How can two people impact each other so much yet one be absolutely oblivious? Melissa explains in this book how. Poor Finn has been impacted regularly through his life to date by Lavender, all the way back to highschool. This is a funny story about almost soul mates, like opposite ends of a magnet - frequently attracted and then repelled by each other. Well, only Finn is repelled. The funniest part is that Finn starts to plan paybacks that go horribly wrong and Lavender always comes out smelling like roses - "Not only did I realise just how crippled my own bitterness made me, but I realised how wonderful she is. Wonderful". Great, almost grumpy and sunshine - "I grumble, she cheers. I grimace, she smiles with eyes as bright as the sun." This dual POV book was a lovely read with no spice.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Melissa Ferguson for this early release copy in exchange for my honest review

I am thankful for the gift of an early copy of How to Plot a Payback from NetGalley. This was a fun, light read focused on the world of Lavender and Finn. When the two reconnect after a fateful high school drama debacle….one finds themselves in a perfect place to plot a payback. Time has changed perspective, though, and the grievances and frustrations of high school give way to different feelings as adults. This was a sweet, fun and light book, and I especially loved the character development and relationships Finn mastered with his apartment mates/octogenarians. Such a lovely story!

The story itself was cute if not predictable and the ending felt rushed but completely accurate for the characters so I'm not sure what to do with that. I loved the characters and their flaws and generally good intentions while having absolutely disastrous results. It was funny and quirky and the side characters were great ways to elevate the main characters and show them for who the were.

#arc
#netgalley
#howtoplotapayback

"How to Plot a Playback" by Melissa Fergeson is a charming rom-com perfect for readers looking for a lighthearted escape. Finn Masters, a screenwriter, lands his dream job writing for a popular sitcom. However, his excitement is dampened when he discovers the show's star is Lavender Rhodes, his childhood nemesis who he believes ruined his acting career and personal life.

The book shines in its portrayal of Finn and Lavender's dynamic. Finn initially seeks revenge, plotting to sabotage Lavender's character on the show. The humor stems from the one-sided animosity, as Lavender remains blissfully unaware of Finn's grudge. This "enemies to lovers" twist keeps the story engaging, with readers rooting for Finn to overcome his misconceptions.

I would have enjoyed more interaction and playful banter between the protagonists. We were almost 25% through the book before they were even in the same room. For readers seeking a clean romance, this book delivers, focusing on character development and emotional connection rather than explicit content.

The setting in Hollywood adds another layer of intrigue. I enjoyed Finn and his living conditions and friends; they added a nice touch. I also enjoyed the ending. Actually I think I enjoyed the last 25% of the book more than the first. So if you think it starts out slow; I would recommend handing in there to finish it.

Recommendation: A delightful choice for fans of lighthearted rom-coms with a touch of revenge fantasy.

I didn’t care of this at all. I was literally 62% through the book when I realized it was supposed to be a romance and not some kind of revenge story. Finn is such an unlikable baby. And Lavender is an oblivious doormat. It became a chore to get through this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Uplit reads for my e-arc of this one.

Unfortunately I did not love this one like I did Famous for a Living.

How to Plot a Payback is a slow burn rom-com. Enemies to lovers follow Finn and Lavendar. Finn, now a successful screenwriter, has held a grudge against Lavendar for years. Now, they are forced to work together again.

For some reason Finn annoyed me so bad. The fact that he blames Lavendar for everything and was so whiny just drove me crazy. Lavendar was not likeable at all and was so self centered. At the end, I just didn’t find myself invested in this story at all

2.5⭐️ (rounded up) I hate giving books less than 3 stars, but ultimately, this book was just not for me. It was very slow and boring in all honesty. I found myself skimming the last few chapters and really had to push through, which is so unfortunate because I have liked previous books by this author.

The characters and plot were bland. Lavender had her head in the clouds and never showed any other emotion other than naivety (if that's even an emotion lol. Perkiness | guess. That’s not an emotion either) And Finn was so petty in his hatred towards Lavendar, if you can call it hatred. It was kind of half baked, and that was supposed to be the whole plot! He made one "payback". And it didn't even go well. So there's that.

In all honesty, I would have liked Lavender to end up with Kye instead of Finn. The story about two celebrities casted as leading actors in the same show would have been a lot more fun for me to read. Cliché maybe, but more interesting for me.

All in all, the best thing about this book was the puppy, and the ending actually wrapped up nicely. This was just my experience, so you may like it if you give it a chance!

