How to Plot a Payback was such a fun and light read! The premise is cute: she’s a rising actress, he’s a snarky screenwriter, and back in high school, she humiliated him. Now years later, their paths crossed again and he’s determined to get a little payback.

I loved the thoughtful commentary on social media, image, and owning your narrative. Overall, it was an easy, feel-good read that made me smile. Highly recommended if you like Hollywood settings, enemies-to-lovers arcs, or books that blend humor and heart in just the right amounts.

🐕‍🦺🎬Book Review:
Title: How To Plot A Payback
Author: Melissa Ferguson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 stars

I started this book and lost interest because I kinda got confused. But once I start a book, I literally can not DNF it unless it's absolutely terrible. This book wasn't terrible by no means, and I knew I needed to give it a fair shot. Once I was able to concentrate on it, it ended up being a pretty cute romcom.
Enemies to lovers troupe with lots of humor and clearly a lot of paybacks!

"The perfect escape for lovers of dogs, second chances, and swoon-worthy romance. Don't miss this one." --Annabel Monaghan, bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer

In this hilarious and heartwarming rom-com, Melissa Ferguson delivers a story that will delight fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes and witty banter. With shades of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, How to Plot a Payback takes readers on a rollercoaster ride as Finn Masters navigates the treacherous waters of working with his lifelong nemesis, Lavender Rhodes. Packed with humor, sizzling chemistry (but no explicit content), and unexpected twists, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good dose of revenge mixed with undeniable attraction.

Published: April 2nd, 2024

Thank you, @netgalley and @thomasnelson, for the ARC in exchange for my honespayback!

This is a cute story. Entertaining and light, it is fluff piece that lightens your spirits. I love that this author writes clean fiction that can be enjoyed by all.
I love to recommend this author to others and will recommend this book as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson in exchange for my honest review and feedback. This is such a cute story that you will find to be an easy, quick read. I really enjoyed the banter back and forth between characters and found it to be a fun, lighthearted book.

I really enjoy Melissa Ferguson’s writing style. She makes things so clear and easy to read. This is another good story by her.

NetGalley and Thomas Nelson — Fiction, thank you for allowing me to read this story.

I don't think that was a very strong romance, mostly because their feelings were more talked about than shown and they did not even talk about being semi-attracted to the other until like the 60% mark. But, I think the book was entertaining and an easy read.

This one is such a fun take on enemies-to-lovers. Finn finally lands his dream job writing for a hit TV sitcom—only to find out he’ll be working with Lavender, the actress who made his high school years a nightmare. Naturally, he decides he’s going to get a little harmless revenge… but things don’t quite go according to plan.

The banter is sharp, the sitcom setting is super fun, and I loved watching Finn slowly (and reluctantly) realize that Lavender might not be the villain he’s made her out to be. It’s light, sweet, and really funny in a way that still gives you something to root for emotionally.

This book was written for you if:
1. You love a chaotic revenge plan that turns into a rom-com.
2. You’re into behind-the-scenes Hollywood vibes.
3. You want a fun, flirty story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

**3-Star Review of *How to Plot a Payback* by Melissa Ferguson**

*How to Plot a Payback* by Melissa Ferguson is a quirky, fun romance that combines humor, revenge, and unexpected moments of heart. The story centers around Charlotte, a woman seeking revenge on the man who wronged her, but along the way, she ends up on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and romance. The mix of comedy and heart makes for an enjoyable read, with plenty of witty moments and charm.

Ferguson’s writing is light and breezy, filled with snappy dialogue and quirky characters that make the book easy to dive into. The romance is sweet, though it doesn’t break new ground, and the chemistry between Charlotte and her love interest is fun to watch unfold. The theme of redemption adds depth to the story, though some of the plot twists feel a bit predictable.

While *How to Plot a Payback* is entertaining and enjoyable in its own right, it doesn’t fully explore the emotional layers that could elevate it beyond a lighthearted rom-com. Some of the secondary characters could have been developed more, and at times, the pacing slows, especially during the middle of the book.

Overall, it’s a solid, feel-good read with plenty of laughs and romance, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impact. Perfect for fans of light, humorous romantic fiction, but not one that stands out as particularly groundbreaking.

How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson has quickly become one of my top picks from her, and I can’t recommend it enough! If you’re a fan of grumpy/sunshine dynamics, slow-burn romances, and hilarious enemies-to-lovers tropes, this one’s for you.

The book has a fantastic one-sided enemies-to-lovers vibe, with Finn’s feelings toward Lavender being both comical and relatable. You can’t help but feel for him as he navigates his frustration with her—until you, just like Finn, start to really get to know the real Lavender. And then, of course, you fall just as hard for her as he does!

Lavender was such a refreshing character. I loved how self-aware she was and how she never took herself too seriously. Her mission to help everyone, whether human or animal, was so endearing. And I can’t forget about the dogs—Bernie and Miles were the absolute cutest! Lavender and Finn’s chemistry and banter were spot on, and while there were plenty of moments for misunderstandings, their communication really made everything work. And the grand gesture? Perfection.

This book had everything I love—wit, heart, and adorable pups. What more could you ask for?

Book 049 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I enjoyed this and as always because there is 0 spice. I don't need to be told how to picture love scenes if at all thank you very much.

If I had read this before her latest, it would have been an instant five-star. Easy to read, good flow, but I felt that her writing grows with each book.

