Toe to toe, p.1
Toe to Toe, page 1
Praise for
Change of Heart
“While this book does have its Hallmark-esque moments, Change of Heart doesn’t fall into all of the stereotypes you see in those films. No matter if you love them or hate them, you’re bound to find Change of Heart charming.”
—Culturess
“Calling all Hallmark Channel romance lovers.”
—Well + Good
“If you think Ballard’s Change of Heart sounds like Schmigadoon or Pleasantville, you wouldn’t be wrong…. Heart Springs has a distinctly Hallmark style.”
—BookPage
“Humorous…A spicy romance with the charm of a movie, it is refreshing that falling in love isn’t the only worthwhile goal…. A fun rom-com with a stellar heroine.”
—Booklist
“Whimsical…[a] clever riff on the classic small-town romance aesthetic.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Ballard creates a delightful world in Heart Springs and an ideal romance hero in Ben. An entertaining and offbeat romance that balances magic, humor, and heart.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A fanciful, slow-burn grumpy/sunshine tale, ideal for readers who enjoy escapist romance.”
—Library Journal
“Laugh-out-loud funny and romantic beyond the scope of space and time, Change of Heart is another total winner from Falon Ballard. I have never met a heroine I’ve cheered for so hard.”
—Annabel Monaghan, author of Same Time Next Summer and Nora Goes Off Script
“Change of Heart delivers in spades. Imagine Pleasantville and The Hating Game had a book baby. I adored this book; Falon Ballard at her best.”
—Sophie Cousens, author of Is She Really Going Out with Him?
“I couldn’t put Change of Heart down. I want to live in Heart Springs, I want Cam Andrews in my corner, and I want this story to be adapted into an actual Hallmark movie.”
—Sarah Hogle, author of Old Flames and New Fortunes
“Change of Heart is the badass feminist rom-com that fans of Pleasantville and The Stepford Wives will love. It’s funny, sharp, and a slow burn that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
—Erin La Rosa, author of The Backtrack
“Change of Heart is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to see the big-city Hallmark villain rewrite the narrative and become the unexpected heroine of her own story. I devoured this in a single, delicious sitting!”
—Holly James, author of Name Your Price
Praise for
All I Want Is You
“[A] sweet second-chance love story.”
—Woman’s World
“A sexy, lighthearted Yuletide tale packed with second-chance love, humor, and loads of festive cheer…. The cozy backdrop is inviting, and the snowstorm and holiday ball create an ideal setting for this sweet, steamy read.”
—The Washington Independent Review of Books
“[With] all the snappy banter of an enemies-to-lovers rom-com…Ballard has written another fun and impossible-to-put-down romance with engaging leads…. A short, sweet, and extremely festive romance that will put readers in the holiday spirit.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“For fans of Book Lovers by Emily Henry…This sweet-and-spicy holiday read goes down easily, especially when paired with a peppermint hot chocolate in a cozy cafe on a cold December evening.”
—Reader’s Digest
“Christmas Sweater Weather is a very specific tier of cozy…. All I Want Is You delivers those delicious vibes alongside a bookish second-chance romance.”
—The Nerd Daily
“[A] swoony, spicy second-chance romance that will have you grinning and blushing…This will get you in the Christmas spirit even if you’re feeling a bit Grinchy (hey, it happens to the best of us).”
—Bustle
“I cannot resist the ‘one bed’ trope, so this is calling to me!”
—Book Enthusiast by Becca Freeman
“A cozy, banter-filled romp full of steam that rivals a good ol’ cup of cocoa.”
—BookBub
“A fast-paced second-chance romance that’s equal parts spicy and swoony.”
—Elite Daily
“The Christmas romance you’ve been waiting for.”
—Culturess
“Spicy…Ballard leans into the tropiness of her premise, delivering plenty of forced proximity, second-chance, and enemies-to-lovers antics…. [All I Want Is You] is short, sweet, and festive.”
—Publishers Weekly
“[A] sexy second-chance romance, perfect for the Christmas season.”
—Library Journal
“Falon Ballard is the queen of sexual tension! A gorgeous second-chance romance full of holiday spice that is deliciously naughty and nice! I loved it!”
—Jenny Bayliss, author of Kiss Me at Christmas
“Falon’s writing sizzles with wry humor, spiced holiday heat, and boughs of charm…. A one-sitting read that will make you believe in the miracle of happily ever after.”
—Jen Comfort, author of What Is Love?
“Ballard cements herself as one of the genre’s most binge-worthy authors…. Dim the lights, top off the cocoa, and snuggle up—All I Want Is You is the season’s sweetest and steamiest addiction!”
—Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love
“Somehow simultaneously heart-wrenching and cozy, Ballard has written the most stunning second-chance holiday romance…. A love letter to fans of the romance genre as well as those who write it.”—Hannah Bonam-Young, author of Out on a Limb
“A fun, sexy read that romance lovers are sure to adore. Add this sugar’n’spice treat to your holiday reading list right away.”
—Holly Cassidy, author of The Christmas Countdown
Praise for
Right on Cue
One of Elle’s Best Romance Books of 2024
“Falon Ballard injects the Hallmark rom-com with some much-needed acidity in this Hollywood co-stars-with-benefits sparkler.”
—Elle
“Ballard creates a winning romantic comedy full of simmering chemistry. A fun and sexy ode to rom-coms, full of joy and chemistry.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Ballard’s lively and fun rom-com will have readers hoping that these two have their second chance.”
—Booklist
“Ballard delivers a feisty and fast-paced Hollywood fantasy in this addictive contemporary.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Full of winks to the rom-com genre and packed with steamy tension.”
—Library Journal
“Falon Ballard is a master of chemistry-filled banter and lovable characters!”
—Sarah Adams, author of The Cheat Sheet
“Falon Ballard is the queen of sharp-witted and swoony romances…. I will devour everything she writes and beg for more.”
—Mazey Eddings, author of The Plus One
“Right on Cue is a perfectly crafted rom-com…. Ballard is right on track with this delightfully satisfying read.”
—Sophie Sullivan, author of Ten Rules for Faking It
“Falon Ballard’s writing sucks me in like a best friend sharing a juicy story…. This adorable, charming, and spicy rom-com will hold you captive until the very last page.”
—Meredith Schorr, author of Someone Just Like You
Praise for
Just My Type
“[A] charming ode to writers’ passion and love.”
—PopSugar
“A compulsively readable second-chance romance that’s full of pining and laughs.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This entertaining rom-com from Ballard…is one of healing and emotional growth as much as romance.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A great showcase for Ballard’s talents. Romance readers—of all types—will be immensely entertained.”
—BookPage
“A unique and humorous tale. Ballard hits all the right notes in a second-chance romance with smart, appealing lead characters.”
—Booklist
“This spicy, tropey read will have most rom-com fans declaring, ‘It’s just my type of book!’ ”
—Library Journal
“Falon Ballard delivers a page-turning second-chance romance bursting with crackling banter and delightful characters, anchored by a layered, emotional, and sexy love story at the center.”
—Ava Wilder, author of How to Fake It in Hollywood
“Just My Type sparks with enemies-to-lovers wit and dazzles with Los Angeles flair.”
—Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Roughest Draft
“With its sharp writing, hilarious banter, and delightful characters, Just My Type is an absolutely perfect romantic comedy.”
—Lacie Waldon, author of The Layover
“Everything about Falon Ballard’s writing cuts straight to the heart…. Just My Type is an unputdownable showstopper!”
—Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love
“With the perfect swirl of lovable characters, sizzling chemistry, and perfectly crafted humor, Ballard’s sophomore novel is a story you won’t want to put down.”
—Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirt ing
Praise for
Lease on Love
“[A] fun and light read.”
—USA Today
“Laugh-out-loud banter, smart characters, and heartfelt charm…this rom-com has it all!”
—Woman’s World
“[A] cozy romance.”
—PopSugar
“[A] quirky, heartwarming contemporary romance…This is a treat.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A fantastic read…a sharply funny roommates-to-lovers, opposites-attract rom-com.”
—Booklist
“[A] charming story of new beginnings and emotional growth…Readers who enjoy female entrepreneurs, found family, and gentle romantic leads will enjoy.”
—Library Journal
“The romantic beats and the slow-burning attraction between [Sadie and Jack] are things to savor.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A delight on every level…A beautiful love story about finding something precious that seems out of reach.”
—Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting
“A hopeful, heartwarming debut. With a relatable disaster of a protagonist and an adorably nerdy hero, this opposites-attract, roommates-to-lovers romance is a true delight.”
—Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Business or Pleasure and The Ex Talk
“Lease on Love warmly and wittily underscores that none of us are perfect, but we are all worthy, we are all enough: we all deserve to be loved, not just by others, but by ourselves too.”
—Sarah Hogle, author of Old Flames and New Fortunes
“A crackling, compulsively readable debut about forging new career and romantic paths, finding strength in found family, and discovering what it truly means to be ‘home.’ ”
—Suzanne Park, author of Loathe at First Sight and So We Meet Again
Also by Falon Ballard
Something Wicked
Change of Heart
All I Want Is You
Right on Cue
Just My Type
Lease on Love
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Publishers Since 1838
An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
penguinrandomhouse.com
Copyright © 2026 by Falon Ballard
Penguin Random House values and supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin Random House to continue to publish books for every reader. Please note that no part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems.
Cover design and illustration: Sandra Chiu
Book design by Shannon Nicole Plunkett, adapted for ebook
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Has Been Applied For.
Trade paperback ISBN 9798217045167
Ebook ISBN 9798217045174
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Contents
Dedication
Author’s Note
Chapter One: Allegra
Chapter Two: Allegra
Chapter Three: Cord
Chapter Four: Allegra
Chapter Five: Cord
Chapter Six: Allegra
Chapter Seven: Cord
Chapter Eight: Allegra
Chapter Nine: Cord
Chapter Ten: Allegra
Chapter Eleven: Cord
Chapter Twelve: Allegra
Chapter Thirteen: Cord
Chapter Fourteen: Allegra
Chapter Fifteen: Cord
Chapter Sixteen: Allegra
Chapter Seventeen: Cord
Chapter Eighteen: Allegra
Chapter Nineteen: Cord
Chapter Twenty: Allegra
Chapter Twenty-One: Cord
Chapter Twenty-Two: Allegra
Chapter Twenty-Three: Cord
Chapter Twenty-Four: Allegra
Chapter Twenty-Five: Cord
Chapter Twenty-Six: Allegra
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Cord
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Allegra
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Cord
Chapter Thirty: Allegra
Chapter Thirty-One: Cord
Chapter Thirty-Two: Allegra
Epilogue: Allegra
Acknowledgments
About the Author
_155318083_
This one is for my readers: Whether this is your first Falon Ballard book or your seventh, none of this would be possible without you.
Author’s Note
Dear reader,
Thank you so much for picking up Toe to Toe! I am so excited for you to meet Allegra and Cord and join them on their journey to happily ever after. Before you begin reading, I wanted to make you aware of some sensitive content you will find on the pages of this book. There is sexual harassment in the workplace on the page, as well as mentions of sexual assault that happened off-page and in the past. Our female main character, Allegra, is a professional ballerina, and while she does not suffer from any diagnosed eating disorder, she is very aware of her eating habits and those behaviors are present on the page. Please, first and foremost, take care of yourself. Happy reading!
XOXO,
Falon
One
Allegra
If my life were a color, it would be ballet pink.
And I think I might hate pink.
My reflection in the mirror of the dance studio reeks of it. Pink tights, pink leotard, pink pointe shoes. Even though this is just company class and I can wear whatever I want, I’ve never gotten out of the habit of reaching for pink, just one of the many habits ballet has ingrained in me.
My arm floats over my head, my heels pressed together and my toes turned out. Every person in front of me and behind me at the barre moves with the same fluidity, the same grace. We hit the same position on the same beat, moving as one entity more than as individual dancers. This part of our day is all about blending in, becoming one.
After class, we move on to rehearsal. We are only a couple of weeks from performances of Swan Lake, a show I have danced so many times now that I feel like I could do it in my sleep. At least I have a featured role this time, though it’s not the one I wanted.
Hopefully I can dance well enough to finally get the promotion I’ve been working toward since the first time I put on a pair of ballet slippers. I let my mind drift, imagining how it will feel to see my name on a cast list in a lead role, not just one of many in the corps.
“Allegra.” David Morgan, our company’s artistic director, snaps me out of my reverie, his tone as sharp as my lines.
“Sorry,” I mumble, quickly striding to the center of the practice room and striking my first pose.
Not exactly the best way to show him I’m ready for a bigger role.
But once the music starts, I forget about David, and the show, and the role I’m desperate for. I forget about the color pink and the ache in my shoulders and needing to ask Mom and Dad for more money soon.
