It’s not the fault of How to Plot a Payback that just read it right on the heels of Yulin Kuang’s How to End a Love Story. Both enemies-to-lovers with a traumatic (or in the case of HTPAP) “traumatic” and defining event as teenagers, who are then thrown together in a TV writers room. Unfortunately, while HTEALS sparkled, HTPAP comes off poorly in comparison.

Finn has hated Lavender ever since she ruined, then stole, his career dreams as a teenager. As she became a beloved TV star and he a decently successful writer, they have several run ins in which Lavender (in Finn’s eyes) continues to destroy his life. When Finn gets the chance to write on the long-running hit sitcom Lavender just happens to star in, he jumps at the opportunity to not only work for one of his heroes, the powerful producer, but get some revenge on Lavender too.

Finn is more than a grump - by all descriptions, he’s mild and level-headed, except around Lavender. His grudge is more than immature, it comes across as pretty pathetic. Lavender, meanwhile, doesn’t even remember him, has no idea the effect she’s had on his life. But rather than this creating an interesting tension for them to work out, she comes across as flighty, chaotic and completely unaware of how her fame disrupts others’ lives.

I just wrote a long criticism of the book’s pacing and writing, but erased it when it started to feel like a pile on. I didn’t hate this book. It definitely has its charms. I wouldn’t even tell someone not to read it. But it’s impossible not to compare it with the much better done HTEALS, which I can wholeheartedly recommend.

⭐️⭐️💫 2.5 stars rounded up

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lavender ruined Finn's chances at a wonderful life. Or so he thinks. His grudge goes back to school days when he had an accident because of her negligence. And it led to her big break. Now he's accepted a job writing for the show that she's been starring in for years.

She also accidentally poisons him during his first day on the job.

He thinks the storyline needs a shakeup. And shake up the show he did. But he shook up more than expected.

This is a fun rom-com. Laughs and an interesting story make this a must-read for Melissa Ferguson fans, and is bound to gain her new fans.

This book was more than what I was expecting! I loved the characters, the lead and supporting characters were all so interesting! The complexity that Melissa went into was not lost on me. I couldn't put this down, I hope that it's a part of a series because I loved reading about Lavender and Finn.
I am also going to read the rest of Melissa's back catalogue because I very much enjoyed her writing style.

This book was super funny. The characters had good tension and the banter between the two was amazing.
I love Melissa Ferguson and it’s not surprise she killed it at this one

What do you do when your lifelong nemesis and absolute bane of your existence doesn’t even recognize you? Well, you plot a plan for payback, of course! When Finn Masters is hired on to screen-write for highly popular sitcom Neighbors, he comes face to face with the ultra-famous, glamorous Lavender Rhoads. The catch? He’s the one man in the world who wants nothing to do with her. Lavender doesn’t recognize Finn from their childhood UK town, and is blissfully oblivious all the ways she’s torpedoed his life and career-she just wants to be friends , and despite his reservations, Finn comes to realize he may also want that-and more. Ferguson has yet again written a highly addictive and humorous romcom sure to grab your attention until the very last page. The intense anxiety Finn feels around Lavender winds Finn and the reader tighter and tighter as she spins around him unintentionally causing utter chaos in her wake! I highlighted so many quippy lines that made me giggle, and I ALWAYS learn new words in her books (this one-alektorophobia). Ferguson has such uniquely beautiful writing that captures a scene down to the smallest details; it’s clear she finds delight in the beauty of small things and they are sprinkled throughout her prose. Melissa Ferguson’s books have become auto-buys for me. If you’re a fan if Friends and like funny enemies-to-lovers stories where only one character of the pair actually knows they are enemies while the other truly wants to spread kindness and warmth to everyone around her, grab How to Plan a Payback, out tomorrow April 2!

*I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and the author. I was not required to give a review and all opinions expressed above are my own.

How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson is a captivating novel featuring well-developed characters that will leave readers craving more.

Screenwriter Finn Masters has just landed his dream job working with a successful sitcom known as Neighbors. His only problem is that the superstar of this series is none other than Lavender Rhodes. Finn holds Lavender responsible for killing his stage career in high school Yes. He has held a grudge that long. He even has a list of ways that she has messed up his life over the years, some real and some exaggerated.

