A very cute, fun, holiday romance that I flew through in one sitting! I especially love books about books (or writing, authors, etc) and this ticked all of my boxes for a light-hearted read set in winter. Rivals-to-lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity - lots of different tropes included in this one that were great together. The one thing that confused me a bit was why our MMC initially ended the relationship and some of the emotional pieces involved with how they so quickly got back together, but it didn't detract much from my reading experience. Would definitely recommend this book as we head into the winter months soon!

A sweet and sassy holiday romance. This would be perfect to read during the Christmas season.

I liked Jess and Nick - 2 romance writers that broke up years ago but are now forced back together for an awards ceremony. Then they get stranded in a snowstorm at a cute little inn, and when Jess's room reservation is 'lost' she ends up rooming with Nick. Oh, the chemistry these two have.

Will the second chance romance work for these two? Or are they destined to remain enemies forever? There are quite a few romance tropes throughout this book (it's about 2 romance authors after all!), so it was a super cute read.

All I Want is You is a fun, enjoyable, fabulous and spicy holiday romance by Falon Ballard. It brings together so many of my favorite tropes (and does it well) including second chance romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and only one bed. Jess and Nick are both romance authors and are brought together again – after 5 years – when Nick is presented with an award from their publisher and Jess has to present it to him. Of course Mother Nature doesn’t get the memo that Jess wants to flee ASAP, and Nick offers up his room for them to share – hello only one bed! Seeing these two work through their issues and get a second chance at love was just so gooooood – the banter was *chef’s kiss* 😘 I am choosing to look over the reason for the original break-up (boooooo miscommunication trope) and will instead focus on how AMAZING the grand gesture turned out to be and the epilogue scene with the book dedication from Nick to Jess 😍😍

Overall, it was a quick and fun holiday read and Falon Ballard has delivered yet again!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Falon Ballard and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

3.5 STARS
I flew through it in a day! The tension between Nick and Jess was seriously intense, and I loved the whole second-chance romance vibe. The story's set in this cute little inn during Christmas, and things heat up when they get snowed in and have to share one bed. The cozy, festive setting made it even more enjoyable.
I had an issue with Nick's reason for breaking up with Jess five years ago—I felt it cheapened the story quite a bit and was annoying. I also could not stop thinking about the fact that Jess didn't pack enough clothes & was wearing the same underwear for days ... I know it wasn't the point of the book, but still ... gross. Also - was that the same lacey bra & undies from 5 years ago ... ??? Also kind of gross.

But overall, the chemistry between them and the charm of the story kept me hooked.
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for an eARC to enjoy!

Loved this enemies to lovers, forced proximity, holiday romance! I especially loved the banter between Nick and Jess and the idea of a couple that has a Christmas lover, Jess, with someone that is exactly the opposite.

I always love when authors write characters that are authors. It is such a fun glimpse into the publishing side of things. I loved the relationships between the authors and their editors and assistants and other publishing company staff. I loved the appreciation Nick always gave his people.

The twist in this book that brought Jess and Nick back together for a second chance was so well written. I really enjoyed rooting for them to get their happy ending. And the steamy moments sprinkled in were perfect.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I read all books by this author and they are very cute and fun. They aren’t 5 star books for me, but they are really enjoyable. I think 2nd chance romances have become an icon for this author and they really are done well most of the time.

I read an ARC of this novel courtesy of Putnam, NetGalley and the author.

This was such a fun, and quick read. I finished this in one sitting one night when I wasn’t sure what to read. I loved the FMC and MMC and loved that they were willing to do what they needed to do for their own careers even if that meant meeting up again despite their past.

Jess and Nick are published authors. Jess agrees to go to an award ceremony and present Nick with an award despite having no desire to and also feeling as if he is not meant to be a romance novelist. Jess is reluctant to go and is even more annoyed when arriving to the hotel and finding that she doesn’t have a room.

Nick immediately offers her the chance to room with him for a night rather than remaining in the hotel lobby as there is a winter storm causing everyone to have to remain on the hotel property. Jess reluctantly agrees once realizing she has no other choice.

Will a few nights in one room help these two see what they can still have or will it prove that they are meant to be apart?!


I was amazed by how good this was for a short and sweet novel! Definitely recommend!

