Just My Type

An online relationship columnist finds herself pitted against her high school ex-boyfriend in this steamy novel from Ballard (Lease on Love). Lana, a serial monogamist, finds herself single but not-so-ready to mingle when she ends up competing for a coveted columnist spot against Seth, the boy who broke her heart—twice. The story may be a little bit difficult for the most logical among romance readers to sink into—the writing competition comes across as kind of silly, and Lana crosses the line into twee at times, particularly with pop culture references that never go anywhere—but Ballard does a good job of tying together her insecurities, upbringing, and past with Seth into a relatable heroine. She further crafts a central relationship solid enough that most contemporary rom-com fans will be pleased they picked this one up as the workplace rom-com with a second-chance, enemies-to-lovers plotline speaks to readers who love messy heroines and slightly far-fetched setups.