I am a sucker for a holiday romcom. Love, spice, AND Christmas?! Sign me up. So I was really excited to read All I Want is You, it checked all of the boxes. And for the most part it delivered. This book is really fun. Jess and Nick are sexy and talented and have off the charts chemistry. I loved their banter and the steamy scenes were well done. I just felt like the story was too rushed,their reunion didn't get enough of a chance to breathe and develop. I love second chance romance and forced proximity is a favorite trope, but this was missing something. The reason for their first breakup felt too flimsy considering how in love they were. I still really enjoyed this and loved that it is a quick read.

HOW CUTE. Everything about this was sweet and fun and made me kick my feet up and giggle!!! This book has it all: a Christmas story told with dual POV where there is not only a second chance romance, but its enemies to lovers…at a snowy inn…where there’s only one bed… I mean COME ON!!!

Jess and Nick are both romance novel writers who dated at the beginning of their careers. Nick breaks up with Jess out of the blue after 3 years, and despite having the same publisher, manage to avoid each other for the next 5 years. Until they don’t!

I just love a book about writers, especially a romance book about romance book writers - there’s something about those characters that just feels really thoughtful, personal, and well taken care of in their development. And I knew that was going to be the case here because Falon Ballard is always incredibly thoughtful with her characters.

And then you add in the tongue in cheek references of forced proximity and romance heroines with happy endings made this so enjoyable. It was life imitating art imitating life!!

This was a fast and furious book - I read it in two sittings. And I may just have to pick it back up again around Christmas time. The magic is so real then!

**thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not a reflection of the opinions of the author, publisher, or NetGalley.

There is nothing like a romance book about two authors. This was such a lovely second chance romance. I adore a good inn setting. Nick and Jess were the best characters too.

Two exes and competing authors stuck in a winter resort during Christmas time? Sign me up! Spoiler alert! there is only one bed IYKYK! I have loved everything Falon Ballard has written; this one was no different! This was such a quick and enjoyable read. She writes enemies to lovers so well! I could feel the disdain Jessica felt for Nick. and conflict she felt having to trust him again. I loved that between all the turmoil and jabs we got glimpses of Jessica and Nick's first 3 Christmases together. It helped show why we should be rooting for them to reunite for a HEA.. I also loved Nick's grand gesture. It was so perfect!

If you know me, you know I love a Christmas book that is a romance set around Christmas and not a book that shoves Christmas down your throat for no reason. This book hit that mark so well! There was a great balance of Christmasy elements without being overly hallmark-y or corny.

Read if you like Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance Christmas Books. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 9/24!

My first Falon Ballard read and it was SOOO GOOD!! 🤩 I've really come to love the second-chance romance trope, but add in forced proximity and ONE BED!? 🌶️ 🥵 Sign me up for a good time! 🤭 I loved these characters, I loved the wit and banter, I loved the flashbacks, and I loved their HEA!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC of this book for my honest review.

This was a cute christmas coded second chance romance story. I wanted it to be a little more Christmasy and I wanted our FMC to fight a little bit harder to have her man earn her back. This is definitely a slower burn (~75%) but surprisingly didn't really bother me. This was a very bingeable read that I think a lot of people with enjoy. I liked both of our MCs, I just wish more of the side characters had been fleshed out. Overall, a cute christmasy rom com!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you to GP Putnam’s Sons and Falon Ballard for this ARC.

I love holiday romance books; they remind me of Hallmark movies, and there is something so cozy and comforting about a romance book set during this time of year. Combining the tropes of second chance romance, forced proximity, rivals to lovers, and workplace romance, Falon Ballard delivered in this short, adorable ode to Christmas romcoms, “All I Want Is You.”

“All I Want Is You” is basically the winter, Christmas version of “Beach Read,” which is probably why I read this book in one sitting. We have two romance writers, both experiencing writer's block, who also happen to be past lovers. They are snowed in and forced to write alongside one another. What follows is a heartwarming, magical Christmas romance that had me invested from page 1.

This book perfectly captures the tension and complexity of rekindling an old flame that never went out. There are so many misunderstandings in this relationship, but you cannot help but root for Nick and Jess (yes, like New Girl!). The setting of the snowstorm made this even more romantic, and there were several swoon-worthy moments that I am still giddy over.

Overall, “All I Want Is You” is the book you're looking for if you love holiday romances and want a short rom-com to get you out of a slump. It is charming and will definitely leave a smile on your face.

3.5 stars


I love Falon Ballard and haven’t ever had a bad time reading her books. Lease on Love & Just My Type are some of my favorite romances.

This book was cute and we love a slow burn. I do think it’s odd for a winter romance to come out in September, but I live in Texas so others may not feel the same. It’s great winter vibes. I love that Nick & Jessica are authors & the banter. A quick romance read that packed a punch with angst, swooning and favorite tropes.

While not a new favorite romance read, I had a good time and it’s another solid romance by Falon Ballard and I’ll keep picking her books up every time. She doesn’t disappoint.

Loved this! Perfect for the holidays, and my first from this author - definitely will not be my last! This had great banter, a cute story and I actually cared about the characters. I had so much fun with this.

