I didn't mark this book as "currently reading" cuz I literally read it in one sitting 🫣 I found the audiobook so I did the immersive reading thing - I finished in 4 hours. The FMC has not a single evil bone in her body; it's actually frustrating like girl, go slap that b**ch - my anger issues could never. The MMC though I for him to be an a**hole If I were the FMC I could never forgive him ANYHOW huge thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC 🩷🩷

My perfect rom-com it was not, but there were some things I really liked about this book and others that I really didn't. The concept for the book was interesting with a look at book publishing and ghostwriting, but despite being what initially drew me to this book, a lot of the book-related content (which was like 75% of the story) just didn't jibe with me. Parts of it really read like "woe is me," which I found off-putting, and the "resolution" to Bryony's ghostwriting dilemma especially didn't sit right for me. I really enjoyed the parts about Bryony's involvement with The Bridge, however, and I almost feel like I would have preferred to read her fictional book than this one.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for gifting me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

The Perfect Rom Com is a warm and heartfelt read, set in the cutthroat world of publishing and ghostwriting.

Despite the title, this read as more than a rom com, more women’s fiction, with the romance being one of a few storyline’s. I loved Briony’s strong and rambunctious character and her experiences navigating the challenges of ghostwriting. Her and Jack’s relationship was a slow burn, but I really enjoyed their witty banter and their occasional run ins. The insights into publishing and ghostwriting were intriguing and made for an excellent bookish backdrop to Jack and Briony’s story. The story was slower to build, but picked up pace in the second half to a sweet and satisfying conclusion - I couldn’t stop grinning.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

5⭐️

This was such a heart warming story. From cheesing to laughing and awing, Melisa Ferguson created the perfect love story.

Bryony Page is hoping to get her manuscript that literary fiction with a touch of magical realism, suspense and somewhat biographical published when she meets the infamous Jack Sterling. Instead, she ends up becoming the ghost writer for 1# best selling author Amelia Benedict. Bryony and Jack are strictly platonic but there’s always been a little something there.

“The Perfect Rom-Com” by Melissa Ferguson, opens with Byrony Page attending a writers’ conference, desperate to have her hefty manuscript describing the work of her grandmother’s struggling ESL school (The Bridge) accepted by a publisher. This, she believes, will provide the financial backing the institution needs to survive. Faced with rejection after rejection by the agents at the conference, Byrony’s last meeting with Jack Sterling takes a different sort of turn and she is asked to provide feedback on another manuscript. As a result of her brutally honest feedback, Byrony receives an offer. Not for her manuscript, but an offer to become a ghost writer for the a romance writing. In just a short time, Byrony’s books have catapulted that author into one of the most loved authors of that genre. Sure, Byrony can now donate substantial funds for her grandmother’s institution, but she is contractually bound to secrecy. No one can ever know what it is she does.

This was a light and easy read. I particularly enjoyed the scenes describing Bryony’s relationship with her ESL students (Having been a teacher in that industry for more than 45 years!). It was also fun getting a glimpse into that side of publishing (which is quite different from my own experiences). Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel. My opinions are my own.

Finishing this on Valentine’s Day feels so fitting! I loved reading about Bryony’s journey, and Jack Sterling? Absolutely swoon-worthy. The publishing world storyline was fascinating, and the slow-burn romance had just the right touch of charm. A delightful, feel-good read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Review was posted (Instagram, Goodreads, bookishlytara blog, Storygraph) on February 14, 2025. An additional post (with a reposted review) was posted on Instagram on the publication day as well as an Amazon Canada review. (currently pending)

This was a fairly easy & cute read. Though there were parts that I didn’t particularly love like the relationship the FMC was in for 50% of the book while she was falling for the MMC 🙃 the relationship between Bryony & Jack was cute and very much a closed door romance, which I’m not against! The ending felt a bit far fetched but her students, grandma and sister being there was sweet. Thank you NetGalley and Melissa Ferguson for this arc!

The novel beautifully captures the highs and lows of the publishing world, blending humor, romance, and self-discovery Bryony's journey is both relatable and inspiring, as she learns to balance her own dreams with the demands of her new careerThe chemistry between Bryony and Jack Sterling, the literary agent, adds an extra layer of charm to the story
Overall, The Perfect Rom-Com is a charming and uplifting read that will leave you smiling and rooting for Bryony's success. If you enjoy stories about the publishing industry and love a good rom-com, this book is a must read

This rom-com felt like a breath of fresh air! It helped me get out of my book slump and it was such a nice read. I strongly recommend it if you like this kind of books!
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc :)

A sparkling combination of humor and substance! The characters are unique, and the author manages to make the publishing-world setting feel fresh and authentic. I do wish the best friend hero's character development were as thorough as the heroine's. I had trouble trusting him, and I could never shake the ick factor that he's her agent too. Also—since I think it's no spoiler to mention that a book called "The Perfect Rom-Com" has a grand gesture at the end—the grand gesture felt jarringly unrealistic compared to the authenticity of the rest of the book.

Thank you net galley for an ARC of this book for my honest reviews ✨️

My rating is 3.5 stars. The idea of this book is really cute and fun but it honestly took me a solid 60% to get into the story. Now that I've read it completely, if I were to to back I know I would like the characters faster and understand some things better.

Jack is a really sweet guy and is a true mastermind. I could also really feel for Byrony and her struggles.

Overall the perfect romcom is indeed a perfect romcom within itself and I do recommend!

The Perfect Rom-Com is a great pick for any romance lover, offering the perfect blend of humor and a touch of sweetness.
The story follows Bryony, who, despite having written multiple bestseller romance novels, is still an unknown author. We follow her on a journey to publish under her own name and help save her beloved organization, The Bridge. Another aspect of the story is the relationship between Bryony and Jack, her witty and supportive agent and friend. Their playful banter and natural camaraderie elevate the romantic tension, making it impossible not to root for them. Fans of slow-burn will appreciate the delightful buildup.
The author's writing is both easy to read and engaging.
As the title suggests, The Perfect Rom-Com is a perfect romantic comedy! Whether you're a fan of romance or just like a lighthearted story with a bit of heart, this book will leave you with a smile.

Obsessed. Jack had Byrony’s best interests at heart since they first started working together, even if she didn’t believe it with how annoying Amelia was. “I’ve been dating you for awhile now, I was just waiting for you to notice” DEAD

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me not only read this book but also listen to it as an audiobook. This light and charming slow-burn romance blends humor, heart, and a touch of workplace drama. Bryony Page is first rejected by Jack Sterling when she tries to get him to be her agent for her novel. Jack claims her novel is too long and won't sell with its multi-ropes. Bryony makes a bold move and walks back into Sterling's office to try again with her novel. Jack decided to give Bryony a chance as a ghostwriter crafting bestselling novels for renowned author Amelia Benedict. Bryony is a huge success, but no one knows it her and she gets zero credit for her work. The “Agent x Author” and “Forced Proximity” tropes add a delightful tension, as Bryony and Jack find themselves working in increasingly close quarters. Jack sees past Bryony’s modest demeanor, and their romance unfolds through subtle yet electrifying moments—stolen glances, lingering touches, and a slow realization that their bond is more than just professional.

With elements of strangers-to-lovers, career-driven challenges, and relatable self-doubt, this novel is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Bryony’s transformation from ghostwriter to recognizing her own worth adds emotional depth, making it more than just a sweet workplace romance.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for this ALC.

The Perfect Rom-Com is another enjoyable rom-com from Melissa Ferguson. I always expect her books to be light reads/listens and this book does not disappoint.

What I loved:
•The romance wasn’t the entire story. I love that we see their relationship come together mid-book.
•He falls first. The sister and friends recognizing Jack’s feelings before Briony was precious and a great way to introduce the romance.
•Good banter
•Tons of heart- the school storyline adds important purpose to the novel
•FMC taking life into her own hands. I love a strong character and Briony found her strength, even if it was misguided.

Melissa Ferguson writes some of my favorite chick lit and this is the perfect book for Galentine’s Day coming up!

Byrony is a character you are really going to connect with and root for and those are my favorite kind of leading ladies! You also get to meet Jack and I can’t wait to hear what you think of him! Their banter is very entertaining!

If you are in the mood for a feel-good story, grab this one!

Bryony wrote her book to raise money and awareness for The Bridge, a charity started by her grandmother and which she helps with at every opportunity. But agent after agent rejects it, and Jack Sterling is no exception. Something about her attracts his attention, though, and soon she finds herself ghostwriter to a famous author, Amelia Benedict - while still desperately trying to get her own book published. Spending time with Jack becomes increasingly necessary professionally - but somehow also personally. But though they're unwittingly building something special, between Amelia's obnoxiousness, Jack's secrets and The Bridge's money problems, it seems almost doomed. When the truth comes out, will anything remain?

I think this might be my favourite of the author's books so far - and that's a high benchmark! There's plenty of humour, but so much feeling as well. And for anyone who loves a good villain, no one could deny that Amelia fills that role perfectly! As for Bryony and Jack, the banter between them is often hilarious, sometimes touching and always real. I loved the way he was always looking out for her, even when it didn't seem like it. And the moment Bryony goes back to reread her original manuscript? Hilarious! With characters I quickly came to care for, a storyline that kept me guessing (but in a good way), some good secondary characters, a wonderful (hilarious) denouement, plenty of heart, and a satisfying ending, this is a book I can imagine coming back to reread multiple times. All in all, a great read - highly recommended.

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

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Perfect Rom-Com
Author: Melissa Ferguson

Thank you so much Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishing & Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC! This was my favorite romcom of the year so far. Absolutely loved it. An aspiring author tries to pitch her book to an agent and ends up being asked to be the ghost writer for another romance author. Two years later, she is fed up and sick of it, especially since the romance author she is writing for is insufferable. However, she has made the romance author even more famous over the years she spent writing for her, and the agency can’t let her go, and her agent who has developed feelings for her can’t either. This book was super sweet and funny. I loved reading our FMCs struggles with trying to get published. Her relationship with the agent was sweet, and I loved seeing how infatuated with her he seemed to be, even after patiently waiting for her the entire two years of working together. I wish it was longer, and I definitely want to read more of Melissa’s books! Adored it.

No one is more surprised than Bryony when the agent offers her the opportunity to be a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one condition: she’ll write books for this vain, demanding woman just as long as Jack Sterling, literary agent of the legendary Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too.

I have quite a bit of thoughts about Jack. I am trying not to give anything away. He is not my favorite and he could have done better…let’s just leave it at that.

I did like Bryony! I loved her heart and her grit. She made this whole book for me. She made me laugh with her interactions with Amelia Benedict…I would have never been that nice.

Bryony and Jack are definitely not my favorite couple. Jack kind of redeems himself. (But I still didn’t like him in the end!) Like I said, I do not want to give anything away. All my complaints about Jack…they are what makes this novel turn. He is a character you have hopes for but can you forgive him?? Read this and find out!

Need a cute tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

A romance novel between main characters working in the literary business is going to do it for me every single time! Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for sending me an arc. I literally couldn't put this down (or in this case, listening to) this book down. The pining... the love confession... it was all so perfect. Can't wait to read future books by this author!