Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
This book is a warm mug of cocoa served inside an evil lair. Cozy. Cute. Unreasonably funny. Completely self aware about how tropey it is and absolutely delighted about it.
The premise alone already had me seated. Sunshine assistant accidentally employed by the most infamous villain in the kingdom? Say less. It really is Once Upon a Time crashing headfirst into The Office, complete with workplace politics, dramatic henchmen, and a boss who is morally questionable but annoyingly hot.
Evie Sage is the definition of lovable chaos. She is practical because she has to be, soft because she chooses to be, and unintentionally feral about her terrifying boss. Her internal monologue alone deserves a raise. Watching her navigate severed heads, dungeon decor, and casual villain staff meetings like this is just a normal Tuesday was endlessly entertaining.
And The Villain. Trystan. Broody. Dramatic. Over the top in the way only fictional men are allowed to be. He is allergic to feelings, devoted to evil optics, and deeply inconvenienced by how much he cares about his assistant. The grumpy sunshine dynamic is loud here and it works because the banter is sharp and the timing is perfect.
What really makes this book shine is how unserious it is while still having heart. Pixies mess with office equipment. A frog holds up signs like a sarcastic intern. Everyone is dramatic. Everyone commits to the bit. And yet underneath the comedy there is real emotion, real loyalty, and a surprisingly tender slow burn that sneaks up on you.
Is it spicy? No. Is that the point? Also no. This is very much a tension and yearning situation with a sprinkle of fake marriage crumbs that feel illegal for how little heat they contain. I wanted more. I am demanding more. Book two better clock in with at least one emotionally devastating kiss.
Vibes
Cozy fantasy rom com
Grumpy villain x sunshine assistant
Workplace banter but make it medieval evil
Slow burn that refuses to ignite yet
Over the top characters who know exactly who they are
Final thoughts
Yes it is tropey. Yes it leans into the bit. Yes it is delightful.
This book made me laugh out loud, smile like an idiot, and immediately wish I could file an application to work in a villain lair with questionable HR policies.
If you want something light, funny, cozy, and charming with a morally gray boss who is down horrendous for his assistant, this one absolutely delivers.
xoxo
