A review by niffler_for_words
How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“Of course darkness cannot mix up with the light.”

How to plot a payback is a story about plotting revenge when you are a golden retriever… You’ll understand quickly that nothing can happen as expected! 

I listened to the audio version of that book and it was such a great experience! Since the very first sentence, I was hooked by the acting, the accent (both British) and the dynamism coming from the narrators. I do really believe their performance helps the story to be even better.

The book was very lovely, and funny. I laughed so much during the listening, as hilarious disasters piled one over the other, and nothing made it to the plan. I loved the setting, about a sitcom’s behind the scenes (OMG the Friends’ references –or, at least, I took them as such!) and what happens between the show’s star and the new writer (who already have an history, though she isn’t truly aware of that). The situations were hilarious, and I was thrilled that dogs and writing took such a central place. 

Fynn is sarcastic, often grumpy, while remaining a golden retriever and the contrast was delightful. I liked the “evolution” of Lavender too, though it’s more about Fynn discovering her than a true development. All the side characters were a great addition, with a special mention for Fynn ‘neighbours esquad’. If I’m being honest the book is more about that evolving relationship, with a lot of humour, than a “classical” romance, which worked wonderfully fine for me. In that, the title summarizes the story perfectly.

It was a very funny audio and I liked every minute of it, without ever being bored. 

Thank you NetGalley, Melissa Fergusson & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review