By Melissa Ferguson
317 pages
Thomas Nelson, 2024
Amazon Description:
He crossed an ocean, and it still wasn’t enough to escape his lifelong nemesis. Now he has to work with her.
Successful screenwriter Finn Masters just landed his dream job writing for Neighbors, one of Hollywood’s highest-rated, longest-running sitcoms. The only downside? It will put him back in proximity of the show’s universally adored, optimistic, altruistic star, Lavender Rhodes, who has been inadvertently ruining his life since they were school chums in England. But she doesn’t even know she destroyed his acting career and wrecked his relationship with the love of his life.
He’s not about to let this woman yank yet another dream out from under his feet. In fact, he realizes he’s been given the ideal opportunity to plot his payback: spinning her character in shocking new directions. What could go wrong? Only everything. As Finn’s not-so-brilliant plot backfires one scene after the next, catching him in the blasts, he’s forced to think about this impossible, infuriating…and maybe even lovable woman in an entirely new light.
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I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley in order to provide an honest opinion.
This story is hilarious. I loved the concept of Finn seeking revenge on Lavender, who doesn’t even know that she’s done anything at all to offend him. Her obliviousness and awkwardness are so funny, as is Finn’s thought life. Seeing inside his head really highlights his dry, sarcastic sense of humor.
I also really liked that the story took place on a Hollywood TV set. I haven’t read many books with that setting and I’m fascinated with how TV shows (especially sitcoms) are produced, so that was a win for me. There is a full cast of side characters who support and challenge the two main characters, and I liked watching Finn and Lavender slowly shifting from enemies (though Lavender didn’t know it!) to more.
How to Plot a Payback is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, clean rom-com.