I am generally a sucker for a second-chance romance—especially in a holiday romance. And especially when the exes are also rivals.

And though that's exactly what Falon Ballard delivers with All I Want Is You, something about this fell a bit flat for me. In this story Jess is a rnid-list romance author who works a day job as a barista to make ends meet between book advances. After Thanksgiving, Jess's agent lets her know that her publisher has asked that she present the Romance Author of the Year Award at their annual ceremony. It'd be great exposure, giving her face time in front of the executives and decision-makers of her publisher. But the recipient? Jess's ex, NIck (yes, they're names are Nick and Jess, and yes, there is a New Girl reference that acknowledges the whole thing), who famously writes "romances" that don't have a happy ending. Jess begrudingly agrees to present the award.

From there, we get the usual holiday comedy of errors: there's a snow storm, Jess's hotel reservation wasn't ever actually made, there's only one bed in the room she ends up sharing with Nick, and when it becomes clear they're both writing the same type of book, their editors suggest they write it together, giving them ample time to work through their own issues.

It's a classic second-chance romance, but there was something about the pacing and character development that missed the mark a bit for me. I was annoyed that Nick constantly found Jess's anger toward him "cute," I often found Jess's decision-making process toward Nick hard to understand, and thought the pacing was a little too brisk at times, blowing right past some big, emotional beats that could have used a bit more time to marinate. But then again: I like angst. And I can acknowledge that a holiday romcom is not really the right place for that!

I do think that a lot of people will love this—it's bookish, it's Christmasy, it has all the right tropes but doesn't feel too cliché, it does have a truly satisfying third act, and it's easy to read in one sitting. Preferably with a peppermint mocha in hand.

All aspects of this book combined to make it amazing:
- Dual POV
- Second chance romance
- Forced proximity
- Snowed in while visiting a small town
- Medium spice (🔥🔥🔥/5)

Jess & Nick are so relatable and lovable that I couldn't put this book down because I was cheering for them to get their happily ever after (HEA) 🥰 I enjoyed the main characters interactions with their support group through texts and phone calls despite being stuck for a week together at a women event near the holidays.

I enjoyed the flash backs to their relationship before mixed in with the current plot line. It really built the backstory for the characters and their love.

Blue was so sweet and I loved the chapters told from his POV 🥰

This is a must read romance for the holiday season! Thank you Putnam for the ARC.

Falon Ballard is an auto buy for me and I realized after finishing this one that I’ve given all her books five stars (whaaaaat) which is insane. But her writing style is so quick and swoony, I just gobble it up. This book is probably not a top fave from her, but still really enjoyed this one.

Full disclosure. Second chance romances usually entail a very dumb break up and this one was dumb but I didn’t feel like the author held it over my head too much the entire book to make it a super dramatic and painful reveal? I mean the hero the whole book is like “Yeah I was an idiot” and then we all just agree with him later on. But omg the grand gesture is so stinking sweet and gooey that I loved it so dang much. There are so many things about this book with the two MCs being romance authors that felt like a love letter to the romance community. I enjoyed all the conversations about writing and plotting, tropes and how romances REQUIRES an HEA. I really really enjoyed reading this book.

ating: 4/5
Steam: 3/5
Warnings: difficult family dynamics

Thank you to Putnam, NetGalley, and PRH Audio for access to these advanced copies in exchange for my honest opinion.

As an OG fan of Falon Ballard since her debut novel, All I Want Is You delivers exactly what I need in a romance. This book has everything: exes turned rivals who are professional romance authors, snowed in at an inn around Christmas, a one-bed situation, and then... they start writing together. It's every trope lover’s dream, and Falon absolutely nails it.

Approaching this book with the mindset of a holiday novella works best. Though it’s technically not one, its 200 pages and 6-hour audiobook keep things moving quickly. If you’re in the mood for a fun, festive escape rather than a slow-burn romance, you’re in for a great time.

Falon’s books are always swoony and packed with sharp banter. Here, the hero’s accountability for his past mistakes makes their reunion feel earned and heartfelt. I loved the authentic portrayal of writing, publishing, and author relationships. This is also her steamiest book yet, and I was definitely here for it!

The audiobook, narrated by Sarah Naughton and Marwan Salama, adds an extra layer of magic. Naughton captures the heroine’s wit, while Salama brings depth to the hero’s charm and regret. Their chemistry elevates the already engaging banter, making every flirty exchange and heartfelt confession shine.

The banter is phenomenal, and the conversations around books, especially the distinction between a happy ending (HEA) and a not-so-happy one, were a delightful touch. Plus, the Nick and Jessica, and New Girl references? Perfection.

All I Want Is You is the perfect quick, swoon-worthy read. Sometimes, all you need is a snowy inn, a second chance, and sizzling chemistry to create the perfect holiday romance.

All I Want Is You
By: Falon Ballard
Review Score: 5 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•Characters being named Nick and Jess? New Girl coded!

•A small, snowed in hotel and only one bed? Ballard is showing UP with these tropes.

•As a lover of books, I especially enjoy that this is about 2 romance authors.

•This is the perfect book to read this Holiday Season!

