I've loved some of Melissa's books in the past but I felt like this one didn't that much up to the hype.
The writing was great as usual but Hollywood romances have always been a hit or miss for me.

The chemistry between the main characters was really amazing! They had this silly banter which was the best part of the plot.

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

This is a very quick read and it’s cute and funny, but it was not my favorite. The concept was great: guy has a list of “grievances” where the girl has made his life difficult or hurt him in some way, they end up working together, and he conspires to get back at her and make her life difficult as well. The execution was just not great. The FMC, Lavender, came off as childish and out of touch with reality (but not in a cute way), and the MMC, Finn, came across as petty and childish as well. I remember thinking, “these people are both adults, right? There’s no way they’re acting like this!” Lavender needed to stop living with her head in the clouds and come back to reality, and Finn needed to grow up and take some responsibility for his actions. They really frustrated me!

The side plots and characters were the best part of the book: I loved the concept of the TV shows the characters were involved with, and I loved Finn’s elderly neighbors and his dog. I did also enjoy the ending and how Finn worked really hard to have everything work out well for Lavender. Unfortunately it just wasn’t enough to save the book for me 🤷🏼‍♀️

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read before pub day! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. HOW TO PLOT A PAYBACK is out now!

I’m a huge Melissa Ferguson fan and always find her books to be cute, funny rom coms. And How to Plot a Payback hit the mark.

I thought the premise was funny, and Finn’s “revenge” was hilarious because he’s just too nice. And Lavender was truly one of the sweetest characters ever.

By the end, I adored them both. But I wasn’t connected to either of them really until 50% in the book.

Also, I listened to the audiobook and the male narrator’s voice for the show exec (I forgot his name already) sounded like Ben Affleck as Batman. And that isn’t a compliment 😅

Either way, I think this one is worth a shot. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the gifted audiobook and e-book!

How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson is a delightful, light-hearted Rom-Com that I thoroughly enjoyed. This was a story I didn’t even know I needed. I read one review for How to Plot a Payback that said this Rom-Com is more Com than Rom, and I agree. This story had me chuckling the whole time. I may have even guffawed out loud once or twice, too. Life has been rather hard lately, and I desperately needed the comedy this story brings. I enjoyed many aspects to this story, but it’s the characters I loved the most. Lavender is a total sunshine personality, and I fully needed her brightness, her joy for life, and her ability to see the good in every person and every situation. Lavender’s character made me feel hopeful and happy. She is the breathe of fresh air I needed this week. Finn is a unique hero because for most of the story he is the anti-hero. Finn’s anti-hero-ness is what makes a lot of this story so funny. Nothing works out for him. He reminds me of Coyote from the classic Roadrunner and Coyote skits from Looney Tunes. I read in some reviews that readers found Finn petty, but I disagree. Finn is frustrated, and for once he just wants his life to go the way he plans. But Lavender keeps unknowingly messing up Finn’s life in BIG ways. After years of this, Finn has become a little obsessed. His reasoning has snapped where Lavender is concerned. Should he be an adult and let bygones be bygones? Sure, but that’s the problem. As soon as he moves on, Lavender strikes again. It is enough to drive him a tad mad, and it’s in these moments that the hilarity ensues. Does Finn grow up and get over himself? Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out. But I can assure you this story ends perfectly.

How to Plot a Payback is a great Rom-Com that I highly recommend. If you’re in the mood to laugh, if you need a silly, delightful escape from our exhausting world, or if you just want a light-hearted read that will make you smile the whole time, then pick up a copy of this story today. You won’t be disappointed you did!

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this cute rom-com about Finn and Lavender. I liked the premise of how Lavender is the arch nemesis of Finn's life and now he finally has the chance for a payback. Of course things go sideways quickly and there are plenty of mix-ups and while Finn would love to blame it all on Lavender, he is starting to realize he may have judged her wrong from the start. This story is full of high-jinx and laughs and Finn and Lavender are characters that you will cheer for. Thank you #NetGalley for my ARC.

How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson is the story of talented screenwriter Finn Masters who finally has the opportunity to seek revenge on starlet Lavender Rhoades. However, Lavender has no idea that she has ruined Finn's life multiple times. Ferguson brings humor to this proximity romance that will leave readers laughing out loud while furiously flipping pages.

Melissa Ferguson’s Stories are so cute and How to Plot a Payback is no different! This story follows Finn and Lavender, Finn is seeking to payback Lavender who has seemingly foiled all of his life’s aspirations since secondary school. His payback does not go off as planned but the story that follows is both heartwarming and fun! This story flowed nicely making it an easy, quick read. The characters were witty and enjoyable with non-repetitive dialogue. I’ll definitely be reading more from Melissa.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this ARC.

Finn Masters has landed his dream job on the hit show Neighbors, but there’s one issue—the show stars, Lavender Rhodes, who has unknowingly been ruining his life since high school. Finn decides to plot a payback, which of course is bound to backfire!

I really enjoyed this heartwarming and fun read, and it delivers all the rom-com vibes! I liked both main protagonists and their relationship development throughout the novel, and well as the TV-set backdrop to the story. Overall, this is perfect for a lighthearted, enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Uplit Reads, and Thomas Nelson for my gifted copy!

I love Melissa Ferguson's books, they are just a feel good delight to read. How to Plot a Payback lives up to her reputation and my expectations.

This story is full of loveable characters, including furry ones, and witty comedic moments. A perfect romcom.

3.5 stars

Her books are so great! I’ve read this one, famous for a living, and meet me in the margins! They’re great lighthearted fun romances! I’ll be reading more of course!

Thanks to netgalley for the e-arc!!

Right up my alley! Cute cute cute! I love the grumpy love troupes and this one didn’t disappoint!! What happens when your dream comes true and someone is there to ruin it for you!! Loved this book and highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher!!

I really loved this story! The characters were really good and had great development. I think this is the best grumpy/sunshine that I have read in a long time. I loved the cast of characters and could read a series about these people! And the cover is perfect for the story! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book? Total obsession! I gobbled it up faster than a bag of popcorn at the movies. Seriously, it's flawless—the characters, the plot, every little detail. It's like hitting the jackpot of awesome reads!

Oh My Goodness! This story is adorable! It leans a little more towards the com side of romcom and I will not complain about that! I loved the misunderstandings, the accidents, and the sort of enemies/friends to more. It left me giggling at several points, while on an airplane. The rom part of the romcom is so sweet and it just adds the perfect amount to the com. The supporting characters add the perfect amount of fun to the story as well. From friends to neighbors to pets, this book is just absolutely delightful, and a fun read anytime!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

With How to Plot a Payback, Melissa Ferguson has delivered another fun rom com. Fans of the grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers tropes will enjoy this one. He is a screenwriter just hired to write for America’s number one sitcom. She is the star of the sitcom. He is holding grudges from the past and decides this is the perfect time for pay back. But he just might end up falling in love instead. This is a clean romance with no content or trigger warnings perfect for those who want a lighthearted read.

I enjoyed reading the new book, How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. This is my honest and personal review. Happy Reading!

I have read the last 4 books by this author and have enjoyed each one of them. The books are always Rom-Coms. How to Plot a Payback leans heavy on the Comedy part of the Rom-Com....to the extent that there really is no conflict to resolve in the story. It is more-or-less the story of how two Brits who have become successful in the US Hollywood television scene, one as an actress, the other as a writer, meet (again) . Turns out Finn has been holding a grudge against Lavender since their UK school days. He seems to blame her for negatively changing the trajectory of his life multiple times. Lavender, however, is beloved by all who know her and now that she and Finn are both working on the same show, Finn's old resentments lead to situations of hilarious attempts at retribution that never seem to go the way he intends. Of course, anyone who has read a previous book by Melissa Ferguson will not be shocked to know this is another feel-good book. If you are looking for a book to read that will make you snicker and will not cause the reader to feel any real stress, this is the one. I liked it a lot.

For years, successful screenwriter Finn Masters has been harbouring major dislike towards Hollywood star, Lavender Rhodes. The pair go way back, when Lavender inadvertently destroyed Finn’s acting career by taking the lead role in their school play, and later ruining his relationship with his former-girlfriend - among other things.
As Finn lands his dream job of writing for sitcom, Neighbors, he’s stuck working with Lavender, the show’s starlet. As the two are forced to work closely together, Finn is determined to not let this woman take another dream from him. In fact, he’s in the perfect position to get a little payback from years of being short changed by Lavender.
This latest novel by Melissa Ferguson is the perfect amount of quirky, cute, with a side of romance. You’ll want to add this to your TBR this Spring/Summer.

Overall I’m giving this book a 3.5.

The beginning was slow and drawn out for me. It really didn’t pull me in right away and it was hard going back forth for the first little bit understanding all the pieces. Once the story got going (thanks to Bernie and Miles) I feel like I really got into it. I feel like it wasn’t until this point that the characters really started to develop and you really had the chance to experience them. I also feel like the plot picked up at this point. Honestly the more I read the more I wanted to keep reading. Now that I’ve finished the book I’d like another book to find out what happens next. I’d definitely be interested in reading more by Melissa and sharing her work with others!

*Title: How to Plot a Payback -a standalone

*Release date: 4-2-24, read:4-9-24

*Author: Melissa Ferguson, never read author for me

*Format: eBook and audiobook

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson & HarperCollins for this ARC & ALC 🩷! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

*Narrator: Fiona Hardingham & Steve West

*Run time: 9:11

*Setting: LA

*Genre: Rom Com, Adult Fic

*Tropes: Dual POV, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, clean romance, slow burn, celebrity, workplace romance, and "You've Got Mail" vibes

*Synopsis: Lavender Rhodes was Finn Masters' nemesis in school in England, but she didn't know it. She ruined his seventeen year old love life and got his part in a school play. That little acting gig kicked off her acting career, while he became a successful screenwriter. She is now on one of the highest rated and longest running sitcoms "Neighbors"- a show he would love to work for. When given the opportunity he's forced to confront his past misconceptions and get to know her.



*Review : The narrators' voices fit the characters with standouts from Finn and Lavender. They complimented each other through their witty banter. The reading style brought the story to life and the pacing flowed easily with the story. The narration and the author were in sync. The narrators paused and announced every time a new chapter came. The book had a table of contents which helped me follow along with the e-book and audio. I loved the wholesome feel with some laughs!

*Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