ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and 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.
Tropes & Other Parts
Boss-Employee
Forced Proximity
Grumpy-Sunshine
Morally Grey Love Interest
Romantasy
Slow Burn
Thoughts …
“Assistant to the Villain” was by far one of the most fun and adventure-filled reads this year! Let me convince you to read and thank me (or blame me) later for getting emotionally attached to Evie and the Villain.
Evangeline “Evie” Sage
Evie will go down as one of my favorite female characters in history. She represents every reader that can’t help but daydream about the villain. We really shouldn’t fall for someone who tortures people for a living but like I said, Evie is so us.
Aside from our mutual love for the morally gray, Evie was such a well-written character with so much heart and courage. You can’t help but fall in love with her and her witty personality. Plus, she is a total badass through and through. So how did this village girl stand working for a guy who is literally called “The Villain?”
The Villain
He’s gorgeous for one.
Two, he’s not that bad.
Except for the murder part but that’s a minor flaw. (no girl, it’s not.)
I live for the Villain’s chapters. His POVs had me giggling and kicking my feet. I really enjoyed the way his mysterious past was slowly revealed throughout the book. I kept wanting to know more and every revelation was so satisfying to read about. It was easy to love his character from the beginning but even more so when I truly started to understand him.
Plot Vibes
The word building for Rennedawn was giving “Ella Enchanted” and definitely embodied a fairytale setting. It does include the clichés of magic, potions, taverns, etc. but the way Maehrer wrote made it super enjoyable and really fun to read!
Reading, I thought the story was going to be predictable.
I was questioning myself after every chapter – but also in a good way?
There are a lot of plot twists and turns throughout this book. I was very much compelled to make a murder board and solve this mystery. I will say it was a lot of plot twists left and right but not in such an overwhelming way. I actually followed the story quite easily and found these twists to be entertaining and felt excited for any more. Readers will totally follow and if anything, they’ll be more motivated to read the next chapter.
Tropes
The chemistry between the two was undeniable and extremely fun to read. Grumpy-Sunshine was easily the perfect trope for them. Their employee-boss relationship is also beyond chaotic and I loved every minute of it. Even their dynamic with the other characters around was so special.
Unexpectedly, the relationship between Evie, the Villain, and their friends pulled at my heartstrings way more than I thought it would. But a majority of the book was also so lighthearted and had me laughing and crying all at the same time. On one hand, I want to be Evie but then I would also just want to be part of their world and their story.
Enjoyability:
5/5
Ease of Reading:
5/5
In Short …
All in all, “Assistant to the Villain” honestly exceeded my every expectation. I might have also grown emotionally attached to these characters and will be thinking about them constantly over the next few weeks. I might even go into a book slump because I was burning through this book and am lacking sleep (i did end up going into a book slump lol.)
For fantasy and romance readers who want a fun and adventure-filled, romcom book, “Assistant to the Villain” is perfect. Don’t worry the fantasy part won’t be as overwhelming as you might think it’ll be. Whatever expectations you might have, don’t doubt that Evie and the Villain will meet every one of them!
MAIN TAKEAWAY
Perfect for romantasy readers whose favorite color is morally gray.
Lovable characters that make you fall in love, laugh, and cry all at the same time.
World building was easy to follow and had a fun classic fairytale take.
Writing and direction of the plot was enjoyable and tons of fun to read.
Evie reflects every delusional girlie in love with the Villain and she’s honestly so real for that.