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All I Want Is You
Exes. Professional rivals. Just one bed. What could go wrong?
All Jessica has ever wanted is her own happily ever after. But until that happens, she spends her days as a small-time romance writer, penning satisfying Happily Ever Afters to soothe the heartache left by her ex-boyfriend Nick—also a romance writer and now her biggest rival—who has found success writing love stories without happy endings. It’s what he’s good at, after all . . .
So when their professional obligations bring them to a remote inn a few days before Christmas, they’re a little more than peeved, especially when they get trapped sharing a room in a snowstorm. But what’s more fitting for two romantic writers in a slump? Realizing the friction between them might be the only cure for their writer’s block, they decide to turn their frustration into fiction . . . and the pages start flying. But will Jess’s heart soar, too? Nick is the last guy on earth she should love . . . but what if he is really all she wants for Christmas?
All Jessica has ever wanted is her own happily ever after. But until that happens, she spends her days as a small-time romance writer, penning satisfying Happily Ever Afters to soothe the heartache left by her ex-boyfriend Nick—also a romance writer and now her biggest rival—who has found success writing love stories without happy endings. It’s what he’s good at, after all . . .
So when their professional obligations bring them to a remote inn a few days before Christmas, they’re a little more than peeved, especially when they get trapped sharing a room in a snowstorm. But what’s more fitting for two romantic writers in a slump? Realizing the friction between them might be the only cure for their writer’s block, they decide to turn their frustration into fiction . . . and the pages start flying. But will Jess’s heart soar, too? Nick is the last guy on earth she should love . . . but what if he is really all she wants for Christmas?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2024
427 people are currently reading
36259 people want to read
About the author
Falon Ballard
8 books1,983 followersFalon Ballard is a Los Angeles native who has been writing stories her whole life. After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing, Falon embarked on an eight-year teaching adventure before opening her own event planning business. When she’s not trolling Etsy for the latest merch from her favorite fandoms, she’s hanging out at Disneyland with a pretzel and beer in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,920 reviews
December 19, 2024
*Spoilers*
He admitted he traded his relationship with her to sell more books so your honor I don’t think I was wrong to PUSH HIM IN FRONT OF A TRAIN. Bc he then used HER feelings to break up with her WITHOUT EXPLANATION because he just KNEW that’s what was best for her. ALSO he was like I just think my career would overshadow yours so BYEEEEE. Like what the actual fuck.
I fear you think I’m being dramatic but he literally cited the belief that “he would be much more marketable if he was single and a real life book boyfriend”—TO LEAD ON HIS FANS MIND YOU—as one of his motivations to break up. This is horrifying! I can’t believe a romance author wrote this book.
What do you mean this man doesn't write HEAs but gets all the press and money and awards and movie deals because he's a straight man writing "romance," and he's the HERO?? I don't care that he's self aware because WHAT actually that's worse??? Also what do you mean the heroine had to literally present him with a romance award he doesn’t deserve when she gets PENNIES??? Because get this, she helped him with his first book that got him a six figure book deal only for her to be thanked with a BREAKUP.
He’s a gaslighter and literally no one in this book likes him so why the hell is this a romance book. He is the VILLAIN. AND NOT THE HOT KIND. It’s not angst when he’s just an asshole! And the sex doesn’t mean anything when that’s all there is holding the relationship together! It was definitely a bandaid. There were a ton of flashbacks that basically only had a sex scene and nothing else, so it was like “see! they used to have good sex so they’re perfect for each other!”
I never had any respect for that man, but I sure as hell don’t have any respect for her for going back to him. I damn near lost respect for myself while reading this book.
The narrators were great but wasted on a mess of a book. It’s harder for me to like a contemporary male narrator, but this one was good! Unfortunately, I hated the character he was narrating, and there was something about hearing a man narrating a horrible man‘s words that DROVE ME INSANE.
I also just was not a fan of the writing. The first present style was clunky and full of telling not showing. Definitely some flowery prose that I struggled with, especially coming from that man’s mouth.
Overall, there’s definitely an obvious conversation to be had about privilege in the industry—especially for straight white women—but this felt OFF. Like what was the point? It created a different issue and then blew everything up. How is it supposed to be cute when a straight white man gets everything by doing the bare minimum and is rewarded by being the hero? Also why try to tackle this in a holiday romance? Christmas deserved better.
I received a free copy from PRH Audio. All opinions are honest and my own.
He admitted he traded his relationship with her to sell more books so your honor I don’t think I was wrong to PUSH HIM IN FRONT OF A TRAIN. Bc he then used HER feelings to break up with her WITHOUT EXPLANATION because he just KNEW that’s what was best for her. ALSO he was like I just think my career would overshadow yours so BYEEEEE. Like what the actual fuck.
I fear you think I’m being dramatic but he literally cited the belief that “he would be much more marketable if he was single and a real life book boyfriend”—TO LEAD ON HIS FANS MIND YOU—as one of his motivations to break up. This is horrifying! I can’t believe a romance author wrote this book.
What do you mean this man doesn't write HEAs but gets all the press and money and awards and movie deals because he's a straight man writing "romance," and he's the HERO?? I don't care that he's self aware because WHAT actually that's worse??? Also what do you mean the heroine had to literally present him with a romance award he doesn’t deserve when she gets PENNIES??? Because get this, she helped him with his first book that got him a six figure book deal only for her to be thanked with a BREAKUP.
He’s a gaslighter and literally no one in this book likes him so why the hell is this a romance book. He is the VILLAIN. AND NOT THE HOT KIND. It’s not angst when he’s just an asshole! And the sex doesn’t mean anything when that’s all there is holding the relationship together! It was definitely a bandaid. There were a ton of flashbacks that basically only had a sex scene and nothing else, so it was like “see! they used to have good sex so they’re perfect for each other!”
I never had any respect for that man, but I sure as hell don’t have any respect for her for going back to him. I damn near lost respect for myself while reading this book.
The narrators were great but wasted on a mess of a book. It’s harder for me to like a contemporary male narrator, but this one was good! Unfortunately, I hated the character he was narrating, and there was something about hearing a man narrating a horrible man‘s words that DROVE ME INSANE.
I also just was not a fan of the writing. The first present style was clunky and full of telling not showing. Definitely some flowery prose that I struggled with, especially coming from that man’s mouth.
Overall, there’s definitely an obvious conversation to be had about privilege in the industry—especially for straight white women—but this felt OFF. Like what was the point? It created a different issue and then blew everything up. How is it supposed to be cute when a straight white man gets everything by doing the bare minimum and is rewarded by being the hero? Also why try to tackle this in a holiday romance? Christmas deserved better.
I received a free copy from PRH Audio. All opinions are honest and my own.
November 10, 2024
Alright guys! I have to admit, this is a magical, heartwarming Christmas read, and also a great enemies-to-ex-lovers, forced proximity, second chance romance that I truly enjoyed! It can be considered as the winter version of "Beach Read," where a pessimistic male romance writer who became famous for his non-HEAs meets a sunshiney heroine who brings cheer to his grumpiness, even though her most unforgettable Christmas was also one of her most heartbreaking, where her love of life dumped her five years ago.
I think if there were a soundtrack for this book, it would start with Wham’s “Last Christmas” and George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.”
Anyways, I loved this quick read so much, and the only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of why our hero broke things off with our lovely heroine. Even though things make sense in the long term, I still rolled my eyes and wanted to give deadly glares to our sullen hero for acting extra dumb!
Let’s move on to the plot: Before I start, let's add New Girl’s soundtrack song “Who’s that girl” for some chapters to play in because our main characters’ names in this book are Jess and Nick! Less quirky, more stubborn versions! (another reason to love this book for my dedication to the show)
Jess and Nick are both romance writers. Five years ago, at Jess’s favorite holiday (yes: freaking Christmas, and our hero is absolutely a Grinch for stealing the spirit), Nick breaks up with her for unknown reasons, and his career takes off, turning him into an NY Times Bestseller author who gives life to unhappy endings (some people are addicted to tear jerkers, I guess). In the meantime, Jess struggles with her career, working in a coffee shop to make ends meet and trying to move on with her life.
When Jess’ agent forces her to give the Romance Author of the Year award to her ex, Nick Miller -sorry-Matthews, for the SVP organization, which will cover her hotel room for the night and give her an opportunity for some exposure by showing how good of a team player she is, she thinks this is a cosmic joke of the universe! She doesn’t want to reunite with the man who broke her heart and delivers him his award as his career skyrockets while hers is stuck in writer’s block. But in the meantime, she is not a quitter without a fight.
On the other hand, Nick also struggles with writer’s block, resenting his decision to let Jess get away and still having deep feelings for her. Interestingly, the moment he starts DMing her through social media, the idea of a second chance novel plot appears in his mind, just like Jess who is inspired by their argumentative banters as well.
When they finally get together at the event night, they think they will spend only a few hours together and go their separate ways, living their lonely lives. But fate has other plans, like the reservation mistake that results in Jess having no room and a snowstorm outside that traps them in the place.
Thankfully, Nick has a room and he’s ready to share it with Jess. What harm can it do, even though there’s only one bed in the room? They will spend only one night together. They can be civil: no need to fight or tear each other’s clothes off, right?
But what if the snowstorm has no intention to end and they find themselves in another career-related situation that pushes them to bury the hatchet and fix their problems from their shared heart-wrenching past? What if their second chance romance ideas turn into reality for themselves?
Overall, it’s a sweet, swoon-worthy, and addictive holiday read that I truly enjoyed as a devoted fan of the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this lovely holiday book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I think if there were a soundtrack for this book, it would start with Wham’s “Last Christmas” and George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.”
Anyways, I loved this quick read so much, and the only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of why our hero broke things off with our lovely heroine. Even though things make sense in the long term, I still rolled my eyes and wanted to give deadly glares to our sullen hero for acting extra dumb!
Let’s move on to the plot: Before I start, let's add New Girl’s soundtrack song “Who’s that girl” for some chapters to play in because our main characters’ names in this book are Jess and Nick! Less quirky, more stubborn versions! (another reason to love this book for my dedication to the show)
Jess and Nick are both romance writers. Five years ago, at Jess’s favorite holiday (yes: freaking Christmas, and our hero is absolutely a Grinch for stealing the spirit), Nick breaks up with her for unknown reasons, and his career takes off, turning him into an NY Times Bestseller author who gives life to unhappy endings (some people are addicted to tear jerkers, I guess). In the meantime, Jess struggles with her career, working in a coffee shop to make ends meet and trying to move on with her life.
