This book fell a bit flat for me. I wasn’t connected to the characters or invested in their relationship at all

3 stars

Bad Publicity by Bianca Gillam was an overall enjoyable read. It was lighthearted while exploring deeper emotions. The way the author writes about grief feels authentic and adds depth to the story. Though it took me a while to connect with the main character. The FMC's personality was a bit hard to warm up to at first, which made the early parts of the book feel slower. However, as the story progressed, I found myself more invested, particularly in uncovering the history between the two main characters. I think the book would have benefited from revealing some of that backstory earlier on—it would have helped me relate to the FMC sooner.

Overall, while it wasn't an instant favorite, Bad Publicity was still an enjoyable read, and I'm glad I stuck with it until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a great read! I thought it was on the shorter side since it was only 220 pages on NetGalley, but apparently it’s almost 400 pages? Anyways, super enjoyable with interesting and complex characters. Andie was such a complex individual, I thought her grief was portrayed really well. I liked Jack enough, but I feel like I knew less about him than Andie, which does make sense logically. Still, I wish I knew more. I also wish there was some sort of dual timeline or we got to know what happened in Edinburgh between Andie and Jack sooner, but it’s fine. I think there could have been more details on the book tour, and Andie kind of went from hating Jack to wanting him overnight. Otherwise, this was really interesting and definitely worth reading.

I had high hopes for this book based on the description but unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations. My main issue was the fact that Andie hates Jack but we don’t get the full backstory of why until pretty much the end of the book…and she immediately forgives him. He definitely deserved to be forgiven and did not deserve Andie’s harsh treatment the majority of the book. Also I was just bored while reading. There wasn’t a ton of character building or growth and the fmc was not very likable. All of that being said this was a very easy read, it just fell flat for me.

There is definitely potential here I just think it needs more. More character and plot development..

I really loved the story line and giving jack another chance but I really didn’t like FMC I found her very immature most of the time but I did understand how grief can turn a person into something they’re not. I think we could do less with the words “love” being used like 24/7 because it seems very stereotypical in saying all British people say or talk like that. The mom used it in almost every sentence and it just seemed so fake to me. Other than what I said above I loved the story idea but I think there could be a couple changes to make it better and more realistic.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC read!!

Reading about the publishing industry in novels is a favorite of mine. I like to get a feel for the behind-the-scenes world of books, authors, and all the other folks involved with getting a book out into the world. This story was a good one and I think Gillam did it justice. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a great book. Such a quick and easy read. I enjoyed this book. All of the characters are great. Also great story and awesome writing style.

This book had a lot of potential. However, it was not for me. I liked the idea of an old fling gone wrong/second chance story. However, the way the FMC acted the first 60% of the book was uncalled for. It didn’t match the theme of the book. She was rude about everything, even Jack breathing. Just to find out she had it all wrong, and STILL left? I could not understand or relate.

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, and thought it flowed well. I also liked the parts about the book tour.

That being said, while this book dealt with serious topics, it still felt as though it lacked any emotional depth. I really struggled with Andie, as it felt as though she was handling much of her life through the lens of a teenager. She was really hard to root for, and it didn’t feel like her character growth was deep or genuine.

Additionally, I didn’t feel the emotional connection on her end with Jack. I really loved Jack’s character, but additionally there was no exploration of his character growth.

Separately, on a personal level, as some who lives in Dublin, some of technical inaccuracies took me out of the plot (for instance, two shots being £5 despite the fact that Ireland has used the Euro since 2002).

This book was still a 3 star read for me, as it was enjoyable and easy, but lacked anything more than that. I would be really interested to read more from Gillam, as I liked her writing style so much and would be encouraged to see where she goes as an author.

Bad Publicity takes us on a whirlwind international book tour with the quintessential "tall, dark & handsome" Author Jack Carlson and his firecracker publicist Andie. Though this seems like the perfect recipe for a dream trip across Europe there's one problem.... Jack is the man who destroyed Andie's heart back in university all those years ago.

I really appreciated how the author tackled traumatic experiences in a relatable and realistic way, especially the events that took place in university. Though the novel is set up as an enemies-to-lovers romance, the heart of the book deals with processing trauma and loss. Jack was definitely my favorite character. He is warm, funny, and sympathetic - if not a little naive. While I could relate to Andie in many ways, I do feel like she took it a bit far with the way she treated Jack, especially as a professional. With that said, I absolutely loved seeing Andie's character growth throughout the novel. The conclusion to their story was simply perfect (especially for a book person like me 🥰)

Overall, this novel is very enjoyable, and I highly recommend taking it along to the beach or your next vacation.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this advanced copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for an honest review.
“Bad Publicity” is your run of the mill enemies to lovers romance novel that tells the story of Andie and Jack. Andie is Jack’s publicist for an upcoming fiction novel that he is releasing and the two go on a book tour together. I really liked the author’s illustrative descriptions of the multiple cities that this book took place in, and she did a great job at conveying the all-consuming nature of grief.

Overall, I wish the book gave the reader glimpses into the fallout between Jack and Andie throughout the story. Without any insight into this incident, I was often left confused at Andie’s hostility towards Jack. I would have liked to see more banter between the Andie and Jack and less about the logistical work for the book tour.

Overall, the plot was interesting and I liked the story building. The chemistry between the two main characters kind of fell flat for me, though, and it made it hard to be really invested in their story. I found Andie to be pretty unlikeable, and I think if I knew why she acted that way towards him earlier, I wouldn't have felt that way.

The book is engaging and thought-provoking, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the impact of media on personal and professional lives. Gillam’s writing is sharp and insightful, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of media, image, and identity.

Bad Publicity is one of the best books I've read in awhile. This book was well-paced, heartfelt, and engrossing. It had realistic, and at times heartbreaking depictions of grief and, through it all, was able to still feel like a fairly lighthearted romance.

[I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an hornet review. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for this opportunity!]

I don’t think its any secret that I just love books about books — in all aspects they’re my favorite thing to read because there are so many possibility and connections to book, and stories told about books. Bad Publicity only bolsters my love for this specific sub(-sub) genre, touching on grief, trauma, and finding oneself again through all of that.

TLDR: 3.5/5

Focusing first on all my favorite things this book does: I absolutely fell in love with our MMC — he’s one of those secretly witty, caring and talented men who usually sort of lurk in the background of romances and I really love that we get to see his journey along side the fmc. Andie, our fmc, also had my heart (but you really do have to grow with her during this book). I loved how real the character feel, how their problems are those many people deal with and how complex their way to finding each other end up being. I think the themes of dealing with grief and loss of parent were extremely well done, allowing us to feel very connected to Andie and experience her some of emotions as she tries to shove down her feelings. Turning to things that I wish were different: I thought the events were a bit repetitive towards the middle (which I do understand because that is how they likely are in real life) but I just felt like we maybe could have cut down some cities to have the same experience. I wish we got bursts of what happened between jack and Andie throughout the book — mostly because it was (at points) really hard to feel justified for the way Andie treats jack without knowing the full context. I think if we got sprinkles of it throughout that would help form a stronger connection with Andie in particular earlier on. Also I really wish we got Andie more finding her way in the end — her next steps in terms of journalism etc.

Overall though I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for something similar to Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez!

I think this book is a victim of tropeification. Andie is a Romance Novel Main Character, which means she is red-headed, clumsy, and oblivious with a tragic and mysterious backstory that is supposed to allow her to act in wild ways without real consequences. The enemies-to-lovers was more like enemies-without-a-sufficient-reason to lovers. The "one room" scene seemed like it was included for a checklist. Lots of threads are forgotten and unnecessary by the end.

That could have contributed to why I was irked about the pacing of this book. Objectively, I know that the reveal of the big secret of what came between Andie and Jack needs to come late in the story, and when it happened, it was well done. However, I felt alienated by Andie's cruelty to Jack for half the book—when it's most important to build up the reader's investment into the characters.

Andie's emotional immaturity couples painfully with her habit of over-narrating ("I feel surprisingly vulnerable" she thinks when admitting something vulnerable). It's shocking that she can express anything at all because Andie begged off from slightly difficult conversations no less than six times in the first half of the book. It's exhausting to read, and truthfully I would have stopped reading at 25% if I didn't think I needed to earn the right to write this review.

That being said, I loved the concept of the book. Publicist + author + book tour is an amazing combo. I'm just left wanting for better characters to fit into it.

Bianca Gillam’s *Bad Publicity* is a sharp, witty dive into the chaotic world of public relations, where image is everything, and one wrong move can spell disaster. With its blend of humor, intrigue, and a dash of romance, this debut novel offers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of media and reputation management, all while telling a story that is as entertaining as it is insightful.

The novel centers around Sophie Chase, a savvy and ambitious PR executive who is known for her ability to spin even the worst situations into PR gold. But when she takes on a high-profile client with a scandalous past and an even more scandalous present, Sophie finds herself caught in a whirlwind of lies, betrayals, and media firestorms. As she navigates the murky waters of bad press and public scrutiny, Sophie must also contend with her own personal demons and the toll that living in the fast lane has taken on her life.

Sophie is a compelling and relatable protagonist, embodying both the confidence and the vulnerability of a woman who has made a career out of controlling narratives. Gillam does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of Sophie’s character, revealing the insecurities and struggles that lie beneath her polished exterior. Sophie’s journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as she learns to balance her professional ambitions with her need for personal fulfillment and integrity.

The plot of *Bad Publicity* is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked from the first page to the last. Gillam’s experience in the world of PR shines through in the authenticity of the scenarios she presents, from crisis management meetings to contentious press conferences. The novel’s depiction of the media landscape is both cutting and astute, offering a commentary on the power dynamics at play in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture. The ethical dilemmas Sophie faces add depth to the narrative, raising questions about the cost of success and the price of maintaining a perfect image.

Gillam’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a knack for snappy dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the world of high-stakes PR to life. The banter between characters is sharp and often hilarious, providing a much-needed balance to the more serious moments in the book. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, from the charming but morally ambiguous client to Sophie’s no-nonsense mentor who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Each character adds a unique perspective to the story, contributing to the novel’s rich tapestry of voices and experiences.

One of the strengths of *Bad Publicity* is its exploration of the complexities of modern relationships, both personal and professional. Sophie’s romantic entanglements add an extra layer of tension to the story, as she struggles to separate her personal feelings from her professional responsibilities. Gillam skillfully navigates these relationships, showing how intertwined and messy they can become when personal and professional lives collide.

While the novel is undeniably a page-turner, it also offers a more profound commentary on the nature of truth and the power of perception. In a world where public image can make or break a career, *Bad Publicity* challenges the reader to consider what is real and what is merely a carefully crafted facade. Gillam’s exploration of these themes is thought-provoking and timely, making the novel not just a fun read, but also a relevant one.

In the end, *Bad Publicity* is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction, especially those with an interest in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of media and PR. Bianca Gillam has crafted a story that is as smart as it is engaging, with a protagonist you’ll find yourself rooting for, even as she makes some questionable decisions along the way. With its blend of humor, drama, and a touch of romance, *Bad Publicity* is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story with a strong, complex heroine at its center.

I really struggled with this one. I found Andie really unlikeable, so it was difficult to be on her side and root for her.

3.5⭐, rounding to 4

I thought that- for a debut novel, this was pretty solid. The pacing is great, it's very readable and flows very well. It kept me engaged and turning pages, even if some of that engagement came from pure frustration 🤣.

We follow Andie. She's a publicist who has been assigned to support a best-selling author, Jack, on an international tour to promote his new novel.

But, alas, Jack is her ex from University and after a great betrayal 5 years ago, she struggles to remain professional to get through the tour.

I did find the constant referral to the Great Betrayal of Five Years Ago to be incredibly frustrating. We don't get the reveal until 75%ish through the book and the reveal feels lackluster. With Andie's attitude throughout the book, I thought they must have had a very serious relationship with a major betrayal, but that wasn't the case. It was a brief fling and miscommunication.

I wouldn't say that Andie is likeable as a FMC, but she is relatable. If you've ever had a friend (or been the friend) who stubbornly ignores all advice and perpetually digs themselves in deeper holes for literally no reason but to self-destruct, then you know Andie!

Jack is pretty much the picture-perfect golden retriever man.

✨Troupes✨
Second-Chance Romance
Miscommunication
Only one room at the Inn

I would recommend this to a friend who enjoys these troupes. But if you're expecting a laugh out loud romcom, this isn't it.

The author does to a good job of illustrating the grieving process and illustrating how sometimes emotions and blame can be misplaced during that grief.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing a copy for review

Andie’s character growth in the book was everything. She encompassed so beautifully how we try to be resilient, but life has a way of bringing up all of the hard emotions and breaking us open to heal, right when we think we can’t hold it in any longer.

The hurt that she carried as she helped Jack on his book tour, as she struggled with their heartbreaking past, was conflict that so many can relate to — trying to be your best self while life throws reminders of your unhealed pain at you in ironic ways.

I absolutely loved the way Andie’s story left a wave of emotions in the last few chapters. Reminding how life can hold beauty and darkness all at once are always the most comforting words to hear as we navigate this wild journey of life.

Truly, a phenomenal debut novel and one I am more than happy to recommend.