The Perfect Rom-Com

This book is an absolute delight! With witty banter, a touch of romance, and a fascinating look behind the literary curtain, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a feel-good story.

An ESL teacher at a small, struggling organization called The Bridge takes it within herself to write the perfect novel of how the organization came about. In order to save it from years of dwindling funds, budget cuts, and fading grants, she attends a writers conference to get someone to take it on. In her exuberance, she covers multiple genres, writes almost 150,000 words (twice the industry norm), and tries her best to pitch it to publishers at a convention to vast disinterest.

She meets with her last chance, a ruthless top of the line publisher who doesn't want to be there, and he dismisses her within 5 minutes. She stubbornly stands up for her work, and in a moment of challenge, he tasks her to find fault in a wildly successful authors book he has on his laptop. She reads it and, in sheer desperation, tells the truth. All of it is wrong. It's shoddy writing and awful, and she details what needs to change, tosses her business cards at him, and walks away in tears.

Little does she know this is the start to an entire new chapter of her life as a ghostwriter, forever on the hook to wait for her own work to see the light of day.

******

I greedily devoured this book in one sitting. I've never read this authors work before, but I was charmed by her characters before the end of the first chapter.

Seeing the friendship with Jack in its full blossom as she becomes a ghost writer for his horrendous client was entertaining. I could empathize with watching her describe the push and pull of being a peace keeper and pushover, and fighting her own bitterness of her work being credited to an awful person who doesn't care about it. The entire time, quietly being told, staying in the shadows suits her perfectly fine and to carry on while she pushes it down.

There are nods to Jack keeping a secret, being a master at manipulation, but also being deeply affectionate for her. Seeing the juxtaposition of her own long-distance partner who she hasn't seen in years being a neutral force and not present for her life. Yet Jack being an openly manipulative and convincing force, twisting and turning his words and her perception, yet being there for every moment was so oddly satisfying. He was never presented as the hero, and she never really regarded him as such, which made his actions stand out so much stronger than his words. He eventually works his way into her heart, and she convinces herself this is friendship, for it all to fall apart with massive lies and betrayal.

This book made me so genuinely root for the lead, and I loved it when we slipped into Bryony's eyes and saw the world around her in her author voice. It makes you wish you could read the books she details with so much emotion and description. You could feel the fourth wall of the author herself describing her love of books and characters and descriptors, and it made this such a warm read.

Seeing Bryony sacrifice her joy and work and all that was important to her for a last hurrah, and then to have that perfect conclusion? Exactly what made this book 5 stars for me.

There honestly isn't a single part of this that I could find glaring fault with. It was a cozy read, with interesting characters and a sweet friendship and love that wasn't overly saccharine. I'd recommend this to anyone who needs to break their way out of a reading slump and find the joy of a good book again!

*******

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing - for the digital ARC copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this rom com about a rom com ghostwriter. Bryony's emotional development mirrored that of her writing development which I thought was a great parallel. I wish there had been a touch more backstory to Amelia as a character, but the other side characters were a big add to the story, especially the assistant. As a love interest, Jack was both a good friend and also a champion of Bryony's writing!

A sweet romance about an author and her secret

Bryony Page is dreaming of publishing her own book. But since none of the agents will accept her lengthy manuscript, she accepts an offer to ghostwrite for one of the biggest romance authors in the genre. While getting closer to her agent Jack, she doesn't lose sight of her original goal of releasing a semi-biographical novel that could well save her Grandmother's ESL school.

I breezed through this book! The dialogue is snappy, the protagonist stubborn but very likeable and the love interest a perfect friends-to-lovers hero. The book is on the shorter side but does not have a dull moment. Melissa Ferguson crafts very memorable characters and while she is not big on descriptions, she makes the bits count. This book is funny, serious, frustrating and rewarding!

I am not sure about the publishing interna, but would be happy to recommend this even to people who know the industry a little more intimately.
There are some elements that are a little bit far fetched and a few characterisations that felt very over-the-top but overall, this book is a fantastic read for romance lovers, aspiring writers and people looking to see that their antagonists get what they deserve. Because all's fair in love and business..

So, so, so good! Devourable! "The Perfect Rom-Com" by Melissa Ferguson kept me turning pages all night long. All the feels, drama, laughs and depth that you're looking for.

