“Of course darkness cannot mix up with the light.”

How to plot a payback is a story about plotting revenge when you are a golden retriever… You’ll understand quickly that nothing can happen as expected!
I listened to the audio version of that book and it was such a great experience! Since the very first sentence, I was hooked by the acting, the accent (both British) and the dynamism coming from the narrators. I do really believe their performance helps the story to be even better.
The book was very lovely, and funny. I laughed so much during the listening, as hilarious disasters piled one over the other, and nothing made it to the plan. I loved the setting, about a sitcom’s behind the scenes (OMG the Friends’ references –or, at least, I took them as such!) and what happens between the show’s star and the new writer (who already have an history, though she isn’t truly aware of that). The situations were hilarious, and I was thrilled that dogs and writing took such a central place.
Fynn is sarcastic, often grumpy, while remaining a golden retriever and the contrast was delightful. I liked the “evolution” of Lavender too, though it’s more about Fynn discovering her than a true development. All the side characters were a great addition, with a special mention for Fynn ‘neighbours esquad’. If I’m being honest the book is more about that evolving relationship, with a lot of humour, than a “classical” romance, which worked wonderfully fine for me. In that, the title summarizes the story perfectly.
It was a very funny audio and I liked every minute of it, without ever being bored.

Thank you NetGalley, Melissa Fergusson & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Rate 4.5/5

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC Audiobook!

This was a super cute book that leans more towards comedy then romance, which is refreshing an fun. I love the dual point of view aspect - and the characters were fun and appealing. I did not love the audiobook but I think that is just a personal preference. Overall great vacation read especially with summer coming.

Melissa Ferguson has delivered another delightful Rom/Com. It's an enemies-to-lovers trope, sort of...only part of the couple knows about the enemy part, so it's half of the troph. Ferguson works the characters so that the two protagonists, Lavender and Finn, are on the same page at the end and fulfill the whole trope!! You love Lavender just because she's Lavender, and everyone loves her. And you love Finn because he is a sweetheart, but he tries his hardest to plot revenge, a "payback," for past indiscretions thrust upon him. Poor Finn, all his plotting and planning does nothing but bites him in the butt every time, thus causing him great guilt. Ferguson also created great secondary characters both in his found family, "neighbors" in Finn's apartment building, and his colleagues, "neighbors" at work....in short "Neighbors," where Lavender and Finn finally come together. Protagonists and secondary characters aside, the dogs steal the show, and are the best part of the book....you will fall in love with Bernie and Miles!

4 Stars

This was a cute rom-com book that had me laughing out loud several times. Super cute story line about a writer that just starting working on a hit TV show where his arch nemesis is the star of the show. He plans to get her back for all the times she "ruined" his life. Of course nothing goes like he wants it to. I liked this story and would recommend it to friends. The narrators were really good. I love when there is more than one narrator.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction for the opportunity to read this book.

after reading a lot of little rom-com type books, a lot of them can begin to feel the same but the plot of this one was something different, and definitely leaned more on the 'com' part of rom-com. although the enemies to lovers trope was mostly one-sided in this, it still felt so rewarding to see the the fmc and the mmc grow closer over the course of the book. i would have loved an ending where finn didn't have to go back to writing the genre he had grown tired of, just to say it's worth it to work with lavender, but overall, it was a fun, light read.

thank you to netgalley and thomas nelson and zondervan fiction audio for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson is a chick-lit, contemporary romance about two nemeses: one is a screenwriter, and the other is a show star or actor. Now, Finn Masters and Lavender Rhodes have to work together. But Finn thinks this is the best time to plot his payback and develop her character in the most embarrassing ways possible.

I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the characters, but I felt the execution and the whole plot could have been developed better. This is my second book by the author; the first one was 'Meet Me in the Margins'. While reading this book, I did occasionally find myself laughing out loud.

But as usual, as Finn gets to know more about Lavender, he realizes maybe she isn't that bad at all. Slowly, the feelings start to develop. I loved how, at the majority times, his payback uses backfires in the most hilarious ways possible. And if you are a dog lover, the female MC here tries to foster 10 stray dogs, and that part was the most adorable and favorite of all.

Apart from all the good things, I am still missing something in this plot, which makes it very average for me and not the perfect chick-lit book for me. The romance definitely needs more work, so I do not even consider this one a merely romance book. Pick it up if you're looking for an adult guy who does stupid things and is a total no-brainer. Expect giggles all the way through the book.

How to Plot a Payback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A super & funny story that I totally enjoyed. This book will keep you smiling. The characters personality are really great. I enjoyed the pace of the book in the cool location & style. Very hilarious!!
Thank you NetGalley!!

