This book felt like it was missing like 100 pages. We're told they hate each other and then like a chapter later we jump forward in time and they're best friends. Considering their relationship is based off their friendship, it feels weird to me that we don't really get to SEE them become friends. Overall it just felt very basic and i wish the author had spent more time building up the relationships instead of focusing so much on the ghost writing and Bryony's writing career.

I am always here for a closed door romcom, especially when written by Melissa Ferguson!
Add in characters that are writers and I’m double sold.

While this was a cute and charming read; it was soooo slow and the beginning was extremely wordy. Overall I’m glad I finished it but it’s not something I’m going to remember for very long

This book was so exciting to the very end. I really enjoyed this plot, its characters, the romcom, and the challenges the fmc comes across. I feel like this book was unique in the way the story kept going til the end. It wasn't full of fillers, and there wasn't a forced "and they lived happily ever after with marriage and a baby "at the end. This was so good in my opinion.

The narrator did a really good job, she captured the emotions of the characters so well. So good, i finished in 1 day.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

It took me awhile to get into this book. It was really wordy at the beginning and it was hard to want to keep going. But I am SO SO glad I did!!! What a heartwarming book!! I teared up at the end with the way Bryony’s truth comes to light and what the Bright Show does for The Bridge.
I ended up loving this book!

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

“Of all the books, of all the stories I’ve ever written, this one is dearest to my heart.”

Have you ever wondered about the journey behind a successful author’s rise to fame? It’s so easy to admire their popular and best-selling works, but we don’t always pay attention and consider the struggles, setbacks, and sacrifices that came before the recognition. Many writers don’t become a household name overnight, and it’s that very struggle—the perseverance, the waiting, the unwavering hope—that makes The Perfect Rom-Com so compelling.

At the heart of this novel is Bryony Page, a talented yet overlooked writer who also dreams of seeing her name on the cover of a book. She takes a leap of faith by pitching her novel, Water Under the Bridge, to the renowned literary agent Jack Sterling, hoping for a breakthrough. Instead, she finds herself navigating a different path—one she never anticipated—when she’s offered a contract to ghostwrite for a then up-and-coming author. Driven by necessity rather than ambition, Bryony accepts the job, using the opportunity to financially support The Bridge, her grandmother’s beloved organization. With each novel she crafts behind the scenes, she hones and proves her talent albeit always in the shadows, all while she patiently waits for the moment when she can finally claim her own success. As she waits and hopes for that day to come, we find her suddenly pressed for time as The Bridge is on the brink of shutting down — and we readers also journey along and root for her as she tries her best to publish her most beloved story.

This is the first book that I read from Melissa Ferguson, and it is always a treat when I realize that the way of writing of an author is crafted to my liking. Ferguson’s storytelling is a joy to experience, effortlessly weaving humor, warmth, and emotion into a narrative that is both engaging and heartfelt. The novel’s lighthearted tone makes it an easy read, yet beneath its charming exterior lies a story rich with depth and meaning. The slow-burn romance between Bryony and Jack is built on an undeniable foundation of chemistry and banter, and their playful exchanges served as the perfect backdrop for a relationship that feels as natural as it is inevitable. Watching their connection evolve was one of the highlights of the book, making each interaction something to look forward to.

Beyond its romantic elements, The Perfect Rom-Com offers a poignant exploration of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Bryony’s relentless dedication to The Bridge adds another layer of depth to her character, showcasing a love that extends beyond romance—one rooted in family, community, and making a difference. Her journey made me reflect on the driving forces behind the books I love—understanding what compels an author to pour their soul into a story, and what unseen struggles they endure along the way.

With a cast of lovable side characters and a message that lingers long after the final page, this novel is a heartwarming tribute to those who dare to dream, write, and believe in the power of their own stories. More than just a romantic comedy, The Perfect Rom-Com is a story about found family, building a career, and finding your own voice—or, in Bryony’s case, her own words.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review. I love books that focus on writers and this book didn't disappoint. Bryony want to make it out on her own as writer, but is having her struggles. To keep up her skills, she becomes a ghost writer by looking over another writers' work. Bryony goes through many emotions as her journey of being a ghost writer becomes a world-wind when her writing becomes famous, but it isn't under her own name.

This was a sweet, closed-door rom-com. Bryony, trying to seek her first novel, meets with the elusive literary agent, Jack. He recognizes her talent-not with her own novel, but as a ghostwriter for a one-hit wonder author. The books become a success while Bryony still seeks to have glory under her own name and her own. Her and Jack also skirt their mutual feeling s for each other. The romance too a back burner in the plot, but it was fun to have insider insight on the ghostwriter part of the publishing world. The story was also told from Bryony’s PoV only, I would have loved to know Jack’s inside thoughts too! 3.75 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. While it took me a little bit to get into this book, once I did, it was such a good read. Bryony is an aspiring writer and an ELS teacher. She is a ghostwriter for a famous author and while she is doing that she has to go on a book tour. She is ready to be known for her own writing and wants to save the Bridge. Jack is a literary agent who is working with Bryony. While they are working together, they begin to build their relationship. I loved that he fell in love with her first, while it took her a while to love him. I did love this book and Melissa's writing. I would definitely read more books by Melissa Ferguson. #ThePerfectRomCom #Netgalley

The Perfect Rom-Com offers a great behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry from the perspective of a book agent and the ghostwriter for an egomaniac contemporary romance author. Bryony and Jack are fantastic - their banter is truly top-tier! Bryony is quirky and endearing, sometimes a little desperate, but has such a big heart and cares deeply. And Jack is perfectly in-tune with Bryony, patiently waiting for her to realize that they might just be perfect for each other and doing everything in his power to help her achieve her dream of publishing her own novel and saving her grandmother's nonprofit organization/school catering to refugees. Overall - this was an incredibly entertaining and heartfelt romance. Loved every single page! Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the chance to read this novel.

I expected this to be a light, feel-good romance that would make me giggle and kick my feet, but sadly, that wasn't the case. The title was really misleading. 😒 This was my first book by the author, and for most of it—up until about 55%—I struggled to get into the story because nothing was really happening. If I'm being honest, the book felt like it was made up of 99% of the FMC's long, rambling monologues (mostly her exaggerated and off-the-wall thoughts) and only 1% romance between the main characters, Jack and Bryony.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5
Bryony’s story is heartfelt. She wants to save The Bridge and has written a novel that will help her get the money to save it. Except the novel is far too long winded and she isn’t willing to hear any criticism. In comes Jack.
Now, instead of having her book she spent countless time working on, she has become a ghostwriter and is slowly making someone very famous with her work.
How can she get her book published and save The Bridge?
It’s a cute story. Some of Jack’s actions are a little confusing at first.
The banter between the two is excellent. Gloria and her southern slangs she looked up were excellent (i'm a southerner and we even use those to make fun of ourselves!)
I read this book as an ARC. Thanks to Melissa F. and Netgalley. This is my honest opinion.

To be honest, this was pretty disappointing. For the most part, the story just felt dragging and was unfortunately boring during a lot of parts. The pacing was also pretty messed up, and that caused a dissonance in the timeline and flow of the plot. That whole thing just took me out of the story, and I couldn’t get myself to enjoy it no matter how hard I tried. I will say, I loved it towards the end, but that can’t really save the rest of the story.

I was excited going into this because of the premise of the story, and I’m sad that it wasn’t executed as well as I hoped it’d be. Still, thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to share my honest review of this ARC.

I’ve read this author before so I went in expecting a sweet rom-com. I was not disappointed! However I feel like the love story was secondary to Bryony’s story of personal growth throughout the book. I was really rooting for her! The only downside for me was that I felt the romance came out of nowhere? Still an enjoyable read for me though.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson & NetGalley for the ARC!

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson is exactly what the title promises—an absolute delight from start to finish! With laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and plenty of charm, this book had me grinning the whole way through. The witty banter and undeniable chemistry between the characters made it impossible to put down. If you love a feel-good, heartwarming romance that leaves you with a happy sigh, this one is a must-read! 💕✨

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

#Netgalley #The Perfect Rom-Com #FriendstoLovers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Melissa Ferguson for this ARC!

Melissa Ferguson's "The Perfect Rom-Com" is a charming exploration of dreams and love set against the backdrop of the publishing world. The story follows aspiring author Bryony Page, who attends her first writers’ conference with hopes of promoting The Bridge, her grandmother’s struggling ESL organization. After a disastrous pitch session, Bryony unexpectedly lands a gig ghostwriting for the famous rom-com novelist Amelia Benedict, with the condition that agent Jack Sterling also helps her sell her own manuscript.

As Bryony's talent transforms Amelia into a bestselling author, she discovers the complexities of the publishing industry and the pressures of success. The chemistry between Bryony and Jack is electric, and their witty banter brings warmth and humor to the story. Ferguson beautifully captures the struggle of pursuing one’s ambitions while navigating personal relationships, highlighting the importance of self-identity in the creative process.

With engaging characters, delightful dialogue, and a satisfying conclusion, "The Perfect Rom-Com" is a heartwarming read for fans of romantic comedies and aspiring writers alike. It’s a joyous celebration of love, ambition, and the magic of storytelling that will leave readers smiling. Highly recommended!

A cute little workplace romance.
All in all the book was cute! The FMC was a little unrelatable but her and Jack grew on me!

Read if you love
💕 workplace romance
✨ strangers to lovers
💕 forced proximity
✨ closed door

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this eArc is exchange for an honest review!!

If these tropes are your jam, you'll like this one!
- Slow burn romance
- Character development
- Friends to lovers
- Agent-author
- Workplace romance

Bryony wants nothing more than to get her story, her baby, her novel out into the world. Too bad no one wants to take it on. But when Bryony is offered the chance to ghostwrite instead and knocks it out of the park (again and again), well, it looks like the power has shifted hands.

What can I say - I loved everything about this book. From the cover to the story to the characters, I was hooked. But you know what I loved THE MOST? Jack and Bryony's relationship. It was written so well and the chemistry was just bursting off the page. A+ read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Characters fell a little flat and a miscommunication trope….so slightly disappointing but cute enough. When the book hinges on miscommunication it feels like the stakes just aren’t high enough.

The fmc was annoying in the beginning, great in the middle, and back to annoying.
I really liked the story of this one but the miscommunication drove me nuts. If the man you love says "wait I have something really important to tell you"....maybe, just maybe....idk listen???? miscommunication 😂
Overall tho - I did enjoy it!