Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are honestly given.

In The Rom-Com Agenda, Eli finds himself heartbroken after being dumped by his girlfriend, Victoria, who rejects his marriage proposal and moves to Italy. Supported by his family and friends, he teams up with Leah, who is at a crossroads after the death of her foster mother, in order to make himself into the perfect man for Victoria. Their partnership is only meant to be a mutually beneficial arrangement in order to makeover Eli in preparation for Victoria’s return, but it grows into something more than either planned. Will Eli and Victoria be able to determine where their hearts and their future truly lie?

I’m a sucker for a romcom, and The Rom-Com Agenda has so many fun callbacks to classic romantic comedies. These references, and Jayne Denker’s easy, engaging writing style were some of my favorite parts of this book. Part of me did feel like the set-up was a little strained— Eli definitely came on a little strong in the beginning, proposing to a short-term partner without really talking about long-term plans (which was a necessary ingredient to kick off the makeover montage), and his friends/family seemed a bit overly invested in changing him rather than telling him that the right person wouldn’t force him to change in order to be ‘right.’ But all in all, this was a fun read that many romcom lovers are sure to enjoy! 3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of THE ROM-COM AGENDA by Jane Denker. I really enjoyed this cute romance, with two of the sweetest MCs ever that were just so easy to root for. I also enjoyed the friend group from which I can see signs of future books in this world, and the rural upstate New York setting was lovely. The banter, the tension, the realistic characters were all so great. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.

A cute story with references to some of my favorite rom com movies. I didn’t love the main male character - he seemed really over the top and between his girlfriend and sister controlling his life it got annoying.

CW: death of a parent (mentioned), cancer, bipolar disorder (mentioned), foster care, heart attack, panic attack

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Leah Keegan is making her way through finally leaving Willow Cove after the death of her foster mom. Eli Masterson is now the inspiration of his friends’ makeover session to win back his girlfriend Victoria. When Leah winds up assisting in Eli’s makeover, she realizes that she’s falling for him.

The Rom-Com Agenda should be a good rom-com novel coming out this January. One of the things I really loved about the book is the dynamics between Leah and Eli. You could tell from early on in the book that they were so good for each other. Leah was able to understand the quirky parts of Eli and Eli was able to bring Leah out of her comfort zone and not be afraid to make connections with other people. In a sense, I feel that you see them bring out the best of each other throughout the book and that’s what I really love about it.

One thing I noticed early on in the book is about whether or not Eli is autistic. I’m autistic too and I noticed that some of Eli’s characteristics and actions in the book are similar to people on the spectrum. Though, I didn’t like the fact that Eli’s sister and her friends tried to make him change his entire personality for no reason after he got dumped by Victoria. I felt like it would have been better if they focused their efforts on helping him get over Victoria while staying true to himself instead of making him something that he’s not, especially if Eli is actually autistic. At least Gray was the only person in that friend group that had the sense to realize that all these changes were completely unnecessary.

Now, other than the whole changing Eli for no reason complaint, my other criticism of the book isn’t as large. One, the whole subplot of the will they/won’t they romance between Delia and Gray wasn’t necessary. I felt like it would have made no difference to the plot if it were left out and it would have been better to see more of the relationship between Leah and Eli.

Overall, if you want a rom-com novel going over the irony of rom-coms while also serving as a swoon-worthy friends-to-lovers, The Rom-Com Agenda is for you.

A friends to lovers, slow burn romcom with a cozy feel. I felt for Eli, cheered for him to come to his senses quickly, and enjoyed the banter among his sisters and best friend. It was a quick read that reminds us all that you shouldn't have to change who you are for someone to love you. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up

I love the tight knit group of friends in this story! It’s always great when we have a multiple characters to know and love vs focusing just on the main ones. Denker also flipped some typical gender roles having a male being the one so determined for love and hanging onto a relationship after it ends. I did think it went a bit too far in his unwavering devotion and the extent of his makeover but I enjoyed being part of this world for a bit.

