Member Reviews
"All I Want Is You" is a super cute second chance romance set around Christmas, featuring Jess and Nick, two rival romance authors. The forced proximity trope is well executed when they get snowed in together at a cozy inn, leading to hilarious banter and heartfelt moments. The chemistry between Jess and Nick is palpable, and their journey from exes to rekindled lovers is both engaging and emotional. The grand gesture at the end is a delightful touch, making this book perfect for a cozy Christmas read with a warm drink. The storyline is unique and the characters' backstory adds depth, making their reunion feel genuine and touching.
I loved this second chance holiday romance book. Truly one of Falon Ballard’s best. The chemistry between Nick and Jess was *chef’s kiss*. I will definitely be recommending this book especially through the holiday season!
This was super cute! Second chance, they're both romance authors, forced proximity, they get snowed in together, and the best grand gesture! If you want a cozy Christmas book to fly through while you settle in with a warm drink (or cold cuz it's currently July! lol), this book is perfect for you! Also, the banter and arguing between these main characters is so funny!
This was a really cute holiday read! I’ve read all of Falon Ballard’s book and they’re always a quick read for me. My only complaint for this one is it felt rushed and I felt like the middle of the book needed to be more flushed out. 3.5 stars!
Christmas in June? Sounds perfect - much like this book. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed (like all of Fallon's characters). When the book MC are a Christmas lover and a Christmas grump; you know it's going to be good. It had plot but also spice. Overall, I would definitely recommend this read.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley for an honest review.
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book. A second chance romance set around Christmas (my favorite time of year) of course, sign me up! The premise was so enticing, a couple with the same careers that would inevitably intersect, see that moment come to fruition for the first time since their breakup, during a snow storm, at Christmas time, stranded in a cozy inn during a snow storm, naturally. On top of the fantastic storyline, the main characters names are Nick & Jess, reminding me of another amazing Nick and Jess (from New Girl) who I absolutely loved! They had insane chemistry, the moments they realize they are still in love with each other were heart breaking, the feelings felt real, the forced proximity was pretty believable and the who plot felt unique and engaging. At first I struggled to see the passion and connection between them during flashbacks, I think just because the spicy flashbacks where early in the book, before we really got to know the characters, but once I got past that and really dove into the book and the characters it all came together and really was a fun read!
Second chance romance is my favorite trope and i've always adored fallon's books. I loved this book. Snowstorm and forced proximity goes well in this book and I adored it!
Falon Ballard delivers another heart warming and amazing second chance holiday romance. Ballard is a automatic buy/add to TBR cart for me.
All I Want Is You is a holiday second chance romance following Jess and Nick. I loved the spicy that was included into this story. It absolutely crushed my heart when I found out their relationship back story but im so glad things turned around.
When 2 rival authors (and exes) get snowed in at a cozy hotel and even better, get stuck in 1 room due to no vacancies, things definitely take a change for the better. I cannot say enough amazing things about this new addition to the Ballard timeline.
4 stars! This was the second book by Falon Ballard I have read and it was a very cute one! Second chance is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited to dive into this one. I love Christmas and this book definitely put me in the holiday spirit. Jess and Nick being trapped at an inn in upstate New York due to a snow storm the week before Christmas will give you all the cozy feels. I enjoyed that we got some flashback chapters of previous Christmas's spent between the two of them to give some insight into their past relationship. I didn't love the miscommunication that caused their breakup in the first place. I would definitely recommend if you are in the mood for a holiday read!
Spoiler Free ARC Review: 4 ⭐️
This is the second ARC review I’ve done for Falon and she has yet to disappoint. All I Want Is You is the perfect cozy Christmas romance with a smattering of banter, spice, and pining. Our main characters, Nick and Jess (new girl shout out), are both romance authors for the same publisher as well as exes. They’re both nearing a writing deadline when a snow storm at their holiday party getaway causes them to get stranded far from home. What’s worse is that a mixup at the hotel leads these two reluctant MCs into an awkward one bed situation. Furled by banter, anger, and lust, both Nick and Jess finally make writing breakthroughs on their individual books. Can the couple reconcile, or is the only benefit of the weekend clearing up writers block?
I really loved our FMC, Jess, we learn about her hardships in her career and despite the setbacks she still follows her dreams with determination and gusto. Also huge shoutout to Falon for brining up how the entire romance community hates the overuse of the miscommunication trope, but herself does it in a super realistic way. This book has a cute Hallmark feel to it, without the all the cheesiness.
Overall, this book is super cute for a holiday read. I absolutely recommend All I Want Is You, as well as Falon’s other books. Tropes include: second chance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed, it’s always been you, and holiday romance. Definitely pick this book up!
What a perfect Christmas romance!!! There's just something about the Christmas season and second chances that blends beautifully, and Falon outdid herself with this one!! The story was balanced well with all the Christmas festiveness and plot. It was funny, emotional and steamy!! Not only was this a beautiful love story, but it also felt like it was dedicated to readers and romance writers. There are many fun pop culture references, and callouts to the bookish community. If you love romance novels, reading this will feel like a warm hug!
