This book is an absolute joy! It’s a witty, heartwarming rom-com centered on Bryony, a rom-com ghostwriter, whose journey in love parallels her growth as a writer—a brilliant touch. Bryony’s emotional development aligns with her writing progress, creating a meaningful connection to the story. While I wished for a bit more backstory on Amelia, the other side characters, especially the assistant, added so much charm. And Jack, as the love interest, is not only a supportive friend but also a true champion of Bryony’s writing. This delightful read is perfect for anyone who loves a feel-good story with a peek behind the literary curtain!

‘You weren’t dating me. But I was dating you.’

Huge thank you to NetGalley for an Earc of this book!

If you’re a writer and hope to get traditionally published this book might make you spiral with how accurate it is. (Can’t speak on the ghostwriting, but I can on everything else lol) The Perfect Rom-Com follows Bryony an author who after pitching her book to a top literary agent gets contracted to become a ghostwriter for an author she turns into a New York Times Bestseller.

This book made me more emotional than I expected, it was a romance but I think it was more of a story about a woman who has a dream and will do anything to accomplish it. A book about a woman who doesn’t give up and knows she’ll make it if she’s simply given the chance. I think this story spoke to me in many ways and will stick with me for a long time. I always love when books make me question myself or ask questions and this book did just that.

Amelia absolutely frustrated me, not only was she just an awful person with no regard of anyone but herself. The way she spoke about writing a book and the characters in said books really irked me. Mostly because I’ve met people similar to her in real life and how many people think the same way she does. She didn’t understand how much time, energy, blood, sweat and tears go into writing a novel and how absolutely harrowing and devastating it can be to try and get that novel published.

Overall, I deeply enjoyed this book and will absolutely be reading more of Melissa’s work!
Writing a book isn’t a race, it’s a marathon and Bryony really showed that💕

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

First it should be noted this is in fact NOT a rom com. There are a few humorous moments and there is a romance but it reads like women’s fiction more than a romance. Just my opinion, but the title makes it seem like it’s something it’s not. For anyone looking for a traditional romance w/ the romantic relationship at the center, this isn’t it.

Next, I was thrilled to be approved for this ARC as Melissa Ferguson has quickly become one of my favorite authors over the last few years. Her stories are fun, different and always well written. (How to Plot a Payback was great!)
With that said, while the quality of writing is still great, the story- specifically the beginning and the ending weren’t great for me. I had a hard time getting into the book- I started it and set it down for over a month before coming back to it. While we’re being honest, I’m not sure I would have come back to it if I hadn’t received it as an ARC and felt like I had to continue. I did enjoy the middle of the book and read it really quickly once I got in to it.
So, where did things really fall apart for me? Right at the end…
I get this is fiction, but what transpired in that television studio felt so preposterous that it took me out of the story. It just didn’t work for me. It felt off and not like something that the characters would do/ be ok with. Amelia was obviously an entitled narcissist who was never told no as a child. So yay for her getting her comeuppance! But she’s also supposed to be the niece of the largest most powerful publishing company that owns all the other publishing companies. Jack goes into great detail about how and why Amelia will make sure Bryony’s book never sees the light of day bc of how much of the publishing industry this family controls. And yet, they pull this stunt on national morning television wherein they humiliate her and expose her for a fraud… I’m sorry, what?! And the tv show knew this was going to happen!
This is the best option to get Bryony out from under Amelia and get her book published? Is it really???
If the family has as much clout and power as Jack says they do, this just sounds like a great way to get the ever loving sh*t sued out of you.
Also, I find it odd that Bryony initially writes this book that she is SO invested in getting published, but never bothers to take any of the advice she’s given about editing it. Despite continuing to ask Jack about finding her a publisher for said book, she never takes the time to address any of the issues multiple people have told her they have with the book. Then, only when she gets her heartbroken and decides she wants out of the ghostwriting business completely does she go back and revisit her original manuscript. And not only does she revisit it but she edits it and gives it to Amelia… I’m sorry but WHAT?! This book which was supposedly a love letter to the foundation her grandmother started, that meant so much to her, that was going to save this place… and she’s just going to give it away to Amelia of all people?
Nope. Don’t buy it. Does she want this book published so bad that she’s willing to give it to a woman she hates?
Oh, and Jack lied to her face for two years all while he was supposedly secretly in love with her for a majority of that time. Ok sir. Sure. And then he tells her that he’s been working on finding a way for her to be able to publish her book. But has he? And if that were really the case, shouldn’t he have been making sure she was actually editing this multi-genre behemoth of a book? I’m sorry, but his words and actions don’t line up for me. I understand that he’s trying to make things right for her in the end by exposing Amelia, but I don’t like how he goes about it.
I could deal with the slow start and I could have gotten over Jack lying, but the blasé way in which everyone involved reacted to ruining Amelia‘s life and career with almost no consequences was baffling. Sure, she was the bad guy, but when you spend a whole book telling us how much this FMC loves people and loves helping people, to then have her be like 🤷🏻‍♀️ eh, no big deal… look at MY tour bus! It really ruins it and diminishes her and Jack as characters.
Will this keep me from reading another one of Melissa Ferguson’s books? No, but I’m still disappointed in this one.

