I love the tight knit group of friends in this story! It’s always great when we have a multiple characters to know and love vs focusing just on the main ones. Denker also flipped some typical gender roles having a male being the one so determined for love and hanging onto a relationship after it ends. I did think it went a bit too far in his unwavering devotion and the extent of his makeover but I enjoyed being part of this world for a bit.

I’m not sure if I’ve read too many romcoms that I know the formula now, but this one was a little predictable and boring for me. It was still a cute story, but not my fave rom com out there

I loved this book! It felt very cosy to me! The cover alone had me sold, it’s so cute. I felt genuinely connected to the main character, like I saw so much of myself in her that it made me love the book even more the more I read! I’m really hoping to get more of these characters at some point because I loved them so much!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the concept. In order to win over his girlfriend, Eli's sister and friends decide to give him a total makeover, and end up enlisting the help of Leah. Leah doesn't think Eli needs to change, but her main focus is getting out of town.

The found family trope was strong in this book and I am so thankful for it. It's not very often that found family is written in contemporary romance so it always warms my heart to read it. It was really well written and I think it progressed at the perfect pace. It was very realistic and convincing.

Now for the fun part: the romance. Leah and Eli started out as strangers but quickly progressed to friends. I loved reading about all their fun adventures as Eli worked through his transformation. They watched all the good rom-coms together and Eli's family kept roping Leah into all these other outings. The best part: they go on a fake date together!

The side characters were all amazing. I absolutely loved everyone. The ending was perfect.

I recommend getting this book as soon as you can!

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a chance at reading / attempting to read this book.

When I need a little fluff in my reading I head towards rom-com books, and I really like the friends to lovers tropes. This one had all that, and I was really looking forward to a cute rom-com book to break up some heavy reading I usually do.

I'll be honest. I couldn't get through this book. It was boring and superficial. It had some great ideas and cute and nerdy references in the dialogue but otherwise it just didn't work for me. I think if it had one sided story of the main characters instead of flipping back and forth between the too it might have been a little bit better. All the side characters I was confused about, like where they his friends or where they his sisters friends, it probably would have been a lot better if they were actually his sisters doing a make-over and not his sisters friends. That seems weird to me.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. This book was so fun. I really enjoyed it. This book kept me interested and i enjoyed the book and this genre

Summary:
Leah is so sweet and kind.. came to Willow Cove to take care of her foster mom who had cancer and later passed. With no friends and no family, Leah is on her own in the world and determined to move on with her life and leave Willow Cove and her foster care past in the dust. Eli, a handsome Willow Cove native... recently got ditched by his girlfriend Victoria. After throwing himself out there and his marriage proposal being shut down, his only thought is how to win her back. The two meet in an effort to help Eli fully change into the man they think Victoria wants. Leah was immediately consumed into their friend group. Does that change any plans Leah may have had? What if Victoria isn't who Eli needed all along?

My Thoughts:
This was a very cute Rom-Com. I enjoyed reading this one. Leah and Eli were easy to love. The other characters in this book were easy to love as well and brought so much extra to the storyline. This book was an easy read and touched on abandonment issues Leah had due to her past. I always love when a character comes back from a traumatic past and ends up with everything they deserve plus some. I do wish Eli didn't obsess over Victoria for most of this book because Leah did feel like a second option for me, even in the end. In a way, I do feel like that is more realistic though. The girl that sits back, secretly in love with her best friend... while they are completely oblivious and living life.

This story is a true story of character and realizing that what you wanted most in life might not be where your life is supposed to go. The Rom-Com Agenda is a true "friends to lovers" trope and you will for sure fall in love with this one.

This read checks off the rom-com box. It references many popular rom-com films. The tie is quirky and keeps the mood light. There are a few deeper topics addressed throughout this book such as foster care, death of a caregiver, and mental health. The Rom-Com Agenda has you following Leah who is trying to sort out her life while falling for a man, Eli, who is set on winning over his ex. This read reminds the reader that what you sacrifice in a relationship should not include sacrificing your total self. Overall, this is an okay read. It is very predictable and was a little tough to be invested in these characters as the storyline was very surface level and could have gone a little deeper with vulnerability at times.

This is super cute! Very Hallmark but super cute. Leah is adorable and very relatable and very well-adjusted despite everything she’s had to go through. Eli is also a super sweet, kind, romantic himbo and him and Leah are super cute. Also, can I just say I loved how they handled their romantic drama or potential drama. Eli made his feelings and attachments abundantly clear so there was no chance of misunderstanding or miscommunication on his part so the only major conflict was Leah’s internal struggle. I also love the found family trope and Eli’s family is the best, I need a book about Gray. He was the best, I also loved the rest of his friends they were supper cute and supportive. I also loved all the references and romcoms mentioned it was super cute and fun. This book is super fun and lighthearted despite the darker aspects and backstory for the characters and I cannot wait to read it again. I still will never enjoy the outdoors or want to go hiking or camping or go to the gym but I will read bout others doing it and enjoy every second.

This one took me a bit to get into but I had to finish to see what happened. I love how honest Leah was and I love that she was the perfect mix of independence as well as knowing that it’s OK to feel wanted and needed. Eli, oh Eli! It took him a while to get his head on straight but once he did he really stood up for those he loves and that is something that I love to see! Loved how this one ended up and this crazy loyal group that we got to meet along the way.

3.5 star = I liked it. The Rom Com Agenda was cute. Leah (who is working about a zillion jobs) gets swept in Eli's sisters' attempt to makeover Eli to win back Victoria (who turned down his proposal before heading off to Europe) The makeover involves a new look for Eli and an education in romance via watching all the great rom coms. Both of the leads were very sweet - though Eli is clueless as he first develops a friendship with Leah and then falls for her without realizing it while still thinking that Victoria is his end game. This is a really slow strangers to friends to lovers. Other than all the Rom Com references, some of the best parts of the story are former foster kid Leah being slowly assimilated into Eli's friend and family collective. (Content Warning: mentions of cancer in the past- Leah was caregiver to her step mom during her last days and Eli's mom is a cancer survivor)

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley Release date January 2023 - this is an unpaid review.

This was a sweet quick read. Eli goes through a makeover in order to get back Victoria, which doesn't go according to plan. Leah gets roped into the makeover and her and Eli end up falling for one another. I liked all the characters in the book, they were pretty funny and their interactions with one another made for interesting friendships. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This book is perfect for romcom lovers. It has all of the elements of a romcom movie (including the makeover montage!) and comes to a heart-warming, satisfying ending. As a romcom movie does, this book allowed to me just turn off my brain for a bit and enjoy Leah and Eli's journey from stranger to friends to romantic relationship. The secondary characters were delightful, and I look forward to them (hopefully) getting their own books someday! Also, something about the snowy setting added an extra cozy element to this book, which I think will be perfect for readers when this comes out in January. It really is the perfect winter romance book.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publication: January 10, 2023

I hate it when I think a book and I will get along but then we end up not at all. The synopsis for this book hooked me right in. Male makeover with the inspiration of romcom heroes? Absolutely right up my alley! I think the execution however fell for me.

Things I disliked:
- Eli's character- He was still pining after a woman he proposes to after a few months of dating. When I say pining still I mean almost a year later. Insert a cringe
- Leah's character- She was pretty bristly and had a lot of emotional baggage to deal with before trying to get into a relationship.
- Plot line- a lot of the plot was over the top cringe-worthy. I think if it was executed better or maybe more realistic I would have enjoyed it more.

Things I liked:
- The 90's references- as a 90's baby I found myself having those small nostalgic moments when I got to some of these references

Overall, this book and I were not a match but it had cute aspects to the book plus awesome references.

The Rom-Com Agenda was a very cute, slow-burn romance and a great story with a found family that is supportive and hilarious. Leah and Eli have great chemistry and form a really great connection as Eli is pushed into making over himself and his life to win back his ex-girlfriend. And what better way to learn than to watch various romantic comedies to learn what to do and what not to do. Eli's family and friends mean well when they undertake his extreme makeover - but at times they are a little overbearing - overall it leads to many humorous moments. I kind of would have liked one more chapter or an epilogue to see how things ended up with Cathy's house, what career/job Leah made more permanent, and with Eli's goal to start an adventure course on his property. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this advance copy.

Overall: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5

Oh, it's been a long time since a book warmed and melted my cold, dead heart like The Romcom Agenda did. This book is perfect for a cold winter evening with a steaming cup of hot chocolate buddled in a mountain of blankets. Leah is trying to save every precious penny so she can leave the small town of Willow Cove following the death of her foster mother. Leah was never one to establish roots. Having been in the foster system since she was young, Leah is hyper-independent and, unfortunately, alone. Eli is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and is quick to fall in love. But, as sweet as it sounds, it proves to be his downfall. When his girlfriend rejects his proposal and jets off to Rome on sabbatical, he is determined to win her back and will do anything it takes.

In typical rom-com fashion, Leah and Eli's paths cross; honestly, I gushed over every moment. I loved how raw and genuine Leah and Eli were; their personalities complemented each other, and their dynamic was adorable. Tropes in this novel include found family, rom-com makeover (Not gonna lie; I totally pictured Eli and the gang doing one of those music montages), and friends to lovers. I was quick to fall in love with Leah, and I was able to understand why she was so lonely. I've never been in the system, so I can't relate to what Leah must've gone through, but I see why she never really had friends or dated anybody. Denker's writing made it easy to empathize with and root for her throughout the novel. I can't begin to count how many times I wanted to literally reach into the pages of this book to hug her!

And Eli! Oh, I found myself swooning for this man. So sweet and sensitive! I'll admit there were times I wanted to smack him in the back of the head (thank you, Jenna, for doing it for me!), but in the end, he won me over and is now at the top of my list of best book boyfriends.

