I thought this story was cute and fun. The author spends a lot of time building up the tension between Lavender and Finn, so it’s definitely a slow burn romance. The only thing was it is arguably too slow. By the time they finally kiss there’s only a little time left for the relationship, so their happily ever after feels more rushed. I think Finn writing a show for her was really sweet gesture, one I would’ve loved more time on, and was definitely the highlight of their ending. The one issue I had while reading this was that Lavender’s perpetual optimism about life was a little too unrealistic, and I wish we had got a little more depth from her at times. Overall though this is a sweet, feel good story.

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

"How to Plot a Payback" by Melissa Ferguson is a rollicking and hilarious romantic comedy that takes readers on a wild journey through the unpredictable world of Hollywood, love, and revenge. From the outset, Ferguson crafts a narrative that's both clever and comical, promising an entertaining ride for fans of the genre.

The protagonist, Finn Masters, is a successful screenwriter who finds himself facing his lifelong nemesis, Lavender Rhodes, the star of the sitcom he's just joined. The twist? Lavender is entirely oblivious to the havoc she's wreaked on Finn's life since their school days in England. The premise alone sets the stage for a comedy of errors and a plot that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

As Finn attempts to exact his revenge by reshaping Lavender's character on the show, readers are treated to a cascade of hilarity as his not-so-brilliant plans repeatedly backfire. Ferguson's skillful writing ensures that the comedic elements are well-timed and the characters are endearing, making for a delightful reading experience.

The story isn't just about payback; it's a journey of self-discovery and unexpected connections. Through Finn's misadventures, the narrative invites readers to reflect on the nature of revenge, forgiveness, and the possibility of finding love in the most unexpected places.

Melissa Ferguson's witty prose and clever dialogue showcase her talent for crafting engaging romantic comedies. The Hollywood backdrop adds a layer of glamour and intrigue, providing a fresh angle to the typical rom-com setting. The pacing is brisk, and the comedic timing is spot-on, making this novel a page-turner that keeps readers eagerly anticipating the next twist in Finn and Lavender's tumultuous relationship.

While the plot may follow some familiar rom-com tropes, Ferguson infuses enough originality and charm to keep the story feeling fresh. "How to Plot a Payback" is a laugh-out-loud romp that proves once again why Melissa Ferguson is a bestselling author in the genre. For those seeking a delightful and heartwarming escape, this book earns a well-deserved 4 stars.




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How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson is an absolute riot! This rom-com introduces us to Finn Masters, a screenwriter landing his dream gig on a popular sitcom. The only hitch? His new job throws him back into the orbit of Lavender Rhodes, the bubbly star who's inadvertently messed up Finn's life since their school days.

The twist? Lavender has no clue about Finn's grievances. Determined to settle the score, Finn decides to get even by reshaping Lavender's character on the show. But, of course, things don't go as planned, and his revenge plots end up backfiring spectacularly, leading to hilarious situations that kept me laughing throughout.

What makes this book shine is Melissa Ferguson's knack for humor and her ability to create relatable characters. Finn's journey is not just about payback; it's a messy, funny exploration of forgiveness, self-discovery, and maybe, just maybe, unexpected romance.

The Hollywood setting adds a glamorous touch, and Ferguson's writing is a breeze to follow. It's a rom-com, so yes, you might see some familiar twists, but the charm lies in the execution. The pacing is perfect, and the story is heartwarming without being overly cheesy.

In the end, How to Plot a Payback is a delightful read that blends humor, romance, and a bit of Hollywood sparkle. If you're up for a good laugh and a feel-good story, this one's a solid 4-star pick.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Lavender is a little too happy-go-lucky, and I wish they had introduced more of her background closer to the beginning of the story. Finn's grudge is a little overzealous at times but still a fun and easy read!

Melissa Ferguson's "How to Plot a Payback" is a rom-com gem that sparkles with these favorite tropes: grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, Hollywood star, and a one-sided enemies-to-lovers twist. Ferguson takes us on a hilarious journey with Finn Masters, our delightfully grumpy screenwriter, who's plotting revenge against the ever-sunny Hollywood star, Lavender Rhodes.

Their dynamic is a masterclass in chemistry and comedic timing, making every page a joy. The slow burn of their relationship, peppered with moments of forgiveness and understanding, transforms this story into something genuinely heartwarming. Ferguson's witty writing shines in the Hollywood setting, adding a layer of glamour to this tale of love and letting go.

A huge shoutout to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this delightful book. "How to Plot a Payback" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh with a heartwarming journey of forgiveness and love.

I was really looking forward to reading this book but just could not relate to Lavender at all. Finn fell quite flat for me and although I wanted to love them I just didn't feel invested at all. The book seemed to drag in the middle however it definitely picked up by the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

I loved this book! I loved the plot so much. It was a pretty simple plot but so elevated. I am in love with Finn Masters!!!!! I wanted to read this book partially because he looks like my boyfriend, but he also acts a lot like him too?!?! This book was made for me. I loved it so much and I will definitely be reading more from Melissa Ferguson.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this e-arc. I enjoyed my time reading this hilarious novel. Also, the characters were amazing.

I giggled my way through Melissa Ferguson's latest book!

Very cute plot (that's SO different from all the rom-coms I usually read!)

It's a clean read that will still make you feel good!

This is my first book by Melissa Ferguson and I absolutely loved it!

I devoured it in one sitting & it was unputdownable! Finn and Lavender's characters were fantastic and relatable. We get more than a sneak peek into a Hollywood hit show writers' chaotic lives and it shows the book is quite well researched. Lovely side characters and there's enough of a backstory about them so we can relate to their actions!

I thought Finn's "attempts" of exacting "revenge" were hilarious & Lavender was really adorable! Finn, despite maintaining the facade of a grump is really soft hearted and good natured! The dialogues between Finn and Lavender are not heavy on banter or flirtation (and there's a lack of steamy scenes) but despite this, the interactions between them were super engaging and lively! I think this is a testament to the author's writing skills and creativity! I love how the conflicts were resolved eventually via a gradual "growth" that we see in the characters. As a consequence, nothing feels forced or even rushed in the end.

Overall, highly recommend! I can't wait to read the author's next and would love to check out her previous books!

Thanks so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#HowtoPlotaPayback, #NetGalley

I loved Meet Me in the Margins; it was one of the best contemporary romances I’ve read in a while. Thus, I was very excited to read this book, but it turned out to be a major disappointment. I couldn’t get into the characters or care about them at all. I eventually gave up. This one just was not for me.

DNF @ 25%

I really enjoyed “Famous For a Living” and was so excited to get my hands on “How to Plot a Payback”, but this fell flat for me. I couldn’t relate to Lavendar AT ALL, there was little to no depth for her character.

The plot looked promising but it was a toughie for me.

Such a sweet story! Slow paced but full of adorably, quirky characters you'll love! It has more depth that a lot of rom-coms but keeps all of the zaniness you'd expect.

The story started a bit slow for me but I loved the MCs so much I pressed on and it was definitely worthwhile!

I really don't know what to do with this book.

For the first, maybe half of it, Lavender was a very two-dimensional character to me. I honestly didn't like her very much. Finn had more depth, but he still seemed kind of... petulant, for lack of a better word. I at least felt like I could understand where he was coming from.

There came a point where Lavender became real and I started to like her. The turning point was when she started talking about how she wanted community. Since I know what it is like to be searching for that too, I felt like I connected with her over it. I liked her perspective on life and what is important.

I liked how Finn came to realize what he was doing and the consequences of his actions. There is a moment where he is reflecting on how Lavender has dealt with the things that have happened to her and comparing her reactions to his own and it is sobering.

There were plenty of funny moments. Usually with Finn getting exasperated. For example: "Are you serious?" I hiss at last. "The world is run by maniacs and the maniacs win. There are plenty of stories where the maniacs win. Have you never read a paper in your life?" I loved the scene in the dog park later on. I can't say too much but it is simultaneously sweet and funny.

I liked how Finn described TV shows. He says, "The reality is it's all just dramatic and unnecessary action..." and later, "The writers have always tried to string our relationships out as far as possible, fearing even introducing the concept of a wedding, as if marriage will be the show's doom." That is how I feel about TV shows and the never ending roller coaster of the couples on them.

The themes of leaving revenge up to God and also seeing the humanity in other people were both pluses for me.

Even though there are some great moments and scenes where we can get inside our MCs heads and see how things are progressing, I felt like the romance was rather abrupt and a little, I don't know, shallow. That's not the right word but I just kind of felt odd about it and where things ended up.

All in all, I'm not sorry I read this book but it's not one I'll probably read again, especially when I could read The Dating Charade or Famous For A Living. While I'm a fan of Melissa Ferguson, this one missed the mark a bit for me. Which is sad because it had a lot of good things. If you like enemies-to-lovers/second chance romance and are looking for a clean, light read, then you might like this book.

Great quotes: "Isn't it nice to live in a world where so many can specialize in their gifts, and we can enjoy the fruits of each other's labors?"

"If there's one thing I've learned of late, it's that dreams can shift, can change. They grow and evolve into new and different dreams - sometimes fashioned by outside forces, sometimes by change of heart."

this book was a perfectly sweet romcom book (very light on the rom) and is a likeable enough read. the storyline is interesting and the characters are fun.

i did, however, read this book on kindle and the formatting drove me mad it was terrible but i’m assuming this is just an issue with arcs.

This was such a cute, fun read romance book set in Hollywood. Finn landed the job of his dreams - a popular sitcom but the only catch is the lead actress- Lavender who is his lifelong nemesis . I had such fun reading how the story progresses further. Read this if you love the grump/sunshine trope and are looking for cute, fun read

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

Completely enjoyed this book! This book is a case of be careful what you wish for because you might get what you ask for. What happens when you think that someone has, through sheer dumb luck, managed to get the best of you at every turn? At some point don’t you just want to, just one time get a little revenge? But when you do what then? This is a meet cute set in Hollywood to the backdrop of a tv show with fun characters, grandma types, and even 4 legged friends that honestly everyone would want to have in their lives!

Melissa Ferguson once again delivers hilarious and swoon-worthy moments in Plot a Payback. The story opens with Finn Masters III pointing out how tedious murder is. But don’t worry, he’s a professional. A professional screenwriter, that is. He is a screenwriter who wants a change from his current show. He wants something more upbeat, and even more, he wants to be involved in something successful. Thankfully, the creator of Goodwin Productions gives him the perfect opportunity to be the supervising producer on the hit show Neighbors. The downside? Finn will have to work with his nemesis, Lavender Rodes. Or perhaps working with her will give him the perfect opportunity to exact his revenge on Lavender for derailing his life.

Lavender Rhodes is a beautiful, talented actress who sees the best in everyone and tries to make the most of every situation. She takes each change in the script in stride, trying to shake off every problem that causes her anxiety and harm, readily forgiving Finn. She even tries to do something nice for him…not realizing it ends up being anything but nice; instead, her actions once again blow up in Finn’s face.

As the story unfolds, Lavender feels drawn to Finn and how he looks out for those in his neighborhood. Finn fights himself over his attraction to Lavender, convinced he can never deserve her after all of his attempts to get back at her.

Plot a Payback was a beautiful story of learning to forgive, the beauty of looking for the positives. It is a lovely story of character growth that culminates in the happily ever after that every romance reader expects.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars rounded up. It was the kind of book that I read to help quiet and calm my brain enough so that I could fall asleep at night, rather than one that caused me to choose to keep reading and wake up exhausted because of it. And It was just what I needed this week.

The writing was good enough to keep me interested and I loved the premise of a writer despising the lead actress on a hit tv show.

If you're looking for a good in-between read or if you're in the mood for a light rom-com that doesn't cause much stress or anticipation at all, you can't really go wrong with this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy so that I may share my honest feedback and review.

Entertaining and escapist. A recommended purchase for collections where contemporary romance is popular.

Lavender. I wasn’t sure I was going to like her but she’s made me laugh and is now in my good books. Finn on the other hand I entirely see myself in him as someone that holds a grudge which made things very fun, although I’ve never written them down…

Overall very cute book, I have read a lot of the One of us of famous trope but never based around the female being famous which was a very nice change and worked much better than I expected.