I lived this book it was such a fun holiday rom com I can’t wait to read more by this author it was a great book.

If you’re a fan of Hallmark holiday movies but find yourself wishing there was a lot more tingle-inducing spice to them, this is for you.

Fallon Ballard makes deliciously readable books with love stories that pull the readers in and make us root like hell for the main characters, no matter their (relatable) mess.

This book is for romance lovers and optimists, fans of second-chance love and winter storms that cause the perfect amount of trouble.

Get your hands on this one as a gift to yourself and your word nerd friends this holiday season.

I read an ARC via NetGalley, and will absolutely buy it for my book club book swap once it publishes (9/24/24).

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advance reader copy of this delightful book.

"All I Want is You" by Falon Ballard is a heartwarming and festive romance that will leave readers with a smile. Jessica, a small-time romance writer, is yearning for her own happily ever after while her ex-boyfriend Nick, now a successful writer of love stories with unhappy endings, is her biggest rival. Their worlds collide when professional obligations bring them to a remote inn just before Christmas, and a snowstorm forces them to share a room.

Ballard masterfully captures the tension and chemistry between Jessica and Nick, turning their friction into a charming and engaging story. The snowy setting and holiday spirit add a magical touch, making their journey from rivals to potential lovers all the more enjoyable.

"All I Want is You" is a delightful read that perfectly balances humor, romance, and the enchanting atmosphere of the holiday season. Falon Ballard delivers a story that reminds us of the magic of Christmas and the unexpected paths to love.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

All I Want is You is a spicy Hallmark movie script. By that, I mean there is very little plot development with an expected HEA - akin to a Hallmark movie - but lots of spice. In fact, spice is all this couple seems to have holding them together. There really isn’t any cast of characters beyond a couple of texts to give any additional depth or context for the MMCs. For me, Ballard’s newest book is a miss and doesn’t hold up to the talent exhibited in her previous work, Just My Type, which I enjoyed.

Ballard has delivered again. This is a well done romance about two writers who used to date and who are forced together during a snowstorm. It has a lot of romance novel tropes, and it is set at Christmas time so it will definitely be a good read for those looking for a nice holiday romance around, well, the holidays. I genuinely liked both of the main characters, and that was good, because there were not a lot of secondary characters who were given significant page time in this one. It was all Nick and Jess and their relationship. The alternating POVs with the flack backs worked, because without them, it would have felt very flat to have a book that really did stay bubbled around the two main characters.

Given that they were lovers before, the fact that they felt such attraction from the get go was believable because they had had a slow burn build up to their first time together.

There were not a lot of surprises in this book, but that was fine. The writing is good. The dialogue is fun. The story moves well. And you have some good romantic leads to cozy up to. If you liked Ballard's other writing, you won't be disappointed. I find that she is like Abby Jimenez if you are looking for a comparable writer.

I absolutely ADORE Falon Ballard (I've read all her books!) so I was super excited to get approved for this book. It did not disappoint. Short but sweet. I loved the fact that they were both romance authors and the snowed in aspect. My two issues with the book were that there was not a whole lot of character development so the main characters didn't seem to have a whole lot of chemistry, and I didn't think it was realistic that the MMC wrote romances without a happy ending. Is there even such a thing? Either way, I really enjoyed this one. Falon Ballard remains a must-read author for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book! Super Christmasy vibes and it made me go get a peppermint mocha in the middle of June. I didn't really feel a connection to the characters, but their story still had an impact if that makes any sense. I love love the pace + plot! I will definitely look out for more books from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

This book is it! Falon Ballard- check! Christmas romance- check! ‘Enemies to lovers/second chance romance- check!

Jessica and Nick are ex’s and competition as authors. During a snowstorm they are forced to share a cabin together.

I really enjoyed it and will have to reread close to the holidays!

I have read Falon Ballards other books and they were sweet and entertaining. All I Want is You did not quite hit the mark. It was well written but the characters did not seem to have any chemistry and everything happend rather quick in my opinion. I honestly got bored 50 pages in and I had to give up eventually and 'dnf' it.

This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last. It was a great read and a perfect Christmas book. Nick and Jess are romance writers, exes and both work for the same publishing company. They broke up 5 years ago and were thrown back together at a book writers convention where Jess agreed to give Nick an award. Jess was still bitter from the breaking up and Nick was super excited to see Jess again. They ended up getting snowed in together and due to unforseen circumstances they ended up sharing a room together. They were forced to talk about what went wrong in the relationship. They also discovered how much they missed working together. They agreed to work on a book together and that's when the romance resumes. The book takes you through the last 5 years that they were apart and the reason for the break up. I can say, I truely loved the ending of this book. It was magical.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for giving me early access to such a wonderful book. I will recommend it to all my friends.

This book is delightful! I love a second chance romance, and this one did not disappoint. The spice level was perfect for me. Not gratuitous, but spicy and sweet.

Falon Ballard has won this reader’s heart (and devotion) with her latest holiday inspired, second-chance-at-love, enemies-to-lovers, tear-jerking romance, ALL I WANT IS YOU, which has all of the features of what could be the plot of an adorable yet whimsical Hallmark movie. The novel could have been a stereotypical, Nora Ephron-inspired romantic comedy, but it veers straight into steamy romance territory, announcing to Hallmark that their Christmas in July offerings could use a little more S-E-X, because it's not like it's a bad word. And the book is better for this alterarion as Ballard makes the concept her own.

Jess Carrington is an established yet struggling romance writer who has to supplement her income by working in a café: "People tend to be surprised when they find out I'm a published romance author. Not because I don't seem like the type -- I probably fit the stereotypical bill as far as appearance goes -- but because they assume authors make enough money to not have to work at coffee shops. Well, you know what they say about assumptions.”

Nick Matthews is Jess' ex and is one of the more successful romance authors. He is considered something of a unicorn in the industry, he is a straight male who writes romances, but he does not write books with Happily Ever After (HEA) endings, opting instead to subvert the genre. He attributes the lack of HEAs in his work due to his failed relationship with Jess, and the fact that Nick does not subscribe to this all-important feature of the genre has caused other romance writers to regard him with disdain.

Working at the café and counting on some decent tips from customers to help with paying the bills, Jess receives word from her agent that her publisher is holding its annual Holiday Ball, and it will be at this ball when Nick is presented with the award for Romance Writer of the Year. Who will be presenting the award to her ex? You guessed it.

Despite the fact that it has been five years since their break-up, Jess and Nick still harbor strong feelings for each other, though Jess regards Nick as her archnemesis. Does it count though, if he does not know this? Jess does not want to present her ex with an award; heck, she doesn’t even want to go to the Holiday Ball. She can’t afford to take time off from the café. But it is made clear to her that if she wants her publisher to take out an option on her next book, which she is struggling with writing, she needs to be a team player.

Cue the inevitable expensive trip to the resort where the ball is taking place, a wicked winter storm that will prevent our would-be lovers from leaving, and a mix up with room reservations. In other words, all of the elements for the romance are in place, expertly executed by the very brilliant Ballard. This novel has all the stereotypes, all the cliches. And that's okay. It's supposed to. Ballard knows what kind of book she is writing. What is so enchanting is how Ballard gets the reader from one scene to the next. And despite all of the foreshadowing, Ballard does manage to surprise. Readers will smile, laugh, tear up, and cheer.

What is particularly remarkable about this latest entry in Ballard’s oeuvre is this: Amid all of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) commentary about the romance genre and the publishing industry, Ballard is acknowledging that the romance novel CAN be something more while simultaneously acknowledging that it is important to uphold genre’s many traditions.

And I know what people would say: This is a romance, not the real world. But Ballard actually has moments of reality that seep into her romances that are over much too quick. I think that's why I like Ballard's stories and prose so much. I don't know the author personally, but I have the sense that Ballard KNOWS that the romance genre is a legitimate genre that is disrespected by many in the publishing world; Ballard KNOWS that the romance genre props up the publishing industry financially because it sells more books than all of the other genres combined, despite being disrespected by so many in the publishing world; Ballard KNOWS that there is an incredible history (and herstory) to the genre's evolution; finally, Ballard KNOWS that the romance genre can be, for lack of a better word, MORE. Do I want it to be more? I don't know. Part of me loves losing myself in a good, cozy, traditional romantic comedy. That is how I discovered this genre in the first place. On the other hand, after reading romances for close to a decade now, and I admit my knowledge of the genre is lacking, I kind of do want it to be just a little bit . . . more. And I think a writer of Ballard's caliber can steer the ship.

I applaud this new book from Ballard, which feels like a bit of a departure from her other books. She appears to be trying something new. It is more Tessa Bailey than Emily Henry. Fans of BEACH READ, THE HATING GAME, and MEET ME IN THE MARGINS will appreciate this new installment from Ballard.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the arc. I’ve really enjoyed Fallon Ballard’s books in the past, and I enjoyed this one as well!

All I Want Is You featured Nick and Jess (yes, like new girl), in a Christmas-themed, cozy second chance romance (featuring two writers also writing about a second chance romance). This was cozy and cute, and I think it would be a fun read around the holiday season if you want a quick, light read!

one word to describe this was: cute. it was a magical heartwarming holiday read. the tropes include enemies to ex lovers, forced proximity, and second chance romance. a quick adorable read i would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for an e-arc of this title!

Despite loving holidays like Christmas and Halloween, I tend to find these types of books lacking (however, that doesn't stop me from reading them CLEARLY). BUT when I found out that Falon Ballard was coming out with a holiday-themed romance novel, I had to give it a shot. I've really enjoyed her previous titles, so I figured if anyone can make me enjoy a Christmas romance in the middle of June, it's her.

I'm SO glad I was right.

This book was truly short and sweet! One major flaw I find with some of these holiday books is that they are way too long. I think that this book's length will definitely attract readers who want something quick and fun. I also enjoyed the maturity of the characters and the talk about how miscommunication, while overdone in romance novels, is truly a big problem in real-life relationships and does, in fact, contribute to break-ups.

The NYC setting was everything! I wish we got a little more of it, but what we did get was lovely. For most of the book, our setting is the inn - I liked this, but I also think something more atmospheric or engaging would have been ideal. The hotel room/inn was just missing something. In these holiday romances, I think setting is extremely important. Overall, this didn't really take away from the story, but I think readers who want a lot of Christmas vibes could be disappointed - they are definitely present, but they are kind of subtle and not overwhelming.

The only other thing that jumped out to me was how meta this book is. Romance authors, the publishing world, book marketing, second-chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the one-bed trope, are all things that are mentioned by our main character. At times, this works. It's funny to have a little inside joke with the reader, but I think it's a little overdone and I noticed it took me out of the story a few times.

All things considered, I enjoyed this read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, short, holiday-themed romance.

Falon Ballard continues to be my favorite romance author. Something about her books and her writing just speak to me in a way no other author does. I loved this second chance Christmas romance. Nick and Jess were both delightful to follow and watching them work through their past was such a treat. I love books about books and authors and the publishing world and this was no different. I will be sat for everything Falon continues to write in the future.

I want to start by thanking the author Falon Ballard and her publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this advance copy. I had the honor of reading an advance copy of Right on Cue and really enjoying that book but this book is my new favorite holiday romance. So many feels and the angst along with a ton of chemistry put this squarely in a top 5 Holiday book for me!
So Nick and Jess are ex's with a history. They are brought together for an awards ceremony put on by their mutual publisher. Jess has to introduce the award given to Nick and we see the fireworks start going off from the start.
I love a dual POV and Nick has it bad for Jess after making what is admittedly by him his worst mistake by breaking up with her.
This story is centered around Christmas and Jess's love for the holiday. Nick despises the holiday and we discover it's mostly because it reminds him of the one relationship that meant everything to him.
We have enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, one bed, spicy scenes and more.
Just pick up your own copy! You won't regret it!

