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The Ballinger Sisters #1
Want, Need, Love
Mona Ballinger has a talent for bringing the right people together - and keeping the wrong people apart. But when Anson Tyler's fiancee ends their engagement thanks to Mona's advice, he angrily confronts her. Unfortunately, Mona has not only caused him a broken heart - she ends up giving him a broken leg as well. Guilt-ridden over Anson's injury, Mona decides to help him recover - whether he likes it or not."
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
About the author
Niobia Bryant
115 books514 followersNiobia Bryant is the award-winning and national bestselling author of more than fifty works of romance and commercial mainstream fiction. Twice she has won RT Magazine's Best African-American/Multicultural Romance Award, "Kiss the Ring"--written under the pseudonym Meesha Mink--was listed as one of the Library Journal's Best Books, and her books have appeared in Ebony, Essence, The New York Post, The Star-Ledger, The Dallas Morning News and many other national publications. One of her bestselling books has been adapted to film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 10, 2014
Laugh-out-loud-good!
What do you get when a successful matchmaker can't find her own soul mate? A hot ironic mess, that's what! The chemistry between Mona & Anson was explosive and fun to watch especially after the "accident".
This book is 10 stars funny!
What do you get when a successful matchmaker can't find her own soul mate? A hot ironic mess, that's what! The chemistry between Mona & Anson was explosive and fun to watch especially after the "accident".
This book is 10 stars funny!
March 6, 2015
Loved it. Interesting storyline, kept me engaged from the beginning to the end.
September 1, 2023
5 powerful stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 4, 2014
I was really missing the Strong family but Niobia Bryant kind of takes us back there with this book. We return to the town of Holtsville and reunite with several characters from other books. (I realized there are several books I haven't read that are now out of print) I'm ready to read the other two sisters stories and hang out with those crazy aunts again. This book is laugh out loud funny and I can't wait to read more.
December 26, 2014
Another great read from Ms Bryant. It was different from all her other books and I really enjoyed the change. There were updates on the Strongs. Can't wait to read the next book!
February 2, 2015
Niobia has delivered with this one!I loved this love roller coaster the hero and heroine rode throughout this story!!! Definitely enjoyed the update on Strong family.
October 8, 2026
When this book started out I was a little nervous. That bit about not telling her because she would never understand. I see now that it was foreshadowing for later, but I thought that that couple was the story couple.
So the Ballinger women have the gift of true love foresight. Just touching you will give them a vision of your true love. Other scenes with Mona's aunts show that as they get older their power strengthens and grows beyond just that.
But if course there is a catch, they cant see the true love of any of their own. Storywise, how far does that reach?
Another point that bugs me about this power is that Mona opens a dating business. Now if you can touch people's hands and see their true love, and know that he or she isnt in your data base how do you allow anything to proceed. There is a scene where a man comes and she takes his hand and knows she doesnt have that woman. Then he tells her his wife died and he only wants companionship. Then she sees that his deceased wife is the woman from his vision. Okay, but later in the dinner with all the couples, am I to believe that all of those are matched forever through her database? Seems far fetched.
Am I Anson? Just a jerk?
Anyway, she breaks up a couple and Anson who was the other half comes and gives her a piece of his mind. Then she explains it to him and basically that he didnt love his ex fiancé anyway. It was the truth, but Anson didn't want to love anyone do that was neither here nor there.
After quite a bit of chaos, Anson and Mona start having a lot of sex and having a lot of fun. Course there has to be chaos, and that comes partially by Mona touching Anson 's brothers hand and seeing herself in a wedding gown and him in a tux.
The hell? She is all shook up and that vision causes problems. She knows she can't see visions of her true love, but still she believes she can see his. Also she can't get a read on Anson.
Anson does not believe in all of this and it makes him very angry. He wants Mona to love him and want him because she does not because of signs. Fair point my guy.
It takes both of them being apart for a long time and being with others who see what is right there in front of their faces. Mona has people showing her what Anson needs, Anson has people showing him the truth that he is too broken to believe.
This is a really good book. I loved every character they are all fleshed out so well and it makes me want to jump right into the next book.
So the Ballinger women have the gift of true love foresight. Just touching you will give them a vision of your true love. Other scenes with Mona's aunts show that as they get older their power strengthens and grows beyond just that.
But if course there is a catch, they cant see the true love of any of their own. Storywise, how far does that reach?
Another point that bugs me about this power is that Mona opens a dating business. Now if you can touch people's hands and see their true love, and know that he or she isnt in your data base how do you allow anything to proceed. There is a scene where a man comes and she takes his hand and knows she doesnt have that woman. Then he tells her his wife died and he only wants companionship. Then she sees that his deceased wife is the woman from his vision. Okay, but later in the dinner with all the couples, am I to believe that all of those are matched forever through her database? Seems far fetched.
Am I Anson? Just a jerk?
Anyway, she breaks up a couple and Anson who was the other half comes and gives her a piece of his mind. Then she explains it to him and basically that he didnt love his ex fiancé anyway. It was the truth, but Anson didn't want to love anyone do that was neither here nor there.
After quite a bit of chaos, Anson and Mona start having a lot of sex and having a lot of fun. Course there has to be chaos, and that comes partially by Mona touching Anson 's brothers hand and seeing herself in a wedding gown and him in a tux.
The hell? She is all shook up and that vision causes problems. She knows she can't see visions of her true love, but still she believes she can see his. Also she can't get a read on Anson.
Anson does not believe in all of this and it makes him very angry. He wants Mona to love him and want him because she does not because of signs. Fair point my guy.
It takes both of them being apart for a long time and being with others who see what is right there in front of their faces. Mona has people showing her what Anson needs, Anson has people showing him the truth that he is too broken to believe.
This is a really good book. I loved every character they are all fleshed out so well and it makes me want to jump right into the next book.
May 31, 2017
Loving your soul mate💛
This is second time reading this novel and I did not leave a review😴 I love revisiting the small town of Holtsville and how the Jamison and Strong families were included in this novel. Anson and Mona first meeting was a disaster which Anson blamed Mona for a problem that she had no control of. This novel was fast and a page turner, Love the way Anson and Mona went from her helping him to understand her gift with the help of her aunties which were a hoot. Mona was spontaneous
And Anson was lay back , Mona brought joy into his life which turns out to be a match with a whole lot love. Can't wait to see which sister falls in love with Hunter💛
This is second time reading this novel and I did not leave a review😴 I love revisiting the small town of Holtsville and how the Jamison and Strong families were included in this novel. Anson and Mona first meeting was a disaster which Anson blamed Mona for a problem that she had no control of. This novel was fast and a page turner, Love the way Anson and Mona went from her helping him to understand her gift with the help of her aunties which were a hoot. Mona was spontaneous
And Anson was lay back , Mona brought joy into his life which turns out to be a match with a whole lot love. Can't wait to see which sister falls in love with Hunter💛
August 21, 2025
Serendipitous
My first Niobia Bryant read was fantastic ‼️”Want, Need, Love (The Ballinger Sisters - Book 1)” was entertaining, exuberant & enchanting serendipitous yet precarious (🤭‼️) meeting (s) between Mona & Anson. Only the magic of Cupid🤦🏾♀️🤭‼️Nevertheless, no ones life is safe nor would it never be the same 🤣😂🤦🏾♀️🫣‼️ Watch the salutary transformation of the Ballinger’s & Tyler’s lives of Holtsville SC hometown (self imposed) heroes worst met & greet story ever told by two local service professionals🤭‼️…”For the Rest of My Life”
My first Niobia Bryant read was fantastic ‼️”Want, Need, Love (The Ballinger Sisters - Book 1)” was entertaining, exuberant & enchanting serendipitous yet precarious (🤭‼️) meeting (s) between Mona & Anson. Only the magic of Cupid🤦🏾♀️🤭‼️Nevertheless, no ones life is safe nor would it never be the same 🤣😂🤦🏾♀️🫣‼️ Watch the salutary transformation of the Ballinger’s & Tyler’s lives of Holtsville SC hometown (self imposed) heroes worst met & greet story ever told by two local service professionals🤭‼️…”For the Rest of My Life”
October 31, 2016
Don't normally write reviews, but these characters spoke to me. Enjoyed development of all and greatly look forward to learning about the rest of the family. L loved all the glimpses of other book characters. Thank you for giving a few hours of excited shivers, and moaning thrills. Can't wait until next one.
This is definitely for Niobia's followers and for new ones who are looking for romance, sex, love and laughter with a few years mixed in.
This is definitely for Niobia's followers and for new ones who are looking for romance, sex, love and laughter with a few years mixed in.
February 5, 2022
An Extremely Amazing Book!
This is an awesome book. I don’t quite know what to expect, but OMG, this book hit the spot. I Love reading Love stories, and read every day. Mona and Anson story was absolutely wonderful and well written. My only problem is that now I have to read the Complete Series in order to be satisfied. MS. Niobium Bryant is an awesome author. I highly recommend this book and is getting ready to read as many books as possible written by her.
This is an awesome book. I don’t quite know what to expect, but OMG, this book hit the spot. I Love reading Love stories, and read every day. Mona and Anson story was absolutely wonderful and well written. My only problem is that now I have to read the Complete Series in order to be satisfied. MS. Niobium Bryant is an awesome author. I highly recommend this book and is getting ready to read as many books as possible written by her.
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April 18, 2026Loved like homecoming!!!
I love NB! It was so nice being introduced to a new family with appearances from the Strong family. Loved learning Jade was pregnant.
As for this story, super unique and unpredictable from start to finish. Had me a little worried for a second that they wouldn't end up together but what kind of romance read would that be?!
Perfect and excited to start book 2!
I love NB! It was so nice being introduced to a new family with appearances from the Strong family. Loved learning Jade was pregnant.
As for this story, super unique and unpredictable from start to finish. Had me a little worried for a second that they wouldn't end up together but what kind of romance read would that be?!
Perfect and excited to start book 2!
December 15, 2016
Kind of "WEIRD"...yet still another ENGAGING and sexy read...loved the way Mona stuck to her beliefs...and Anson was quite a charmer once he allowed the ice to slowly chip and melt from around his heart...it was nice catching up w/the Jamison twins and their wives Chloe and Anika...and I'm looking forward to seeing which sister is Hunter's soul mate.