———

All I Want Is You was kindly provided as an ARC by NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Falon Ballard is such a favorite of mine, and every time I read a book of hers, I am reminded as to why.

She writes amazing characters (Nick and Jess), has the best setting (a snowed in hotel), and presents a relationship that feels real and not forced (previous lovers who broke up as they started to make their big breaks in publishing).

She also throws in the perfect amount of spice, the best banter, and alllll of my favorite tropes. It’s the best sort of balance and Ballard nails it.

So, read this book. You won’t be sorry.

I was so excited to get this book! I’ve been loving Fallon Ballard for a while now and couldn’t wait to read this! I read it in row days, I loved the banter between the two main characters and just really enjoyed the storyline overall! This is going to be a great holiday read! I highly recommend!

This was my first book by Falon and it was such a delight! It made my list of most anticipated new Christmas romance books of 2024 and it totally delivered a sweet romance that is perfect for the holidays.

Second chance romances can be hit or miss for me ranging from the overly sappy to the unbelievable but this one hit the sweet spot. I loved how Jessica and Nick are forced back together for career reasons and then find themselves sharing a room with only one bed when they are snowed in at the Inn where their fateful reunion occurred.

They haven’t seen each other for five years since Nick broke her heart one Christmas but you come to see pretty quickly that these two still love one another and are meant to have their own happy ending.

I loved how Jessica had a backbone at the beginning when Nick slid into her DMs but didn’t block herself off from considering a second chance with him when they reconnected.

Nick finally came around to romance requiring a happy ending (thank goodness) but I loved that he didn’t hold back and was finally honest with her with his current feelings and about his actions in the past.

The scene where they ask each other questions and require honest answers or drink was really hot!
It’s always so fun to read romance books where a character, or in this case characters, are romance authors. Because they were both authors, I loved how Falon really talked up the trope second chance romance and even the need for a grand gesture (his was awesome btw!). These nods to the genre were fun to read.

Since the characters are romance authors I couldn’t help try to see if there was any reality to this fiction. Like does Nick’s character refer to Nicholas Sparks’ who has had a huge career in “romance” despite many of his bestsellers neglecting to have a happy ending. And who were Jessica’s author friends Emily and Farah…I have my guesses about these real life authors! Plus, I her nod to New Girl was fantastic. I loved that show!

It did take me a hot minute to try to understand why they even broke up in the first place because they were just so darn cute together but I finally understood it.

If you’re looking for a sweet (and spicy) romance that you’ll devour in a day this holiday, I highly recommend All I Want Is You!

*Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

4.5 rounded up. I really liked this fun, fast Christmas novel. I think there are probably too many romance novels right now out about writers of romance novels, and especially DUDE writers of romance novels, which I don't actually think of as a thing, but this one was fun and well executed and written by an author who has become an automatic read whenever she puts out something new. Would definitely read while drinking a peppermint mocha and watching Christmas lights.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

🎄 Book Review 🎄

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publication: September 24, 2024

Rating: I liked it!

I always tell my family that the “Ber” months are my favorite time of year! Basically anything from September to December, sign me up!

This was the perfect cozy read. It was cute and made me want to curl up with a hot cup of cocoa.

It’s also a short read so easily can fit in after your spooky reads!

For fans of:
❄️ First person
🎄 Dual POV
❄️ Holiday romance
🎄Author MCs
❄️ Rivals to lovers
🎄Second chance
❄️ Forced proximity
🎄One bed
❄️ Minimal spice
🎄Under 300 pages

Rating: Enjoyed It, 3.5 stars

All I Want is You is a short and sweet, second-chance holiday romance. We have two romance authors: Nick and Jess, and they used to date. Until 5 years ago when Nick hit it big in his first book deal and unexpectedly broke up with Jess and broke both their hearts in the process. Jess is asked by her publisher to present him an award at a holiday party, and she cannot say no, worried about what that would do to her career. She agrees to do it and plans to flee immediately. Unfortunately, there is a huge snowstorm and all the guests are trapped at the inn for several days. To make matters worse, the whole place is booked and they lost Jess's reservation, so she is forced to share a room with Nick.

I liked the character dynamics in this one and felt like the banter they had was fun. I thought the pairing was cute and they worked well together, but I never really felt super invested or felt that big spark between them. I did very much appreciate that we got both POVs, but I think that I would have enjoyed it more without the majority of the steamy scenes happening in the flashbacks to their previous Christmases together. It felt like that messed the tension and flow that was building in the present day.

But overall, the third act breakup was better in this than in a lot of romances. It felt believable and like something that made sense. I also appreciated how the characters were essentially writing their own stories in their respective books and the part that they each got stuck on was the part that made the least sense to them in their own relationship.

So overall it was fun, and I'm glad I read it, but I don't know that this one will stick with me for very long.

Thank you to NetGalley and GP Putnam Son's for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. All I Want is You releases on 9/24/2024.

All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard is so cute! I was clicking my heels and giggles several times while reading. No spoilers, but that epilogue? I will need 3-5 business days to recover from that alone. It has enemies to lover, only one bed and second chance romance all rolled into a fabulous holiday romance. I absolutely recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for this e-ARC