Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this novel ahead of its release date.

Unfortunately, I did not manage to finish this book on account of struggling to see anyone who seemed like they weren't working against the main character's best interests, including the love interest. As a result of not finishing to see how it resolved, however, I offer this book a middling star rating.

Beyond wants to be a writer so desperately, that she agrees to ghost write. The author she ghost writes for becomes incredibly famous. Of course, the literary agent is Mr wonderful. What’s a girl to do?

The chapters kept me engaged till the very end as the plotline not only focused the romance and sparks between our protagonists but also emphasized on their individual being which made this book more enjoyable. This one was such a fun and quick read 😁 I love to read quick easy breezy and romcom so this came in the perfect time 🤩💅

Both the characters were brilliantly penned down plus the plotline 🤌✨💫 I loved it. I had a great time reading this one.

I was so excited when I saw the cover to Melissa Ferguson's latest. I love Rom-Com's and pretty book covers, so I knew this was going to be great. And I was not wrong: This is quite possibly one of my favorite books of Melissa Ferguson. One of her best dare I say? The chemistry between Bryony and Jack was apparent from the beginning and I enjoyed seeing their friendship and dynamic change over to lovers. My favorite thing about Melissa's writing is she has a gift of writing passionate couples where the love flies off the pages, but keeps it clean at the same time. It is so refreshing and enjoyable. I loved Jack's character and his aesthetic–it was fun to read and paired with Bryony, they made a fantastic duo that never left me bored. Plus the first kiss scene was so cute that I squealed and declared that I want my own Jack.

I pre-ordered the physical book before I even finished because I knew I needed this book in my collection to re-read.

I had a few criticisms though that prevented me from rating it a full five stars:
- I feel like we only get glimpses of characters and not the full story. How is Grans relationship outside of work with Gloria and Bryony? Does she and Jack ever talk about the vulnerable stuff together? What about Jack’s family and hopes and feelings? I love his character but he feels a bit one dimensional due to the fact that he never talks about his past or what got him to where he is. Why did he want to be a publicist? Why does he get a rush of adrenaline when conducting a bidding war for an author? What about Bryony and Gloria’s childhood? Where is their dad? Does her grandma speak another language and if so did Gloria and Bryony know some? (I only ask because my grandpa immigrated to America from Holland and had to learn English, and my mother grew up with Dutch all around her, despite not knowing the language. Even as his granddaughter I know bits and pieces.) I feel like this is a big beautiful puzzle with a few pieces missing to really push it over the finish line to making it great.
- Bryonys relationship is also hardly mentioned. She doesn’t think about him much (which can show how it doesn’t seem to be working and she isn’t all in with it), but there should be some references here and there; more than just a passing thought every ten chapters. I also feel like we should have had a scene of their phone conversation because when they broke up, there wasn’t really a big reason to care and it was almost surprising that she was sad about it. (maybe add a part about how she is surprised that she isn’t torn up about it, and they felt more like penpals than anything.)

Bryony Page is an aspiring author trying to sell her manuscript about her grandmother’s organization. Somehow she becomes a ghostwriter for a popular rom-com novelist.

Only based on the name and cover, I expected the book to be a sweet rom-com, but the romance part was very small.
The book is about Bryony’s journey to becoming an author. I do not think that the plot was realistic, the timeline jumps 2 years and I was disappointed in the way the relationship with Jack was presented. They were basically friends today, dating the next day and broke up a week later.
This was a quick read, but I was not invested in the characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, The Perfect Rom-Com was a bit of a struggle to get through. Right from the start, the pacing felt off. By 9% into the book, we’re still stuck at a conference that drags on with excessive details and over-explanations. This sets the tone for the rest of the story, where every scene seems to take too long. By the halfway point, only a few key things have actually happened. Then, at the end, we’re hit with a big blow-up that’s riddled with plot holes.

