*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

A well written contemporary novel, which focuses largely on the separate growth of the two leads as opposed to their romantic relationship. The romance is subtle but developed well over the course of the novel, through the character interactions.
The setting was super fun, with a lot of detail put into portraying the tv production and set, as well as LA as a broader setting. Finn's home and place with his elderly neighbours was probably my favourite setting. It felt so real, and really worked as a platform to show Finn's layers as a character.
I really liked how Lavender's character, the woman who unintentionally ruined Finn's life multiple times, was fleshed out. She could come across as very flippant and oblivious, but the explanations for her actions felt true to her and valid. And I liked that she was the labrador character, who just keeps seeking out Finn, even when she figures out he's holding a grudge.
It only really loses that last star because it wasn't as much of a romance as I would have liked.
The audiobook itself was fantastic. The story is dual POV, and has two voice actors. They were both great and I felt fit their respective characters so well. They both had to do multiple accents and I thought they did them well.
If you like a light and easy to read contemporary which doesn't go too in depth with the romance, this one could be for you.

🧡 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.

I'm actually giving the overall rating a star more for the audiobook than I am the ebook because the narrators were THAT good. Steve West blew it out of the park. I also loved how the author started with him, that seems rare in romance.

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

If you like grumpy/sunshine a clean work place romance this is for you. As the title suggests, this is about plotting a payback. Finn starts working with actress Lavender who he knew in high school. He holds a personal grudge against her and finds this as the best opportunity to give her a taste of her own medicine. What started as funny pranks, I found Finn being way too petty. There are a lot of cute moments with puppies and Finn's neighbors which added so much to the story.

I enjoyed the dual POV and narration. The narrators both did a great job with bringing the story to life.

Thank you to @thomasnelson @netgalley for a copy to the audiobook.

This is a super cute delightful rom com that totally engaged and entertained me. Finn Masters, a television mystery writer has held a grudge against an old school friend Lavender Rhodes for literally years. Lavender is a very successful television star of an extremely popular sitcom in America. He blames her for pretty much everything that has ever gone wrong for him in his life whether warranted or not. But now he has the chance to plot a payback by writing her characters story line in her sitcom. He sets out to make her character spiral out of control, and unfortunately for him none of his efforts succeed. Finn must reassess his feelings and take a hard look at himself and his feelings toward Lavender. This is a very funny and enjoyable story, full of fun characters and snappy dialog. Highly recommended.

The reason they were enemies was kinda dumb and very much one sided. But the love story was cute. A cute little workplace romance.

This book was such a cute enemies to lovers/grunpyxsushine book! I thought Lavender was so full of life and so humble for being a big star. Finn's grumpiness was funny and his failed plots for payback was hilarious.

I really liked that we got to see both Lavender and Finn's POVs and witness the moment they realized they were falling for each other.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved two actors who played Lavender and Finn.

This one grew on me so if you find yourself not loving it, hang on and it will make sense. In the end, I loved Finn and his old man ways. His neighbors and what Lavender comes to see in him was endearing. Finn wants so badly to plot his payback but he keeps getting thwarted. Lavender took some time to grow on me but in the end I liked her character and have a better understanding of all that came before. The dogs were some of my favorite parts of the book. The romance was subtle and sweet but I loved how it played out. This was my first read by this author and I will definitely be adding her other books to my list.

Steve West as a narrator is always going to be a win for me and I also loved Fiona Hardingham’s take on Lavender.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Kisses

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.
I absolutely enjoyed the audio version, narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Steve West, and they really added to my enjoyment of this book. I loved hearing Finn’s disdain through Steve West’s voice.
A very entertaining, heartwarming and humorous read that encompasses the grumpy/sunshine, workplace, enemies to lovers and slow burn tropes.

A joy! Just an absolute joy! I love how Ferguson’s stories are just a burst of sunshine and pure entertainment. Each year I’m always looking forward to her latest sweet romcom, and How to Plot a Payback brought all the charm and quirkiness I love!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

Everything, everything, EVERYTHING!! I loved the characters, the plot, the building romance, the humor, just everything!! And it gets even better - This book is set in the TV production world! Need I say more!?!

How was the romance?

I loved following Finn and Lavender’s building romance and found myself rooting for them to find each other from the very first chapter.

🔥Steam Level - Clean romance

How was the pace?

This was a fast-paced story that I couldn’t get enough of.

Do you recommend this book?

You bet I do!! I’m sure you could tell by my obnoxious use of exclamation marks at this point. If you are looking for a fun story to lose yourself in, that is full of lively characters and humor, then I hope you pick this book up to read soon.

How was the audiobook?

I could not stop listening to this book after I started it! Listening to the story unfold through both POV and with two narrators really brought more life and emotions as this slow burn romance unfolded.

Thank you Thomas Nelson, TLC and NetGalley for my gifted copies in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Thomas Nelson for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

First of all, I love the cover! I really enjoyed the narration. Steve West and Fiona Hardingham did a great job! I enjoyed the setting of a tv rom com and the writer’s room for that show. I did like how Finn made it up to her with the show twist at the end. I’ve enjoyed previous books from the author, but this was just not my favorite.

