Enjoyed this one and the audio is great. It is my first melissa Ferguson book but it for sure won’t be my last. A little depressing how it makes the publishing world seem though. I really hope it’s greatly exaggerated.

My favorite part of this book is the fmc's monologuing. Honestly it makes this so human and I loved every second of her humor

Want to see justice in the way of the mean girl getting what she had coming to her? Read on...

Bryony Page is the amazing writer with pure intentions and a heart of gold. Jack Sterling is the cut-throat and calculated agent who sees the potential when no one else does. A true story of opposites attract.

My favorite part of this book is the fact that Melissa Ferguson has written another book that shows your characters can have depth to their relationship and chemistry, even without outright spice. The growing friendship and devotion between these two has me so excited to see where they went and confident in their intentions, even through misunderstandings. I think we can all agree that Amelia is the worst and I loved how Jack took it upon himself to be petty and ruin her so Bryony didn't have to get her hands dirty.
I do think I would have enjoyed a little bit more of Bryony's other relationships with the women in her life and also a little bit more of the two of them falling in love before obstacles are thrown in their way - just to get a little more sweet romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and Melissa Ferguson for giving me access to this story for my honest opinion.

Thank you so much Net galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for approving e-ALC request of the Perfect Rom-Com.
3.5 stars for me as rom-com is not one of my top 3 favorite fiction but i enjoy reading it.
.
Bryony working as a ghost writer for one of the most popular and swoon worthies under Amelia's name who's mean, selfish and pick-me woman. Jack who works as a literary agent of Amelia and had offered Bryony position of ghost-writer after seeing her manuscript she wanted to be published under her name.
.
My honest thoughts are there was not much of story at the starting of book because I keep zoning out and did not feel the need to reread the paragraph again because things were happening so abruptly or maybe I felt that way but after a while I started to get the storyline (which was not much). The romance was so limited and there was a lot of Amelia which was so funny to me because the way she talked and how she thinks about books/characters/storyline, that was so hilarious and interesting. No matter how negative her character was, she actually carried the book for me. Absolutely loved the ending though. I was laughing while combing my hair because I was listening to audiobook. Narrator was super fun and cheery to listen because Female lead was such a chatterbox and i enjoyed narrator showed the perfect emotions and vibes.
.
This book was more on the side of chasing your dreams, finding the perfect people in life and getting over the hurdles with the help of them.

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audio ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is my 2nd bookish romance by Melissa Ferguson!

Bryony, our FMC, has written several best sellers as a ghostwriter for a famous romance author and she really wants to be known as a writer. She also has a heart of gold and is trying to save her grandma’s ESL school. Jack, our MMC, is her agent and their friendship eventually turns into something more. This is very much clean, lighthearted romance escapism. Bryony and Jack, had very fun banter through out the book and their flirting and slow burn was perfect.

Read if you like:
Bookish/workplace: ghostwriter x agent
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Friends to lovers
He falls first
NO spice / kissing only

This was really a super sweet romance and MMC Jack is such a dreamy book BF, I just wish we got more of him! ❤️

This was a sweet novel about an author Bryony Page, who wants to go from ghost writer to an author published under her own name. Jack Sterling, the hard assed literary agent, falls first in this friends to lovers and workplace based romance. I enjoy this book so much and the fact the romance was somewhat more of the sub plot made for a great book that I couldn’t put down. I love the way that Bryony makes herself the protagonist of her own life by not sitting back but making things happen. It was well written and fun read. The audio narration was so well done and charming. I highly recommend this book to the romance and women’s fiction readers.

The Perfect Rom-Com is a sweet novel about a woman and her efforts to move from ghost writer to a writer under her own name. The cover/title imply far more romance than is in the book and sets it up for disappointment for those hoping the focus will be on the romance storyline itself. That’s not to say there isn’t a romance, but it’s definitely not the focus and I never became overly invested in that part of the novel.

It’s a fun and quick listen and the narrator is incredible charming. I didn’t score it higher because I didn’t find it overly memorable, but it’s a great listen if you’re looking for something with low stakes.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5/4.75 ⭐️

I really just had the best time with this story! I had the digital copy sitting on my kindle for MONTHS & then opened the audio and I was immediately captivated. I loved the plot of the story and the characters!

I loved watching our FMC come to the realization that she wanted a different life for herself and she took her life by the reigns and tried to make it happen for herself. I think it’s also such a good lesson for aspiring authors to learn - that a million nos don’t matter if that one yes is coming.