Overall, the plot was well-paced. I liked that there wasn't that cliched third-act breakup; it wasn't needed. Both characters had their fair share of flaws and issues that they needed to work out, precisely what Denker delivered. I didn't feel like the characters were immature, which I commonly see in other contemporary/NA romances. Instead, I saw them address and work out their issues by themselves and take the leap to overcome them instead of relying on the other to do it. "Maturity" is the word that comes to mind. I guess I'm so used to adults in romance acting like they're in high school, so Eli and Leah were a breath of fresh air. There were cheesy moments, but then again, cheesy is something I fall for every time! *I promise you'll love the cheesy moment too.

And, oh God, did I love the whole pining-for-each-other-but-one-of-them-is-too-dumb-to-notice (yeah, you can only guess who!). But, of course, I'm a sucker for the found family trope too, and I loved how Eli's sister and friends enveloped her into the group! And I can't forget about Jenna, Ben, Delia, Gillian, and Gray. I loved every single one of them! And I might be wrong… but I did pick up some hints of a potential sequel/spin-off with two members of this group👀 (Jayne, I'm begging you to make this happen!). I loved this book so much that I'm definitely going to pick up a physical copy when it comes out next year!

Jayne Denker's novel is a cozy, closed-door romance with all the fun and cute characteristics of the old romcoms we know and love. I can assure you that your heart will melt when you read Eli and Leah's story!

Thank you so much, NetGalley and Martin's Press, for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Rom Com Agenda
By: Jayne Denker
Review Score: 3 1/2 Stars

Five Key Feels

-Leah is an incredible woman.

-I found Eli’s friends to be both weirdly supportive but also a bit overly obsessed with his makeover.

-Patrick is trash, and I was not prepared for the plot twist about the house.

-I loved how Eli realized he didn’t have feelings for Victoria anymore.

-I wish there had been an epilogue.

——

The Rom Com Agenda was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!

Release Date: 1/10/23

This book really pulled at all of my heartstrings. Leah is such an incredibly strong person. She had a hard life, and cared for her foster mother as she fought cancer. She worked tirelessly to build a better life for herself. And then, she finds a group of friends who treat her like family, and that was something she didn’t expect at all.

I really enjoyed the evolution of Leah and Eli’s friendship, but I did feel like the entire “makeover” idea was a bit over the top. I know, Rom Com movies usually have a “makeover” scene of some kind, but it just felt like a bit too much, it went a bit too far for me. I know it was the driver of Leah and Eli’s friendship, but, it just felt a bit over the top.

I also wish there had been an epilogue. There were a few things mentioned in the book that I would have loved to know more about. Eli’s ideas for a new business? Leah’s schooling? Patrick and the house? I wish I had more answers on those topics.

Regardless, this was a fun and flirty book. I loved the characters, and the premise, and I really enjoyed it overall.


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This is the kind of book you would want to read on a winter day––it is a cute, somewhat fast-paced, friends-to-lovers story that takes place in the winter! Throw in some blizzards, small-town friendships, a found family, some movie references, and it feels like this story took place on the Gilmore Girls lot.

Friends-to-lovers is my second favorite trope and I think Leah and Eli had a cute friendship arc. They had a lot of chemistry when they were running from their feelings for each other, but I think their eventual relationship was a bit lackluster. I didn't find his quick switch from wanting to impress his ex, Victoria, to fully accepting he liked Leah very believable. His character lacked a lot of personal development and in turn, it felt like he kind of was substituting Leah for Victoria. It seemed like he was settling for whoever was around because he thought his time was up or something (hence why he proposed to Victoria after dating for FOUR months and subsequently refused to let go of her and his idea of her being "it" for him).

I enjoyed Leah's character, though, and I appreciated how she navigated her grief and her past. She had a lot more character growth than Eli did, and her feelings for him definitely felt more genuine. I know they end up together, but I couldn't help but feel bad for her. She deserved more; someone who spent more time pining after her––I mean, REALLY proving that he wanted her––than pining after the woman who rejected his marriage proposal on a pier to go off to Rome and leave him with her cat.

The supporting characters and their meddling shenanigans were fun, and I liked how they all came together to be the family Leah had always needed. They became a great support network for her and it was great to see her open up socially and become part of their group.

In short, I liked this book! Denker's writing style was easy and entertaining, and the setting of the story was cute. I did laugh out loud at the multiple jobs Leah had around town and the various names of the shops (Thousand Island Dressing was so funny to me). Again, I liked Leah and the supporting cast. I just wish there had been a bit more to Eli's character and that his and Leah's relationship had more to it––more natural spark and less built-on-his-inability-to-forget-his-ex vibes.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this eARC!!

This book is somewhere between young adult fiction and adult fiction. It’s young adult fiction because the plot is juvenile and the writing style is simple; adult fiction because the characters are in their 30s, the novel is filled with millennial and Gen Y pop culture references, and the author peppers in discussion of some serious topics (such as caregiving for a terminally ill parent). This might be a better fit for an older teen or young 20-something reader.

Oh this book!!! My heart!!! I am so happy I was allowed to read an ARC of The Rom-Com Agenda because it was soooo good!!! It made my insides warm and happy and also a little bit sad but in a good way. I loved Leah so much and I am always a fan of a found family so the relationships that she gain with everyone just made me so happy to read about. I definitely recommend this book when it is released in January.