When Jess’ agent forces her to give the Romance Author of the Year award to her ex, Nick Miller -sorry-Matthews, for the SVP organization, which will cover her hotel room for the night and give her an opportunity for some exposure by showing how good of a team player she is, she thinks this is a cosmic joke of the universe! She doesn’t want to reunite with the man who broke her heart and delivers him his award as his career skyrockets while hers is stuck in writer’s block. But in the meantime, she is not a quitter without a fight.
On the other hand, Nick also struggles with writer’s block, resenting his decision to let Jess get away and still having deep feelings for her. Interestingly, the moment he starts DMing her through social media, the idea of a second chance novel plot appears in his mind, just like Jess who is inspired by their argumentative banters as well.
When they finally get together at the event night, they think they will spend only a few hours together and go their separate ways, living their lonely lives. But fate has other plans, like the reservation mistake that results in Jess having no room and a snowstorm outside that traps them in the place.
Thankfully, Nick has a room and he’s ready to share it with Jess. What harm can it do, even though there’s only one bed in the room? They will spend only one night together. They can be civil: no need to fight or tear each other’s clothes off, right?
But what if the snowstorm has no intention to end and they find themselves in another career-related situation that pushes them to bury the hatchet and fix their problems from their shared heart-wrenching past? What if their second chance romance ideas turn into reality for themselves?
Overall, it’s a sweet, swoon-worthy, and addictive holiday read that I truly enjoyed as a devoted fan of the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this lovely holiday book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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August 16, 2024
3.75 ˖⁺‧✮
you should definitely read this romance! it’s a slow second chance burn between romance authors. it’s my second book about authors, is it, like, a new trend?.
i don’t like writing previews to books, because you can read them by yourself, but… summary: basically, they dated 5 years ago, and throughout their relationship they both achieved a lot of success. one day, he break up with her, leaving both of them heartbroken. then(5 years later) she gets to give an award to the best romance author in her publishing company, and… it’s him. she gives him an award. then there is snow, no trains, no rooms available👀
general thoughts
it’s definitely a slow burn. if you want an approximate percentage, it’s way over 70%, even though they both together (in same space) like for most of the book. stolen glances, inner monologues, nights together added to already existed tension enormously. and even though you had to wait for them to get together, time passed incredibly fast.
plot
i like the idea and writing. very simple and easy to read. perfect for vacation or getting out of slump read. the only thing that left me questioned was book. (both characters were writing a book together) it didn’t really make sense. a couple of weeks ago, i read “Not In My Book” and characters there were also writing book together. it was one of main ideas/conflicts there, while in this book, it felt more like subplot. why is it bad? there wasn’t much development, which was disappointing. we got to read some pieces, but at the end, i still don’t have the whole idea of what that book was about, except them playing characters.
characters
i wished to read more about other characters in the book, because they all were interesting and had personalities. i like jess as main character. she was definitely annoying some moments, but at least she wasn’t denying her feelings. nick was definitely a little bit stupid but also caring. i understand his motive to break up, but still… communication would solve everything!!!!!!
Thank you Edelweiss and Penguin Random House for approving my request for an arc.
pre-read
another winter romance? i’m here for it🙌🏻⛄️❄️
you should definitely read this romance! it’s a slow second chance burn between romance authors. it’s my second book about authors, is it, like, a new trend?.
i don’t like writing previews to books, because you can read them by yourself, but… summary: basically, they dated 5 years ago, and throughout their relationship they both achieved a lot of success. one day, he break up with her, leaving both of them heartbroken. then(5 years later) she gets to give an award to the best romance author in her publishing company, and… it’s him. she gives him an award. then there is snow, no trains, no rooms available👀
general thoughts
it’s definitely a slow burn. if you want an approximate percentage, it’s way over 70%, even though they both together (in same space) like for most of the book. stolen glances, inner monologues, nights together added to already existed tension enormously. and even though you had to wait for them to get together, time passed incredibly fast.
plot
i like the idea and writing. very simple and easy to read. perfect for vacation or getting out of slump read. the only thing that left me questioned was book. (both characters were writing a book together) it didn’t really make sense. a couple of weeks ago, i read “Not In My Book” and characters there were also writing book together. it was one of main ideas/conflicts there, while in this book, it felt more like subplot. why is it bad? there wasn’t much development, which was disappointing. we got to read some pieces, but at the end, i still don’t have the whole idea of what that book was about, except them playing characters.
characters
i wished to read more about other characters in the book, because they all were interesting and had personalities. i like jess as main character. she was definitely annoying some moments, but at least she wasn’t denying her feelings. nick was definitely a little bit stupid but also caring. i understand his motive to break up, but still… communication would solve everything!!!!!!
Thank you Edelweiss and Penguin Random House for approving my request for an arc.
pre-read
another winter romance? i’m here for it🙌🏻⛄️❄️
September 25, 2024
REVIEW TO COME💖!!!!!!!!