This book started out cute and cozy, but kind of fell off for me. It didn't feel like anything new - the main character is on a quest to save a family member's business/program and encounters the villain along the way. I've read that a bunch of times. I liked the time hopping and Jack was dreamy, but overall this book was just ok.

Loved the book, she always writes a great story, It was a fun read not many others like this one. Thanks for letting me read this book.

There is no such thing.....I wish I could say this was a five star perfect read but its a 3 star for me. It was not bad, and I think would be a great read for those looking for no spice. I am just a harsh critic of romantic comedies and while this one was fine, it did not wow me in the way I was wanting.

This was very cute! Loved the characters and sweet story. Glad I got to read it!

Thank you NetGalley and Melissa Ferguson!

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson is an absolute delight! I was immediately drawn into the charming story of two characters who are both navigating the ups and downs of love and career. Ferguson's witty writing and humor had me laughing out loud, while the romantic twists kept me eagerly turning the pages. I loved how the book playfully pokes fun at romantic comedy tropes while still delivering a heartfelt romance. It’s the perfect cozy read for anyone looking to escape into a fun, feel-good story!

This started out well like the first 30% was so promising then in my opinion it all went down,first I wouldn't call this a romance book this is women's fiction with a romance supplot I didn't feel connected to out main character or the love interest I felt like she took dumb decisions and the ending just felt so rushed so I was basically underwhelmed I really enjoyed their banter at the beginning and I was very intrigued by the plot at first but I gotta say that the writing is good and I enjoyed that!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this story, this is my objective review. I've read this author before and enjoyed her books, so I was happy when I got an opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this book. It did not disappoint! Bryony is an aspiring author pitching her book at a writer's convention when she meets Jack, a senior literary agent who rejects her book but instead asks her to be a ghostwriter for a vacuous socialite. Bryony agrees but only if Jack will also eventually publish her book that will fund the struggling ESL center started by her grandmother. This dream gets farther away with the explosive popularity of the books Bryony ghost-writes. She struggles to get her dream book published and keep her ghostwriting a secret. And over time Jack and Bryony become friends, but could they become something more? There is nice banter and humor in this book, and great depth to the characters. This is written from Bryonny's 1st-person POV, which is a risk because the success of the book then relies heavily on the reader enjoying her snark and quirks as the sole voice of the story. To be fair, her personality and commentary (and her dynamic with others, especially Jack) was delightful. But I would have liked more from Jack's point of view. I really enjoyed this sweet, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers love story.

What a gem . Maybe one of the best books I have read in 2024 so far . A tear jerker and with funny moments the perfect rom com . Bryony is working at the Bridge her grandmother’s organization where she teaches ESL full-time . When there are no money she believes that the book that she has written which talks about her grandmother dream will help them raise money and save the Bridge . When she meets Jack Sterling literary agent from one of the best agencies her dreams are crushed because he rejects her book , but he offers her the chance to ghost write for the Amelia Benedict .She accepts but only if he becames her agent and she can publish her book . For the next two years all her books are best sellers but the Amelia is very vain and makes a lot of mistakes on her interviews so Bryony has to travel with her to be able to save her from making mistakes . The relationship between her and Jack is more than a writer and an agent while they spent every day together , they eat out together three of four times in a week and he always goes at her bowling games she has with her students from the Bridge . When she learns about a lie Jack told her will she be able to believe him again and even forgive him ? Will she be able to be a publised author with her own name or she will always be a ghostwriter ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

I liked this one! Very cute for fall. This is not a spicy read whatsoever. I enjoyed reading this book and it’s a cozy read. It’s also a very short book which I appreciated.

I’ve read a few Melissa Ferguson books and this one was awful. The premise and cover lured me in, plus the author. Instead, I understand it’s an ARC copy but it was riddled with formatting and typo errors which distracted. The plot takes FOREVER to get into (why is the book conference scene so long?) and the dialogue is immature at best. I was actually shocked at how it was. It’s not cute, fun banter. It’s embarrassing for these two “professionals.” Also, I’m really over the female lead being the one who feels like the only one with something on the line. And is willing to go to any lengths for it and is basically exploited for that. Easy miss for me.

This book didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Bryony, an aspiring author, is passionate about supporting The Bridge, an organization close to her heart that helps immigrants learn English. Hoping to secure an opportunity, she attends a convention—and just when it seems hopeless, she lands a ghostwriting gig for a bestselling author, thanks to her agent, Jack, who also offers to help her with her own manuscript.

The story takes an unexpected two-year jump, skipping over the early moments of Bryony and Jack’s connection, so they already feel like old friends just a few chapters in. Bryony’s frustrations build as she puts in the work as a ghostwriter without her own book making it to publication. Jack’s support turns their relationship into something maybe more, and they share some charming banter, but overall, their connection didn’t feel quite as deep as I’d hoped.

Unfortunately, several plot twists felt hard to overlook, and the slow pacing at the start didn’t pull me in. The book leans more toward women’s fiction than romance, with only one slightly romantic scene halfway through, which left me wanting more sparks. A flashback to Bryony and Jack’s initial meeting might’ve given the beginning a better flow and sense of excitement.

While I appreciated how the story wrapped up, I felt it lacked the strong connection I was hoping for. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I go back and forth between loving Melissa’s books and having them fall flat. This was somewhere in the middle. I just didn’t feel anything for these characters. I didn’t get to know them apart from Bryony. I was expecting more of a romance. It was okay but not her best.

Talk about the perfect rom-com! This book has laugh-out-loud moments, tender romance, and hilarious situations. Poor Bryony has to endure a lot of grief to be a ghostwriter for a popular "author," and the only consolation is time spent with her agent, Jack. Her situation sets the perfect stage for the ensuing antics of a meddling sister, lovable ESL students, and a diva author who wants to be in charge of a writing process she doesn't actually want to put work into. Bryony's struggles were relatable, and I was invested in her journey; I read most of the book in one day. The ending was absolutely perfect.

The Perfect Rom-Com by M. Ferguson, published by Thomas Nelson, is an entertaing rom-com, well written and beautifully thought out. A pleasure reading this book.
Blurb: Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. But after a disastrous pitch session, she stumbles into correcting another author's work in a last-ditch attempt to make a good impression with the agent. And she, as it turns out, is spot on.
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.
What nobody predicted, however, was that Bryony's books would turn Amelia Benedict into the Amelia Benedict, household name and bestselling author with millions of copies sold around the world.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson
funny medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0

Another cute read about a ghostwriter which is a profession that fascinates me. Overall, I liked the ending but didn’t love the journey. I didn’t feel like rooting for them and jack just seemed shady to me.

The Perfect Rom-Com is...dare I say it? The perfect romcom!

It's sweet & wholesome full of heart and laugh out loud moments! Jack & Byrony had excellent chemistry from the beginning of the book, even when they weren't getting along. And once we finally see their friendship develop on page their banter gave major 'Two Weeks Notice/ vibes - and who doesn't want a Hugh Grant/Sandra Bullock-style in a sweet & clean romance??

The plot with Byrony's ESL students added heart to the story in an unexpected way and brought tears to my eyes more than once. I love that Byrony had a deeper motivation for wanting to publish her book and this in turn gave Jack a deeper motivation to both champion her work and protect her.

Full disclosure - I think this book leans a little more chick lit/women's fiction than a full romcom, but there's plenty of romance & humor along with the rest of the plot!

This was my first book by Melissa Fergusson (I know, I know, what have I been doing all this time??!!) but it definitely won't be my last! Her writing style creates a world for the reader to dive into; and she nails the pacing in every scene. Plus, Jack was pretty gosh darn sweet.... I mean, the watch scene??? How cute was that? (you have to read it to get it!)

Excellent book, I can't wait to read more from Melissa Fergusson - I'd love to seen an extended or bonus epilogue of Jack & Byrony in the distant future!


✨ Spice - kissing only
✨ Language - no swearing or foul language
✨ Slow Burn romance
✨ Enemies to Friends to More
✨ Happy Ending!

2.5

This book started of promising; the first two chapters draw me in and peeked my interest in Bryony, and Jack... but it became confusing at times (specially the two year time jump). One minute she hates Jack, and then we are presented into them being best friends.

As you read you get to understand the dinamic of them and why she stayed on a job she originally didn't want... to get her book published under her name.

While de premise sounds good, it just felt rushed as to how it was executed. The relationship between the two MC also felt rushed... they were friends/collegues (he clearly having fealings for her, she oblivious because she had a boyfriend who lived on the other side of the world); she breakup, they get together... in the timespan of two chapters. I just didn't feel the 'romance' between them.

The only believable thing is how annoying Amelia was, because I geniuly hated her while I was reading. Just like Bryony, I couldn't stand her at all and was sort of glad of how things ended...although it was all too unbelievable... and sudden.

I just wish there were more depth in the characters (specially Jack) and how they developed through the story.

It was a fast read, I finished it in one sitting; light on the romance and if you love stories about writers and the struggles they go through, you may enjoy it.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this copy.