This book was 50% overly descriptive, insane thought tangents, 25% romcom, and 25% author's guide to becoming a writer. It definitely suffered from genre confusion, which is is Ironic, because throughout the entire book aspiring author Bryony is told her novel is not genre specific enough to sell.

The entire story is choppy, with the introduction being very drawn out, and then a whiplash jump to two years later. There were occasional nuggets about her life to attempt to give her depth (the ESL school and a random addition of her mom's death), a MIA boyfriend, and really petty ghost writing girl drama. The only good thing about the book was a sweet romance with her agent, but even that had a predictive third act breakup. Honestly, the plot was ridiculous, the pacing was terrible, the ending was unrealistic...

This entire book was a miss for me, but I do appreciate the ARC.

Cute book! The main characters were cute together, a good grumpy/sunshine book. I enjoyed the banter, it was top notch. At first I truly hated Jack. He was a jerk to Byrony and didn't even given her chance. But she began to grow on him quickly, which I loved to watch him fall.

The Perfect Rom-Com is the first book I have read written by Melissa Ferguson. This was a fun story. I loved getting to see the inner workings of the publishing world. Things you don’t think about-like ghost writers.

The storyline and setting were great. I loved getting to see a little bit behind the writing process and the world of publishing. It was fun. The title seemed a bit deceiving to some, because the romance in the rom-com was a little lacking for much of the book. Though I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The romance aspect was cute. It was all very closed door. Slow burn, friends to lovers.

There was no Christian content, though none overtly against.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

3.75 stars! Decently intriguing, nice twist, mildly infuriating. I enjoyed the narrator for the most part!

My biggest issue: Bryony as the FMC was so annoying.

Jack was fine, I did enjoy his “he fell first” speech, and while I didn’t like his “betrayal”, he was an absolute gentleman otherwise and I did like him a lot. On the contrary, some times Bryony came off as so whiny and impulsive and narcissistic sometimes and it was too much to be in her head all the time. I almost DNF’ed within the first 20% because of her character. And I got even more mad at her when she was on the boat. Just infuriating having her be the FMC.

But, all things aside, I loved the take on the plot and all the tropes it had. It was unique, but still feel-good, loved the ghostwriter/agent aspect and I very much enjoyed the story they told.

(I listened to the audiobook version)
Thanks to NetGalley and the editors for providing this copy of The Perfect Rom-Com in exchange for an honest review.

It started a bit heavy worded, almost like the book she is describing but it lightens a bit later or maybe I got used to the writing.
I didn't quite understand why she decided to go from writing a book to create conscience about something she was passionate about to ghost write romcoms, we haven't known her for too long at this point but seems out of character for her.
Its giving Emily Henry vibes in a good way, very light, funny and cute love story but just like her book it needs trimming, its way too long, I've seen other reviews and most say the same.
This is the first book I read by the author but I will be picking up more, I like the way she writes, it has a good rhythm, not too slow, not too fast, just a bit too long like I already said, other than that I really enjoyed it.
(I will edit this review to post this to good reads)

This was a cute rom-com with likeable, well-developed characters. I appreciated the main character’s dedication to teaching her ESL students and keeping her grandmother’s company alive. Certain aspects were a bit unrealistic, particularly being hired as a ghost writer with no actual experience or proof of her talent. The ending was also quite unlikely (and illegal!) but satisfying comeuppance! Overall a fun light romantic read.

3.5. I actually really liked the FMC and her random streams of consciousness. The build was fun, watching the evolution of their relationship, but once the problem was revealed it wasn’t as strong/fun. The wrap up lacked substance for me. The narrator of the audiobook was perfect though. Her voice was a great fit. I wouldn’t consider this a romance, not even a closed door one as there isn’t really even an allusion to more or even a deep chemistry. More like really great best friends.

This one was a bit misleading, I was expecting a cute and fun romcom but instead was faced with a chick lit. I have nothing against chuckles just not what I was expecting. I did enjoy seeing byronys journey and everything she accomplished. I wasn’t really a fan of Jack and part of that is I didn’t feel like we really got to know him as readers he felt very 2 dimensional

"The Perfect Rom-Com" by Melissa Ferguson is a delightful and easy listen that delivers exactly what you'd expect from a romantic comedy. Karissa Vacker's narration is spot on, bringing the characters and their humor to life with ease. The story is lighthearted, fun, and easy to follow, making it a great pick for a relaxing audiobook. If you're in the mood for a feel-good read, this one won't disappoint.

#MelissaFerguson #ThePerfectRomCom #NetGalley

The Perfect Rom-Com, written by Melissa Ferguson and narrated by Karissa Vacker, is a hilarious and romantic book featuring main character Bryony Page. Bryony is an aspiring author who works with adult ESL learners. The book starts with her at a conference for writers, where she hopes a publisher will pick up her manuscript, and this is where she meets Jack Sterling. Jack is a literary agent who Bryony meets with, and although he thinks her book needs some work, he has a different proposition for her.
After taking an offer from Jack, Bryony needs to put her own wants aside so that she can help Jack and his team, as well as the organization she works for. But how much can she take? And will she still have a chance to publish her own book?
I greatly enjoyed this book! This was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. I loved the characters, their growth, and relationships. Also loved the humor shown throughout the book! Definitely recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author, narrator, and publisher for an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This narrator was fantastic. I loved listening to this book on audio.
The characters were likable (except Amelia- she was a beast). I loved all the funny parts with the students in her ESL class.
The plot was unique and entertaining and I was happy with the ending. I was glad there was a happy ever after.

sooo freaking cute! The title is absolutely correct on this one, damn near the perfect rom com! No notes! I loved every second of it!

This audiobook is really delightful and entertaining. Funny and very enjoyable. The narrator is lovely and not annoying whatsoever. The story was interesting and kept me on my toes to what would happen next. The characters were also pretty good. I have read a few Melissa Ferguson books, and I would have to say this one was my favorite. Bryony is an anxious character and always on the ball, needing to know all. Needing to all answers and never really settling down. Helping amelia's books and always mulling over and agreeing and now she realizes she is enough, and she deserves better. Realizing what she wants, Bryony is smart, and anxious and needing answers. But all along she needed to find her way and finally doing what she wants. Just needed a push. Jack and Bryony forever.

This was a super sweet rom-com! The plot was fun and a unique concept, and I found the characters realistic. I enjoyed the romance and it had good progression, although I didn't find myself swooning or giggling and kicking my feet. This isn't my favourite Melissa Ferguson, but it's definitely not my least favourite either. I would definitely recommend giving this one a try if you're in the mood for a sweet, light-hearted romance!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Wow- what great characters with a fun story. I loved the cultural information and the story behind the Bridge. In addition, I found the insight into the publishing world excellent. The only issue I have with the audiobook is the mispronunciation of Beaufort, South Carolina. I grew up in the area, and it is pronounced "Bew-fort" not "Beau-fort". You may want to rerecord those sections to pronounce the name of the town correctly.

Wow! I absolutely devoured this! I immediately fell in love with Bryony and her cause. She was funny and smart and her interactions with others made me laugh out loud. Her relationship with Jack is hilarious and their banter is witty and secretly sweet. While this is a rom-com, I felt that it was more about Bryony finding her voice, on the page and off, and how she navigates the world of publishing. The romance is secondary. The villain is a little over the top, yet scarily believable and the story is wrapped up with a nice bow at the end.

This novel was a HOME RUN for me, full of great banter and great characters. I enjoyed the whole book from beginning to end. An ESL teacher/fledgling writer Bryony is attempting to break her way into the industry and stumbles into a ghostwriting job instead. The narrator also did an excellent job with the voicing of all the characters. Much like the characters and topics, Bryony is writing about in her ghostwriting job, this book also touches on genuine subjects that matter. That's something I enjoyed in this book and I could relate to her as an ESL teacher myself. A light, fast paced Rom-Com with lovable characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ALC. This is my honest review.

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity!
Maybe spoilers!!!
I liked the book but it didn't kill me, it's one of my first audios so maybe that's why I'm not used to it.
However, if I have to be honest I didn't really like the part about Jack and how he hid the truth about the book from Bryony. Lying to her saying that he didn't get any responses or that they rejected his book? When in reality he never sent the book? Even though he risked his career at the end of the book so that she could have her moment, it gave me a little toxic vibes, like he wanted her in the same place as a ghost writer because "it was going well for her".
Anyway, the writing is very nice, it's a book that I would surely read quickly on my Kindle but there were some of Jack's attitudes that I didn't like.

Many thanks to the author for the opportunity!

4.75 ✨

Thank you Harper Collins Christian Publishing / Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for my ARC (audiobook).

I LOVED this on audio. The narrator was fabulous and exactly matched the FMC, and I loved her voices for the other characters too. Overall I thought this worked so well as an audiobook and give it 5 ✨ as a performance

The story itself was so heartfelt, funny, sharp, and sweet. I was rooting so hard for the FMC and loved the arc of her story. I expected more romance but it was more of a side character here, which did work! The ending felt a little implausible but I still loved it.

I’m excited to see what else Melissa Ferguson has written, and what she will write next!

This was such a great read. Bryony , Jack and Penny were great characters. I loved the chemistry between Bryony and Jack. I love books about books and there was so much to love in this book. Background of publishing, agents, writers, so much more involved than we the reader would know. Karissa Vacker was a fabulous narrator as always!