October 14, 2024
Oh my gosh, I absolutely devoured this book in just one day! It had everything: sweet moments, witty banter, and a cozy Christmas vibe. The second-chance romance and slow-burn tension between Jess and Nick had me hooked, and throw in a snowstorm for some forced proximity? Yes, please!
But, I gotta say, I wish we got more of them together. We get some flashbacks to their past Christmases, but when they finally make up, the book is almost over. I wanted more of those cute, couple-y moments! The buildup to their breakup was super intense, but when the big reveal came, I felt a bit let down. It was just some classic miscommunication! I mean, seeing the breakup scene would’ve really helped us understand what went down.
As for the characters, they were mostly great, though Nick could be a bit of a lovable idiot at times. If you're into enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and a warm, cozy holiday feel, then this book is an absolute must-read!
Read this if you like:
❄️ Second chance romance
❄️ Only one bed
❄️ Forced proximity
❄️ They both are romance authors
But, I gotta say, I wish we got more of them together. We get some flashbacks to their past Christmases, but when they finally make up, the book is almost over. I wanted more of those cute, couple-y moments! The buildup to their breakup was super intense, but when the big reveal came, I felt a bit let down. It was just some classic miscommunication! I mean, seeing the breakup scene would’ve really helped us understand what went down.
As for the characters, they were mostly great, though Nick could be a bit of a lovable idiot at times. If you're into enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and a warm, cozy holiday feel, then this book is an absolute must-read!
Read this if you like:
❄️ Second chance romance
❄️ Only one bed
❄️ Forced proximity
❄️ They both are romance authors
October 26, 2024
thank you to netgalley, falon ballard, and putnam for the arc to read this book!
ੈ♡˳ rating: four of five stars
ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
this book was super cute! it was also very short, not novella short but definitely a one day read if you have the time. i’m a big sucker for christmas books and christmas time in general. jess is a sucker for christmas, just like me, but the last few years christmas has been a dud for her because her boyfriend/love of her life broke up with her a few days after christmas. they are both romance authors who go through all the tropes they put their characters through in their books. this was a pretty cute book, a little spicy but not nearly as spicy as other books i’ve read. i would probably say 2/5 stars on the spice level. i would recommend this book to many friends!
ੈ♡˳ tropes
ꕥ second chance romance
ꕥ holiday proximity
ꕥ one bed
ꕥ forced proximity
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes
“ೃ⁀➷ no quotes because an arc is always subject to change!
◡̈ ◡̈ ◡̈
ੈ♡˳ rating: four of five stars
ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
this book was super cute! it was also very short, not novella short but definitely a one day read if you have the time. i’m a big sucker for christmas books and christmas time in general. jess is a sucker for christmas, just like me, but the last few years christmas has been a dud for her because her boyfriend/love of her life broke up with her a few days after christmas. they are both romance authors who go through all the tropes they put their characters through in their books. this was a pretty cute book, a little spicy but not nearly as spicy as other books i’ve read. i would probably say 2/5 stars on the spice level. i would recommend this book to many friends!
ੈ♡˳ tropes
ꕥ second chance romance
ꕥ holiday proximity
ꕥ one bed
ꕥ forced proximity
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes
“ೃ⁀➷ no quotes because an arc is always subject to change!
◡̈ ◡̈ ◡̈
December 25, 2025
Hallmark made spicy 🌶️
December 12, 2024
just two authors who know readers hate the miscommunication trope, written by an author that subjects them to it ?? HUH
November 30, 2025
So glad I picked this one up!
Quick read (less than 300 pages). Some spice, some humor, lots of feel good second chance romance!
I love a good romance when both main characters are authors. In this book, both are romance authors who used to date. He writes romances with tragic endings (the blasphemy!) and she writes romances with HEA (the way it should be done!). All of the fun romance tropes ensue and the story concludes with a wonderful ending that is sure to please the masses. I enjoyed the back stories of their Christmases spent together as the book has a few past/present alternating chapters.
🎁He never stopped loving her
🎁One bed
🎁Snowed in
🎁3rd act break up
🎁He's the hero
🎁HEA
📖Recommendations: If you read and enjoyed 'The Roughest Draft' by Emily Wibberley, you will enjoy this book (and might like it even better), they are very similar, the biggest difference being the season- summer vs winter/xmas. If you enjoyed this book, I then recommend The Roughest Draft.
Quick read (less than 300 pages). Some spice, some humor, lots of feel good second chance romance!
I love a good romance when both main characters are authors. In this book, both are romance authors who used to date. He writes romances with tragic endings (the blasphemy!) and she writes romances with HEA (the way it should be done!). All of the fun romance tropes ensue and the story concludes with a wonderful ending that is sure to please the masses. I enjoyed the back stories of their Christmases spent together as the book has a few past/present alternating chapters.
🎁He never stopped loving her
🎁One bed
🎁Snowed in
🎁3rd act break up
🎁He's the hero
🎁HEA
📖Recommendations: If you read and enjoyed 'The Roughest Draft' by Emily Wibberley, you will enjoy this book (and might like it even better), they are very similar, the biggest difference being the season- summer vs winter/xmas. If you enjoyed this book, I then recommend The Roughest Draft.
January 30, 2025
Second-chance romance? More like “You showed me who you are and I still decided to ignore your red flags which, by the way, are all still here”.
Honestly, this fucking guy.
May I present you Nick Matthews, the embodiment of the “good guy” who never does anything wrong, it's never his fault - when he's the one who broke up with you for HIS selfish reasons and then used your feelings as a justification - and if you don't want to date him he's cool with that, emotional blackmail and gaslighting aside.
This guy is supposed to be the best writer in the whole world - even if he has the depth of a golden fish - and swims in his white male privilege while whining around about being excluded from the writers' community because he doesn't write happy endings (poor thing), even if he's a best-selling author with movies in the way and a six figures contract (it's so sad, I know).
Like, how can he be described as a romance author in the first place is a mystery to me, but let's ignore that.
The other aspect I didn't see coming is how much this story revolves around smut.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's kinda boring because it's supposed to build this tension between Nick and Jess but, really, only made me dislike even him more, especially when he was the one describing the scene - again, this man does not know how to write.
What they say it's true: even with all the best intentions and efforts, a second-chance romance is one of the most difficult tropes to write, and not all writers can succeed with it, especially when they can't see how problematic it is what they're writing.
↠ 1.8 star
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Honestly, this fucking guy.
May I present you Nick Matthews, the embodiment of the “good guy” who never does anything wrong, it's never his fault - when he's the one who broke up with you for HIS selfish reasons and then used your feelings as a justification - and if you don't want to date him he's cool with that, emotional blackmail and gaslighting aside.
This guy is supposed to be the best writer in the whole world - even if he has the depth of a golden fish - and swims in his white male privilege while whining around about being excluded from the writers' community because he doesn't write happy endings (poor thing), even if he's a best-selling author with movies in the way and a six figures contract (it's so sad, I know).
Like, how can he be described as a romance author in the first place is a mystery to me, but let's ignore that.
The other aspect I didn't see coming is how much this story revolves around smut.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's kinda boring because it's supposed to build this tension between Nick and Jess but, really, only made me dislike even him more, especially when he was the one describing the scene - again, this man does not know how to write.
What they say it's true: even with all the best intentions and efforts, a second-chance romance is one of the most difficult tropes to write, and not all writers can succeed with it, especially when they can't see how problematic it is what they're writing.
↠ 1.8 star
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 20, 2024
All I Want Is You is a quick read(245 pages). I had fun reading it and I absolutely love Jess our main character. She's a great hard working woman and I wanted her to be happy.....just not with Nick. Nick is the asshole who broke her heart 5 years earlier. Depending on the reason why he broke her heart, I could have rooted for them....but I don't.
This obviously a Christmas Romance so we know they end up together but I really wish they hadn't. I still had fun reading this book and I recommend it to my Romance girls...I just couldn't ship them given why they broke up. Also I was told that Nick did a grand gesture to win Jess back but they clearly left that part out of the book. Maybe my book is missing some pages because I didn't see it.
That's the end of the review...the rest is my spoiler-y thoughts on Nick.
I liked this book and the Christmas vibes were great.
****************************************
Nick and Jess are writers and Nick dumped Jess because he wanted money and fame. His friend said he would sell more books if he was single. And he overheard Jess telling her friends she was concerned that his career would overshadow hers and instead of talking to her he dumped her for money and fame. It's a no for me but I understand that Romance readers are more forgiving of the unforgivable.
Nick can go to Hell forever.
This obviously a Christmas Romance so we know they end up together but I really wish they hadn't. I still had fun reading this book and I recommend it to my Romance girls...I just couldn't ship them given why they broke up. Also I was told that Nick did a grand gesture to win Jess back but they clearly left that part out of the book. Maybe my book is missing some pages because I didn't see it.
That's the end of the review...the rest is my spoiler-y thoughts on Nick.
I liked this book and the Christmas vibes were great.
****************************************
Nick and Jess are writers and Nick dumped Jess because he wanted money and fame. His friend said he would sell more books if he was single. And he overheard Jess telling her friends she was concerned that his career would overshadow hers and instead of talking to her he dumped her for money and fame. It's a no for me but I understand that Romance readers are more forgiving of the unforgivable.
Nick can go to Hell forever.
December 9, 2024
I really enjoyed Falon Ballard's first two books, but I have no idea what's happened since then, as her last two books were Not It. I love a good second chance romance but there was no reason for these people to ever get back together, and there was every reason for her to never speak to him again. This man is TRASH.
I quickly realized I wasn't enjoying this book, because the pacing felt really off. Our MC went from antagonizing her ex to sharing his room and sleeping in one bed and even cuddling really really fast, when there was no incentive for her to think he'd changed since their break-up, and when she still didn't know why he broke up with her. This made them reconnecting very hard to understand, considering their circumstances hadn't changed. But it got just SO much worse from there.
At about 70% in we still don't know the reason for the break-up, and there's this exact quote: "Nick has made it clear he has no intention of explaining what went wrong between us five years ago. But I'm honestly starting to not really care." And umm... I actually DID care! I cared VERY MUCH. What do you mean, you're starting to not care?? What makes you think anything has changed?
So yeah, that sealed the deal on me absolutely hating this book. AND THEN. We get the actual reason for the break-up, which is a deeply selfish, fucked-up reason, which boils down to him choosing his career over her. And she forgives him so easily? What do you mean?? If he loved his career more than you, he should marry that instead! It was completely wild how easily she accepted this beyond fucked up reason and took him back, and I'm actually angry.
