This book was hilarious and heartwarming. It is perfectly paced and engaging from start to finish.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another fantastic book by Melissa
Ferguson. This was such a fun celebrity romance with dual POVs. The writing, banter and characters were all so good! I don’t usually like slow burn but the author did such a great job with this story that I didn’t mind

this had the potential to great but unfortunately it felt flat. this was a cute and funny romcom, with an enticing beginning and endearing characters. tho, the pacing was a bit off, the characters lacked romantic chemistry for the most part and we had some comments that imo didn’t have their place in a contemporary romance.

so, this book is not well-rounded but still enjoyable! it’s also slowburn and have zero spice!

3.25⭐️

This is very cute, would make a very fun show!

✅ Lavendar is an actor on a long running, very popular sitcom. Finn is a new writer on the show.
✅ dual POV
✅ grumpy sunshine
✅ one sided enemies to lovers
🌶️: no

Finn Masters, a successful screenwriter lands his dream job writing for the hit sitcom Neighbors. But there's a catch—he'll have to work alongside Lavender Rhodes, the show's beloved star who unknowingly ruined Finn's acting career and love life back when they were schoolmates in England. Determined to exact revenge, Finn sees an opportunity to sabotage Lavender's character on the show. However, as his plan backfires and unexpected twists arise, Finn begins to see Lavender in a new light, forcing him to confront his feelings and reconsider his vendetta.

Melissa Ferguson delivers a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy filled with humour, wit, and charming characters, this novel is a delightful romp through the world of Hollywood and second chances. Finn is a relatable and endearing protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both entertaining and heartfelt. Ferguson deftly explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of love to heal old wounds. As Finn navigates his complicated relationship with Lavender Rhodes, readers will find themselves rooting for him to find happiness and closure.

The dynamic between Finn and Lavender is the heart of the story, and Ferguson crafts their interactions with humour and warmth. The banter between the two characters crackles with chemistry, and their journey from adversaries to allies is a joy to witness. As Finn's plan to exact revenge on Lavender unravels, the novel takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Beyond the romance, "How to Plot a Payback" also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of television production, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Ferguson's sharp wit and clever dialogue bring the setting to life, creating a vivid backdrop for Finn and Lavender's antics.

How to Plot a Payback is a charming and heartwarming romantic comedy that will leave readers laughing, swooning, and cheering for Finn and Lavender's happily ever after. With its lovable characters, witty humour, and feel-good storyline, this book is sure to delight fans of the genre.

Strong 4 stars!

It was very fun and cute. Probably the cleanest romance I've ever read - they kiss at most and there's no any detailed description. Even though the main characters are adults you can easily give this one to a teen.

It's a romcom leaning more toward the comedy aspect rather than romance. I still very much enjoyed it.

What to expect:
- actress and a screenwriter
- workplace romance
- sitcom
- Hollywood
- celebrity romance
- slow burn
- closed door
- (his) enemy to lover
- grumpy x sunshine
- dual pov
- puppy playdates
- two Brits in America

🧡 enemies to lovers
🧡 Slow burn
🧡 Grumpy/sunshine
🧡 Workplace
🧡 So many animals/puppies
🧡 Closed door romcom
🧡 Dual pov

I REALLY wanted to love this. I have loved all of the books I have read from this author previously and thought that would be the same here. But it just didn't work for me. I didn't feel the bond between our two MCs. I didn't connect with the FMC at all. I LOVED the scene where they are watching the show with the old neighbors and I LOVED the epilogue but I needed more of that and less pet plot.

Thank you to @netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. I received a complimentary copy of this book.

I loved this book! Melissa Ferguson has another entertaining and thoughtful read with How to Plot a Payback. From the moment I met Finn and his deep rooted grudge towards Lavender Rhodes, I wondered how was I going to root for them to come together. It didn't take long though to be hoping Finn would see the real Lavender Rhodes. Ferguson weaves a hilarious and romantic story of enemies (at least on side) to lovers story. Through multiple mishaps we learn with Finn that you can't always judge a person by the events that happen to you and that payback is not all it seems. Set in the world of a Hollywood TV sitcom, I enjoyed the insight into the writer's room and actors lives. This book had me laughing out loud and tearing up at the romantic parts. I highly recommend for this read as a sweet romance with a little Hollywood flair. Ferguson is one of my new go-to authors!

Thank you to NetGally, Thomas Nelson, and Melissa Ferguson for providing this complementary ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

How to Ploy a Payback by Melissa Ferguson is an enemies to lovers story about a tv show writer and the show’s main star. While I found the book a little slow to start at first, I found myself really enjoying the hijinks and banter amongst all the characters. I really appreciated that all of the side characters had really distinct personalities that stood out. If you’re looking for a fun, heartwarming read, I’d pick this one up.

This is a sweet wholesome romantic comedy revolving around Finn Masters, who was recruited as the head writing for most highly rated and longest running sitcom in Hollywood. A dream job for any screen writer! Except the fan favorite star of the show, Lavender Rhodes has been the bane of Finn’s existence since they were classmates. In order to wrap his head about working with Lavender, and his inability to avoid her, Finn decides on a plan of payback. I’d say this is an enemies to lovers trope but Lavender doesn’t even know of the grudge Finn has been holding against her! As Finn discovers the true Lavender, can he forgive her for his perceived transgressions.

A very entertaining, heartwarming and humorous read that encompasses the grumpy/sunshine, workplace, enemies to lovers and slow burn tropes.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. That said, all my opinions are 100% my own.

Ultimately, I had to DNF at 20%. I really couldn't get into the writing—it felt flat and all over the place. Moreover, I had trouble connecting with the story and the characters. I couldn't get behind this being a romance. I just don't seem to believe they would work romantically. I also don't feel any attachment to any of the characters which may seem premature considering I only read so much of the book.

If I'm being completely honest, this was my first book by the author so I had no idea what I was getting myself into but was hoping for the best. This book had potential but I just don't think it was executed well.

How to Plot a Payback is such a delightful and charming read! Finn Masters is a Hollywood tv writer who scores his dream job writing for a sitcom. The only downside - the leading lady, Lavender Rhodes is his arch nemesis. She just doesn’t seem to know it. Finn doesn’t want revenge…just justice. This adorable rom com includes enemies (one sided) to lovers, workplace romance, and is an enjoyably sweet slow burn.

I just loved Finn and Lavender. It would have been easy for Lavender to be sickly sweet, but instead the author created a bright, kind, emotionally intelligent and resilient woman. Finn’s attempts at justice despite his standup character were hilarious, and I loved the slow development of their relationship, which felt really authentic. I also really enjoyed the way their backstories were slowly uncovered to provide insight and depth to their characters. The supporting characters were well developed, I especially loved Paula, and Finn’s apartment complex community.

I’d highly recommend this read for anyone who needs a pick me up, cosy read, or a fun escape. This is a new to me author, but I will be bumping her other novels up my tbr for sure.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Successful screenwriter Finn lands his dream job writing for a popular sitcom. The downside? Working with Lavender, the show’s beloved star—and his childhood nemesis. The woman who ruined his engagement and acting career. His plot to seek revenge backfires, forcing him to confront his past and reconsider his feelings.

I loved this rom com so much! The voice is strong and the characters vivid. The story is clever, fast-paced, and emotional. Finn is a sweetheart beneath all his bluster, and Lavender a hot mess beneath her polished façade.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Rounding up to four stars! I loved the absence of profanity and sexual content here. I enjoyed what felt like a "Friends Behind the Scenes" sneak peek- fun setting and premise.
I wish that Lavender and Finn hadn't taken quite so long to build chemistry. I would have liked more attraction a little sooner in the story; this was definitely a slow burn.
Also, Finn's revenge plans seemed a bit absurd at times. Lavender was a great character, though!

4.5/5 stars

This is my third Ferguson book. I’ve loved every book, and she’s now officially a member of my auto-buy list.

