Member Reviews

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First, let me say that I will read any book that Falon Ballard writes. I’ll even read it if it’s a second chance romance which is my least favorite trope because she is just that good.

This book is a second chance holiday romance and my Hallmark movie loving heart was so happy while reading it. Ballard has a way with writing characters that are so relatable which is one of my favorite things about her books. I loved Jess and Nick so much. There chemistry was off the charts.

It took quite a while to finally get to some steamy parts, but Ballard’s writing is so entertaining you don’t notice the wait.

Definitely pick this up if you’re looking for a feel good holiday read.

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It had been been five years since he broke her heart, and now, Jess found herself reunited with Nick when she was asked to present an award to celebrate his success.

I am such a HUGE Falon Ballard fan, and All I Want Is You is a perfect example of why. This story hooked me from the very first page, and I was fully invested in seeing this couple get their HEA.

I think I was supposed to hate Nick (at first), but I never could. I KNEW there was more to the story than met the eye, and I was right. This was a man who had regretted his choice to break it off with Jess every day for the past five years, and this resulted in him being a romance author who could not write a happy ending. I was pleased that fate forced these two together, giving them an opportunity to address their breakup because it was easy to see they had something worth saving.

Aside from adoring both Jess and Nick, I also loved the premise. Two romance authors who were getting their second chance. Needless to say, I was excited that this book featured one of my favorite tropes, but we also had a storm and only one bed. It was fun seeing all the tropes come into play, but even more fun because the authors were so aware of them.

The Christmas flashbacks did a great job of allowing me to see what a beautiful relationship Nick and Jess shared in the past. But, it was the last few chapters that made me declare my love for this book. I was shedding the happy tears and *this* close to sobbing because what transpired was simply perfection. It caused my heart to grow two sizes while a big stupid grin split my face in two. It was so wonderful and heartwarming and just perfect for Jess and Nick. In a nutshell, I had such a wonderful time reading this book, and I hope others will, too.

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Falon Ballard is one of my new favorite author and I was thrilled to be able to read her newest title All I Want Is You. It is a second chance, lovers to enemies trope due to Jessica and Nick having a past relationship and not speaking for quite a few years.
The book takes place during the Christmas season at a publishing event for romance writers and Falon adds the dreamy element of a snowed in hotel that that involuntary proximity forces Nick and Jessica to coexist in a hilarious way. The use of dual POVs, which is my preferred style, allows the reader to get insight as to why the characters feel and act the way they do. I also liked the banter that took place via texts between Jessica and Nick as well as between Jessica and her friends. It was realistic and so today! The use of flashbacks gave the reader the solid sense of the loving relationship that they once had and the importance of Christmas in their lives and explained the deep hurt and resentment that Jessica harbors.
Jessica and Nick's journey to understanding what happened between them was an emotional rollercoaster with all the feels. They did not immediately fall back into each other's arms as twists and turns littered their path. All I Want Is You was such a fantastic story with characters that drew you into the story and made you hope that they might find forgiveness and reunite. Every detail plays an important part and the way past details find their way into the present day story shows the reader that the author has taken the time to create a well- crafted book. I also loved all the nods to the world of romance writers and readers!
I loved All I Want Is You and it is a perfect holiday rom com!
I received an advance reader's copy and am voluntarily leaving my review based solely on my reading experience!

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I'm usually not a big fan of second chance romances, but this book definitely hooked me. Two romance writer exes find themselves trapped together in a hotel during a snowstorm at Christmas-time. Of course, there's only one room available! And they end up having to work together to get over their writers block. This book has ALL the tropes. Forced proximity, one bed (!!!), lovers to rivals to lovers, and so much pining. I really enjoyed their story and how cute and heartwarming it was.

Thank you, NetGalley and Putnam Books, for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for my honest review.

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I love Christmas. I love Falon Ballard. So when she wrote a Christmas romcom, I HAD to read it!!! It did not disappoint. I absolutely ate it up.

My top favorite trope is second chance romance and this one between to authors was so good. The banter, the forced proximity, the spice....here for it!!

I highly recommend this book this Christmas season!

Thank you NetGalley and Falon Ballard for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

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The warmest hug of a book!!! I am such a fan of Falon’s and I was very impressed by this holiday romance. It was quick and lovely and so fun!

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EEEEEK! This book made me feel so giddy. The banter between Nick and Jessica was EVERYTHING. Normally I don’t pick up books that are about authors or writing books because I find them so hard to connect to & the majority of them just flop for me. BUT Falon Ballard NAILED it with All I Want Is You. By far one of the best feel good reads of the holiday season.

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I love Fallon Ballard's writing and I will always read everything she writes. She has great, developed, adult characters, who have experienced some stuff. This second chance of two romance writers who were in a serious relationship was so much fun to read. I loved the peak into the writing process that Ballard offered with this story. Jess and Nick (yes New Girl fans!) clearly have so much chemistry still left from their previous relationship l, but still have a touch of that enemies to lovers banter; it's glorious!!! The holiday party comes into play with a snowed-in forced proximity in a very placidly decorated hotel, as well as flashbacks of their relationship during past Christmas's, but otherwise it's not a schmaltzy in your face holiday romance. Falon Ballard does spice really well, and this didn't spare any detail, but Nick is broody and hot, so bring it on! Overall I think this one will give anyone a good little winter/holiday vibe if you enjoy seasonal reads.

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I loved this book, it was really cute.
Second chance
Authors
Their in a writers block until they see each other again.

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Christmas in September is just what I needed to get me out of my post surgery funk and back into reading. To top it off, it is a Falon Ballard book which are ALWAYS good!

Jessica and Nick (shoutout to The New Girl reference!) are writers who were madly in love and signed by the same publishing company at the same time. This makes it awkward when they break up and Jess has to present an award to Nick for the Best Romance Author of the Year. This happens to fall during Jess’ favorite time of year, Christmas, and to say she is dreading this is putting it mildly.

On the day of the party, a winter storm starts to brew which shuts down the roads once everyone is already there. To top it off, they can’t find Jess’ reservation and don’t have a room for her. Nick comes to the rescue and offers to have her stay with him. Sharing a bed. This just spells disaster but in a good way. 😉

Hoping for this situation to last only one night, Jess agrees, but in a romance it is never that simple. The roads continue to be closed and Jess and Nick keep getting thrown together, even realizing their new books are so similar they are asked to merge them together. From here, can anything stop the love train that is racing down the track? Or are they destined for Nick’s non happily ever after romance he is known for writing?

This cute, fast read has everything I want in a romance. It made me smile. I loved the characters and the setting. The spice was perfect for this cozy atmosphere. It was honestly just what the doctor ordered. I will always, always pick up her work.

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Thank you to Putnam and PRH Audio for the free review copies!

TL;DR: A solid holiday romance, perfect for a snowy day or a holiday flight. However, it felt a bit underwhelming compared to other romance reads I’ve enjoyed this year.

All I Want is You is an ideal winter holiday read, but perhaps my timing was off, as it’s hard to fully embrace the cozy, festive mood in August or September. For me, it was just fine—not a standout. It lacked that extra bit of charm and depth that I look for in a romance. While I typically enjoy a good second-chance love story, I never felt fully invested in why these two should be together. Some of the tropes also felt a bit heavy-handed; the “one bed” trope, for instance, has never been my favorite.

A few elements that stood out to me:

I loved that they were each other’s creative inspiration, but the idea that neither of them could write without constant sparring or engagement bugged me. I appreciate the idea of someone being a muse, but this dynamic felt oddly co-dependent, which diminished my enthusiasm.

The story jumps between timelines, and I’m not sure all of it was necessary. The back-and-forth distracted me from the present-day storyline. The buildup to the original breakup took too long, and it wasn’t especially compelling. Spending so much time in the past took away from the fun of watching them reconnect in the present.

I don’t mind spice, but this one felt out of sync with the slow-burn rekindling I was expecting. It leaned a bit too much on the heat for the mood I was hoping to get from the story.

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If you ever want to fall in love with the two main characters, then Jess and Nick are the most epic ones! This story is the perfect mix of second chance romance, forced proximity, one-bed tropes all in one! The plot is realistic and relatable. I really loved the banter and the slow burn as Jess and Nick are put back together. It was interesting to see how the story would unfold and I enjoyed getting the dual pov as well as a glimpse at the pairs past. With all the tropes and holiday feel, it really felt like a hallmark movie come to life with some spice!

Pack this book for your holiday mini-break--it's a quick, fun read with all the cozy vibes! ALL I WANT IS YOU is out now!

Thank you @falonballard , @putnambooks , & @netgalley for this ARC! ❣️

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If you ever want to fall in love with characters, Jess and Nick are the epic ones! Mix of love story, second chance romance, forced proximity, one-bed tropes all in one!
The plot is realistic and relatable, while Jess and her 2 best friends are hilarious and true. Nick's path since he broke up with Jess 5 years ago, is also heart-wrenching and honest.
I need a snow storm and an inn! Nothing more romantic than the added tropes included with these romance writers.
This is a fantastic fall and holiday romance for 2024.

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This is exactly the book to read when you're looking for a rom-com! It has all the wonderful elements you expect. And even though you expect them, it's still such a satisfying story.

Jess & Nick are so good together. And apart. And together. The way their relationship ebbs and flows really is perfect for the book.

I enjoyed this book so much!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This book was not surprisingly, a 5⭐️ read for me, and definitely need to be added to all the Holiday romance book lists✨

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This one delivered a cozy and fun holiday second chance romance. I really loved the banter and the slow burn / build as our former lovers turned enemies were brought back together. It was interesting to see how the story would unfold and I enjoyed getting the dual pov as well as a glimpse at the pairs past. With all the tropes and holiday feel, it really felt like a hallmark movie come to life --- though a spicier version of one, fair warning it is not closed door. Perfect to curl up on a cool fall or winter day with a cozy blanket and your favorite warm beverage to get in the holiday spirit.

3.5 stars

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I thought this was a fun read.
Second chance romance between two romance writers. There was fun banter between the characters and I enjoyed the holiday setting. There was a good balance between steamy scenes and tender moments. Definitely recommend this holiday romance.

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I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much. This was definitely my favorite of all of Falon Ballard's books!

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Jess begrudgingly finds herself presenting an award to her ex turned professional rival, Nick. When what was supposed to be a quick trip turns into a weekend snowed in at a cozy inn, their flame reignites.

Falon Ballard always delivers a cute rom com, and this was no exception. It's a quick read, but it's packed with some great moments. If you like second chance romance or enemies to lovers, you'll enjoy this cute little read for Christmas.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC!

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I stayed up late last night to finish All I Want is You by Falon Ballard because I couldn't put it down! This was such a fun second-chance romance between two authors.

Jess has to say yes to her publisher when asked to present an award to her ex-boyfriend, the biggest name in romance at an event in December. So when they are snowed in and of course there is only one bed, Nick and Jess are forced to spend time together and start writing a book together...

The banter in this book! This was a slow burn but I liked that with the second chance romance. I wished Nick would have shared why he broke up with Jess slightly earlier but honestly, I was rooting for these two. I liked the dual POV and then reminiscing on their past Christmases. The ending was perfect and I loved what Nick did!

This has been my favorite holiday romance so far (I've read 6 already) and if this isn't on your holiday reading list, you need to add it!

A huge thanks to Putnam Books for my advanced copy. All I Want Is You came out this week - September 24th.

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