Having read almost all of @ourfriendlyfarmhouse books, you will know what I mean. Can't wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson
A story of rivalry, revenge, and unexpected twists
Melissa Ferguson's "How to Plot a Payback" is a fun and heartwarming story about rivalry, redemption, and the ups and downs of human relationships. Through Finn and Lavender's wild ride, Ferguson explores themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and the power of empathy. The novel reminds us that sometimes, the people we see as our enemies might help us heal. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a mix of humor, heart, and relatable characters.
"How to Plot a Payback" is a delightful and heartwarming read that showcases Melissa Ferguson's talent for creating engaging stories. Through Finn and Lavender's journey, Ferguson shows us that life's unexpected turns can lead to personal growth and that sometimes, the best revenge is finding peace within ourselves.

How to Plot a Payback is such a cute and funny story. I love Melissa Ferguson books, and this one is no different. This is a book I've read and listened to (the audio) several times because it's so lighthearted, feel-good, and is just like visiting with an old friend. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to read and listen to it through NetGalley, in addition to listening to it through my local library.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

It was a good plot but I couldn't get through it. Really liked the first 50% of the book. Wish the pace was maintained and the story went somewhere. Anyways, on to next.

This is the first time I have read a book of Melissa Ferguson’s, but it will not be my last one! Melissa writes very witty and funny stories that have a little bit of romance mixed in. This book is centered around two characters. The first one is Finn Masters. He has just landed his dream job of writing for a sitcom. Until he finds out who the Lead actress is. That would be Lavender Rhodes, his nemesis. She has ruined his life without even knowing that. He is not going to let her ruin his life again. So he plots a payback! Everything that could go wrong does and it’s written in such a very funny dialogue. You will be thoroughly captivated reading this story. I am now a dedicated Melissa Ferguson book fan!

I really enjoyed this book! It was an engaging read from start to finish, and I found it incredibly accessible. The writing was easy to follow, and I appreciated how the story kept me hooked without feeling overwhelming. Overall, it was a great experience, and I definitely recommend it!

this book was really confused but I think this one's on me bcs i'm a bit stupid and couldn’t connect with the characters
thank you netgalley for the arc

*How to Plot a Payback* by Melissa Ferguson is a delightful rom-com that blends humour, charm, and a touch of mischief. Finn Masters, a successful screenwriter, lands his dream job on a beloved sitcom, only to discover he’ll be working with Lavender Rhodes, the ever-optimistic star who, in his eyes, has been ruining his life since their school days. What follows is a hilariously misguided attempt at revenge that, unsurprisingly, doesn’t go as planned.

The story excels in its lighthearted tone and quirky characters. Finn’s grumpy scepticism pairs wonderfully with Lavender’s sunny disposition, creating a fun dynamic full of banter and unexpected depth. The supporting characters, including some mischievous dogs and sassy neighbours, add warmth and laughter to the narrative. The writing flows easily, and there are plenty of moments that will make you chuckle or even laugh out loud.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. Finn’s vendetta against Lavender sometimes feels overly petty, especially given how much time has passed since their school days. While his reasons are explained, they might have resonated more strongly if shown through flashbacks rather than described in a list. Additionally, the romance, though sweet, takes a backseat to the revenge plot, which might disappoint readers expecting a more traditional love story.

Despite these minor issues, *How to Plot a Payback* is an entertaining and heartwarming read. It’s perfect for fans of slow-burn romances, laugh-out-loud antics, and stories about learning not to judge a book by its cover. If you’re looking for a cosy, uplifting rom-com with just the right amount of chaos, this one’s worth picking up!

I love all of Melissa's books and this one is so cute!!

How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson is a delightful and witty rom-com that’s impossible to put down. The story centers on Finn Masters, a successful screenwriter who lands his dream job on the beloved sitcom Neighbors. But there's a catch—he's now working with Lavender Rhodes, the cheerful, altruistic star who has unintentionally ruined his life for years. From sabotaging his acting career to wrecking his previous relationship, Lavender is Finn's long-time nemesis, and he's not about to let her ruin yet another opportunity.

Determined to get payback, Finn starts to plot ways to rewrite Lavender's character in increasingly ridiculous and shocking directions. However, his plan quickly unravels in hilarious ways, forcing him to reassess his feelings toward her. As their rivalry plays out on set, the chemistry between Finn and Lavender becomes undeniable, leading to a heartwarming journey from enemies to lovers.

Ferguson's writing is sharp, humorous, and full of heart, making this a perfect read for fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes, witty banter, and slow-burn romance. The chemistry between Finn and Lavender is electric, and their growing connection provides both laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional depth. If you love rom-coms with memorable characters and unexpected twists, How to Plot a Payback is sure to be a hit.

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How to Plot a Payback is the second book I’ve read by Melissa Ferguson.

The trope of grumpy X sunshine in the blurb is what hooked me.

At first, I was so annoyed by Lavender did not find her apparent lack of self-awareness to be charming. I mean, what kind of monster doesn’t like baby chicks? (Yes, I know the backstory was traumatic).

Finn is definitely not perfect either. His creepy list of Lavender’s past misdeeds is indeed creepy. Who obsesses this much about events that happened so long ago that arguably were coincidental?

His revenge/justice plot is even creepier. After he finally starts to realize he may actually like Lavender, he commences another phase of his revenge plan. Which fails of course.

But the thing about good storytelling is little by little characters change and evolve, enchanting you with all the little whimsical things about themselves that they each start to fall for each other in the story.

This was a slow read for me but it picked up pace toward the end of the story and I finally got the romance the author was going for.

I’m not sure this was for me, but another reader might enjoy it.