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Just My Type
To win the job of her dreams, a relationship-prone journalist needs to learn how to stay single in this heartwarming and hilarious new romantic comedy from the beloved author of Lease on Love.
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 finds herself single again, and she's determined to stay that way, no matter how challenging.
That is, until her high school ex, Seth, now a journalist in his own right, takes an assignment at Lana's site. Ready to put down roots after years of traveling and freelancing, Seth becomes not only Lana's colleague but also her competitor. With their combative relationship history--and undeniable chemistry--they quickly find themselves pitted against each other in a battle of wits: writing an article series that goes against dating type. For Lana, that means writing about staying single and embracing it. For Seth, it's learning to settle down and become boyfriend material. Whoever's is most popular wins a highly coveted columnist spot that either could only dream of. But when the two square off against one another, it's not only their careers on the line--it's also their hearts.
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 finds herself single again, and she's determined to stay that way, no matter how challenging.
That is, until her high school ex, Seth, now a journalist in his own right, takes an assignment at Lana's site. Ready to put down roots after years of traveling and freelancing, Seth becomes not only Lana's colleague but also her competitor. With their combative relationship history--and undeniable chemistry--they quickly find themselves pitted against each other in a battle of wits: writing an article series that goes against dating type. For Lana, that means writing about staying single and embracing it. For Seth, it's learning to settle down and become boyfriend material. Whoever's is most popular wins a highly coveted columnist spot that either could only dream of. But when the two square off against one another, it's not only their careers on the line--it's also their hearts.
345 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2023
About the author
Falon Ballard
5 books1,375 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 3,991 reviews
March 25, 2023
i like to think this is what it would have looked like if my husband and i had broken up after graduating high school. an enemies to lovers "it was always you" workplace romance.
this was fucking delightful. a little unbelievable? maybe. too many marvel references? yeah probably. but the romance was fun and i liked watching both of our characters grow separately and together.
this was fucking delightful. a little unbelievable? maybe. too many marvel references? yeah probably. but the romance was fun and i liked watching both of our characters grow separately and together.
March 30, 2023
Awww! Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! My favorite tropes enemies to lovers, love between rivalries, second chance romance are back with How to lose a guy in ten days vibes! It’s even better than the author’s sweet debut “ Lease on Love”!
Thirty years old, relationship- prone journalist Lana Parker is never getting over her first love, high school sweetheart Seth Carson who broke her heart not once but twice.
Lana finds herself in long term relationships with the worst choices. And now she gets dumped at the moment she expected to get a marriage proposal, drinking herself till she blacks out.
And that’s not all! Her ex Seth sends her a message via social media accounts telling her they should talk. He’s a popular journalist, traveling around the world, running away from long term commitment as avoiding plague.
Broken hearted, grudge holder Lara ignores Seth’s message but when she rushes for the company meeting, her boss gives unexpected news: their company ATF will be operating under the umbrella of Los Angeles Chronicle and next couple of months they will host to a potential Chronicle employee. Her dear boss Natasha has a big plan to attract readers’ attention: Lara will compete with another employee to earn a columnist position for Chronicle and share her improvement via her columns and social media accounts. She’s gonna get assigned for different challenging tasks. Guess who will be her competitor?
Yes, Seth appears out of nowhere to join their meeting as poor Lana cannot believe in her eyes!
She finds herself against her ex in some kind of masochistic How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days dating fucktastic challenge extravaganza!
Lana is addicted to relationships as Seth cannot be involved in long term ones. So the challenge is simple. Lana will learn how to be single as Seth will learn to settle down, becoming devoted boyfriend material.
Lana wants the new job. She wants to achieve something different after working as a relationship adviser for 8 years but could she resist the temptation and unresolved feelings for Seth? And why did he come back? Why he keeps pushing her buttons?
As they spend more together to complete their tasks and share their special moments on social media, they realize their attraction is sizzling. Could they get through their problems to have a second chance?
Overall: I love romcoms! Unfortunately we cannot watch great written ones on our streaming services but thankfully there are authors like Fallon Ballard who can create swoon-sweet stories to make us enjoy the true taste of romcoms! Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Thirty years old, relationship- prone journalist Lana Parker is never getting over her first love, high school sweetheart Seth Carson who broke her heart not once but twice.
Lana finds herself in long term relationships with the worst choices. And now she gets dumped at the moment she expected to get a marriage proposal, drinking herself till she blacks out.
And that’s not all! Her ex Seth sends her a message via social media accounts telling her they should talk. He’s a popular journalist, traveling around the world, running away from long term commitment as avoiding plague.
Broken hearted, grudge holder Lara ignores Seth’s message but when she rushes for the company meeting, her boss gives unexpected news: their company ATF will be operating under the umbrella of Los Angeles Chronicle and next couple of months they will host to a potential Chronicle employee. Her dear boss Natasha has a big plan to attract readers’ attention: Lara will compete with another employee to earn a columnist position for Chronicle and share her improvement via her columns and social media accounts. She’s gonna get assigned for different challenging tasks. Guess who will be her competitor?
Yes, Seth appears out of nowhere to join their meeting as poor Lana cannot believe in her eyes!
She finds herself against her ex in some kind of masochistic How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days dating fucktastic challenge extravaganza!
Lana is addicted to relationships as Seth cannot be involved in long term ones. So the challenge is simple. Lana will learn how to be single as Seth will learn to settle down, becoming devoted boyfriend material.
Lana wants the new job. She wants to achieve something different after working as a relationship adviser for 8 years but could she resist the temptation and unresolved feelings for Seth? And why did he come back? Why he keeps pushing her buttons?
As they spend more together to complete their tasks and share their special moments on social media, they realize their attraction is sizzling. Could they get through their problems to have a second chance?