Read this if you enjoy:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Dual POV
- Workplace romance
- British MCs
- Celebrity Romance

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Finn Masters is a screenwriter who gets a job writing for one of TVs biggest sitcoms. The downside is that his lifelong nemesis, Lavender Rhodes stars on the show, but she doesn’t even know she destroyed his acting career and ruined his relationship with the love of his life. Now that they’re working together, Finn finally has the chance to plot his payback and ruin Lavender’s character on the show.

I love books set in Hollywood so I was really excited to read this one. Finn was the perfect grumpy to Lavender’s sunshine, and I loved the dynamic between these two. It was fun reading an enemies to lovers plot when one of the characters didn’t realize they’re the enemy and honestly respected the other one. The banter between these two was funny and sweet, and I loved reading their relationship grow. Both characters were fully developed and well written and experienced growth throughout.

Don’t go into this book expecting a lot of spice. It’s not a steamy romcom. Instead it focused on the relationship between the two protagonists outside of the bedroom. I enjoyed how it was written and how character development was the focus of the author.

I was able to listen along to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. Fiona Hardingham and Steve West were cast perfectly and brought Lavender and Finn to life. There were so many laugh out loud moments in this book, and they did an amazing job with the humor as well as the romantic storyline.

This was my first book by Ferguson but it certainly won’t be my last!

Read this is you like:
- Enemies to lovers
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Hollywood settings
- Adorable dogs

Thank you Uplit Reads, Melissa Ferguson, and Thomas Nelson for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson.

How to Plot a Playback follows Finn and Lavender who are both in the TV industry. Finn is a writer who has just been asked to join the team to write for the way popular 'Neighbors' sitcom. To his discord, he finds out that the main character, whom he loathes, is the star. In walks Ms. Lavendar. She's no diva at all but appears to be very friendly with those she encounters.

Finn has made up his mind that Lavendar has destroyed his life long enough and he's going to get back at her.

What I liked most about this book was the inner dialogue we got to see with Finn and Lavendar. Once I figured out that Lavender has NO idea that she had inadvertently ruined Finn's life, it became quite hilarious. Here you have this guy who is trying to upend this actress's career as payback, but what ends up happening is quite the opposite.

I do wish there was a bit more interaction between the main characters. Finn and Lavendar had so much potential to develop that flirty banter that I was looking for.

This is the perfect book for those looking for a nice, clean rom-com book. There is some kissing and no profanity, which i greatly appreciate.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a cute romance story or even someone needing to light read this summer.

4.5 stars

This is my first time reading a book by Melissa Ferguson and I absolutely loved it! I was hard pressed to put it down.

Finn Alexander Masters III is a successful screen writer who has just landed a new job writing for the acclaimed sitcom show Neighbors. The only problem with this job is that he will be working with America’s sweetheart, Lavender Rhodes. She has been a thorn in Finn’s side since school. Yes, his annoyance and overall discontent with Lavender has lasted years. He feels that she is the catalyst for every transgression he has suffered: breaking his ankle right before his acting debut, losing his supposed love of his life… the list is long and goes on.

Now he is in the perfect position for some small time payback. But every time Finn tries to seek his revenge, it backfires on him. And now that they are working so closely together, their relationship is starting to grow.

This book is funny, while also being endearing. You can’t help feel a little bit of why Finn is slightly jaded. And I absolutely adore Lavender’s somewhat niave, carefree, hopeful attitude. This is definitely a grumpy to sunshine novel. This story had an awesome set of secondary characters that I wouldn’t mind getting books about to two awesome pups… what more can you ask for?! You should pick up this book today, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared to read this book after the ARC I got of Famous for a Living which I gave 1 star to, and didn't even finish the book. My main issue with Famous for a Living was the writing style which I forgot about until I realized I reread my review for it. Needless to say, I had partially negative feelings about this book before I even started it.

The book actually started off pretty well though. There was definitely a lot of over-explaining for each setting and inner monologue but I felt like I could get over it. This was the main problem in the previous book I had read but I was trying to overlook it. After a few chapters in, I just couldn't do it anymore. I thought Finn was incredibly rude and hateful for no reason. And I thought Lavender was a floozy who didn't care about anyone but herself. And the writing style was horrible in my opinion. So I didn't finish the book.

I really don't recommend this book at all. I'm sure some people might like it but it isn't for me and if you actually want to like the characters you read about, it probably isn't for you either.

What to Expect:
📺strong Friends &Ross/Rachel sitcom vibes
📺despise to lovers (not quite enemies)
📺screen writer & actress romance
📺revenge gone wrong
📺dual POV

This may technically count as a romance but it is the slowest of burns so keep that in mind before diving in.

