This entertaining rom-com debut by Bianca Gillam centres on Andie, an ambitious publicist for a publishing house, who discovers her newest client is Jack, her irritatingly accomplished, never-to-be-forgiven ex from five years ago.
Of course, the promotion plan for Jack’s new book requires that Andie accompany him on a European book tour, forcing them into each other’s pockets ... and each other’s arms?
Bad Publicity satisfyingly hits all the marks of a classic romance novel, while also ensuring that the reason why Andie has never forgiven Jack is in fact compelling and believable.
In fact, the reason why Andie hates Jack may feel somewhat heavier than the bright pink book cover implies about the book’s tone.
On top of this, keep in mind that Gillam also includes an important sub-plot regarding grief, which may throw some readers who are just looking for some escapist fun.
Having said that, much of the rest of the book will satisfy dedicated lovers of the rom-com genre.
While the character of Jack could do with being a bit less perfect, especially since the reader is supposed to dislike him (at first), the character of Andie is a comfortingly quintessential romantic comedy heroine: relatable, a fiercely loyal friend, and a little bit of a mess — just like the rest of us.
Gillam’s enemies-to-lovers story framework, set in the book publishing world, will be catnip to readers who adore both love stories and books.
Case in point: thanks to the book tour aspect of the plot, a key scene is set in — where else? — Paris, specifically in the legendary Shakespeare and Company Bookshop.
Bad Publicity is a page-turner that centres female friendship, family, facing your problems and bookish romance.
Feby Idrus is a writer, musician, and arts administrator
