Review: Assistant to The Villain

Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s Assistant to the Villain is a delightful blend of fantasy, romance, and workplace comedy that delivers exactly what it promises—a fun, trope-filled adventure with sharp humor and just the right amount of drama. While it doesn’t dive deep into worldbuilding or complex plot twists, it more than makes up for it with its charming characters and entertaining banter.

The story follows Evie Sage, a struggling young woman who lands an unexpected job as the assistant to the notorious Villain of Rennedawn. Tasked with organizing schedules, handling unexpected assassination attempts, and dealing with a boss whose brooding nature might hide something deeper, Evie quickly finds herself in over her head.

The premise is undeniably fun, and while the pacing sometimes wavers, the novel never loses its sense of enjoyment. The book leans more into romance and humor than traditional fantasy storytelling, which might leave some readers wishing for more plot progression—but for those who enjoy witty dialogue and character-driven narratives, this isn’t a dealbreaker.

Evie is an endearing protagonist, full of sass and heart, making it easy to root for her. While she occasionally veers into over-the-top clumsiness, her dynamic with the Villain is what truly makes the story shine. Their relationship is built on playful tension, slow-burn attraction, and plenty of witty exchanges that make each interaction enjoyable.

The Villain himself is the perfect mix of intimidating and secretly soft-hearted, though his character arc could have used a bit more depth. Their romance follows classic enemies-to-lovers beats, and while it doesn’t break new ground, it’s executed with enough charm to keep readers hooked.

Rennedawn serves as a fun backdrop, but the worldbuilding is more of a light sketch than a fully realized setting. The fantasy elements take a backseat to the romance and workplace humor, which may disappoint those looking for a richly developed magical world. However, the book’s self-aware tone and commitment to its premise make it easy to overlook this in favor of the overall experience.

Assistant to the Villain is a lighthearted, entertaining read that delivers on its promise of humor, romance, and a fresh twist on fantasy tropes. It’s not the most intricate or deeply developed fantasy, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s fun, engaging, and full of charm. If you love banter-filled romances, morally ambiguous love interests, and a touch of chaotic workplace comedy, this one’s definitely worth picking up.