Assistant to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain, 1)

THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With 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.

The Assistant and the Villain series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Assistant to the Villain
Book #2 Apprentice to the Villain
Book #3 Accomplice to the Villain

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Published Aug 29, 2023

352 pages

Average rating: 7.4

483 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

faetedfantasy
Aug 18, 2024
8/10 stars
If you’re considering reading this book, please do!
It’s not super high stakes, it’s cute, witty and has a great grumpy/sunshine slow burn romance.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series’
Nayri
Oct 07, 2025
2/10 stars
Probably one of the most poorly written books I have ever read HOWEVER the plot is so cute and the characters are lovable :)

So is this a literary masterpiece? Absolutely not
Will I be reading the sequel that comes out August 6th 2024? Probably
Would I be reading the sequel if book 1 didn’t end in a massive cliffhanger? Eh, maybe. Still a nice little beach read.
kbeers22
Sep 26, 2025
8/10 stars
This book felt like a fairytale gone wonky! I absolutely loved the characters and their banter back and forth. It seems working for the villain definitely has its perks but also gets you involved in some sketchy things. Nothing Evie can definitely handle herself so she ain’t no princess! I can’t wait to see where the adventure goes next!
Jen Curtis
Sep 25, 2025
10/10 stars
I added the rest of the series immediately upon finishing it. I love seeing “villains” and “hero’s” explored. I have a perfectionistic child (who must have gotten it from the water 😏). Through that experience, I watched our imperfect heroes & villains who are sometimes helpful open possibilities for my kid. Don’t get me wrong, there are torture chambers, beheadings & more. It’s not a Disney Fairy Tale. They say it’s those who are most judging that have the hardest time forgiving themselves . . . That is not a spoiler FYI . . . Just a general thought. Just outside of reality enough to be light hearted.
Rianna
Aug 07, 2025
4/10 stars
very little romance, plot twist at the end was okay, overall meh. i liked the mystery aspect of it. it was an entertaining read but also some parts were lowkey cliche? but its ok.

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