Bianca Gillam takes us on the trip of a lifetime...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Melissa Amster

Today we are pleased to welcome Bianca Gillam and celebrate the publication of her debut rom-com, Bad Publicity!

When I first heard about this book, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. I work in the book publicity field so the premise is definitely of interest to me! I've been to Europe and still think about that trip, so I'm sure it will bring back fun memories. I am excited to add this to my five-book pile soon. I also love that Bianca is into 80s and 90s rom-coms as I love watching those and introducing my daughter to all my favorites. 

Thanks to Viking, we have FIVE copies of Bad Publicity up for grabs!

Bianca Gillam is a London-based author and armchair expert on eighties and nineties rom-coms. Her poetry has been published in a variety of publications. She formerly worked in publishing, where she had the joy of editing a wide variety of brilliant authors; she was inspired by the books she published to write her own. Visit Bianca at her website and on Instagram.

Synopsis:

Andie has been awash in grief since the death of her father, but when she lands her dream job as a senior book publicist, she finally finds some buoyancy, a renewed sense of purpose. She’s prepared to take the New York publishing scene by storm.

Until her first day, when she discovers that her biggest author is Jack Carlson—the same Jack who ruined her life at university. Whom she hasn’t spoken to in five years. Who is not only still infuriatingly hot but also incredibly successful. And whose campaign she definitely cannot mess up, if she wants to keep her job.

To make matters even worse, the central part of this career-defining campaign is a book tour. For a month, Andie will have to travel across Europe with the man whom, if she were being totally honest, she’d like to hit with her car. Plus, there's the unrelenting grief and her mother's confusing new beau. Put all this together and you get. . . a lot.

But she will not lose this opportunity, especially not because of Jack. One month on tour with Jack Carlson, visiting some of the most romantic spots in Europe. Deep breath. She can do this. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“A glorious debut. A slow burn, enemies-to-lovers rom-com, with plenty of chemistry and deeper themes that elevate it above the frothy.”

—Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year

“Filled with heart, humor, and the swoon-worthy moments every romance reader craves, this book is a gorgeous debut for Bianca Gillam. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!”

—Laurie Gilmore, author of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe

“Bad Publicity is a bold, brilliant romance with a big emotional beating heart and a protagonist you won't be able to help falling in love with.”

—Rebecca Reid, author of The Truth Hurts

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like for you?
Fun, unexpected – a bit of a wild rollercoaster, but one I'd for sure ride again (and hope to keep riding for a while!)
 
How is Andie similar to or different from you?
She and I (especially her from the past, at university) have similar qualities in that we care a lot about fairness and would do anything for our friends if they've been wronged. In the present, I think she's more cynical than me. But I put a lot of myself in her in terms of how I felt grief changed me – for me it luckily only lasted a few months rather than years. But I did go through a period of time where I felt shut off from the world, and like I was running away from my feelings. It took me a little while and a lot of love from the people around me to find my way back.
 
If Bad Publicity were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
Emma Mackey for sure for Andie. For Jack I go back and forth but I like Callum Turner.
 
Where is your favorite place to travel in Europe?
Paris, definitely! I haven't been in ages, but I love it so much. 
 
What is your favorite 80s or 90s rom com?
Ten Things I Hate About You, hands down.

Side note from Melissa: This made me think of how the guidance counselor was talking to Kat and then pointed to a cat on her mug. Except this time, I'm the one pointing out that Bianca shares a name with one of the characters. 
 
If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 
Dolly Alderton, I think.

Thanks to Bianca for chatting with us and to Viking for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends May 27th at midnight EST. 

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