The story between a screen writer and actress was really fun. I enjoyed the comedy in this book. The banter between the main characters was really funny and cute.

I was completely captivated by this delightful audiobook! It was my first experience with author Melissa Ferguson's work, and I can't wait to add more of her titles to my never-ending TBR list. The audio format featured dual narration, and I found both the male and female narrators to be engaging and enjoyable. Listening to the story come to life through their voices added an extra layer of enjoyment for me. Though it started off a bit slow, the pace quickly picked up and kept me hooked until the end. The narrators skillfully brought the characters and their emotions to life, making it easy for me to get lost in the storyline. This book may not have had any "spice," as some would say, but that didn't take away from its charm or ability to draw me in. As a fan of romantic comedies, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers who enjoy this genre. Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the ALC copy!

🎥 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🎥
I absolutely adored this hilarious romcom sitcom based book. The plot setting was unique and fun, and it’s what drew me to the book. Having a book setting on a tv show set seems to always intrigue me! And this story is mixed with some failed attempts at revenge and a blossoming love story.

Finn was a funny MMC to read. He is a screenwriter and in the past has always had unfortunate situations happen to him around Lavender. It’s been going on for decades and now they work together. From day one on set, Finn has bad luck and Lavender has no idea… she’s just so cheery and upbeat. Everyone loves her. Finn wants so badly to exact a small revenge as her shows screenwriter, but again things never work out.

Lavender always wants to do the best for everyone around her, even at the cost of her own happiness. Finn continuously runs into Lavender and learns all the wonderful things about her along the way. Each situation they get into is cute and funny.

The side characters in this book are so fun as well. I love a good side character because they just add so much to the story’s dynamic and this one has plenty of them!!

I both read and listened to this on audio, and both were fantastic! This is a sweet, fun read that will leave you feeling good at the end!

🎧 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🎧
Fiona Hardingham and Steve West both did an amazing job bringing the characters of Lavender and Finn to life! Fiona brought a lighthearted, bright vibrancy to her narration of Lavender. Steve brought out the hilariously frustrated side of Finn, dealing with Lavender and all the funny situations that he would go through at work.

🎬 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🧡 Screenwriter / Actress
🩷 Sitcom TV Show Setting
🧡 Grumpy Sunshine
🩷 Dual POV
🧡 Closed Door Romance

I was approved for this book in audio and print and I didn't care of it either. Written in a third person tone set it just didn't do the story justice. It was a little over the top and not for me. I was hoping it was going to be light and airy like her other books, but it was too quirky/dramatic for me.

This book is about Finn a writer and Lavender who is a film star. The story explores Finns missed moments in life which he blames on Lavender. Until Finn gets a job on neighbours which happens to star …
The story was funny and enjoyable,
I felt at times I was waiting for something to make me want to carry on listening. Thank you to Melissa and Net galley for allowing me to listen in exchange for an honest review.

What if you had an archenemy but they didn’t know they were your nemesis? What if they went through life constantly throwing obstacles at you without even realizing it? What if all the bad things in your life can be traced back to this person and you know that going near them will only cause you harm or heartache? But then what if you had the chance of a lifetime but it meant working with this person? Would you take it??

If you are Finn Masters, a Hollywood screenwriter, and all you have dreamed about is being the showrunner on a successful sitcom, well you would hesitate for about two seconds and then jump in with both feet. Finn is now going to become the head writer on the hit comedy tv show Neighbors (think Friends but with only half of them) which has been on air for almost ten years and needs a bit of fresh blood. The problem is that the leading lady, Lavender Rhodes, is the one person who has caused all the drama in Finn’s life, and she doesn’t even realize it. So Finn is determined to keep his distance from the beautiful actress but it proves impossible and Finn finds himself, kind of, maybe falling for Lavender, much to his horror.

Initially, as I started reading, I was a bit turned off by Finn's vehemence against Lavender and felt like he was being a little juvenile, but I was reminded of something that Sarah MacLean said on the Fated Mates episode about Enemies to Lovers and how you need to feel like the two characters (or at least one of them) really do hate each other in order for a real payoff. And Finn really did hate Lavender; she was the stand in for all the things that had gone wrong in his life but when he eventually figured that out (because duh, romance novel) and realized he actually loves her, it gave all the feels.

I listened to this audiobook and the narrators were excellent; I’ve really come to love dual narration, it makes such a huge difference when you are trying to connect to the characters. There are also some cute old people and doggies in here, so extra points for that.

Melissa Ferguson writes some of the funniest rom coms I’ve read. Thank you @tnzfiction @uplit and @ourfriendlyfarmhouse for my early finished copy of HOW TO PLOT A PAYBACK, which publishes this week!

Two British characters- one uber famous thanks to a last minute cast change (meet Lavender), and one that keeps powering up the TV screenwriting ladder (meet Finn).

Two paths that no matter how hard Finn tries, he can’t seem to avoid the crossing. Especially when he accepts a job at Neighbors, the long-standing TV show Lavender has been staring in for the past 10 years…yes, it does sound a little like a Friends timeline, right??

Throw in the sweetest pack of dogs- these are my favorite characters for sure! They are adorable! And some fantastic supporting characters and you’ve got a cozy little read that’s perfect to throw in your bag on the way to the beach on Spring Break!

This is a very cute romcom about an actress and a new writer on her show who happens to be a blast from the past. I listened to this audiobook and it started off slow for me, the first 30% was hard to get through, but once the action started it was sweet. If you like sweet, clean romances, enemies to lovers, and 30 Rock, you will love this book.

Thank you to netgalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to listen to an advanced listener's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I appreciate the opportunity to have received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. However, I found it challenging to connect with the story due to its scattered writing style. The author seemed intent on incorporating extensive detail and using an abundance of words, which, for me, hindered the pacing and flow of the narrative. Unfortunately, I was unable to finish the book. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing the copy.

The Narrators made an AMAZING job! It was so much fun to read a book about a Sit Com, it made the story so dynamic and fun to hear! Also, can we talk about the cover? its beautiful! I can’t wait to buy my physical copy! Dog lovers are gonna love this book.

Dual POV, forced proximity, workplace and slow burn! I liked that it feels like I’m on set with them. I hope Finn would have learned earlier in life that we are the only ones to blame if our life sucks, it’s not always someone else’s fault, other than that, I appreciate the enemies to lovers vibes (even tho is just one sided). I love how nice and gentle Lavender is! Her good vibes protected her over and over again from things going wrong for her! It doesn’t feel like a romance tho, I feel like it’s more of just a comedy because it lacks romantic elements for most of the book.

I had an amazing time reading this book and I’m so grateful I got to read this ARC! Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Melissa Ferguson for the gifted Audiobook ARC provided through NetGalley! It was an amazing experience and I’m so happy to share my honest review

Lavender Rhodes star of hugely popular “Neighbors” television series is Finn Masters nemesis. (Unbeknownst to Lavender) after years of her ruining Finn’s life he decides to plot a payback. This book is laugh out loud funny. Finn cannot successfully get back at Lavender for the things she did because he is just too nice, and so is Lavender. Loved all the twist and turns in the plot. There are so many great characters that make this book an absolute delight.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were perfect. Absolutely loved the British accents. It truly felt like I was listening a movie. I was so sad when it was over. 41/2⭐️

Lavender Rose is a superstar. Nice, kind,
everyone lovers her besides Finn. Finn had a list of things everything Lavender did wrong to him in his life. After some miscommunications and a blossoming friendship. Love finds a way.

I can honestly say I really really didn’t like Lavender. She was obnoxious and so full of herself. It seemed so much like she want to help but honestly I just wanted her to fail once. She was too “perfect” and nothing bothered her. She didn’t relate to me at all. Also Finn was to forgiving. It was way too easy for him to forget all the crap he went through.

Happy endings are great but this book just didn’t feel genuine. The characters definitely did not mesh well in my head which is a big bummer.

I do want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the arc.

How do you pause an audio book?...it's something I haven't learned yet, every time I pause it I have a hard time listening to where I left off, so I go back several chapters
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and since I started it or re started it again yesterday I couldn't put it down/pause it
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the banter, the way Lavander has no idea that Finn hates her and like every revenge backfire and ends up putting him in more complicated situations to get out of, is... so much! so that it becomes impossible to let go... I even heard it in one, as I suppose people without obsession with audio books read, think
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I'm also going to blame the excellent narration work of Fiona Hardingham and Steve West
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Let's imagine an English Jennifer Aniston on the set of a series where she acts with her best friends, called "Neighbors", the most successful sitcom in the U S for ten years
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Until the general producer decides to hire a writer from a murder mystery series to renew the plot. Only this writer has an old grudge against the main actress and no matter how much he tries to overcome it, he finds himself, again trapped around her... and the only why out of it is planning small revenges to do justice but every time something unexpected happens leaving him hanging again in an more unexpected situations
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If you are a fan of Friends, Jennifer Aniston, movie stars, Hollywood and plot twist that you don't see coming, this is the perfect book and my favorite by Melissa Ferguson
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Thanks to Melissa Ferguson and Harpers Collins Thomas Nelson Publishing for give me a copy of this beautiful audio book in exchange for my honest opinion