This book turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The first chapter felt a little long and made it difficult to get into the book but afterwards it was easy to want to see where Jack and Bryony end up. I understand the point of Amelia’s character however she was a little too unlikeable for me and took away from the story at times. Overall pleasant read!

This closed-door romance certainly had some strong elements, but unfortunately, the romance itself didn't quite hit the mark for me. I found myself asking, "Where was the chemistry? The witty banter?" This was my first book by this author, so perhaps this is just her style, but it didn’t quite live up to the "perfect rom com" label for me.

While I won’t be leaving this review on Goodreads, as I’m sure there are plenty of readers who will adore this book, I still want to acknowledge the hard work the author put into it. Sometimes, a book just doesn't resonate with everyone, and that's okay. Reading is a deeply personal experience, and there's always another story waiting to capture our hearts.

This was an okay read! I found it hard to get into this book.

I liked what Bryony stood for, and her passion for both writing and teaching at The Bridge. I liked her and Jack together, although I wish we got to experience their friendship instead of skipping two years. I really liked how much Jack supported Bryony, even though their communication was not the best.

I also wish we got to hear more about Gloria and her beau instead of hearing about it in the epilogue.

I felt like the main character constantly rambled. She provided way too much detail when describing things, I found myself skimming over the large paragraphs. I wasn’t a huge fan of scenes where the reader didn’t get the context until the characters got to that point in the conversation (i.e. when Bryony and Jack were getting food, we knew that they wanted to talk about specific emails, but we didn’t learn what said emails were about until they finally discussed them). This made me feel like the story was being relayed to me as if it was a memory instead of it happening “in real time”, if that makes sense.

I really liked the ending! I was so happy for Bryony! And was so glad to see the wicked witch (Amelia) finally fall. She was the worst.

2.5⭐️ Rounded up!

I received an ARC from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Cute story that sadly did not live up to its title. Where was the romance? Would have enjoyed more between the love interest.

This was such a fun surprise! I adored this book and found the inside look into publishing fascinating. The main character Bryony at the start felt like such a hot mess, but it really turned out SO SO well. This was the perfect book to get me out of a reading slump, the witty dialogue and the sharp characters made it a fun, easy read. I also appreciated the emphasis on teaching non-native English speakers and the story of The Bridge. Loved the little spin at the end too!

Thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the E-ARC! So cute!! Loved the banter & the couple. Also loved that this was a closed-door romance. A good palate cleanser. Will definitely read more from this author.

I'm a Melissa Ferguson stan! Each book is better than the one before - and that is a high bar! A great read.

This is anything but "the perfect rom com". If we are going to be promised enemies to lovers, I want the bits in between. How do we just skip over that like its FINE? It. Is. Not. Fine. Two years where they go from hating each other to best friends but ......... HOW does this happen!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to get mad at the major plot hole.

This was such a fun read! Melissa Ferguson had me chuckling throughout at the witty exchanges between Bryony and Jack, the over-the-top diva "author" was a hoot, and I really enjoyed the whole ESL teacher subplot and the satisfying ending.

I'll be recommending this widely, with the caveat that although there is a will-they-won't-they couple with an HEA in this book, I'd say it's more of a feel-good story that includes some romance than a standard romance novel. If people are looking for something super steamy or that truly focuses on the relationship, this might not be the book for them. Everyone else should dive right in!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication.

This was a super cute friends to lovers romance. I loved that a majority of this was focused on their friendship. I wish the ending had a slightly better wrap up or timing

Another delightful read from Melissa Ferguson! 4.5 stars.

First things first, so everyone’s on the same page, although this book has both romance and comedy, it is NOT a standard rom-com. Very much like the author’s other books, It is more of a chick-lit with a rom-com subplot. This is not a negative to me, I love that there’s more to the story than two people getting together. There’s personal growth and doing good for others. But if you don’t have that understanding going in (especially given the title) you may be disappointed.

Disclaimer given, on to why it’s worth the read!

In short:
💕Reluctant allies meet-cute
👩‍❤️‍👨Friends to more
😍He falls first
👔Workplace romance
📚Book about books

In long:
I loved the dialogue and friendly banter between Jack and Bryony. I think it may be some of the author’s best. I often found myself smiling and laughing in the story, and it was just a delight to read.

😂 One of my favorite snippets of conversation…

“We need to rename our bowling team. I’m going to walk in there and pitch, and I need you to back me up.”
My brow tweaks. “You don’t like Pin Pals?”
“I hate Pin Pals.”
“You don’t think Pin Pals has enough
swagger?”
“The swagger is significantly lacking.”
“Counterproposal?”
“Rolling Thunder.”
“Willing to compromise with Gutterly Ridiculous?”
He gives a sharp head shake. “No.”
“Spare Me the Details?”
“Afraid not.”
“How about Bearly Trying? How cute would that be? Little bears in hats for T-shirts has some real potential.”
“I’ll quit on the spot.”

I loved the more unique aspects of Bryony’s character—her job as an ESL teacher that is so much more than a job, but her passion. Her goal in life to help people and uphold her grandmother’s legacy, even at great sacrifice to herself.

The insight into the world of publishing was as interesting as it was eyeopening. Of course, I don’t know how much of it is fictionalized, but seeing the process and Bryony’s struggle as a new author even though she’s quite talented, was interesting.

The wild ending…no spoilers here, but despite knowing we would get a happy ending (in this case, it holds true to the rom-com standard) I wasn’t exactly sure how it was going to happen. Everything seemed pitted against Bryony, stuck in a world of ghostwriting at the mercy of big publishers. I enjoyed seeing how everything worked out in the end. Was it super realistic? Mmm, maybe not. But it was plausible enough that it didn’t bother me because I found it so entertaining.

The only real downside to this story for me was the third act break up. I get it, they’re common in romance books, but it doesn’t mean I have to like them. I was enjoying Jack and Bryony’s interactions so much that I would’ve rather had more of it than the break just to build tension.

Bottom line: Fans of Melissa Ferguson will enjoy this fun and delightful story. New readers looking for a story with a passionate, good-hearted heroine, some humorous and friendly banter, and a bit of romance to their chick-lit, will enjoy this one.

Content: Squeaky clean. No sex or profanity.

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

The Perfect Rom-Com is a very well written book. I throughly enjoyed the entertaining plot and the characters. I definitely recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. This is my unbiased review.

Just finished reading The Perfect Rom-Com and I am filled with a happy glow. This great story is about Bryony Page becoming an author to save the ESL school her grandmother founded. In her efforts to get published, she falls into a ghostwriter role for a narcissistic and truly horrible celebrity author. The cast of characters is fantastic, with a variety of quirky students, Bryony's kooky but unconditionally supportive sister, wonderful coworkers at her publishers, and of course, the smooth and charming love interest, Jack.

I really loved this story, and while I wish we could have gotten more direct exposure to Bryony and Jack's growing relationship, the way it is related is actually more convincing. Totally clean, but the way the story is told, I didn't miss any spice. I'll definitely be looking for more books from Melissa Ferguson!

Love love loved this book!!! Bryony Page is a force to be reckoned with and I became enamored with her immediately. The dynamics between her as a ghostwriter and those working above her were infuriating and I found myself reading just to know for sure in the end, she’d get everything she deserved. Jack was the perfect knight in shining armor. I wish their romance was more in the moment rather than off the page & narrated as past events, but I still really enjoyed the romance aspect of the book.

this was a sweet read! a good palate cleanser for someone wanting an easy, quick read. thank you to netgalley for the arc! i felt the chemistry was a little lacking and there were choices made for side characters and time skips i didn't quite understand.

This was a wonderful read that had me hooked from the first chapter. The chemistry between Bryony and Jack was off the charts and I loved their relationship and seeing how it progressed. Amelia was the perfect villain and I loved seeing her get what she deserved at the end of the book. Bryony was a wonderful protagonist and felt like someone I would want to be friends with in real life. She had excellent character growth and I loved seeing her realization that her book was not what she thought it was. I can't wait for this book to be out in the world and know I will be continuing to rave about it!

I loved this book!! It was a fun journey to see the behind the scenes of the literary world. I would have loved a little more romance, but overall I thought it was great!

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

This book is such a DELIGHT! I just loved reading the story of Bryony & Jack. Bryony is a teacher by day and aspiring writer by night, trying to get her first book deal (writing as herself) and hoping to make enough money to help save a cause that is important to both her and her family. Unfortunately, she has already penned several “hits” just no one is allowed to know, and those that do are kind of getting in her way for one reason or another, until... I LOVED the ending. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed!!

The Perfect Romcom by Melissa Ferguson is a light, quirky read with plenty of humor and charm. The premise is fun and the characters have some delightful moments, especially the witty exchanges that bring a few laughs. It’s clear that Ferguson knows how to craft a feel-good story.

It feels like the author has given us a quick peek behind the screens on what happens in a publishing industry in addition to presenting us with a wonderful, heart-melting romantic story. The struggles Bryony went through really tugged at my heart and I hoped that the author didn't base any of these of her personal experiences. The way the ESL institute, the backstory, the unrealistic attachment an author has with their first book, the slow friendship turned love track were intertwined together was really mind blowing. A beautiful story with an awesome narration blended with true emotional moments. I just felt the last climax part a wee bit confusing but overall it's a great book. Going with a 4-star.

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