I’m not sure if I’ve read too many romcoms that I know the formula now, but this one was a little predictable and boring for me. It was still a cute story, but not my fave rom com out there

I loved this book! It felt very cosy to me! The cover alone had me sold, it’s so cute. I felt genuinely connected to the main character, like I saw so much of myself in her that it made me love the book even more the more I read! I’m really hoping to get more of these characters at some point because I loved them so much!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the concept. In order to win over his girlfriend, Eli's sister and friends decide to give him a total makeover, and end up enlisting the help of Leah. Leah doesn't think Eli needs to change, but her main focus is getting out of town.

The found family trope was strong in this book and I am so thankful for it. It's not very often that found family is written in contemporary romance so it always warms my heart to read it. It was really well written and I think it progressed at the perfect pace. It was very realistic and convincing.

Now for the fun part: the romance. Leah and Eli started out as strangers but quickly progressed to friends. I loved reading about all their fun adventures as Eli worked through his transformation. They watched all the good rom-coms together and Eli's family kept roping Leah into all these other outings. The best part: they go on a fake date together!

The side characters were all amazing. I absolutely loved everyone. The ending was perfect.

I recommend getting this book as soon as you can!

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a chance at reading / attempting to read this book.

When I need a little fluff in my reading I head towards rom-com books, and I really like the friends to lovers tropes. This one had all that, and I was really looking forward to a cute rom-com book to break up some heavy reading I usually do.

I'll be honest. I couldn't get through this book. It was boring and superficial. It had some great ideas and cute and nerdy references in the dialogue but otherwise it just didn't work for me. I think if it had one sided story of the main characters instead of flipping back and forth between the too it might have been a little bit better. All the side characters I was confused about, like where they his friends or where they his sisters friends, it probably would have been a lot better if they were actually his sisters doing a make-over and not his sisters friends. That seems weird to me.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. This book was so fun. I really enjoyed it. This book kept me interested and i enjoyed the book and this genre

Summary:
Leah is so sweet and kind.. came to Willow Cove to take care of her foster mom who had cancer and later passed. With no friends and no family, Leah is on her own in the world and determined to move on with her life and leave Willow Cove and her foster care past in the dust. Eli, a handsome Willow Cove native... recently got ditched by his girlfriend Victoria. After throwing himself out there and his marriage proposal being shut down, his only thought is how to win her back. The two meet in an effort to help Eli fully change into the man they think Victoria wants. Leah was immediately consumed into their friend group. Does that change any plans Leah may have had? What if Victoria isn't who Eli needed all along?

My Thoughts:
This was a very cute Rom-Com. I enjoyed reading this one. Leah and Eli were easy to love. The other characters in this book were easy to love as well and brought so much extra to the storyline. This book was an easy read and touched on abandonment issues Leah had due to her past. I always love when a character comes back from a traumatic past and ends up with everything they deserve plus some. I do wish Eli didn't obsess over Victoria for most of this book because Leah did feel like a second option for me, even in the end. In a way, I do feel like that is more realistic though. The girl that sits back, secretly in love with her best friend... while they are completely oblivious and living life.

This story is a true story of character and realizing that what you wanted most in life might not be where your life is supposed to go. The Rom-Com Agenda is a true "friends to lovers" trope and you will for sure fall in love with this one.

This read checks off the rom-com box. It references many popular rom-com films. The tie is quirky and keeps the mood light. There are a few deeper topics addressed throughout this book such as foster care, death of a caregiver, and mental health. The Rom-Com Agenda has you following Leah who is trying to sort out her life while falling for a man, Eli, who is set on winning over his ex. This read reminds the reader that what you sacrifice in a relationship should not include sacrificing your total self. Overall, this is an okay read. It is very predictable and was a little tough to be invested in these characters as the storyline was very surface level and could have gone a little deeper with vulnerability at times.

