This is a first person, single POV, enemies to lovers, almost-second chance (but really NOT) Romance. It is very open door, with, I think 3? descriptive sex scenes. Not at all what I'd call a slow burn. Definitely third act break up and major, MAJOR miscommunication throughout.

I liked this! The writing was engaging and engrossing, and it kept me interested and intrigued the whole time. Honestly, the only downside I'd say was the pacing of how early they get together making me on the edge of my seat for that dreaded 3rd act breakup--which we'll get to later. I've never read the author before, which was a huge part of the reason I requested this book, but I really enjoyed her style!

The FMC is a screenwriter of a Rom Com and *gasp!* she doesn't hate the Romance genre!! The fact that we establish this early on is wonderful. I can't even believe that's something I have to praise the author for, but that's the world we live in these days I guess. She praises Romance, she talks it up, she knows it makes people happy and doesn't ever talk down on it. She's also an interesting character. I'm not sure I fully loved her. She was incredibly self-aware but almost too much so. Like, she was aware but then didn't do anything about the issues she was aware of, so it was more than a little irritating to read and be in her head. She also was aware but missed a couple of connections to things that then made her seem a little obliviously dumb, which was conflicting of her characterization. I don't know. She was also a super easy FMC to identify with and read about.

Actually, a lot of my complaints about the book came down to Emmy unfortunately. I know the author was trying to create tension, but the FMC never having responses to the MMC's big declarations was annoying. “I thought I was alone in how I felt.” But the reader knows Emmy thought that too. So why not say something?? “You’re always gorgeous, Emmy.” When he’s trying to make amends. Why not say anything?? These were great lines! Great Romance lines! Swoony! And Emmy gives . . . NOTHING. And then he blatantly begins coming on to her and she acts kind of like she doesn't want it. Which was weird. Because the reader knows she does want it. I mean, the reader also knows she's internally conflicted, but the reader doesn't know WHY she's internally conflicted. I assumed it was what happened 15 years ago, but A) we're never really told and B) that's sum bullshit of a reason if it was. She should've matured beyond that because Grayson definitely did. And when one Main matures beyond and the other doesn't, the one who doesn't comes across as extra petty, dumb to me.

The MMC was fairly simplistic, and that bothered me at first because it came across as not having a personality, but then he seemed to find him comfort level around the FMC and subtly pursued the FMC, and I did like that. He was also right in quite a few of their disagreements/arguments/whatever, which sort of oddly endeared me to him. When he finds out why she's harboring resentment towards him from 15 years prior (she overheard him tell someone she kissed like a dead fish???), his reaction was the same as mine. It was a weak reason that really blamed him more than her own insecurity. (Also! 15 years ago and this rumor that ruined her self image was all over social media??? SM wasn't that big 15 years ago and wouldn't have had quite that power, and that was a stickling point for me, I'm sorry. Blogs, maybe.) That being said, I also understood how overhearing that kind of comment at 15 with your very first kiss, from your crush, would be something you'd remember and hold on to many years later. I just wish it had been a little bit more. But I also wish that MMC's explanation/apology of that happening had been a little bit more. He just was kind of like, yeah that happened, I was insecure too. And I would've loved a smidge more.

I liked the side characters, but the girl who played her bestie in the film could've been cut with no harm to the novel. I loved her real life bestie Liz though. She was a great character who seemed to steer the FMC in the right direction.

Like I've said, I really enjoyed the author's writing style and the couple gets together kind of early on, meaning that I was sitting there, on the edge of my seat, waiting for the third act breakup. To the author's credit, I wasn't 100% sure what it was going to center around, even though she could've taken it many ways. On the other hand, it kind of comes out of nowhere. And involves Emmy eavesdropping, but only part way! again. I don't have a problem with eavesdropping as the impetus for miscommunication, but I do have a problem when the FMC just decides she's "heard enough!" and leaves in the middle of what she's overhearing. You have FOR SURE misheard if you do this. I also have an issue with characters overhearing part of a conversation and then just ghosting the other main with no explanation. Which our FMC also does. I'm really glad her BFF called her out on that, “How can you claim to love this man and not even give him a chance to explain?” Because that is just sooooo frustrating to read!!!

And my issue is that the FMC was already coming across a little immature and petty because of the grudge over the 15 year rumor (that like, really? That tanked your acting career??? Not your poor self image?) So then she turns off her phone and then is snippy and cold in texts and takes three weeks to finally tell him what he did wrong and only does because she's forced face-to-face with him because of work? THREE WEEKS PEOPLE. And if that wasn't bad enough, girlfriend has the audacity to get defensive about it when he RIGHTFULLY calls her out on her actions. That does not give me hope in their longevity as a couple. It also kind of makes me root for him when she finally does apologize and he's like, that doesn't fix things. YES BOY. Make her grovel. Make her work. Make her prove that she's in this and will work on her communication. I high key loved that her apology didn't magically fix it. But we all know where this goes: he misses her and caves. I don't mind that. But again, there's just not enough grovel/resolution for me to believe that when he proposes to her in the epilogue that they'll last.