Not to mention that Nick's books are being published as romance novels even though they don't have a HEA. That in itself was reason enough for me to dislike him but he was so much worse than that.
I quickly realized I wasn't enjoying this book, because the pacing felt really off. Our MC went from antagonizing her ex to sharing his room and sleeping in one bed and even cuddling really really fast, when there was no incentive for her to think he'd changed since their break-up, and when she still didn't know why he broke up with her. This made them reconnecting very hard to understand, considering their circumstances hadn't changed. But it got just SO much worse from there.
At about 70% in we still don't know the reason for the break-up, and there's this exact quote: "Nick has made it clear he has no intention of explaining what went wrong between us five years ago. But I'm honestly starting to not really care." And umm... I actually DID care! I cared VERY MUCH. What do you mean, you're starting to not care?? What makes you think anything has changed?
So yeah, that sealed the deal on me absolutely hating this book. AND THEN. We get the actual reason for the break-up, which is a deeply selfish, fucked-up reason, which boils down to him choosing his career over her. And she forgives him so easily? What do you mean?? If he loved his career more than you, he should marry that instead! It was completely wild how easily she accepted this beyond fucked up reason and took him back, and I'm actually angry.
Not to mention that Nick's books are being published as romance novels even though they don't have a HEA. That in itself was reason enough for me to dislike him but he was so much worse than that.
October 30, 2024
This is a great book if you don’t like character developments, plots, or anything other than sex. I usually love Falon’s books but this sucked girl I’m sorry
November 13, 2024
I’ve been reading a ton of holiday romance lately to prepare for my reading guide and this is one of the best ones I’ve read recently! The author never misses for me, her books have a great balance of banter, heat, tenderness and humor and this one had that all wrapped up in a big Christmas bow. Both narrators nailed the emotional component of the characters and brought this charming story to life
August 13, 2025
I've had good luck with Falon Ballard in the past, but this one wasn't for me. I liked the premise of two exes and rival writers being snowed in and forced to collaborate on a holiday romance, but the story was so overly focused on their physical relationship. Every flashback was an explicit intimate scene, and every present moment felt unnecessarily charged with sexual tension. I hated it.
On a more positive note, I enjoyed the rivalry itself, which addresses the difference between a love story and a romance. If you're part of the romance book community, you know what I mean! It was fun to see that argument explored here, with Jessica frustrated over Nick's recognition as a romance author.
The epilogue almost bumped it up a star (it was adorable!), but it wasn’t enough to save the overall experience for me. Womp, womp!
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, explicit details)
On a more positive note, I enjoyed the rivalry itself, which addresses the difference between a love story and a romance. If you're part of the romance book community, you know what I mean! It was fun to see that argument explored here, with Jessica frustrated over Nick's recognition as a romance author.
The epilogue almost bumped it up a star (it was adorable!), but it wasn’t enough to save the overall experience for me. Womp, womp!
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, explicit details)
December 18, 2024
i needed a light, easy book so i guess it did the job. it has been cemented in my mind though that i actually don’t enjoy dual pov romances as much.
January 2, 2025
This is my first by this author and I see what all the hype is about! 😍 You and your BF are authors.. 😍 He has a best seller… you.. do not.😟..He then proceeds to dump you… Umm WHAT? 🤨 No spoilers here… this is right at the start of the book… and it only get better! 😉 The banter… Second chance.. super cute and fast read!! 🫶
November 22, 2024
Book Review 📖✨🎄
thank you so much partner @putnambooks for the gifted copy!
All I Want Is You
by Falon Ballard
About the book 👇🏽
Exes. Professional rivals. Just one bed. What could go wrong?
All Jessica has ever wanted is her own happily ever after. But until that happens, she spends her days as a small-time romance writer, penning satisfying Happily Ever Afters to soothe the heartache left by her ex-boyfriend Nick—also a romance writer and now her biggest rival—who has found success writing love stories without happy endings. It’s what he’s good at, after all . . .
So when their professional obligations bring them to a remote inn a few days before Christmas, they’re a little more than peeved, especially when they get trapped sharing a room in a snowstorm. But what’s more fitting for two romantic writers in a slump? Realizing the friction between them might be the only cure for their writer’s block, they decide to turn their frustration into fiction . . . and the pages start flying. But will Jess’s heart soar, too? Nick is the last guy on earth she should love . . . but what if he is really all she wants for Christmas?
✨My thoughts:
Not me staying awake until 5am to finish this book… I cried. clearly I’m hormonal.. obviously I loved it!! This book is so bingeable that you will not be able to put it down once you start, and guaranteed to make you swoon. I love the snowed in trope and Falon Ballard DELIVERED. It easily became one of my favorite holiday books and quickly became a must read book recommendation for winter 2024! If you’re looking for a loveable romance to put you in the holiday mood and that you can read in one weekend (or sitting), this is the one to pick up! All I Want Is You is out NOW!
Happy reading 📖✨🎄
thank you so much partner @putnambooks for the gifted copy!
All I Want Is You
by Falon Ballard
About the book 👇🏽
Exes. Professional rivals. Just one bed. What could go wrong?
All Jessica has ever wanted is her own happily ever after. But until that happens, she spends her days as a small-time romance writer, penning satisfying Happily Ever Afters to soothe the heartache left by her ex-boyfriend Nick—also a romance writer and now her biggest rival—who has found success writing love stories without happy endings. It’s what he’s good at, after all . . .
So when their professional obligations bring them to a remote inn a few days before Christmas, they’re a little more than peeved, especially when they get trapped sharing a room in a snowstorm. But what’s more fitting for two romantic writers in a slump? Realizing the friction between them might be the only cure for their writer’s block, they decide to turn their frustration into fiction . . . and the pages start flying. But will Jess’s heart soar, too? Nick is the last guy on earth she should love . . . but what if he is really all she wants for Christmas?
✨My thoughts:
Not me staying awake until 5am to finish this book… I cried. clearly I’m hormonal.. obviously I loved it!! This book is so bingeable that you will not be able to put it down once you start, and guaranteed to make you swoon. I love the snowed in trope and Falon Ballard DELIVERED. It easily became one of my favorite holiday books and quickly became a must read book recommendation for winter 2024! If you’re looking for a loveable romance to put you in the holiday mood and that you can read in one weekend (or sitting), this is the one to pick up! All I Want Is You is out NOW!
Happy reading 📖✨🎄
lost-interest
November 21, 2024I saw fringebookreviews's Tiktok (aka Hannah B.) about this, and I think I will pass. She also has a review here on GR if you are interested.
February 4, 2025
This is the kind of second chance I love
December 7, 2024
I never wanted a couple to not end up together more than when reading this book!
November 23, 2024
I thought I had read a book by Falon Ballard before, but it turns out All I Want Is You is my first! I immediately went to her books on Goodreads and added them to my want to read list, and I have a feeling she could easily become one of my favorite authors. I loved that the setting is around Christmas, though I do wish she had leaned on that a bit more because I didn’t get the amount of Christmas cheer I was really hoping for from a holiday romcom. That being said, the tension and forced proximity trope were on point, and I also loved the addition of only-one-bed. Nick and Jessica (thank you Ballard for the New Girl reference!) had lots of chemistry, and it was so palpable that it jumped right off the page.
The audiobook is quite lovely as well, and something I would highly recommend. Sarah Naughton voices Jessica while Marwan Salama voices Nick and they were both excellent for their characters. We also get Ballard reading her own dedication and acknowledgements which was a real treat for me. All I Want Is You would make a wonderful Hallmark movie minus all of the spicy scenes which I swear take up a huge section of the book if we went by percentage. Since I was listening to audio, I felt like I was constantly listening to sex scenes, and it was honestly a little weird. 🤣 I would have liked a bit more substance than spice with this one, but it was a fun read, and Nick is lucky Jess forgave him for his reason for leaving. Just saying. Read this if you like books where the steam takes center stage, adorably tearful endings, and not-so-perfect leading men.
My Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶.5/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The audiobook is quite lovely as well, and something I would highly recommend. Sarah Naughton voices Jessica while Marwan Salama voices Nick and they were both excellent for their characters. We also get Ballard reading her own dedication and acknowledgements which was a real treat for me. All I Want Is You would make a wonderful Hallmark movie minus all of the spicy scenes which I swear take up a huge section of the book if we went by percentage. Since I was listening to audio, I felt like I was constantly listening to sex scenes, and it was honestly a little weird. 🤣 I would have liked a bit more substance than spice with this one, but it was a fun read, and Nick is lucky Jess forgave him for his reason for leaving. Just saying. Read this if you like books where the steam takes center stage, adorably tearful endings, and not-so-perfect leading men.
My Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶.5/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
May 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
💗Second chance
💗Holiday romance
💗Forced proximity
💗It's always been you
I am completely obsessed with second chance romances, and if it's written by Falon Ballard, it's a given that I will read it.
The story begins five years after the end of Nick and Jess's relationship. Both are authors with the same publisher and are forced to reunite when Jess must present the Romance Author of the Year award to Nick.
Jess is not thrilled about handing an award to the man who broke her heart, but Nick is eager to see Jess again. When the two finally meet, it's undeniable that there's still a spark between them.
In a twist of fate, they find themselves sharing a room during a snowstorm, with only one bed available. But they're adults who can handle sharing a room, right? Well...
As the story progresses, it's clear that Nick still loves Jess, which made me very curious to learn why he ended the relationship in the first place.
This novel beautifully captures the tension and emotional complexity of rekindling an old flame. Falon’s writing makes you root for Nick and Jess as they navigate their unresolved feelings and past misunderstandings. The setting of the snowstorm and the forced proximity trope adds to the charm and excitement, making this a delightful read for fans of second chance romance.
Thank you so much, NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, for sending me this ARC.
🌶🌶
💗Second chance
💗Holiday romance
💗Forced proximity
💗It's always been you
I am completely obsessed with second chance romances, and if it's written by Falon Ballard, it's a given that I will read it.
The story begins five years after the end of Nick and Jess's relationship. Both are authors with the same publisher and are forced to reunite when Jess must present the Romance Author of the Year award to Nick.
