust. It just felt gross after a while.
Unpopular opinion, but I love third act break ups. However, this book had the feeling of a third act break up every. single. chapter. It got so annoying because these characters were in an endless cycle of fighting and then sleeping together.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my god, this book. It’s making me feel so many feelings - like, I want to laugh and cry and throw up all at the same time, but in a good way. It makes my heart feel squishy. I’m going to go sit with and feel all my feelings right now.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Format - E ARC (Netgalley)

Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Spice- 🌶 🌶

Series- N/A

Troupes- Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, second chance romance, work place romance/ showmance, he falls first, celebrity romance, miscommunication…

Representation- N/A

CW- Off page death of a parent

Wanna go behind the scenes of a romcom movie and watch the two leads fall ass over cheek in love? Well here’s your chance!

Emmy and Grayson haven’t worked together since that fateful movie years ago that killed her acting career and changed the corse of his. Now by and unlikely series of event they are now staring opposite each other in a RomCom Emmy wrote.

This Story has all the cozy feels of a small town romance but with fun and sparkle and intrigue of being on a movie set.

This book relies heavily on the Miscommunication troupe and while I could believe most of it, it did get a tad frustrating. It did not however deter me from loving Falon’s writing style which is like a warm hug for my brain.

This is an entertaining, sweet and medium spicy, Hollywood romance with with give you all the feels and warm fuzzies!

Thank you Falon Ballard, Penguin group Putnam and Netgalley for the advanced copy all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

If Falon Ballard isn’t on your auto-buy list, she should be! I’m a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers romance, and this one hit all the marks. I immediately fell in love with Emmy and loved the tension between her and Grayson. I’m not always a huge fan of “celebrity” romances, but I think the small-town setting helped me to connect more with the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?