Assistant to the Villain Review

by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

"Assistant to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a rib-tickling novel that throws humor, romance, and a sprinkle of fantasy into a blender, serving up a fresh smoothie of villainy with a twist. The story follows a protagonist who somehow lands the gig of being the right-hand woman to a notorious villain, leading to plot twists and character interactions that are as delightful as finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag.

Plot Overview

The tale trails our main character as she tiptoes through her new job, juggling her duties while unraveling the tangled web behind her boss's villainous facade. The plot is packed with comedic moments, engaging conflicts, and a romance that simmers like a pot left on low heat, keeping readers hooked on the character's escapades.

Character Development

Maehrer is a wizard at crafting characters with depth. The protagonist, Evie, is as relatable and witty as a stand-up comedian, often landing in laugh-out-loud situations. The Villain, initially your standard bad guy, peels back layers that make you question if he's more of an onion than an antagonist. The chemistry between the characters is electric, adding to the story's irresistible charm.

Themes

The book tackles themes like redemption, the true nature of villainy, and the art of not judging a book by its cover—or a villain by their evil laugh. The story nudges readers to question societal norms about good and evil, making it more than just a giggle-filled romp.

Review

"Assistant to the Villain" is like taking a rollercoaster ride through a candy factory designed by a unicorn in a tuxedo. It's a delightful mix of humor, romance, and fantasy. The character dynamics are a hoot, especially the grumpy "I never smile" boss paired with his sunshine assistant, Evie. Their interactions are filled with hilarious, cheeky, and sometimes swoony moments. The witty office banter had me chuckling and grinning right from the start. The fantasy world is sprinkled with whimsical touches: mischievous pixies causing chaos with the copier, a frog named Kingsley who holds up one-word signs at just the right moments, and even a dragon with the cutest name imaginable. If you're in the mood for a light-hearted fantasy romance featuring an overprotective, morally grey main male character and a sunny, lovable female lead, I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to dive into the other books in this series!