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.

Instead of the traditional rom-com with two characters falling in love, this book almost felt like a love story between an author and her book. You couldn't help rooting for the book to make it in the end. A great twist on the genre, with some of Melissa Ferguson's typical laugh out loud moments and great banter between the characters.
*This review was collected after receiving an advanced digital copy through Netgalley

A delightfully meta rom-com about a ghostwriter and her agent featuring some of my FAVORITE tropes - friends to lovers, forced proximity, and he fell first. In addition to lovely written chemistry, what I really appreciated about Byrony and Jack is that at their core they both seemed like GOOD people and you couldn't help rooting for them the whole time. The subplot with her teaching career for students learning English was so lovely and the ending was a pitch perfect rom-com conclusion that had me feeling all the feels. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved this book it was soo good!!! 4.5⭐️

The Perfect Rom-Com is about Bryony who aspires to have her book published. After having her books rejected she is offered to become a ghost writer for the famous Amelia Benedict. I loved all of the twists and turns this book took, I felt all the characters were so relatable and seemed real. The end of this book was just the best.

Bryony has a passion for the Bridge her grandmothers organisation and this story also follows how she tries to help save it from shutting down. This added a lot of dimension to the story.

The only reason this book isn’t 5 ⭐️ was because I didn’t get the 5 star feeling! 100% recommend.

Bryony Page, an ESL teacher, is good at what she does- writing. Unfortunately, this is as a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict and not as the solo novelist she dreams of being. Jack Sterling, her agent assures her he is shopping her novel around even as she is churning out bestsellers for Benedict.

One thing I enjoyed about this book was the behind-the-scenes glimpse of the publishing world. As an avid reader, this glimpse allowed me to visualize the process a book must go through to get to market. While there are many great aspects to this book, the relationship between Bryony and Jack could by a bit more developed.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson fiction and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved Bryony and seeing her struggles felt like reading about a real person. I found her so believable and relatable in her need to support her loved ones.
The way that Jack was just so down bad for Bryony and his obvious love for her made this book so enjoyable. I loved their relationship, they just felt so good each other and their banter was superior.
I loved the writing because it felt like Bryony was the one writing it. The writing was a bit flowery but also easy to read.
One thing that I didn’t really like was the end where they exposed Amelia on live television because that kind of just icked me.

Loved this! I'm always hooked when I see a rom-com about authors and all those who love reading or are part of the publishing world, and this, like Meet Me in the Margins, is one for the books! (Pun intended).

Bryony feels like what you imagine it would be like to be an unpublished author, but to want that more than anything. Especially if it could save your grandmother's legacy! The romance, the comedy, the love of books, it's all here!

This was really good! I liked it a lot and the pacing was excellent. I finished in one day. Highly recommend.