My Assistant to the Villain Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a fantasy-romance told in both Evangelina “Evie” Sage’s bright perspective and the Villain’s darker one. Evie, desperate to support her family, stumbles on the infamous Villain in the woods and ends up as his assistant. She navigates a quirky, eerie workplace—with severed heads, dragon trainers, a talking frog, and magical oddities—all while trying to support her loved ones. When a traitor shows up among them, Evie and the Villain work together to unravel the mystery. Their partnership and slow-burning connection grow, all leading to a cliffhanger ending that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next book.
Why I Love This Book
I love the contrast between Evie’s sunny optimism and the Villain’s brooding edge. I find the humor—like office politics in a manor full of guvres and talking frogs—makes the darkness feel lighter, almost cozy. I love the slow-burn tension between Evie and her boss. It’s those little glances and physical touches that kept me leaning in, not rushed, but real. I love that even the side characters—like Blade, Tati, Becky—are lively and layered, making the villain’s world feel inhabited. I love how the stakes feel both fantastical and emotionally grounded. And I love that I closed the book wanting more—that ending pulled me in and promised a deeper dance next time.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy quirky fantasy with workplace drama, grumpy x sunshine dynamics, and a slow-burn that bakes in emotion, you’ll enjoy this. If you're looking for a cozy feel, a funny edge, and a mystery along with growing romantic tension—this fits.
⚠️ Trigger warning: The story includes violence, severed heads, emotional scars, and a tense moral dilemma rooted in betrayal and family loyalty. Approach with that in mind.
Tagged As
fantasy romance, romantasy, grumpy-sunshine, slow burn, workplace fantasy, dark humor, adventures, dual pov, quirky heroine, morally grey hero, magic, mystery, mystical creatures, cozy fantasy, series, cliffhanger, indie romance, HEA hoped-for
Steam Level
The book builds tension through emotion and humor—there’s no explicit content. It’s charming, funny, and heartwarming, with just enough spark to keep things interesting without crossing into steamy.
This novel is #5 on our list of 7 Spicy Romance Novels with Insanely Hot Enthusiastic Consent. View the full list.
