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jadeandherbunny's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A good read that made me reflect on my own life.
I did not find the comedy in this rom-com, which is sad.
I was still very interested in continuing to read this book, I'm not very sure why.
Lana has been relatable in a lot of aspects and the banter was good enough.
I did not find the comedy in this rom-com, which is sad.
I was still very interested in continuing to read this book, I'm not very sure why.
Lana has been relatable in a lot of aspects and the banter was good enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Infidelity
kfmcf's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Personally, I think Falon Ballard is highly underrated. She writes quippy, fun dialogue banter with endearing characters. Is this book perfect? No. Does it have to be? Also no.
Lana is very relatable (almost to a fault). As a serial monogamist, I was very invested in her journey of discovering independence. There of course was always going to be the hiccup of the fact that this is a romance book so she's not going to end up alone. But it was still cute. I do think the Marvel references were a little heavy handed and she's started to lean into pick-me territory. Also I did appreciate the self awareness of her privilege but she still did come across and a "poor little rich girl" a times.
Seth was fun. Their back-and-forths were fun to read and I liked getting to see his layers peel away. I do think his being in love with Lana the whole time was meh and I wish we'd got a bit deeper of a look into his time away from her. I also think their reunion 'issue' was weak and I really wish that it handed being infidelity adjacent. Let me tell you tho, him calling her Parker was *top notch*.
Ballard is a go-to for me. I'm excited to see how her writing and storytelling continue to develop. My only ask of her really is to diversify her casts a bit.
Lana is very relatable (almost to a fault). As a serial monogamist, I was very invested in her journey of discovering independence. There of course was always going to be the hiccup of the fact that this is a romance book so she's not going to end up alone. But it was still cute. I do think the Marvel references were a little heavy handed and she's started to lean into pick-me territory. Also I did appreciate the self awareness of her privilege but she still did come across and a "poor little rich girl" a times.
Seth was fun. Their back-and-forths were fun to read and I liked getting to see his layers peel away.
Ballard is a go-to for me. I'm excited to see how her writing and storytelling continue to develop. My only ask of her really is to diversify her casts a bit.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Abandonment, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
amberraex's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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 is an expert girlfriend. After a disastrous breakup with her high school boyfriend, she's bounced from long-term relationship to long-term relationship and even works as the dating and relationships columnist for one of Los Angeles's trendiest websites. But when Lana suddenly finds herself single, she's ready to take a break, both personally and professionally.
That is, until her high school ex, Seth Carson, takes an assignment at Lana's site. Having spent years traveling the world as a freelance journalist, Seth's finally ready to put down roots. Seth and Lana's chemistry is just as combative—and undeniable—as ever and quickly leads to a competition that could shape both of their careers. Pitted against each other by Lana's boss, they are each tasked with writing an article series that goes against their usual dating type: Lana needs to write about being single and staying single, while Seth must learn to settle down and become boyfriend material. Whoever's series is most popular wins a highly coveted dream job. But when the two square off, it's not only their careers on the line—it’s also their hearts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First off, Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for the generous ARC copy of this book. I have not previously read LEASE ON LOVE by Falon Ballard, so this is a new to me author.
When I first came across the blurb of this book I immediately NEEDED to read it. I thought it was going to be a super cute enemies to lovers trope. Falon did not disappoint me! This book is a second chance, enemies to lovers, workplace competition slow burn romance. It kind of gave me How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes - and I am definitely not complaining about that!
Lana is a thirty-year old writer and serial monogamist. She writes the dating and relationship column for Always Take Fountain. Her character starts off a little immature, but I was happy to see her growth as the novel progressed.
Seth is a thirty-year old freelance writer who recently moved to LA to settle down. He starts working for Always Take Fountain with Lana (his ex high school girlfriend!) where they are pitted against each other in a "friendly" competition.
The storyline from here is as predictable as you can imagine (I won't say it out loud because I don't want to spoil anything), but it was a very fun read. The banter was good and I felt the book was written very well. It is not a spicy books by any means. It is a slow burn with a few spicy scenes in the last 15% of the book.
Definitely would recommend for fans of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Hating Game, and People We Meet on Vacation.
Book releases February 7, 2023.
Lana Parker is an expert girlfriend. After a disastrous breakup with her high school boyfriend, she's bounced from long-term relationship to long-term relationship and even works as the dating and relationships columnist for one of Los Angeles's trendiest websites. But when Lana suddenly finds herself single, she's ready to take a break, both personally and professionally.
That is, until her high school ex, Seth Carson, takes an assignment at Lana's site. Having spent years traveling the world as a freelance journalist, Seth's finally ready to put down roots. Seth and Lana's chemistry is just as combative—and undeniable—as ever and quickly leads to a competition that could shape both of their careers. Pitted against each other by Lana's boss, they are each tasked with writing an article series that goes against their usual dating type: Lana needs to write about being single and staying single, while Seth must learn to settle down and become boyfriend material. Whoever's series is most popular wins a highly coveted dream job. But when the two square off, it's not only their careers on the line—it’s also their hearts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First off, Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for the generous ARC copy of this book. I have not previously read LEASE ON LOVE by Falon Ballard, so this is a new to me author.
When I first came across the blurb of this book I immediately NEEDED to read it. I thought it was going to be a super cute enemies to lovers trope. Falon did not disappoint me! This book is a second chance, enemies to lovers, workplace competition slow burn romance. It kind of gave me How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes - and I am definitely not complaining about that!
Lana is a thirty-year old writer and serial monogamist. She writes the dating and relationship column for Always Take Fountain. Her character starts off a little immature, but I was happy to see her growth as the novel progressed.
Seth is a thirty-year old freelance writer who recently moved to LA to settle down. He starts working for Always Take Fountain with Lana (his ex high school girlfriend!) where they are pitted against each other in a "friendly" competition.
The storyline from here is as predictable as you can imagine (I won't say it out loud because I don't want to spoil anything), but it was a very fun read. The banter was good and I felt the book was written very well. It is not a spicy books by any means. It is a slow burn with a few spicy scenes in the last 15% of the book.
Definitely would recommend for fans of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Hating Game, and People We Meet on Vacation.
Book releases February 7, 2023.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content
decklededgess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
trigger warnings: vomit, alcohol, sexual content, emotional abuse, manipulation in the workplace, sexual harassment,
Second chance romances require some really intense work setting up history between characters without having any page time to actually go into details. Seth and Lana's first reunion after two years of not hearing from each other was perhaps the most ingenious way of hooking me into their history and rooting for their love story EVER. The enemies adjacent vibes paired with some intense denial made for the perfect pressure cooker of tension to propel the two of them forward in their little competition for who does the best in the challenges they set for each other.
My favourite part of the book (aside from the smut I have only one priority) was Lana's personal growth. The challenge to learn how to be single, while exploited for the website and for articles, was turned into actual opportunity for Lana to grow and treat herself to independence and introspection. Her growth outside of relationships moulded her into a stronger person which allowed for her inevitable reunion with Seth to be perfectly timed. The emotional gratification of Lana being at her healthiest and them finally getting together with Seth was just PERFECT.
I did want more for Seth though. Maybe it's because this was all Lana's POV but I felt like Seth could have been solidified a bit more in the story. He felt interchangeable with *insert any random man* at times which was unfortunate. That was just a couple of blips though so not really an issue in the grand scheme.
Can't wait to read more by Falon Ballard!!
Second chance romances require some really intense work setting up history between characters without having any page time to actually go into details. Seth and Lana's first reunion after two years of not hearing from each other was perhaps the most ingenious way of hooking me into their history and rooting for their love story EVER. The enemies adjacent vibes paired with some intense denial made for the perfect pressure cooker of tension to propel the two of them forward in their little competition for who does the best in the challenges they set for each other.
My favourite part of the book (aside from the smut I have only one priority) was Lana's personal growth. The challenge to learn how to be single, while exploited for the website and for articles, was turned into actual opportunity for Lana to grow and treat herself to independence and introspection. Her growth outside of relationships moulded her into a stronger person which allowed for her inevitable reunion with Seth to be perfectly timed. The emotional gratification of Lana being at her healthiest and them finally getting together with Seth was just PERFECT.
I did want more for Seth though. Maybe it's because this was all Lana's POV but I felt like Seth could have been solidified a bit more in the story. He felt interchangeable with *insert any random man* at times which was unfortunate. That was just a couple of blips though so not really an issue in the grand scheme.
Can't wait to read more by Falon Ballard!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, and Vomit
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