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Off Script
Not yet published
Expected 12 Feb 26Can they rewrite their ending for a second chance?
Lara Francis has finally landed her big break. After years of bar jobs and awkward auditions, she's been cast as the lead in a big Hollywood film.
There's just one catch… her co-star.
Avi Kumar is a global star, the hero of all superhero franchises and now an indie movie darling, too. But to Lara, he's the one that got away, the man who disappeared without a word.
Lara's moved on and won't let anything, or anyone, stop her from claiming the spotlight she has worked so hard for. But what if the thing that Avi wants most is a second chance? Between Avi's determination and the movie director's focus on their on-screen chemistry... something has to give.
In front of the camera, they're making a grisly thriller but behind the scenes its starting to look more like a romance...
Bianca Gillam's slow burn enemies-to-lovers rom-com, Bad Publicity, is out now.
Lara Francis has finally landed her big break. After years of bar jobs and awkward auditions, she's been cast as the lead in a big Hollywood film.
There's just one catch… her co-star.
Avi Kumar is a global star, the hero of all superhero franchises and now an indie movie darling, too. But to Lara, he's the one that got away, the man who disappeared without a word.
Lara's moved on and won't let anything, or anyone, stop her from claiming the spotlight she has worked so hard for. But what if the thing that Avi wants most is a second chance? Between Avi's determination and the movie director's focus on their on-screen chemistry... something has to give.
In front of the camera, they're making a grisly thriller but behind the scenes its starting to look more like a romance...
Bianca Gillam's slow burn enemies-to-lovers rom-com, Bad Publicity, is out now.
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 12, 2026
3 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Want to read
May 30, 2025after loving biana's debut this sounds sooo good!!! also a brown mmc?!! yes need that brown boy rep fr
November 23, 2025
2.5-2.75 stars - As a major fan of second chance romance, I liked the premise of the book and I think it started off well with a hooking prologue. I was intrigued to find more about Lara’s acting career and her as a person overall. I think it was interesting being on set with her and finding out about filming! I could also feel some of the angst with her and Avi and I found myself wanting to know what happens next between them.
While I wanted to like the book, it felt for me that we didn’t get to know any of the characters, even Lara. I still don’t feel like I know Lara or what makes her her without Avi. At one point, it felt like her personality was just liking Avi and being insecure about filming and making friends. I didn’t feel that there was a “good enough” for her to be so quiet and barely talking to anyone else except maybe Allison and Avi. I would have hoped for some more contemplation and perhaps some more internal contradictions where Lara thinks about these things but doesn’t act on them? It felt like she was confident one moment and insecure the next.
I also don’t think we got to know Avi almost at all. I still don’t see or understand why Lara liked him so much. They only briefly started talking at around 60% and then the main romance occurs at about 75%-85% and then the conflict occurs and then it’s resolved and the book is over. We don’t spend enough time with them to really feel satisfied with the romance. When they got together, they also barely talked about the past, so compared to how hurt Lara seemed to be about it, she forgave him very easily. I don’t mind the miscommunication but I don’t think it was executed well.
I also thought that the chapters felt more like snippets and didn’t flow well. They felt “rigid” in a way, like we were being given facts rather than told a story. Maybe it was because of Lara’s POV and how she is as a person, but I didn’t enjoy the pace or how quickly it moved from one thing to another.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing an ARC for this book.
While I wanted to like the book, it felt for me that we didn’t get to know any of the characters, even Lara. I still don’t feel like I know Lara or what makes her her without Avi. At one point, it felt like her personality was just liking Avi and being insecure about filming and making friends. I didn’t feel that there was a “good enough” for her to be so quiet and barely talking to anyone else except maybe Allison and Avi. I would have hoped for some more contemplation and perhaps some more internal contradictions where Lara thinks about these things but doesn’t act on them? It felt like she was confident one moment and insecure the next.
I also don’t think we got to know Avi almost at all. I still don’t see or understand why Lara liked him so much. They only briefly started talking at around 60% and then the main romance occurs at about 75%-85% and then the conflict occurs and then it’s resolved and the book is over. We don’t spend enough time with them to really feel satisfied with the romance. When they got together, they also barely talked about the past, so compared to how hurt Lara seemed to be about it, she forgave him very easily. I don’t mind the miscommunication but I don’t think it was executed well.
I also thought that the chapters felt more like snippets and didn’t flow well. They felt “rigid” in a way, like we were being given facts rather than told a story. Maybe it was because of Lara’s POV and how she is as a person, but I didn’t enjoy the pace or how quickly it moved from one thing to another.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing an ARC for this book.
November 27, 2025
Marketed as a second-chance romance, Off Script follows our protagonist Lara Francis, a struggling actor who lands her big break starring in a live-action adaptation of her favourite childhood mystery novel. It’s her second chance romantically—with her former friend and now hugely popular co-star, Avi. They lost touch years ago due to a misunderstanding, and now we watch them navigate their complicated history on set.
What I loved most was how deeply relatable Lara’s inner world felt—her insecurities, her spiralling over people’s opinions, her talent clouded by nerves, and her difficulty connecting even with those who genuinely care about her. I also related a little too much with the mentor relationship with the director-the way she's trying to prove herself to her mentor who believed her from the beginning, her admiration for her favourite fictional detective, and her admiring the qualities in a fictional character that you lack in yourself. For a second book, Gilliam’s writing impressed me—the small details that I mentioned here were handled in a way that felt too real, and I’ll definitely look out for her future work.
Criticisms: I wish it wasn’t a romance novel. The leads barely speak properly until more than halfway through the book, and the romance ended up feeling forced—I genuinely didn’t think they were a good match by the end. Avi’s character also felt underdeveloped, especially considering his Indian-American identity and how typecasting affects his career; it was mentioned but never fully explored. Roman, the villain actor, felt unnecessary and served no real purpose. On the positive side, I loved the women-supporting-women element (although it could've been explored more)—with a celebrity rumoured to be Avi’s girlfriend actually helping Lara instead of competing with her. More of that in contemporary fiction, please.
⭐ Rating: Rounding it up to 3/5
P.S. This was my first NetGalley ARC. Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley. The book releases in February next year.
What I loved most was how deeply relatable Lara’s inner world felt—her insecurities, her spiralling over people’s opinions, her talent clouded by nerves, and her difficulty connecting even with those who genuinely care about her. I also related a little too much with the mentor relationship with the director-the way she's trying to prove herself to her mentor who believed her from the beginning, her admiration for her favourite fictional detective, and her admiring the qualities in a fictional character that you lack in yourself. For a second book, Gilliam’s writing impressed me—the small details that I mentioned here were handled in a way that felt too real, and I’ll definitely look out for her future work.
Criticisms: I wish it wasn’t a romance novel. The leads barely speak properly until more than halfway through the book, and the romance ended up feeling forced—I genuinely didn’t think they were a good match by the end. Avi’s character also felt underdeveloped, especially considering his Indian-American identity and how typecasting affects his career; it was mentioned but never fully explored. Roman, the villain actor, felt unnecessary and served no real purpose. On the positive side, I loved the women-supporting-women element (although it could've been explored more)—with a celebrity rumoured to be Avi’s girlfriend actually helping Lara instead of competing with her. More of that in contemporary fiction, please.
⭐ Rating: Rounding it up to 3/5
P.S. This was my first NetGalley ARC. Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley. The book releases in February next year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
Yes, romance isn't my usual genre so maybe other people will really love this, but it just felt so incredibly flat. The characters are all very surface-level; Lara likes acting and is incredibly insecure, Avi is a famous actor, Alison is unsupportive and Spencer and Hannah are nice friends. Oh and Roman is just kinda there, being weird, for literally no reason. They start like this, and they end like this.
Oftentimes, I find that plot-driven books take the plot-driving too far; the author wants to go from A to B in the plot, so they have a character do something specifically to drive that action, regardless of whether or not the character would actually make that decision. And that felt very much the case in this book. Lara is incredibly contradictory; she wants this role and to be an actor, so she's offered the part, and then she almost turns it down?? She has a huge blow out with her sister and wants time alone, only for two seconds later, go hook up with Avi and neglect her whole professionalism of the rest of the book. Like....what is the story here? It's all very much told to us instead of shown, particularly the fact that Avi is nothing but nice the whole book and yet we're told repeatedly that he abandoned her and that's why she doesn't like him....but he apologises for it in literally their first interaction, so I'm not really sure what the conflict was here.
The pacing was very off, most of the "action" is from about 70% onwards, and then there's (two) time jumps to wrap everything up neatly. Just all around a very odd book. I don't know, maybe this clicked with other people, but sadly, I am not one of them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing an ARC for this book.
Oftentimes, I find that plot-driven books take the plot-driving too far; the author wants to go from A to B in the plot, so they have a character do something specifically to drive that action, regardless of whether or not the character would actually make that decision. And that felt very much the case in this book. Lara is incredibly contradictory; she wants this role and to be an actor, so she's offered the part, and then she almost turns it down?? She has a huge blow out with her sister and wants time alone, only for two seconds later, go hook up with Avi and neglect her whole professionalism of the rest of the book. Like....what is the story here? It's all very much told to us instead of shown, particularly the fact that Avi is nothing but nice the whole book and yet we're told repeatedly that he abandoned her and that's why she doesn't like him....but he apologises for it in literally their first interaction, so I'm not really sure what the conflict was here.
The pacing was very off, most of the "action" is from about 70% onwards, and then there's (two) time jumps to wrap everything up neatly. Just all around a very odd book. I don't know, maybe this clicked with other people, but sadly, I am not one of them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing an ARC for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
Bianca Gillam crafts a lovely, slow-burn second chance romance with Off Script. Struggling actress Lara finally gets her big break in the adaptation of her favourite mystery novels, only to discover that her co-star is movie superstar Avi, her once best friend and possibly more who cut off contact with her three years ago.
I breezed right through this book and only put it down because it was already 1am and I had work the next day. it was so well-paced with characters I became invested in. I really enjoyed Lara's journey as a novice film star, compared to Avi, who is super successful but typecast in roles he's pressured to take because he's a person of colour who has an even harder time in the industry.
What I really appreciate was the way Bianca Gillam explores Lara's acting process and the effort she put into inhabiting her Amelia role. At times, though, Lara was a bit frustrating with her inability to let Avi clear the air with her over their past. I also felt he resolution with her sister didn’t fit given undermined her and was overly involved in telling her what to do. It felt just like more manipulation. I get that Lara was very insular but Alison just stomped allover her boundaries. I also would've loved a bit more with Roman, as it felt like he had the makings of a good foil, but he didn’t appear as much for that storyline to really develop (I’d read a Roman book!).
Off-Script cements Bianca Gillam as a new auto-buy author for me. I really look forward to enjoying more work by her. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
I breezed right through this book and only put it down because it was already 1am and I had work the next day. it was so well-paced with characters I became invested in. I really enjoyed Lara's journey as a novice film star, compared to Avi, who is super successful but typecast in roles he's pressured to take because he's a person of colour who has an even harder time in the industry.
What I really appreciate was the way Bianca Gillam explores Lara's acting process and the effort she put into inhabiting her Amelia role. At times, though, Lara was a bit frustrating with her inability to let Avi clear the air with her over their past. I also felt he resolution with her sister didn’t fit given undermined her and was overly involved in telling her what to do. It felt just like more manipulation. I get that Lara was very insular but Alison just stomped allover her boundaries. I also would've loved a bit more with Roman, as it felt like he had the makings of a good foil, but he didn’t appear as much for that storyline to really develop (I’d read a Roman book!).
Off-Script cements Bianca Gillam as a new auto-buy author for me. I really look forward to enjoying more work by her. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 1, 2025
Off Script by Bianca Gillam
After years of auditions Lara Francis finally catches her big break in the film adaptation of her favourite book. Her co star will be the global star Avi Kumar, but to her, he’s the one that got away. Lara is determined she is over Avi, and wants to put all her focus into filming this movie. But what if Avi isn’t over her, and wants a second chance?
This was definitely a fun read, it was a unique setting which I enjoyed, being able to be on set and follow Lara through her filming of scenes. It gripped me enough to read it fairly quickly, but I think it was also a quick read because it was a bit surface level. There wasn’t really exploration of the characters themselves, only really a focus on she liked him, he liked her and it didn’t work. Why they liked each other wasn’t really fleshed out. I didn’t like the turn it took after they got together, the way things unfolded and characters acted, to me just didn’t feel realistic, like it was over dramatised for the sake of it. Still an enjoyable quick read if you’re looking for a little palette cleanser!
genre: romance
release date: 12th February
Thank you to Bloomsbury for the NetGalley arc 🫶🏼
After years of auditions Lara Francis finally catches her big break in the film adaptation of her favourite book. Her co star will be the global star Avi Kumar, but to her, he’s the one that got away. Lara is determined she is over Avi, and wants to put all her focus into filming this movie. But what if Avi isn’t over her, and wants a second chance?
This was definitely a fun read, it was a unique setting which I enjoyed, being able to be on set and follow Lara through her filming of scenes. It gripped me enough to read it fairly quickly, but I think it was also a quick read because it was a bit surface level. There wasn’t really exploration of the characters themselves, only really a focus on she liked him, he liked her and it didn’t work. Why they liked each other wasn’t really fleshed out. I didn’t like the turn it took after they got together, the way things unfolded and characters acted, to me just didn’t feel realistic, like it was over dramatised for the sake of it. Still an enjoyable quick read if you’re looking for a little palette cleanser!
genre: romance
release date: 12th February
Thank you to Bloomsbury for the NetGalley arc 🫶🏼
November 23, 2025
This was a really enjoyable book to read in one sitting, following Lara through the struggles she faces on the set of her first film.
I really liked the slow burn and the tension between her and Avi throughout the whole book, on and off camera, even though at times all I wanted to do was roll up a script and swat them both to just sit down and talk it out.
The only thing I felt was missing was more of the glam and drama that I imagined would follow Hollywood's sweetheart, Avi. I would've liked to see him pull out all sorts of ridiculous, grand gestures that only someone with his kind of influence and means could pull. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that I didn't feel his genuine feelings towards Lara, and the regret for having missed a few years together.
In the end I liked how it was handled, when Avi finally fought harder than ever for Lara.
I really liked the slow burn and the tension between her and Avi throughout the whole book, on and off camera, even though at times all I wanted to do was roll up a script and swat them both to just sit down and talk it out.
The only thing I felt was missing was more of the glam and drama that I imagined would follow Hollywood's sweetheart, Avi. I would've liked to see him pull out all sorts of ridiculous, grand gestures that only someone with his kind of influence and means could pull. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that I didn't feel his genuine feelings towards Lara, and the regret for having missed a few years together.
In the end I liked how it was handled, when Avi finally fought harder than ever for Lara.
November 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this arc.
I had a fun time reading this, I'm very intrigued by the character that Lara was playing and the storyline of their film reminds me a lot of the Veronica Speedwell books to the point where I do wish that we had gotten to see more of them acting and the script than we did.
There were lots of complicated relationships mostly due to how no one wanted to talk about their actual feelings not only romantically but also platonically. Saying that, I did find the book fun and interesting and I definitely wouldn't let that put you off picking this up.
I had a fun time reading this, I'm very intrigued by the character that Lara was playing and the storyline of their film reminds me a lot of the Veronica Speedwell books to the point where I do wish that we had gotten to see more of them acting and the script than we did.
There were lots of complicated relationships mostly due to how no one wanted to talk about their actual feelings not only romantically but also platonically. Saying that, I did find the book fun and interesting and I definitely wouldn't let that put you off picking this up.
November 9, 2025
I really liked this book. Lara and Avi had that slow, simmering tension that felt real but sometimes dragged too long. Lara’s growth as an actress felt genuine. Avi was charming but a little too mysterious for most of the story. The chemistry between them worked best in the quieter scenes, where the emotions slipped through naturally. The writing was clean and smooth, and the pacing made it easy to keep reading without feeling rushed. It was thoughtful, and quietly romantic. Thank you so much to the author,Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
November 7, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this ARC!
Gillam tells us a dreamy romantic tale of movie-stardom and the pressures that our MC Lara faces in her journey to becoming a famous actress. Leaving her family and friends behind to focus on her career, she finally lands her dream role as the female protagonist in her favourite childhood story... opposite her ex (yikes). Loved this steamy romance, such a cosy read for anyone whose ever had a daydream of being famous.
Gillam tells us a dreamy romantic tale of movie-stardom and the pressures that our MC Lara faces in her journey to becoming a famous actress. Leaving her family and friends behind to focus on her career, she finally lands her dream role as the female protagonist in her favourite childhood story... opposite her ex (yikes). Loved this steamy romance, such a cosy read for anyone whose ever had a daydream of being famous.
October 29, 2025
After reading Bianca Gilliam’s debut Bad Publicity, I have been looking forward to her next work.
In Off Script we follow Lara and Avi.
✔️ POC MMC
✔️ Second chance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Workplace
✔️ The acting world
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANC), Bloomsbury Publishing UK and NetGalley for the ARC.
In Off Script we follow Lara and Avi.
✔️ POC MMC
✔️ Second chance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Workplace
✔️ The acting world
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANC), Bloomsbury Publishing UK and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 13, 2025
RTC closer to publication!
Thank you NetGalley, Bianca Gillam and Bloomsbury for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review - Off Script publishes February 12th.
Thank you NetGalley, Bianca Gillam and Bloomsbury for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review - Off Script publishes February 12th.
November 26, 2025
Read this as an ARC through NetGalley.
Absolutely loved this story from beginning to end and the tension that was simmering throughout between Lara and Avi just oozes off the pages. Loved how Avi tries to look out for Lara, even when she doesn't want him to.
I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in almost under a day.
Really fantastic story with no real angst.
💕 Former Friends to Lovers
💖 Second Chance
🔥 Slow Burn
🖤 Forced Proximity
👥 Work Place
Absolutely loved this story from beginning to end and the tension that was simmering throughout between Lara and Avi just oozes off the pages. Loved how Avi tries to look out for Lara, even when she doesn't want him to.
I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in almost under a day.
Really fantastic story with no real angst.
💕 Former Friends to Lovers
💖 Second Chance
🔥 Slow Burn
🖤 Forced Proximity
👥 Work Place
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews