I usually wait until i'm at least halfway thru but I couldn't do it anymore. I feel bad being mean bc I got an arc but this is just not written well and it's probably the english major in me but the quotations were not properly punctuated half the time and the fmc was so annoying and the lack of explanation abt the main characters past wasn't enticing enough to make me wanna keep reading and find out what happened it was just annoying and took away from the story imo. also why doesn't goodreads let us see the little notes we leave when we update our progress that just pissed me pff too

I liked it overall, I feel like the main characters could’ve had more chemistry and close proximity. I know some people like less dialogue but I like dialogue and it did lack some dialogue. But I like the story and where it took place.

“Every minute of every day, Jack Carlson is on my mind”
“Because the dull ache of grief is moving through me, for the people we were.”

this was a perfect romance. it was so emily henry-esque and reminded me of her books which i hold so dear. if you like emily henry or lynn painter, read this!! Jack was so perfect and always respected Andie’s wishes even when he disagreed. Andie was a complex protagonist, I hated her and loved her all at once

DNF. One of my least favorite things in romance novels (any novels, but it seems most prevalent in romance) is when the female main character is one dimensional. Andie had zero personality beyond hating Jack for whatever he did — I didn’t read far enough to find out, but from other reviews I gather that the reveal doesn’t occur until about 75%.

There were also numerous simple typos — ficas instead of ficus (the plant), punctuation and quotation errors… overall, it just felt like this book needed some more polishing before being sent to ARC readers.

Thank you NetGalley for an early look at this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This one just wasn’t for me!

I had a hard time getting into it at first because of the FMC being so closed off to hearing others' opinions or giving love as much as she receives. I'm glad I kept going though (or maybe I don't with how many tears I shed) because of the deep connection to grief and loss in so many ways. Without spoiling it for others, it touches on so many deep feelings and relationships. There are so many ways that there are good and toxic family dynamics, all the different ways in which we deal with (or try to avoid dealing with) grief, the difficulties to move on from grief and trauma, damage that can be done with horrid people with power, and the importance of people that see, know, and love you despite our shortcomings.

Perhaps because I've gotten to the age where friends are losing their parents, I see aging parents issues way too well, we have friends going through really hard life things with their kids or family members, but the tears just kept coming from one point on. So often we want to avoid all the feelings instead of dealing with them, phew. Maybe it hit too close to home with the journeys through grief I've had with good friends, but my eyes were VERY puffy after!

I still couldn't come to love the FMC even to the end so I couldn't give it 5 stars but I rounded up my 3.5 to 4 stars! There were just way too many times that I wanted to scream at her "ask your friend how SHE is", or "listen to what she is trying to say", or "be open to other people's stories"!!! It just was the same pattern over and over and I got very frustrated with her but probably because being unteachable or unwilling to listen is one of the traits I least care for in people. I know we all have it but it was VERY strong with her!

Bad Publicity was such a treat! I saw the author's description of the book on her site and I couldn't agree more--she absolutely nailed the atmosphere she was going for. Bonus points for being a book about publishing! Cannot wait to read what Bianca writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I'll start with the good. Books written from the POV of someone who works in the literary industry are some of my favorites. It's like reading about the adventures of a dear bookish friend. It is also really interesting reading about the inner workings of the publishing industry and book tours. Jack was exceptionally sweet and understanding almost to a fault (he was pretty much a doormat by the end of the book). I loved him as a character, although I questioned all of his life choices. He was interesting and, honestly, the only reason I liked this book.

Now for the bad. The pacing of this book felt really off. Andie keeps referencing some big, horrible event that happened between her and Jack, but we don't get any context until about 75% of the way through. Normally, I wouldn't mind this, but the FMC references it excessively. It got to the point where I was more frustrated than curious, and by the 50% mark I was just reading so that I could figure out what Jack could have possibly done wrong to make Andie act like such a ugly troll to him for pretty much the entire book. I really just didn't enjoy the back half of the book because of this.

And finally, the ugly. Andie, they could literally never make me like you. If Andie has no haters, then I am dead. Almost all of her problems (quite literally) were of her own making and would not have been as big of a deal if she went to see a real therapist to process her grief instead of talking to her best friend and mother like they're her therapists. She makes the fact that she has problems and trauma into other people's problems by being mean to them for seemingly no good reason and expects people to cater to her feelings without thinking about how her actions affect others. News flash: just because you have trauma doesn't mean you get to act like a total A-hole to the people around you. You are still responsible for your actions. Andie is literally one of the most unlikable characters I've ever read about, and it really ruined the book for me. She's unprofessional, immature, and incredibly selfish. I'm supposed to root for someone who acts like an emotionally immature troglodyte for the majority of the book? I think not.

I'm giving this book 1 star. Between the pacing and the incredibly unlikable FMC, I didn't just not enjoy this book, I actively disliked it. I will not be purchasing or recommending it to anyone.

I enjoyed this read though I think it could have used a little something. I loved the exes to lovers banter. Jack really was a great guy.
I didn't like how many times it referred to "what happened" and how much she hated him without the back story. Though what happened did suck and I can see how it would have caused the rift in their relationship, I didn't feel like it was bad enough to created such a major plot impact. I was like, "Is that it?" I wanted to tell Andie to shut up and listen more than one time. And she was really whiny.
Sarah was a hard character, I mean I know she was Andie's voice of reason and she needed that but at times it was a little bizarre. I thought the way they talked their relationship almost seemed more than friends, though it did turn out to be purely platonic. It seemed a little unhealthy. And then Sarah's additional side story at the end.
In a way, there were so many side issues, the main story plot was a little lost. I did finish the book and overall liked it.

Bad Publicity features so many popular tropes: enemies to lovers, second chance romance, and forced proximity. It also explores some more serious topics, like betrayal and losing a parent, I found myself a bit frustrated at how long it took to get the back story of why she was mad/hurt by Jack, and the emotional bits didn’t quite land.

4.5⭐️

I really enjoyed this one. It’s fast paced and fun, while also exploring the depths of grief, friendship, and forgiveness.

Love the chemistry between Andie and Jack and how he treats her like the most precious thing in the world.

As someone who also lost a dad, I found those feelings of loss beautifully portrayed. I’m normally skeptical about books that touch that subject because it’s not easy to be authentic about them unless you have gone through a similar situation yourself.

Also, I loooove the friendship betweeen Andie and Sara, made me think so much of my own best friend.

When would I recommend to read it? On a weekend, on a flight, when feeling blue 💙

Bianca Gillam’s Bad Publicity is a charming, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers rom-com that delivers plenty of wit, tension, and romantic drama. The novel follows Andie, an ambitious senior book publicist who lands her dream job, only to have her excitement doused by the unwelcome revelation that she’ll be working with Jack Carlson—the man who wrecked her life back in university. Their history is fraught with unresolved tension and lingering resentment, making their forced proximity a delightful setup for sparks to fly.

Gillam immediately hooks readers with the promise of a high-stakes professional and personal reunion. Andie, with her sharp determination and drive to succeed, is relatable and likable as a protagonist. Her internal monologue about surviving a month-long book tour with her nemesis is both humorous and full of palpable anxiety. The setup—working closely with the man who once derailed her—and the added pressure of a career-defining campaign provide plenty of tension and awkward, steamy moments.

Jack Carlson is the perfect foil to Andie’s tightly wound character. He’s successful, infuriatingly handsome, and as Andie soon discovers, a bit more complex than she remembers. Gillam excels at slowly peeling back Jack’s layers, showing his growth since their university days and providing just enough depth to make readers root for him despite the rocky history. Their banter is quick-witted and sharp, keeping the enemies-to-lovers trope alive while hinting at the underlying attraction neither can fully ignore.

What sets Bad Publicity apart from the typical rom-com fare is how it balances humor and romance with deeper themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and second chances. Andie and Jack’s history isn’t just glossed over for the sake of a fun romance; it’s explored in a way that feels real, with both characters forced to confront the hurt and misunderstandings from their past. This emotional complexity adds depth to the slow-burn tension between them, making their eventual romantic progression feel earned and satisfying.

The European book tour backdrop adds a delightful element of travel and adventure to the novel. As Andie and Jack traverse romantic locations like Paris, Rome, and Venice, the story shifts from professional rivalry to personal connection. Gillam’s descriptions of these iconic cities enhance the romantic atmosphere and offer a great contrast to the simmering tension between the two leads. The travel scenes also provide some of the novel’s most heartwarming and comedic moments, helping to break up the emotional intensity of their relationship.

However, while the slow burn works in the novel’s favor for much of the story, the pacing can feel sluggish at times, particularly in the middle. There are moments where the conflict between Andie and Jack feels repetitive, and the resolution to their personal issues could have been sped up to maintain the novel’s momentum. Additionally, some of the secondary characters, like colleagues or side plot points, feel underdeveloped, which occasionally leaves the focus too heavily on Andie and Jack without enough external engagement.

That said, the chemistry between the two leads more than makes up for these minor flaws. Gillam excels at building romantic tension and making the eventual payoff feel worth the wait. Fans of slow-burn romances will appreciate the deliberate pacing and the careful exploration of past hurts that give the romance more emotional weight than your typical light-hearted rom-com.

Final Thoughts:
Bad Publicity is a fun and engaging enemies-to-lovers rom-com that balances humor, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry. Bianca Gillam’s deft hand at writing sharp banter and layered characters ensures that Andie and Jack’s story is as heartfelt as it is entertaining. While the pacing drags slightly in parts, the novel’s romantic progression and European travel backdrop make it a perfect pick for fans of Emily Henry or Sophie Cousens. If you enjoy a romance that takes its time to develop while offering a mix of laughter and heart, this one is definitely worth a read.

I was so excited about reading Bad Publicity but it fell short. It didn't keep my interest, and the main characters were boring. The female lead, Andie, was so selfish. She didn't think about or care what others, like her mother and best friend, were going through. The main male lead, Jack, allowed Andie to constantly treat him poorly, and when he finally stood up for himself, it was too late. I also never understood their love connection - even when they were in college, there was no story behind how they connected, beyond they shared a class together. Everything was very surface level and not much depth to the writing.

DNF at 50%. Something about this one was not hitting. It felt like there was too much going on at once and also not enough. Halfway in and you still don’t know why she hates this man so much, it really bothered me. Gave it a proper chance but it was not the one for me. Thank you NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actually probably a 3.5⭐️ but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Okay, so I'm a total sucker for European settings and books about books. Bad Publicity totally hit the spot!

I mean, the story is a rollercoaster of emotions. Andie's dealing with grief, being a good daughter, friendship stuffs, and trying to figure out her new job & life all at once. I definitely shed a few tears!😭

But the European backdrop and all the book-related stuff made it so worth it. I could just picture myself wandering through those charming bookstores and sipping coffee in cozy cafes.

Overall, Bad Publicity is a fun-read if you're looking for a slow-burn romance with a sprinkle of messy life to make you feel right at home!

This fun, fast-paced rom-com follows Andie, a book publicist, and Jack, her ex from university, as they navigate a month-long book tour across Europe. The chemistry between them is electric, and their banter is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Andie and Jack’s journey is filled with witty exchanges, unexpected twists, and plenty of romantic tension. The European settings add a charming backdrop to their evolving relationship, making the story even more engaging. Gillam’s writing is sharp and full of humor, making it easy to get lost in the world she’s created.

If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with plenty of humor, romance, and a touch of adventure, “Bad Publicity” is a must-read. It’s a delightful escape that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page!

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I struggled to get into the story and wanted to DNF several times. Andie was unlikable and flat, Jack was pitiable but also a total doormat. The biggest issue I had was pacing-it took 70% of the book to find out what happened between the main characters and I didn’t think the wait was worth it. There are a few plot points that felt forced and unnecessary as though they were placed into the story only to serve as growth catalysts for Andie yet they failed to make her relatable or likable.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was only ok for me.

Andie is a publicist and unbeknownst to get, she gets assigned an author. Jack. He's someone she already knows. And hates.

The venom behind the thoughts, and words, Andie feels about Jack were a lot. As I read on, I kept waiting for the big reveal. To see what unforgivable thing Jack had done. When I read it I was shocked. Not by what Jack had done, but by Andie's reaction to it. It's not as if what he did was ok in any way BUT Andie never gave him a chance to explain himself. I'm not saying she totally overreacted, but maybe she did. I don't know.

I'm glad I finished the book to get at least a little closure with their whole story. The book was fine, but not great.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

less of a romance and more of a story following parent loss grief. The characters have little personality and the story moves so quickly - I’m pretty sure 3 weeks passes within 20 pages?? The idea of the story drew me in, and I do think it is well written, but it needs more substance! I think adding in Jack’s POV would have helped immerse the reader in the story a little better. Or honestly just anything regarding Jack.

I loved the nod to publishing and the complexities therein. This was a fun read. I just wish the MFC had been a little less angsty and weepy.

3 stars

I liked the idea for this book but unfortunately the execution fell flat for me. This book was so fast paced it almost felt like a montage in a movie. All the scenes were so short and had very little depth. I constantly found that I was wanting more explanation, more conversation, more detail. I couldn’t get a sense of how the characters were feeling or any growth between the love interests. You’re also just thrown into the book with no explanation or set up. Almost immediately they’re on the book tour and you don’t really get a chance to get to know the main character at all. Speaking of the tour, they’re traveling to a bunch of Europe countries and there was so much opportunity for fun setting and adventure but it barely played a part and I found I never really remembered where they were because it was glossed over so much.
A main plot point in this book is that Andie and Jack are exes and had some big falling out and now they’re enemies (at least, on Andies part. jack seems to want to put everything in the past). You don’t find out about this falling out until 75% into the book and it really doesn’t make the buildup worth it. I was so frustrated and felt like Andie’s refusal to talk about it with jack was so over the top.
I also did not like Andie. She was so unprofessional and selfish. She was supposed to be jacks publicist but she was so rude to him and was constantly causing him to run late for events and didn’t listen to anything he said. She also didn’t treat her best friend or her mom very well. She gave off the vibe of someone who has to be the center of attention. She was mad at her best friend for moving in with her boyfriend and not being constantly available to listen to her complain. And then she completely ignored her mom talking about her engagement and upcoming wedding, even though this was a really big, emotional moment for both of them and she just wasn’t there for her.
I had a hard time with this book. It felt like a first draft or an outline where there were a lot of good ideas it just needed a lot more depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC!