The Perfect Rom-Com was a fun, engaging read. I rooted for the main character, Bryony, from her first awkward attempts to find an agent through her blossoming into a successful ghostwriter and finally into her stepping into her power in the story's satisfying conclusion.

But some elements gave me pause. First, the book is clearly being marketed as a romance or rom com but it's actually more women's fiction. I didn't have a problem with this, but romance-centered readers might be disappointed.

Second, there is a disconcerting time jump early in the book. The first three chapters show Bryony's initial meeting with a prominent agent, Jack, focusing on her lack of experience and his dismissive attitude. Then the story jumps forward two years, by which point Bryony and Jack have a solid working relationship and friendship - and also, apparently, totally different personalities. We never learn what caused this evolution, so the initial presentation of the characters feels out of place. Readers might get a better first impression - and enjoy The Perfect Rom-Com just as much - by skipping it.

4.5 stars - a great women's fiction novel stuck in a rom com cover.

[I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions are my own.]