In Just My Type by Falon Ballard, As the relationship columnist at LA’s Always Take Fountain (ATF) 
online magazine, Lana Parker should have her dating life well in hand, right? Yeah, not so much. Particularly since her most recent long-term boyfriend just broke things off with her. On the night she assumed he was going to propose. Yikes. The things he said–which were later reconfirmed by her bestie May–weren’t very flattering. Lana knows she’s a work in progress. Who isn’t? But when even her boss points out that she needs to stay single and work on herself, that opens up her eyes. Not only to how she needs to figure out who she is without a man in her life, but to focus on getting out of a rut in her career as well.
‘Not that I ever had a nose for “serious” journalism, but I certainly never pictured myself as LA’s millennial Carrie Bradshaw.’
Then the other shoe drops. Lana’s former high school sweetheart, freelance journalist Seth Carson, shows up at ATF and they both learn that they’re up for the same job. One where she could finally write about something other than dating woes and something more her style, like pop culture. The catch? Lana and Seth have to compete against each other in a list of ten tasks: his will focus on settling down in one place with one woman; hers will have her living the carefree(ish) single life. But as the former duo starts in on their lists, it becomes quickly apparent–at least to their coworkers and friends–that there are still sparks aplenty between them. Which will make it oh so much more complicated for Seth and Lana to do what needs to be done without letting their attraction, or their past, get in the way.
“One night only?” His blue eyes are absolutely blazing, searing into mine.
I nod.
“I have one condition.” He wraps one arm around my waist, pressing his hand flat against the small of my back… “I get you for the whole night.” He leans in closer. “Agreed?”
Just My Type was no sophomore slump for author Falon Ballard. If anything, this rom-com upped Ballard’s game, as she pitted former high school sweethearts against each other in a competition for a new job. Laughter, shenanigans, and a bit of awkwardness ensued while they both explored past mistakes and realized how it helped them become who they are today.
‘New hurt, old hurt, so much hurt lies between us.’
I’m a sucker for a good second chance romance and oh was this a doozy! I love it when a couple has a long, tangled up history together–something that Lana and Seth had in spades. The former high school couple had it all down pat until things fell apart when they were in college. Without spoiling what Seth and Lana’s actual intentions were and what their thought process was throughout the twelve years they were apart, suffice to say there was a lot of miscommunications. And decisions made that weren’t discussed with the other party. (Men! Ugh…lol) But it was clear to everyone around them that Lana and Seth never ceased to care for each other.
That care (and love) for one another is what helped Ballard create some mighty friction between Seth and Lana at work during their “friendly” competition for the same job. I loved watching it all play out. Nothing was really done in a malicious way so even though some of the tasks they had to complete were cringe-worthy, it was also entertaining as all get-out. What I enjoyed most, aside from seeing Lana and Seth fall in love all over again of course, was that they each grew so much as individuals. There’s nothing better than seeing a character you come to care about figuring out that they are so much stronger than they first thought. That maybe they’re not so broken after all. And thanks to some much-needed soul searching–and some helpful pushes and tough love from Lana’s awesome bunch of friends–she worked out a way to have everything she wanted in life. Professionally *and* personally.
QOTD: Lana had a healthy obsession with all things pop culture–specifically Marvel Cinematic Universe. Do you have anything you follow: movie franchises, TV shows, book genres/authors, music, etc?
Book Info:
Publication: Published February 7th 2023 | G.P. Putnam’s |
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 & relationship columnist for one of Los Angeles’s trendiest websites. But now, at the age of 30, 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.
Amy R
Thanks for the review.
Michele H
Thank you for reading it, Amy!! 🙂
Latesha B.
I want to read this story. It sounds like fun. I have a few authors that are auto buys for me no matter what they write.
Michele H
I hope you do get to pick this one up, Latesha! It was so much fun but it did have some truly heartfelt moments as well. And that ending…perfection!
Banana cake
Sounds good! I’ve already preordered this book.
Michele H
Nice!! I don’t think you’ll regret picking this book up. What a wild adventure the main characters went through! 🙂
Summer
Marvel isn’t my thing but I do love other kinds of pop culture, I love movies and TV, and of course books.
Michele H
So many things to love in pop culture these days, right? And it seems like there’s truly something for everyone. Happy reading to you, Summer! 🙂
Glenda M
In addition to romance novels, I’m a fan of Marvel movies – including the X-men, & Star Wars. Thank for the review!
Michele H
Yes! X-Men, Star Wars, all the Marvel movies. Entertaining and such great storylines! 🙂
Mary C
I have a list of authors I follow.
Michele H
Me, too, Mary! You’re in good company because I have a feeling everyone else here on the blog–and who visits it–does too… LOL 😉 Happy reading to you!
Dianne Casey
I enjoyed the review. Adding to my TBR list, looking forward to reading the book.
Michele H
Thank you, Dianne! I hope this lives up to expectations for you 🙂 It was a blast to read, that’s for sure!
bn100
sounds interesting
Michele H
It definitely was! Especially if you like second chance romance and/or friendly competition between the characters. So fun!
Ellen C.
I follow some authors, love books, enjoy the Avenger movies and the Big Bang Theory.
Michele H
Love it! Some of my favorite things as well, Ellen 🙂 I’m a big fan of MCU, especially the Avenger movies, and absolutely adore Big Bang Theory! What’s not to like, right? lol 😉
Amy Donahue
I always have a multitude of interests; The Walking Dead, Outlander, Stephen King, and Rupaul’s Drag Race are just a few of many 🙂
Michele H
Nice, Amy!! I’m a huge Walking Dead fan too–can’t wait for the spinoff series to start. I mean, Rick & Michonne? Gah!! Stephen King is almost required reading here in New England so I’m totally with you that! lol And Rupaul…absolutely. So much fun! Outlander–don’t tell anyone but I still haven’t watched the series! I know…I need to because I loved the books. 🙂 Happy reading to you!!