This is my first Melissa Ferguson read and I loved it. Finn and Lavender are great albeit very different characters that I loved for very different reasons. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author,

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review! I have seen many glowing reviews for this novel, but for me nothing in particular stuck out. The story had a very cute concept and I wanted to like it more than I actually did. I ADORE the Grumpy/Sunshine trope, so me not enjoying this book actually really surprised me. Again, I'm probably in the minority so I would recommend this book just not read it again myself.

Thankyou to Netgalley for an arc of this book! This story follows rivals Lavender and Finn, although only one of them knows they’re supposed to be enemies! I thought the concept of this book was really interesting and I always love a good grumpy/sunshine trope. The writing flowed and I thought the interactions between all the characters felt very realistic, I just thought that the romance aspect happened so suddenly. It felt like Finn absolutely loathed Lavender and then in the next page was head over heels in love with her it was quite jarring but overall I did find this a very fun story!

Fantastic. I loved it. Finns denial and attempts in hating Lavender is so fun to read. I found myself smiling while reading this book... There is so much clever remarks...very witty. I need more.....

"I have the horrible urge to put my hand behind her back, a sign those boys should back off. Frankly, this urge makes me feel equally concerned." “And before you say anything more, please don’t guilt me on this. I’ve lived a good life. I pay my taxes. I take my neighbors’ pets to the vet. I just want this.”

Enjoyed this fast read. Thank you netgalley for this ARC. Will be definitely checking out this author.

Delightful!! I loved this book so much! This slow burn romance that takes places in Hollywood brought me so much joy. It’s fun, it’s charming, it’s emotional, it’s cute, and of course it’s romantic. I love that at first Finn can’t stand Lavender due to a shared history, but due to their proximity working on a tv show things start to change for both of them. At times it felt a little long but that’s my only complaint. I really enjoyed this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance e-copy of How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson in exchange of an honest review.

"I thoroughly enjoyed 'How to Plot a Payback' by Melissa Ferguson. The story follows the journey of Finn and Lavender, from their high school days in the UK to their roles in a popular American TV show. While I initially expected a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline, the book took a refreshing twist as Finn's attempts to seek revenge on Lavender for past grievances lead to unexpected discoveries and a deepening connection between them. The author masterfully weaves a wholesome and heartwarming tale, devoid of unnecessary conflicts or subplots, making it a joy to read. Although it deviated from my initial expectations, 'How to Plot a Payback' thrilled me with its delightful storytelling and left me with a smile on my face."

This was a fun read. Honestly the first half was okay but the second half was great. I really liked Finn but had a hard time looking Lavender until about the halfway point. The side characters are great! Finn’s neighbors are hilarious!
Overall despite the slow start it was a fun read.

Oh what a joy to get a preview read of “How to Plot a Payback” by Melissa Ferguson. This is my third book of hers, and I’ll gladly keep reading the stories she creates!

TV writer Finn Masters gets a new gig writing for a hit sitcom, even though it means working with darling starlet actress Lavender Rhodes, who he grew up with and used to compete with her for school acting roles. Finn (apparently) holds grudges for way too long and has been keeping a long list of ways that Lavender wronged him in the past. So Finn decides to use his new position to mess with Lavender’s character and sitcom story lines. But one thing leads to another, and Finn starts to wonder if Lavender really deserves payback…

I recommend this novel to all rom-com lovers who enjoy ridiculous (in a good way) characters who grow and end up better people by the end of the story. (Also, there are dogs!)

No triggers or content warnings.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC! Opinions are mine alone.

Melissa Ferguson plays with two different point of views and a setting that was very interesting to me. The glits and glammour of Hollywood TV series, and also, the backstage at the writing room. We get to know Finn as he lives with the effects of the existence of Lavender Rhodes, the other narrator and his arch-nemesis.

I found the way that the plot was put on the paper very straight forward, having the situations and scenes intercalate with things we must know to make the story work, like Lavender and Finn's past. I will confess that Finn's narrator voice was a little bit annoying, especially when he is not completely known by the reader in those first pages and chapters when he tells his side of their history.

When we get more Lavender narration and, also, more depth to the character of Finn, the book goes on a trajectory that I assume could hit all the points the author was trying to hit. We get acquainted with both characters, and root for the couple and their aspirations to be fulfilled. Overall, a very sweet enemies to lovers rom-com.

"This man knows better than anyone in my life (...) what it feels like to love what you do, feel grateful for what you have, but also feel such a massive hole in your heart for the world you've left behind"

How to Plot a Payback was fun grumpy/sunshine read. I liked both the main characters, but wish the secondary characters (Sonya, Kye, Maggie, Paula etc) were built out a little more. Overall this was a quick read and the twist at the the end wasn't quite what I was expecting which was nice. The overall universe the story was set in felt a little flat and building out the secondary characters would have helped.

So, this was fun.

I just needed something like this that is sweet and funny. It took me on a quick ride of “revenge” and how life takes it time to destroy your plans.

:) I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC.

This book was so much to read. I really enjoyed Finn's list and how he kept adding to it. I also enjoyed that lavender was so nice and everything she found about him she enjoyed and he enjoyed it too. I loved the paybacks because they bombed every time and it was such a fun book to read

I could not finish enough of this book to be able to leave a comprehensive review, but I hope it finds its audience and I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This was super fun. I loved the characters and the plot. I enjoyed the chemistry of the main characters. The story kept me intrigued and I finished it in like 2 days!

I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC.

After some thought, I think I've landed on 3.75 stars for this one. I ended up really enjoying it in the end but I had a few issues along the way. First of all, I can't stand the cover and for some strange reason that tends to effect my motivation to read a book. I also couldn't get behind the female mc's name being Lavender Rhodes; it drove me crazy. The whole payback thing also felt quite childish and almost odd to me. Most importantly, though, it took me a good while to get behind the romance. The first 50ish percent felt much more comedy but the romance really shined through in that last bit. Overall, it was super cute and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a fun, light-hearted rom-com.

Melissa Ferguson is becoming a beloved, must read all of her books, author with her back to back phenomenal novels!

How to Plot a Payback is a delightful breath of fresh air in the romantic-comedy genre. This book will have you giggling over the one sided enemy to lovers trope and supporting cast of elderly & canine friends. Plus you’ll tear up reminiscing over the behind-the-scenes storyline of writing a sitcom that will leave you nostalgic for the 90’s classics we all know & love!

But How to Plot a Payback doesn’t stop there, through witty dialogue you’ll be pondering alongside the main characters how certain events in our lives impact us, as well as how two people in the same situation can perceive events in completely different ways. Perspective is everything and sometimes it takes trying to plot a payback to realize where the truth lies.

This engaging tale unfolds as Finn Masters, a screenwriter with a dream gig, confronts his lifelong nemesis, Lavender Rhodes. The plot promises revenge, but as Finn's schemes unravel, the story takes unexpected turns, forcing him to reconsider his feelings toward Lavender. Filled with humor and surprising twists, it explores the complexities of love and revenge against the backdrop of Hollywood's glitz and drama.overall fun and quick read

Oh I loved this book! I am local to Melissa and have read a lot of her books. This one was one of my favorites of hers. Definitely a must read.

Not gonna lie I was bit annoyed by the MMC Finn at the beginning. He was kind of a baby. I did find the setting and overall plot entertaining so I got over my initial hesitations very quickly. Commendable turnabout only due to Ferguson's talent with pacing and situational comedy. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and Netgalley for providing an eARC for a honest reveiw.