This was such a funny book. Finn was so incredibly brilliant, but also stubborn and short-sighted. Lavender was oblivious to the turmoil she had caused Finn. She is just living her best life. The cast of characters were filled with some witty, quirky characters that you will fall in love with, as well as adorable dogs and a sassy older lady. There were several times that I laughed until I almost cried. I have seen blurbs stating this is You've Got Mail meets The Proposal and that is so incredibly accurate. If you want to read a clean romance with plenty of laughs, you will enjoy this book as much I did.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In the book How To Plot A Payback by Melissa Ferguson we meet in English screen writer named Phin he writes for a popular TV show but he’s hoping to get a job with better pay and more rank. So while schmusing at a Hollywood party he is surprised when the famous producer Victor Goodwin approaches him and talks about what a great fan of fins work he is Finn cannot believe it and when it ends in him being head writer for victors biggest and longest running show Neighbors he is even more shocked. The fly in the ointment is however Phin and the shows star Lavender Roads have history and it isn’t good history this is why the screen rider said he would never work with her but never say never. He decides to take consolation in the fact he can write anything he wants into the script and boy does he. The only problem is while off set they keep running into each other and although even Finn is having a hard time buying the altruistic nice girl persona she is trying to pass off he does start to relish keeping her secrets and he may just forget why he wanted to steer clear of the actress after all. Let me start by saying for the most part I can overlook a lot of things and then this book I did and enjoyed most of it but when in the book I learned she lived above a Hungarian bakery who’s sign didn’t even have all the letters in the paint was peeling I found that hard to believe add to the fact that while she walked home it seemed everyone she passed was shocked to see her in the neighborhood. I don’t mind a little whimsy in a book but I found the author tried to hard to pass lavender a.k.a. Marie from London off as a saint. Then again I started having bad feelings for her when she showed up to work with 10 dogs wanting to push these dogs on to unsuspecting victims not only that what are the chances that you and your two roommates you lived with while struggling to be an actress will all be on the same show? OK I’m coming off like I didn’t like the boat they had some great aspects to it I did love The dogs and thought Finn was a pretty good character but when most of the book becomes unbelievable I DK I’ve read Melissa Ferguson‘s books before but they were Christmas books and in that realm you expect a little whimsy I still gave this book 3 stars as I did lol a few times and probably as many times as I rolled my eyes and as I am usually an outlier in my reviews I am still going to recommend this book because I do believe most people will love it. I want to thank the publisher the author and that galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Melissa Ferguson puts an extra burst of comedy in her new rom-com. With a fun cast of characters, including lovable dogs, the story is centered around a sit com that's filmed in Hollywood. Finn, a screenwriter, and Lavender, an actress, work together, but have a quirky history together from their time as school chums in England.
The pace is energetic, and the plot is freshly vibrant. Rich in dialogue and sprinkled with romance, this book made me happy. That's what romantic comedies are for, and Ferguson writes them well.
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson - FICTION, Thomas Nelson for a gifted advance reader's copy. My review is my own.

Finn is convinced that Lavender Rhodes has single-handedly (if unintentionally) destroyed his life and career. So his excitement at landing a great new job is tempered by the knowledge that he's finally going to have to work with her. But when she immediately continues her jinx, he decides to try some payback. But how do you pay someone back when everything seems to backfire? And, worse, when the more he sees of her, the more he realises what a genuinely nice person she is! Maybe it's time to rethink things...

This was at once hilarious and touching, and definitely almost impossible to put down. I'm not a fan of 'payback', but the way it's done here really does work, and his genuine remorse when things go beyond what he'd ever intended shows him to be a really nice guy - just as she's a nice girl (albeit both thoroughly human!). Don't read it if you're grumpy and want to stay that way, but otherwise, this is a great read and definitely worth a re-read. I particularly liked the chickens episode... All in all, a great clean read, very satisfying and highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

4.5 rounded to 5

There are two things I think readers contemplating this grumpy-sunshine romance ought to consider: one, you kind of have to buy the premise that a grown man is going to hold childhood accidents against a woman, as well as other opportunities, and not come across as a complete coconut, and two, you've got to be willing to be thrown into the breathlessly swift, sensory intensity of the writing style.

