Darci's Review 

What I expected was a fun and predictable fantasy romance and those expectations were blown away. We are introduced to the kingdom of Rennedawn through the dual points-of-view of Evie Sage and The Villain. Evie is at a loose end, being made redundant from her job, and while idling through the forest, she bumps into the Villain running from the King’s guards. This sets off a chain of events, most importantly Evie’s employment as assistant to the attractive and brooding Villain. While Evie can now feed her young sister and sick father, her problems have only just begun. The Villain's shipment plans keep getting mysteriously foiled, and Evie needs to find the rat in the company before she loses her job, or worse, is killed. 

Maehrer has built this world and her characters so cleverly. Evie may seem dutiful and passive, but gradually reveals hidden depths. If you love slow-burn romance, fun characters, and a surprisingly intricate plot, Assistant to the Villain is a great choice for YA and adult readers. 

Publisher's Review 

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, level-headed assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things in General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With an 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...