Finn Masters may had reason to be upset with Lavender about his earlier injury, but blaming her for so many things as an adult man just seemed like too much. Some of the things were not directly Lavender’s fault but he still blames her. She was too nice and wanted to support her friends and family even if it wasn’t what she wanted. I thought when she found his list of grievances she’d be mad, but instead she was apologizing to him. I would’ve liked her to stand up for herself like they encourage her character to do on the show. I also would’ve liked more romance. They seemed to quickly go from Finn hating her to having more romantic feelings.

Melissa Ferguson's books seem to be hit or miss for me, and this one was unfortunately a big miss. A character doesn't have to be likable for a book to be good, but in romance... the two kind of go hand in hand, and sadly these characters missed the mark for me. Finn spent the majority of the book being super intense (and not in a good way) and dreadfully petty, while Lavender was like Legally Blonde's Elle Woods but with none of the charisma. While I didn't care for the characters, I do think the audiobook narrators did a really good job performing their roles. I think it was an interesting concept for a book, but I just couldn't connect to the characters or the way it played out, and it ultimately left me apathetic about and not buying into the happily ever after.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for gifting me with an ALC to review! All opinions 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. The audiobook narration added to the enjoyment of the book.

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

This romcom has a unique take on enemies to lovers that made me chuckle page by page. I enjoyed beginning the book from the MMC's POV and I'm nearly always a fan of dual POV so this was right up my alley.

The MMC strongly dislikes the FMC, she's practically his lifelong nemesis and she has no clue whatsoever. I loved the contrast between his bitter one-sided rivalry and her happy-go-lucky, glass-always-half-full worldview. I am always captivated by Ferguson's creativity and characters and this book is no exception.

I also really liked how the main conflict of the book was resolved and the ending was really strong because of it.

I was provided an Advanced Listener's Copy from Netgalley/Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and I really enjoyed the narration (British accents can never go wrong IMO).

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!

I want to shoutout the audiobook narrators for effectively capturing the essence of the characters, their voices align really well with the characters' personalities.

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!

This is a sweet and charming book that takes place in the background of a show that is very similar to "Friends." The MMC Finn has been waiting to get justice against the star of the show and his arch nemesis Lavendar. The book progresses through his hilarious attempts to "right" the "wrongs" and then....well, it is a romance! I enjoyed Finn's journey of self-discovery and the bevy of side characters that filled out the cast. There is nothing spicy about this book, but the sweet moments do give your tummy a bit of the butterflies. I would have enjoyed a bit more definitive decision-making by the lead characters but otherwise enjoyed this book overall. I would recommend it to someone who enjoys reading about backstage Hollywood and someone who likes their romances PG.

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. And the narration for the audio was amazing!

Such an easy and fun read!

Finn Master manages to get his dream job, working as a writer for the Sitcom Neighbors, the only problem is that Lavender Rhodes is the main character in that show and she has destroyed his life! When they were teenagers she broke his foot, took his part in the school play and that was how her career started, what's not hate?

This book is more of a comedy than a romance, but it was really light and breezy the perfect summer read. I received the audiobook version and I loved how the narrator switched for the different points of view.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced review copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


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


Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Dreamscape Media for an early copy of this book.

How To Plot a Payback is a brilliant, funny, and super cozy rom-com.
I liked everything about this book. The character personalities, the plot, the pace, and the writing.

This was my first book from this author and I have to say I´ll read something else from her because I had a great time.

The romance was not the main plot here, it was a slow burn, with zero spice, but it fitted perfectly the pace of the story.

Finn Master promised to never utter her name again out loud, because every event that went wrong in his life (yes he is now a successful writer, but that is not the point) was her fault. He wrote a list reminding him why he will never forgive her and he clings to it very dearly. So when he is offered the job position of a lifetime, one he cannot refuse, he finds himself in direct contact with the bane of his existence, America's sweetheart and his biggest nightmare, Lavander Rose.

Lavender Rose is a people pleaser, she knows the most loved show in America history runs on her shoulders and she must not disappoint. But what about her family back in London? What about the experiences of playing different characters?
When a new producer is hired though, he has different and biggest ideas and Lavander is immediately captivated, also she seems to know him, but from where?

If you love:
- laughing out loud
Unsuccessful paybacks
Sassy eighty-years-old
Misbehaving dogs
Sweet and head in the cloud FMC
Fakely brooding MMC
Then this is your cup of tea.

How to plot a Payback is out on April 2nd and you cannot miss it!

Would you take your dream job if you had to work with someone who has been ruining your life since you were classmates?

That's what Finn Masters has to decide for himself. This was such a fun read and I loved the dynamic between Finn and Lavendar. Also, can we talk about the cover? Absolutely beautiful!

If he stopped plotting his payback, he might just realize that there is more to Lavendar than meets the eye.


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