February 17, 2017
Loving all things Holtsville
Really enjoyed going on the journey with Mona and Anson, she brought joy to this very unhappy man that didn't realize he was until he met Mona, she's a fun loving love loving caring and giving woman, with a sixth sense and I love her. The twin aunties make me wish they were mine. Great read. Niobia Bryant, you are the ish you've got me hooked
Really enjoyed going on the journey with Mona and Anson, she brought joy to this very unhappy man that didn't realize he was until he met Mona, she's a fun loving love loving caring and giving woman, with a sixth sense and I love her. The twin aunties make me wish they were mine. Great read. Niobia Bryant, you are the ish you've got me hooked
August 19, 2019
Great read, she show Anson that you can love and live happily.
I chose this book be sure I like to read books by Nobia Bryant. This book showed how the love for a man or woman could happen if you believe. Mona loved Anson with all her heart and she didn't care who knew it. I am so glad that they Was able to love each other.
I chose this book be sure I like to read books by Nobia Bryant. This book showed how the love for a man or woman could happen if you believe. Mona loved Anson with all her heart and she didn't care who knew it. I am so glad that they Was able to love each other.
May 27, 2023
Mona and Anson!
What a beautiful love story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anson was a character but so was Mona. Loved Hunter and the aunts. The story is well written and an enjoyable read. Sometimes we must just let the past go. This? author did not disappoint. Now the question is who ended up with Hunter.
What a beautiful love story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anson was a character but so was Mona. Loved Hunter and the aunts. The story is well written and an enjoyable read. Sometimes we must just let the past go. This? author did not disappoint. Now the question is who ended up with Hunter.
August 29, 2025
The magical realism was good and the hard-to-get banter from the male side was a little hard to get past but understandable. Male character had a rough background, and the female character had a rough background just not as harsh as his. It took them some time understand each other but. him longer because he chose not to believe in the inevitable. Looking forward to reading the next book.
April 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this storyline. It honestly felt so parallel to my own dating life in many, many ways. I felt like the flow was perfect. It was not too forced with the romance but also not a full-on enemies to lovers trope. I can't wait to read the other two books in this series. I definitely fell for these love birds.
April 30, 2026
This was a nice introduction to the author!
This book had all the spice, there were times I was like do they really like each other or is the s💋x talking but over time became convinced especially during their time apart which was too long by the way. Everything worked out for their good.
This book had all the spice, there were times I was like do they really like each other or is the s💋x talking but over time became convinced especially during their time apart which was too long by the way. Everything worked out for their good.
January 14, 2019
This was the cutest love story. I like the element with Mona having a gift, this was a quick, funny and enjoyable read. This is my 1st time reading anything from this author and I'm sure I'll be reading something by her in the near future.
August 13, 2023
Love it
I fell in love with the Strong family years ago, but now I love the Ballinger sisters and the Tyler brothers. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Niobia Bryant never disappoints.
I fell in love with the Strong family years ago, but now I love the Ballinger sisters and the Tyler brothers. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Niobia Bryant never disappoints.
October 22, 2023
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Anson and Mona met in bizarre circumstances. Their first interaction was not pretty. This is their journey to love, with it’s many ups and downs.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Anson and Mona met in bizarre circumstances. Their first interaction was not pretty. This is their journey to love, with it’s many ups and downs.
July 6, 2025
Match Maker
Beautiful story! The close relationship of the sisters with their aunts is similar to many Louisiana families. Reading this feels like home. Looking forward to books 2 and 3.
Beautiful story! The close relationship of the sisters with their aunts is similar to many Louisiana families. Reading this feels like home. Looking forward to books 2 and 3.
February 3, 2020
Pretty good novel
The book was decent however it didn't have any moments that made me want to stay up late reading or anything like that. I enjoyed it but I wish it had more moments that pulled me into the story. It was bland yet satisfying.
The book was decent however it didn't have any moments that made me want to stay up late reading or anything like that. I enjoyed it but I wish it had more moments that pulled me into the story. It was bland yet satisfying.
Read
February 13, 2020I enjoyed the psychic thread winding through the story. Displeased that the protags didn't use/discuss condoms.
September 11, 2020
Want
Love in Huntsville was good read and good plot. This was a very different, but very good. Some things you want and can't always get.
Love in Huntsville was good read and good plot. This was a very different, but very good. Some things you want and can't always get.
January 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book a lot❤️
February 15, 2023
Excited for more
Love this book can't wait to read book 2. You're an amazing writer I love reading your books especially when it has books 2 and 3 etc...
Love this book can't wait to read book 2. You're an amazing writer I love reading your books especially when it has books 2 and 3 etc...
September 1, 2023
I Believe
What a great story. Anton and Mona were truly meant for each other. Both strong willed and needy. If only …
What a great story. Anton and Mona were truly meant for each other. Both strong willed and needy. If only …
August 26, 2025
This was such a fun love story sprinkled with a bit of supernatural elements that I really enjoyed. Good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews