I really enjoyed How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson.

How to Plot a Playback follows Finn and Lavender who are both in the TV industry. Finn is a writer who has just been asked to join the team to write for the way popular 'Neighbors' sitcom. To his discord, he finds out that the main character, whom he loathes, is the star. In walks Ms. Lavendar. She's no diva at all but appears to be very friendly with those she encounters.

Finn has made up his mind that Lavendar has destroyed his life long enough and he's going to get back at her.

What I liked most about this book was the inner dialogue we got to see with Finn and Lavendar. Once I figured out that Lavender has NO idea that she had inadvertently ruined Finn's life, it became quite hilarious. Here you have this guy who is trying to upend this actress's career as payback, but what ends up happening is quite the opposite.

I do wish there was a bit more interaction between the main characters. Finn and Lavendar had so much potential to develop that flirty banter that I was looking for.

This is the perfect book for those looking for a nice, clean rom-com book. There is some kissing and no profanity, which i greatly appreciate.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a cute romance story or even someone needing to light read this summer.

4.5 stars

This is my first time reading a book by Melissa Ferguson and I absolutely loved it! I was hard pressed to put it down.

Finn Alexander Masters III is a successful screen writer who has just landed a new job writing for the acclaimed sitcom show Neighbors. The only problem with this job is that he will be working with America’s sweetheart, Lavender Rhodes. She has been a thorn in Finn’s side since school. Yes, his annoyance and overall discontent with Lavender has lasted years. He feels that she is the catalyst for every transgression he has suffered: breaking his ankle right before his acting debut, losing his supposed love of his life… the list is long and goes on.

Now he is in the perfect position for some small time payback. But every time Finn tries to seek his revenge, it backfires on him. And now that they are working so closely together, their relationship is starting to grow.

This book is funny, while also being endearing. You can’t help feel a little bit of why Finn is slightly jaded. And I absolutely adore Lavender’s somewhat niave, carefree, hopeful attitude. This is definitely a grumpy to sunshine novel. This story had an awesome set of secondary characters that I wouldn’t mind getting books about to two awesome pups… what more can you ask for?! You should pick up this book today, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared to read this book after the ARC I got of Famous for a Living which I gave 1 star to, and didn't even finish the book. My main issue with Famous for a Living was the writing style which I forgot about until I realized I reread my review for it. Needless to say, I had partially negative feelings about this book before I even started it.

The book actually started off pretty well though. There was definitely a lot of over-explaining for each setting and inner monologue but I felt like I could get over it. This was the main problem in the previous book I had read but I was trying to overlook it. After a few chapters in, I just couldn't do it anymore. I thought Finn was incredibly rude and hateful for no reason. And I thought Lavender was a floozy who didn't care about anyone but herself. And the writing style was horrible in my opinion. So I didn't finish the book.

I really don't recommend this book at all. I'm sure some people might like it but it isn't for me and if you actually want to like the characters you read about, it probably isn't for you either.

What to Expect:
📺strong Friends &Ross/Rachel sitcom vibes
📺despise to lovers (not quite enemies)
📺screen writer & actress romance
📺revenge gone wrong
📺dual POV

This may technically count as a romance but it is the slowest of burns so keep that in mind before diving in.

🫶🏽What worked for me
I was engaged the entire time and never got bored. I was amused with how the tv show they were filming mocked the 90s classic show Friends and the British voice actors were delightful.

🤷🏻‍♀️What didn’t work for me
I didn’t really find the romance to be that believable after Finn had hated Lavender for so long but I still enjoyed the book for what it was. Meet Me in the Margins is still my favorite by Melissa Ferguson and I liked this book enough that I’ll keep reading what she publishes 💗

Okay so… I wasn’t having any huge expectations from this book but honestly, as I started reading it, I couldn’t stop myself from putting it down! It was just so, so good!! It’s a rom-com with no spice, perfect for anyone to read it and enjoy. I personally really liked it and would recommend this to rom-com, romance with no spice lovers out there! You should definitely check it out!

3.5 rounding up

Finn landed his dream job as a writer for the most popular show on TV. The only downside? The star of the show is his arch nemesis. Lavender Rhodes is beloved and adored by the public, but she doesn’t even know she’s been ruining Finn’s life since they grew up together in England. But now…he is writing for her character on the show. What could go wrong!?

