I found the writing in the first few chapters to be very choppy, I did feel it improved and the main characters began to grow on me, but towards the end once again it felt rushed to get to the point. The grand gesture didn’t really make sense when there was so much emphasis on the contracts not being possible to broken with the owners of the company being so close to Amelia etc. there were some plot holes that were only very briefly discussed, such as the FMCs long distance boyfriend. I felt like everything was wrapped up neatly in a bow, but getting there just didn’t make a lot of sense to me, unfortunately. I did really enjoy learning about the Bridge and wish there had been some more insight into some of the students, I feel that this could have added to the story line.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
I really enjoyed this book! Read it right before I went into a reading slump and honestly think it was the only thing that kept me from going into such a deep slump, because I kept thinking about this book and these characters!
My first Melissa Ferguson book, but certainly not my last, will be reading through her back catalog over the next few months!

This book really drew me in! To me, it was like a delightful mashup of Two Weeks Notice and Singing in the Rain, both which I love.

While at a writer’s conference, aspiring author, Bryony, presents her novel to Jack, a respected literary agent. She is disappointed that he is not interested in her book as it currently is, but he does offer her an opportunity to be a ghostwriter for one of his famous clients. Flashforward two years, and this unlikely pair have developed a close friendship and the books she’s penned have become best sellers.

Bryony still has a dream of selling her original novel, but despite being the brain behind numerous well received books, that dream is starting to feel further away now that she’s become indispensable as a ghostwriter. Jack is now in a tough spot as a literary agent having to manage his client, honor contracts and still help Bryony pursue her actual dream.

•Strangers to Friends to Lovers
•Workplace Romance
•Forced Proximity
•Single POV (1st Person)
•No Spice and No Expletives

I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone looking for a short, sweet read.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Thomas Nelson Fiction for giving me access to an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Perfect Rom-Com! I'm giving this 4 stars because, while there were a few errors in this early copy, I really enjoyed it overall. I loved that this story didn’t focus just on the main character’s romantic struggles, but instead dove into her purpose and mission in life. It felt so refreshing! Melissa Ferguson flips the typical romance formula, moving past "everything is sweet and fluffy" tropes and getting into the real stuff.

The book really shines with:

1. The Romance Industry – It gives a cool look at the world of romance writing, with ghostwriters, aspiring writers, and all the hurdles that come with it. I thought this added an interesting depth.
2. Cultural Diversity and ESL – I loved how the book highlighted cultural acceptance and differences, especially around the experiences of ESL speakers. It added a sense of authenticity and made the story feel fresh.
3. The Romance between Bryony and Jack – I liked both Bryony and Jack as individuals, and as a couple. Their chemistry felt natural and real. My only wish here is that the reader could have seen more of the transition from work partners to friends to something more.

I also saw some reviewers call this the “worst rom-com" on Goodreads, and honestly, I think that’s kind of the point! This book is a critique of the industry that pumps out tons of cookie-cutter romance novels (which I do enjoy reading), but those often have little to do with real life. It’s true that The Perfect Rom-Com isn’t a typical romance novel where all the heroine does is think about the main lead, it doesn’t follow a specific trope, and it’s not smut (which, to be clear, I love reading too—bring on the hockey romance and small-town romances!). But this wasn’t that, and I think that’s okay.

As for the ending—it’s happy (yay!), but given how realistic the story was overall, I think a slightly more down-to-earth ending could have fit the vibe better. But hey, no complaints here; I loved that they ended up happy!

This is such a solid, well-rounded novel that’s a bit of a breath of fresh air in the rom-com world. Highly recommend!

This was a cute story! It focused a lot on the writing/publishing world which was hard for me to relate to, but I enjoyed the way it all wrapped up at the end.

This was a good one, first time to this author loved it will definitely check out her back catalog. This is a story about our MC Bryony an author who is trying to get her bookpublished to save her grandmas legacy (an ESL school) she meets book agent Jack and being persistent somehow ends up being a ghost writer for a hugely famous author- she still wants her book published but she accepts and starts writing the books- best sellers! There is a love story wrote in with Jack and the secondary characters of the ESL stories are so good(especially when knowing how hard these students work, her sister needs a book too!!! Of course we get a villian also who we want to get what's coming - this is definitely highly recommended!

This book was excellent! Jack and Bryony had such a charming romance! I cherished their camaraderie and friendship, but I think what I cherished most was Bryony's perseverance and pursuit of her goals! The characters were endearing and realistic. The story is made light and fun by the humor and the charming side characters. Even though there are some predictable parts, anyone who enjoys romantic comedies will still find it to be a wonderful feel-good read.

Okay, this book was so fun and so good! I have loved all of Melissa Ferguson’s books and this one did not disappoint. Bryony and Jack are the best main characters and their relationship is so fun and sweet. The ending was a little different than expected, which I loved!

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

I enjoyed this book. I found myself getting swept away with the characters and their story.

I look forward to reading more by Melissa Ferguson in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

I’m so thankful I live in a world where Melissa Ferguson is writing books that I can read. She’s a genius in every sense of the word and I love her and this book.

I didn’t think I would find my most disliked book of 2024 in a book that hasn’t even been published yet. That was definitely not in my 2024 bingo card.

Where to even begin with my review for “The Perfect Rom-Com” I’ll tell you this right now this was not a perfect romcom in anyway shape or form. Nor was this a “perfect romcom for book lovers” someone needs to review that pitch line. I know I’m probably coming across as really harsh. But I had such high expectations for this book. I love when romcoms feature the publishing industry. Plus the premise of this book revolving around a popular ghost writer really excited me. But the execution was just not it.

Our main female character Bryony has to be the most infuriating lead character I’ve read in years. She’s whiny, naive and a freaking doormat. The amount of work-place abuse she endured in this book was disgusting. Like take some pride in yourself and your work and leave. I wanted to scream at her multiple times and at several points I wanted to DNF. But I decided to keep torturing myself cause I wanted to know if she would ever grow a backbone and publish with her own name.

Next up we have our MMC Jack. I also found him to be extremely unlikeable and also a dick. In terms of his romance with Bryony I want to laugh with, “what romance!?!??” There was zero chemistry between them. And the scene of him swooping in after she immediately broke up with her ex. Nope just nope. What infuriates me the most about their romance is what could’ve been. We see them talk in past tense about these midnight calls, a party and conversations about hitting deadlines. However, we never witness them. If those had actually been in the book and flushed out I think I may have enjoyed their relationship more.

And lastly can’t forget to talk about that ending. Now I’m no lawyer but for that dumpster fire reveal they should all be in jail or sued. But alas we’re left with a giant plot hole and told yay happily ever after. (Internally screaming)

Overall, I cannot recommend this book. This was definitely not for me. Now even with all this said I am still interested in checking out some of Melissa’s others books. Lastly big Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the e-arc.

⭐️⭐️

This was a struggle to get through. About 60% it picked up and the ending was cute about completely unrealistic.

I didn’t really like Jack. Bryony fell flat for me. She didn’t stick out and wasn’t memorable. Jack was lying by omission.

The first half felt like I was being left out on a lot of secrets. They both had a lot of history but I just felt like an outsider while reading this. The beginning was confusing to people who aren’t in the publishing world. Felt like I was thrown into this book and was looking around confused. Also, the writing seemed stunted and choppy. Sentence didn’t flow and there were errors. I know with ARCs this can happen, but there were errors on almost every page.

I wouldn’t label this as a rom-com. There wasn’t anything cutesy about a bully author, a ghostwriter being treated like garbage and an agent who lies to his friend.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this ARC.

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My words are 100% my own as is my choice to share a review of this title.

That said, I raced through this book. I loved it. I read it in every spare moment of my day. And then I worried I read it too fast to give an unbiased review.

I was wrong. This was charming and I would happily rave to read it again.

Melissa Ferguson is one of my favorite authors of contemporary romantic comedy with plenty of fun tension, great banter, vivid settings and all without the explicit scenes.

You can read the publishers summary about the plot, but read this if you like to laugh, if you like to live in your imagination, if you enjoy contemporary rom-coms, and if you believe in reading books that leave you feeling happier than when you found them.

This is good-mood material.

Bryany Page is an aspiring author who spends her life savings on a conference, for a chance to find an agent who will publish her first novel. But, things don't go as expected during a meeting with curmudgeon agent Jack Sterling, who passes on her book. Bryany runs into Jack after the conference and begins working as a ghostwriter for a celebrity's popular rom-com series. Years pass and Bryany gains success ghostwriting the series, but there are a few problems. 1) She hates Amelia Benedict, who she is the ghostwriter for and 2) She still hasn't gotten her novel published. Bryany is forced to go on a press-tour with Amelia and Jack, and while sparks fly between Amelia and Jack, Bryany continues to be unhappy in her career.

This book is not like any other rom-com I have read recently. It is fun, innovative, and the banter between Bryany and Jack is top notch.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson is a light, slow-burn romance that’s equal parts fun and charming, with a touch of workplace drama. Bryony Page is a ghostwriter whose own voice shines as she writes hit after hit for famous author Amelia Benedict, all while struggling to make her own writing dreams come true. At a writers' conference, she meets literary agent Jack Sterling, and sparks quietly fly as they navigate a complicated deal: Jack will help Bryony land her own book deal if she keeps ghostwriting for Amelia.

The “Agent x Author” and “Forced Proximity” tropes add sweet tension as Bryony and Jack work together in increasingly close quarters. Jack sees through Bryony’s humble exterior, and their slow-burn romance is filled with stolen moments and under-the-table touches that keep things exciting without rushing. Jack’s gradual realization that he doesn’t just admire Bryony’s talent but her heart adds depth to the story, making it more than just a workplace romance.

With its mix of strangers-to-lovers, professional challenges, and relatable self-doubt, this is a charming read that’s perfect for rom-com lovers. Bryony’s journey from ghostwriter to discovering her own worth gives the book a thoughtful edge. At 3.5 stars, it’s an enjoyable, feel-good escape for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance with lots of heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to receive the ARC.

The story follows Bryony, a rom-com ghostwriter, and her journey in love and writing. The author does a great job of making Bryony's growth as a writer parallel her emotional development, which adds depth to the story. Jack, the love interest, is charming and supportive, making their relationship heartwarming. The book is witty and fun, with plenty of humor and heart. The side characters, especially Bryony's assistant, add a lot of charm to the story. While I wished for more backstory on Amelia, the overall plot is engaging and enjoyable. The pacing is quick, making it a fast read, but it might feel a bit rushed at times. Despite this, it's a cute and feel-good story that's perfect for anyone who loves rom-coms.

This story might be about writing the perfect rom-com, but the book itself definitely was not said rom-com. I dont even know if this was supposed to be a romance?
But let's start at the beginning, which was so clever and funny and such good writing. The author clearly knows how to captivate the reader within the first pages. But she lost me about 50% in. First thing that really bothered me was the throwing around foreign names. It felt like ticking the "diversity checkbox". And it only got worse when the students were described in only the most superficial and stereotypical ways.
And then the romance bit happened. It was so fast, I almost missed it. And I have to ask myself: why? There was so much potential to go really deep with the relationship. But it was over in about 5 pages, with the third act breakup (pls show me the reader that actually likes those...) looming over everything.
And then the ending? I was still enjoying the writing up to this moment. But the ending ruined so much. It was cheesy and unbelievable and just not worth those characters, that -despite everything- I still kind of liked.

I enjoyed this book so much, even though it took me a minute to get into the story. Bryony was grumpy-charming and Jack was charming-charming. It included one of my favourite tropes, groveling 😂 I would’ve loved dual POV in this book!! What was Jack thinking 🤔

I felt a little bit ripped off by the massive time jump at the start of the book. I didn’t get to see the friendship form between the two main characters, we were just “there”. I would’ve liked to enjoy this as part of the story.

Amelia was horrrrrrrible. I kept wondering if she’d get a redemption arc… but no 😂 I think it could’ve been interesting, but I’m also okay with how it turned out. I just think it would’ve been interesting if the typical “shallow” gal grew…

Even though there wasn’t as much character development as part of the story arc, I still teared up at the end 🥺🥹 the ending of the story was so fun 😅

Thanks NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for honest review.

A really fun, quick read! But, my biggest issue, is that it was almost too quick. The pacing was like a bullet train and it was hard to keep up with what was going on. The romance element felt haphazard at best, but the publishing industry throughline was masterful. Overall a cute little read!

This was an adorable little rom-com, which I'm sure you can guess from the title. I thought the characters lacked a little bit of depth and didn't particularly love the time jump, but otherwise, if you want to just relax and swoon a bit, this is the perfect kind of book!

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!