An enjoyable enemies-to-lovers rom-com that follows Finn (a successful TV writer) and Lavender (female lead on a long-running sit-com). They have a past, although Finn's memories of their fraught shared past look quite different from Lavender's, who barely remembers Finn and certainly isn't aware of the larger-than-life role she's taken in some of the worst events in Finn's life. Finn finds himself in Lavender's immediate orbit, and takes the opportunity to try to pay back some of Lavender's misdeeds by making things intentionally difficult for her. But what happens when you realize that the villain in your origin story is actually the love of your life? This was a charming read with nuanced writing and little absurdist touches that make you want to slow down and enjoy the written words. It was a closed-door romance; normally I like a little steam but this book is so lovely you don't miss the lack of on-page hubba-hubba action. I loved Finn and Lavender, both as individual characters and together. Great supporting characters, even (especially!) the dogs. I've read this author before and really enjoyed her, and I definitely liked her newest book. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest and objective review. ( )

What a delightful read, at times I was laughing out loud!
How would you feel about working with someone that you felt ruined your life? That is exactly what happens to Finn, whom ends up working with Lavender Rose. Does he get payback writing for a soap opera?
We are there to see what happens in this fun Rom-Com, filled with adventures, watch out for the dogs!
I would recommend this read for a book to get lost in and enjoy some great giggles and laughs!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

This is a super cute delightful rom com that totally engaged and entertained me. Finn Masters, a television mystery writer has held a grudge against an old school friend Lavender Rhodes for literally years. Lavender is a very successful television star of an extremely popular sitcom in America. He blames her for pretty much everything that has ever gone wrong for him in his life whether warranted or not. But now he has the chance to plot a payback by writing her characters story line in her sitcom. He sets out to make her character spiral out of control, and unfortunately for him none of his efforts succeed. Finn must reassess his feelings and take a hard look at himself and his feelings toward Lavender. This is a very funny and enjoyable story, full of fun characters and snappy dialog. Highly recommended. ( )

A WRITER & HIS NEMESIS

Melissa Ferguson always writes clever Rom-Coms. They involve masterfully crafted stories and excellent characters. What I like about How to Plot a Payback is how she follows the same successful pattern and gives readers, in my opinion, another fantastic read! Finn Masters has finally obtained the job of his dreams, writing for one of Hollywood’s highest-rated sitcoms. The bad news is his lifelong nemesis, Lavender Rhodes, is the main star! Ferguson concocts many hilarious situations for the two of them to get caught in, and several involve their dogs. His is a perfectly behaved dog, and hers is a rescue that has not had anyone spend time with it to teach it how to act. Lavender gets on Finn’s last nerve, but there is a fine line between love and hate, and Finn may not realize that it is sneaking up on him. He, too, may be falling for Lavender Rhodes like the rest of her fans.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence. ( )

“They’re little blips on the screen, these dinners and games and weddings, but all these blips put together are what makes up the video of our life.”

So much fun! Melissa Ferguson has again hit it out of the ballpark with this extremely entertaining and poignant romcom. I absolutely loved Finn’s poetic, sarcastic, and slightly resigned first person voice. His multiple plots for payback as the writer of the sitcom lead him down a path so unexpected. I adored Lavender’s optimistic, hope-filled, and bubbly voice as the star of the hit sitcom show quite reminiscent of Friends. I laughed my way through the entire book but there were also noteworthy moments of sigh-inducing romance and heart-warming human connection. The ending definitely surprised me but in a good way. If you enjoy romcom, this book is a must read!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. ( )