Overall: I love romcoms! Unfortunately we cannot watch great written ones on our streaming services but thankfully there are authors like Fallon Ballard who can create swoon-sweet stories to make us enjoy the true taste of romcoms! Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
March 15, 2023
boring and badly done, with a chronically marvel-obsessed mc who sometimes monologues like she’s in a thor comic. often, romance writers will use a world-building / plot backdrop that lies beyond their niche (in this case, digital journalism) for nothing more than set dressing, and then invest zero research or effort into nailing that niche. this is one of those instances. the article excerpts at the beginning of each chapter were so laughably low-effort that the initial premise (the idea that this bad buzzfeed-esque publication actually generates ad revenue from tons of readers) immediately fell apart. i’m supposed to believe that SETH is a renowned journalist? who immediately becomes more popular with readers than the girl who’s been at this publication for almost a decade? i have to laugh. PUNCHY TRAVEL PIECES PUBLISHED FOR AN AUDIENCE BY PROFESSIONALS WITH DEGREES ARE NOT WRITTEN LIKE TUMBLR BLOG ENTRIES. THEY’RE JUST NOT. AHDJDIWLJCFKKWFLWLKFCM
also, seth had exactly zero personality, and no reason to be smirking like a jackass all the time. i don’t even buy that playboy charm from him, because he was written like a total cardboard cutout. terrible terrible execution.
pls recommend me romance novels that nail their world-building niches rather than half-assing them (IF THAT…) to spruce up their get-together concepts.
(one of few redeeming qualities in this book was the abundance of female friends that the mc has. it’s genre convention to give your female romcom lead one (1) single female best friend, if that, and then call her little support network complete, so. points for women characters.)
also, seth had exactly zero personality, and no reason to be smirking like a jackass all the time. i don’t even buy that playboy charm from him, because he was written like a total cardboard cutout. terrible terrible execution.
pls recommend me romance novels that nail their world-building niches rather than half-assing them (IF THAT…) to spruce up their get-together concepts.
(one of few redeeming qualities in this book was the abundance of female friends that the mc has. it’s genre convention to give your female romcom lead one (1) single female best friend, if that, and then call her little support network complete, so. points for women characters.)
June 15, 2023
Thank Thor. Thank Loki. I’ve found a new romance author: Falon Ballard. (Read the book to understand the Marvel references.)
Just My Type is Ballard’s sophomore rom-com, and boy, is it a treat. Two former lovers, now journalists, are pitted against each other in a contest to win their dream writing job. Lana, a relationship addict, must learn how to be single, and Seth, a relationship avoider, must learn how to be a boyfriend. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right?
Whoever said that should eat their words.
Because feelings are hurt and hearts break over the course of this supposed friendly competition. And the aftermath isn’t pretty. But it's a romance novel, after all. Fans of the genre, we crave the angst.
Though what really makes the book so great is Lana and Seth. Lana is a neurotic pop culture geek who loves all things books and movies, and Seth is refreshingly stable. He’s smart, steadfast, and a perfect foil to Lana’s zaniness. Their chemistry is palpable.
There are two open-door bedroom scenes near the end, so beware if that’s not your thing, and also a whole lot of F-bombs. Why foul language in romance novels is such a trend these days, I don’t know. But keep it in mind if you don’t like the word.
A sweet surprise that Just My Type turned out to be just my type of rom-com. I’ll read another from Ballard any day.
My sincerest appreciation to Falon Ballard, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
Just My Type is Ballard’s sophomore rom-com, and boy, is it a treat. Two former lovers, now journalists, are pitted against each other in a contest to win their dream writing job. Lana, a relationship addict, must learn how to be single, and Seth, a relationship avoider, must learn how to be a boyfriend. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right?
Whoever said that should eat their words.
Because feelings are hurt and hearts break over the course of this supposed friendly competition. And the aftermath isn’t pretty. But it's a romance novel, after all. Fans of the genre, we crave the angst.
Though what really makes the book so great is Lana and Seth. Lana is a neurotic pop culture geek who loves all things books and movies, and Seth is refreshingly stable. He’s smart, steadfast, and a perfect foil to Lana’s zaniness. Their chemistry is palpable.
There are two open-door bedroom scenes near the end, so beware if that’s not your thing, and also a whole lot of F-bombs. Why foul language in romance novels is such a trend these days, I don’t know. But keep it in mind if you don’t like the word.
A sweet surprise that Just My Type turned out to be just my type of rom-com. I’ll read another from Ballard any day.
My sincerest appreciation to Falon Ballard, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
September 26, 2023
3.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Publication date ~ February 7, 2023
Page Count ~ 360
Audio length ~ 9 hours 30 minutes
Narrator ~ Tegan Ashton Cohan
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ high school lovers to enemies to coworkers to lovers, competition, slow burn, miscommunication, the one that got away, second chance, minimal steamage
Lana & Seth
Ah the old think you're getting a ring, but get the boot instead....that's tough. Lana wallows for a bit then dusts herself off and gets back to work, but who pops into a meeting....her ex from high school, Seth.
I enjoy a good ole competition and we get one when their boss pits them against each other at the newspaper they both work at.
I liked Seth, more so than Lana, and I wish we could have gotten his POV too. Lana was a little much for me and, although somewhat understandable, I didn't like her mommy issues.
There were a nice set of side characters, except the boss, that rounded out the story.
85% mark really frustrated me, as well as the lack of communication, but all works out like we know it will.
I liked this one a lot more than Fallon's debut.
Narration notes:
She did a fine job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Publication date ~ February 7, 2023
Page Count ~ 360
Audio length ~ 9 hours 30 minutes
Narrator ~ Tegan Ashton Cohan
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ high school lovers to enemies to coworkers to lovers, competition, slow burn, miscommunication, the one that got away, second chance, minimal steamage
Lana & Seth
Ah the old think you're getting a ring, but get the boot instead....that's tough. Lana wallows for a bit then dusts herself off and gets back to work, but who pops into a meeting....her ex from high school, Seth.
I enjoy a good ole competition and we get one when their boss pits them against each other at the newspaper they both work at.
I liked Seth, more so than Lana, and I wish we could have gotten his POV too. Lana was a little much for me and, although somewhat understandable, I didn't like her mommy issues.
There were a nice set of side characters, except the boss, that rounded out the story.
85% mark really frustrated me, as well as the lack of communication, but all works out like we know it will.
I liked this one a lot more than Fallon's debut.
Narration notes:
She did a fine job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
February 21, 2023
This is what it supposed to be like reading a book, you know? To be able to feel thousand different feelings at the same time you read it, to be a ble to fully immerse yourself into the story to the point that you keep considering which side are you on, to be able to really feel the love and the heartbreak that the mcs went through. That's what it supposed to be like reading a book.
Because there were just so many books that I read for a year, I kept forgetting on why do I read? I want to feel good and I want to feel all the feelings that a book could provide me. This book just understood the assignment. This book swing its bat on the task and effortlessly earn a home-run.
Okay, so I have been eyeing this book even before the release. I was so intrigued with the synopsis and please the cover was so cute and I really like the color palette! But since I've been hitting a series of bummer books and I kept giving them 1 stars, I was skeptical with this but tbh it was mainly because I was overly sensitive with how the previous books made me feel and at first I was skeptic about this book too.
I love it! Of course, I do. This book did really hit right up on my streets and it's very my go-to romance genre. I fucking love it. The writing was a bit ick at first but like I said above, I was basically too sensitive due to the previous books but as time goes by I grow to like it. It's not that type of writing that shows the fmc is basically a cringe character, it was rather very witty and funny. It felt like she's basically have inner jokes with you throughout the book. It was new, unique, and very refreshing. However it was a bit kind of bummer that this is mono POV book because to be honest I was very much curious with Seth's POV. I feel like this could still hit the market with dual POV but this is just my wistful thinking. But I really need his POV. Really. I do.
The characters were fantastic. Main characters, side characters, they were complete, they were very much living, solid, and unique in their own way. I fell in love with Lana and how beautifully written her character is. I love Seth so much because of course he's also beautifully written.
The plot, the flow, the setting was incredible. I love that none of I was dragging or too fast, it took its time in each scene. I really love the quote on the top of each chapter's first page, it makes me want to read all of the mc's article that they wrote. Especially Seth because he just has that beautiful and intriguing way in making title for his columns (or should I say Fallon Ballard is a huge genius).
This is perfect! Perfect! I loved it so much, but I'm just a tad bit sad with how it was unclear for Lana to finish up her business with Natasha. I felt like the author should've put that refreshing and clapback scene to Natasha just for the sake of putting that bitch in her place lol well also for Lana of course. But also for us, I just wanna fucking smack her face when she said Lana is just a people-pleaser. God-
Hence 4 stars, but this is a win tbh. For me. Since I've been really unlucky with my choice of books. Now, I just wanna lay down and cry a little to savor all the feelings that Lana and Seth make me feel 🥲🫶🏻
Because there were just so many books that I read for a year, I kept forgetting on why do I read? I want to feel good and I want to feel all the feelings that a book could provide me. This book just understood the assignment. This book swing its bat on the task and effortlessly earn a home-run.
Okay, so I have been eyeing this book even before the release. I was so intrigued with the synopsis and please the cover was so cute and I really like the color palette! But since I've been hitting a series of bummer books and I kept giving them 1 stars, I was skeptical with this but tbh it was mainly because I was overly sensitive with how the previous books made me feel and at first I was skeptic about this book too.
I love it! Of course, I do. This book did really hit right up on my streets and it's very my go-to romance genre. I fucking love it. The writing was a bit ick at first but like I said above, I was basically too sensitive due to the previous books but as time goes by I grow to like it. It's not that type of writing that shows the fmc is basically a cringe character, it was rather very witty and funny. It felt like she's basically have inner jokes with you throughout the book. It was new, unique, and very refreshing. However it was a bit kind of bummer that this is mono POV book because to be honest I was very much curious with Seth's POV. I feel like this could still hit the market with dual POV but this is just my wistful thinking. But I really need his POV. Really. I do.
The characters were fantastic. Main characters, side characters, they were complete, they were very much living, solid, and unique in their own way. I fell in love with Lana and how beautifully written her character is. I love Seth so much because of course he's also beautifully written.
The plot, the flow, the setting was incredible. I love that none of I was dragging or too fast, it took its time in each scene. I really love the quote on the top of each chapter's first page, it makes me want to read all of the mc's article that they wrote. Especially Seth because he just has that beautiful and intriguing way in making title for his columns (or should I say Fallon Ballard is a huge genius).
This is perfect! Perfect! I loved it so much, but I'm just a tad bit sad with how it was unclear for Lana to finish up her business with Natasha. I felt like the author should've put that refreshing and clapback scene to Natasha just for the sake of putting that bitch in her place lol well also for Lana of course. But also for us, I just wanna fucking smack her face when she said Lana is just a people-pleaser. God-
Hence 4 stars, but this is a win tbh. For me. Since I've been really unlucky with my choice of books. Now, I just wanna lay down and cry a little to savor all the feelings that Lana and Seth make me feel 🥲🫶🏻
May 6, 2023
The sunflower tattoos.😭😭😭
The sarky banter. The longing. The finding yourself.
This was adorable. And I am, as always, a complete simp for second chance romance.
It’s the “I never stopped loving you” for me.🫠
4.5✨
The sarky banter. The longing. The finding yourself.
This was adorable. And I am, as always, a complete simp for second chance romance.
It’s the “I never stopped loving you” for me.🫠
4.5✨
June 21, 2023
thing how to lose a guy in 10 days with the article mess but with second chance romance and they’re not each other’s biggest fans in the beginning, yeah 🧸
February 5, 2024
4.5 Stars.
This book was a swoon-worthy second chance romance with childhood friends-to-highschool sweathearts-to-acquaintances-to-enemies-to workplace rivals-to more. And it could not have gotten more adorable than that. 🥰
This book was a swoon-worthy second chance romance with childhood friends-to-highschool sweathearts-to-acquaintances-to-enemies-to workplace rivals-to more. And it could not have gotten more adorable than that. 🥰
August 9, 2022
4✨
Just My Type follows Lana and Seth’s contentions relationship competition for their lifestyle blog. After 12 years apart, high school sweethearts turned strangers, Seth comes barreling back into Lana’s life AND workplace. The blog puts them against each other in a competition: can Lana be okay single, and can Seth end his womanizing tendencies?
What follows is a sizzling enemies/rivals to lovers, second chance romance that will make you SWOON. The speed dating scene? My heart was a puddle.
Lana’s journey of finding her inner strength through various tasks was so heartwarming to experience. The tension between Seth and Lana during their joint tasks was so much fun to read. And the love confession!! I’m a sucker for great love confessions in contemporary romances, and theirs was perfect.
Pick this up if you like enemies/rivals to lovers and second chance romances when it comes out on February 7th! Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC.
Just My Type follows Lana and Seth’s contentions relationship competition for their lifestyle blog. After 12 years apart, high school sweethearts turned strangers, Seth comes barreling back into Lana’s life AND workplace. The blog puts them against each other in a competition: can Lana be okay single, and can Seth end his womanizing tendencies?
What follows is a sizzling enemies/rivals to lovers, second chance romance that will make you SWOON. The speed dating scene? My heart was a puddle.
Lana’s journey of finding her inner strength through various tasks was so heartwarming to experience. The tension between Seth and Lana during their joint tasks was so much fun to read. And the love confession!! I’m a sucker for great love confessions in contemporary romances, and theirs was perfect.
Pick this up if you like enemies/rivals to lovers and second chance romances when it comes out on February 7th! Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC.
July 7, 2023
Honestly just combatting the 1 star review here. Why are you giving a book that won’t be out until next year a bad review?!?
August 16, 2022
Thank you so much to Putnam Books for providing a free digital arc in exchange for an honest review. It was a privilege to read for you!
I started out hopeful but this book became less and less enjoyable with every chapter. I will try to keep this spoiler free because this is an anticipated release and I want readers to make an informed decision.
The plot of the story was interesting. Kind of an HR nightmare, but interesting. The protagonist was a flawed woman who experienced genuine character growth. I was rooting for her.
But so much of the writing was so cringey. There were things in this book that made me genuinely uncomfortable. The tone deaf dialogue about privilege. Many of the descriptions of sexual tension were extremely awkward and uncomfortable.
And most importantly, and I really hate that this has to be said, a straight woman trying to coerce a gay man into kissing her because “it wouldn’t mean anything to him” is sexual harassment. No human being is entitled to another human being’s body no matter how little you think it may mean to them.
This could have been a cute story. It had all of the potential in the world to be a fun rom com with a little bit of spice, but the writing was just not good.
I started out hopeful but this book became less and less enjoyable with every chapter. I will try to keep this spoiler free because this is an anticipated release and I want readers to make an informed decision.
The plot of the story was interesting. Kind of an HR nightmare, but interesting. The protagonist was a flawed woman who experienced genuine character growth. I was rooting for her.
But so much of the writing was so cringey. There were things in this book that made me genuinely uncomfortable. The tone deaf dialogue about privilege. Many of the descriptions of sexual tension were extremely awkward and uncomfortable.
And most importantly, and I really hate that this has to be said, a straight woman trying to coerce a gay man into kissing her because “it wouldn’t mean anything to him” is sexual harassment. No human being is entitled to another human being’s body no matter how little you think it may mean to them.
This could have been a cute story. It had all of the potential in the world to be a fun rom com with a little bit of spice, but the writing was just not good.
November 28, 2022
After really loving Falon Ballard's debut Lease on Love last year, I was super excited to read Just My Type. I absolutely love a second chance romance and the premise sounded so good. Sadly I was left wanting more from this book. More angst, more chemistry...more interest.
I found myself not really caring much about Seth and Lana as a couple. They didn't have the chemistry I look for in a second chance romance. Not to mention there really wasn't any angst between the two. I wish I felt more for them as a couple, but they would both say one thing and then go and do something else and it was frustrating trying to follow along. Maybe if there was flashbacks of them together in the past or we felt more for them as friends I could have connected to them more?
Unfortunately, Just My Type wasn't a book that clicked for me even though the plot/premise had so much potential.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher
I found myself not really caring much about Seth and Lana as a couple. They didn't have the chemistry I look for in a second chance romance. Not to mention there really wasn't any angst between the two. I wish I felt more for them as a couple, but they would both say one thing and then go and do something else and it was frustrating trying to follow along. Maybe if there was flashbacks of them together in the past or we felt more for them as friends I could have connected to them more?
Unfortunately, Just My Type wasn't a book that clicked for me even though the plot/premise had so much potential.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher
March 9, 2023
This would have been a DNF if I was not so far behind on my reading goal. there were many moments where I rolled my eyes. And if the main character said “thank Loki” one more time I was going to scream. Not super great character development for anyone and very predictable. Your TBR is too big to spend time on this one sis. Watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and move on to another book.
February 4, 2023
A SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE BETWEEN EXES WHO SUDDENLY BECOME RIVALS COMPETING FOR A COVETED COLUMNIST POSITION! ♡♡♡
I highkey enjoyed Lease On Love, Ballard's debut novel, when I read it back then. I was highly anticipated this second novel because I'm a sucker for second chances and rivals-to-lovers. Just My Type was such a calming balm for me. It is so fun and quick to read! The dynamic between these two characters is very back-and-forth and there's never a dull moment when they interact. This book reminded me of Happy Place by Emily Henry because of the exes who have never stopped loving each other plot. I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS! Yes, come back and win her back, boy!
This book is a single-POV story where you'll only know Lana's thoughts. Think You Deserve Each Other where you didn't know Nicholas's thoughts and pull out your hair because you wanted to know if he loved her too lmao. I do love dual POV most of the time, but you know what? Single POV is also fun. It makes you wonder more. Usually the "boy obsessed" and "he has always loved her" tropes hit more whenever it's a single POV because you never see if he actually does at the beginning until he finally confesses he has been in love with the main charcater for a long time. THE PINING IN A SINGLE POV ROMANCE? DAMN!
There were some giggles and screams when I was reading scenes where Lana and Seth were present. They had so much chemistry and attraction oh my god. They couldn't stop bickering around each other, but then whenever their fingers brushed against each other? STOOOPPP MY HEART. When he holds her hand and she squeezes it >>>
Seth has been waiting for Lana and tbh waiting to make his move because he needed to apologize first. But he needed to be there, in the same city, as Lana, for her to interact with him again. HE HAS BEEN IN LOVE WITH HER SINCE HE WAS FOURTEEN I MEAN. He has known she is the one and only for him since high school and he just wanted for her to give him a second chance to show her they could go the long way!
If you love second-chance romances, rivals to lovers, "it has always been you" trope, and workplace romance, you will definitely adore Just My Type.
I highkey enjoyed Lease On Love, Ballard's debut novel, when I read it back then. I was highly anticipated this second novel because I'm a sucker for second chances and rivals-to-lovers. Just My Type was such a calming balm for me. It is so fun and quick to read! The dynamic between these two characters is very back-and-forth and there's never a dull moment when they interact. This book reminded me of Happy Place by Emily Henry because of the exes who have never stopped loving each other plot. I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS! Yes, come back and win her back, boy!
This book is a single-POV story where you'll only know Lana's thoughts. Think You Deserve Each Other where you didn't know Nicholas's thoughts and pull out your hair because you wanted to know if he loved her too lmao. I do love dual POV most of the time, but you know what? Single POV is also fun. It makes you wonder more. Usually the "boy obsessed" and "he has always loved her" tropes hit more whenever it's a single POV because you never see if he actually does at the beginning until he finally confesses he has been in love with the main charcater for a long time. THE PINING IN A SINGLE POV ROMANCE? DAMN!
There were some giggles and screams when I was reading scenes where Lana and Seth were present. They had so much chemistry and attraction oh my god. They couldn't stop bickering around each other, but then whenever their fingers brushed against each other? STOOOPPP MY HEART. When he holds her hand and she squeezes it >>>
Seth has been waiting for Lana and tbh waiting to make his move because he needed to apologize first. But he needed to be there, in the same city, as Lana, for her to interact with him again. HE HAS BEEN IN LOVE WITH HER SINCE HE WAS FOURTEEN I MEAN. He has known she is the one and only for him since high school and he just wanted for her to give him a second chance to show her they could go the long way!
If you love second-chance romances, rivals to lovers, "it has always been you" trope, and workplace romance, you will definitely adore Just My Type.
September 2, 2024
En cuanto leí que este libro tenía vibes de “Cómo perder a un chico en 10 días” me dije que tenía que leerlo ya que es una de mis películas favoritas. Y la verdad es que es una lectura con la que he disfrutado mucho. Ambos protagonistas me han gustado mucho y me han sacado más de una sonrisa a lo largo del libro. Ambos siendo periodistas, lo que he echado de menos ha sido leer los artículos que tenían que escribir, pero en general, es un libro perfecto para esta época del año.
August 27, 2022
DNF at 20%. I'm sorry but this book is just not for me. I found Lana to be really kind of annoying, cringe, and pretentious, also I just personally couldn't bring myself to care about her problems. And the mmc's introduction gave me such a strong ick I just had to put the book down. Thank you to Putnam Books and Netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review!
May 1, 2023
I read this via audiobook from Libby. I think I would have liked it better if I read it physically because I did not like the narrator. Overall, this was cute, but it was missing something that would’ve made me love it!
August 16, 2022
the description of this book really caught my eye and i thought a romance about two journalists was gonna be right up my alley, but unfortunately this just didn’t do much for me. i wasn’t a big fan of the main character, lana, and i felt the whole story was cringe in many ways.
i found lana really immature and the way she handled being around her ex boyfriend felt so over the top and petty. i also didn’t feel any connection between lana and seth, we were told that they had this huge relationship all throughout high school, but we weren’t shown it.
the thing i like about other second chance romance books i’ve read is when they take us back to when they were first together and we get to see them as a couple. since this book didn’t do that, i felt nothing for them.
there was definitely potential within the deeper plot of lana and her mother, but once again i just wasn’t as effected by it as i was hoping to be.
+ thank you so much netgalley/putnam books for sending me this digital arc!
i found lana really immature and the way she handled being around her ex boyfriend felt so over the top and petty. i also didn’t feel any connection between lana and seth, we were told that they had this huge relationship all throughout high school, but we weren’t shown it.
the thing i like about other second chance romance books i’ve read is when they take us back to when they were first together and we get to see them as a couple. since this book didn’t do that, i felt nothing for them.
there was definitely potential within the deeper plot of lana and her mother, but once again i just wasn’t as effected by it as i was hoping to be.
+ thank you so much netgalley/putnam books for sending me this digital arc!
April 2, 2023
I think the work environment in this book is against the law.
February 23, 2023
i just really really really love second chance romance. it speaks to my soul. this was such a fun and enjoyable read. a part of it that was unexpectedly enjoyable was just how much these two despised each other at the start. it was fun to read that. and the plot was quite engaging too.
February 16, 2023
4.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow, I was seriously not expecting to love this book as much as I did! I always feel a bit nervous with the second chance romance trope, because you know that they split up previously for a reason, but it worked SO well in this book. These two were each other's first loves, and you can see the lingering feelings left between the two of them after there was never any real closure 12 years previously. There's a little bit of miscommunication between them, which could be frustrating, but you see as the characters develop throughout the book how their communication also develops, which I loved.
There were an insane amount of pop-culture references in this book, which frustrates me because in a few years time, it might feel really dated - I mean one of the references in it already feels quite dated (where instead of saying 'thank God' or 'for God's sake', the MC will say 'thank Loki' or 'for Loki's sake'), when I think this is one of the better romcom books out there.
Especially because there is such a HEALTHY discussion of therapy!!! That was incredible to see, I really loved that, and for that reason alone people should pick up this book. Both the main character and the love interest go to therapy and it is such a positive discussion on therapy, I was absolutely loving it.
Also that epilogue was the cutest thing, and now I really want to read the author's debut novel!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow, I was seriously not expecting to love this book as much as I did! I always feel a bit nervous with the second chance romance trope, because you know that they split up previously for a reason, but it worked SO well in this book. These two were each other's first loves, and you can see the lingering feelings left between the two of them after there was never any real closure 12 years previously. There's a little bit of miscommunication between them, which could be frustrating, but you see as the characters develop throughout the book how their communication also develops, which I loved.
There were an insane amount of pop-culture references in this book, which frustrates me because in a few years time, it might feel really dated - I mean one of the references in it already feels quite dated (where instead of saying 'thank God' or 'for God's sake', the MC will say 'thank Loki' or 'for Loki's sake'), when I think this is one of the better romcom books out there.
Especially because there is such a HEALTHY discussion of therapy!!! That was incredible to see, I really loved that, and for that reason alone people should pick up this book. Both the main character and the love interest go to therapy and it is such a positive discussion on therapy, I was absolutely loving it.
Also that epilogue was the cutest thing, and now I really want to read the author's debut novel!
November 9, 2023
I needed a little fluffy read and this fixed my craving. It was cute but nothing specia.
November 16, 2022
2.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this one after enjoying Lease on Love. Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite work for me. I found the first part of the book difficult to get into and the set up far-fetched (what a gigantic HR nightmare!). Lana was pretty unlikeable and came across as immature and petty. I had to remind myself numerous times that these characters were 30. I was expecting some bombshell reason to explain her animosity towards Seth, but when the past was revealed, her anger felt unfounded. Also, the point of her list was to have her be independent and not so consumed/wrapped up in a romantic relationship. Though I appreciated the realization that she’d been standing on her own since a young age, it didn’t feel like she fully reached her goal. Things like turning down a hot guy, eating at a restaurant alone, and not being in a relationship for a few weeks don’t reassure me that Lana won’t fall back into familiar habits.
Seth was also pretty frustrating. He would do/say one thing and then walk away and do a complete 180. I got whiplash trying to keep up. He was a bit more forthcoming about his feelings though, so he gets points for that. Sadly, the lack of maturity and communication annoyed me and I found myself often frustrated by them both. I also didn't feel much chemistry between them, which made it difficult to believe in this second chance romance. I think more scenes in the past of them together would have been helpful as well as Seth's POV. I did enjoy the ATF coworkers/friend group a lot and would definitely be interested in a story for Rob and Tessa. I thought the epilogue was very sweet and I enjoyed the Los Angeles setting, but sadly I didn’t love this one.
CW: Financial strain/hardship (past), manipulative boss/work environment, parental abandonment (past), strained relationship with parent, profanity
OW/OM notes: FMC propositions MMC while she has a boyfriend (past), FMC kisses an OM in front of MMC, MMC goes on dates with an OW
Tropes: workplace romance, forced proximity, second chance, slow burn, childhood friends to lovers, rivals to lovers, found family
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
I was really looking forward to this one after enjoying Lease on Love. Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite work for me. I found the first part of the book difficult to get into and the set up far-fetched (what a gigantic HR nightmare!). Lana was pretty unlikeable and came across as immature and petty. I had to remind myself numerous times that these characters were 30. I was expecting some bombshell reason to explain her animosity towards Seth, but when the past was revealed, her anger felt unfounded. Also, the point of her list was to have her be independent and not so consumed/wrapped up in a romantic relationship. Though I appreciated the realization that she’d been standing on her own since a young age, it didn’t feel like she fully reached her goal. Things like turning down a hot guy, eating at a restaurant alone, and not being in a relationship for a few weeks don’t reassure me that Lana won’t fall back into familiar habits.
Seth was also pretty frustrating. He would do/say one thing and then walk away and do a complete 180. I got whiplash trying to keep up. He was a bit more forthcoming about his feelings though, so he gets points for that. Sadly, the lack of maturity and communication annoyed me and I found myself often frustrated by them both. I also didn't feel much chemistry between them, which made it difficult to believe in this second chance romance. I think more scenes in the past of them together would have been helpful as well as Seth's POV. I did enjoy the ATF coworkers/friend group a lot and would definitely be interested in a story for Rob and Tessa. I thought the epilogue was very sweet and I enjoyed the Los Angeles setting, but sadly I didn’t love this one.
CW: Financial strain/hardship (past), manipulative boss/work environment, parental abandonment (past), strained relationship with parent, profanity
OW/OM notes: FMC propositions MMC while she has a boyfriend (past), FMC kisses an OM in front of MMC, MMC goes on dates with an OW
Tropes: workplace romance, forced proximity, second chance, slow burn, childhood friends to lovers, rivals to lovers, found family
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
September 18, 2022
At first I struggled to get into this one, most likely because I kept attempting to start it at night, which never ends well. Once I sat down in the morning to continue reading, I could not put it down, nor go to sleep, until I had finished it.
I have really become a fan of the second chance love trope and it was perfectly executed here along with several other fun tropes including workplace romance and enemies to lovers.
The tension was consistent between the main characters throughout the first two thirds of the book, leading to a powerful conflict/resolution. I have not found myself emotionally invested in books recently, but this one got me, hook, line and sinker.
Falon Ballard is so wonderful at character development and making all of her characters come to life. I felt that way about her debut, Lease on Love, but feel like she absolutely nailed it in this follow up. She’s also great at writing such fun supporting characters and friends circles you wish you could be a part of.
This was one of the funniest romance books I have read recently, with a line that had me in stitches regarding a certain type of fussy plant and it’s diva ways. I am sure all my plant people will love it. The banter was spot on, especially in the group messaging thread between our MCs and their co-workers. And I love the mixed formatting, between straight chapters, text messages, group messaging and news articles.
This was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books, period. Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Available February 7, 2023.
Read if you like:
• second chance love
• workplace romance
• enemies to lovers
• women’s fiction
• open door romance
I have really become a fan of the second chance love trope and it was perfectly executed here along with several other fun tropes including workplace romance and enemies to lovers.
The tension was consistent between the main characters throughout the first two thirds of the book, leading to a powerful conflict/resolution. I have not found myself emotionally invested in books recently, but this one got me, hook, line and sinker.
Falon Ballard is so wonderful at character development and making all of her characters come to life. I felt that way about her debut, Lease on Love, but feel like she absolutely nailed it in this follow up. She’s also great at writing such fun supporting characters and friends circles you wish you could be a part of.
This was one of the funniest romance books I have read recently, with a line that had me in stitches regarding a certain type of fussy plant and it’s diva ways. I am sure all my plant people will love it. The banter was spot on, especially in the group messaging thread between our MCs and their co-workers. And I love the mixed formatting, between straight chapters, text messages, group messaging and news articles.
This was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books, period. Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Available February 7, 2023.
Read if you like:
• second chance love
• workplace romance
• enemies to lovers
• women’s fiction
• open door romance
August 8, 2023
I guess it might just be me but I would question the ethics of a competition that includes a task, in which a person has to have a one night stand with a stranger and then write an entertaining and spicy article on it, just to be in the running to win a dream writing job. Sorry, but it's just something I can't wrap my head around 👀.
Also, I never understood why the female MC Lana feels the need to be in a romantic relationship ALL THE TIME and constantly suffer heartbreaks?! I kept wanting to tell her that 'Lana you've had enough relationships, try being single for a change and that too for yourself and not for the sake of some competition!'
Rating: ⭐⭐✨💫
Also, I never understood why the female MC Lana feels the need to be in a romantic relationship ALL THE TIME and constantly suffer heartbreaks?! I kept wanting to tell her that 'Lana you've had enough relationships, try being single for a change and that too for yourself and not for the sake of some competition!'
Rating: ⭐⭐✨💫
February 15, 2023
Just My Type
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 2/7/23
Author: Falon Ballard
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Pages: 368
GR: 4.11
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This was a cute love story. This follows an enemies to lovers trope, probably my favorite. Former high school sweethearts have to face off against each other in a series of articles in a romance column. They each come up with ten things for the other to do. The challenge is simple: Lana will learn how to love herself and not be in a relationship; while Seth will learn how to be in a committed relationship. Some are joint ventures, while others are single ventures. In the process of this, will they be able to tolerate each other, or kill each other?
The story is narrated in a single narration, by Lana, in her POV. Lana is a serial monogamous dater, while Seth is afraid to commit to any one. Lana really shows some tremendous growth throughout the story, as does Seth, but in different ways. The characters were well developed with witty banter, so much chemistry, sexual tension, and creatively done. The banter and tension was a high selling point for me and I craved the scenes between Seth and Lana. The author’s writing style was complex, creative, swoony, humorous, and brilliant.
This book would be perfect for those that loved “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.” Also reminiscent of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game. Swoony, fun, and endearing, Just My Type is one of my favorite reads this year. I highly recommend picking up the book or the audiobook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 2/7/23
Author: Falon Ballard
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Pages: 368
GR: 4.11
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This was a cute love story. This follows an enemies to lovers trope, probably my favorite. Former high school sweethearts have to face off against each other in a series of articles in a romance column. They each come up with ten things for the other to do. The challenge is simple: Lana will learn how to love herself and not be in a relationship; while Seth will learn how to be in a committed relationship. Some are joint ventures, while others are single ventures. In the process of this, will they be able to tolerate each other, or kill each other?
The story is narrated in a single narration, by Lana, in her POV. Lana is a serial monogamous dater, while Seth is afraid to commit to any one. Lana really shows some tremendous growth throughout the story, as does Seth, but in different ways. The characters were well developed with witty banter, so much chemistry, sexual tension, and creatively done. The banter and tension was a high selling point for me and I craved the scenes between Seth and Lana. The author’s writing style was complex, creative, swoony, humorous, and brilliant.
This book would be perfect for those that loved “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.” Also reminiscent of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game. Swoony, fun, and endearing, Just My Type is one of my favorite reads this year. I highly recommend picking up the book or the audiobook.
January 24, 2023
Just My Type is an adorably sweet.. enemies to lovers/second-chance romance.. that’s super relatable. This has “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days” mixed with “The Hating Game” vibes. There’s a competition between two old flames to land the job of their dreams with unique unexpected twists seldom found in a rom-com. They have to each write articles about their experiences, at the end of the competition the one with the most online clicks wins. Oh.. + I love how these two teamed up and put their boss in her place.. she most certainly deserved it! A fun, clever PERFECT HEA!!! ❥ 5 stars — Pub. 2/7/23
Thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I loved this book! Absolutely loved it! It’s been a long time since I picked up a romance that just worked for me on every level as this one did. Lana and Seth were both absolutely fantastic characters and I loved the way they were with each other. I love a good second-chance romance and I definitely feel like Lana and Seth deserved to get a chance to try again. I am so glad that I decided to give this book a try.
Lana is at a low point after the proposal that she thought she was getting turns out to be a breakup. She decides to stop jumping from boyfriend to boyfriend and stay single for a bit. She may write a relationship column but she knows that she needs to work on herself. Imagine her surprise to walk into her office to find her ex-boyfriend from high school. To make matters worse, they are paired up to compete for the one job that they both want.
Lana and Seth had fantastic chemistry and I felt like they really belonged together. They did have a few issues to resolve and I really appreciated the way that things were handled in the story. I hated that their boss had them competing against each other and that the competition was so incredibly personal. I really did feel like they understood each other and I loved watching them grow closer throughout the story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Tegan Ashton Cohan did a fantastic job with this story. I loved the voices that she used for both the male and female characters. Once I started listening, I was completely captivated by the story and had a hard time setting the book aside. I do believe that her narration added to my enjoyment of this delightful story.
I would recommend this book to others. This book was full of great characters, a lot of laughs, some swoon-worthy moments, and some moments that touched my heart. I will definitely be reading more of this talented author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Penguin Random House Audio.
I loved this book! Absolutely loved it! It’s been a long time since I picked up a romance that just worked for me on every level as this one did. Lana and Seth were both absolutely fantastic characters and I loved the way they were with each other. I love a good second-chance romance and I definitely feel like Lana and Seth deserved to get a chance to try again. I am so glad that I decided to give this book a try.
Lana is at a low point after the proposal that she thought she was getting turns out to be a breakup. She decides to stop jumping from boyfriend to boyfriend and stay single for a bit. She may write a relationship column but she knows that she needs to work on herself. Imagine her surprise to walk into her office to find her ex-boyfriend from high school. To make matters worse, they are paired up to compete for the one job that they both want.
Lana and Seth had fantastic chemistry and I felt like they really belonged together. They did have a few issues to resolve and I really appreciated the way that things were handled in the story. I hated that their boss had them competing against each other and that the competition was so incredibly personal. I really did feel like they understood each other and I loved watching them grow closer throughout the story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Tegan Ashton Cohan did a fantastic job with this story. I loved the voices that she used for both the male and female characters. Once I started listening, I was completely captivated by the story and had a hard time setting the book aside. I do believe that her narration added to my enjoyment of this delightful story.
I would recommend this book to others. This book was full of great characters, a lot of laughs, some swoon-worthy moments, and some moments that touched my heart. I will definitely be reading more of this talented author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Penguin Random House Audio.
September 3, 2022
Well that was freaking delightful 🥹 Falon Ballard is one of those authors that I can’t skim. There’s something about her pacing and phrasing that has me gobbling up every word and loving the ride. Who cares if it’s a slow burn if I’m freaking entertained the entire time?
Second chance, enemies to lovers, childhood friends, workplace nemesis, slow burn. So many tropes and it’s all executed to perfection 👌🏻
Lana has gone from serious relationship to serious relationship after her high school sweetheart broke her heart 12 years ago. After a break up, Lana is given a chance to get out of her dead end column an onto something awesome. All she has to do is beat another writer’s series on building a long term relationship with her series on staying single. The catch? Her competition is her ex…THE EX.
Dun dun duuuuuuuuuunnnnn.
This is about as women’s fiction as you can get but it still be a true romance. Single POV, therapy, discovering oneself. It’s a true journey for Lana to sort through some issues but the driving force of the story is still her relationship with Seth 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 There isn’t too much going on that pushes the romance out of the primary spotlight and for that, I’m giving this 5 stars.
This book basically has all the things I’m looking for in a contemporary: quick pace, steam, an 80% mark that makes sense and isn’t a colossal waste of time, emotional intimacy, and humor.
Loved this book! Preordering and raving to come!
I received the ARC from the publisher, review is my own.
Second chance, enemies to lovers, childhood friends, workplace nemesis, slow burn. So many tropes and it’s all executed to perfection 👌🏻
Lana has gone from serious relationship to serious relationship after her high school sweetheart broke her heart 12 years ago. After a break up, Lana is given a chance to get out of her dead end column an onto something awesome. All she has to do is beat another writer’s series on building a long term relationship with her series on staying single. The catch? Her competition is her ex…THE EX.
Dun dun duuuuuuuuuunnnnn.
This is about as women’s fiction as you can get but it still be a true romance. Single POV, therapy, discovering oneself. It’s a true journey for Lana to sort through some issues but the driving force of the story is still her relationship with Seth 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 There isn’t too much going on that pushes the romance out of the primary spotlight and for that, I’m giving this 5 stars.
This book basically has all the things I’m looking for in a contemporary: quick pace, steam, an 80% mark that makes sense and isn’t a colossal waste of time, emotional intimacy, and humor.
Loved this book! Preordering and raving to come!
I received the ARC from the publisher, review is my own.
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