#falon ballard

[jeevesreads]

15 Soft and Tender Romance Books

There are times when I’m in the mood for a tension-filled, unpredictable reading experience, and then there are times when I’m in the mood for something warm and cozy, feel good and uplifting. That doesn’t mean these soft and tender romances don’t tackle tough subjects, it just means they navigate them in ways that bring a flutter to your heart. A soft and tender love story wraps the reader up in…

[bookishbethanyerin]

• january wrap-up •

at it’s-been-84-years long last, january is officially over. i don’t know about you guys, but i have been dissociating hard.

i made it through a whopping 11 contemp romance and fantasy books and 9 historical romance – and none of them were onyx storm because my copy is STILL on its way to me (*shakes fist at january*).

on the writing front…things have not been great. i’m at nearly 90k words in my popstar romance, am nowhere near the third act (🫣), and it feels like i’m forcing the leads to have chemistry at the moment, so i need to take a step back, identify what isn’t working, and then reasses. BUT! i have started working more on my F1 romance and am feeling good about it! So fingers crossed things stay that way and I can finish up this first draft this month (right ahead of actual F1 season starting up)🏎️��

What were your fave reads this month?

[dramaswithasideofkimchi]

Kmuse's Book Reviews (March 7th, 2023)

Its a new week which means new book recommends. #TheCabinetOfDrLeng #NobodyPutsRomcomsInTheCorner #LiarCity #JustMyType

So many great books are out there and I have several that might just tickle your fancy. Come find out what I recommend this week and see if your next five-star read is on my list. (more…) “”

[econometricsstudyblr]

Review of "Just My Type" by Falon Ballard

Rating : 1 / 5 ⭐️

The description of this book initially sparked my interest, but it ultimately proved to be a considerable letdown. I only finished it to add to my reading challenge.

Nearly all the characters as high schoolers, especially the main couple who are, in reality, in their 30s.

Lana's character was particularly irksome and difficult to bear. Her repeated declarations of being a "huge Marvel fan" rapidly became tiresome. While the phrase "Thank Loki (Thor, Odin); Holy Hemsworth" was fine once, it was overused. She can’t draw her own conclusion to safe her life. Throughout the novel, she dwelled on her need to be single, and that she and her love interest could not be together for now. However, her mother's single remark, "Hey, you’ve already been alone almost all your life, you can be with him," was all that was needed for Lana to suddenly realize that it might be possible to have a relationship. This dependence on others for decision-making occurred repeatedly throughout the book, and she never took responsibility for her own life or actions. It was baffling that she had only recently discovered the joy of helping others, given that she was thirty years old.

As for Seth, I have little to say. He was as emotionally immature as Lana, and I would have despised him even more had I been forced to be inside his head. They both acted like children, and the same issues were repeatedly the source of their arguments, even though they had already been discussed. By the end of the book, I had little desire to see them together.

Ultimately, the novel was merely satisfactory, and the characters were exasperating.

[oracleofmadness]

This is a fun, fast-paced romance that, for the most part (picture me tilting my hand side to side), I really enjoyed.

What I loved was that this is a Hollywood romance and a second-chance romance at that! This gave it the wonderful Hollywood cheese I love and (this is very important) some very fiery sex scenes. Which, that's my perfect combo, enemies to lovers with the good spice!

What I didn't love was the lack of communication! I understand the need for friction (especially if it's more than just one kind of friction, yum), but lack in communication is too irritating for me.

Otherwise, I really loved this. It's cute, it's spicy, and it has friction (okay! Stop dirty mind!). Definitely check this out if you're looking for a fun and quick romcom!

Out February 27, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

[herejusttostan]

It's been a while since I posted something of my own here, so here's one of the 2 books I got in the mail today!

Ever since a disastrous high-school break-up, Lana Parker has bounced from one long-term relationship to the next - she even works as a dating and relationship columnist. So, when Lana suddenly finds herself single, she's ready for a break, personally and professionally.

But then her high-school ex, Seth Carson, takes an assignment at Lana's website. Having spent years travelling the world as a freelance journalist, Seth's finally ready to put down roots, even if it means treading on some toes.

Pitted against each other for a shot at a dream job, Seth and Lara are each tasked with writing an article series that goes against their usual dating type: Lana will write about being - and staying - single, while Seth learns how to become boyfriend material.

