Adored this one! Melissa Ferguson is the queen of feel good rom coms with a great mix of humor and swoon.

I loved this book. I was not expecting to love it at first because so many rom-coms authors write about authors and the whole publishing industry. But this book was so much better than the rest! It was clever, heartfelt, and a little stressful at times. I read it all in one sitting. Thank you for the opportunity to read The Perfect Rom-Com.

I love that this book had more to it than just romance, we love some subplots! Bryony Page, our FMC, is an ESL teacher at a school about to lose funding. She tries to write a book about the school, but is having a difficult time getting it published. She then is the ghost writer for a famous romance author. She developed a friendship with the agent Jack. Obviously, he starts falling for her, which leads to some issues with getting her own book published. Absolutely love when I have major feelings while reading a book, this is a testament to the writer. I felt such strong hatred for Amelia and such a strong love for Both our female and male main characters. This is a quick easy read with some more depth than the regular romcom.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early read of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoyed this book, I loved the banter between Jack and Bryony and I loved watching their relationship change and evolve throughout the book. The one big issue I had was the huge time skip, which meant we missed out on a huge plot point of Jack and Bryony going from essentially enemies to friends and I really wish this would’ve been touched on more. I also didn’t love the fact that there were a few plot holes that seemed almost too big to skip over, which took away from the story as a whole. However, I did love reading about these characters and the journey they had throughout the book.

Bryony and Jack were super cute.
This is such an easy cosy and heart warming read and that I did devour this.

Melissa’s writing is lovely and her progression in her characters are beautiful I really enjoyed this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was such a fun one to read! It had elements of a romance, but at it's heart is the story of a writer determined to use her words to bring awareness to an important cause.

Bryony Page is an ESL teacher at a school about to lose it's funding. She writes a novel based on the school, but can't get published. Instead she stumbles on the job of ghostwriter for romance author Amelia Benedict. Over the course of two years she turns Amelia into a literary sensation, and develops a friendship with her agent, Jack. She still desperately wishes to publish her own book and Jack insists he's working on it. But there's more at play, not the least of which includes Jack realizing he feels more than just friendship for Bryony.

Bryony is a big-hearted person, and her love for her ESL students was truly heartwarming. She's also an exceptional author and it was such a joy to read about her writing process. I absolutely despised the character of Amelia. She was truly awful, and I kept getting angry and upset with her. I always find that being able to evoke such strong feelings is a true indication of an author's talent! As for Jack and Bryony's romance, it was pretty secondary to the rest of the story. I loved their friendship, but I found him to be a bit belittling and manipulative, all under the guise of trying to do what he thought was best for her. He did redeem himself, but I would have liked more conversation about his actions.

All in all, this book was a lovely read, and one that I flew through because I wanted to see how everything fell into place. The ending was a little far-fetched, but I have no problem suspending reality in order to enjoy a book. If you like steam-free romances that read more like contemporary women's fiction, I recommend this one! It publishes on February 11th 2025.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

This was an enjoyable story. The main protagonists and their romance is handled well. The book has entertaining side characters. The plot was a little far-fetched, but readers will still want to read to the end to see how it all works out.

Sorry to say a perfect rom-com it was not.
This sits firmly for me at the average rom-com/chick-lit stories. While the premise was intriguing, somehow the story itself didn't really catch me. Bryony  I did like, but could care less about Jack. Honestly, it took me almost three weeks to finish this and that's how I know the story didn't hook me.
Really liked reading about the world of traditional publishing, that part was surprisingly interesting and a fun, informative read.

The Perfect Rom-Com promised a lighthearted, romantic escape but delivered a story that fell short in several key areas. While the book had moments, it struggled to live up to its title.

For a book marketed as a romantic comedy, the romance was barely there. The relationship between Bryony and Jack felt rushed and all over the place. One moment, Bryony can't stand Jack, and the next, we are expected to believe they are besties. The shift was so abrupt that it was hard to feel anything for their connection—it came off more like a plot device than a believable romance. Also, their romance bordered on emotional cheating for the first half, which left a bad taste in my mouth.

The plot? Super predictable. From the romance setup to the inevitable third-act breakup to the neatly wrapped ending, there wasn’t much to surprise or excite me. I kept hoping for something fresh to make it all worthwhile, but no luck there.

