Thank you to NetGalley for letting me not only read this book but also listen to it as an audiobook. The audiobook was great, wonderful narrators, enjoyed both listening and read this book. This light and charming slow-burn romance blends humor, heart, and a touch of workplace drama. Bryony Page is first rejected by Jack Sterling when she tries to get him to be her agent for her novel. Jack claims her novel is too long and won't sell with its multi-ropes. Bryony makes a bold move and walks back into Sterling's office to try again with her novel. Jack decided to give Bryony a chance as a ghostwriter crafting bestselling novels for renowned author Amelia Benedict. Bryony is a huge success, but no one knows it her and she gets zero credit for her work. The “Agent x Author” and “Forced Proximity” tropes add a delightful tension, as Bryony and Jack find themselves working in increasingly close quarters. Jack sees past Bryony’s modest demeanor, and their romance unfolds through subtle yet electrifying moments—stolen glances, lingering touches, and a slow realization that their bond is more than just professional.

With elements of strangers-to-lovers, career-driven challenges, and relatable self-doubt, this novel is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Bryony’s transformation from ghostwriter to recognizing her own worth adds emotional depth, making it more than just a sweet workplace romance.

As a frequent listener of audiobooks, it's not uncommon for me to space out during a book and miss chunks of what was happening. This was NOT the case with The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson. I became invested in Bryony Page's journey to bcoming a published author from the very beginning and the book held my attention throughout. I also loved the behind the scenes of the publishing industry feel. I did feel, however, that I needed to suspend reality to believe how some of the scenes played out. Miscommunication between the MCs is one of my least favorite plot lines in a romance - but it didn't affect my opinion of this book. Fun, fast read!

For fans of: Linda Holmes, Katherine Center, and Lynn Painter

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for this ALC.

The Perfect Rom-Com is another enjoyable rom-com from Melissa Ferguson. I always expect her books to be light reads/listens and this book does not disappoint.

What I loved:
•The romance wasn’t the entire story. I love that we see their relationship come together mid-book.
•He falls first. The sister and friends recognizing Jack’s feelings before Briony was precious and a great way to introduce the romance.
•Good banter
•Tons of heart- the school storyline adds important purpose to the novel
•FMC taking life into her own hands. I love a strong character and Briony found her strength, even if it was misguided.

Karissa Vacker’s narration was great. Her voices, even the accents were very well done. The production was very clear and easy to listen to. I would definitely listen to more books that she narrates.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Perfect Rom-Com
Author: Melissa Ferguson

Thank you so much Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishing & Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC! This was my favorite romcom of the year so far. Absolutely loved it. An aspiring author tries to pitch her book to an agent and ends up being asked to be the ghost writer for another romance author. Two years later, she is fed up and sick of it, especially since the romance author she is writing for is insufferable. However, she has made the romance author even more famous over the years she spent writing for her, and the agency can’t let her go, and her agent who has developed feelings for her can’t either. This book was super sweet and funny. I loved reading our FMCs struggles with trying to get published. Her relationship with the agent was sweet, and I loved seeing how infatuated with her he seemed to be, even after patiently waiting for her the entire two years of working together. I wish it was longer, and I definitely want to read more of Melissa’s books! Adored it.

This started out so good. The meeting, the friendship, the obviousness that he was into her and then they just get together, we have the third act breakup, and the makeup. I wish there had been more time spent on the lead up to their romantic relationship. More tension and build up rather than she’s single, they go to dinner, and wam they’re together.

A romance novel between main characters working in the literary business is going to do it for me every single time! Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for sending me an arc. I literally couldn't put this down (or in this case, listening to) this book down. The pining... the love confession... it was all so perfect. That being said, I have to mark this book down plainly because I wasn't clear on the miscommunication manifested into the ending. That may be a personal issue, which I will be reviewing in a reread soon.

**Book Review: *The Perfect Rom-Com* by Melissa Ferguson (4⭐️)**

*The Perfect Rom-Com* by Melissa Ferguson is a witty, heartwarming, and fast-paced story that delivers both laughs and genuine emotion. The plot follows Bryony Page, an ESL teacher with dreams of publishing a book, who meets a literary agent, Jack, at a book event. Over the course of the next two years, their relationship evolves from a professional working dynamic into a meaningful friendship, and eventually, a slow-burn romance.

What stands out in this novel is the development of the characters' friendship before the romance takes center stage. Jack’s support for Bryony—especially when he helps her land a ghostwriting gig with a self-absorbed author—shows how much he values her, even before their romantic connection takes root. My favorite part of the story, though, was seeing how Jack made an effort to connect with Bryony’s students, which added depth to their bond and made their relationship feel authentic.

The romance unfolds gradually, which makes it all the more satisfying when the characters finally realize their feelings for each other. The chemistry between Bryony and Jack is undeniable, but it’s their friendship that truly carries the emotional weight of the story.

Overall, *The Perfect Rom-Com* is a delightful, feel-good read that mixes humor with heartfelt moments. It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone looking for a romance that’s as heartwarming as it is fun. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by Melissa Ferguson in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book was cute! I have never read anything by this author so I went in blind! This was definitely a slow burn romance that was also closed door, which isn’t my typical style! I liked the banter throughout. The audiobook was nice! The narrator had a nice voice

The Perfect Rom-Com is full of heart, humor, and wit. The slow burn romance between Jack and Bryony was sweet. I loved the banter between these two and watching as their friendship grew to more. While I would have liked to see the two years that were skipped, I can appreciate the author's need to jump ahead for the storyline to work.
I enjoyed the insider's perspective of the literary world, especially in regards to the use of ghostwriters. Although, I admit to being extremely frustrated on Bryony's behalf more than once.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy closed door Rom-Coms.

After reading, I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and let me tell you, if this is your preferred method of reading you won't be disappointed. Narrator Karissa Vacker does an excellent job of bringing this story to life. She was engaging and did and excellent job of narrating both the female and male voices.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC/ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness! I loved this book SO much! I connected with this story on several levels. First off, this was a super sweet, clean romance that still had all of the wonderful, intense connections. I would 100% encourage my high school daughter to listen to or read this book without any hesitation! Second, this is a book about books! What avid reader doesn't love that infused into a novel? Finally, as an educator myself, the overlay for a passion of teaching an underserved population resonated with me on such a deep level. This was a 5-star read for me as I don't know that there is any other book like this one out there and I wish there were more! Regarding audio/narration: single narrator (female) did an excellent job with both the male/female voices. *I received a audio complimentary copy from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Thank you to Uplit Reads, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson for my gifted editions.

If you love a sweet, clean romance, this is for you! This was a truly delightful read from beginning to end.

The Perfect Rom-Com follows Bryony Page as signs on to be a ghost writer for a hot new author (who is evil incarnate) in exchange for Jack, the literary agent, to get her very own book published.

I really enjoyed everything about this one. Bryony is absolutely adorable and I fell for her instantly. I love that she speaks her mind, remains true to herself, and is just naturally a fun person.

Jack is the dreamy book boyfriend we all search for. While he did make me mad a few times, he definitely makes up for it ❤️.

While, light at the core, Ferguson was able to weave in some deeper moments. Bryony was also passionate about teaching the English language to immigrants and migrants, and it really added some depth to the story.

There were laugh out loud moments and pages that made me cry.

🎧 Karissa Vacker narrated the audiobook and she never missed a beat. Well done all around!

Read if you enjoy:
*He falls first
*Friends to lovers
*Workplace romance
*Clean romance

This was a cute story about a ghost writer who just wants to get her own name on her stories. It is always a treat when there is a love story in there. I couldn't put this story down it was just too fun.

This book really left me disappointed. Initially, I was tempted to rate it higher, but upon reflecting, it feels more like a 2 ⭐ read. The start was so slow and boring, with little happening to grab my attention. The time skip was especially confusing—why skip over such important moments? The relationship between the main characters also seemed forced and developed out of nowhere. We're told they have all these dates, but we never actually see them. The romance felt completely lacking in chemistry.

For a rom-com, this didn’t hit the mark at all. I expect humor, charm, and real chemistry in a rom-com, but this book only offered surface-level content. It took forever for anything remotely romantic to happen, and by then, I was already losing interest. The last part of the book was the best, but that wasn’t enough to redeem it.

The characters didn’t connect with me either. Bryony felt like a strange mix of dedicated but flighty, while Jack came off as untrustworthy. Amelia, the character Bryony ghostwrites for, was a mean-spirited, spoiled narcissist, which didn’t help the story. I liked Bryony’s grandma, her assistants, and her students, but they didn’t have nearly enough screen time.

The ghostwriting concept didn’t sit well with me either. I just don’t get why someone would take credit for someone else’s work—it felt dishonest and off-putting.

The writing wasn’t consistent. It started off choppy but improved later, though by then, the story was already feeling rushed. Plot holes, especially with some character subplots, just didn’t make sense, and the romance felt both convoluted and rushed. I didn’t feel any real emotional connection to the characters, and while the book wrapped up neatly, the journey to get there wasn’t satisfying.

Genuinely a fantastic book! I could not put it down!

I loved the characters and their slow but inevitable joining. They are likable and well rounded characters with a great insight into the world of publishing. The challenges of being an agent and writer couple get in the way they are challenges that make you feel for the characters and the way that they are dealing with them. I really enjoyed the ending and the way that it took you on a bit of a rollercoaster.

I really enjoyed the romance as well as the other side characters in the book. They really make me want to read more about them and see more stories play out in the same universe. I have read a few Melissa Ferguson books and this is my newest favorite. I will definitely be reading more.

I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a likable character driven romance who is looking for something with soul and warmth. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

This was a great rom com about a rom com. I loved this book, the light heartedness and the relationship between Jack and Bryony is so cute! I am all for the forbidden romance and close proximity they are portraying in this book. It was pretty fast paced and the narrator was great.

I always say this in reviews for romances, but I do wish that it was in dual POV's. I only say it because I love getting into both sides of the romance and seeing what the other person is thinking about the situations playing out. So I do wish I could hear Jack's thoughts on how he was working on getting Bryony out of the contract and getting people to see her as the brilliant author.

Aside from my personal preferences, this was just a great fun book overall. I think it is perfect for all ages as well.

An adorable cover and well narrated audiobook. This would be great for readers that love to read about BOOKS (writing them, meeting authors, etc).

We meet aspiring author, Bryony Page, as she attends her first writers conference in hopes to sell her manuscript. Instead, she ends up becoming a ghostwriter for the extremely annoying Amelia Benedict with the promise that literary agent, Jack Sterling would help her sell her own book soon.

This book is definitely engaging and keeps a good pace. I found the journey entertaining though mildly predictable. There's a couple tropes that I'm not a super fan of (borderline cheating trope and miscommunication trope) but it was done in a manner where I couldn't be outraged. This is also a low to no spice book and that didn't feel necessary.

I'd say this book is a solid 3.5 (generously rounded up to 4)

I loved this book!

I was lucky enough to receive an ALC of The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson, and let me tell you—it was such a fun and engaging read! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life, making it even more enjoyable.

The dynamic between Bryony and Jack is top-notch! Their friendship is heartwarming, and I absolutely adored the way they interacted. Plus, Bryony’s passion for writing really shines through, making her character even more compelling.

If you’re looking for a charming, feel-good rom-com, this one is a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley for an ALC of The Perfect Rom-com in exchange of my honest opinion.

3.5 stars rounded up

The perfect Rom-com is the story of Bryony, an aspiring author that is going through the path of thorns to get an agent and be traditionally published.
She has her book ready to go and goes to writing conferences, trying her best to pitch it. Those scenes were amazing, and I know they are, unfortunately, very accurate to the despair of the FMC. The MMC is Jack, a super sought-after agent who represents a big name in the literary world and after a lot of back and forth offers Bryony the chance of being a ghost writer.
Overall, I love the premise of the struggles of an artist to find an agent and to see all her talent being used for someone else. In fact, the plot of the book is mostly centered on this issue of the publishing world and how Bryony navigated her desire to have her name on her works versus being paid (and contributing to the teaching center where she worked on the side).
I didn't like the romance. At the beginning of the book, both Bryony and Jack had partners who suddenly disappeared of the story and I get that there was a lot of time that passed from the beginning to the end, but I felt that this part of the plot didn't get much explanation. Moreover, their relationship throughout the whole book felt very professional, and I felt that maybe, it should have been kept that way. I know that the author tried to portray Jacks's care for Bryony's well-being as a romantic act, but honestly, I felt that it could be friendship or just camaraderie. Their "romance just picked up at 80% of the book, and I was confused as to why that had to be there at all.
The narrator of the book did a great job in interpreting Bryony's feelings and voice. I really loved how she narrated the stressful parts like the conference the book tours and at the end the talking show. That was just great!!

Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to listen to this ALC.
The Perfect Rom-Com is a contemporary romance, already released. Aspiring author Bryony Page’s dreams of selling her manuscript take an unexpected turn when she’s offered a ghostwriting gig for demanding rom-com novelist Amelia Benedict. Under one condition, Bryony agrees: the agent must also work to sell her own book. But as Bryony’s writing skyrockets Amelia to global fame, she captures not only the literary world’s attention but also Jack Sterling’s heart.
Narration: I absolutely loved it! Karissa Vacker’s performance was what kept me hooked on this book. Her voice was absolutely perfect for the story, even when voicing the male characters—it was spot on!
Overall, this was very cute and charming, and as a person who works everyday with ESL trainers it made me smile more than once!

DNF @30%.

I love Karissa Vacker and was beyond excited when Netgalley graciously accepted my plea for the audiobook ARC. Then I listened. Oh dear…
As a querying writer, the premise sounded so intriguing to me. But the execution fell incredibly flat. After the initial meeting of the protagonist and the agent, we jump ahead two years! What the hell! From then on, it’s all tell and no show. I couldn’t bear it. I don’t understand why, on a plotting level, anyone would do this. We skip all the fun, interesting bits of them starting to work together. Her priorities completely shift and it makes her look like an asshole, pardon my French. I genuinely started hoping for bad things to happen to her.
The agent came across arrogant and obnoxious, misogynistic even with his whole shtick of deciding things over her head. That’s not cute. That’s not banter. That’s awful behavior in a business partnership.
I really wanted to love this book, not least because I adore the narrator, but even she couldn’t make this an enjoyable listen. So I quit.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to review THE PERFECT ROM-COM.