This is super cute! Very Hallmark but super cute. Leah is adorable and very relatable and very well-adjusted despite everything she’s had to go through. Eli is also a super sweet, kind, romantic himbo and him and Leah are super cute. Also, can I just say I loved how they handled their romantic drama or potential drama. Eli made his feelings and attachments abundantly clear so there was no chance of misunderstanding or miscommunication on his part so the only major conflict was Leah’s internal struggle. I also love the found family trope and Eli’s family is the best, I need a book about Gray. He was the best, I also loved the rest of his friends they were supper cute and supportive. I also loved all the references and romcoms mentioned it was super cute and fun. This book is super fun and lighthearted despite the darker aspects and backstory for the characters and I cannot wait to read it again. I still will never enjoy the outdoors or want to go hiking or camping or go to the gym but I will read bout others doing it and enjoy every second.

This one took me a bit to get into but I had to finish to see what happened. I love how honest Leah was and I love that she was the perfect mix of independence as well as knowing that it’s OK to feel wanted and needed. Eli, oh Eli! It took him a while to get his head on straight but once he did he really stood up for those he loves and that is something that I love to see! Loved how this one ended up and this crazy loyal group that we got to meet along the way.

3.5 star = I liked it. The Rom Com Agenda was cute. Leah (who is working about a zillion jobs) gets swept in Eli's sisters' attempt to makeover Eli to win back Victoria (who turned down his proposal before heading off to Europe) The makeover involves a new look for Eli and an education in romance via watching all the great rom coms. Both of the leads were very sweet - though Eli is clueless as he first develops a friendship with Leah and then falls for her without realizing it while still thinking that Victoria is his end game. This is a really slow strangers to friends to lovers. Other than all the Rom Com references, some of the best parts of the story are former foster kid Leah being slowly assimilated into Eli's friend and family collective. (Content Warning: mentions of cancer in the past- Leah was caregiver to her step mom during her last days and Eli's mom is a cancer survivor)

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley Release date January 2023 - this is an unpaid review.

This was a sweet quick read. Eli goes through a makeover in order to get back Victoria, which doesn't go according to plan. Leah gets roped into the makeover and her and Eli end up falling for one another. I liked all the characters in the book, they were pretty funny and their interactions with one another made for interesting friendships. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This book is perfect for romcom lovers. It has all of the elements of a romcom movie (including the makeover montage!) and comes to a heart-warming, satisfying ending. As a romcom movie does, this book allowed to me just turn off my brain for a bit and enjoy Leah and Eli's journey from stranger to friends to romantic relationship. The secondary characters were delightful, and I look forward to them (hopefully) getting their own books someday! Also, something about the snowy setting added an extra cozy element to this book, which I think will be perfect for readers when this comes out in January. It really is the perfect winter romance book.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publication: January 10, 2023

I hate it when I think a book and I will get along but then we end up not at all. The synopsis for this book hooked me right in. Male makeover with the inspiration of romcom heroes? Absolutely right up my alley! I think the execution however fell for me.

Things I disliked:
- Eli's character- He was still pining after a woman he proposes to after a few months of dating. When I say pining still I mean almost a year later. Insert a cringe
- Leah's character- She was pretty bristly and had a lot of emotional baggage to deal with before trying to get into a relationship.
- Plot line- a lot of the plot was over the top cringe-worthy. I think if it was executed better or maybe more realistic I would have enjoyed it more.

Things I liked:
- The 90's references- as a 90's baby I found myself having those small nostalgic moments when I got to some of these references

Overall, this book and I were not a match but it had cute aspects to the book plus awesome references.

The Rom-Com Agenda was a very cute, slow-burn romance and a great story with a found family that is supportive and hilarious. Leah and Eli have great chemistry and form a really great connection as Eli is pushed into making over himself and his life to win back his ex-girlfriend. And what better way to learn than to watch various romantic comedies to learn what to do and what not to do. Eli's family and friends mean well when they undertake his extreme makeover - but at times they are a little overbearing - overall it leads to many humorous moments. I kind of would have liked one more chapter or an epilogue to see how things ended up with Cathy's house, what career/job Leah made more permanent, and with Eli's goal to start an adventure course on his property. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this advance copy.