Ferguson's protagonist, Bryony Page, whose journey from aspiring author to secret ghostwriter is both inspiring and entertaining. Her dedication to her grandmother's ESL program adds depth to her character, making her instantly endearing to readers.

The author's keen understanding of the publishing industry shines through in the vivid descriptions of writers' conferences and the intricacies of book deals. This insider's perspective adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story, making it a must-read for both romance enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike.

The chemistry between Bryony and Jack Sterling, the literary agent, is palpable and electric.

Ferguson's writing style is crisp, witty, and engaging.

In short, Melissa Ferguson has penned a winner with "The Perfect Rom-Com." It's a book that deserves a place on every romance lover's shelf. Highly recommended!

THE PERFECT ROM-COM by MELISSA FERGUSON is an enjoyable read with unforgettable characters, witty dialogue and the author’s great insight into her characters’ emotions. There were times when I laughed out loud and others when I was close to tears!
The story starts with Bryony Page at the last day of a writer’s conference where she desperately wants to encourage one of the agents to take on a manuscript that she has been working on for two years. She is emotional about the story about her grandmother and the school for immigrants that she started and where Bryony teaches English. The school has run out of funds and she hopes her book will create an interest and bring in investors to keep the school going. She has two chances of trying to persuade Jack Sterling to take her book, but he has other ideas for her literary career ……
Other interesting characters are Bryony’s intensely loyal, incredibly amusing, court reporter sister, Gloria, the foreign students with their loyalty and interesting English, and the narcissistic Amelia Benedict, to name a few.
i am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you.
I highly recommend this “perfect rom-com” which I found quite inspirational as well as hilariously amusing.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Such a fun book! I devoured it and enjoyed every minute. Get ready to jump into the world of publishing with all of its quirks and behind-the-scenes drama. Bryony Page, rom-com ghostwriter, ultimately finds her own success in more ways than one. Highly recommended.

When Melissa's newsletter mentioned a new book, I could not wait to read it! I have enjoyed all her books so far and knew this one would not disappoint. I inspected Netgalley every other day in fear of missing out on the advanced copy. When it finally appeared and I was thankfully approved, I immediately downloaded it and jumped right in. That opening sentence - It was a dark and stormy night - is such an epic first line. Its fame in the literary world, and familiarity amongst my little family, brought a contented smile to my face.

The Perfect Rom-Com follows Bryony (such a lovely and unique name!) and her journey into becoming an author, albeit as a ghostwriter. It is such a fun read, yet filled with meaningful moments too. The history and motivation behind Bryony's story is deeply touching. The author shares some interesting terms used in the publishing world, ghostwriter being the most intriguing.

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

'The Perfect Rom-Com' is a wildly entertaining romance novel about 2 workaholics in the publishing industry with a nightmare celebrity. Bryony Page is the kind of lead you can root for: honest, compassionate, a bit insecure, and whose passion is to save a nonprofit that helps refugees/immigrants. Jack Sterling, her boss, is a morally complex character for much of the novel, yet his pining after Bryony was so sweet and thoughtful. Though I am not a writer, I liked taking a peek behind the curtain into the world of ghostwriting, the woes of first-time writers, and other industry drama.

If you enjoy reading clean contemporary romance novels, then I recommend this book to you!

Special thanks to the Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Okay, I loved this one! The Perfect Rom-Com has Two Weeks Notice vibes but make it bookish, and I absolutely devoured this as a beach read! The dynamic between Jack and Bryony worked so well! It was a subtle romance done in the best way!

(My only complaint is I still have no idea how to pronounce the heroine's name. HA!)

Honestly, this author's books are a little hit-or-miss for me, but this one is my new favorite! I could see myself rereading for sure.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a hard one to put down. And when I did, I kept thinking about it and had to pick it back up! I had a stupid grin on my face half the time I was reading it. I adored the characters and now I have a book crush on Jack. It wasn’t sappy, smutty or full of angsty misunderstandings for which I am grateful. Ferguson is the Queen of contemporary romance. I love all of her books. Write on Ms. Ferguson!

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

First of all, can we talk about that beautiful cover? Prepare to be even more hooked when you open it! This was a cozy, witty, lovely Rom-Com.

Bryony Page has a wild ride trying to navigate the publishing world!

Bryony, an aspiring author and all-around dream chaser, heads to her first-ever writers' conference, hoping to sell her manuscript. Things take a turn when her pitch completely bombs, but she ends up saving the day by correcting someone else's work and impressing a big-shot agent, Jack.

