Assistant to the Villain: Assistant to the Villain, Book 1

SJM Ladha

HALP

"Assistant to the villain Characters 5 Plot 5 World building 4 Writing style 3 Pacing 4 Devices 4 Resolution 4 Entertainment 5 Spice 0 Amazing. This book is pure hilarity. I laughed too much for such a morbid book. It’s was a wonderful contrast. The characters were amazing and the plot was wild. This is my second read through of the book and I wasn’t disappointed. I forgot how funny it was. Maehrer’s writing style is so interesting it keeps you on your toes. I’m going in to the second one asap since book 3 is coming out soon. Would highly recommend if you like morally grey mmcs, grumpy X sunshine dynamics, and general villainy and mayhem~ ["

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August 7, 2025 Verified Purchase

Jenn G.

Don’t let the boss quiver your insides, Evie!

"Book Title: Assistant to the Villain | Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer | Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why I picked this book: I picked up this book because I’m always drawn to stories that focus on the Villain rather than the Hero. Villains are so often more interesting, full of depth, complexity, and relatable flaws, and Assistant to the Villain did not disappoint! Quick Summary: This story follows Evie Sage, a young woman from a small town who desperately needs a job to support her sick father and younger sister. After a literal run-in with The Villain himself, he’s unexpectedly charmed by her quirky determination and offers her a position as his assistant. What follows is the absolute best mix of office comedy, ridiculous workplace politics, witty banter, and a sloooow-burn romance that keeps you glued to the page. What I Loved: 1. The witty office banter had me smiling and giggling from start to finish. 2. The character dynamics, especially the grumpy “I never smile” boss paired with his sunshine assistant, made for hilarious, cheeky, and sometimes swoony scenes. 3. The fantasy worldbuilding added so many fun, whimsical touches: mischievous pixies messing with the copier, a frog friend holding up one-word signs at the perfect time, and even a dragon with a cutesy name. I loved these fun details! Favorite Moments / Quotes: “Don’t touch the boss’s hair, Evie!” “Don’t find torture attractive, Evie!” “Don’t let the boss quiver your insides, Evie!” … and many more that had me laughing out loud. Who I’d Recommend It To: Anyone looking for a lighthearted fantasy romance with an over-protective, morally grey MMC and a sunny, lovable FMC. If you enjoy witty banter, fun office dynamics, and a slow-burn romance that makes you grin and swoon, this is the book for you. Final Thoughts: Yes, it’s tropey—but that’s entirely the point, and it embraces those tropes in the best possible way. I absolutely adored how much this book made me laugh, smile, and root for these characters. Already can’t wait to read the sequel! ["

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September 6, 2025 Verified Purchase

Cori

"Don't let your boss quiver your insides, Evie."

"With quotes like the above is it any wonder how in love I am with this book? I know it may seem as if it took me far too long to read Assistant to the Villain, but the reality of it is, I've savored every single sentence of this book since the moment I opened the Amazon box it was in. I think I've been waiting for this book since before I knew it would be a book. I've followed Hannah's journey on TikTok, just like everyone since the beginning and so the anticipation I felt for this book was basically unmatched. Not only did I have to read the physical copy I pre-ordered [ yay red edges! ] but I also needed to listen to the Audiobook version before being able to sit down and finally write my review. First - out of eveyr book I've read this year, this may have been my absolute favorite. Not only was Evie absolutely precious, but the myriad of emotions Assistant to the Villain made me feel...I'm in awe. From the short skits on TikTok, it was beyond clear that Maehrer was talented. But the way this story was woven together using fantasy elements as well realistic and relatable personal issues pulled me in and refused to release me until the very last page. And even then I was looking for more [ thank the gods there is going to be more! ] There were so many fun characters throughout this novel and I love how we find out tidbits about each of them and how they all kind of entertwine with each other. Kingsley was priceless and I need my very own cursed prince frog with signs now. That's all. Evie and Becky and their little fued give me life. I love how they can be absolutely irritated with one another and yet when it comes down to it...they both do what needs to be done and kind of back each other up even if they don't want to. I was pleasantly surprised to see we got chapters from Evie's point of view and the Villain's. I thought I remebered that was going to be a thing, but I was worried I imagined it - glad I didn't. Seeing into his mind, thoughts and motivations after getting to know Evie so well through the skits was a real treat! One thing that felt utterly relatable to me and that I genuinly loved was seeing into all the things Evie had gone through, her backstory, things people she'd lost, how other's in her village see her...all of that and yet still seeing what a good person she is. How she tries to do right by everyone and takes on the burden of taking care of those around her - putting everyone else first....and I think, seeing the changes in her and how she grows and stands up for herself and does what she feels is right even though it may be a bit gray at the end...it's everything okay? And the twist toward the end??? The only thing I can possibly relate it to is that moment in Frozen, where Anna is nearly freezing to death and looking for True Loves Kiss and we all find out Hans is a douchenozzel of epic proportions. But you all know the moment I mean...where we gasped and reared back like DISNEY...ET TU BRUTE? HOW COULD YOU....Yes that's what I felt in this moment before the ending. Exact gasp....the audacity! I can't even okay. And ending on a CLIFFHANGER??? SOBSSSS why? But also I cannot wait to see Evie make everyone pay....get it girl! I think the only truly negative thing I have to say is I didn't love the narrator of the book. She kind of fell a bit flat to me. I guess because when I picture Evie's voice and her general personality she seems so bubbly and full of life to me. And the narrator just didn't bring that through. Her voice was sort of wooden and short and not very lively at all. So, while I would 100 PERCENT reccommend this book, I would NOT reccommend the audiobook version. At least not if you haven't already read the paperback yourself. Because if you're only listening to it, it's going to affect the quality of the story because it'll be hard to listen to. ["

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September 17, 2023 Verified Purchase

just_clay

“Romantasy” fit for all ages

"If you’re a fan of whodunnit or mysteries, I’d highly recommend this one. Basically the entire story is just the reader trying to figure out who the “traitor” is. The world-building is good and the character development. If you can actually make me like multiple characters, that’s a win in my book. My favorite parts are when Evie is at work and we get to see all of The Villain’s employees interacting with each other. I was absolutely captivated by the mystery in this story. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat but it did intrigue me enough to want to find answers and finish the book. If mythical creatures like dragons and ogres are your thing then you’ll be pleased with this story. This book felt like how it feels to watch an adventure movie. There is very light romance in this book. It’s always there but it’s not the main focal point of the story. Which is odd considering this is labeled as a romantasy… They’re just growing close and figuring out feelings in this one. There’s a time skip and it doesn’t really explain why Evie came to love this “Villain” that is the most hated man in all the land. They also never even say why he’s the Villain. I found myself not even caring about them as a couple. Don’t get me wrong, I love a slow-burn but this was not that. A slow-burn implies that they fall in love slowly and maybe the reader falls in love with the couple in the same amount of time. These two were essentially already in love with each other in the beginning of the book. It basically was like here’s 2 characters they like each other with NO explanation as to why and no moments where you see how they fell in love. It’s like the story was like “they love each other bro just trust me”. I get wanting to leave readers wanting more so they’ll want to read the next book, but it doesn’t make sense for their romantic relationship to progress so slowly for a book marketed as a “romantasy”. The people want romance! So, if you are looking for a romance centered fantasy book then I’d skip this one. The romance definitely takes a back seat to the conflict between The Villain and the King. Seriously, all you get is one kiss in this book and they absolutely do not become a couple. And let me spare you, they don’t become a couple in the next book either in case you thought it was heading that way. Just more passionate kisses that get conveniently interrupted. I found the writing to be humorous but not laugh-out-laid funny. I think I read this is like a cross between the Office and some other show and let me just tell you, if you’re expecting to laugh like fire safety episode of the office, you’re going to be disappointed. Overall, it’s a really enjoyable book and is completely unique. I’ve never read anything like this. Aside from the romance, which is the only thing I didn’t like about this book, I really like the storyline. Also want to note, that there’s nothing in the dialogue of this book that implies it’s only for adults. It’s very silly and it’s something middle school aged children could read without being scandalized. ["

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May 10, 2025 Verified Purchase

SCAreads

A fun villainous romp...

"To support her ill father and her young sister, Evie accepts an offer of employment with the kingdom's most infamous person, the Villain. She puts up with his bad humors, the murders and decapitations, and even helps plan his evil machinations. It's her job after all, and she does it with a never ending kind-attitude. He doesn't need to know that she likes him maybe a tad too much. But a traitor at the Villain's office is causing him havoc. So Evie does what any overworked and dedicated assistant would do, she tries to find the culprit. This book was adorably cute with some laugh out loud moments. It doesn't take itself seriously nor does it make much sense if you dive into the worldbuilding and side character motivations, but it'll put a smile on your face from beginning to end and leave you wanting more. It's a clean escape from reality with a cutesy romance story that promises more development in book 2. Evie was a bright, delightful character with a view on the world that turned gruesome mentions of death into comedy. The writing was witty and fast paced with clever dialogue, some action, a little mystery, and heartwarming moments a plenty. Overall, it was delightful. ["

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August 11, 2024 Verified Purchase