What a gem . Maybe one of the best books I have read in 2024 so far . A tear jerker and with funny moments the perfect rom com . Bryony is working at the Bridge her grandmother’s organization where she teaches ESL full-time . When there are no money she believes that the book that she has written which talks about her grandmother dream will help them raise money and save the Bridge . When she meets Jack Sterling literary agent from one of the best agencies her dreams are crushed because he rejects her book , but he offers her the chance to ghost write for the Amelia Benedict .She accepts but only if he becames her agent and she can publish her book . For the next two years all her books are best sellers but the Amelia is very vain and makes a lot of mistakes on her interviews so Bryony has to travel with her to be able to save her from making mistakes . The relationship between her and Jack is more than a writer and an agent while they spent every day together , they eat out together three of four times in a week and he always goes at her bowling games she has with her students from the Bridge . When she learns about a lie Jack told her will she be able to believe him again and even forgive him ? Will she be able to be a publised author with her own name or she will always be a ghostwriter ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

I liked this one! Very cute for fall. This is not a spicy read whatsoever. I enjoyed reading this book and it’s a cozy read. It’s also a very short book which I appreciated.

I’ve read a few Melissa Ferguson books and this one was awful. The premise and cover lured me in, plus the author. Instead, I understand it’s an ARC copy but it was riddled with formatting and typo errors which distracted. The plot takes FOREVER to get into (why is the book conference scene so long?) and the dialogue is immature at best. I was actually shocked at how it was. It’s not cute, fun banter. It’s embarrassing for these two “professionals.” Also, I’m really over the female lead being the one who feels like the only one with something on the line. And is willing to go to any lengths for it and is basically exploited for that. Easy miss for me.

This book didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Bryony, an aspiring author, is passionate about supporting The Bridge, an organization close to her heart that helps immigrants learn English. Hoping to secure an opportunity, she attends a convention—and just when it seems hopeless, she lands a ghostwriting gig for a bestselling author, thanks to her agent, Jack, who also offers to help her with her own manuscript.

The story takes an unexpected two-year jump, skipping over the early moments of Bryony and Jack’s connection, so they already feel like old friends just a few chapters in. Bryony’s frustrations build as she puts in the work as a ghostwriter without her own book making it to publication. Jack’s support turns their relationship into something maybe more, and they share some charming banter, but overall, their connection didn’t feel quite as deep as I’d hoped.

Unfortunately, several plot twists felt hard to overlook, and the slow pacing at the start didn’t pull me in. The book leans more toward women’s fiction than romance, with only one slightly romantic scene halfway through, which left me wanting more sparks. A flashback to Bryony and Jack’s initial meeting might’ve given the beginning a better flow and sense of excitement.

While I appreciated how the story wrapped up, I felt it lacked the strong connection I was hoping for. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I go back and forth between loving Melissa’s books and having them fall flat. This was somewhere in the middle. I just didn’t feel anything for these characters. I didn’t get to know them apart from Bryony. I was expecting more of a romance. It was okay but not her best.

Talk about the perfect rom-com! This book has laugh-out-loud moments, tender romance, and hilarious situations. Poor Bryony has to endure a lot of grief to be a ghostwriter for a popular "author," and the only consolation is time spent with her agent, Jack. Her situation sets the perfect stage for the ensuing antics of a meddling sister, lovable ESL students, and a diva author who wants to be in charge of a writing process she doesn't actually want to put work into. Bryony's struggles were relatable, and I was invested in her journey; I read most of the book in one day. The ending was absolutely perfect.

The Perfect Rom-Com by M. Ferguson, published by Thomas Nelson, is an entertaing rom-com, well written and beautifully thought out. A pleasure reading this book.
Blurb: Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. But after a disastrous pitch session, she stumbles into correcting another author's work in a last-ditch attempt to make a good impression with the agent. And she, as it turns out, is spot on.
No one is more surprised than Bryony when the agent offers her the opportunity to be a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one condition: she'll write books for this vain, demanding woman just as long as Jack Sterling, literary agent of the legendary Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too.
What nobody predicted, however, was that Bryony's books would turn Amelia Benedict into the Amelia Benedict, household name and bestselling author with millions of copies sold around the world.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson
funny medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0

Another cute read about a ghostwriter which is a profession that fascinates me. Overall, I liked the ending but didn’t love the journey. I didn’t feel like rooting for them and jack just seemed shady to me.

The Perfect Rom-Com is...dare I say it? The perfect romcom!

It's sweet & wholesome full of heart and laugh out loud moments! Jack & Byrony had excellent chemistry from the beginning of the book, even when they weren't getting along. And once we finally see their friendship develop on page their banter gave major 'Two Weeks Notice/ vibes - and who doesn't want a Hugh Grant/Sandra Bullock-style in a sweet & clean romance??

The plot with Byrony's ESL students added heart to the story in an unexpected way and brought tears to my eyes more than once. I love that Byrony had a deeper motivation for wanting to publish her book and this in turn gave Jack a deeper motivation to both champion her work and protect her.

Full disclosure - I think this book leans a little more chick lit/women's fiction than a full romcom, but there's plenty of romance & humor along with the rest of the plot!

This was my first book by Melissa Fergusson (I know, I know, what have I been doing all this time??!!) but it definitely won't be my last! Her writing style creates a world for the reader to dive into; and she nails the pacing in every scene. Plus, Jack was pretty gosh darn sweet.... I mean, the watch scene??? How cute was that? (you have to read it to get it!)

Excellent book, I can't wait to read more from Melissa Fergusson - I'd love to seen an extended or bonus epilogue of Jack & Byrony in the distant future!


✨ Spice - kissing only
✨ Language - no swearing or foul language
✨ Slow Burn romance
✨ Enemies to Friends to More
✨ Happy Ending!

2.5

This book started of promising; the first two chapters draw me in and peeked my interest in Bryony, and Jack... but it became confusing at times (specially the two year time jump). One minute she hates Jack, and then we are presented into them being best friends.

As you read you get to understand the dinamic of them and why she stayed on a job she originally didn't want... to get her book published under her name.

While de premise sounds good, it just felt rushed as to how it was executed. The relationship between the two MC also felt rushed... they were friends/collegues (he clearly having fealings for her, she oblivious because she had a boyfriend who lived on the other side of the world); she breakup, they get together... in the timespan of two chapters. I just didn't feel the 'romance' between them.

The only believable thing is how annoying Amelia was, because I geniuly hated her while I was reading. Just like Bryony, I couldn't stand her at all and was sort of glad of how things ended...although it was all too unbelievable... and sudden.

I just wish there were more depth in the characters (specially Jack) and how they developed through the story.

It was a fast read, I finished it in one sitting; light on the romance and if you love stories about writers and the struggles they go through, you may enjoy it.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this copy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC!

3.5 stars rounded up. This was a cute, if slow, story about Bryony Page, who wants to spread the word about her grandmother’s organization, The Bridge. But, rather than being offered a book deal for the story of her grandmother and her legacy, she is asked to be a ghostwriter for a popular rom-com novelist. The story explores Bryony’s journey as a ghostwriter trying to save her grandmother’s organization.

This was an interesting novel as it gives the reader an insider’s view of the publishing world and what it means to be a successful author. I enjoyed this clean romance. The plot moved along surprisingly well with not much conflict or tension. It was somewhat predictable except for the ending.

I absolutely loved The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson! It drew me in from the start with Bryony's character, who’s full of passion and determination but ends up in a hilariously unexpected role as a ghostwriter. I enjoyed following her journey as she navigates the world of publishing and tries to balance her own aspirations while ghostwriting for a famous author. Her relationship with Jack, her literary agent, adds so much charm to the story, especially as he starts to see her for who she really is, beyond just her hidden talents.

The humor and warmth Ferguson brings to the book made me smile and even laugh out loud in several scenes. Bryony’s character felt relatable—her insecurities, hopes, and quirky moments made her so endearing. And the chemistry between her and Jack is subtle yet so satisfying, building naturally amid the chaos of her new life.

Overall, this book is a gem for anyone who loves a clean, wholesome rom-com with both humor and heart. It’s the kind of feel-good story that left me smiling long after I finished reading.

I really loved the blurb and the cover of this story and the title made it seem like a rom-com but it was more about Bryony's individual journey and growth due to which, the romance with Jack was a little less appealing to me. I liked Bryony and was rooting for her but I felt like I barely knew anything about Jack. Their chemistry and banter was good but Jack was kind of manipulative and a liar which was off-putting tbh. I am a romance reader so I didn't quite enjoy the book as much as I expected to because the romance was a sub plot rather than the main focus. The ending was also very abrupt and unbelievable. I think the book had so much potential but the writing and execution fell flat and a lot of things were predictable.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

This guy bought her favorite pens as gifts 😭😭😭

Aspiring author Bryony wanted to help fund her beloved organization, The Bridge, where they taught immigrants the English language. Shooting her shot, she attended a convention and as her hope dwindled, she was offered to be a ghost writer for a best-selling author. The catch: Agent Jack needs to help her with her own manuscript.

Oh wow, I have no expectations going into this book, but I throughly enjoyed my reading experience. Didn't expect that there's a time jump but it's okay considering the plot. I love the author's writing style.

We follow Bryony as she spent two years working as ghost writer and seemingly fed up treated low and not getting enough recognition of her work as her works took off. Jack's with her in her journey, as they became tentative friends and more.

I love their banter and it was nice to see them have a lot of history together that they know each others' facial expressions. I was sad to miss out those early dynamic because of the time jump, so they were already familiar with each other a few chapters in.

However, there's some plot twists/background that I turned a blind eye, that's how good this book is. I can't wait to read more from this author.

3.5 ⭐️

Bryony is looking for an agent to help her find a publisher for her book. She meets Jack (an agent) who isn’t impressed by her book but gives her a chance as a ghostwriter to a popular author. Bryony finds success as a rom-com ghostwriter but it’s not enough to help her Gran save the community center. Bryony has to find another way to get the funding to save the center. I enjoyed following Bryony and Jack’s story and if you enjoy cute rom-coms, definitely check this one out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thanks netgalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for the ARC.

This felt a bit meandering and disjointed, not dissimilar to how her initial manuscript was described. I was very excited by the concept but the execution didn't quite pull it off. Many of the plot devices for Bryony made her seem extremely naive, including a 2+ year intercontinental long distance relationship and her stubborn unwillingness to accept critiques. There were a lot of side characters but none were very well developed.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this book as an Arc reader. I thought the plot of this book seemed exciting but in reality I was very much let down. I feel like the characters weren’t really developed throughout the story whatsoever. I felt like Byrony was quite painful at times and very annoying. I wasn’t very fond of Jacks character either. I didn’t want to root for them to be together. I feel like the story felt rushed but also extremely long at the same time, like the reader gets so much unnecessary details but not about the important parts of the story. I feel like if the plot of the book had been executed better then I would have enjoyed this book a lot more. I’m not one to DNF books but I came close with this one at many times. This is my first book from this author so hopefully Ill enjoy other writings of hers in the future

Bryony Page lives a happy simple life as an ESL teacher. However, the program—started by Bryony's grandmother—is on the brink of financial ruin. In an effort to save the ESL program, Bryony decides to write a novel to raise awareness and to, hopefully, use the funds to revitalize the ESL program. Bryony's one dilemma is how to get her book published. After several failed pitches made during a writers conference, Bryony stumbles upon Jack—the formidable agent from the Foundry Agency—and is offered a once in a life-time opportunity to become the ghost writer for none other than Amelia Benedict, a socialite rom-com best seller. Being a ghost writer wasn't part of her original plan, but Bryony can't pass up the chance to be a novelist. We then follow Bryony's story as she embarks on her journey as a ghost writer and her desire to save her grandmother's ESL program.

I thoroughly enjoyed Melissa Ferguson's ability to craft a believable villain. The tension between the antagonist and protagonist was done well and had enough drama to keep me engaged. I also enjoyed the playful humor between characters and the storyline's focus on the struggles of aspiring writers hoping to break into the publishing industry.

This book reads more like a women's fiction book and not a romance. Most of the plot is focused on Bryony's desire to publish her original manuscript into a novel and the struggles she faces with being a ghost writer. I wish this book was longer! The romance piece could become a more compelling subplot. For me, what keeps this book from getting a higher rating is that there needs to be some additional clarity flushed out with the supporting characters' backstories and motives. It was also challenging at times to grasp Bryony's personality, needs, and desires.

This was such an adorable book and a heartwarming read!
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Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for this digital ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Plot: aspiring author Bryony Page dreams of selling her manuscript, but another opportunity arrives to be a ghostwriter for an incredibly famous author and receive none of the credit.

My thoughts:
Anything Melissa Ferguson writes I will be eager to read. Her books are so wholesome, clean, and plain fun to read. I enjoyed the main characters and their personalities and banter. The story was funny and witty, while still maintaining depth. This wasn't my favorite of Ferguson's, one aspect of the story I didn't enjoy was the miscommunication trope (without giving too much away). However, this book was the perfect, fun gift that ended with a bow wrapped around it.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the review copy!