I absolutely LOVED it. 😍 It was sweet, funny and spicy! Second chance always gets me in my feelings and I teared up so many times in the story. Nick and Jess were perfect for each other and it was such a joy to see them find their way back to each other. I love Christmas romances and I know everyone is going to love this one. I was immediately hooked to the story and couldn’t stop reading. There’s just something about reading a book about authors falling in love and let’s just say these two made writing together fun 😉. The grand gesture was epic and so was the epilogue. I always enjoy finding either quote or song references. You nailed this book for me!! ❤️ cant wait to have it on my shelf!!!!

This is a perfect holiday read. While it’s a book of many tropes (enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, holiday romance, forced proximity, one bed), it does all of them well.

The book was the perfect length. The main characters are lovable, though I think there were too many side characters because I found myself having to search back for names when they came up to remember who they were. The only other thing that bothered me about the story was how out of left field and dumb the reason why the male mc broke up with the female mc in the past. Even though the story tries to explain his motivations and, sure, you can do the mental gymnastics to get there, I was left thinking REALLY?! THAT’S WHY??.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 stars, rounded up.

This is a delectable little holiday-themed palate cleanser. It's absolutely what I needed in the moment. Is it my favorite by Falon Ballard? No. Is it witty and emotional and funny and heartbreaking like all of Falon's books? Yes, absolutely!

Not going to lie, I was turned off at first by the characters being named Nick and Jess. That's a hard association to overcome. As I moved through the story, though, it was clear that while they share some similarities with their famous counterparts, they are different enough to be their own people.

The pacing is perfect and the setting sounds cozy and wonderful! The obstacles that keep coming up flow seamlessly with the narrative. It's on the shorter side for a novel so you can move through it at a good clip.

My biggest problem is that it was harder to connect with the characters. I think the challenge of second chance romances is that a lot of the history, the emotional work, has already happened off page. That's especially true when the reason for the split is unclear or kept secret. I never quite felt their pain.

All that said, I really liked this. It'll make a delightful bit of holiday cheer for readers!

<i>Many thanks to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

When in the same career as your ex you are bound to run into them again... Even if that is at a presentation for him that you have to present out.

This is Christmas, second-chance romance perfection. The two main characters - Nick and Jess - dated for about 3 years when they were both aspiring actors.. They both got agents and book deals at the same time and when it seemed like their life was set, Nick ended their relationship. Now, years later, Jess is asked to introduce Nick at an award show. She isn't interested, but her agent makes it clear that its important to her career. This is a book within a book - the authors are each trying to write a second chance romance book, while living on at the same time. The characters are engaging, their banter is believable, their chemistry excellent. I really enjoyed this one. A perfect cozy Christmas read.

OH EM GEE what a swoon-worthy holiday read this was! All I Want Is You needs to be on everyone's holiday TBR list this year. I'm all about second chances, and Falon Ballard delivered. Nick + Jess forever! Thank you to the publisher for the eARC. Looking forward to reading more rave reviews about this book!

🎄 All I Want is You 🎄

“I cave because of course I do. I always do when it comes to her.“

OH MY HEART! Nick and Jess forever.

Y’all. If Falon Ballard writes it, I’m going to read (and LOVE) it. This one is no exception. I don’t often do holiday romances, but I couldn't resist this one and I AM SO GLAD!

Two romance authors were critique partners who started dating right before their careers launched. Nick and Jess had fabulous chemistry, banter, and spicy romance research up until they signed with publishers and broke up. Nick’s career took off and he became a household name, despite none of his romance books having a HEA. Jess sold some books. But things never quite took off.

Now, five years later, Jess has been asked (forced) to introduce Nick and present him with a Romance Author of the Year award at their publisher’s holiday party. Of course, it’s at an adorable Christmas cottage where everyone gets snowed in and things heat up, despite the winter weather 😏

I ADORED this one! Their banter. The undeniable chemistry. The PINING! Second chance done OH SO WELL.

Y’all don’t want to miss this holiday delight! Check it out for
🎄 Second chance romance
🎄 Romance authors living a second chance romance 😏
🎄 Only one bed in only one hotel room
🎄 Forced proximity
🎄 Hilarious banter
🎄 It was always you
🎄 Short and sweet 256 pages of holiday joy

Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for this ARC! All I Want is You is on shelves September 24, 2024. My opinions are my own.

