The Devil Wears Orange

by Anna Newallo

Good Girls Go to Heaven. Bad Girls Go Everywhere.Take one fashionista, add one nerdy professor and a splash of sexy bad boy to complete a stuck together, love triangle in this contemporary romcom.Charlotte Milton has the job a million women would love to have. As editor-in-chief of a prestigious publication, she’s covering Paris Fashion Week. Everything is rainbows and brand names until a mysterious – hot? – stranger approaches her with an offer she literally cannot help him steal the exquisite and priceless painting, Mistress in a Red Dress, or watch her coworker die. In a blink, the Mistress is gone and so is Charlotte’s reputation.Mortified to find herself in hot water with the police and, even worse, trending on social media, she vows to clear her name and retrieve the stolen painting. With the help of Professor Jack Carey, British art historian and occasional Interpol consultant, the two bounce from the feverish streets of Paris to a ritzy casino in Monaco to the stunning city of Dubai, in search of the Mistress and those who snatched her.But the thief has plans of his own when it comes to Charlotte.The Devil Wears Orange is a forced proximity, love triangle romance set against an international backdrop with guaranteed HEA/HFN. This hilarious romp is perfect for fans of romantic comedies and summer beach reads.

Genres: Romance

296 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Anna Newallo is a producer of award-winning independent films that have played major international festivals. Her novella, How Luca Gugino Stole Christmas, is a standalone, same world as her debut novel The Devil Wears Orange. She promises more romcoms are on their way.

But, she took a dark turn into gothic romance with Fragile Wicked Things and does very bad things to her characters. And she's liking it.

She lives in Toronto, Canada with her sons and rescue dog.

Reviews

[Zoe Anne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, #NetGalley and #VictoryEditingNetGalleyCo-op, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

"Devil Wears Prada" meets "This is War" in this charming, laugh-out-loud novel that I've missed so much about when it comes to the genre of romantic comedy. It has come to a point where romance novels have barely interested me when weighed down by too much smut. This preference doesn't stem from an attempt to be upright. Rather, I don't find it remotely interesting to read a book with too much sexual content, for I lose sight of the narrative substance. Fortunately, "The Devil Wears Orange" is a total departure from all that.

Charlotte Milton loves her job as the editor-in-chief of Catwalk Style Magazine, which caters to the fashion industry and is one that she has turned around with blood, sweat, and tears. But one incident ruined the reputation she built for herself. In a twisted turn of fate, Charlotte went from a fashion maven to a suspect of art thievery. Losing her job and facing an abrupt surge of social media backlash, Charlotte must act fast to clear her name. Then she meets Professor Jack Carey, a British art historian who willingly helps to absolve her of art theft and retrieve the stolen "Mistress in a Red Dress" painting. Working with Jack has been both a thrill and a risky endeavor, but when Prince Rashid Mohammed Salah al-Zayed does the same by offering Charlotte an opportunity to start a new life, she begins to get drawn to both men who are about to change her life.

The first few pages alone instantly hooked me. I've only ever been familiar with romance stories paired with a heist concept in films. This novel's fresh take on the love triangle trope injected a warm excitement and originality I hadn't felt in a long time.

Aside from being smut-free, this book focuses on the instant, genuine connection, humorous banter, and dialogue between the characters. I chortled at lines that effortlessly delivered humor - and just the right amount of pop culture reference - with an authenticity that made them even more enjoyable.

But what truly made this book shine is the trio at the heart of the story. Charlotte exudes sophistication yet possesses a natural wit and charm. Her two love interests are equally lovable, and I love how the author gave them equal exposure in the narrative - giving both of them individual viewpoints. It's difficult not to swoon over two equally gorgeous men with contrasting personalities. But I admit to rooting one over the other, and that's another great thing about this book - it's hard to tell which one Charlotte ultimately chooses based on how the author maneuvers the narrative.

It's been a long time since I was last eager to finish a book, and this one didn't even take days. "The Devil Wears Orange" is one romcom with a perfectly written trio I will probably daydream about (I'm already coming up with actors fit to play the characters). It's an easy five-star read despite its minimal flaws, which I barely recognized, for its adorably fast-paced narrative structure consumed me. Its portrayal of the love triangle trope and forced proximity has an infectious charm, thrilling action, and a cute final twist.

[Karris Lydia ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to


Thank you to NetGalley and Victory editing Net Galley Co-Op for this ARC!

The Devil Wears Orange by Anna Newallo - her debut novel! - is an hilarious - romantic comedy with a love triangle ! - story that had me on the edge of my seat wanting to find out more and what exactly happened to the Mistress In a Red Dress, who is the thief? where is the Mistress? So many questions! I was hooked on the first page.