This book sure made me want a peppermint mocha and a hot chocolate. It's a short and sweet Christmas story of two writers who are trapped in a picturesque inn for a conference because of a snow storm. The problem is that they are exes and have to share a room.

Falon mixes the sweetness of a Christmastime romance and her usual spicy scenes. The grand gesture was perfect for this book and the characters. It comes out in September but it would be perfect to read by a fire while snow is coming down. Thanks for the eARC netgalley.

Read this if you like:
Christmas rom-coms
Second chance romance
Both main characters are novelists
Dual point of view
They are each other's muse
Forced proximity
No heavy topics
Spice 🔥

Another stellar knockout from Falon Ballard! I will read anything written by her, and All I Want Is You is high on my favorites list. This was such a cute and cozy holiday romance that I didn’t want to end. Full of my favorite tropes, with relatable and lovable characters, this was a total hit! I want to read it again in the winter when I’m curled up in a blanket in front of a fireplace. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

This book is a delightful, cozy Christmas tale filled with warmth and charm. It’s a captivating enemies-to-ex-lovers story, set in a snowy backdrop, featuring a second chance at love that I thoroughly enjoyed! If you liked "Beach Read," picture this as its winter counterpart. In this story, a cynical male romance author, famous for his sad endings, crosses paths with a cheerful heroine who brightens his mood, despite her own painful Christmas memory when her true love left her five years ago.

Imagining a soundtrack for this book, Wham's “Last Christmas” and George Michael's “Careless Whisper” would perfectly capture the mood.

I found this quick read delightful, and the only reason I didn’t rate it five stars was due to the frustrating reason behind the hero’s breakup with our lovely heroine. Even though it eventually makes sense, I couldn't help but get annoyed at our brooding hero for being so foolish!

Now, onto the plot: Picture the tune “Who’s that girl” from New Girl playing in the background, because our main characters are named Jess and Nick! Think of them as less quirky, more stubborn versions from the show (another reason for my love for this book as a New Girl fan).

Jess and Nick are both romance novelists. Five years ago, on Jess's favorite holiday, Christmas (which our hero Nick, a total Grinch, managed to ruin), he breaks up with her for reasons unknown, and his writing career skyrockets, making him a bestselling author known for his sad stories. Meanwhile, Jess is stuck working at a coffee shop, struggling with her career and trying to move on.

When Jess is forced by her agent to present the Romance Author of the Year award to none other than Nick Matthews at a big event (which covers her hotel stay and could boost her exposure), she can’t believe her luck. She’s dreading seeing the man who broke her heart and has become a literary star while she’s battling writer's block. But Jess isn’t one to back down from a challenge.

Nick, on the other hand, is also struggling creatively and regrets letting Jess go. When he starts messaging her on social media, he finds himself inspired by the idea of a second chance love story, just as Jess is fueled by their fiery exchanges.

On the night of the event, Jess and Nick expect to part ways after a few awkward hours, but fate has different plans. A snowstorm leaves Jess without a room, and with nowhere else to go, Nick offers to share his room with her. What harm could it do, even if there's only one bed? They promise to be civil and keep their distance.

But as the storm rages on, they’re forced to confront their unresolved feelings and the painful past they share. Could this unexpected night together reignite the spark they once had? Will their imaginary second chance love story become their reality?

In the end, this book is a heartwarming, addictive holiday read that I couldn’t put down. It’s perfect for fans of the author!

A big thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with a digital review copy of this enchanting holiday story in exchange for my honest review.