This was a cute, zero-spice, cozy rom-com. A lot of the plot revolves around dogs. I thought the characters were likable and could have used more development with them and the side characters. Overall, a super cute and easy read!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A fun, fluffy, entertaining rom com read! If you’re not into a romance with spice, this is perfect for you. I love a dual POV to get perspectives from both MCs. Finn wasn’t very likeable as a character in my opinion. I’m a huge fan on enemies to lovers so I enjoyed that aspect. It’s an easy, fun read. I’d like to see more of Lavender and Finn.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Melissa Ferguson writes some of the funniest rom coms I’ve read. Thank you @tnzfiction @uplit and @ourfriendlyfarmhouse for my early finished copy of HOW TO PLOT A PAYBACK, which publishes this week!

Two British characters- one uber famous thanks to a last minute cast change (meet Lavender), and one that keeps powering up the TV screenwriting ladder (meet Finn).

Two paths that no matter how hard Finn tries, he can’t seem to avoid the crossing. Especially when he accepts a job at Neighbors, the long-standing TV show Lavender has been staring in for the past 10 years…yes, it does sound a little like a Friends timeline, right??

Throw in the sweetest pack of dogs- these are my favorite characters for sure! They are adorable! And some fantastic supporting characters and you’ve got a cozy little read that’s perfect to throw in your bag on the way to the beach on Spring Break!

Congratulations on your Pub Week, Melissa! Another great novel!

What a fun and cute closed door romance! Finn is a tv writer who has had the opportunity of a lifetime to start writing for a long-standing show that’s in need of some fresh ideas. However, taking this job means working with his arch nemesis, Lavender. Lavender Rhodes is completely oblivious to the fact that she has ruined Finn’s life. She’s also completely different than Finn remembers her. This was a fun, cute read and if you prefer to have a clean romance, this is a perfect one for you! I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much to NetGalley for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was a sweet and fun rom-com, with great characters and a good storyline. I enjoyed reading it.
However, I didn't really feel the chemistry between the protagonists, but overall it's a cute Hollywood romance.

Finn Masters has a problem. Since he was 17, his life has been constantly sidetracked by one person, Lavender Rhodes. She broke his ankle (well, kind of) just as he was set to play Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, landed an agent and a Hollywood career after she replaced him in the play, ruined his chances in a long-running sitcom, and ended his relationship. She's the bane of his existence. She's also, unfortunately, the star of the show he's just been hired to produce. It's a big step up for Finn and one that will break him out of his crime procedural rut.

While his new job may put him in constant contact with his arch-nemesis, it also gives him the perfect opportunity to plot a payback. He's ready to make Lavender's life a little bit worse off. Except, he soon finds that she's as delightful as everyone says she is. Can he set aside his lifetime of grievances for a chance with the sitcom star?

I hope I'm not alone in dreaming about all the ways I could bring down my own arch-nemeses, so the premise of the book is a fun one. This isn't a great work of art, but it is a quick read with pretty likable characters and a very predictable plot. The book disappoints in the final pages, as I think the solution that Finn finds is kind of silly. Despite those complaints, I'd rate this a solid 3.5/5, and worth picking up if you are looking for a lighthearted clean romance.

* Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *

This one was fun! I really loved the character of Lavender, more than I liked Finn. Don’t get me wrong, still really liked Finn, but I had a preference for Lavender. The plot was cute and not one I have read a ton before, which was very refreshing. I did expect a more romance heavy book, which this is more comedy. Again, not a bad thing! Just more setting the expectation for others. Overall, would recommend!

Finn Masters is a renowned screenwriter, having cemented his name among the greats for his work on a murder mystery show. He elects to try his talents elsewhere, hopping on the writing team and production staff of the long-running show Neighbors working with the best in the biz. But there's one problem: his high school rival and the woman who has ruined his life at every turn, famous and beloved actress Lavender Rhodes is the star. But realizing this could be his opportunity for revenge, he begins writing in more and more outrageous scenes for her... only for her to come up smelling like roses and him to get in trouble with his boss. The more her works to make her miserable the more he realizes he make actually like her, after all.

As soon as I read the premise for this book, I was like SIGN. ME. UP. I adore celebrity romances, especially the more plausible ones between a celebrity and another celebrity or at least someone who runs in the same circles--and here, we have exactly that. I think the build up to Finn realizing he didn't actually hate Lavender was perhaps too long and the pranks could have starter earlier, but as a whole I really, really enjoyed the book. They were two immensely fun and lovable characters that I shipped so hard. The ending tied everything up with a bow (perhaps even too perfectly) but I like see the characters happy--I'm reading romance for the HEA, after all.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and Uplit Reads for my eARC and finished copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐️ (no spice)

After years as a screenwriter, Finn Masters gets the opportunity of a lifetime: to work as a writer on the well-known, and loved sit-com Neighbors. The only snag - Lavender Rhodes is one of the stars of the show, and she is the reason for a lot of Finn's dreams falling apart. He plots a payback for all she has cost him, but well . . .things don't always go as planned. It may prove to be more difficult than anticipated to want bad things to happen to such a charismatic person, specially when you are secretely a total sweetheart.

One can only love Lavender Rhodes; she is such a quirky and loving person, always seeing the best in people and putting others first. She also has no clue of the effect she has on people and what chaos she brings into their life without any ill intent. She seems like such a sweet character, and more than once I caught myself smiling while thinking about what her charm will provoke next. Overall, such an enjoyable character, a pure ray of sunshine.

Finn Masters comes across as grumpy. Specially at the beginning, I pictured him with a thundercloud above his head, ready for a pour-down whenever something doesn't go as planned. He is a good guy at heart and very caring of the people around him, always putting on the extra work so that everyone is well looked after.

This was a lovely story, there were parts where I couldn't stop smilling. The chemistery between these two is unbelievable and you keep rooting for them. There are so many small moments of misfortune and these characters are constantly drawn to each other without him wanting to. I also really liked the setting of the story, the show Neighbors reminded me of the series Friends, which added a nostalgic touch to it. The furry friends Miles and Bernie were the cherry on top of the cake and added to the authenticity of the story.

(Possible spoiler ahead) I would have loved a slightly different pacing; the romance is introduced very late in the story, and there was plenty of opportunity to introduce it sooner with small meaningful moments. The ending was also a little bit strange in my opinion, regarding how some things were resolved, you will understand when you read it. But oh well, it worked for them and the story. (end of spoiler)

Overall, I really enjoyed it and the author will stay on my radar for future releases. You should definetely pick it up if you enjoy sweet romances without any spice, or if you are new to the genre.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was such a fun, rom-com with a fresh storyline surrounding an enemy to love interest premise. Finn and Lavendar are from the same hometown in England. Over the years, situations have occurred that in Finn's eyes have destroyed his life due to Lavendar (unbeknownst to her!) Finn now has his dream job in the states as a screenwriter for the highest-rated, longest-running sitcoms...which stars his nemesis, Lavendar!

Oh, my! The hilarity of the two and so many puppies and cats and senior citizens. Finn sets his mind to payback Lavendar in negative ways...but he is a good guy at heart which doesn't mix well with his schemes. As Finn secretly plots against Lavendar, nothing goes as planned. Including his feelings!

This was a super sweet, fun story! Looking forward to what is next for this author...

4 stars

I've read and/or listened to several of Melissa Ferguson's books now, after doing one for a library book club (Meet Me in the Margins). This author has a talent for writing fun, interesting stories without the spice (for those that prefer that), but manages to remain interesting for mainstream readers as well. This book delivered on that in the same way her other books have and I'm certain it will be wildly popular with the patrons of my library!

This was fun and I adored the writing style (each character had a distinct voice), but I also felt like there were some gaps that made things a little confusing at times (the transgressions weren’t clearly explained and some of the scenes cut abruptly). The romance also didn’t feel 100% developed unfortunately. Overall though, it was a cute read.

I struggled through the beginning of this book. A grown man keeping a list of grievances against a woman (young girl, really) is a bit absurd. It did get better, but not enough for me to rave about this one.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Melissa Ferguson has written another highly entertaining and enjoyable book that I couldn't put down and simply had to read in one night! I loved both main characters, Finn and Lavender, and that the book was written in dual point of view, crossing between Finn's grumpy thoughts to Lavenders sunshiny outlook on everything. Their dynamic was perfect and kept me guessing as to how far Finn would go in plotting revenge or if he would thaw towards Lavender. The behind the scenes look at the writers room, set and cast of a tv series was interesting too, I enjoyed reading behind the scenes of that industry alot. All up it was a great book that I would recommend and I can't wait to read more by Melissa Ferguson. I received a complimentary copy, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You guys, this book was hilarious. And so original. Two Londoners with a past, unbeknownst it to one of them, wind up on the same set in Hollywood, working on the same show. One loathes the other because of all the problems she’s caused in his life, but the other is adorably oblivious to her hand in upending everything he’s worked for…
I couldn’t help but fall in love these two! Finn is bent on revenge (sorry, payback), and Lavender is just sunshine that you want to hug. I love that this book wasn’t what I initially expected from the author, but throw in a Bernese mountain dog (who stole my heart), some chickens, and endless wit, and you’ve got Melissa’s signature stamp all over it! 👏🏻