Our MMC made me love him and hate him and i still don’t know even i like him 😅 but the strong feelings still ilicited me to be tied super strongly to the story.

I would definitely recommend the audio for this one! I’m not sure why but overall it was super enjoyable!

You’ll find:
-He falls first
-Aspiring Author / Agent
-Workplace Romance
-Ghost writing trying to break away
-HUGE grand gesture

I would def recommend this to my peers & would be interested in reading more by this author!

Rating: 2.75 stars.

Overall Thoughts (No Spoilers)

If you’re picking up The Perfect Rom-Com expecting a swoon-worthy romance, adjust your expectations. This book is not a romance—it’s more of a contemporary fiction story about Bryony’s journey as a ghostwriter and her struggle to stand up for herself. The publishing industry insights were fascinating, and it even inspired me to think more about writing. But as for the romance? It’s barely there, awkwardly developed, and honestly unnecessary. If you go in expecting a story about personal growth with a sprinkle of love on the side, you might enjoy it more.

Plot Summary (Spoilers Below!)

[Bryony Page dreams of becoming a published author and raising awareness (and funds) for her struggling nonprofit, where she teaches English as a second language. At a writers’ conference, she has a disastrous pitch session, but a lucky twist lands her a job as a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, a vain and demanding rom-com author. Her deal? She’ll write for Amelia if the prestigious agent Jack Sterling agrees to help sell her book.

Bryony’s books turn Amelia into a global sensation, but the Foundry Literary Agency refuses to let her go. Meanwhile, Jack starts realizing he wants to keep Bryony around too.

The romance subplot (if you can even call it that) is complicated by Bryony’s long-distance boyfriend, Parker. He’s barely present in the book, existing solely as a plot device to keep her and Jack apart. When Parker finally breaks up with her—revealing he’s been cheating for six months—Bryony immediately shifts her attention to Jack. It’s jarring, especially since the book skips over two years where their supposed romance developed off-page. The pacing makes the romance feel like an afterthought, rather than a central focus.

In the end, the real story is about Bryony learning to stand up for herself, break free from being just a ghostwriter, and claim her own success.

Highlights of the Book

- Behind-the-scenes look at publishing – The best part of this book was the peek into the ghostwriting and publishing world. It was intriguing, and it actually made me feel inspired to write.
- Bryony’s growth – While not perfectly fleshed out, her journey from a people-pleaser to someone who finally takes control of her own career was satisfying. I also greatly enjoyed seeing Bryony’s passion for her writing.

Misses of the Book

- The romance is barely there – This is not a rom-com. The romance between Bryony and Jack happens mostly off-page during a two-year gap, making it feel rushed and unearned.
- Parker’s character was useless – Bryony’s long-distance boyfriend had no depth, no real presence, and only existed to delay the inevitable pairing with Jack. His breakup felt forced and meaningless.

This captures all the highs and lows of writing a book and getting it published.

Despite the dreams Bryony has of getting her own book published, she has become a very successful ghost writer… and only a ghost writer. Jack Sterling is her literary agent who despite all odds has become and very dear friend, and it’s complicated.

To anyone who loves books, the art of writing, or friends to lovers romance, this is the book for you!!

I personally loved the inclusion of teaching English as a second language and international students.

Huge thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to enjoy this audiobook! Karissa Vacker is an incredible narrator and I highly recommend anything she narrates!

Omg! If winter blues are upon you and you're in need of a pickmeup, run don't walk to get this book. It's th perfect rom com while also conveying a deeper message of how to be the protagonist of your own life and not just sit in the backstage. This was by turns hilarious and tender, light and heartwarming. Couldn't recommend it more!

Bryony Page has written her first novel. But her literary agent says that it's not ready yet. Stubbornly, she thinks it is. In the meantime, Bryony takes on a job as a ghost writer to write rom- coms. Years have passed and still her own book has not published. She decides to act.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My perfect rom-com it was not, but there were some things I really liked about this book and others that I really didn't. The concept for the book was interesting with a look at book publishing and ghostwriting, but despite being what initially drew me to this book, a lot of the book-related content (which was like 75% of the story) just didn't jibe with me. Parts of it really read like "woe is me," which I found off-putting, and the "resolution" to Bryony's ghostwriting dilemma especially didn't sit right for me. I really enjoyed the parts about Bryony's involvement with The Bridge, however, and I almost feel like I would have preferred to read her fictional book than this one. The audiobook narration was average and made for a quick listen.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for gifting me with an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.

The Perfect Rom Com is a warm and heartfelt read, set in the cutthroat world of publishing and ghostwriting.

Despite the title, this read as more than a rom com, more women’s fiction, with the romance being one of a few storyline’s. I loved Briony’s strong and rambunctious character and her experiences navigating the challenges of ghostwriting. Her and Jack’s relationship was a slow burn, but I really enjoyed their witty banter and their occasional run ins. The insights into publishing and ghostwriting were intriguing and made for an excellent bookish backdrop to Jack and Briony’s story. The story was slower to build, but picked up pace in the second half to a sweet and satisfying conclusion - I couldn’t stop grinning.

I enjoyed this both as an audiobook and ebook. Both were great, but I’d recommend the audiobook as a great escapist experience. The narrator did a wonderful job of brining Briony and Jack to life, as well as the full cast of supporting characters.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

5⭐️

This was such a heart warming story. From cheesing to laughing and awing, Melisa Ferguson created the perfect love story.

Bryony Page is hoping to get her manuscript that literary fiction with a touch of magical realism, suspense and somewhat biographical published when she meets the infamous Jack Sterling. Instead, she ends up becoming the ghost writer for 1# best selling author Amelia Benedict. Bryony and Jack are strictly platonic but there’s always been a little something there.

Bryony Page is attending a writers conference hoping to land a deal with her manuscript that she’s hoping to help use to raise awareness for the Bridge, the organization that her grandma runs and where she teaches ESL. After a few failed pitches Bryony lands in from of Jack Sterling , a well known literary agent who doesn’t want her manuscript, but is a different proposal for her. Fast forward two years and Jack and Bryony are best friends and Bryony is the successful ghost writer to one of the biggest names in romance. Even though she has the success, it’s not what Bryony wants. She wants her names on covers of books and her grandmother’s story from her first manuscript out there. Will she ever be able to make that happen or is it just a pipe dream?

I was hooked on this book from the beginning and enjoyed seeing the inner workings of the publishing world and writers conference. I liked the friendship that developed between Jack and Bryony and eventually the romance. The romance between them was pretty mild and seemed more of an after thought to the publishing drama in the story. I do wish the romance had developed a little bit sooner, but I still enjoyed this romance nonetheless. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and found it really easy to get into and I didn’t want to stop listening once I started. This was a cute romance that I really enjoyed, I just wish is wasn’t as much of a slow burn. If you are looking for a cute romance this is a good option.

3.5⭐️

Ah! At first I posted the wrong review! So let’s try this again!

This book was a fun read but had its challenges. I think it was the title of the book as I thought I was getting a RomCom but it’s not. It’s Chick-Lit with a love story that has a HEA.

Has the romance been a bit more balanced and authentic this would have been a Romance novel that I really love as it has depth. However, the long Monologues of exposition made me a bit disconnected despite enjoying the subject matter.
Perfect Rom Com? Not really as it wasn’t very funny but it is a book that I think many that enjoy cheeky women’s fiction will enjoy.
The narrator Karissa Vacker on the other hand did a wonderful job with the narration! Perfect pacing and tone for this type of book.

I am thankful to have gotten the ALC for free from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
The Perfect Rom-Com was a cute story about Bryony, an aspiring author, and Jack, a literary agent who convinces her to come on as a ghost writer for one of his most popular and difficult clients. Over the course of two years, bryony writes banger after banger for the wildly popular author Amelia Benedict, but she’s dying to have her passion project published under her own name. Her and Jack have become best friends in that time, but both are in relationships so things stay strictly platonic. It’s not until they’re both forced to accompany Amelia on a press tour and Bryony is dumped by her long term and long distance boyfriend that any of their well tamped down feelings rise to the surface.

All in all I thought this was a cute book. NOT a lot happened and it was pretty slow moving, but I really enjoyed the way the main characters interacted. The narrator, Karissa Vacker, is one of my favorites, too. This didn’t knock my socks off or anything, but it was a fun listen.

3.5⭐️

Thank you very much to the author and netgalley for allowing me to receive an ARC audiobook of this novel. This book was so much fun to listen to! The narrator was absolutely amazing.

I absolutely loved the ending🙌🙌 I wish there was more romance in this book but I absolutely understand why there wasn’t!

Tropes
Author and literary agent
Romantic comedy
Ghostwriter
Contemporary romance

4⭐️ 0🌶️

Absolutely obsessed. The narration was perfection, the story was like a warm hug and hilarious. The dynamic between Byrony and Jack was a great example of a work marriage that turned into real feelings