With their careers on the line, Seth and Lana's chemistry is just as combative - and undeniable - as ever. But when these two square off, it's not only their careers on the line - it's also their hearts.

Has anyone read this one? It looks like an interesting second chance romance novel! 💞

[haleyfury]

Just My Type by Falon Ballard Review

Summary (from the publisher):Lana Parker has never been single for long. After a disastrous break-up with her high school boyfriend, Seth Carson, Lana’s bounced from long-term relationship to long-term relationship. She’s an expert girlfriend, even acting as the resident dating and relationship columnist for one of Los Angeles’s trendiest websites. But now, at the age of thirty, Lana suddenly…

[bookishlyvintage]

happy valentines day my fellow readers 🫶🏻

[shop these book sleeves]

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Just My Type Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝When I decided to relocate and settle in one place, I didn't even have to think about where to go. I'm the spinning needle of a compass and you've always been my true north.❞

❓ #QOTD Would you give an ex a second chance? ❓

🦇 Synopsis: Lana Parker is a serial monogamist. After a life-altering breakup with her high school sweetheart, she's moved from one relationship to the next, preferring the comfort of being in a relationship over being alone. Despite her bad relationship history, she's the dating and relationships columnist for one of Los Angeles' trendiest lifestyle websites. Desperate to break her bad streak and finally write the entertainment column of her dreams, Lana accepts a friendly competition against the high school sweetheart who broke her heart. Lana is tasked with remaining single, while Seth is tasked with settling down and finding "the one." Both assign the other challenges in an attempt to win their own column, not realizing there's so much more than bad history and animosity between them.

💜 Lana Parker is a beautifully realistic, relatable character brimming with nerdy passions, doubts, and quirky faults. The more we learn about the past, the easier it is to understand her present, demonstrating the power of good character development. The pull quotes from Lana and Seth's articles at the beginning of each chapter give us additional insight into their feelings, though I wish we had a few flashbacks to really dive into their history. The writing is clear, quirky, and witty, making it easy to move from one page to the next. I do wish this was a switching POV novel, though, because seeing Seth's POV would have really given this book the added layer it needs. Lana's journey is perhaps the most powerful portion of the entire book. Her growth makes this far more than a simple love story.

🦇 Falon Ballard does a wonderful job of delving into the psyche of her characters. Lana's overall development is beautifully raw and real. Even Lana's relationship with her mother experiences realistic growth; while not fixed entirely, Lana takes the first step at voicing her feelings and understanding her mother's point of view. As someone who would struggle with a similar conversation, it was breathtaking to read, however brief. The history between Lana and Seth is felt from the instant he walks into the room, but it's a relationship with LAYERS, making it all the more believable and relatable. Even when the reason for their breakup is revealed, there's more. Lana finally views the situation from his point of view, understanding it on a level that brings her the closure she needs. My only problem was the cast of secondary characters, who aren't unique enough to easily differentiate. The current chemistry between Lana and Seth needed a little more attention as well; while all their chemistry comes from their shared history, it's not enough to feel the pining or angst they're both experiencing in the present.

💜 If you love romcoms, nerdy references, and swoon-worthy tension, this is the book for you!

💌 Second Chance 💌 Workplace Romance 💌 Forced Proximity 💌 Enemies to Lovers 💌 High School Sweethearts 💌 Self Love/Healing

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[angeprovocateur]

christmas 2024 ⋆⁺₊❅⋆ ⁺₊❆⋆𐙚

went ice skating at a local pond, baked gingerbread cookies, spoiled my cat with endless gifts, read an entire christmas romance by the fireplace, made snow angels with my nieces, cooked a hot pot dinner, and went to see nosferatu 💝

[dilawrosas]

[BOOK REVIEW] ARC: Lease on Love by Falon Ballard

This Falon Ballard book is OUT NOW! ✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️ This book begins with a down-on-her-luck heroine who mixed up two apps and ended up finding a roommate instead of a date. The heroine ends up sharing a home with the hero and began a new career. She ends up becoming closer to the hero and vice versa. The hero’s life changed after his parents passed away years ago, and he needed a huge push to move…

[jeevesreads]

4-STAR AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: All I Want is You by Falon Ballard

Huge thanks to PRH Audio and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the free audiobook! Short and spicy, I binged this in one sitting and have zero regrets. While I’m not the biggest fan of second chance romances in general, I seem to be more forgiving when it’s a holiday romance, lol. I loved the sexual tension between these two, and how it was obvious that they had never truly gotten over each other. While…

[the-forest-library]

May 2024 Reads

Ready or Not - Cara Bastone

Playing for Keeps - Jennifer Dugan

Right on Cue - Falon Ballard

Truly, Madly, Deeply - Alexandria Bellefleur

Happily Never After - Lynn Painter

Check & Mate - Ali Hazelwood

Love at First Book - Jen McKinlay

Lavash at First Sight - Taleen Vaskuni

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame - Olivia Ford

The Book of Doors - Gareth Brown

Harriet the Invincible - Ursula Vernon

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents - Terry Pratchett

The Horse and His Boy - C.S. Lewis

Summer: A Solstice Story - Kelsey E. Gross

Dalmartian - Lucy Ruth Cummins

Mr. Postmouse's Rounds - Marianne Dubuc

Mr. Postmouse Takes a Trip - Marianne Dubuc

Bunny's Book Club Goes to School - Annie Silvestro

Yours in Books - Julie Falatko

Be Prepared - Vera Brosgol

Perfect Example - John Porcellino

Diary of a Mosquito Abatement Man - John Porcellino

King-Cat Comics and Stories #74 - John Porcellino

Hawkeye, Volume 4 - Matt Fraction

She-Hulk, Volume 4 - Rainbow Rowell

One Star Wonders - Mike Lowery

My Good Life in France - Janine Marsh

My Four Seasons in France - Janine Marsh

The Backyard Bird Chronicles - Amy Tan

90s Bitch - Allison Yarrow

Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered - Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark

The Land Before Time Management: ADHDinos - Ryan Keats

ADHD is Awesome - Penn Holderness, Kim Holderness

The Planets - Dave Sobel

The Secret History of Bigfoot - John O'Connor

The Age of Magical Overthinking - Amanda Montell

Everyday Vitality - Samantha Boardman

The Autoimmune Cure - Sara Gottfried

The Anxiety Reset Method - Georgie Collinson

Hit 'Em Where It Hurts - Rachel Bitecofer

Bite by Bite - Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Cooking in Real Life - Lidey Heuck

Seriously So Good - Carissa Stanton

Bold = Highly Recommend

Italics = Worth It

Crossed Out = Nope Thoughts:  Favorite fiction of the month: Ready or Not, which takes a whole bunch of tropes I don't love, but makes me love them. Loved the audiobook narrator, as well.

Favorite non-fiction of the month: Bite by Bite, which is a love letter to food and family. Check it out if you like Ross Gay.

Goodreads Goal: 192/200 2017 Reads | 2018 Reads | 2019 Reads | 2020 Reads | 2021 Reads | 2022 Reads | 2023 Reads | 2024 Reads

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

A second chance at love, small-town romance that’s all sweet with just a hint of heat from the “queen of sweet romance” (Falon Ballard) Sophie Sullivan.

Jillian Keller took the long route to her best life, but is now happily settled in her hometown of Smile, raising her little girl alone while helping her brother run Get Lost Lodge. A lover of structure and routine, she doesn’t need anyone disrupting her carefully curated life.

After chasing and achieving his culinary dreams, Levi Bright realizes he’s still missing something he can’t find in a big city. Returning home to Smile, he intends to build a different future for himself, including reconnecting with family and friends, and creating elevated comfort food for a town he loves.

When Levi and Jilly run into each other, past feelings that never had a chance to bloom flare between them… but she’s been hurt before, and falling for her older brother’s best friend seems like a recipe for drama. But sometimes, a second chance at love leads you right where you’re meant to be.

Review:

Second chance small town romance with your brother's best friend who you've had a crush on all your life? A super sweet read! Jillian Keller is a single mom who has had a bit of a rough time but has finally happily settled back into her hometown of Smile and is raising her daughter alone while helping her brother run the Get Lost Lodge. Jillian was burnt in her last relationship and hasn't really opened up her heart yet... but there is one many who has always had her interest: Levi Bright, her brother's best friend and the one boy she's had a crush on since she was a teen. Levi Bright is a chef who has done it all but is ready to try and find his dream by moving back into his home town. Levi is determined to reconnect with family and friends and build his own restaurant. When Levi and Jilly run into each other, old feelings start up again.... and now Levi is determined to sweep Jilly off her feet, if she would only let him. Jilly is cautious about opening her heart up again and being hurt, but Levi is in it for the long run and wants to prove to Jilly that her feelings are absolutely returned. A very sweet and soft read, perfect for anyone looking for a really cute time. Very fluffy and adorable small town vibes. Levi is the ultimate love interest, he's super caring and patient with Jilly and so supportive. He's honestly just so sweet. The romance was sweet from the get go and this will definitely feel like a cute hallmark movie. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a light hearted romantic read.

Release Date: February 11,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[jcpdiesel21]

Romance February

I read and listened to exclusively romance for the entire month of February (as well as a few days before and afterward). I'm not new to this genre by any means, but caught a craving to read more from it late last year and this was a fun way to dive headfirst into so much of it at once. I managed to fit 16 novels into the month, and here is my official ranking of them:

16. Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

15. A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey

14. Just My Type by Falon Ballard

13. The One by Julia Argy

12. See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

11. Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan

10. Scandalized by Ivy Owens

9. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

8. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

7. Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

6. In the Weeds by B.K. Borison

5. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

4. Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese

3. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

2. The Co-op by Tarah Dewitt

1. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Because I couldn't get enough of Liz and Wes, I also read Better Than the Prom and Wes & Liz's College Road Trip by Liz Painter. Plus I read any bonus chapters or epilogues that I could get my hands on from the books I enjoyed the most!

Bottom line: romance has quickly become one of my favorite genres, and I have found several authors that I would like to read more from throughout the rest of the year and future. I don't mind the predictability of the genre and find it's simply fun to discover how the story leads the couple together. It doesn't matter to me whether the books are sweet, spicy, aimed toward teens or geared toward adults; as long as there is a good story featured, it'll be fun for me to read.

[hannasbookshelf]

𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

A Merry Little Meet Cute - Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone

Lovelight Farms - B.K. Borison

In The Weeds - B.K. Borison

Mixed Signals - B.K. Borison

Cleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco Mellors

The Perfect First - Maya Hughes

The Second We Met - Maya Hughes

The Third Best Thing - Maya Hughes

The Fourth Time Charm - Maya Hughes

Twisted Love - Ana Huang

Twisted Games - Ana Huang

Twisted Hate - Ana Huang

Twisted Lies - Ana Huang

Under One Roof - Ali Hazelwood

Stuck with You - Ali Hazelwood

Below Zero - Ali Hazelwood

The Cheat Sheet - Sarah Adams

The Fine Print - Lauren Asher

Terms and Conditions - Lauren Asher

Final Offer - Lauren Asher

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute - Talia Hibbert

Intercepted - Alexa Martin

Fumbled - Alexa Martin

Blitzed - Alexa Martin

Snapped - Alexa Martin

You Had Me at Hola - Alexis Daria

A Lot Like Adiós - Alexis Daria

The Roughest Draft - Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemung-Broka

Christmas in Quincy - Devney Perry

Indigo Ridge - Devney Perry

Juniper Hill - Devney Perry

Garnet Flats - Devney Perry

Jasper Vale - Devney Perry

The Virgin Suicides - Jeffrey Eugenides

Get a Life, Chloe Brown - Talia Hibbert

Take a Hint, Dani Brown - Talia Hibbert

Act Your Age, Eve Brown - Talia Hibbert

Fast & Hard - Kat Ransom

Fast & Wet - Kat Ransom

Fast & Hot - Kat Ransom

Fast & Wild - Kat Ransom

The Edens - A Legacy Short Story - Devney Perry

Crimson River - Devney Perry

Done and Dusted - Lyla Sage

Picking Peaches - Ansley B Calloway

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass - Lana Del Rey

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki - Baek Se-hee

Desire or Defense - Leah Brunner

Passion or Penalty - Leah Brunner

Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner

A Sweet Mess - Jayci Lee

The Dating Dare - Jayci Lee

Booked on a Feeling - Jayci Lee

Fair Catch - Kandi Steiner

Blind Side - Kandi Steiner

Quarterback Sneak - Kandi Steiner

Hail Mary - Kandi Steiner

Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton

Red, White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston

Lease on Love - Falon Ballard

Just My Type - Falon Ballard

Happy Place - Emily Henry

Love, Theoretically - Ali Hazelwood

Practice Makes Perfect - Sarah Adams

The Neighbor Favor - Kristina Forest