Omg! If winter blues are upon you and you're in need of a pickmeup, run don't walk to get this book. It's th perfect rom com while also conveying a deeper message of how to be the protagonist of your own life and not just sit in the backstage. This was by turns hilarious and tender, light and heartwarming. Couldn't recommend it more!

Bryony Page has written her first novel. But her literary agent says that it's not ready yet. Stubbornly, she thinks it is. In the meantime, Bryony takes on a job as a ghost writer to write rom- coms. Years have passed and still her own book has not published. She decides to act.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My perfect rom-com it was not, but there were some things I really liked about this book and others that I really didn't. The concept for the book was interesting with a look at book publishing and ghostwriting, but despite being what initially drew me to this book, a lot of the book-related content (which was like 75% of the story) just didn't jibe with me. Parts of it really read like "woe is me," which I found off-putting, and the "resolution" to Bryony's ghostwriting dilemma especially didn't sit right for me. I really enjoyed the parts about Bryony's involvement with The Bridge, however, and I almost feel like I would have preferred to read her fictional book than this one. The audiobook narration was average and made for a quick listen.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for gifting me with an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.

The Perfect Rom Com is a warm and heartfelt read, set in the cutthroat world of publishing and ghostwriting.

Despite the title, this read as more than a rom com, more women’s fiction, with the romance being one of a few storyline’s. I loved Briony’s strong and rambunctious character and her experiences navigating the challenges of ghostwriting. Her and Jack’s relationship was a slow burn, but I really enjoyed their witty banter and their occasional run ins. The insights into publishing and ghostwriting were intriguing and made for an excellent bookish backdrop to Jack and Briony’s story. The story was slower to build, but picked up pace in the second half to a sweet and satisfying conclusion - I couldn’t stop grinning.

I enjoyed this both as an audiobook and ebook. Both were great, but I’d recommend the audiobook as a great escapist experience. The narrator did a wonderful job of brining Briony and Jack to life, as well as the full cast of supporting characters.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

5⭐️

This was such a heart warming story. From cheesing to laughing and awing, Melisa Ferguson created the perfect love story.

Bryony Page is hoping to get her manuscript that literary fiction with a touch of magical realism, suspense and somewhat biographical published when she meets the infamous Jack Sterling. Instead, she ends up becoming the ghost writer for 1# best selling author Amelia Benedict. Bryony and Jack are strictly platonic but there’s always been a little something there.

Bryony Page is attending a writers conference hoping to land a deal with her manuscript that she’s hoping to help use to raise awareness for the Bridge, the organization that her grandma runs and where she teaches ESL. After a few failed pitches Bryony lands in from of Jack Sterling , a well known literary agent who doesn’t want her manuscript, but is a different proposal for her. Fast forward two years and Jack and Bryony are best friends and Bryony is the successful ghost writer to one of the biggest names in romance. Even though she has the success, it’s not what Bryony wants. She wants her names on covers of books and her grandmother’s story from her first manuscript out there. Will she ever be able to make that happen or is it just a pipe dream?

I was hooked on this book from the beginning and enjoyed seeing the inner workings of the publishing world and writers conference. I liked the friendship that developed between Jack and Bryony and eventually the romance. The romance between them was pretty mild and seemed more of an after thought to the publishing drama in the story. I do wish the romance had developed a little bit sooner, but I still enjoyed this romance nonetheless. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and found it really easy to get into and I didn’t want to stop listening once I started. This was a cute romance that I really enjoyed, I just wish is wasn’t as much of a slow burn. If you are looking for a cute romance this is a good option.

3.5⭐️

Ah! At first I posted the wrong review! So let’s try this again!

This book was a fun read but had its challenges. I think it was the title of the book as I thought I was getting a RomCom but it’s not. It’s Chick-Lit with a love story that has a HEA.

Has the romance been a bit more balanced and authentic this would have been a Romance novel that I really love as it has depth. However, the long Monologues of exposition made me a bit disconnected despite enjoying the subject matter.
Perfect Rom Com? Not really as it wasn’t very funny but it is a book that I think many that enjoy cheeky women’s fiction will enjoy.
The narrator Karissa Vacker on the other hand did a wonderful job with the narration! Perfect pacing and tone for this type of book.

