This was a really interesting take on a rom com with some poignant criticism of the publishing industry.
The thing I most enjoyed about this one was the main character, Bryony Page, and her journey. She gives everything for her students, even signing away her art to be published under someone else to ensure they have a place to learn at the Bridge. I also enjoyed how she weaves lessons and morals in her books, just like Ferguson is doing with this one! Watching Bryony grow and change throughout the story was really heartwarming. The main love interest, Jack Sterling, was also really cool-- my favorite thing about him was the way he works behind the scenes, weaving intricate webs that the readers don't learn about until the end (but I won't spoil it!) The overall story was believable and very enjoyable to read-- I finished in a day! There is a use of the miscommunication trope that could have been woven in a bit better, but it is pretty believable as-is and doesn't detract from the overall story. Overall, I'd recommend this one to fans of Rom-Coms and contemporary romance.

I loved this book! It was sweet and funny and fast paced. The audiobook was fantastic - Karissa Vacker is amazing. Highly recommend!

📖✨ Book Review: The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson ✨📖

If you love witty banter, publishing-world drama, and an underdog worth rooting for—this one’s for you!

Meet Bryony Page, a passionate ESL teacher with big dreams of getting her manuscript published. She’s convinced that selling her book will save her grandmother’s community organization, The Bridge. But at a writer’s conference, she meets Jack Sterling, a no-nonsense literary agent who immediately rejects her work. Instead, he ropes her into ghostwriting for a bestselling (and wildly difficult) author, Amelia Benedict.

What follows? ✨ Chaos. ✨
💔 A stifling contract.
📝 A dream put on hold.
❤️ A possible romance in the making?

Will Bryony ever see her name on a book cover? Will Jack come through for her? And will Amelia ever be nice?! 🤯

Find out in The Perfect Rom-Com! Grab your copy now and let’s chat—would YOU ghostwrite for a chance at your dreams? 👀👇

#BookReview #ThePerfectRomCom #MelissaFerguson #RomComReads #Bookstagram #MustRead #GhostwritingDrama

5⭐, 1🌶️

Just consider me an official fan of Melissa's work because this is the third book of hers I just loved!

Ive recently had so many issues with author/ writer romances, but this one was fun Bryony was so relatable, had a heart of gold, and her relationship with Jack was so cute (I loved her cluelessness to Jack's feelings). BUT ALSO, she stood up for herself, and when she had struggles I just wanted to hug her.

I binged this audiobook in less than a day and just adored Karissa Vacker's narration.

❤️Friends to Lovers
📕Workplace Romance
📙Slow Burn
📕Closed Door Romance
❤️Forced Proximity

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

The perfect Rom-com is so funny! 😂 I loved it so much and I am so looking forward to reading anything @ourfriendlyfarmhouse writes!

I listened to the audio book and I was laughing out loud. Bryony and Jack are so perfect and they had me swooning with their banter!

This is quite literally The Perfect Rom-Com! And I will be rereading this one! 💛🥹

5🌟

Bryony Page is an aspiring novelist who is super nervous yet excited to attend her first writers conference. After her manuscript pitch doesn't go as she planned, she finds herself being hunted down by an agent but for a different purpose.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was funny, witty and really held my attention. This is the first book I've read by Melissa Ferguson and I really like the writing style. I enjoyed Bryony's antics throughout the book and loved her sister's character and the voice that went with it. All of characters were really fun and very well written and I especially liked the banter between Bryony and Jack throughout the book. This book was an enjoyable, easygoing read and I enjoyed it so much.

The narration by Karissa Vacker was just amazing. I love everything that I've listened to by Karissa, i find the pace of the book is fantastic and she voices the characters so well.

Thank you to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a sweet story!
Jack and Bryony’s relationship from business to friendship to more flowed well and felt organic.

Quick listen and held my interest to entire time.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

I loved this book. I would say that the title is a bit deceiving where there isn't a ton of romance, but definitely had some humor in it. I loved the main character and I really liked how they ended the book. I would recommend!

This was a fun read. I loved the characters and all the story lines. I think it would make a fun movie! Plus a book about books - I mean come on!

The audio book was done very well. The narrator really brought the story to life!

This is exactly as advertised: The Perfect Romcom!

Perfect for all readers, Bryony Page's struggle through the literary world is a sweet tale with no open door scenes, language appropriate for sharing with your great aunt and plenty of giggles.

I LOVE books about books, so when I saw the opportunity to listen to the ALC from NetGally on my drives, I jumped. The narration is splendid.

The book itself has so many colorful characters, they feel like friends in the end. The author clearly has a passion for publishing struggles, but more so for teaching ESL. I highly recommend for those that love simple romance without any undressed scenes!

This is a cute rom-com. Bryony has written a novel which prompts her to attend a convention searching for an agent. Her last hope was Jack Sterling, who tells her no. She decided not to take no for an answer. She winds up ghostwriting for Amelia Benedict.

Amelia is atrocious. I couldn’t stand her and the things that come out of her mouth, mind blowing.

Jack has been biding his time waiting on Bryony to be single. Loved Jack. Though he made some questionable choices.


Overall this was a cute read with a HEA. I listened to this on audiobook and loved the narrator, Karissa Vacker.

Thank you HarperCollins Christian Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Bryony is an aspiring writer, who is trying to sell her manuscript to a publishing company. For the first few interviews she is really excited but after she gets turned down by almost every publisher, she starts to lose her excitement. There is now only one publisher left. When she goes in for her interview, she sees Jack Sterling, who is a gorgeous and famous publisher. Jack turns down her manuscript as well but Bryony doesn’t want to give up and tries to convince that she is a great writer.

Then Jack offers Bryony to work as a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict. Bryony accepts but only if Jack also helps her with publishing her book. After she writes one book, one ghostwriter after another leaves the team and eventually Bryony is the only writer left. She writes bestseller after bestseller and makes Amelia one of the best writers of her time.

Amelia, who is now a famous and bestseller author, is going on tour but Bryony and Jack have to come with her because she hasn’t read the books and doesn’t know what they are about. Bryony and Jack are there to avoid that Amelia will uncover that she is not the actual writer. Bryony and Jack are always together on tour, and they slowly start to catch feelings for each other.

This is my first book by Melissa Furgeson and I was very impressed. It’s a cute and cozy book that had me laughing out loud at times. I read this book as an ebook and an audiobook at the same time. The narration was very good because the narrator has a nice voice and it's very clear. The book is written very well and easy to read.

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

Amazing Rom Com!

🌷I adored the overall chaotic and funny way that this was written in. The FMC had so much going on in her mind at any given moment that it made it a blast to read.

🌷The actual love story was so sweet and it truly was a "he falls first" and "will do anything for her" sort of book. Author Melissa Ferguson gave us all the swoon, banter and laugh out loud moments in one compact and joyful story.

🌷Spice:0

🌷Language:0

If you love a well-done enemies-to-lovers romance, The Perfect Rom-Com delivers in the best way. With sharp banter, charming characters, and a humorous inside look at ghostwriting in the publishing industry, this book kept me entertained from start to finish.

The Perfect Rom-Com
3.5 ☆

° Forced Proximity
° Friends to Lovers
° Workplace Romance
° Slow Burn
° Closed-door Romance

The Perfect Rom-Com follows Bryony, an ESL teacher by day and aspiring writer by night, who takes on the role of a ghostwriter after receiving a proposition from Jack, a literary agent at a writer's conference.

The novel provides a fascinating look into the challenges of being a writer while highlighting Bryony’s efforts to save her grandmother's school, which supports immigrants in learning English and adapting to their new lives. Bryony writes a manuscript with the hope of securing a book deal, using the proceeds to save the school from closure. As an immigrant myself, I found Bryony's dedication to teaching, her strong bonds with her students, and her drive to protect the school while prioritizing her students' needs truly inspiring.  The story also portrays Bryony’s personal growth as she navigates her journey of self-discovery.

Jack's quiet encouragement of Bryony’s dreams, his recognition of her potential, and his attention to the small details of her life were truly touching.

I enjoyed alternating between the beautifully narrated audiobook, with Karissa Vacker bringing the characters to life, and reading the book.

Favorite Quotes:
ᥫ᭡  "..It takes a great deal of courage for
someone to come to this country,
often with nothing, and make a
new start for their family. They need
to feel proud of themselves."

ᥫ᭡  "The Lion King was the first reminder that we could get through this.  That life, while at times terrible, hard, and unpredictable, could never keep goodness from poking through the ground too."

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Thomas Nelson Fiction and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the audiobook, and the author, Melissa Ferguson for the complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

Rating: 4.5 stars

Overview: Bryony Page is determined to save The Bridge, the ESL school where she teaches, and writing a novel seems like the answer. But when literary agent Jack Sterling offers her a different opportunity—ghostwriting for a bestselling “author”—she can’t refuse. As she and Jack grow closer, Bryony starts questioning everything. Will her own novel ever sell? Will her words ever be her own? And does she have real feelings for her literary agent? With The Bridge’s future at stake, she must decide what—and who—she’s truly fighting for.

Our Thoughts: Bryony Page and Jack Sterling made such a fun duo! We loved their banter and inside jokes, which added so much charm to their story. Melissa Ferguson did a fantastic job with the details, making it easy to understand exactly what Bryony was feeling. Her down-to-earth, witty writing style brought Bryony and Jack to life, making them feel incredibly real. We truly enjoyed this sweet Rom-Com!
#WaterUnderTheBridge

Thank you NetGalley, Melissa Ferguson, and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to listen to and review this book.

Perfect if you Like:
Sister Bond
FMC Growth
Likable MMC

Similar To: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

#ThePerfectRomCom #NetGalley #audiobook #standalone #book #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #readwithushm #sisterswhoread

While I didn’t think The Perfect Rom-Com was the perfect rom-com, I did think it was pretty close! I loved Bryony. I thought her character had so much depth and loved how she fought wholeheartedly for her dreams and what she believed in. Knowing the backstory that was shared before the book began helped me relate to the book so much more and I really liked that. Bryony and Jack together were couple goals. He helped steer her in the right direction and she helped bring out his sweet side. I thought this book was thoughtful, funny, and I really enjoyed listening to it. I absolutely loved the ending!!

I was given an ALC through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are my own.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Harper Collin’s Christian Publishing, and Melissa Ferguson for the chance to listen to the ARC of The Perfect Rom-Com!

This was the first time I read a book by Melissa Ferguson and it didn’t disappoint! What took me so long?! This is the kind of book you read on your kindle/book or listen to the audiobook of and then immediately go buy a physical copy for your book collection. It was a perfect romantic comedy, exactly as the title suggests.

I really liked Bryony as a main character. She was super real. She had quirks, faults, and nonsensical inner monologues. She was passionate, sarcastic, and witty. And I loved watching her finally stand up for herself. I enjoyed her relationships with her sister Gloria and her Gran. I loved how passionate she was about her students and The Bridge.

I also adored Jack Sterling. I loved how seamlessly he built himself into and around her life without her even really noticing. How their friendship developed so naturally into a relationship. It made sense and it felt real.

This book had everything I want in a romantic comedy. It was clever and made me laugh, while being realistic and full of warmth. I love a story where he falls first. It made me laugh out loud. I grinned. I had anxiety right along with Bryony. I was frustrated with her and for her. The story really drew me in. I know from the first page that I was going to love it.

The ending was cathartic and I was thrilled when Amelia got what she deserved.. Amelia was perfectly dislikable. I loved how the big reveal went down. It fit perfectly. I was appreciative how Jack’s “betrayal” was resolved because I was personally irritated with Bryony for a hot minute for not giving him the time that he deserved to explain himself. So I loved the ending and the epilogue as well. It was perfect.

And now, last but not least, for the narrator, Karissa Vacker. Whew. Incredible. I have no doubt that she could keep up a clever conversation with the Gilmore Girls. She added some heart to this story. Her voice and inflection was amazing. It was so smooth. Her different voices for the characters made it exceptionally easy to be able to tell them apart. She was excellent. Beyond excellent. Usually a female narrators male voice makes me roll my eyes a time or two but hers never did! I’ll listen to anything she narrates!

I highly recommend picking this book up or downloading it on Audible! The Audiobook was amazing. I couldn’t turn it off.

Bryony and Jack! I love their characters and each page left me wanting more. The two year time jump was necessary to the story and plot, but I would love more of that time they had together and their friendship. The flashbacks were the best. Amelia is the perfect villain in disguise. “Then stop talking, Amelia” will be my favorite line for a while. The story felt a bit rushed in some places and drawn out in others, but it all came together in the end for a victorious and satisfying HEA for all.

3.5 Stars

This one gave me major Singing in the Rain vibes and I love that movie!

Bryony is a celebrated Rom-Com writer; but celebrated only in her work, not by name. She is ghostwriter to the selfish annoying starlet Amelia Benedict, and longs to have her own manuscript published someday.

For years now her editor Jack has been by her side, cheering her along and promising to give her her own shot when the timing is right. Feelings start to grow between them and everything is about to blow up in this literary arrangement.

The resistance to realizing their true feelings was adorable and I loved the way Jack protected Bryony throughout their journey.

I could visualize poor aspiring performer Kathy Selden, singing for Lina Lamont while her relationship with Don Lockwood continues to deepen. Took me back to a movie I love and now a story I had so much fun with.