Next thing you know, she’s got an offer to ghostwrite for the Amelia Benedict, a famous rom-com author.

I loved this book!

It’s got that perfect slow-burn romance which is my favorite!

Bryony’s journey through the cutthroat publishing world was fascinating, but watching her grow as a person and fall for Jack? The best!

If you’re into slow-burn romances, you’re going to adore this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for this ARC.

I want to give this book 50 stars!!!!! I'm not even completely finished with it yet, but chapter 13 and 14 are some of the best stuff I have EVER. Read in my entire rom com reading life. When I tell you I literally stopped and did a silent squeal and got my hand repeatedly on the bed in glee. My goodness!!!! THAT IS LOVE. I am unwell In the best possible way. This for sure is going to be a re read for me and go on my top ten fave romance books. I am deceased in a puddle of ooey gooey Lord please give me a love like that bliss.

Aspiring writer Bryony has a double dream- to get published, and to save the non-profit where she teaches ESL classes to immigrants and refugees.

She’s penned a book about the history of the organization and hopes that by selling it she can raise the money to keep the center afloat. Despite facing numerous rejections, Bryony remains determined and optimistic. Then she meets notoriously difficult literary agent Jack who presents her with an unexpected opportunity: to be a ghostwriter for a big-name romcom author. Bryony agrees, under the condition that Jack will also represent her own book.

Over the years, their professional relationship blossoms into a close friendship, but Bryony becomes increasingly frustrated writing for someone else's fame and glory, while her own novel remains unpublished, all while the threat of her beloved community center's closure looms ever closer. When Bryony attends a promotional tour with the obnoxious author she writes for, Jack tags along and their bond turns from platonic to romantic. However Jack has been harboring secrets that jeopardize their newfound relationship and Bryony’s dreams.

This slowburn romcom is full of fun banter, loveable characters, community and family connections, and most of all, heart.

This story has the perfect name, as it is hands down the perfect rom-com. (Can I give it more than 5 stars?!)

Melissa Ferguson has a way with words to bring you all the feelings for these characters. The little insights into the worlds we are not a part of like the publishing industry are so thoroughly explained and handled that anyone can understand and follow along, and root for these fake people! I am so happy with the ending, it was the perfect bow on the great journey. I will indeed need to grab a copy of this when it is released! NO NOTES

Thoughts while Reading:
September 6, 2024 –
25.0% "At Chapter 5 and this is amazing already. The timeline is perfect, the banter is great. I truly enjoy every Melissa Ferguson book I read."

Do yourself a favor and get this book whenever you can. It needs to be read and shared.

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

I must say this book was written perfectly and had me hooked from the first chapter all the way to the epilogue. Even the pace that this book went set the tone for how everything should pan out and left you wanting more every chapter. Im just so proud of Bryony and everything that she was able to accomplish throughout her journey of this book.

This book had the heartwarming, fun vibe with lovable characters and witty dialogue that kept me hooked the whole time. Bryony and Jack’s friends-to-lovers romance gave me all the feels, and the blend of humor and emotion was spot on. I have to give so much praise to the author for her incredible style, story, and characters! This book was an absolute joy to read, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Melissa Ferguson is a new to me author and this will NOT be the last time I read her books. She did not disappoint! I loved this book sooo much! Off to go see what else I can read from Melissa now.

5 stars!
I could not put this book down. This was such a cute and fun read!





Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I know before I turn the first page of a book written by Melissa Ferguson, that I will love it, and that I must allow plenty of reading time, since most likely it will be difficult to put down. So very true for this delightful story.
Bryony works at The Bridge, fulltime, teaching English as a Second Language. Her grandmother founded The Bridge, that now has major financial challenges. Bryony also desires to be an author and has written a book, that details The Bridge, however, she’s not been successful at getting it published. She’s told it has far too many characters and is about 150,000 words too long. She disagrees however and continues to experience failure whenever she does get an appointment to pitch her book.
After being turned down yet again, Bryony turns around and marches right back into the agent she was given 15 minutes with because she still has 12 minutes, and a few seconds left. The result of her perseverance doesn’t help her case any with her book, however, it does land her a job as being the ghostwriter for a well-known women’s author.
As I got further into the book, I was cheering Bryony on. Her ghostwriting stories are a huge success, although the author taking all the credit becomes more difficult each day. There are many twists and turns, a bit of romance, and some unforgettable characters I’ll be thinking about for quite a while. This is a beautifully written, heartwarming story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

Loved this cute and short love story. The comedy was there and OK. It is also relatable to modern day stories.

Just when I think that Melissa Ferguson can't surpass her previous works she offers me something as wonderful as 'The Perfect Rom-Com'. This book is an absolute delight! The author's profound way with words in many instances touches me with their beauty and truth, and I add them to a quote list I keep for when I want to feel inspired about the goodness in life. There is humor, romance and exposure to the literary and publishing world that all combine to bring about a joyful experience. I enthusiastically recommend this to one and all!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Wow, I really enjoyed this book. It was frustrating in a good way; I hated to see the main character struggle and only wanted her to pursue her dreams the entire novel. I wasn’t sure how much I would be able to take from Amelia if I was the main character. The storyline had me hooked from the very beginning. The banter and slow build (well from Bryony’s side) between the two love interests was very entertaining. Such a cute, closed-book romance, with a (SHOCKER) happy ending.

Ghostwriting romance novels for a demanding diva? Check. Falling for a literary agent? Double check. Bryony Page's life just got a whole lot more interesting!

This book is a fun, flirty ride from start to finish. Bryony's a relatable heroine who's just trying to make it big as an author, but ends up ghostwriting for the infamous Amelia Benedict instead. And let's be real, Amelia sounds like a total pain in the butt. But hey, it's a small price to pay for success, right?

Enter Jack Sterling, the swoon-worthy literary agent who's got Bryony's back. Their banter is witty, their chemistry is real, and their romance is swoony. But what really gets me is how Bryony stays true to herself throughout the whole wild ride. She's got spunk, she's got heart, and she's got a whole lot of sass.

This book's a must-read for anyone who loves romance, writing, or just a good laugh. Trust me, you won't regret it!

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

I requested an arc of this book after I read Meet Me in the Margins. I absolutely loved that book and couldn’t wait to read another by Melissa Ferguson.

The Perfect Rom-Com didn’t disappoint. I read this book in a matter of days. I couldn’t wait to find out how it played out. I cared about the characters and was deeply invested in their journeys. Melissa Ferguson, for me, is now an auto-buy author. Highly recommend!

This really was the perfect Rom-Com. Melissa Ferguson did it again with a heartwarming story of love and sacrifice. This book was so magnetic. I loved the friends to lovers from the main characters. This is truly her best work so far. You can feel the personal point of view she brought writing about an ESL teacher turned writer. What a beautiful story!

“But as often happens in life, the greatest joys and greatest struggles tend to be delivered to your doorstep in the same basket. And it’s up to you to dissect the two and embrace the good without letting the bad overcome.”

Another keeper by Melissa Ferguson. I really liked the speed of this book. When I first read the summary I wondered how it would all fit, but it was masterfully done. And (ahem) it also gives you a little glimpse into the ghostwriter world 🤫

Thanks to @netgalley for the ebook at not cost in exchange for a review 😉

Oh. My. Goodness. What a stand out book! It has slow-burn romance, it has a villain that you just love to hate, it has relatable main characters and it moves at the perfect pace... And the ending is the very best part!

This is a really well-written romance and I devoured it in a couple of days. I'll be honest - before I read this, I was expecting a mediocre romance. I wasn't super intrigued by the ideas. It sounded not very exciting - a book about the inner workings of publishing? Yawn!

But the way Melissa Ferguson has taken her ideas and perfectly executed them is just *chef's kiss.*

Just you wait - this is a high quality, well written romance on par with some of the most popular writers in the genre.

I will be looking forward to reading other work by this author.

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

Absolutely loved this book! Worth reading again & again. Has all the feels for a great movie, #Melissa Ferguson has done it again - written a book that will have you laughing, crying, hoping, wishing and sighing. This book was provided by Net Galley, Melissa and her publisher for me to read. These are my own opinions.

I always adore books about authors, and nobody does it like Melissa Ferguson! This book was everything I could ask for - truly the perfect rom-com!

You feel like you're about to read a classic enemies to lovers when this story starts, but then Melissa pulls you in another direction! I had such a fun time reading this story, and I fell head over heels for these characters. I fell in love with The Bridge and I so appreciated the depth that piece of the story added. It was beautiful (and even felt a little meta at times thinking about the beauty of deeper issues in rom-coms while reading about a deeper issue in a rom-com!)