Oh. There's a third one, but only for dog lovers: don't let your heart stop when the heroine Lavender blithely tries to foist ten dogs on people unwilling to take them, without acknowledging that adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment for the dog. (All the dogs come out fine.)

That said, the absolutely crazy, high-octane of a writer's room was so well evoked, adding to the headlong dash of this story. Watching Finn, our hero, smack into his own unreasonable expectations was part of the fun, as sweet, somewhat skitty Lavender blithely and generously sheds sunshine all around her.

The payback happens about two thirds of the way through. We build up to that point, and the payoff I thought was well done, with a lot of delicious side trips into quirky characters, including a bunch of oldsters whom Finn looks out for in his grumpy way. Of course Lavender is going to take right to that action.

I found it a fun, delightful read overall.

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

I am all for an enemies to lover’s trope, but this one was a little different, where they are not enemies, but Finn has this HUGE grudge on Lavender from YEARS ago and has YET to let it go. When he finds out that Lavender isn’t as evil as he thought she was, his feelings shift. Not only does she feel bad for whatever she did to him and she’s trying to pay him back in a nice way, he’s plotting revenge on set, and then feeling guilty about it later on. Aside from all of that the book is so funny I really enjoyed it. Finn’s need for revenger after a while was so juvenile but I was so happy he got over it.

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This was a unique and fun storyline from Ferguson - I enjoyed it more than other titles I’ve read from her!

The storyline about a screenwriter from England in Hollywood, hired to start writing for a long-running show (Neighbors, not unlike Friends), but starring his grade school nemesis … she has no idea she’s ever done him wrong but he’s keeping track of all the things she’s done that have harmed him - like opening a stage trap door and he breaks an ankle leading her to take the lead in the school play and get an agent and become Hollywood famous, just for a start.

As the new script writer, Finn now decides he can write things into the show to pay her back for everything she’s ever done to wrong him… except he’s learning how hard it is to see her upset, she’s actually a nice person, and darn it, he might like spending time around her!

It’s a really fun read and very quick as well - I found I didn’t want to put it down! The dogs were a lot of fun as well!! I think the dogs were very important characters! I definitely recommend it, it’s a great RomCom!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, and this is my honest feedback.

In "How to Plot a Payback," readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous world of Hollywood, where successful screenwriter Finn Masters finds himself face to face with his lifelong nemesis, Lavender Rhodes. What follows is a hilarious yet heartfelt tale of revenge, redemption, and unexpected love.

Author Melissa Ferguson, crafts a compelling narrative filled with witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and memorable characters. Finn's determination to exact revenge on Lavender by manipulating her character on the hit sitcom Neighbors leads to a series of comedic misadventures that keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of forgiveness and redemption. As Finn's plans backfire spectacularly, he is forced to confront his own feelings of resentment and anger towards Lavender. Through their interactions, readers are treated to a nuanced portrayal of two complex individuals struggling to come to terms with their past and find common ground.

The dynamic between Finn and Lavender crackles with tension and chemistry, making their journey from adversaries to allies all the more satisfying. As they navigate the ups and downs of Hollywood, readers will find themselves rooting for this unlikely pair to overcome their differences and find happiness together.

Overall, "How to Plot a Payback" is a delightful romp through the world of show business, filled with humor, heart, and plenty of surprises. Melissa Ferguson has crafted a charming and entertaining novel that is sure to leave readers smiling long after they've turned the final page.

How to Plot a Payback has an intriguing plot so naturally, I thought it would be an easy and captivating read. However, after the first few chapters, the enjoyment began to fade. I like a good grumpy-sunshine romance novel, but it felt forced in this book. Finn Master's gruffness often came across as childish, and Lavender Rhodes' sunshine disposition bordered on saccharine. Their interactions lacked the spark of genuine connection that makes this trope work.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect was the character's internal monologues or thoughts. They frequently veered off on tangents which created a disconnect, pulling me out of the narrative and making it difficult to stay invested in the story's immediate developments.

There were some parts that hooked my interest, such as Finn's interactions with Maggie (him helping her out with the dogs, and their kiss) and the part where he and Lavender were walking towards Lavender's house. In the end (at around 60% of the book), I just really couldn't bear to read more so I DNF it.

Overall, How to Plot a Payback felt like a missed opportunity. With a tighter focus and a smoother narrative flow, it could have been a truly charming read.