Jessica has always dreamed of her own happily ever after. Until then, she writes romance novels to mend her heart, left bruised by her ex, Nick, who now competes with her as a successful author of love stories - ones without happy endings. When work brings them both to a remote inn just before Christmas, and a snowstorm forces them to share a room, they find that their mutual irritation might spark the creativity they need. As they turn their conflict into fiction, will Jessica’s heart find a new ending? Nick is the last person she should fall for, but he might just be what she truly wants for Christmas.
This is the 2nd book I've read from this author, after Right on Cue (3.5 stars from me). It was predictable - but spicy - and for someone who loves all things Christmas, I enjoyed the setting and time. Plus, it was fairly short, and I think the length was just about right for what the book was trying to achieve. I enjoyed it while reading, it was fun, but I don't think it's one that will stay with me.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC opportunity!

This was such a cute fun Christmas story. It gave me the same feeling as a Hallmark movie, and i mean that in the best way.

Jess and Nick are both so likable, even when they dont like each other (well mostly Jess on that part, but you get it). The spice was good, but the banter and connection is what i stayed for. I could really feel that they understood each other.

My only criticism is that Jess was so upset with him for ending things but she was literally telling her friends she didnt know if she could handle it? Girl. Lets give him a break on that.

Overall, its a very fun quick Christmas read!

This is the perfect Christmas romance and one you definitely need to read this holiday season! Second chance, forced proximity, only one bed — say less! And add in that both MC’s are romance authors (but 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 only one of them is, IYKYK) and I was immediately sold.

I loved the story and what inevitably brought these characters back together. They had some great banter, both through texts/DMs and in person. It was funny, sweet, and had a lot of tension! Not to mention some great spice.

Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Falon Ballard for an advanced copy of this book!

This book follows two romance writers, Jess and Nick, who dated five years ago. The two authors haven’t run into each other again until they’re both scheduled to attend their publisher’s holiday party, where Jess is presenting Nick with a prestigious award. While Jess does not want to attend, she knows she must for her career. One thing leads to another and the exes are stranded in a hotel near the holidays together.

While I have several of Falon Ballard’s novels on my TBR, this is my first time reading one of her books and I loved it. This book is a quick holiday read and is simply magical. I love a good holiday title and this one put me in the holiday spirit, despite it only being August. This book felt like a Hallmark movie with some spicy scenes thrown in the mix. It was a slow burn and I was cheering for a second chance at romance for Jess and Nick throughout the novel. I can’t wait to recommend this book to my book club for the upcoming holiday season. Add this to your TBRs if you love a holiday romance and spice!

I loved this one so much I think this might be Ballard's best yet. First things first, the main characters are Nick and Jess and as a New Girl lover I was obsessed with this choice. I probably personally could have done without literally mentioning New Girl but it's such a small thing.

This dual POV holiday romance follows two romance writers, 5 years post breakup. Nick is the one who dumped Jess, and she has hated him ever since. She also hates that none of his romances have a HEA (happily ever after) (and rightfully so...the romance genre requires a HEA sorry to burst everyone's bubbles!). He's had an amazing and successful career post breakup while Jess is worried whether her publisher, the same as Nick's, will even pick up the option for her next book. To add insult to injury, the publisher asks Jess to present Nick with the publisher's best romance writer award at their holiday party in a cozy inn in upstate New York, hinting that Jess's career could use the boost. Nick, meanwhile, is still madly in love with his ex, of course, and wonders if seeing her again could be the opportunity he needs to renew their connection even though he feels like he can't tell her the truth about why he broke up with her all those years ago.

Oh, and both he and Jess are suffering from a bit of writer's block. When Nick and Jess start speaking to each other, it ignites a spark for both of them to write their next books. Add in all of the usual holiday and romance cliches which are kind of fun here because both characters are romance writers so it's all tongue-in-cheek. There's a snowstorm and they're stuck at the inn! There's been a mixup with hotel rooms and there's only one room! And there's only one bed! And oh they both realize they're writing the same new book: a second-chance holiday romance! Their publisher suggests that they write the book together because Jess could use the boost and Nick's publisher is tired of his no HEA schtick.

There's a lot of angst between Nick and Jess and I loved getting both of their points of view. There's some very spicy moments and they have so much chemistry together. They know each other so well and in a way that no one else does, so it feels believable. Even their "miscommunication" trope which they both realize is goofy, but sometimes too real, didn't feel like a cop-out. It's the perfect little second-chance holiday romance, just like the book they write together.

I absolutely loves this second chance holiday romance. There is forced proximity, multiple points of view that really add to the story, time jumps(which you need), and great character chemistry. I wanted to read this book because it was a romance(which I love) and a quick read but I was not expecting the emotions I would go through while reading this book! There were points I was laughing and then crying(both sad and happy tears). This is a great read. I was sad for it to end. Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and the author for the experience in reading this book.