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: 7.38

430 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

JT Penguin
Jan 14, 2025
7/10 stars
This book was interesting and unique. Had some laugh out loud moments. I loved the sassy and clueless Villain. The FMC came across as very ditzy to me and I found that annoying for most of the book. Did not see the big reveal coming though! I'm ready to read book 2 now :)
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’
Ally Sager
May 20, 2025
10/10 stars
Okay. New favorite semi-cozyish comic romantasy! This book had me laughing out loud at the bizzare banter between the FMC and MMC. I loved how chaotic Evie is and I enjoyed the side characters. The Villain was also hilarious and while he is a villain...he was also easy to love.
Stephanieviens
May 11, 2025
7/10 stars
I really enjoyed this it took me a little while to figure out the plot of the book but still very enjoyable
Luna Atmosphere
Apr 25, 2025
5/10 stars
It was just ok! Almost dnf but I picked it up again after months and it was better. It’s just… silly. Idk. Evie wasn’t my fav, but I think she’s got potential. The Villain was actually really cutie. Uhhhh, it was funny sometimes. I would say the first half was not my thing, but I liked the second half of the book. Also, what the heck is a Guvre?

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