Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson.

This is the second book from this author that I have enjoyed reading.

Bryony Page is an inspiring author on a mission to publish her literary-magical realism-historical fiction-nonfiction memoir with a dash of mystery. The book revolves around her grandmother's life and organization The Bridge. Bryony is trying to save The Bridge which is struggling financially. She loves teaching others English and giving them the confidence to support their families.

Unfortunately, her book is about 70,000 words too long and needs a lot of work. Bryony ends up becoming a ghostwriter for the Best-Selling Author Amelia Benedict. The problem is that the lady she writes for doesn't read her books before going on tour. Amelia just wants to go on the road and be treated like a queen...which ends of backfiring when she continues to answer questions about the books incorrectly.

This book follows Bryony through her struggles of being a ghostwriter, trying to raise awareness for The Bridge and wanting to be a published author. There were so many laugh out loud moments. You will enjoy this quick fun read.

3.5 stars.

I really did like the main characters and the story itself was so in line with my interests.

I didn’t get super hooked until a little bit in, but then I had too much hope for those two crazy kids to not keep reading to see where it all ended up.

If you like will-they-won’t-they coworker stories, books about bookish people, growth and drama and some PG-rated tingle material, this is for you.

what a lovely read! this is my first read by this author and im excited to dive into more books by them. likeable characters, interesting plot and well thought out message. i would rate this 4/5 only for the fact that it didnt capture my attention as quickly as i wouldve liked

Melissa Ferguson delivers exactly what the title promises with The Perfect Rom-Com! This story is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and undeniable charm. The quirky characters and clever plot twists keep you smiling from start to finish. Ferguson's writing brings all the feels, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with sweet, heartfelt romance. If you’re looking for a feel-good, lighthearted read that nails the rom-com vibes, this is it!

4.25⭐
(No Spice)

.Workplace
.Forced proximity
.Always been you
.He falls first
.Set in the literary world

I picked up this book expecting a fun, lighthearted rom-com (the title definitely suggested that), but it turned out to be something a little bit different. I'd say it's closer to contemporary or women's fiction, with romance taking a backseat. But honestly, I'm not even mad about it. Surprised, yes, but not mad. And I'm a romance reader.

The story hooked me right from the start, so much so that I ate it up in one sitting on a long flight from Japan to Italy. Who knew the literary world could be this interesting? The behind-the-scenes look into it all made me think differently about what goes into the books I love. The characters felt incredibly real and complex. And the banter between Bryony and Jack had such fun, sharp dialogue that I couldn’t get enough of. Plus, her moments with her students were for sure a highlight and I bet they were inspired by real-life situations. The little lost-in-translation scenes were adorable.

Bryony is exactly the type of FMC I love, strong, independent, but warm and caring. I loved Jack’s pursuit of her and how she had no idea he was even interested at first. He might seem like a bit of a grump (and okay, a bit of an ass at the start), but you quickly see his softer side with Bryony. He’s funny, competent, and best of all, not selfish. Oh, and bonus points because he’s the one who falls first and HARD.

Even though I usually like a bit of spice in my romances, I didn’t miss it here. Would I have liked some? Sure. But the book worked perfectly without it, and I don’t feel like I lost anything.

Overall, this was such a lovely surprise, and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves. The way it highlights language learning and cultural adaptation felt super relatable to me as someone living abroad. It’s definitely worth the read.

Call me crazy but isn’t the whole point of a romcom to see a budding romance from start to finish? The two year jump makes absolutely no sense. The FL points out they became best friends during that time. That’s kind of important information I think we would all like to know about especially because the ML Jack was manipulative and unlikeable the whole book. If we got a glimpse into a little bit of the past maybe his character could have grown on me. There was no build up or chemistry with the two leads which made this book sadly flat for me.

2.5 stars because I liked the plot of the book and a deeper inside look into publishing.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson had me squealing and kicking my feet numerous times. Comedic perfection, and clean but tension-filled romance.

From Bryony and Jack’s first, unrestrained meeting, this story captured my full attention. And you guys…it just kept getting better from there. The flirty banter, the push & pull between the two of them, the pursuit, and my goodness, the ending! 5/5 stars!

I do not want to list the tropes for this one, because I feel like the less you know ahead of time, the better. I was pleasantly surprised by several parts/tropes, and it just made the reading experience that much better. Jack Sterling quickly became one of my top favorite MMCs and Bryony was incredibly relatable. I consumed The Perfect Rom-Com so fast and wanted to immediately wanted to read it again. Absolutely re-read worthy – it is just that good!

I can’t get over how Melissa Ferguson never fails to top her last book. They just keep getting better. I’m usually a Kindle Unlimited and library girlie, but this is one I’ll be purchasing as soon as it is released. Make sure to preorder The Perfect Rom-Com!

Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: None

Thank you to the author, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I adored this book! I love the MMC and the friendship he had with the MFC. I love the character development, the writing and the other all plot. I was so happy with the ending. I have written a book and really related with the MFC with her publishing journey and experiencing so much rejection in the publishing world and with agents. I will definitely be buying and recommending this book to all my friends.

Either i am getting too old for romance or i read too many romance to find anything new. Most romance seems same to me! Whyyyy!

I didn’t hate the book, at this point that's the important part. I loved how both characters grow with each other. I loved the friendship part. But i did find the male protagonist, Jack a bit.... manipulating. But he was absolute adore to our female protagonist, Bryony. That's what important, right?

OMG THIS BOOK 😍 this book had me feeling all the emotions as I was reading it. I was laughing along with the inner monologue of the FMC, the ending with the students had me crying, the banter between the MCs had me wishing they would get together sooner. I had to attend plenty of ESL classes during my childhood and seeing institutions like The Bridge represented in a positive light (instead of just another welfare program) makes me very happy.

My only gripe was that I wish some of the relationship building in those two years would have been shown more in the story vs just fast forwarding us two years and telling us that they’re bffs now.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a complimentary copy of this book.

This was short and sweet. Personally, not a huge fan. We skipped over two years where the relationship between the MC goes from hate to friendship. Then goes from friends to dating. But there was no build up or chemistry.

The ending also felt very unrealistic and far fetched.

This was a quick read (some scenes dragged on imo like the dinner scene). I don’t think the romance was developed enough it rather seemed to come out of nowhere for me. There were some funny bits in here but they could not make up for the cringe I felt… I think the romance needs to be developed/ reworked and this could work way better. I’m actually a fan of this books about books thing and I think the ghostwriter idea is interesting…


I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Light and frothy. The ending reminded me of the Singing in the Rain ending. Suspend belief and settle in for a behind the scenes look at publishing with a whisper of romance. It fits the bill for a beach or cruise read.

2.75-3 stars.
Look okay - it was fine. Nothing spectacular, but cute, fun and short. Oh so short. Literally when I telly you the PDF was 304 pages with big ish text.
Was it The Perfect Rom-Com? No. Far from it.
But it was cute.
The problems I have with it:
-Timing - we skipped the 2 years in which the characters go from hating each other to best friends, basically the entire relationship buildup. It went from hate, to friends, to dating. With no detail about the hate to friends except in tiny flashbacks.
-The ending - you can't tell me that nobody would be suing at the end of this. Read and you'll find out but genuinely the plot holes were massive. It was genuinely kind of distracting tbh
-The characters felt a bit empty in places.

Recommend if you're looking for a short fun book to not obsess over but kind of a palette cleanser yk.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc.

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

Melissa Ferguson has outdone herself on this one. This book is heartwarming, thoughtful, and absolutely delightful to read. This is a romance book with amazing characters- with depth! You will care and root for each and every person (except Amelia, for obvious reasons.) In a world of romcoms, it is hard to be original, but this book has done it. 5/5 stars. Honestly, the best book yet from Melissa Ferguson.

Can’t recommend this enough!

I enjoyed it, but not my favorite. A very cozy read that is easy to follow if you’re looking for a light read. Could’ve used some more excitement and a little less predictability, but overall well written and entertaining.
The banter between characters was written well. I didn’t expect Jack to have the ability to be charming but he did and did it well! Bryony’s character development was wonderful and I’m so glad she found herself in the end.

I have to say I enjoyed the book, especially the banter which is witty and funny. According to me romance is really a subplot in the story and it is more about Byrony's journey of learning to standing up for herself. I did not like the male lead (Jack) as such, he is mysterious and at times manipulative however affectionate towards Byrony.

I do love bookish books and I’m really thankful for this opportunity to read this one… but it felt like a mix of every bookish romances already existing.
Maybe it wasn’t the right time for me to read it?
I’ll give it another try before its release to see if I changed my mind.

“I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own” thank you to NetGalley as well.

I don’t even have a review. I didnt really like this book.. plus half way in and Jack is was really getting me upset.. and what is even happening because I don’t understand at all.. I’m confused with these chapters and the 2 year time jump???? I guess this one was not a win for me.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the chance to read this book early in exchange for an honest review!

This book was very...bland. I wasn't particularly invested in Bryony's arc - mainly because it felt like all the development this character would have would be in the prologue - and I wasn't given enough reasons to think Jack was a good enough MMC for me to care whether they stayed together or not. And, to be fair, it didn't even feel like I was supposed to care. They kinda just fell into a relationship where Jack informs Bryony he had been dating her for years, even if she was dating someone else (I do understand where he was coming from, but it just sounded odd to me) and we are told Bryony is suddenly in love with this man and we are given absolutely no romantic scenes, no angsty reveal, <i>nothing</i> to actually remind us that we are, in fact, reading a rom-com.

At this point, I was so uninterested in this book that the whole 3rd act breakup and following reconciliation did absolutely nothing for me.