The book is marketed as a rom-com, but it doesn’t quite fit the bill. The romance is practically nonexistent, There’s also a lot in the story that doesn’t make sense. For example, everyone in the industry supposedly hates Bryony’s manuscript, and no one wants to publish it. Then, all of a sudden, she’s a super successful author writing “amazing” books? It just doesn’t add up and felt unrealistic.

Character development is lacking as well. The long-distance boyfriend is mentioned maybe twice, clearly an afterthought, with no depth or backstory. Then, when the inevitable breakup happens, it’s followed almost immediately by a date with Jack. He claims they’ve been “dating all along,” they kiss, and the ex-boyfriend is never mentioned again. The romance between Bryony and Jack gets a 1/5 for lack of chemistry and emotional buildup.

Overall, I am disappointed and it was a tough one to finish.

I loved this book! The writing style was perfect and easy to read! This book is perfect for summer time and it was so addictive!

This was a very unique romance! I enjoyed it a lot.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Bryony Page is trying to save her grandmother's organization, The Bridge. In an attempt to raise funds and awareness, Bryony has written a manuscript about her grandmother's life and is trying to get the manuscript published, which has led her to a writers conference. During a last-ditch effort to pitch her book to one of the country's most sought-after agent, Jack Sterling, Bryony leaves the conference not with an offer for her manuscript, but with an offer to ghostwrite for one of Jack's famous authors. While Bryony is surprisingly successful as a ghostwriter and her relationship with Jack grows, she wants and needs more as the Bridge's financial situation has quickly deteriorated.

This was an easy five stars for me. I absolutely loved this book. The writing is sharp and quick-witted. The writing style reminds me of Emily Henry or Abby Jiminez with less spice but with the same wit and easy-to-read style. I found the banter between Bryony and Jack endearing, engaging, and entertaining. I liked Bryony's character, I found her relatable, realistic, and smart. I was invested in the outcome of Bryony's story and kept me reading well past my bedtime. I liked the inside perspective that surrounds the publishing industry, and it was a unique storyline that I have not seen before. I really, really enjoyed this book and will be grabbing some of Melissa Ferguson's other books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Everything about the romance in this story feels just right. The main character, Bryony, is a ghostwriter, while the male lead, Jack, is her agent, so their romance unfolds in a workplace setting. Bryony has a lot on her plate, but she handles everything with remarkable effort, giving it her all. She's an incredibly endearing and lovable character with a great sense of humor. Jack, though a bit different in personality, complements her perfectly, making them an ideal match. The supporting characters also add depth to the story, forming a wonderful found family that enhances the overall charm. While there's no explicit content, the story remains heartwarming and enjoyable from start to finish. I had a great time reading it and would definitely recommend it to others. A five-star read for me!

Thank you @netgalley @ourfriendlyfarmhouse for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I went into this book not expecting to love it—it kind of had that "run-of-the-mill romance novel" vibe. And sure, it didn’t do anything groundbreaking, but I ended up really enjoying it. It was such a fun, quick read, and the characters and the romance totally hooked me. By the end, I even had to blink back a tear, which almost never happens to me with this genre. If you’re into romance, honestly, just read it. You’ll have a great time!

#ThePerfectRomCom #NetGalley

Bryony Page is a writer and wants to publish her first novel. At a writer's conference
she is turned down by several editors. One of the editors, Jack, chases her down and
offers her a proposal to be a ghostwriter for a popular rom-com. Bryony is really good
at being a ghost writer but longs for her own novel to be published. This novel gives
the reader, a look at what it takes to get a book published. I read this book pretty
quickly and really enjoyed it.

This is my first Melissa Ferguson book, and it certainly won’t be the last! This romcom is well-written, has a substantial plot and character depth, and is simply a fun escape. This is higher-quality rom com, perfect for escapism with substance. Thank you to netgalley for giving me an early copy!

Me chirría un poco que un título donde está la palabra "rom-com" no sea exactamente una rom-com, más que nada porque una puede sentirse engañada.

A pesar de esto este libro tiene muy muy buen desarrollo con un personaje masculino más interesante que el femenino (en mi opinión), aún así el crecimiento de ambos me ha parecido realmente fascinante y recomiendo este libro!