I am thankful to have gotten the ALC for free from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
The Perfect Rom-Com was a cute story about Bryony, an aspiring author, and Jack, a literary agent who convinces her to come on as a ghost writer for one of his most popular and difficult clients. Over the course of two years, bryony writes banger after banger for the wildly popular author Amelia Benedict, but she’s dying to have her passion project published under her own name. Her and Jack have become best friends in that time, but both are in relationships so things stay strictly platonic. It’s not until they’re both forced to accompany Amelia on a press tour and Bryony is dumped by her long term and long distance boyfriend that any of their well tamped down feelings rise to the surface.

All in all I thought this was a cute book. NOT a lot happened and it was pretty slow moving, but I really enjoyed the way the main characters interacted. The narrator, Karissa Vacker, is one of my favorites, too. This didn’t knock my socks off or anything, but it was a fun listen.

3.5⭐️

Thank you very much to the author and netgalley for allowing me to receive an ARC audiobook of this novel. This book was so much fun to listen to! The narrator was absolutely amazing.

I absolutely loved the ending🙌🙌 I wish there was more romance in this book but I absolutely understand why there wasn’t!

Tropes
Author and literary agent
Romantic comedy
Ghostwriter
Contemporary romance

4⭐️ 0🌶️

Absolutely obsessed. The narration was perfection, the story was like a warm hug and hilarious. The dynamic between Byrony and Jack was a great example of a work marriage that turned into real feelings

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me not only read this book but also listen to it as an audiobook. The audiobook was great, wonderful narrators, enjoyed both listening and read this book. This light and charming slow-burn romance blends humor, heart, and a touch of workplace drama. Bryony Page is first rejected by Jack Sterling when she tries to get him to be her agent for her novel. Jack claims her novel is too long and won't sell with its multi-ropes. Bryony makes a bold move and walks back into Sterling's office to try again with her novel. Jack decided to give Bryony a chance as a ghostwriter crafting bestselling novels for renowned author Amelia Benedict. Bryony is a huge success, but no one knows it her and she gets zero credit for her work. The “Agent x Author” and “Forced Proximity” tropes add a delightful tension, as Bryony and Jack find themselves working in increasingly close quarters. Jack sees past Bryony’s modest demeanor, and their romance unfolds through subtle yet electrifying moments—stolen glances, lingering touches, and a slow realization that their bond is more than just professional.

With elements of strangers-to-lovers, career-driven challenges, and relatable self-doubt, this novel is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Bryony’s transformation from ghostwriter to recognizing her own worth adds emotional depth, making it more than just a sweet workplace romance.

As a frequent listener of audiobooks, it's not uncommon for me to space out during a book and miss chunks of what was happening. This was NOT the case with The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson. I became invested in Bryony Page's journey to bcoming a published author from the very beginning and the book held my attention throughout. I also loved the behind the scenes of the publishing industry feel. I did feel, however, that I needed to suspend reality to believe how some of the scenes played out. Miscommunication between the MCs is one of my least favorite plot lines in a romance - but it didn't affect my opinion of this book. Fun, fast read!

For fans of: Linda Holmes, Katherine Center, and Lynn Painter

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for this ALC.

The Perfect Rom-Com is another enjoyable rom-com from Melissa Ferguson. I always expect her books to be light reads/listens and this book does not disappoint.

What I loved:
•The romance wasn’t the entire story. I love that we see their relationship come together mid-book.
•He falls first. The sister and friends recognizing Jack’s feelings before Briony was precious and a great way to introduce the romance.
•Good banter
•Tons of heart- the school storyline adds important purpose to the novel
•FMC taking life into her own hands. I love a strong character and Briony found her strength, even if it was misguided.

Karissa Vacker’s narration was great. Her voices, even the accents were very well done. The production was very clear and easy to listen to. I would definitely listen to more books that she narrates.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Perfect Rom-Com
Author: Melissa Ferguson

Thank you so much Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishing & Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC! This was my favorite romcom of the year so far. Absolutely loved it. An aspiring author tries to pitch her book to an agent and ends up being asked to be the ghost writer for another romance author. Two years later, she is fed up and sick of it, especially since the romance author she is writing for is insufferable. However, she has made the romance author even more famous over the years she spent writing for her, and the agency can’t let her go, and her agent who has developed feelings for her can’t either. This book was super sweet and funny. I loved reading our FMCs struggles with trying to get published. Her relationship with the agent was sweet, and I loved seeing how infatuated with her he seemed to be, even after patiently waiting for her the entire two years of working together. I wish it was longer, and I definitely want to read more of Melissa’s books! Adored it.

This started out so good. The meeting, the friendship, the obviousness that he was into her and then they just get together, we have the third act breakup, and the makeup. I wish there had been more time spent on the lead up to their romantic relationship. More tension and build up rather than she’s single, they go to dinner, and wam they’re together.

A romance novel between main characters working in the literary business is going to do it for me every single time! Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for sending me an arc. I literally couldn't put this down (or in this case, listening to) this book down. The pining... the love confession... it was all so perfect. That being said, I have to mark this book down plainly because I wasn't clear on the miscommunication manifested into the ending. That may be a personal issue, which I will be reviewing in a reread soon.

**Book Review: *The Perfect Rom-Com* by Melissa Ferguson (4⭐️)**

*The Perfect Rom-Com* by Melissa Ferguson is a witty, heartwarming, and fast-paced story that delivers both laughs and genuine emotion. The plot follows Bryony Page, an ESL teacher with dreams of publishing a book, who meets a literary agent, Jack, at a book event. Over the course of the next two years, their relationship evolves from a professional working dynamic into a meaningful friendship, and eventually, a slow-burn romance.

What stands out in this novel is the development of the characters' friendship before the romance takes center stage. Jack’s support for Bryony—especially when he helps her land a ghostwriting gig with a self-absorbed author—shows how much he values her, even before their romantic connection takes root. My favorite part of the story, though, was seeing how Jack made an effort to connect with Bryony’s students, which added depth to their bond and made their relationship feel authentic.

The romance unfolds gradually, which makes it all the more satisfying when the characters finally realize their feelings for each other. The chemistry between Bryony and Jack is undeniable, but it’s their friendship that truly carries the emotional weight of the story.

Overall, *The Perfect Rom-Com* is a delightful, feel-good read that mixes humor with heartfelt moments. It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone looking for a romance that’s as heartwarming as it is fun. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by Melissa Ferguson in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book was cute! I have never read anything by this author so I went in blind! This was definitely a slow burn romance that was also closed door, which isn’t my typical style! I liked the banter throughout. The audiobook was nice! The narrator had a nice voice

The Perfect Rom-Com is full of heart, humor, and wit. The slow burn romance between Jack and Bryony was sweet. I loved the banter between these two and watching as their friendship grew to more. While I would have liked to see the two years that were skipped, I can appreciate the author's need to jump ahead for the storyline to work.
I enjoyed the insider's perspective of the literary world, especially in regards to the use of ghostwriters. Although, I admit to being extremely frustrated on Bryony's behalf more than once.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy closed door Rom-Coms.

After reading, I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and let me tell you, if this is your preferred method of reading you won't be disappointed. Narrator Karissa Vacker does an excellent job of bringing this story to life. She was engaging and did and excellent job of narrating both the female and male voices.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC/ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness! I loved this book SO much! I connected with this story on several levels. First off, this was a super sweet, clean romance that still had all of the wonderful, intense connections. I would 100% encourage my high school daughter to listen to or read this book without any hesitation! Second, this is a book about books! What avid reader doesn't love that infused into a novel? Finally, as an educator myself, the overlay for a passion of teaching an underserved population resonated with me on such a deep level. This was a 5-star read for me as I don't know that there is any other book like this one out there and I wish there were more! Regarding audio/narration: single narrator (female) did an excellent job with both the male/female voices. *I received a audio complimentary copy from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.