Thanks so much to NetGalley for giving me access to this delightful audiobook and digital copy! This is a perfect rom-com, especially for book lovers (readers or writers!) it gives you a glimpse into the—albeit, fictional—publishing world. But most importantly, you fall for these characters. Bryony cracks me up. I laughed and smiled and just felt all the things with her. And her enemies to friends to lovers journey with Jack is beyond adorable. And Amelia is the enemy we all love to hate. Grab this newly released book—in any format you can! You’ll absolutely love this (zero spice) rom com!!

"The Perfect Rom-Com" is a sweet and closed-door romantic comedy about a ghostwriter and her literary agent. Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, and I really enjoyed Bryony and Jack's playful banter. The plot was fun, and I loved that this was a squeaky clean romance. While I liked this book overall, it just didn't stand out to me. There have been a lot of books about books lately, so I was feeling kind of burnt out on the subject. Overall, though, it was a light and quick read, and I will definitely be reading more from the author.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Karissa Vacker. I was so happy to see that she was the narrator, and, as always, she did an amazing job. She really made the story and characters come to life with her incredible storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is like a Hallmark movie in print form, a rom-com writer finds herself in living in one. A perfect meet-cute, laugh at loud banter, and ridiculously adorable romance between the main characters. Highly recommend for a feel-good escape.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson & Melissa Ferguson, for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

There is so much to this book: romance, advocacy & controversy.

Romance: lovely slow burn, forced proximity, banter and respect. Melissa knocked the love story out of the park.

Advocacy: I feel like our heroine's day job, of an ESL teacher- and trying to financially help the ESL school survive- brings so much love, empathy and awareness to our immigrant friends and neighbors. I think this is a great time for this book to be published as many need to be reminded of how rich our lives are with these people in our community. And the valuable work advocacy groups (ESL schools and the like) are doing for these marginalized people.

Controversy: IF you are an avid reader that loves fawning over your beloved authors- this book might be a bit ... uncomfortably thought provoking. (Hello, it's me, avid reader that loves fawning over my beloved authors..and I'm questioning everything.) DM me if we need to start a support group to cope with the reality of ghostwriters.

Narration was just as expected from Karissa Vacker- she's a pro that I will always be happy to see narrating!

While this was an entertaining story with a catchy title, I wouldn’t actually consider it a rom-com but more of a glimpse into what it’s like to be a ghostwriter. The first half of the book follows Bryony as she tries to get a foothold on the writing world for herself as she quickly boosts someone else’s career. The romance between her and Jack seemed to be over as quickly as it started and there wasn’t really any lead up to the romance. The ending fit the story well and I enjoyed this story; I just wanted more of the romance.

I am a big fan of Karissa Vacker as an narrator and she did a fantastic job, as usual.

Melissa Ferguson delivers exactly what the title promises in The Perfect Rom-Com—a witty, heartwarming, and utterly charming love story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. With engaging characters, sparkling chemistry, and a twist that adds depth to the narrative, this novel is a standout in the rom-com genre.

From the very first pages, Ferguson crafts a world filled with humor, heart, and just the right amount of emotional depth. The central couple’s connection is undeniable, with a natural chemistry that leaps off the page. Their interactions are filled with sharp banter, tender moments, and a sense of authenticity that makes their romance both believable and compelling.

What truly sets this book apart is its unexpected twist near the end. Just when the reader thinks they have the story figured out, Ferguson masterfully introduces a surprise that ties everything together, leaving a lasting impression and elevating the novel beyond the standard rom-com formula.

Lighthearted yet meaningful, The Perfect Rom-Com is a joy to read—a feel-good romance that delivers both laughter and heartfelt emotion. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and a perfect balance of humor and heart, this book is a must-read for rom-com lovers.

4.5⭐️s There are so many good moments in this book! Bryony is a mess and I loved every minute of her. Jack is so good!! If you love a man who subtly wins over a woman’s heart through hidden gestures, you’ll love him too.

5⭐️ narration. @karissavacker is amazing. She is very talented to give each character their own voice. I never felt lost in the characters. Truly, every one was given life.

Brief synopsis:
Bryony is a struggling writer. Rejected by countless publishers, she just needs one. One to see the potential in her manuscript. But the more rejection, the more she sees that maybe her work isn’t as polished as it could be. That takes time for her to truly see however. One day, she’s given an opportunity to become a ghost writer. This helps her find great success with selling her books. The only problem, they’re not in her name. It’s hard to keep going when your work is being attributed to someone else. So one day she tries to leave the publishing company, but one particular person can’t let her go.

This book is available now!! Highly recommend it!
Thank you to @netgalley @ourfriendlyfarmhouse @thomasnelson and @harpercollinschristian for the e-arc and advanced listener copy. They are both beautiful works. So happy to have been a part of this books journey. #netgalley #theperfectromcom #melissafergusonauthor #advancedlistenercopy #advancedreadercopy #alcreview #arcreader

I really wanted to like this book. The audiobook narration is fantastic. I love Jack, and the dialogue between him and Bryony is delightful. But Bryony is possibly the most annoying heroine in all of literature. She’s so naive, I don’t know how she manages to cross the street without getting flattened by a truck. Her big plan to save the community center is to write a literary novel? How does she not know that literary novels make no money? Has anyone introduced her to the internet? She’s so out of touch with reality that I can’t help wondering if she’s got some sort of brain injury. DNF ~50%.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Perfect Rom-Com was perfectly hilarious and FUN! Romance, dramatics and stellar characters come together to form this amazing romance!

This story has everything that is wildly attractive about romantic comedies. It was even better than any Hallmark romance because the characters were so well-developed and lovable. There was drama and comedy and swoon, but all at just the right amount.

The audio version of this is one of my favorite audiobooks so far this year. The narrator really brings the characters to life and hilariously acted out the scenes. I would suggest listening to this book, rather then eye-balling it.

The only thing that I didn't love about this book was Bryony's long-distance boyfriend. He felt underdeveloped and like his part in the plot was just thrown in last minute to explain why the two MCs were not together from the beginning. I never understood why Bryony was with him, it was just a bit odd.

This really was exactly the romance I needed and you need it too, even if you don't realize it. I love a book that can balance hilarity with serious, and cozy with romantic. I have loved all of the books I have read by Melissa Ferguson because her writing and storytelling is so great, and this book was no different. All romance lovers need to pick this up as their next read.

📚 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Perfect Rom-Com is a sweet, cheesy story with a snarky FMC. The banter was great with a heartwarming storyline. I enjoyed seeing more of the writing world throughout the book. The story is more about Bryony's journey with a romance subplot. If you need a short palette cleanser, then I would recommend this!

* I was honored to receive an ARC of this audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

What a fun listen!

After attending a writer’s conference in search of an agent for her book, the last thing Bryony could have expected was to land a ghost writing contract for a world famous romance author. But two years later, she finds herself exclusively writing under someone else’s name and best friends with her agent - Jack. However, when their contracts require them to go on a bus tour with the author and her team, Bryony and Jack realise that the line between friends and lovers is pretty blurry.

The writing was witty, the characters were loveable and the subplot of saving the ESL school (The Bridge) gave the story such a heartwarming edge. This is the kind of romance book that you could give to any kind of romance reader and you know they'd love it. I found myself listening to this in any quiet moment I had in my day! Would highly recommend!

Thank you to the author & publishers for this audio ARC.

I don’t know how I feel about this book. There were parts I really liked, but the parts I didn’t I *really* didn’t.

The character of Amelia was so terrible that I actually found it hard to get through parts of the book with a lot of her in it. She was the ultimate rich, selfish, mean girl. I couldn’t stand her and I found even just reading through her sections difficult.

The agent, Jack, lied big time and should have just been honest from the start.

The ending was… I don’t know? A lot.

Giving 3 ⭐️ because it wasn’t all bad and did have characters I really enjoyed but I did find it difficult to finish.

***Five Stars***

This was my second book by Melissa Ferguson, and I loved it just as much as I loved Famous for a Living.

The Perfect Rom-Com follows ESA teacher, and aspiring author, Bryony page. Looking for a way to dig her family business out of a serious lack of funds Bryony decides to write a book about the history of it all. This book ends up being.... way too freaking long and without a serious genre. After being turned down by several agents her quick critique of a much-anticipated release leaves literary agent Jack Sterling impressed. He signs her on to become a ghostwriter for an AWFUL socialite Amelia Benedict, she agrees but only if he will be her agent for her book. We quickly skip over two years' worth of Bryony writing for Amelia and building a life with Jack and her new friends in the company. Now, one fateful tour and one long-time-coming phone call changes everything.

Bryony and Jack's HEA is a sweet one. The way it falls apart and comes back together was so fun to read and Jack really nailed it in the "fix your mess" department. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a sweet and fun, low angst, friends to lovers book. Karissa Vacker made this book with her narration; I would absolutely seek her out as a narrator.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this story.

This was a fun read! I laughed out loud a few times! I enjoyed the audiobook and the narrators. I listened to it in one day! This is my second Melissa Ferguson (Meet Me in the Margins) and although it was different I enjoyed it. I did not see the twist at the end.

Thank you Net Galley, Melissa Ferguson and Harper Collins Christian Publishers for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.

The Perfect Rom-Com is now available.

I really enjoyed reading about possible struggles that new authors could potentially face. However, I do believe that the title is misleading. With a title of The Perfect Rom-Com you would anticipate a book full of light, witty banter. In the first 80 percent of the book there is no romance at all.

I listened to this novel in pub day thanks to NetGalley!
Two things. One, zero spice. Two, prepare to love the supporting characters.
This novel refused to platy by the emotionally ambiguous norm that so many of the current contemporary romance novels do, and I adored that this novel distinguished itself from others in that perspective. We knew at first question where the MCs intentions were.
This lack of “does he like her?” allowed for a deeper conflict to be impactful when you knew both their hearts were in it. This absolutely added weight to the romantic gesture, and allowed it the grandeur deserved.
I was looking for a lighter and soul soothing romance novel, and this absolutely delivered.
Yup. I cried.

This is the perfect rom-com, it was witty, fun and lighthearted. Loved the characters. The friendship between Bryony and Jack that developed after their not so great meeting was hilarious and perfect. Enjoyed reading from beginning to end. The narrator was very upbeat and complemented the tone of book.

4.5 ⭐️
This book was so cute and refreshing! I liked that Bryony had more than one passion with writing, her ESL position/ the school, and her connection to family - and how those all come together within the book she is pitching. Her journey and growth as a character (and over the course of the book as a writer) lead to an entertaining read. - Then of course you have Jack and their romance as Agent x Ghostwriter which was sweet (closed door romance, no spice).
As noted by other reviews, I don’t think the book itself has as much comedy that I would call it a perfect rom-com, but the title does reflect Bryony’s ghostwriting well!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance audiobook of this story. All opinions are my own.

Write what you know.

“This is what this is all about” IYKYK

Happy pub day to The Perfect Rom-Com!

Tore through this one after receiving the ALC and what a fun find this was!

I love a good book about a book/author and this love story had swoon-worthy moments. However, you also experience the growth of Bryony individually and she’s just fun to root for. The ending was wonderful.

I went in totally blind and had never read any Melissa Ferguson but I will be back!

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for an eARC and eALC in exchange for an honest review!

The Perfect Rom Com was such a delight to read! This was my first read from the author and I will definitely be checking out more. Although I guessed the conflict between Jack and Bryony, I was still invested in the story and wanted to see how everything would play out and come together. I loved our FMC’s inner monologue, it really added to her character and helped make her well rounded. I LOVED Jack! He made some dumb choices, but he was so clearly down bad for Bryony from the beginning and I am a sucker for a down bad man.

This is not a problem for me, but I also wanted to let readers know there is no spice in this book. I hate when a book gets low ratings because of the spice level, so just wanted to throw that out there!

I can’t wait to read more from this author!