I **LOVED** this book!

First, I am OBSESSED with the narrator, Karissa Vacker. She is SO, SO good! Definitely one of the best!

Seconrd, this story. Oh.My.Gosh. I really, really loved it.

I laughed out loud. I felt for Bryony. I cheered for Mr. %Agent, Jack Sterling.

So much yes for The Perfect Rom-Come by Melissa Ferguson.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Let me start by saying I think this book had some good aspects. I love Bryony being an ESL teacher and learning about her students. I enjoyed some of the witty back and forth. The setting was nice and beautifully described. Sadly, as a whole, this book fell flat. My biggest issue is that our first impression of Jack is him being a jerk. That is all we know about the character, and then suddenly, we have a two-year time skip where they are friends. Without that relationship building shown on paper, my impression of Jack wasn't stellar, which made it difficult for me to root for him as a romantic interest. That and Jack being known as a womanizer didn't help my impression of him. I also thought the Parker storyline was a bit weird. It seems like his character was only included, so Jack and Bryony couldn't be together. I wish we had seen and heard a bit more of him so things came as more of a shock. I felt a lot of the plot was predictable as well, which would have been fine if I had enjoyed the characters a bit more. I did enjoy how much we got to see the behind the scenes of the writing world. It was a fun aspect that made this book unique. Though I wasn't a fan of how much the legal aspect was glazed over.

I wish Jack's character was a bit more complex. It felt like he only existed to help and be with Bryony. We never get to hear about his family or friends. We only see him in the context of Bryony's world. It didn't feel like he was his own person at times. This is one of the reasons I found it so hard to connect with him. Sometimes, I felt like too much was happening, while at other times, nothing was happening.

Overall, this was a pleasant enough read. The story's premise is interesting, and I enjoyed seeing more of the writing world throughout this book. While the romance wasn't my favorite, I loved hearing about Brynony's students and how passionate she is about teaching. I liked certain parts of this book, but I don't think it's very memorable for me specifically. I can finally see why others would enjoy it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

A book lovers twist on the movie 2 weeks notice. Bryony Page wrote her first book about her grandmother's organization where she teaches ESL. When she goes to a writers conference to pitch her book everything goes wrong but then she meets the guy who changes her life forever.

I loved learning the behind the scenes process of creating, writing and selling a book.

Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Perfect Rom-Com, a title that had me expecting a swoony, laugh-out-loud romance, but unfortunately, that’s not what I got. If you’re thinking of picking this up, go in with the right expectations, this isn’t a romance novel. It’s women’s fiction with a romance subplot, and if I had known that beforehand, I might have enjoyed it more.

The story follows Bryony, an aspiring author who dreams of publishing a book inspired by her grandmother’s legacy. But instead of securing a book deal, she ends up ghostwriting for a famous romance author, under the guidance of literary agent Jack Sterling. Sounds promising, right? I thought so too. But the execution left a lot to be desired.

For more than half the book, not much really happens. Bryony’s endless internal monologues overshadow the actual plot, making it feel like I was just stuck in her head instead of experiencing the story. Jack, the supposed love interest, barely gets enough development to make an impact, and their romance? Practically nonexistent for most of the book. Then suddenly, a two-year time skip! Instead of watching their dynamic evolve naturally, we’re just told they’re now friends, and out of nowhere, the romance is tacked on. It felt rushed and unearned.

I also struggled with the book’s attempt at inclusivity. While I appreciate diverse representation, it felt under-researched, especially one particular moment involving a Muslim character that completely took me out of the story. Small details like this matter, and unfortunately, they weren’t handled with the care they deserved.

I really wanted to love this one, and I do think some readers might connect with Bryony’s journey of self-discovery. But if you’re looking for a true rom-com, this isn’t it. It’s mostly about Bryony’s personal growth, with a sprinkle of romance on the side.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the audiobook ARC! While this one wasn’t for me, I appreciate the opportunity to read it early.

Loved the characters and the banter in this story. Loved the development of the relationship between the two main characters. Thanks for the advanced copy to net galley and the publisher.

This story took a while to get going but I enjoyed the way it was written and all the descriptions. An easy read/listen with captivating characters. This book has such a unique storyline.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Perfect Rom-Com provides readers with a view of the publishing industry. It's clear aspiring authors need tough skin and commitment.

Bryony Page meets literary agent Jack Sterling at a writer's event. He's painfully blunt about her work in progress resulting in Bryony being shocked to be contacted by Jack a few days later. Bryony's offered a sparkling deal to serve as a ghostwriter for a celebrity. In desperation she accepts, but later mourns her inability to be publicly recognized for her work.

There were snatches of humor throughout the novel and it was interesting to learn more about publishing, but overall, I didn't love either Bryony or Jack.

Nice job by the narrator and the cover is cute.

This was a great rom com! I absolutely love books about books. The FMC(Bryony) is a romance ghostwriter and the MMC(Jack) is a literary agent. I had a lot of fun with the story line and how you really see Jack and Bryony’s relationship grow. I see it as enemies to friends to lovers. Jacks character was everything I want in a Romcom book. Definitely book boyfriend material. I will for sure be buying this book to add to my library! Thank you NetGalley

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. This was a really cute, whitty romcom. I actually laughed out loud in a few spots and I loved the banter between to two main characters. It is very Gilmore Girls feeling and sometimes other authors try and write whitty novels but it just doesn't hit. Highly recommend this author and would read from again.

LOVED the book! The narrators were phenomenal. The storyline especially with the ESL portion was fantastic, especially as a reader who took ESL classes. I really liked the main character as well. Highly recommended!

The Perfect Rom-Com is the ninth novel from author Melissa Ferguson. Aspiring author Bryony Page spends hard saved money to travel to a writer’s conference hoping for representation. It isn’t that she personally cares about publishing her manuscript, it’s that the Bridge, her grandmother’s ESL school, needs the funds to stay open. Her appointment with literary agent Jack Sterling doesn’t really go the way she would have wanted or expected, but the offer she receives gives Bryony an opportunity to help the Bridge in a different way.

Jack sees the potential in Bryony’s writing and makes her the offer to be one of heiress Amelia Benedict’s ghostwriters. Amelia had a passable debut novel but her subsequent offerings had been less than passable, But with her raw talent, it isn’t long until Bryony is the lone ghostwriter. And with the money she earns she can not only fund her own living needs but also make monthly substantial contributions to the Bridge to help keep the school going.

This lovely tale pits the entitled and talentless Amelia against the selfless and very talented Bryony in a story that makes a remarkable twist that the reader will not see coming. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

This was okay - nothing really happened majority of the book. I did enjoy the ending but if it hadn't been an audiobook that I listened to while getting other stuff done I don't think I would have finished it. Thanks for an advance copy!

Read If You Like:
- Romantic comedies
- Enemies-to-lovers trope
- Stories about writers and the publishing industry
- Witty banter

Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers' conference with high hopes of selling her manuscript and raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. After a disastrous pitch session, she unexpectedly lands a job as a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, a popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one condition: that Jack Sterling, a literary agent at the Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too. As Bryony's ghostwritten books propel Amelia to greater fame, she finds herself entangled in the complexities of the publishing world and her growing feelings for Jack.

This novel offers a delightful blend of humor and heart, with engaging characters and sharp, witty dialogue. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Bryony and Jack adds tension and charm to the story. The behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry provides an intriguing backdrop, and Bryony's dedication to her community adds depth to her character. The narrative is both entertaining and uplifting, making it a perfect choice for fans of lighthearted romance.

The Perfect Rom-Com is a charming and enjoyable read that will leave you smiling and believing in the serendipity of unexpected opportunities.

Thanks so much to the publisher for my ARC and ALC!

This book had me laughing out loud! I absolutely loved the humor, and Jack completely stole my heart—he made me swoon so many times with his unwavering support of the main character. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job keeping me engaged—I was so hooked that I finished it in a single day!

This is a workplace romance with forced proximity, but what really stood out to me was the journey the author took us on. It wasn’t an instant-love story; instead, we got to experience their friendship develop over several years before romance bloomed. That slow build made their relationship feel so much more meaningful, and I loved being along for the ride!

This book finally got me out of my month-long reading slump🙌🏻 it truly is a perfect rom-com — pun intended.
Key Details:
- SEL teacher with lovable and quirky students
- Ghost writing for an awful author
- Forced Proximity/Forbidden Love
- Closed-door romance
- Passionate, strong-willed, and hard/working FMC

The introduction from the author, and her personal experience with SEL students made this story even more heartwarming and lovable!

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟

When you are in the mood for a happy, friends to more romance with no spice, pick this one up!!

Aspiring author Bryony Page becomes the 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, legendary literary agent, works to sell her own book too.

I don't know if it was really this good or if it was the right time, but I enjoyed it so much. The friendship between the main characters was endearing, while they were also in a working relationship, which caused romantic tension.

The villain was the most terrible woman ever. The ESL teacher/student relationships created such depth to the story and showed the wide gap between the well-connected (Amelia) and those who are just arriving in America.

The 3rd act conflict made sense, but the resolution would've never happened in real life. I didn't need it to be realistic though, because it was entertaining.

Try this book if you like:
Aspiring writer
Confident literary agent
Books with heart
ESL students 🫶
Behind the scenes in the publishing industry
Spice level: just kisses

The audiobook narrator did a wonderful job.

Thank you @netgalley and @thomasnelson for this advanced listening copy!

Book 041 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I think this is my favourite one by Melissa! One star because the protagonist is an ESL teacher!

I've actually got a CELTA myself, and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching English as a second language!

What a wonderfully paced romance with none of the spice, yet you can feel the sparks.

Enjoyed both the well narrated audiobook and ebook!

I received a complimentary copy of both the ebook and the audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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The Perfect Rom-Com did indeed, live up to it's name.
Excuse me while I clear the lump in my throat and dry away a few happy tears...

Byrony Page, an aspiring author is diligently working to sell her beloved manuscript with the hope that it will save her grandmothers financially struggling organization where Byrony teaches ESL. In the process Byrony meets Jac, her successful, charming, loveable agent. While Byrony and Jack share heartwarming, witty banter, their romance is more of a subplot. This is more of a focus on Byrony's personal growth and self realization. Byrony is determined, hardworking and does everything with her whole heart. She is relatable and you will find yourself always in her corner, cheering her on!

If you need a book to get you out of reading slimp and spark a little joy, dive in! You are in for a cozy, heartwarming treat... and who doesn't love reading about writers and all things books?!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson!

"The Perfect Rom-Com" by Melissa Ferguson is a delightful read filled with humor, heart, and charming characters. The story is engaging, making it a perfect escape. I enjoyed (what feels like) some 'behind-the-scenes' of the publishing world and the FMC, while initially annoying me with her unfailing optimism, absolutely grew on me by the end.

What <i>truly</i> elevated my experience was the phenomenal audiobook narrator. She brought the characters to life in a way that I might have missed if I had read the book myself. Without her, I might have enjoyed the book less, but her performance made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend the audiobook version!

⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (4/5 stars)

As a former foreign language teacher, I knew I was going to like this book. Bryony Page is an ESL teacher for a language learning school (The Bridge), that her grandmother founded. The program is struggling and all Briony wants is to publish her novel about The Bridge to keep the school running. She pitches her novel to numerous agents with no luck, until she meets Jack Sterling. Jack has no interest in her novel but gives her the opportunity to ghost write for the popular (but really annoying) rom-com writer, Amelia Benedict. Briony’s books under Amelia’s name are wildly successful and she finds herself stuck in the contractual agreement to keep writing for Amelia but wanting to breakout on her own with her own novel, all while wanting to save The Bridge. The relationship with Jack and Briony evolves overtime and muddles the agent/author relationship and Briony’s end goal. I read part of this book and listened to the audio for part too. I audio was excellent and Briony’s wit really shined. I really enjoyed it but by the end I was missing the rom-com spirit for Briony and Jack. This was definitely a slow burn but to the point that I didn’t really feel the spark between the two main characters. Yes, they were cute together but I was missing the glue (the real chemistry) that makes the reader really fall for their love story. The rest of the story I really loved though.

Workplace romance / agent & author (ghost writer)
Friends to lovers
Slow burn romance

Thank you NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eARC and audio ARC in return for my honest review.