Screenwriter Finn Masters has landed his dream job writing one of Hollywood’s highest-rated and longest-running sitcoms. The only problem is that his nemesis, Lavender Rhodes, the star of the show and adored by millions, is in reality a fellow school chum from England who destroyed his acting career and wrecked his relationship with the love of his life…and she doesn’t even know that he blames her. The payback (of the title) is a series of ways that he strategizes to seek revenge for his losses and the impacts they made in his life’s path.

Lavender is a sunny, optimistic, down-to-earth giver who comes off as a bit naïve and too trusting to those who don’t know her well, but as Finn spends time around her on the show, he discovers that it’s not just a veneer, and she’s definitely not naïve as she’s had to learn to navigate the Hollywood hurdles of fame. Everyone loves her, and he begins to grudgingly see why.

This was such a sweet, slow romance, and I loved to be able to read both mains alternating perspectives as it brought them really into focus…their motivations, their fears, their dreams. Both Finn and Lavender were equally compelling, and the humor (especially from Finn’s side) was just rollicking-good fun.

Can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this, and I highly recommend it.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing the free early arc of How to Plot a Payback for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

I loved how this book reveals both main characters thoughts on the same incidences. Finn and Lavendar are great characters that are full of complexity. This really is a sweet romance with some fun twists and turns throughout. I would definitely recommend reading this if you love great characters and fun plots.

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

A refreshing take on the rom-com genre!

One quick thing I'd like to note is the author's distinct voice, which carries a mature tone. It adds a unique flavor to the storytelling and distinguishes it from other titles.

It was dual POV of course—which is either a hard hit or miss for me—but the decision to begin the narrative from Finn's perspective, when the norm these days is to follow the female in the story, is a refreshing departure from convention.

A little excessive with the focus on animals, which, while cute, feels tangential to the main plot. I felt the diversion impacted the pacing, I was hoping for a little more substance in terms of plot development.

Despite overdoing it with the animals, the novel excels in delivering a classic grumpy x sunshine trope. Finn IS the embodiment of the reluctant yet inherently kind protagonist archetype. The chemistry between the characters is palpable too, and I enjoyed watching them build feelings for each other. While they experience some growth throughout the story, they still ultimately feel somewhat two-dimensional to me.

I was charmed by this book. Engaging characters, unique plot - it has its flaws, but it succeeds in delivering a cute rom-com experience and I'm totally satisfied!

Finn is stoked when he lands his dream job writing for a well known sitcom. But his happiness is quickly diminished when he realises who the star of the show is. Lavender has been torturing him since his school days but maybe now Finn has the chance to exact the perfect payback.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook while I read along with my ebook copy. This book was fun and cute though it did drag a little in the middle. It was a happy change reading a clean romance for once however I also think this contributed to not feeling much chemistry between our two characters. Overall, I didn't mind this romance!

How to Plot a Payback is light and funny and so insightful about tv shows and what goes on in the background. The funniest thing is that this reads like a romcom plays out, it’s very meta, and a delicious wink between the author and her audience - us 😉

Finn is a scriptwriter, Lavender is a sitcom star. They go way back, she’s forgotten him.

Finn is delightful. His list is sobering though, and I hoped there was room for Lavender’s redemption, because his list of wrongs is looooooonnnggg. Finn wants her to pay for all the troubles she’s caused him. It just doesn’t work out the way he plans.

Lavender’s a bit of a ditz, kind, but clueless and has no idea how much trouble she makes and leaves for others as she blithely does her thing without thinking about the consequences.

It’s a busy book, dense with dogs and plots and sub-plots and neighbours and costars and family and the boss and his demands and and and… but they get there. It’s clean and closed door, but their connection is magnetic. This is a gem - thoroughly recommended!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. I just adored this charming romance.

This is my new favorite book by Melissa Ferguson. It was so funny and witty and lighthearted. I loved loved loved Finn and Lavender was so good too!

I loved that it was enemies to lovers, but was completely one sided. I loved the way lavender was just always the reason behind all the things that happen to Finn. I loved the animals, omg let’s have more pets in romance please!

I loved that the book was about a Hollywood tv show and it’s hilarious and diverse cast of characters. I just all around loved it.