Assistant to the Villain

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Series: Assistant to the Villain #1
Published by Red Tower Books on August 29, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
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Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain...and their unexpected romance.

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat...and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain—and his entire nefarious empire—out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work...and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

This was just so much fun! I loved everything about the book from the Villain to the royal sign-holding frog named Kingsley. I think I had a big smile on my face the entire time I read this book which was a wonderful feeling. I am always on the lookout for something different so I loved the cozy fairytale setting that didn’t take itself too seriously. Honestly, there isn’t a single dull moment in this entertaining novel.

Evie quite literally runs into the Villain in the woods after losing her previous position. She needs a job so that she can take care of her family so she persuades the Villain to hire her as his assistant. I loved getting a peek at the office setting at Villain’s lair. There were some pretty fantastic characters including a dragon trainer, a healer, an office manager, not to mention the frog that communicates through signs.

I loved the humor woven throughout this story. There were some parts that left me laughing out loud which I rarely do while reading. It didn’t take me long to realize that the Villain wasn’t as bad as everyone seemed to think he was. In fact, he had a pretty big soft spot especially when it came to Evie. I loved seeing their relationship begin to form. On top of everything else, there was plenty of action and excitement to go around.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a really fun story filled with characters that were easy to like. I almost felt like I was reading an animated movie but one geared towards adults due to some of the topics touched on. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so I cannot wait for book 2!

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