Charlotte Milton the editor in chief at one of the top fashion magazines - Catwalk style magazine - has the job a million women would die for, she attends fashion shows all over the worlds, wears the best designers - as well as a barely there Versace dress - gets to attend all the best events and gets to meet all kind of celebrities, royalty too! Charlotte attends Paris Fashion Week and soon finds herself involved in an heist as well as wearing a questionable raincoat and a dip in the river Seine!

The thief threatens Charlotte to help steal the painting by threatening Charlotte’s colleague, Charlotte helps to insure her colleague is safe and from there it all goes hectic, Charlotte is soon to blame for being the thief of the painting and all Charlotte wants to do is clear her name…

Charlotte meets Jack, an art history professor who is helping solve the case and Jack believes Charlotte is the true culprit and she isn’t telling the truth, Charlotte and Jack team up to find the painting and this leads to the two of them going all the way to Monaco to find the suspected thief as well as going to Dubai staying in luxury hotels attending all kind of fancy events.

Charlotte also finds herself with the suspected thief and having a crush on him as well as the professor, Charlotte soon finds herself in an hilarious love triangle and Charlotte is torn between them both.

I loved this book and Anna Newallo is a fantastic writer, I will be definitely keeping an eye out for her future novels.

[Lidia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book and story. It kept me interested but near the end I did feel like I was forcing myself to finish it as I felt obligated to know what happened. I wasn't drawn to the characters much and wished it was a bit more comedic.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte’s world is turned upside down when she is forced to partake in an art heist to save her friend and friend’s baby. One abduction and fall from a helicopter into the Seine later, she is suddenly the prime suspect to the French police and to the world. In an effort to clear her name and get her life back, Charlotte works with Jack, art history professor at Oxford, to reclaim the stolen painting. Once she figures out the main thief’s identity, they are off on the hunt into the world of high stakes thievery. Torn between the simple and unassuming professor and the exciting and rich bad boy, Charlotte isn’t only trying to fix her reputation. This is whirlwind mystery, adventure and love triangle that is to die for!

Two things about this book I love: Art and Romance. Wow how much I love the combination. I was drawn in from the beginning, loving Charlotte’s banter with her friends (coworkers) and her inner monologue. She’s dynamic and I love her. I COULD NOT put this book down. I loved it so much I kept thinking about it even when I had to step away. I love a book that pulls me in. Even though I shouldn’t I love the chemistry between Rashid and Charlotte! Jack is an interesting character that is a wonderful foil to Charlotte, opposites definitely attract and sparks fly. I loved the B&B moments between them. His love for art history makes my heart so happy. Honestly, I loved both male love interests, but I’m very satisfied with the ending. I wouldn’t mind more adventures from this world, I feel like there is more story to tell! Amazing debut novel for Anna Newallo!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I enjoyed this adventurous semi heist book by Anna Newallo! Charlotte, a fashion editor, gets caught up in some hijinks when she gets set up in an art theft. Her world quickly dissolves but as she works to clear her name we meet some very fun characters, including Jack, an art professor who is intent on trying to find out where the painting is (under the assumption Charlotte knows).

This is definitely a light hearted read and will keep you engrossed as you try to puzzle through who actually stole the painting and how Charlotte will navigate her situation. We get to know Charlotte and Jack just past surface level and other characters more superficially, but this is very much an event driven plot versus character driven, so this works just fine. And for what it’s worth, what we do get to know of all characters not only hits the right balance but is funny and/or enlightening. There’s a running joke between Charlotte and Jack that they’re in a similar situation as It Happened One Night, and I’d agree this is a mix of some older classics (and they are classics for a reason, always good for a rewatch even 75 + years later).

Pick up the Devil wears Orange and enjoy the ride!

[Tiyasha Ganguly]

Absolutely enjoyed reading this fun rollercoaster book! It's a fun heist book with well written characters. Absolutely enjoyed the way it is written and the banter and exchanges between all the leads.

It starts with the approach of a man to help steal a priceless painting or face a friend's death. Charlotte then gets embroiled deeper into the mystery and the world of art heists as she loses everything close to her. She teams up with Jack to solve the heist and clear her name. I like how it isn't just a heist story but a fun romantic book themed around a heist.

Recommend for the narrative style, characters and their witty banter set on the backdrop of a heist. This one definitely made me smile and laugh!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining heist story with a love triangle. Charlotte gets tricked into participating in an art heist, ruining her reputation and career. She winds up paired with Jack, who is keeping tabs on her for the police, hoping she spills the details of where the painting went. She realizes who the thief might be, but they want proof before going to the police. She ends up in Dubai. A lot of action keeps you flipping pages. Charlotte has chemistry with both men pursuing her, so you hope she chooses the right person at the end. The ending had me a little angry until the very last moment. For being labeled a "romantic comedy," I didn't find myself laughing out loud, but mildly amused.

[Emma Keyser · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil Wears Orange is a wonderful story with plot twists, loveable characters, and a steamy love triangle that would make anyone fold. The Devil Wears Orange is the book for anyone looking for an energetic story that keeps you on your toes. Jumping from one place to another, Anna Newallo keeps you on your toes at all moments. If you are looking for a fun book with a bit of romance and action, this is the book for you. A somewhat short but sweet read.

[Mary Christoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil Wears Orange is a delightful mystery that follows Charlotte, a fashion writer attending fashion week in Paris, when she becomes inadvertently entangled with an art heist gone bad. Charlotte ends up working with an Oxford Proefessor named Jack to help solve the mystery of the missing painting and clear her her name, and they end up following Prince Rashid, a charming and mysterious Prince who is involved in the heist as well. Overall, the book was delightful!

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Arc)

It was a decent story with elements of the book I was hooked to. The characters were okay but for me, I won't find any of them memorable along the line. If I'm honest to myself, none of this book will be memorable to me in the next day or so which sucks because I was truly excited for this ARC.

[Melanie Lafortune · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Charlotte’s quirkiness. This book was a romance disguised as an art heist. The back and forth between the main characters was super entertaining. Thank you Net Galley and Victoria Editing Net Galley Co-op for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion

[Kaitlyn Varner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book and did eventually get interested in it. It was a fun read but I didn’t love the way the author switched POVs. The ending was okay, definitely could have been done better. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Dana Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy!
Charlotte Milton is a hot mess, and should be an unlikeable character, but you find yourself rooting for her, despite all her mess. Fun read!

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is a whimsical romp through fashion, art, and love. “The Devil Wears Orange” by Anna Newallo weaves a delightful tale of high stakes, fashion, and unexpected romance. Set against an international backdrop, this contemporary romcom takes readers on a rollercoaster ride from the streets of Paris to the glitzy casinos of Monaco and the dazzling city of Dubai.

Meet Charlotte Milton. She is the editor-in-chief of a prestigious publication and is living every fashionista's dream. She struts through Paris Fashion Week in timeless Versace, her Jimmy Choo’s clicking confidently on the cobblestone streets. Her glamorous life takes a sharp turn when a mysterious stranger approaches her with an offer she can't refuse: help steal an exquisite and priceless painting, or watch her coworker meet a grim fate.

In a heartbeat, the painting vanishes, along with Charlotte's reputation. Suddenly, she's trending on social media for all the wrong reasons and the police are hot on her trail. Determined to clear her name and retrieve the stolen artwork, Charlotte teams up with a Professor. He just so happens to be a British art historian and occasional Interpol consultant. Together, they embark on a wild chase, following clues that lead them from one glamorous location to another.

Charlotte is a delightful mix of sophistication and vulnerability. Her love for fashion is matched only by her determination to right the wrongs committed against her. Professor Jack Carey is the nerdy art expert, and provides the perfect foil to Charlotte's high-fashion world. Their chemistry crackles as they navigate the twists and turns of their mission.

Then there's the enigmatic thief who seems to have his own agenda. This agenda is one that involves Charlotte more intimately than she'd like. As the love triangle unfolds, readers will find themselves torn between rooting for the bad boy and cheering for the nerdy professor.

Newallo's vivid descriptions transport readers to glamorous locales. Paris comes alive, from the scent of croissants, the sight of the Eiffel Tower shimmering at night, and the bustling energy of the fashion elite. Monaco's casinos glitter, and Dubai's skyline dazzles. The author's attention to detail immerses readers in a world of luxury, intrigue, and stolen art.

The forced proximity trope adds spice to the romance. Charlotte and Jack's banter is witty and their attraction palpable, but the thief's unexpected interest in Charlotte adds tension to the mix. Will she choose the bad boy or the nerdy professor? Newallo keeps readers guessing until the very end.

This book is a delightful romp, perfect for fans of romantic comedies. Newallo's writing is sharp, her pacing is impeccable, the humour sparkles, and the chemistry sizzles. Whether you're lounging on a beach or curled up by the fireplace, this book is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.