Oh man I almost quit this book like 15 times because I wasn’t sure if it was going to pay off on its own premise but it sure DID

Confession time: I am a former avid watcher of Bachelor Nation. For years, I watched every show that ABC cared to show us, read all the behind the scenes gossip that I could get my hands on, and listened to all the podcasts I could possible listen to. A few years ago, though, it all just got to be a little too much for me, and I stopped watching. I still read the spoilers, and listen to the podcasts on occasion, but I no longer consume officially sanctioned Bachelor Nation content, and to be honest - I don't feel like I'm missing much. That all being said - when I tell you that I devoured The Villain Edit, I mean it - I ate this right up. This gave me all the things I used to love about Bachelor Nation, but with the added acknowledgement about the unreality of it all. I loved the idea that Jac would go on to promote her stalled writing career. I loved the manipulations of the producers, and the idea that you never quite know if you are being produced or not. And I loved the ultimately happy ending. This was just so, so much fun to read, and I really appreciated how the author has clearly listened to a lot of the same podcasts I have - the little insider-y tidbits made me so happy (shoutout to the huju!). Will definitely buy for our collection, and will be recommending to all current and former denizens of Bachelor Nation.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book, with my honest review below*

The Villain Edit by Laurie Devore was a snarky take on The Bachelor with a huge dollop of romance and a smattering of heartache. Well done writing had me enjoying this immensely, as I loved the premise before I read it and this lived up to it.

Jacqueline (Jac) is a romance author who decides, during a writer’s block, that going on a show that is basically the Bachelor with a different name could boost her back title sales. She’s definitely not unhappy when she first meets the bachelor character, Marcus, but things really heat up when she realizes her past lover Henry is the producer.

I thought the dive into reality show culture and editing was fascinating and that the way we got to know Jac and other characters was perfect. I didn’t quite find her as edgy or charming with her biting takes as I believe I was meant to (she was fine, she didn’t offend or win me over), but she did stand apart in context of her co-stars. My only criticism, but it is significant, is that after so much time spent following Jac during the show and building up to the climax, I felt the after show exploration and ending was rushed and not as well done.

I would recommend this for anyone who wants a romance with a very uniquely written premise (especially if you’re a fan of The Bachelor or in general are intrigued by reality show concepts in books). I felt this book sets itself apart than others in the romance genre as well if you’re tired of formulaic plots.

I'm a sucker for reality show novels but I particularly enjoyed this! The structure of the story was pretty great -- though I would have loved to see a little more of the post-show fallout -- and I loved the way the main character was constructed. I thought the author did a really good job of crafting someone relatable -- where you could see how all one's own millennial wryness and irony could easily translate into villainy (though some of Jac's decisions were ... questionable, which is good texturing).