5 stars perfection, Falon Ballard can do no wrong in my eyes!!
THANK YOU to Falon Ballard, Netgalley, and Putnam books for the advanced reader copy!!
Release day: 9.24
Tags:
-Christmas romance
-second chance
-forced proximity
-one bed
-book lovers
Spice: 3/5
First person/Dual POV
I really enjoyed All I Want Is You. Once I started reading I did not want to put this book down. I had to know how the story was going to end. I will be recommending this romance readers. Looking forward to reading other titles by Ballard.
Falon Ballard’s latest romantic comedy, **All I Want Is You**, delivers a festive treat with a twist. Jessica and Nick, rival romance authors and ex-lovers, find themselves reluctantly reunited at a cozy inn just days before Christmas. Ballard wastes no time plunging the reader into the tension between these two characters, whose past is as stormy as the snowstorm trapping them in a single room with one bed.
Jessica, a hopeful romantic, contrasts sharply with Nick, her once-beloved-turned-nemesis, whose cynicism about love permeates his bestselling, but ironically loveless, novels. The setting of the remote inn, blanketed in snow, provides the perfect backdrop for their rekindled rivalry and unexpected collaboration. Forced to confront their unresolved feelings and professional competition, they embark on a journey filled with witty banter, fiery arguments, and stolen glances that hint at lingering affection.
Ballard’s writing shines as she deftly weaves humor and heart throughout the narrative. The chemistry between Jessica and Nick is palpable, evolving from biting sarcasm to tender moments of introspection. Their journey from animosity to understanding is both entertaining and poignant, offering readers a rollercoaster of emotions as they navigate the complexities of second chances and rediscovered love.
The supporting characters add depth and charm to the story, particularly the innkeeper, whose wisdom and warmth provide a comforting contrast to Jessica and Nick’s tumultuous relationship. The holiday atmosphere is vividly depicted, enhancing the sense of magic and possibility that permeates every page.
While the plot occasionally relies on familiar romantic comedy tropes, Ballard infuses enough originality and depth into the story to keep it engaging and fresh. The pacing is brisk, propelled by sharp dialogue and a series of humorous and heartfelt moments that will leave readers smiling.
In conclusion, **All I Want Is You** is a delightful romantic comedy that captures the spirit of the holiday season while exploring themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Falon Ballard’s witty prose and irresistible characters make this novel a perfect choice for anyone seeking a heartwarming escape into the world of love, rivalry, and second chances.
Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this!
This is just an absolutely adorable, steamy, feel-good, holiday romp. Two romance writers, 5 years post a horrible breakup, are forced back together for a publishers event and end up hitting all the big tropes: snowed in at christmas, single bed, forced to work together. This is dual POV (one of my absolute favorite things), a great amount of chemistry, steeped heavily in a book based career, and the ending 'grand gesture' was just adorable.
Do I think their initial in the past breakup is a bit silly? Yup. Do I think their third act breakup was a bit unnecesssary? yup. But this is just oozing christmas / romance warmth: and truly a cozy read.
I adore books that have a bookish/author theme. I was so excited for this holiday romance based on authors writing a romance! It didn’t disappoint. Thank you NetGalley and Putnam.
I’ll write the story inside the story. It was the second chance, romance about authors, writing a second romance. Such fun. I spent most of the book worried that the reason they originally broke up wouldn’t make any sense and I’m glad that it occurred the way it did.
Perfection!
I ate this up in just a matter of days. I’m convinced there is pure Christmas cookie crack in this book!
This book has all of the marks of a cozy hallmark movie, as well as a love for books which every reader will love!
Our characters are Nick and Jess (yes, like from New Girl). They are both romance writers under the same publishing house, and happen to be exes. Nick is up for romance writer of the year and it just so happens Jess has to present him with the award. Due to a monster snow storm the night of the award ceremony everyone is stuck at the venue with limited room options.
I won’t say anymore in fear of spoiling anything, but we get all of the tropes we would want in a second chance romance. I also think this book may be Falon’s spiciest book yet 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much Netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes
-Second Chance Romance
-Forced Proximity
-One Bed
Dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cutie cutie cute! Love a holiday book and second chance romance. Falon Ballard books are always so good and I'm lucky I got to read this ARC! It was a great read.
Thank you NetGalley and Falon Ballard!
One bed and second chance romance call me intrigued. I love the holidays as well so this was perfect for me. I wanted to read a good holiday romance I know its june but I do love a romance. This didn't disappoint. It wasnt a serious book I could see it being a lifetime movie tbh in the best way. I gave it 4.7 just because the sex scenes were a tad different that what im use to but thats on me.
I love inns. I love the holidays. And I love the forced proximity trope. Fallon delivers all three and so much more in her latest work, a lovely little wintertime romance I’ll definitely pick up again when I want cozy season vibes.
I usually don’t even like second chance romance books but Fallon might make me a believer.