Also, Amelia’s constant dismissiveness and outright rudeness made it so hard to understand why Bryony stuck around for over two years. Why didn’t she quit? Watching her put up with that kind of treatment was frustrating, and her reasons for staying didn’t feel convincing.

Bryony’s desperation to get her book published made sense in theory, but her stubbornness about accepting criticism didn’t. How could someone with years of industry experience not think to reread her manuscript in all that time? The whole storyline about saving her grandmother’s ESL school by publishing a book felt way too simplistic. Book publishing is a slow and uncertain process, and pinning all her hopes on it just made her seem naive (for a 29-year-old).

The book had potential, but the flat romance, overly predictable story, and questionable character choices made it fall short. If you’re looking for a true rom-com, this one might not be the perfect pick.

I enjoyed this book. The overall story and themes were wonderful. My only wish in this book was that the ending was a bit longer. I felt like the late-story problem and solution could have had more of an impact on the story if it weren’t so last minute.

While this narrative focuses on ghost writers there are so many pitfalls in the publishing world that casual readers will. never understand, or take the time to learn about. My sincere wish is that readers reflect on the mega authors they support.

This book offers so much commentary that has definitely gone over the heads of many readers (judging by the reviews I’ve read). The book community is complicit in uplifting authors and books that are so undeserving on numerous cases it blows my mind. The irony that I’m posting this review on Goodreads after the slew of Goodreads Award (many of the winners lacking diversity) isn’t lost on me. It’s sad that I can cite real world examples, of ‘Amelia’s’ out there in the publishing world.

Onto happier things, I really liked Bryony and the overall arc of the book. The first three chapters really got me. I could feel the anxiety, the stress, the rage. It’s a book with a whirlwind of emotions and I appreciate it. There’s this energy that Melissa conveys in her book that transfers and imparts the reality of the publishing world.

My thanks to Uplit Reads and Melissa Ferguson for the ARC. The Perfect Romcom is out on February 11th 2025.

The Perfect Rom-Com was a fun, engaging read. I rooted for the main character, Bryony, from her first awkward attempts to find an agent through her blossoming into a successful ghostwriter and finally into her stepping into her power in the story's satisfying conclusion.

But some elements gave me pause. First, the book is clearly being marketed as a romance or rom com but it's actually more women's fiction. I didn't have a problem with this, but romance-centered readers might be disappointed.

Second, there is a disconcerting time jump early in the book. The first three chapters show Bryony's initial meeting with a prominent agent, Jack, focusing on her lack of experience and his dismissive attitude. Then the story jumps forward two years, by which point Bryony and Jack have a solid working relationship and friendship - and also, apparently, totally different personalities. We never learn what caused this evolution, so the initial presentation of the characters feels out of place. Readers might get a better first impression - and enjoy The Perfect Rom-Com just as much - by skipping it.

4.5 stars - a great women's fiction novel stuck in a rom com cover.

The Perfect Rom-Com lives up to its name with a delightful mix of humor, heart, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of publishing. Bryony’s journey from struggling writer to ghostwriting star is both relatable and inspiring, with just the right amount of wit and charm.

The story deftly balances Bryony’s hilarious interactions with her demanding boss, Amelia, and her swoon-worthy slow-burn romance with Jack Sterling. Jack’s support for Bryony’s dreams while their connection deepens is as heartwarming as it is romantic, making this book impossible to put down.

Perfect for fans of books about books, strong heroines, and sparkling chemistry, The Perfect Rom-Com is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves love and a good laugh along the way.

Ferguson’s writing is witty and charming, with just the right amount of romance and humor to keep you hooked. The characters are super likable, and there’s a great mix of sweet moments and laugh-out-loud scenes. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good, easy read with all the rom-com vibes, this one’s a total winner!

2.5⭐️ The first thing to note is this seems more like a women's fiction as opposed to a romantic comedy, I didn't find any romantic comedy vibes from this.

I felt like the author couldn't fully decide if she wanted to do an enemies to lovers, or a friends to lovers trope and it was convoluted it that sense and felt rushed in aspects. I think that the publisher needs to look at some of the plot holes and timelines to only because some of that didn't make sense.

Overall, if you're looking for a light read as a palate cleanser - then this is for you!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Melissa Ferguson has done it again- if you were a fan of Meet Me in the Margins this will be a must read! The look into the publishing world is such a fun storyline.

Main character, Bryony, is quirky, loyal, and endearing. Ferguson paints a swoon-worthy leading man and delievers on witty banter. I found myself rooting not only for the couple but also The Bridge. Feeling invested in both outcomes.

If you're looking for a funny, light, spice-free romcom this is the next book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very fun ARC to read! Thank you @ourfriendlyfarmhouse and for the opportunity to preview this story.

I love books that take place in the publishing world because I'm currently trying to work my way out of the classroom and into the world of editing. I know that's not necessarily what this book is focused on, but it's in the same sphere and it has me excited!

Bryony is an aspiring author who is trying to get a book published not just for her, but to raise money for an organization called, The Bridge.

While she does end up being one of Jack's clients, she is a ghostwriter for a well-known heiress rather than getting to publish her own book.

Jack and Bryony get closer while navigating Jack's role as an agent and Bryon's frustration over not having ownership of her own work. From colleagues, to best friends, to lovers, this is a really fun, possibly perfect, rom-com.

I immediately fell in love with Bryony. She comes through in the writing so well and I love that I can feel everything right along with her because the emotions come through so clearly.

Jack is surly and annoying but also hilarious. The bowling league? That might be my favorite addition to the story.

This is a realistic part fun, part frustrating story of Byrony Paige, a teacher from Florence, who in an attempt to honor her grandmother and her passion, wrote a book and went to Tennessee to present it. She met Jack Sterling, an egotistical and somehow fox who is toothachily a successful agent in the publishing industry, really accidentally got Jack's eyes, and again super accidentally became a ghostwriter for a stupid but pretty face of an author named Amelia Benedict. The paycheck of ghostwriting was awesome because she not only became independent and had her own things but also used Amelia's fame, which made her a super author whose books stayed best-selling for weeks. But in fact, after a few years, Byrony started to want things for real, not as a ghostwriter but as an actual best-selling author, Byrony Paige.

The book is something not everyday I experience. First, how thoroughly the slice of life explains is fantastic. The thought of what she's been through and how she made the decision of being a ghostwriter to wanting to be more is exactly what you thought you would do. I absolutely liked the extras we have about people interacting with Bryony herself, even though it could be unnecessary, but it somehow became a must in all the life occurrences. And the unique idea of Bryony being a ghostwriter is so good I can't stop from liking her less because it's somehow illegal. And Jack, I had this "dmn fox make himself appear" kind of vibe from him. He's smart, knows what he's doing, and is unapologetic about it. He is like the most calculated and opportunistic most of the time but somehow forgot the name of the woman he was dating because he doesn't care that much about the purposes, only that the said woman has a good writing style and can make the company rich. 

Honestly, the characters in the story are everything. I liked Byrony even with her clumsiness or sometimes naive projection, but it was a bonus when she admitted she did stalk Jack on social media, but it wasn't because of awe or anything else, it's just because it's a normal thing people do, and I like the story wasn't like the typical I fall In a love kind of way, Byrony and Jack have a solid two years behind their understanding of each other. That means a mature and acceptable reason to like someone, and it was a bonus for the book. I especially liked that Jack didn't hide the fox traits, and Byrony knows why, and when Jack tried to smother her with sugar-coated words about Jack being smart, it really made it sound more thumbs up, and the fact that it shows he is smart and not like most romance books, actively brooding and dark themes, but the kind of I'm smart enough to know what to tell and what to do red flag, and it's like you have to know in relation with these people that everything is a really major step. 

I liked the book. The humor, even the dark ones, the feeling, and the rumbling of unsaid words are all I can say because I really liked the books and hope everyone gives this one a chance. The uniqueness of this is also a bonus, which makes me give it a solid 5, but there might not be spice in it that much, but I say the plot and development are on point of 4. I highly recommend it for a good holiday time to read this so you can enjoy it better.

I was drawn to this book for its unique premise about a ghostwriter navigating fame and the publishing world, and it delivered an engaging story full of wit and charm. Bryony’s journey is relatable as she balances personal dreams with unexpected opportunities, and the behind-the-scenes look at publishing was fascinating.

While the title might set expectations for a more traditional rom-com, the story leans into drama and self-discovery, which added depth. The ending, though a bit over-the-top, was entertaining and tied everything together in a fun way.

Fans of Melissa Ferguson and books about writers will enjoy this fresh and clever take on the challenges of creativity, ambition, and finding love in unexpected places.

A fluffy short rom-com, a palette cleanser for me personally.
I did find gapping in the timeline and also development of the characters. 3.5 star for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.