🫶🏽What worked for me
I was engaged the entire time and never got bored. I was amused with how the tv show they were filming mocked the 90s classic show Friends and the British voice actors were delightful.

🤷🏻‍♀️What didn’t work for me
I didn’t really find the romance to be that believable after Finn had hated Lavender for so long but I still enjoyed the book for what it was. Meet Me in the Margins is still my favorite by Melissa Ferguson and I liked this book enough that I’ll keep reading what she publishes 💗

Okay so… I wasn’t having any huge expectations from this book but honestly, as I started reading it, I couldn’t stop myself from putting it down! It was just so, so good!! It’s a rom-com with no spice, perfect for anyone to read it and enjoy. I personally really liked it and would recommend this to rom-com, romance with no spice lovers out there! You should definitely check it out!

3.5 rounding up

Finn landed his dream job as a writer for the most popular show on TV. The only downside? The star of the show is his arch nemesis. Lavender Rhodes is beloved and adored by the public, but she doesn’t even know she’s been ruining Finn’s life since they grew up together in England. But now…he is writing for her character on the show. What could go wrong!?

This was a cute, zero-spice, cozy rom-com. A lot of the plot revolves around dogs. I thought the characters were likable and could have used more development with them and the side characters. Overall, a super cute and easy read!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A fun, fluffy, entertaining rom com read! If you’re not into a romance with spice, this is perfect for you. I love a dual POV to get perspectives from both MCs. Finn wasn’t very likeable as a character in my opinion. I’m a huge fan on enemies to lovers so I enjoyed that aspect. It’s an easy, fun read. I’d like to see more of Lavender and Finn.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Melissa Ferguson writes some of the funniest rom coms I’ve read. Thank you @tnzfiction @uplit and @ourfriendlyfarmhouse for my early finished copy of HOW TO PLOT A PAYBACK, which publishes this week!

Two British characters- one uber famous thanks to a last minute cast change (meet Lavender), and one that keeps powering up the TV screenwriting ladder (meet Finn).

Two paths that no matter how hard Finn tries, he can’t seem to avoid the crossing. Especially when he accepts a job at Neighbors, the long-standing TV show Lavender has been staring in for the past 10 years…yes, it does sound a little like a Friends timeline, right??

Throw in the sweetest pack of dogs- these are my favorite characters for sure! They are adorable! And some fantastic supporting characters and you’ve got a cozy little read that’s perfect to throw in your bag on the way to the beach on Spring Break!

Congratulations on your Pub Week, Melissa! Another great novel!

What a fun and cute closed door romance! Finn is a tv writer who has had the opportunity of a lifetime to start writing for a long-standing show that’s in need of some fresh ideas. However, taking this job means working with his arch nemesis, Lavender. Lavender Rhodes is completely oblivious to the fact that she has ruined Finn’s life. She’s also completely different than Finn remembers her. This was a fun, cute read and if you prefer to have a clean romance, this is a perfect one for you! I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much to NetGalley for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was a sweet and fun rom-com, with great characters and a good storyline. I enjoyed reading it.
However, I didn't really feel the chemistry between the protagonists, but overall it's a cute Hollywood romance.

Finn Masters has a problem. Since he was 17, his life has been constantly sidetracked by one person, Lavender Rhodes. She broke his ankle (well, kind of) just as he was set to play Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, landed an agent and a Hollywood career after she replaced him in the play, ruined his chances in a long-running sitcom, and ended his relationship. She's the bane of his existence. She's also, unfortunately, the star of the show he's just been hired to produce. It's a big step up for Finn and one that will break him out of his crime procedural rut.

While his new job may put him in constant contact with his arch-nemesis, it also gives him the perfect opportunity to plot a payback. He's ready to make Lavender's life a little bit worse off. Except, he soon finds that she's as delightful as everyone says she is. Can he set aside his lifetime of grievances for a chance with the sitcom star?

I hope I'm not alone in dreaming about all the ways I could bring down my own arch-nemeses, so the premise of the book is a fun one. This isn't a great work of art, but it is a quick read with pretty likable characters and a very predictable plot. The book disappoints in the final pages, as I think the solution that Finn finds is kind of silly. Despite those complaints, I'd rate this a solid 3.5/5, and worth picking up if you are looking for a lighthearted clean romance.

* Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *

This one was fun! I really loved the character of Lavender, more than I liked Finn. Don’t get me wrong, still really liked Finn, but I had a preference for Lavender. The plot was cute and not one I have read a ton before, which was very refreshing. I did expect a more romance heavy book, which this is more comedy. Again, not a bad thing! Just more setting the expectation for others. Overall, would recommend!