If you're looking for a well-executed grumpy-sunshine romance, this might not be the first pick. However, if the core plot piques your interest and you're willing to overlook some pacing issues or appreciate introspective characters, it might be worth a try.

This one ended up being really cute! The beginning was a little much with the revenge ideas, but I really liked the characters and the flow of the story! I liked some of the behind the scenes look at making a tv show - I haven’t read too many novels with settings like this one!

How To Plot A Payback was such a fun grumpy/sunshine romcom. From cover-to-cover, it was bright, colorful, and quirky. It was the perfect novel for spring.

Main characters, Finn and Lavender had a fun dynamic. It seems grumpy/sunshine is always a win for me.

Lavender was so sweet, and full of joy. I loved that she chose to live like a middle-class citizen even though she's a famous sit-com actress. And she has an adorable dog. (heart eyes)

I also liked Finn... for the most part. He's endearing at first, but towards the middle of the book I struggled with his character. He was so bitter about the past and kept playing tricks on Lavender as a way to 'get her back'. If Lavender had also been playing tricks on him, I think it would have been a lot of fun. But because she wasn't, it just made Finn look bad. However, he does redeem himself by the end of the book.

I loved the Hollywood setting. Being a bit of a movie geek, reading about the set and the writer's room was so fun for me. The quirky side-characters only added to the light-hearted atmosphere.

Although I enjoyed the plot for the most part, I found the ending anti-climactic. I felt that it was resolved in an uncreative way and it didn't go exactly the way I saw it going. But, as Finn and Lavender have a happy ending, I'm not dissatisfied.

Overall, this was a very cute romcom. I would heartily recommend. Especially, if you enjoy the 90s fan-favorite sitcom 'Friends' which, is eerily similar to the sitcom 'Neighbors' in How To Plot A Payback (wink). I loved this little tidbit. And if I haven't convinced you, there's a cooky old cat lady, lots of other adorable seniors, and... more dogs.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the privilege of reading and reviewing this book.

#HowtoPlotaPayback #NetGalley

Absolute, pure fun! Finn Masters left England in search of his dream job as an actor but he doesn’t get a chance and falls back on writing. He blames all his problems on his old school mate Lavender Rhodes. The problem is she doesn’t even know how she wrecked his life. When he lands a dream writing job on the sitcom that she’s the lead actress on, no better way to….plot his payback if you will. This is the perfect opportunity to get some payback by writing some outlandish out of character things that she has to act out. However, folks this is a rom com and things change quickly as the two figure some things out. Side note, I would totally watch this tv series within the book!


Huge thank you to #thomasnelson and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

What a fabulous enemies-to-lovers romance!

I've read a few of Melissa Ferguson's recent books. While I enjoyed them, this romance topped anything of hers I've read so far.

"How to Plot a Payback" is an enthralling read from the first paragraph. Finn is wonderfully sarcastic and jaded, and I love his "grumpiness" paired with Lavender's "sunshine". I knew from the moment Finn's dislike of Lavender coloured the pages that this would be a romance worth reading.

I love enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, pessimist-optimisit tropes, but often struggle with the pacing between hate switching to love. Not this story. The pacing is superb, with not an ounce of "rushed" in their friendship. Things just flow naturally, and even when they hit several bumps in the road, the problems are navigated in a realistic and relatable manner.

The history between these two amused me, in the sense that when we fixate on problems they can loom. Funny how one person sees things vastly different to another person... who can be oblivious because they're not focused on all the wrongs against them.

Bernie and Miles were wonderful additions to this bright and bubbly, yet real and believable, story. I'm not huge on books with pets (sorry!), but these two were perfect and not overused. Also loved the secondary human characters, from Paula and her rowdy men to the always scary Mr Goodwin. Finn's neighbours added such depth to the plot, mirroring the show he worked on yet opposite to said show's premise. And Lavender's costars can't be overlooked. I'd be interested in a spinoff about either of them. 🙊

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

This is a book that will make you laugh, make you smile, and make you feel better about our crazy world. It starts out as a book about revenge; the long held misery in Finn’s life that he attributes to Lavender. It ends up being a book about love, about family, and about living a life filled with joy. How to Plot a Payback is uplifting and delightful, and Finn and Lavender are as endearing as can be.