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"โ€™๐™ต๐šž๐š—๐š—๐šข ๐š๐š‘๐šŠ๐š ๐šข๐š˜๐šž ๐šŠ๐š›๐šŽ ๐šœ๐š˜ ๐šœ๐šž๐š›๐šŽ ๐š๐š‘๐šŽ๐š›๐šŽ ๐šŠ๐š›๐šŽ ๐š—๐š˜ ๐š”๐š—๐š’๐š๐š‘๐š๐šœ ๐š’๐š— ๐šœ๐š‘๐š’๐š—๐š’๐š—๐š ๐šŠ๐š›๐š–๐š˜๐š› ๐š•๐šŽ๐š๐š, ๐š ๐š‘๐šŽ๐š— ๐šข๐š˜๐šž'๐š›๐šŽ ๐š›๐š’๐š๐š‘๐š ๐š‘๐šŽ๐š›๐šŽ ๐šœ๐š๐šŠ๐š—๐š๐š’๐š—๐š ๐šŠ๐š ๐š–๐šข ๐š๐š˜๐š˜๐š›๐šœ๐š๐šŽ๐š™. ๐šˆ๐š˜๐šž๐š› ๐š‹๐š›๐šŽ๐šŠ๐šœ๐š๐š™๐š•๐šŠ๐š๐šŽ ๐š•๐š˜๐š˜๐š”๐šœ ๐šŠ๐š ๐š๐šž๐š•๐š•๐šข ๐šœ๐š‘๐š’๐š—๐šข ๐š๐š˜ ๐š–๐šŽ, ๐™ต๐š’๐š—๐š—.โ€™โ€œ โš”๏ธ

๐Ÿ“– ๐™ƒ๐™ค๐™ฌ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™‹๐™ก๐™ค๐™ฉ ๐™– ๐™‹๐™–๐™ฎ๐™—๐™–๐™˜๐™  ๐™—๐™ฎ ๐™ˆ๐™š๐™ก๐™ž๐™จ๐™จ๐™– ๐™๐™š๐™ง๐™œ๐™ช๐™จ๐™ค๐™ฃ

Finn has been living a series of unfortunate events all stemming from interactions with the one and only Lavender Rhodes his whole life. One problem after another he can trace back to her. Because of this, he has built up quite a bit of animosity towards her. When he is offered a job as a screenwriter for her long running sitcom, Neighbors, he takes it. ๐ŸŽฌ

Unfortunately for Finn, Lavender is nothing like how he imagined her to be. Lavender is a happy go lucky person that sees the world through rose colored lenses. Finn has to grapple with the fact that the person he blamed for so many negative experiences in his life, is actually a good person.

This book was really fun. Finn trying to plot revenge was priceless. It was basically like a teddy bear plotting revenge. I adored Finnโ€™s relationship with his elderly neighbors. The canine supporting roles were funny and I cracked up about The Cat Man! ๐Ÿˆโ€โฌ›๐Ÿถ

This is a dual POV book, and it was nice to get some chapters from Lavenderโ€™s perspective. As far as romantic chemistry between the two leads Iโ€™d rate it a 2.5 out of 5 ๐Ÿฉถ. This is a clean romance with zero spice!

Overall book rating: 4โญ๏ธ

Tropes: dual POV, grumpy x sunshine, romcom, bookish MMC, clean romance, teddy bear MMC

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! This book comes out on April 2nd, 2024! Make sure to snag it! ๐Ÿฉถ

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When Finn, a promising screenwriter, is hired as producer for a popular sitcom, he knows that that job would make or break his career. And it could very well end it, because the leading actress was none other than Lavender Rhodes, his nemesis, the woman who has (unknowingly) ruined so many things in his life. But ... What if working in such close proximity with Lavender wasn't such a bad thing ? What if it was a chance for payback ?

I felt like it was more a comedy than a romance at first, there was no meaningful interaction between the MCs til about 40%, I had a good time reading that first half nonetheless, all thanks to Finn - witty, slightly unhinged Finn Masters, who is now in my top 5 All Time Favorite MMCs List. Lavender was a bit too "Disney-Princess-y" for my liking, I generally prefer stronger FMCs.
But when the romance started, oh boy ! It was relatable, unique, subtle but overwhelmingly cute ... Yes, this is what they call a "slow burn", or a "slow burn masterpiece" as I call it.

The end was a bit too corny for my liking though. I'm all for a happily ever after, but this one felt a bit too perfect, to the point where is wasn't believable at all.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for giving me access to this e-ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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ใ€‹ARC Review: How to Plot a Paybackใ€Š

This one one had me in stitches! How to Plot a Payback had me toppling over in big belly laughs, it brought endless smiles to my face and provided great insight into the importance of perspectives and growth. With some sweet romance sprinkled in. 3.5โœจ

The trope should be enemies-to-lovers, because damn him if Finn isnโ€™t trying his darnest to make Lavender his nemesis as he seeks retribution.

Too bad she missed the memo!

Because there isnโ€™t a single mean bone in her body, Lavender is pure sunshine.

Which makes this tale into a hilarious one-sided enemies-to-lovers. And it excels in this trope.

I have two qualms though: there was not much romancing. Yes, our leads spend the bulk of the book together, but I never gained a sense of falling in love. More so, it was falling into shenanigans. Which definitely had me rolling in laughs, but I wanted to fall in love a bit more.

My second qualm was wishing a bit more drama/angst happened. Lavender is such a sweet, accommodating soul. Ice cream melts all over her dresser (on purpose mind you) and sheโ€™s grateful for what she assumed was a kind gesture. Never mind her destroyed makeup. She is always assuming the best in others. Which is why I was salivating for some good drama when it came to Finnโ€™s revenge list! I wanted to see it either being spread around behind the scenes or populated via tabloids. I wanted Lavender to get hurt so I could get me some excellent groveling and making up by a remorseful Finn.

Instead, Lavender stays entirely in character and gives the list a pragmatic look over and communicates all healthily to Finn. Itโ€™s far too healthy and mature! I wanted drama ๐Ÿ˜‚ But truly, it was nice to see a character stop and think instead of irrationally act. But I wouldnโ€™t have minded the latter if it meant grovels and angst!

Nevertheless, I did have great laughs whilst reading this one. It was fun being in the POVs of each lead, and while the romance and angst was thinned out, this book still threw a good party. Iโ€™m glad to have experienced it! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I thought this was great! It was really funny and the characters were likable. I bought into the love story and liked the way that the plot developed. The only thing keeping me back from giving it 5/5 stars is that there are occasional time jumps that get confusing. Or I think more accurately time jumps that feel rushed / like we the reader missed out on an important moment in favor of having our two leads discuss what happened. So a little bit more tell than show at times. But I love a good slow burn romance and how genuine the connection felt. So glad I was able to get an ARC from NetGalley!

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Trying to get payback through screenplay writing, this story is takes place on a beloved sitcom set (think HIMYM or Friends). The first chapter grabbed my attention, and I read this well-paced story in one sitting. I laughed out loud several times with the great dialogue. I think this is my new favorite from Melissa Ferguson (though I really love Meet Me in the Margins).

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, Hollywood star, enemies to lovers (one sided), forgiveness

Rating: 4.75/5

Sweet (no spice)

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

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โ˜… โ˜… โ˜… โ˜… //5

How To Plot A Payback
by Melissa Ferguson

THOUGHTS:

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Oh I loved this writing. This book was just such a fun book to read and enjoy. I eat up romcoms and this was one that I sat down to read and I giggled. Grumpy Sunshine is one of my favorites and I love the occasional slow burn romance aspect of romcoms. This book was just overall a fun book to sit down and enjoy with a cold beverage in the sunshine. I will continue to read all the books that Melissa puts out and as always love her writing and her plots/storylines she comes up with. This is a must have on the TBR folks!

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I loved this book so much! I devoured it. Everything about it was just perfect. The characters, the story, all of it.

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Finn Alexander grew up in England and is now a well-known writer for a successful TV program, living in Los Angeles. He attends a Hollywood party, for the purpose of networking with the goal of meeting potential employers. Unexpectedly, he does get a fabulous offer of a dream job on a phenomenally successful weekly TV program. He quits his current job with no notice and Monday morning shows up bright and early to his new job, where he has been warmed to โ€œnot be late,โ€ by his new boss. Upon arrival, he encounters several crazy circumstances that cause coffee down the front of his shirt, a few tears in his clothing, and finding a home for many dogs. When he finally makes his late appearance to a meeting, in his disheveled state, to his total dismay and shock, he finds that Lavender Rhodes is the much-loved star of the program he will be a writer for.
Finn and Lavender both grew up in the same town in England, however, they were not friends. Finn has a detailed list, beginning at age 17, that goes through his life to age 29, listing the many things the โ€œTransgressorโ€ also known now as Lavender Rhodes, did that ruined much of his life.
Finn is pretty much stuck in the fabulous new job since he quit his old job with no warning, so no chance of returning. When opportunities come up, he plots how he can payback Lavender for all the losses and heartbreak he suffered at her hand.
This is a well-written, creative, fast-paced, delightful story that grabbed my heart and attention right from the start. The characters are creative, loveable, and unforgettable. Often I had to pause to laugh out-loud!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

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When Finn Masters is forced to work with Lavendar Rhodes, the unknowing and ultimate "Ruiner of Life." there will be heck to pay! Unfortunately, for him at least, not all goes as planned and he might just find something (or someone) to love! This is a highly anticipated release from Melissa Ferguson and I can't wait to share this romcom with the world in April 2024!

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The first time I read this story I really liked it. The second time around I really loved it!

What I loved most was Finn and Lavender's realization of what their shortcomings were and their willingness to change for the better. Of course, the revenge story with a twist was great as was the snarky dialogue, the great supporting cast (including adorable dogs), and a heartwarming love story. The HEA was also fantastic!

I've added it to my audiobook wish list and I also look forward to re-reading this wonderful story again in the future.

Rate G. No profanity and no sex.

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

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This is my first Melissa Ferguson book and I am absolutely hooked! Her writing is fun, clever, and catchy. Lavender's personality is one that I can relate to, and her joy is infectious. I wish I had her same ability to simply smile at the world, enjoy happiness like that, and feel so content in life. I'm working on it and Lavender's an inspiration!

I appreciated the slow burn and I'm not usually someone who can handle the slow burn feelings in a romance novel. However, it was written well and was a fun way to learn more about the couple as they went along. Instalove often feels empty and vapid, but Melissa writes this slow burn in the perfect way!

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Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, it was easy to read and the characters felt fully realised which adding to feeling immersed in the universe of the book and had me reading it quickly as I didn't want to put it down.

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

This is a cute, fun rom-com that many readers will love. It's a cute grumpy/sunshine trope with a slow burn romance. The characters are not what they first appear to be from the outside, but in the best way possible. I also liked the storyline with the famous actress and the script writer. The characters were likeable and the story was well done.

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.5 star deduction for how wrong this art is for this warm, charming, funny(ish), clever book. The cover reads as vapid and the novel is anything but, so.

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HOW TO PLOT A PAYBACK is a delightful and wholesome story filled with lovable characters and a refreshing plot line. Let's say you're offered your dream career, the moment you've been waiting your whole life for... would you accept it knowing it meant working with the person who has been the common denominator to the things that went wrong in your life? Welcome to Finn Master's life.

I fell in in love with Finn and Lavender's dynamic, watching their relationship unfold, and how they both end up seeing the true version of each other. Actress Lavender Rhodes who is more down-to-earth than she appears and screenwriter Finn who actually is kind-hearted and caring no matter how much he tries to hide it behind his scowling. I absolutely adored this book and look forward to reading what the author comes up with next!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

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

This is the first book I read of Melissa Ferguson and I'm very impressed! The characters were quite hilarious and lovable. Lavender was a pretty sunshine-y actress and I adored her humble personality. Finn is the grumpy yet tenderhearted script writer who held a lot of resentment for the many misfortunes caused in his life indirectly by Lavender.

It was a pretty good slow burn. I'd love to read more of the same characters if there is a sequel for this.

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