I tried so hard to get into this but just could not. I forced myself to read it entirely. The fact that Bryony keeps showing people her manuscripts right from day one everyone hates them, yet her manuscripts for Amelia are fire. It makes no sense. This is definately not a romance in any facet either. Bryony's connection with Jack is friendship even though she hints at feelings it was hard to read an entire book without them both coming together.

Thank you Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wow, I loved this book so much! A fun read with a storyline that felt unique. I really enjoyed the characters and storyline and this one kept me up late to finish it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

The title, The Perfect Romcom is what caught my attention and thinking it was a romance book but after reading I would call it more fiction/women fiction. Things I loved: I loved her passion for her ESL students, support from her best friend hype girl, and the setting of the books publishing world. Things I didn’t like : I miss hearing Jack’s POV so I could feel more chemistry between him and Byrony

Read if you like:

ghost writer & agent

strangers to lovers

finding your voice

strong female friendships

workplace romance

slow burn



Thank you so much Mellissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and Netgalley for the e-book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story is so cute! I loved the characters, though Amelia is awful in the story! Otherwise, I love how the other characters developed as they got to know one another and Bryony grows in her writing. If you are looking for an adorable rom-com, I highly recommend picking this one up!

3.5 Stars

Bryony Page, ESL teacher by day, aspiring author by night, has got herself into an interesting situation. After attending a writing conference and striking out with all other possible agents, desperate Bryony finds herself ghostwriting for Amelia Benedict. Bryony's motivation for agreeing to what feels like the writing relationship version of Cinderella with one of her wicked stepsisters? Agent Jack Sterling has agreed to try to sell Bryony's labor of love behemoth debut novel based on her grandmother's life running The Bridge, a non-profit.

Melissa Ferguson’s ​T​he Perfect Rom-Com was a fun​, easy read and I enjoyed the relationship between Bryony and Jack. Their back-and-forth was snappy and comfortable; they were oil and water but fit. There was a time hop, though, so while you get to see them further into their "you're my person" friendship once they're already close, you don’t get to see​ how the whole relationship develop​ed. Given their closeness, I did become a bit ​frustrated ​with how ​long she held onto her distrust of Jack in the third act. ​But overall Bryony is a likable MC who grows through the course of the story, which is always a draw for me! I loved when her inspiration hit and she figured out a new plan to save The Bridge. And Amelia Benedict--​aka "the evil stepsister"-- is the epitome of the character you love to hate​! Scenes​ with her were some of my favorites!

I always enjoy Melissa Ferguson's books. You'll find a nod to Pennington Publishing from Meet Me in the Margins in The Perfect Rom-Com. And I would agree with other reviewers that this was more "a women's lit with some romance" instead of a true rom-com, but that seemed to line right up with what Bryony's books were like as well! Definitely worth the time for a light read!

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

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Perfect Rom-Com is a story that follows Byrony Page, an aspiring writer, who is on a mission to save her grandmother’s foundation and teaching school. She attends a literary conference in hopes to get her debut novel published, but leaves with a surprising offer from Jack Sterling, a well known literary agent, of becoming a ghostwriter for a popular socialite. Fast-forward two years later, Byrony has had a number of her pieces become best sellers, she and Jack have become best friends, and she’s still no where closer to saving her grandmother’s legacy.

I really enjoyed this book! I personally love any book set in the publishing world (Melissa Ferguson’s other novel Meet Me in the Margins is one of my favorites) and thought this did a really good job of explaining author/ghostwriter/agency/publishing dynamics. I also love a story about friends to lovers—I thought Jack’s infatuation with Byrony was so charming and Byrony’s motivation and drive to do bigger and better things with her writing was something to root for. Each of their interactions and banter were fun and the crazy author, side characters, and the book tour had be engaged the whole time.

Read if you like:
🫶 Friends to lovers
📖 Workplace romance
🚎 Forced proximity
🔥 Slow burn

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley!