PR STUNT

by Bailey Marshall

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2026

Reviews

[Susan Carolynn]

4.5 stars! What an amazing debut romance book. PR Stunt was everything I needed in a lighthearted rom-com. An ode to all things girly and fun!

I adored the celebrity romance aspect. Charlie was a confident, type A FMC, and I loved her work ethic and dedication to her craft. She complemented Grayson so well. They had fantastic banter, and it was hilarious how he pushed her buttons. Yet she slowly grew accustomed to pushing his right back. And they had so many humorous scenes that stemmed from their fake dates, such as the mud race. I loved all of the staged (and not staged) dates. So many fun locations...beach resorts, galas, and motorcycle rides!

The pacing as a whole was great. I specifically loved the pacing of the romantic relationship. It felt like Charlie and Grayson progressed naturally as they spent more and more time together. And the slow burn build-up was everything.

I would've liked to see a bit more of Charlie's backstory + how she got into acting. Also maybe a bit more how Grayson had to deal with being the breadwinner of his family growing up and how he worked through that trauma. But this was such a cute romance, and perfect if you're in the mood for something lighthearted, comedic, and fun!

Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of PR Stunt. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)

[Bailey Marshall]

Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, showstopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before...

[Kate Murtagh]

4.5⭐️s ARC from the author - this was so delicate, sweet & witty. So much fun!!!

[Chloé Desrochers]

Advance Review Copy received from the author 🤍

This book was a HUGE wow wow wow!!!

And the PR + fake dating + all the build-up?! 👀 I LOVED IT. This was actually my first time reading a book with this kind of storyline, and I really, really enjoyed it. I was completely invested.

I’ve read a lot of books in my life, but honestly, this one was such a favorite. It was so easy and quick to read. You immediately get pulled into the story, and there’s never a dull moment. There’s always a scene, an action, or something happening that keeps the story moving.

I absolutely loved the characters, but seriously, Grayson, what a man. This couple was so lovable and easy to connect with, and I really enjoyed how simple and fluid the writing was. Everything was well explained, with the perfect descriptions to make you feel like you’re in the story.

For a first book, honestly: 15/10 for Bailey Marshall 🫶🏼 I truly hope she writes more books because I will absolutely be there for all of them.

My only. ONLY. little negative point and honestly, this book is a 10/10 otherwise is that I would have LOVED to have Grayson’s POV 😭

I’m such a big fan of dual POVs, and honestly, I would have paid good money to know what was going on inside Grayson’s head. I would have loved to see the story from his perspective and know what he was thinking during certain moments. But that’s literally my only complaint.

Such a huge favorite 💗 10/10, and I need more! Thank you for this amazing book!

[Kate Klassen]

4.5 ⭐️
I was hooked just a few pages in (shoutout Açai Dude) and the slow burn was well worth the wait. Bailey made Charlie, despite being a celebrity, feel relatable by balancing her vulnerability with professional strengths, and her mansion with sushi and wine nights.
I was already hoping for a sequel before I hit 80%. More from Juno’s perspective maybe? The foundations for a whole universe are there. I hope this impressive debut isn’t the only book we get from Bailey.

[Laila holland]

Review of advanced copy received from author

I never knew I loved the forced proximity trope so much until I read this. This book was genuinely so good, it got me out of a reading slump and out me in a good mood when I wasn’t feeling the best. Normally I’m very picking about fake dating but oh my gosh this was literally perfect. I genuinely can’t wait to read more from the author.

[Brooklyn’s Books]

I absolutely DEVOURED this book!!! It is the perfect early 2000's romcom movie vibes. I loved the slow burn, the banter, the setting, and even the little twist at the end!!! Must read for all the romance girlies 🎥📖🍸💗

[Cyrene Jackson]

Ooh we love a fake dating trope! These two had spicy chemistry, hilarious banter and Charlie had so many relatable qualities. Got to read this one early, crushed in about a day !

Sayulita was hotttt.

[Jennifer Ausbrooks]

Thank you so much for an ARC of PR Stunt! THIS BOOK! I have recently taken a break from reading fake dating/Hollywood tropes because I feel like they can often be surface level. This book made me love the fake dating trope again. Both Charlie and Grayson felt very well-rounded and I found myself wanting the best for them. Sometimes I find it hard to connect to Hollywood characters, but these two were so human and I loved watching them grow.

I can’t put my finger on it specifically, but I loved the writing style. Every description felt purposeful. The confessions of love felt genuine.

Spoiler: at the beginning of the book, Grayson and Charlie sign a contract about their fake dating and as a reader you find out all of the things they have agreed to do together. Despite knowing what they had planned, each arranged meeting/date felt unique. It didn’t feel like we were just checking a box. Each time they had a plan, Grayson tweaked it a little bit to show that he truly was falling for her. Kicking my FEET!!

I really enjoyed this book. I would love to read more from Bailey Marshall in the future!!

[Cozy Bound Reads ✨]

Disclosure: This book was provided as an Advance Review Copy (ARC), in exchange for an honest review. Receiving an ARC never influences my rating or opinions.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am absolutely blown away that this is a debut novel, Bailey Marshall did such an amazing job with this book.
The whole feel of the book felt very much like an 2000’s rom-com. It had me kicking my feet and giggling CONSTANTLY. I can absolutely tell that this will be in my reread rotation.

The slow burn in this book was fantastic, it really did pay tribute to the dedication “Being vulnerable is sexy”. If how to loose a guy in 10 days is your vibe, you will fall in love with Charlie and Grayson. The little hints of a more sublte plot line was great and didn’t over shadow the slow burn.
Typically I love getting a dual POV, but I liked that we really dug into Charlie’s insecurities while still getting to see Grayson’s laid out later on.

I will be needing to get a phyiscal trophy of this for my book shelf immediately.

[Michelle Mlcak]

Thankful to have received this ARC!!!!

Coming from someone who has been in a reading slump for literal MONTHS… this book may have been the cure?! 👀

I’m not typically someone who reaches for fake dating, but the way it was done in this book just WORKED. It felt natural and actually made sense for the story. Add in the California setting, celebrity vibes, slow burn, tension and banter?! I mean how cute, I was HOOKED. It really gave me romcom vibes that you get when you watch your favourite movie from back in the day.

Charlie & Grayson had me invested from the second I picked up this book I found myself wanting to keep reading instead of forcing myself to pick up the book. I mean truly it’s taken me months to get through books lately so the fact that I stayed up late to FINISH this one…. That should tell you how much I enjoyed it. 😂

For a debut novel, I am BLOWN AWAY. Great job Bailey, I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this one!!

[Annabella Capalbo]

Advance Review Copy received by the author!
This book was everything to me, as I only read romance books, they often get repetitive, so being able to hook me from the start is something I need; and this book delivered!!! From the PR stunt to the fake dating, I loved it all. Let me not forget the addictive banter and the complete desire between the characters. This book truly made me go through all emotions: laughing out loud from Charlies commentary, blushing from the spicy scenes and happiness by reading Grayson and Charlie fall blindly in love. Not to mention, the nickname, "Miss Grace" I'm sat.

Glad to have had the chance to read it early, it really is a great book!

[Dez]

I am so excited to say that I was one of the lucky people that got the arc of this book!
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
I’m gonna keep this one spoiler free so people who want to read it get to see this review

But man, oh man, do I want this in a physical copy ✌︎('ω')✌︎

For this to her debut novel it was GREAT!!! I was in for all the drama!!! I love a good fake dating, celebrity drama, he falls first trope and this HIT the SPOT ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ

I love Charlie and Grayson together ughhh I have a lot to say but don’t wanna spoil so I’ll end it here

\( ˆoˆ )/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Vanessa Mensah-Wilson]

Absolutely loved this book and completely fell in love with Charlie and Grayson! Their tension and chemistry were so palpable, and I loved that their relationship slowly shift from a PR stunt into something that felt so real.

I loved the slow burn and also loved that they both felt like full characters outside of the romance, which made me even more invested in them as a couple.

This was such a fun, addictive read and one of those books where you genuinely don’t want to say goodbye to the characters when it’s over

[Maddy Ashton]

Loved this rom com debut novel! The author nailed it with the 2000's movie vibes and the ending had an unexpected twist that made everything come together so well!

[Sophia R]

🤍

I really liked how this celebrity romance actually had aspects of their life as a celebrity and it wasn’t just some background information!

[Vienna Jane]

This book was soooo good! Just the right amount of everything to keep you hooked! I cannot wait for another book by Bailey!!

[Diana Calvillo]

Loved this romance read! Fake dating, close proximity, and spice 🌶️! It was a fast paced read for me. Each chapter made me want to read more. Also love the cover !

[Jaime Bleha]

Amazing book!
Perfect romance book for romance lovers.
Easy and a fun read.
Couldn’t put it down.

[Teeny Martini]

🎬 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝗱. The aesthetic. The atmosphere. The writing. I ate it all up. 🍽️

Bailey's writing immediately drew me in. It felt like poetry at times, and it was so easy to get completely lost in Charlie's world. It's probably why I have an excessive amount of highlights that are just Charlie's outfits, makeup, food, and the setting. Charlie is THAT girl. ✨ Every outfit, every makeup look, every meal... everything felt so vividly written that I could picture it effortlessly.

I'm usually a first person dual POV girl, so I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved experiencing this story entirely through Charlie. Would I have devoured Grayson's POV? Without a doubt, but not knowing exactly what Grayson was thinking added just enough mystery & kept me reading into every little interaction between them.

And Grayson 🤏🏽🤏🏽🤏🏽
If your love language is an MMC who actually pays attention, this man is for YOU. 🫦🫦 His confidence, the teasing, THE BIKE. UGH. Chefs kiss.

Such an incredible debut, and I can't wait to see what Bailey cooks up next. 👩‍🍳💋

⚠️ SPOILERS BELOW ⚠️

Okay... NOW we can talk about it.

Going into this, I was expecting a cute, low-stakes contemporary romance with fake dating, good banter, and immaculate vibes. I was not expecting a stalker plot to sneak up on me! As a dark romance reader, I should've known better, but my morally grey loving brain immediately decided it was Grayson being romantic. 💀😂

Once everything clicked, I immediately wanted to go back and reread it. Those are my favorite kinds of twists. The ones that make you realize the clues were there without making you feel like they were being shoved in your face. 🤏🏽🤏🏽🤏🏽

Freddy was CREEPY. 😭 What got me wasn’t that he was some over-the-top villain hiding in the shadows. It was how normal he seemed. Looking back and realizing how long he’d been watching Charlie and the way he’d twisted completely innocent interactions in his own head… absolutely not. 🤢

Grayson 💚 I love that Grayson never relied on one huge grand gesture to make an impression. It was all the little things that slowly added up. Remembering Charlie's margarita order because of one offhand comment she'd made earlier? Reading her romantasy just because he wanted to understand why she loved it so much? Bringing her breakfast? Those little moments said so much more about who he was than any over-the-top declaration.

A few honorable mentions... 🤓

Charlie saving Grayson as Stank Breath in her phone had me laughing every time it came up. “You made my contact name Stank Breath?” 💀 I was cackle laughing!! Their banter never missed.

“Goodnight, Charlie. By the way… You owe me a new shirt for drooling on it.” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

The Shrek debate! "You're a dronkey." 😂 I've never heard the word dronkey before, but now it's permanently part of my vocabulary. And as a fellow Shrek 1 stan... I had to side with Grayson on this one. 💚😌

The food deserves an honorable mention too. 😂 Between the sushi, tuna tartare, Greys eggs, smoothie bowls, and everything else, I don't think I made it through a single meal scene without wanting a snack.

💬 Favorite Quotes

"The offer stands."
"What offer?" I grit out.
His mouth curves, slow and lethal.
"That ride." 👀

"I wouldn't touch you even if you got on your knees and prayed for it." 🛐
"Is that what you like, sweetheart?" he murmurs, voice lower now. "Me on my knees, before you? Worshipping you?" 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

"You're staring."
"I'm admiring." 🥹

"Jalapeño margarita for her, and I'll take a Modelo." 🍹😭😭

"My perfect doll." 🤢 NO BECAUSE IM SICKK in the best way 🤣

[Khaya Hardy]

Advanced Review Copy received from the author <3

I feel speechless. All I can say right now is WOW.

I've read lots of fake dating tropes, but I didn't know I needed it celebrity-style! I'm very big on following celebrity drama, who they're dating, what happens BTS, etc, and this book just gave all of that.

PR Stunt felt like such an easy summer read! Whenever I put it down, I was able to pick it back up and continue where I left off easily. I was immediately immersed in this book and felt heavily connected to Charlie and Grayson. Bailey has a way of making both characters super relatable. Especially Charlie! She felt like a best friend, and I loved that Bailey was able to make her feel very familiar.

And don't even get me started on Grayson, SUCH A MAN!!! I absolutely loved his characteristics and how he was able to get under Charlie's skin without even trying. This couple was hard not to cheer for. The banter, the TENSION, the slow burn! UGH, I just kept waiting for that kiss, a touch, and when it finally came, it just felt so special, and I couldn't help but get giddy at these two.

The Mexico trip was SO needed. If anything, I wish they got their vacation extension, but I loved how real it felt. Two celebrities only getting a week off for a vacation sounds about right. It really was a turning point for Char and Gray. They were able to get more real and vulnerable with each other, and I feel like that was such an important step for their relationship to grow.

I do wish Grayson had some POV chapters so I could get more of a feel for who he was inside, and what he was actually thinking about Charlie, BUT I do love the creative intention Bailey took with just giving us Charlie's POV. It gave Grayson more of a mysterious persona, and when he was finally able to open up to Charlie, it just felt freeing. Like YES, I love a man who speaks his feelings.

This book was definitely a 10/10, and I can't wait for the general public to experience this greatness. The fact that this is Bailey's DEBUT novel is insane. You would think she's written a few books because of the attention to detail in each scene in this beauty of a book.

Bailey, I am so incredibly proud of you, and I can't thank you enough for giving me the privilege to read this book. I seriously can't wait for whatever project you have lined up next because I can't stop thinking about Charlie and Grayson.

[Kaitlyn]

For a debut, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great (for me) either. I finished it, and there were parts that were really cute. But overall it just didn’t hit completely for me. I always appreciate honest reviews, so I’m being honest as well.

This story follows Charlie (Hollywood golden girl) & Grayson (Hollywood playboy) as they enter a PR relationship to try and get ahead of the gossip columns & fix Charlie’s “cold” reputation. Cue lots of witty “I hate you but secretly love you” banter, and everyone around them knowing they’re actually in love before they admit it themselves. Classic fake dating situation!

Parts of the book fell flat, and I felt like there could have been more overall depth. I honestly felt no connection to Charlie at all. I feel like she never really opened up, and was quite surface level. Grayson definitely had more depth, and he opened up more and I felt more of a connection to him. I would have loved to see a chapter or two in his POV to really seal the deal. Would have been nice to see him talk to his friends and be in his mind for a bit. But I also don’t expect every book to be dual-POV, so no points off for that haha.

The banter between the two MC’s was good & they had solid chemistry in their stolen moments.

There’s also a side plot of a stalker, and it felt like it was added in as an after thought. It’s suggested she has one 3 or 4 times within the first 29% of the book, and then not really brought up again until 88% in. It felt a bit forced so that there would be that “saviour” moment. It would have been good to bring it up a little more consistently.

Overall, it was a decent debut and I think Bailey has potential as an author! It wasn’t a favourite read of mine, but that’s okay. I’m sure it’ll be someone else’s favourite read!

Thank you to Bailey & her team for sending over an ARC! Congratulations on the debut!

Tropes:
Faking Dating
Dislike to Love
He Falls First
Hollywood Actors
Reformed Playboy x Golden Girl
Slow Burn

[Teo]

ARC review: Thank you to Bailey Marshall for the opportunity to read an early copy of PR STUNT.

This book really snuck up on me.
At first, I thought it was going to be a cute but fairly predictable Hollywood fake-dating romance. But then Grayson showed up, the fake relationship started doing what fake relationships do best, and suddenly I was invested. Very invested.

The strongest part of the book is definitely the tension. The banter, the frustration, the jealousy, the tiny moments where they almost give themselves away... it all builds beautifully.
And when I say the slow burn pays off, I mean it pays off. Some of the scenes in the second half had me fully kicking my feet, and the Mexico trip completely justified all the waiting.

I didn't love every plot point. The main misunderstanding felt a little flimsy, and part of the suspense storyline wrapped up more quickly than I expected. But by that point I was already attached to these characters and wanted them to figure things out.

What I'll probably remember most is how easily this book transported me into Charlie and Grayson's world. Beneath the Hollywood glamour, the PR chaos, and the romance, there's a message about choosing growth over comfort and just learning to be vulnerable. That part really stayed with me.

I'm genuinely so grateful to have been one of the first readers of this book. If this is what Bailey Marshall can do with a debut, I'll be eagerly waiting for whatever she writes next because she has absolutely gained a new fan. My only complaint now? I would have loved a few Grayson POV chapters.

[Rebecca Marshall]

I went into PR STUNT knowing I would be proud of the person who wrote it. What I wasn’t prepared for was how completely I would forget about that connection and simply become a reader who couldn’t put the book down.

Charlie Grace and Grayson Cole are everything you want in a slow-burn romance: complicated, magnetic, frustrating in the best possible way, and absolutely impossible not to root for. Their chemistry builds so naturally that every interaction feels charged, and the tension between what’s meant for the cameras and what’s becoming very real had me completely invested.

The Hollywood setting is glamorous and fun, but what I loved most is what exists underneath it—the vulnerability behind carefully curated images, the pressure of living under public scrutiny, and the question of what happens when the person everyone thinks they know is very different from the person behind closed doors.

There is wit, tension, tenderness, and plenty of moments that made me want to tell these characters to PLEASE figure themselves out already. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the emotional payoff made the slow burn completely worth it.

Yes, I’m incredibly proud to call the author my daughter. But I can also say, as someone who loves a great story, that PR STUNT is genuinely fantastic. Watching her become a published author is extraordinary; discovering that she’s also written a book I truly loved reading is something else entirely.

Charlie and Grayson have officially entered the chat—and trust me, you’re going to want to stay for the whole conversation.

[LadyBugSunshine]

I got this book as an ARC! Wow just wow. I really liked this book. I love the Hollywood and acting aspect and atmosphere. The writing and vibe of this book is so fun and girly. I love how Charlie knows her worth and won’t settle for anything less than a great guy. She makes you root for her from the first chapter. Charlie is a girls girl and puts so much dedication into her work as an actress and celebrity.She truly cares for her craft. As for Grayson Cole he is something else. In the best way possible. The media points him in a bad light. But he proves this wrong again and again. He is such a gentlemen. I definitely have a crush after this read lol. He cares for Charlie deeply and is kind to everyone around him. Bailey you did an amazing job with this book. I am a big fan of the atmosphere created. I felt like I was also a celebrity while reading this book. I was taken in another world of travel, movie scenes, vogue appearances, plus a hot date! Charlie is definitely an IT GIRL. An absolute baddie and sweetheart. Such a fun book. And i felt all the vibes 💋🍷 Will Charlie and Grayson be endgame? Or another failed relationship? Read this book to find out 🤭

[Gabriella Bookstagram]

ARC Review
Wow this was incredible @baileymarshall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of my favourite books of the year and of all time. Thank you so much @baileymarshall for allowing me to have an arc of this book. I adored our characters Charlie and Grayson. There story was one out of a 2000’s romcom. I loved how the story focused on vulnerability as a theme. I also loved learning about the different aspects of Charlie’s life as an actress. I am considering taking up pilates after reading this book.

I relate to Charlie so much as a reader and how she treats others. I loved every single part of this story. I adored the romance in this book. Grayson is amazing. I wish I could read this book again for the first time. I couldn’t stop reading it. The last few chapters of this book has me shocked, screaming and crying. I can’t wait to read any future books by Bailey Marshall as she is an incredible writer and is definitely one of my favourite authors now. I hope this gets adapted for a movie one day. I need to get a paperback copy of this book! Everyone should read this book.

[Ashley Wearmouth]

Faking dating between Hollywood’s sweetheart and its hot bad boy? Yes please!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book, although there were many times I was internally screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY!” The burn was definitely slow, but it felt completely natural and fit the story perfectly.

The banter between Charlie and Grayson was top-tier and i loved how their relationship developed throughout the book. Nothing felt rushed, and the progression made sense for the situation they found themselves in. And Mexico? Easily some of my favorite chapters in the book book - for more than a few reasons ;)

PR STUNT is a fantastic debut novel from Bailey Marshall, and I’m excited to see what she writes next!

[Coral W]

I had the privilege of reading this early and have to say, I adored this and couldn't put it down! Their chemistry was incredible, and the banter had me laughing out loud more than once.
Charlie was so relatable and Grayson quickly became so much more than the Hollywood bad boy (though that was definitely a plus lol). The romance had the perfect balance of humor, heart, and spice.
By the end, I was really invested in both of them and so sad to say goodbye. If you love celebrity romance, forced proximity, witty banter, and plenty of emotional moments, I'd definitely recommend this one! (Also, he’s so hot)

[Antonella]

Arc reader 💕
This book was a breath of fresh air as the characters were well written and the story was so fast paced and interesting.
The fake dating trope might seem repetitive and boring but Charlie and Grayson were nothing like that and made the story different from others.
What I liked the most was the fact that both of them were actors so the relationship was for
PR purposes and this was something I've never read before.
I also liked how the characters were portrayed as individuals and then together and you could see how the relationship was created step by step.

[Kirsten Graves]

Such a cute and easy-to-read romance! I brought this book with me on vacation, and it was a total page-turner. I loved the characters, the chemistry, and all the relatable moments that made me completely invested in their story. It was fun, sweet, romantic, and just the kind of book you want to curl up with and devour in one sitting.

The PR stunt plot as a whole was also so creative and original — I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!

Such a fun read, and I can’t wait to follow this author’s journey and see what comes next! 💕📚