How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson

 

How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson

Let’s begin with the summary: 

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. 

And now, my review: 

I love the screenwriting element in this story. That’s a fun topic for readers and writers to find in fiction. These two main characters have some long-past issues to solve, which makes this a reunion romance. 

The hero’s career is at stake, and he’s being asked to sacrifice his work-life balance to be “all in” on this new writing job. As a writer, I liked following him as he discusses (often in his internal thoughts) story structure and as he sacrifices to chase his dreams. 

As soon as he sees his past nemesis he must convince himself to stay committed. Why does his dream job have to come with her? And . . . we’re off and running. 

I did find some rambling, which may be part of this genre, but makes the story less likely to hold my interest. 

Readers who enjoy catching a behind-the-scenes elements in fiction will enjoy this story.