Assistant to the Villain

✮✮✮

Nov 17

Assistant to the Villain - Hannah Nicole Maehrer

my review : ✮✮✮

A cozy, magical, and exciting story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. A little bit of action, a lot of humor, and endless will-they-won’t they-energy.

This story is set in the small and magical town of Rennedawn. Our leading lady, Evie Sage, is desperately in need of a job. She is the sole caretaker for her sick dad and younger sister, but her job prospects are dismal. That is until she has a run-in with the elusive Villain who terrorizes her small town. He offers her a job she cannot refuse, and slowly but surely, a tentative friendship forms. As Evie gets used to her new work setup, she realizes there’s a mole within the ranks who is trying to thwart The Villain’s plans, and she is determined to get to the bottom of who it is (because she’s Employee of the Year!! Not because she’s in love with him!! Right?!?!).

I call this romantasy-ish because this is a fantasy with very little world-building needed. The town of Rennedawn is filled with some folks who are magical, some who are just plain old humans, and creatures that seem plucked out of storybooks. The romance element is forever budding in the background, and we are blessed with dual POV between both The Villain and sweet Evie. I loved a slow-burn romance, but MAN, this is a slow one. Like…. such a slow burn, you’re like, “Is this burner even on”!? Still, I had a ton of fun reading this story and think it’s perfect for the reader who wants something kind of Halloween-y but wants to steer clear of spooky thrillers. This story is a fun, magical romp with a unique premise. I just wish we had spent more time on the romance! Maybe that’s just because I am a sucker for a happily ever after!!

Fair warning: this is book 1 in a series, with the next book releasing in September of 2024. Cliff hanger ending!