This book made me so happy, and felt like a cozy warm hug. It will only make your heart happier to add it to your shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson is a wonderful escape into a truly captivating, heartwarming story. This stories’ wit and humor captured me from the start and the characters stole my heart. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, funny, and satisfying read.

Congratulations to the author for writing a perfect rom-com.
This book is smart and filled with funny and emotional moments. I was laughing out loud and trying to find any free moment to get back to reading this.
I liked everything about it- the plot was credible, the character growth amazing and the humor was right up my alley.
Jack and Bryony are soulmates in every possible way and the details that went into all of their interactions were very appreciated.
Thank you netgalley and the author for the ARC! I had a blast.

This author always has a way to bring a smile to my face with her storytelling.

I loved getting a glimpse into the fictional world of book publishing. Bryony was a character who put her family and her job first and it showed in everything she did. I loved her sister, Gloria, and how she knew how to encourage her in whatever situation she was in. Jack was an interesting character who the reader wanted to get behind.

Thanks to netgalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for the arc. The opinions are my own.

It was different from the books I usually read nut it was so good. I really enjoyed reading it sm. The concept was so good. I was hooked from the start.

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!

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.

I absolutely loved this book. It is the first time I have read anything from this author, and I will be looking forward to more from her. It was a cute and fun book to read. I enjoyed the fact that the story line was a unique approach. I loved the characters, and I couldn't put the book down. I will definitely be recommending this book to others. Thank you Net Galley ARC!

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.

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.

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!

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?

I kept putting this off because I knew once I started I wouldn’t be able to quit. And boy was I right!
This book….these characters….its perfect! There were bits that made me think of Singing in the Rain, bits that felt like…well I can’t even think of a romcom villain as off putting as Amelia.
If you enjoy romances, closed door, a peek into the publishing world, and warm fuzzy happy feelings-read this immediately!

"The Perfect Rom-Com" by Melissa Ferguson will be out February 11!! I know that's a long ways to wait but I just had to go ahead and post it so you can all mark your calendars

This book was so good!! The romance between Bryony and Jack was so sweet! I loved their friendship and banter, but I think what I loved most of all was Bryony following her dreams and not givingup!

This also gives some insight on how tough it must be to be an author and believe in your story when no one else seems too. So thankful for all of the authors who never give up and give us these amazing stories to read!

I loved this book so much!!

Thank you @ourcozyfarmhouselife @tzfiction and @thomasnelson for sending me this physical copy!! And thank you netgalley for the digital ARC! I'm sure this is one I will read over and over!!

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 .

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson is an absolute delight! I was immediately drawn into the charming story of two characters who are both navigating the ups and downs of love and career. Ferguson's witty writing and humor had me laughing out loud, while the romantic twists kept me eagerly turning the pages. I loved how the book playfully pokes fun at romantic comedy tropes while still delivering a heartfelt romance. It’s the perfect cozy read for anyone looking to escape into a fun, feel-good story!

Okay, this book was so fun and so good! I have loved all of Melissa Ferguson’s books and this one did not disappoint. Bryony and Jack are the best main characters and their relationship is so fun and sweet. The ending was a little different than expected, which I loved!

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

This book was excellent! Jack and Bryony had such a charming romance! I cherished their camaraderie and friendship, but I think what I cherished most was Bryony's perseverance and pursuit of her goals! The characters were endearing and realistic. The story is made light and fun by the humor and the charming side characters. Even though there are some predictable parts, anyone who enjoys romantic comedies will still find it to be a wonderful feel-good read.

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My words are 100% my own as is my choice to share a review of this title.

That said, I raced through this book. I loved it. I read it in every spare moment of my day. And then I worried I read it too fast to give an unbiased review.

I was wrong. This was charming and I would happily rave to read it again.

Melissa Ferguson is one of my favorite authors of contemporary romantic comedy with plenty of fun tension, great banter, vivid settings and all without the explicit scenes.

You can read the publishers summary about the plot, but read this if you like to laugh, if you like to live in your imagination, if you enjoy contemporary rom-coms, and if you believe in reading books that leave you feeling happier than when you found them.

This is good-mood material.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating read that held my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and the characters felt real and engaging. I’m grateful to the publisher for providing an early copy—it was a pleasure to read!

The Perfect Rom Com truly lives up to its title! Melissa Ferguson has crafted a story that’s both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny, capturing the charm and quirks that make rom-coms so irresistible. The characters are wonderfully relatable, each with unique personalities and hilarious quirks that make them feel real. The banter and chemistry between the leads are spot on, and I found myself rooting for them from the first chapter.

One of my favorite aspects was how Ferguson balances humor with genuine emotional depth, making for a story that’s both light-hearted and meaningful. The plot is refreshingly original, with plenty of delightful twists that keep you hooked. This book was everything I hoped for in a rom-com and more, blending humor, romance, and just the right amount of heart. I can’t wait to see what Melissa Ferguson writes next!

This book is admirable that Bryony will do anything to prevent the Bridge from closing including her being the ghostwriter for the detested Amelia that even though her books may be emulated as ROM coms, doesn't deviate from her being a soulless human being. Bryony is determined to fight for her cause to help those entering the country to have a better quality of life. Knowing that her insufficient income will do so, she takes on the role of ghostwriter as well as touting her own book. During the entire time, she has Jack as her agent and as becomes to realize, her most staunch supporter. I must admit to shedding tears that Penny and Gloria convinced to realize that Jack is her person. She will be a success but to celebrate in that outcome with Jack even makes it better. This book makes one laugh at their sarcastic exchange as well as champion Bryony to fight for what she believed in. Great book. Her and Jack ended up living the perfect ROM com.

Ok this book. Is 100% a 5⭐️ read for me. It had me drawn in all the way until the end. I loved their friendship and then their romance and what he did for her in the end just had me in tears. It was so sweet and Bryony’s journey over the entire course of the book, you could just FEEL IT. This has to be the most real when it comes to authors and their struggles and their first “baby” of a manuscript that they guard with their entire souls and never stop fighting for.

But listen up here…the ending…is amazing. Ohhhh my gosh just the satisfaction of…ooooh everything. Penny is my 3rd favorite character and Albricht a very close 4th 😂. All the characters you can’t help but fall in love with.. well…except for the ONE you know who.

Get this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this opportunity to provide my honest review.

Melissa Ferguson is a new author for me and I just LOVED this book. The characters were hilarious and overall this was such a fun read!

Synopsis: Bryony Page sets out to make her way as an author, with a heart to help her grandmothers struggling ESL school for immigrants. She ends up as a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict — heiress to a publishing house throne whose personal knack for cruelty is only rivaled by her inability to care that she is cruel. Truly heinous. Also, Bryony would NEVER do something as stupid as fall for her agent, Jack Sterling… right?

Review: Melissa Ferguson does it again. She writes a book that manages to be funny, romantic, and has depth to the characters and their struggles. “The Perfect Rom-Com” is actually the PERFECT rom-com. Can someone make this into a movie? The pace was great, never a dull moment. Bryony was relatable to every girl who’s ever wanted to accomplish a dream, but doesn’t quite know how to make it come true. She stumbles forward, in a lovable way that made me root for her the whole time. The conflicts and tensions in this book are just the right amount of tense, and I was left wondering how or if Bryony would accomplish what she set out to do. This is a book of hoping against all hope, and daring to keep going, even when it looks like you won’t make it.

For the love of reading (and writing), I urge you to read this book!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Melissa Ferguson for the eARC of this book. All reviews reflect my honest opinion.

This was such a great rom-com. :) The perfect Rom-Com perfectly titled. :) I loved Bryony’s character and her drive to do more for her community and her family and follow her dreams as a writer and her incredible dynamic with Jack.

This is a no spicy romance which is perfect for a quick read and all audiences. I absolutely loved the end with the big reveal it was so incredible and I might have cried. :) This is my first Melissa Ferguson book and will be checking out more of her books.

This book comes out in Feb 2025 and I’m so honored to have gotten an advance copy from @netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction! I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy when it’s released!!

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

I was captivated from the start—I loved this book! The Perfect Rom-com by Melissa Ferguson is precisely that: the perfect rom-com. I was drawn in from the first few lines and laughing by page two. I knew right away that this was going to be a fun ride. Melissa's narrative style and sense of humor are spot-on, and she brings her characters and world to life in a vivid and effortlessly charming way.

Bryony Page, an ESL teacher by day and an aspiring writer by night, crosses paths with Jack Sterling, a no-nonsense literary agent. Bryony's passion project is a sweeping novel inspired by her grandmother's life and dedication to helping immigrants achieve the American dream. When she tries to convince Jack that her book has real potential, he offers her a ghostwriting gig for Amelia Benedict, a best-selling rom-com novelist who craves the spotlight but lacks sustainable writing talent. Jack promises to help Bryony get her book published if she will tackle this new role—a job that sets them on a journey filled with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a slow-burn connection.

The Perfect Rom-com is witty, delightful, and poignant, and I couldn't put it down. I lost sleep staying up to read "just one more chapter." Bryony and Jack's friendship and evolving relationship had me cheering from the sidelines. This kind of feel-good, page-turning romance hits all the right notes!

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

Melissa Ferguson has done it again. You won't want to miss The Perfect Rom-Com. Full of laughs and sweet moments, Ferguson reminds you why she is so good at what she does. You will definitely want to check this one out!

This book was absolutely amazing!!! 😍 💜
I've always wanted to read a Melissa Ferguson book and I'm glad I started with The Perfect Rom-Com. Jack Sterling is "an ego man. A Peter Pan". But one hell of an intriguing man. Bryony wants to sell her book, but not for fame and money. Through her book, she wants to raise awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially struggling organization.
Fast forward two years and Bryony is a ghostwriter for a famous but empty-headed author and Jack is her agent. Bryony's book is nowhere near being published, but instead, a friendship blossoms between her and Jack. The dynamic and chemistry in their relationship is absolutely addictive. The agent-ghostwriter team would be perfect if it weren't for the fact that the writer Bryony writes for, Amelia, is an absolute bitch. I haven't felt such intolerance for a character in a while, she's terrible!
This book was truly the perfect rom-com 💯
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing - for the digital ARC copy.

What a fun book that got me out of a reading funk! It often takes me a couple of chapters to get into Melissa Ferguson's books and then I love them and don't want the story to end. The Perfect Rom-Com was this way also for me.
Byrony works for her grandma's school teaching English to new citizens and wants to help stabilize the school financially. She wants a very long manuscript about her grandma and sets out to find an agent to sell it. She meets Jack at a conference, and he lets her know no one wants her story, but he ends up with a new deal for her of becoming a ghost writer. Unfortunately, the author she is helping is an unbearable rich celebrity. Jack and Byrony keep the secret going for two years and grow close as friends but have significant others in their lives. When Byrony's boyfriend breaks up, she discovers her true love may have always been by her side.
I enjoyed this romcom but loved that it had another storyline of Byrony's journey to fulfill her dreams of publishing a book under own name. Melissa Ferguson's fans will love her newest story.
I received this book complimentary from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Bryony is an ESL teacher who loves what she does. She also wrote a novel about the experience, and while shopping it around, she finds herself in a position to ghostwrite a romcom, an opportunity that turns into a full time, successful job. Even with all the money she makes from her ghostwriting gig funneling into the Bridge, the SEL school, the business finds itself in financial straights. She struggles under the weight of taking care of the school and the pressure of writing for the infamous Amelia Benedict. (Oh, and there’s a super cute Alex P. Keaton love interest named Jack, and we all love him.)

I really loved this book! It had a real “Two Weeks Notice” feel with cute banter and an adorable cast of characters with The Bridge students. The writing was good and I feel like it would be a fantastic movie. I did wonder about the spotty relationship between her and her boyfriend - that entire situation did not make sense to me. Although this can be billed as a romantic comedy, the story skews more Women’s Literature; the entire story is focused on her growth and character arc, while Jack is a love interest and supporting partner. I definitely recommend this sweet novel - I can’t believe I haven’t read a Melissa Ferguson book before!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

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.

And just like that, the Foundry Agency can't let her go.

But on a personal note, Jack is realizing he can't either.

I received a complimentary copy of The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson, and all opinions expressed in this review are my own. This charming, heartfelt story is a must-read for anyone who adores friends-to-lovers romances! I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this read.

Bryony is the hidden force behind the bestselling rom-coms of the megastar Amelia Benedict. As a ghostwriter, Bryony's identity remains a secret, even to her family, thanks to a non-disclosure agreement she signed. By day, she’s a dedicated teacher at The Bridge, an ESL school for adults, and by night, she’s under pressure to meet tight deadlines while secretly writing books that bring immense success to Amelia Benedict.

At the heart of the story, Bryony faces the challenging task of saving her grandmother’s legacy—The Bridge—from being shut down. She’s determined to ensure the school survives, but balancing her day job, writing career, and personal life proves to be more difficult than she bargained for.

Along the way, Bryony’s agent, Jack, has promised to shop her book about the school's history in exchange for her continued ghostwriting work. But as the story unfolds, the lines between their professional relationship and personal feelings begin to blur. The tension between them, mixed with their shared history and chemistry, adds an irresistible layer to the plot.

If you enjoy novels about friends-to-lovers romance, found family, and characters who are as real as they are lovable, The Perfect Rom-Com will not disappoint. The book is full of heart, and the emotional depth will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of love, friendship, and following one’s passions.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy—The Perfect Rom-Com is a delightful read you won't want to miss!

Melissa Ferguson did it again in this adorable romance. I only wish it was a little heavier on the romance. I love books about books and this one was different than any I've read before. The big time gap in the beginning confused me, I was hooked at that point, and then the time jump happened, and I was lost all over again. I would have appreciated a way to tell the story without the jump. Overall, I loved it and thought it was a wonderful story. Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC of this book!

Book Review: The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

Melissa Ferguson’s The Perfect Rom-Com lives up to its title by delivering a charming, laugh-out-loud story with just the right mix of humor, romance, and heart. True to its genre, the book explores familiar romantic comedy tropes but does so with a fresh perspective and a delightful twist on expectations.

The story centers on a quirky and relatable protagonist whose journey through awkward mishaps, unexpected encounters, and swoon-worthy moments will have readers both laughing and rooting for her. Ferguson’s writing shines in the way she brings out her character’s vulnerabilities and strengths, creating a heroine who feels genuine and multidimensional.

The romantic interest is equally engaging, with a personality that’s layered and compelling. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, built through witty banter, misadventures, and tender moments that tug at the heartstrings. Ferguson excels at creating tension and payoff, making the romance both entertaining and deeply satisfying.

Another standout aspect of the novel is its lighthearted yet insightful approach to modern romance. Ferguson weaves in themes of self-discovery, the importance of friendships, and the courage it takes to let love in, giving the book emotional depth without veering into heavy territory.

The humor in The Perfect Rom-Com is sharp and perfectly timed, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. From hilariously awkward situations to clever dialogue, Ferguson’s wit keeps the tone playful and fun.

Whether you’re a rom-com enthusiast or just looking for a feel-good read, The Perfect Rom-Com is a delightful escape that’s sure to leave you smiling. Melissa Ferguson delivers a masterclass in romantic comedy, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

This book is such a DELIGHT! I just loved reading the story of Bryony & Jack. Bryony is a teacher by day and aspiring writer by night, trying to get her first book deal (writing as herself) and hoping to make enough money to help save a cause that is important to both her and her family. Unfortunately, she has already penned several “hits” just no one is allowed to know, and those that do are kind of getting in her way for one reason or another, until... I LOVED the ending. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed!!

This was a wonderful read that had me hooked from the first chapter. The chemistry between Bryony and Jack was off the charts and I loved their relationship and seeing how it progressed. Amelia was the perfect villain and I loved seeing her get what she deserved at the end of the book. Bryony was a wonderful protagonist and felt like someone I would want to be friends with in real life. She had excellent character growth and I loved seeing her realization that her book was not what she thought it was. I can't wait for this book to be out in the world and know I will be continuing to rave about it!

Love love loved this book!!! Bryony Page is a force to be reckoned with and I became enamored with her immediately. The dynamics between her as a ghostwriter and those working above her were infuriating and I found myself reading just to know for sure in the end, she’d get everything she deserved. Jack was the perfect knight in shining armor. I wish their romance was more in the moment rather than off the page & narrated as past events, but I still really enjoyed the romance aspect of the book.

This was such a fun read! Melissa Ferguson had me chuckling throughout at the witty exchanges between Bryony and Jack, the over-the-top diva "author" was a hoot, and I really enjoyed the whole ESL teacher subplot and the satisfying ending.

I'll be recommending this widely, with the caveat that although there is a will-they-won't-they couple with an HEA in this book, I'd say it's more of a feel-good story that includes some romance than a standard romance novel. If people are looking for something super steamy or that truly focuses on the relationship, this might not be the book for them. Everyone else should dive right in!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication.