The Villain Edit

A Novel

By: Laurie Devore

Narrated by: Stephanie Németh-Parker

Emily Henry meets Fleabag...and The Bachelor! An irresistibly sharp and sexy dramedy about a cynical romance novelist who goes on a reality show to revive her career, only to discover that while she may have just met the love of her life, the producers have turned her into the show’s villain.

“The perfect beach read…a real page-turner. Don’t be surprised if you finish it in one day!”—In Touch Magazine

“Fun and frothy... endlessly entertaining.”—Glamour

Good villains make good TV.

Romance novelist Jacqueline Matthis’s big career has gone bust and she’s ditched the bright lights of New York City for her more affordable South Carolina hometown. Desperate, Jac dreams up a comeback plan—she is going to be a contestant on the 1, the most obsessively watched reality dating show in the world.

After all Jac is a romance writer—she knows how to pull off a meet-cute and create a spicy plotline.

On set, Jac quickly establishes herself as a front-runner for bachelor Marcus’s heart, but she’s shocked to discover who’s actually pulling the strings. How was she to know that Henry Foster, her last one-night stand before the show, was actually a longtime producer on the 1? Henry is just as horrified…but they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.

As Jac plays the game and the show unfurls, she slowly discovers that she’s getting the villain edit. They say there’s no such thing as bad publicity, but as Jac’s secret plan begins crumbling around her, she’s not so sure. What happens if Marcus chooses her? Worse, what happens if her affair with Henry comes to light? What if, in trying to save her career, Jac has ruined her life?

Heartbreaking, smart, and sexy, this novel is for anyone who has ever secretly rooted for—or felt like—the villain.

“THE VILLAIN EDIT is perfect for people who, like me, love mess. I devoured it in one sitting and was left with a total book hangover—it’s the ideal combination of propulsive psychological thrill and delicious romantic tension.”—Olivie Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six

©2024 Laurie Devore (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

This was fantastic!!

This was such a hilarious book. As someone who loves to hate reality dating shows and loves quirky romance novels - this hit the spot.

This might be a new favorite

The story is great and the characters are well written. Jac is everything you’d want from a strong female lead. Intelligent, funny, flawed. Great book.

A fun read/listen

I read this for book club and enjoyed it enough. I’ve never watched The Bachelor/Bachelorette, but I fully believe it’s as heinous as The Villain Edit makes it sound. I found myself sometimes rooting for the main character, Jac, while also rolling my eyes or wincing at nearly all of her choices. Simultaneously, I feel like we don’t know her at all. I realize this could be intentional, but it left me feeling more interested in the other characters. I’d almost rather see a sequel or something about Henry.

Narration was good. Friends of mine read the book and I think I got more out of it by listening.

Bingeworthy

This one has it all for me. Interesting story, sharp wit, well-developed characters, sizzling chemistry. I actually read the ARC a while back and then picked up the audiobook. Loved the audiobook just as much as I loved the reading the hard copy.

The Villain Edit, by Laurie Devore - A MUST READ!!

Hey Book Lovers! 📚✨

Just finished reading "The Villain Edit" by Laurie Devore, and I am absolutely buzzing to share my thoughts with you! 🥳 Seriously, if you're looking for your next great read, this should be at the top of your list.

First off, let’s talk about the CHARACTERS. OMG, they are so well-crafted that they practically leap off the pages! 😍 From the complex protagonist who's both flawed and relatable to side characters whose stories are just as riveting, Devore has created a cast you will either LOVE or LOVE TO HATE (and sometimes both at once!). Each character is full of depth and human imperfections, making them so REAL—they could literally be your next-door neighbor, your best friend, or... your worst enemy. 😉

Now, onto the setting... behind-the-scenes of a dating reality show! 🌟📺 Ever wondered what really goes down when the cameras aren't rolling? Devore pulls back the curtain, giving us an all-access pass into the drama, manipulations, and raw emotions that don't make it to our screens. The novel dives deep into the world of reality TV, revealing the editing tricks, producer plots, and contestant dilemmas that shape what we see on air. It’s like getting VIP access to all the JUICY GOSSIP! 🍿🤫

Lastly, let's talk about why this book deserves all the stars—5 out of 5, to be exact! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Besides being an unputdownable (yes, it's a word now 😉) read, "The Villain Edit" provides a critical commentary on how media shapes reality and perception. It's thought-provoking without being preachy and packed with twists that will leave you gasping for air. Every page is a rollercoaster ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish. 🎢📖

In conclusion, if you're a fan of rich characters, love a good peek behind the curtain, and enjoy a book that makes you think long after you've turned the last page—grab "The Villain Edit"! It's an engrossing, entertaining, and utterly compelling read that's worth every second of your time. Trust me, you won't regret diving into this gem.