Jess is not thrilled about handing an award to the man who broke her heart, but Nick is eager to see Jess again. When the two finally meet, it's undeniable that there's still a spark between them.
In a twist of fate, they find themselves sharing a room during a snowstorm, with only one bed available. But they're adults who can handle sharing a room, right? Well...
As the story progresses, it's clear that Nick still loves Jess, which made me very curious to learn why he ended the relationship in the first place.
This novel beautifully captures the tension and emotional complexity of rekindling an old flame. Falon’s writing makes you root for Nick and Jess as they navigate their unresolved feelings and past misunderstandings. The setting of the snowstorm and the forced proximity trope adds to the charm and excitement, making this a delightful read for fans of second chance romance.
Thank you so much, NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, for sending me this ARC.
December 3, 2024
2 ⭐️ oof!!! quite possibly my least fave holiday book ever!!
A stupid boy writes romance novels without happily ever afters (and with the help of his ex gf) and of course he's soooo successful. I didn't like Nick one bit and then we find out why they broke up and I truly despised him.
I usually love workplace romance but the way Falon Ballard writes them seems to infuriate me so maybe I need to part ways. Aside from the butthead MMC this wasn't anything special and the festive vibes were just fine imo! Totally one of those couples you just know will break up shortly after the book ends
PS all I can see when I look at the cover is Taylor Fritz
A stupid boy writes romance novels without happily ever afters (and with the help of his ex gf) and of course he's soooo successful. I didn't like Nick one bit and then we find out why they broke up and I truly despised him.
I usually love workplace romance but the way Falon Ballard writes them seems to infuriate me so maybe I need to part ways. Aside from the butthead MMC this wasn't anything special and the festive vibes were just fine imo! Totally one of those couples you just know will break up shortly after the book ends
PS all I can see when I look at the cover is Taylor Fritz
December 16, 2024
I feel like this book started in the sense of more of a realistic romance. Like the miscommunication is a relationship in which ends it where it destroys both of you because you felt they are your soulmate. Andddddd 5 years later still feels that way. That’s real to me. It hurt my heart. However, we all know how happy rom coms are and what happens so I felt complete 🎁
December 1, 2025
This book was not revolutionary but it’s now so core to who I am. This is exactly the perfect holiday read I was looking for— enemies to lovers, second chance romance at Christmas and they are both AUTHORS??! and he broke up with her because of his career?! and they reconnect and he falls hard for her again?! and she’s obsessed with peppermint mochas?! Falon Ballard has written a book about my life. I love the way both characters just know each other so well— their secrets, their tells, how they concentrate when they write, what food they like, what turns them on. also the consistent one bed trope was SO GOOD and it was so cool to see something different happen every night. The communication in this book was so direct and creative. In the end, Nick did seem faultless though which I argue we should have written him a redemption arc. While them being trapped for a week in an inn because of a snowstorm is really far-fetched (and being forced to write a book together), I think everything about this book just followed so nicely. Really, it’s just so personal to me that I’m thinking it’ll become one of my new comfort reads. This book restored and healed the little bits of me I didn’t still know were bleeding. Falon Ballard, I love you.
September 13, 2024
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.
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.
August 16, 2024
Unfortunately this wasn‘t my cup of tea. The pacing was great, I read most of the story in one sitting but nothing really happened? 62% and the couple still didn‘t talk about the things that happened between them. Also the fmc was such a hypocrite, thinking one thing but doing the complete opposite. I didn‘t feel any chemistry between them tbh and the mmc was supposed to be in love with her all these years. I feel like there wasn’t any emotional connection only them being physically attracted to each other. Which is fine of course, but I would’ve loved to get to know them on a deeper level. Them being called Nick and Jess sadly didn‘t safe this for me.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
December 5, 2024
A book about two authors who are ex lovers writing about a second chance romance novel together while they are stuck in a snowed in hotel with only one bed? This book is perfect!!!!😭
Such a cute book for the cozy Christmas season! I loved it :)
Only complaint was when Nick finally said the reason why he broke up with her in the past which isn’t a good enough reason in my view. I mean why couldn’t they just hide their relationship like many celebrities/authors do and make their relationship public when they both have made their careers stable?
Nevertheless still a good book!
Such a cute book for the cozy Christmas season! I loved it :)
Only complaint was when Nick finally said the reason why he broke up with her in the past which isn’t a good enough reason in my view. I mean why couldn’t they just hide their relationship like many celebrities/authors do and make their relationship public when they both have made their careers stable?
Nevertheless still a good book!
December 23, 2024
A second chance holiday romance between two romance writers who are snowed in and forced to share a room in a remote in n a few days before Christmas. This was a fun, fast listen that I enjoyed. It was less focused on the holidays and more focused on their relationship but the holidays were ever present in the background of the story and the two ended up working on writing a holiday romance together while snowed in which was fun. The tension between Nick and Jess was simmering with emotion and unresolved feelings from the onset. I didn’t love the reason they had broken up in the first place but I did respect that they had both grown during their time apart and it made for a good second chance romance.
Excellent narration, sexy spice and I enjoyed the book within a book aspect, all wrapped up in a holiday romance.
Excellent narration, sexy spice and I enjoyed the book within a book aspect, all wrapped up in a holiday romance.
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