Despite my misgivings about, mostly, the FMC, I really enjoyed Ms. Ballard's writing style and storytelling. I don't mind a mildly irritating FMC or MMC. I really didn't enjoy the third act breakup/resolution though. That's probably the biggest thing that dropped my star rating of this book. 3.5 rounded to a 4, but this could've been more of a 5 star. I still really enjoyed my time reading, it was quick and easy and fun, but I'd have some asterisks along with recommending this particular book.

I'd love to read more by the author! I'll look up her back catalog and keep an eye out for her in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was first introduced to Fallon Ballard when I read her book “Just My Type.” I loved not only the punny title, but also the synopsis. It took me only a day to read this piece, and I knew I needed more. Right on Cue is much the same - I was hooked from the first line.

Ballard is definitely known for her enemies to lovers, and boy can she create witty banter. I knew from the start Emmy was going to be a great FMC for this novel.

My first introduction to the MMC Grayson was what is to be expected from a childhood nemesis - I wanted to reach through the book and smack him. From there I worked alongside Emmy to not fall for this man - even though we were both resistant at first. But by the time they both admit they have feeling for the other, I completely fell for Grayson. He is so adorable and perfect…I think I can add him to my list of Book Boyfriends.

Some of you may be thinking about the cliche aspects of this book since it is a rom-com. No one dislikes cliches more than me, but I actually liked the few that were included in Right on Cue. I also found it entertaining when in one scene out FMC actually says, “I write romance movies for a living. I love a cliche.”

The only cliche I did not like was the standard fight 2 chapters before the end of the book. I’m just not a fan of those. It’s a romance so by this point I just want our characters to be in love and stay that way. The only time this works is if this is part of a series or duet and there is another book after, which is not the case here.

The crazy funny banter had me smiling for pretty much the whole time I was reading. Sheer brilliants.
Grayson: “Have you really never skated before? Not even at the mall?”
Emmy: “I grew up in LA.”
Grayson: “LA does have ice rinks, you know.”
Emmy: “We also have earthquakes. Doesn’t mean I’m a fan.”

Can we talk about the romance and open-door scenes? Holy heaven above, those were some good scenes. Not joking, I was blushing on this side of my kindle screen. Bravo, Ballard. And double Bravo for Grayson.

If you’re in a book slump and looking for a romantic comedy to pull you out, search no further.

**An ARC was graciously provided by NetGalley and publishing company Putnam Book in exchange for an honest review.

It just felt like there was no chemistry between the main characters. It could have been better if there was more of a focus on them as a couple compared to the movie making.

I will start by saying I was nervous for this one! I had high expectations after loving Ballard's 'Just My Type' BUT I do not typically enjoy celebrity/Hollywood romances. However, this one was done perfectly so I ended up enjoying it! I finished this in two days and couldn't get enough of the MCs' chemistry.

I absolutely adored this book and could not put it down. It had everything I love in a romance novel — likable characters, witty dialogue, and the perfect amount of spice. This will definitely be a book I recommend to friends.

First of all, thank you for the advanced copy of this book! It was so perfect for what it was- a sweet, emotional, Hallmark-esque romance story. It’s like a meta-romcom. I loved Emmy and Grayson’s characters, even during the times when I wanted to shake both of them. I wish Grayson had been developed a little bit more, but it’s a hazard of not being inside his mind via a POV, and he felt real enough for me to root for him.

If I had a complaint, it would be that I wish maybe one or two more things had happened before they filmed the movie’s sex scene to establish more genuine trust, because it seemed a bit out of left field after her main issue with him was that she overheard him talking trash about an intimate moment they had. Yes, they had a conversation about it, but it wasn’t enough to establish that much trust, in my opinion.

(minor spoilers!!)
But, that being said, normalize characters not forgiving each other immediately! Even though it hurt, I appreciated that Ballard didn’t have Grayson forgive Emmy immediately. Do I wish she would’ve just talked to him? Yes. Is it lost on me that she did the exact same thing she did the first time? No. So I’m glad that they had some time apart before they came back together. And I’m glad they actually talked *before* they resumed their physical relationship, if you know what I mean.

Overall, this was a super fun, sweet story that’s perfect for Hallmark lovers (with a bit of spice!).

I've loved Falon's writing ever since I read the first chapter of her first book, and this one was no different. The narration and the emotions flowed really well, and the main relationship was swoony as hell 🫠 I also loved the plot of the book, aka the enemies who are unexpectedly co-stars in a movie, and how they grow from enemies to vulnerable friends who help each other through their respective traumas and hangups from the past. The third act breakup was PAINFUL, and the gap between that and their final makeup nearly had me in tears 🥲 the hea was so cute.

TWs - death of parent (past, but grief in the present), parent who disowned their child for choosing a different career path (past and present)

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

I want to give the 4.5, but Goodreads won't let me. I loved almost everything about this book. The setup was fun, the characters were delightful, and the steam was STEAMY. My literal only issue was this self-proclaimed romance lover falling right into the classic misunderstanding trope for the second act break up. Nothing beats a small town winter romance movie and I desperately want to see the movie they film during this book. The FMC definitely has some hangups regarding the MMC, but they do work through their issues and it's nice to see her forgive their past and move forward. Grayson, MMC, is a delightful foil to Emmy, FMC, and their relationship really does work despite the pitfalls at the beginning.

***As a theatre professional, I want to be clear that showmances for sake of chemistry are strongly frowned upon and are usually more of a mess than the good they do, but I did enjoy the showmance of this book***

This book was HOT. I loved the relationship between Emmy and Grayson so so so much. It felt like you could actually see it playing out on the screen. The third act conflict actually made sense with the plot also, which is a huge plus for me. It wasn't just thrown in to cause a conflict. I also adored all the snippets with the texts, tweets, scandal sheet, etc. I think those are just such fun small additions that make a book really special. This was my first Fallon Ballard, but I just downloaded her other works. I can't wait to dive in. I might have just found a new favorite romance author.

Right on cue Tells the story of Emmy Harper as she dives back into writing romantic comedies after a tragedy struck.
This time however, Emmy is convinced to star as the lead. Emmy is nervous as well as excited to dust off her acting skills that she hasn’t used in over a decade. That is until her co-star is injured and with filming about to start there is only one other actor available on such short notice.

A blockbuster action movie Star Grayson West is anyone’s dream for a romantic co star. For anyone except Emmy at least, who blames him for her disaster of a first movie and the end to her acting career. But as filming begins the tension between Emmy and Grayson just builds up. The two are pushed to resolves things between them or risk ruining the whole movie but when fixing things on screen leads to sizzling chemistry in all their scenes those same emotions transfer over off and emotion start to build which was the last thing Emmy wanted.
-
I absolutely devoured this story! It was just so perfect from start to finish! The storyline was so well written to where i found myself not being able to put it down. I absolutely fell in love with Emmy and Grayson from the very first page and seeing the way in which their relationship built over the course of the story just made me love them more.

I also found that Emmys character became my absolute favorite from the start because of how very relatable her character is in the way she thinks and talks. The chemistry between Emmy and Grayson was also absolutely amazing and all their scenes were my absolute favorite as they were all written very well. I loved the whole movie and actors storyline of the book because it felt like watching a movie inside a movie?!!!

The story was just so good to the end and there were time when I would get frustrated with Emmys choices and how she acted but at the end I feel that her reactions just made her character even more real. One thing that this story definitely has is the ability to make the reader fall absolutely in love with all the characters because as the story went on I felt myself loving all the characters no matter how small their roles were.

The end was also absolutely perfect and I loved the way the roles were switched to where both of the characters had their own issues to resolve all the way to the end and those issues weren’t forgotten but still mentioned because I felt that it was a big part of the story.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a short sweet story with lots of spice!

After reading Just my Type last year, I couldn't have been more excited to read Right on Cue. It exceeded all expectations, and I couldn't put it down. The main character development, both personal, and in their relationship was so great, and you couldn't help but root for them the entire time. This is definitely a rom-com, and it's got every bit of that rom-com "stuff" that we know and love. And ooh, the steaminess! Perfection.

Okay, I adored this book!
FIVESTARS!
I actually devoured this book. I read it in one sitting because quite literally could not put it down. Right on Cue was such a fun book and jam packed with some of the best tropes. Who doesn't love an enemies to lovers with fantastic banter? It's an immediate yes from me.
The Book:
Hollywood royalty, and popular screenplay writer, Emmy Harper, who gave up on acting at fifteen after a bad experience with costar and heartthrob, Grayson West. As she embarks on her next project, she and the team are scouting for the perfect leading lady. Struggling to cast the role, they ultimately decide who better to play the role than Emmy herself. Reluctantly Emmy says yes to her first role since that mishap so many years ago. Once filming begins Emmy finds herself once again starring opposite the man responsible for her exit from acting, Grayson West. As filming begins the tension between Emmy and Grayson only grows. Can they put their differences aside and convince the audience that they're the perfect rom-com couple?
The Tropes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Second Chance
- Right person wrong time
Right on Cue releases February 27th! Add it to your to be read list, preorder the book, and prepare yourself for the sweetest romance
Thank you to NetGalley and Falon Ballard for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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.

Tropes:
Right Person/Wrong Time
Enemies to Lovers
Hollywood Romance
Coworkers with Benefits
Cozy Winter Inn

Thoughts: This book is a compilation of everyone's favorite RomCom book tropes and the energy/vibe of a Hallmark Christmas Movie. This was a great easy read that definitely got me in a cozy romance mood.

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.


Tropes:
Right Person/Wrong Time
Enemies to Lovers
Hollywood Romance
Coworkers with Benefits
Cozy Winter Inn

Thoughts: This book is a compilation of everyone's favorite RomCom book tropes and the energy/vibe of a Hallmark Christmas Movie. This was a great easy read that definitely got me in a cozy romance mood.

Rating: 5 star
Genre: Romance

Thoughts: Fallon's books just keep getting better & better! I just ate this book up! If you love celebrity romance or enemies to lovers tropes, you definitely need to add this to your TBR!!! It so good!

The chemistry in this book is so, so good. I loved watching Emmy and Grayson fall in love. I’ve also loved watching Fallon Ballard grow as a writer.

I’ve had the privilege of reading arcs of all of her rom-com novels so far, and they have all steadily improved upon each other and I think Right On Cue is her best yet. I look forward to reading more from her.


For my friends who like the romance, but not the steam, there was quite a few steamy bits to skip over. They were fairly easy to skip over, but if that’s not something you’re interested in I might suggest skipping this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!

Right on Cue by Falon Ballard is a delightful and witty romance that left me yearning for more. This perfectly charming and entertaining book is a must-read for any romance enthusiast.

Highlights:
Expected Publication: February 2024
Plot: Story: 4.5 stars
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ Multiple scenes with explicit detail

Emmy Harper is in a pickle. She’s been strong armed into acting in the romcom she wrote, and now she’s starring opposite her arch nemesis, Grayson West, who ruined her first acting experience at 15. To make it even worse, her film is being slowly derailed by Grayson’s refusal to even <i>try</i> to act like he likes her.

When Grayson and Emmy are told to either straighten it out or tank the film, they agree to a costars-with-benefits situation. As they get to know one another better, will it be enough to save the film?

When I tell you that I SCREAMED when I was approved for this ARC. Thank you to the lovely folks at Penguin Group Putnam & NetGalley for approving me! All thoughts below are my own.

My thoughts:
The lovely Falon Ballard has delivered an emotional and spicy rom-com once again. I think this is her best yet!

The emotions in this book leapt off of the page: Emmy’s fear over her budding relationship with Grayson & how she related it to her grief about her father’s death; Grayson’s insecurities about his career & whether he should be more serious.

Also, the scenes were adequately detailed, but Ballard does a phenomenal job of creating and carrying the emotional tension through her sex scenes. Whether the couple is uncertain, angry, excited, sleepy.. whatever.

Did I love the third act breakup? No, I don’t ever want a third act breakup. However, the reasoning behind the split was reasonable and justifiable. I could see myself breaking up with someone over the same thing.

Overall, I would recommend if you’re in the market for a spicy rom-com.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
I read this book way too fast. Once I started reading, I could not stop. I loved our two characters, Emmy and Grayson, and how their relationship grew. I do think that there could have been more build-up before they first got together, but their chemistry was already there; they just had to rediscover it. I love the enemies-to-lovers and the forced proximity situation the characters are stuck in. Also, shout out to Emmy's mom for being so cool and supportive. Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The plot was really interesting and loved all the book tropes Ballard included in this story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/ G. P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC in exchange for my review!

As someone who works in the entertainment industry, be warned that one must suspend their disbelief for this one! That said, this is a fun enemies-to-lovers / second chance romance between a screenwriter with a hot new romcom and the actor who ran her out of her own acting career after their dreadful debut.

The good: the banter between Emma and Grayson is really fun. The chemistry is off the charts, and it's overall a fun arc for these two characters. I liked the setting (the fictional Pine Springs, where it snows in CA in March, if you can believe it), and some of the side characters were really fun.

The bad: this one features not one but TWO miscommunications. It's like a Hallmark movie on steroids. I especially hate a miscommunication that comes about by eavesdropping, so that bugged me a lot. But the reunion at the end was unique enough to make it worth it, in some ways. That said - if you are not a fan of miscommunication, be warned there's a lot of it here.

3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC.