Member Reviews
An entertaining, gossipy romcom PERFECT for fans of books like The One to watch or The one by Julia Argy. It's also excellent if you enjoyed the show Unreal starring Sheri Appleby. Full of drama, a great love triangle and excellent critiques of the Bachelorette franchise. I absolutely loved this one, especially on audio narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. Many thanks to NetGalley and Librofm for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
4.5 stars
Jac Matthis is a romance author who was just forced to move back to her Southern hometown from NYC after her book deal was canceled due to low sales. Determined to drum up more readers, she hatches a plan: she'll go on "the 1" a Bachelor-esque dating show. After all, who knows better how to craft a love story than a romance author? Once she gets on set she finds herself connecting with the lead, Marcus, as well as a producer, and clashing with some of the other women in the house. Jac is compettitve, and as the saying goes, she's not there to make friends. But will getting the villain edit help her book sales, or will she end up sabotaging herself?
I'm not a huge Bachelor fan, so I don't think you need to be to get into this--if you were as into the "unREAL" TV show as I was, though, this book is absolutely for you. The reality show framework provided an interesting and refreshing story structure, but what I really loved were the characters of Jac and Henry. They are both terrible people, but you can't help rooting for them, and their relationship dynamic was both toxic but also so compelling. They felt like real people that I wanted to shake. I also loved the mixed media inserts showing how the show and "behind the scenes" gossip impacted the characters both in the real world as well as the world of the show. This is the perfect beach or pool read, and will be especially enjoyable to people who write or read romance books or women who have ever felt like the villain. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
If you love reality television (specifically #BachelorNation fans and also closeted fans) - read the hell out of this book. With undertones of “UnReal” (on Lifetime and then… something else? Starring Shiri Appleby, Constance HotPants of House of Cards fame, and Kostos!!!) that feel more believable and less [UNREAL SPOILER] covering up murder.
A treat. Easy breezy beautiful c**ty girl. Fun plot twists that will keep you turning the pages — particularly because our heroine has a penchant for fucking shit up (relatable) — and a not entirely predictable ending.
Pre-order this lil’ treat so you can hide from your family (or with your dog, from all the fireworks) on the 4th of July and look so interesting and/or hot and aloof and uninterested (please adapt to your needs depending on your age bracket and affinity for people pleasing).
No pressure or anything but to imagine my review in gif form, picture the Parks and Rec (a show which I have never watched, but know every detail of because I am Very Online) gif of Mona Lisa (Jenny Slate) with her hand out saying “MONEY, PLEASE!!!!”
Me @ Laurie Devore: “100 MORE, PLEASE.”
The Villain Edit is a blistering commentary from inside the world of reality television. In a desperate attempt to gain popularity and revive her failing writing career, Jac Matthis decides to compete on a hit reality dating show (a la The Bachelor). The night before filming begins she has a hot one-night stand with a stranger named Henry only to discover that he is a producer on the show - pulling the contestant’s strings behind the scenes. But Jac is determined to stay focused and charm the show’s lead Marcus into keeping her around. As Jac continues to progress week after week, her relationships with Henry and Marcus become more complicated than she could ever imagine. And what happens when she discovers she is receiving the season’s dreaded villain edit?
It was so much fun to be inside Jac’s head. She was certainly not on the show for “the right reasons” and her inner commentary was brutally honest - biting in a way that made her unlikable until you stopped and put her situation into perspective. The manipulation tactics that the producers took made it easy to get swept up in their web of deceit and it’s no wonder Jac had to build up walls and arm herself for metaphorical battle. Jac’s struggle with low self-esteem also contributed to her defensiveness, shutting her off further from the fellow contestants. The rampant misogyny perpetuated between contestants (often by female producers) was intense, and it made me feel for real life contestants on reality dating shows and question how their mental health is impacted.
The chemistry between Jac and Henry was scalding - if they weren't lusting after each other, they were epically fighting to regain control of their situations. Author Laurie Devore created an intriguing character study of both contestant and producer that humanized them from the inside out, exposing all their flaws and vulnerabilities. Marcus (the show’s lead) was also a labyrinth of complexity, a cunning attention seeker wearing the mask of Prince Charming. The dynamics between Jac, Henry, and Marcus were erratic which made for titillating scenes where the three jockeyed to maintain power.
If you’re a fan of The Bachelor or Bravo I would highly recommend this book. It is a take on reality tv that I have not yet seen, and I think Devore did a wonderful job at researching real life programs to compose a realistic peek behind the curtain of one of America’s guilty pleasures.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
All in all entertaining. The MC was honestly more relatable as the story progressed and if you are into reality dating shows you will find this a fun read.
This story wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought it would be a relatively lighthearted, humorous romp through the world of reality dating shows like The Bachelor. Instead, it was a biting, searing indictment of the ugly truth behind the scenes and the traumatic toll production machinations, vicious fans and TV critics, and ironclad contracts and NDAs can take on contestants. In the case of The Villain Edit, romance author Jacqueline (Jac) Matthis received a million-dollar payout for three books, but her first book was mismarketed and sold poorly. The second one fared worse, and the third was cancelled. After five years in NYC, blowing through her cash living what she assumed was her “best life,” she’s forced to move back home to Charleston, SC. With nothing to lose and the hope of reviving her flagging career and book sales, she impulsively becomes a contestant on “the 1,” never anticipating that her natural honesty, cynicism, skepticism, and intellect (with creative editing) will paint her as the villain of the season. When the bachelor, Marcus, chooses her as an early favorite, the other contestants claws come out.
If that weren’t bad enough, soon after she enters the mansion, she discovers that her hookup from the night before, Henry, is one of the producers. What follows is twelve weeks of forbidden growing attraction between them (despite her questioning how much of his attention is genuine versus manipulative for the sake of the show), concerning revelations about Marcus and other contestants, diminishing physical and mental health thanks to little sleep and missed meals (who knew contestants couldn’t eat while being filmed ), and Jac’s growing concern that it will all blow up in her face, destroying both her reputation and her livelihood. This villainization was well-illustrated by snippets of social media commentary, press releases, author chat groups, and blog articles interspersed throughout the novel.
Author Devore did extensive research on The Bachelor to give authenticity to the story. Jac, Marcus and Henry are all flawed characters, so the pseudo-love triangle is often hard to navigate because you don’t know what is the truth and who actually deserves a happy ending. The rampant misogyny is hard to stomach, especially since much of it is perpetrated by female producers and contestants who are pitted against each other in the name of “great television.” Devore’s compelling descriptions of the harsh reality of regimented schedules, overconsumption of alcohol, the absence of books, devices, and anything else that would draw attention away from Marcus, emotional manipulation, and food deprivation painted a really clear and disturbing picture of the dangers of these shows.
Although this is a romance, it doesn’t follow any formulaic tropes. There are definitely steamy scenes, many stops and starts, and love interests dealing with emotional baggage, and, in Jac’s case, low self-esteem coupled with defensiveness. You still can’t help but root for a happy ending, even if it’s not clear for most of the story which, if either, man she’ll end up with. I recommend this to anyone looking for a smart, complex, love story with several twists.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this ARC for in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Jac, a failed romance writer, who thinking to boast their social media presence and perhaps fix their career, decides to apply for a dating reality show (think The Bachelor). She of course gets chosen and during her last free day before shooting is to begin she meets up and hooks up with Henry Foster. Neither recognizing each other until they met again the next night during the filming of the first episode. Henry of course is one of the producers and they know this will spell trouble for the two of them, so the vox to keep it secret. But secrets have a way of surfacing when alcohol and cameras are always there.
Through this all, she slowly discovers that they have made her the villain of this season. Her carefully constructed plans unravel under the pressure of the other girls, the cameras, Henry, and let's not forget the "One" she went on the show to supposedly fall in love with. Jac likes to think of herself as a tough girl, but it's going to take a lot to survive this season.
I seem to be in my villain era lately with my book reads. Although this was definitely better then the last one I read, I would put it about 3.25 stars. It was good, but the beginning for me dragged. Thankfully the second half picked up and the story got more interesting. The ending was very satisfying if a little rushed, but I won't complain I was ready for the story to end at that point.
3.5⭐️
This book was honestly a really fun time and an entertaining take on the behind the scenes of reality dating shows specifically “The Bachlor”. If you look at the storyline or characters too closely you will find some headscraching plot lines and motivations but I think that’s all part of the fun. I felt like there was slightly too much flip-flopping between love interests in the love triangle which took me out of the story a few times especially because I didn’t particularly like any of the people involved.
Overall this is a fun summer read if your looking for a messy and entertaining love story (juries still out in the love story part).
This book is addicting and I absolutely devoured it! I could not read this book fast enough. I loved the toxicity and chaos present throughout this book. Not a typical romance book nor is it heavy on the romance, but so much better. I am not a big reality dating show fan but I loved the show UnREAL and this book absolutely filled the void I’ve had since that show ended!
Thank you to Netgally for providing this ARC.
Damn this book really fucked me up. A stunning look at the BTS of a reality show and the inner thoughts of someone who is just as fucked up as the rest of it. I simply will be thinking about this for a long time.
What happens when you go on a reality dating show to boost your profile to help your writing career and NOT fall for the main guy? Then what happens when your last one night stand is a producer on the show? CAHOS.
This book was fun with an edge. If you like your romances a little bite to them you’ll like this one.
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC
This was exactly what I expected. I always enjoy reading those memoirs that come out after Bachelor contestants are finished. This felt just like that. We got to see how producers manipulate the cast. And of course all of the drama that comes when people are "falling in love" on TV. I had a decent time reading this but it didn't seem particularly memorable or special.
4.5 ⭐️. GIRL. this book took me on a ride! in the words of a certain dating show host, this book is "the most dramatic [book] yet.". As an avid reality tv watcher, I dove straight first into this Bachelor re-telling. Our main character, Jaq is one of those characters that you cannot get in her mind -- she made soooo many decisions that were unpredictable, yet I loved her messiness.
Is this a perfect book? no, not by any means. Did I have a lot of fun reading it? ABSOLUTELY.
ty to Avon Publishing & NetGalley for an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review
"Here's what everyone thinks about me. And it's exactly what I've always suspected about myself."
The Villain Edit by Laurie Devore is a sharp and delightfully dramatic novel, with a reality television setting and themes of self-discovery and reflection. If you love The Bachelor franchise or have ever found yourself rooting for a villain, this one is for you.
Jacqueline Matthis is a struggling romance author who makes an impulse decision to join reality dating show "the 1" in an effort to boost her career. As she competes for the attention of the show's eligible bachelor, Marcus, she's shocked to discover that her one-night-stand Henry is a producer on the show. To complicate matters further, she discovers she's being edited as the show's villain, throwing her plans for a loop.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is engaging and fast-paced, and Jac is a complex character that I really found myself relating to and rooting for. There's a lot to ponder here, with reflections on self-doubt and self-loathing. Henry and Marcus are interesting characters as well. I loved the balance of humor and heart found here. This is a smart read for anyone who likes a romance where the protagonist is a little more complicated! Four very enthusiastic stars from this reader.
Thanks to Avon for the ARC! This book is out July 2nd.
This was NOT a romance but more of a contemporary fiction with a sprinkle of romance and a hot look at behind the scenes of everybody's favorite reality tv. It reminded me of thr tv show UNreal in the way it exposes just how far producers will go to get a good story. Idk how I feel about Jac....like did I love her or hate her idk?? Anyways it was a fun read nonetheless
Obsessed. This was such a delicious read! This is not your typical Bachelor style romance - it’s dark, gritty and full of villains. I’m not a huge reality girlie but this dives into the in and outs of filming and how storylines are created. Jac was a wonderful MC - I love a woman who can tell you to F off without having to say it.
Thank you Avon for the early review copy of The Villain Edit... this is a smart, incisive, and also steamy and fun, approach to the "behind the scenes of a reality show romance" trope. I loved it because Devore took a tried and true trope (this is about the 4th romance with a :"bachelor" theme I have reviewed this year) and made it fresh and fun with a take on making someone the villain. The idea of manipulations behind the scenes aren't new but the way that Devore developed a character, who though admittedly flawed in many ways yet 100% herself even when it might not land well..., and showed how producers would use that to make her "evil" was profoundly thought provoking to me. Yes this is a fun frothy read but at the heart of this story is something bigger, a commentary on how women continue to be manipulated by men and media into stereotypes that hurt/control/limit how women are seen and perpetuate the idea of women competing against each other. Devore for me offers a lot to think about, even discuss in a book club, with this stealthily smart, even cutting, romance that makes the "villain" a hero. I was here for all the twists, the dialogue about how women on reality shows are treated and how audiences treat the women, .... this is a book worth talking about!!!
4 Stars I've read quite a few romance novels set on a dating reality TV show a lá the Bachelor, but this one was probably the most authentic to the the nasty reality going on behind the scenes and how the producers twist the narrative to whatever they want it to be. And unlike those other books I've read, this one certainly isn't a feel good romance. I enjoyed reading about Jac speaking her mind, even though they cast her in a negative light on the show.
Jac is a flailing romance author who agrees to be a contestant on a Bachelor-type reality show in a desperate bid to sell more books. She thinks she’ll come across as a down-to-earth everywoman. The producers have a different storyline in mind. Oh and did I mention she recently had a steamy night with one of the producers she can’t get out of her head?
Jac is the kind of cynical, witty, self-destructive mess I can’t get enough of in my fiction and I gobbled this story up. I never got into the dating side of reality television, but I love a dark side takedown of it and this gave me serious Unreal vibes (which I still miss).
If you don’t mind (or dare I say prefer) an unlikeable, messy protagonist, this is the summer read for you!
As an avid fan of UnReal - while I do not watch the Bachelor or the myriad of spin offs - I loveeee the culture and lore behind it. So any tell-all or behind-the-scenes of reality dating shows, especially where producers get *too* innvolved - I am there. This was zany, sharp, bitchy and hot = 5 stars