Scan barcode
A review by floralmay
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
"Assistant to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is an absolute gem in the realm of romantic comedies, and it had me laughing like no other book ever has. My faith in the Red Tower book series has once again proven well-founded with this pre-order. While I initially knew nothing about the TikToker or what some have affectionately dubbed the 'sunshine assistant meets grumpy boss' trope, it has swiftly become one of my top five favorites.
When the book was handed to me at my favorite local bookstore, I couldn't help but wonder if I should have captured the moment on film. It felt like a monumental occasion, with its red sprayed edges reminiscent of a Halloween face paint palette - a promise of wickedness, but in an ironically adorable way.
Upon cracking open the book, I was greeted by the villain's map and his ingenious idea for mermaid sushi. As a devoted sushi enthusiast, I couldn't help but ponder whether it would qualify as cannibalism, only to realize that the villain would probably endorse such a notion. The book kicks off with the classic opening, "Once upon a time," a cliché that undeniably suits the overall atmosphere, akin to the iconic beginning of Shrek.
Throughout the story, I experienced moments of uncontrollable glee at the sheer adorableness of the villain, juxtaposed with bouts of secondhand embarrassment. It's a remarkably light-hearted read.
Now, let's discuss the spice—or perhaps the lack thereof. It's essential to emphasize that not every book requires a spicy element. If you're seeking an author's hasty inclusion of another trite and uninspired bedroom scene instead of a focus on character development and plot, then this book may not be your cup of tea. Instead, consider downloading another "romance" novel from Kindle Unlimited.
Moving on to the world-building aspect, it's fair to say that it left something to be desired. I found it challenging to envision the manor, ultimately constructing a generic mental image. The magic system, regrettably, lacks a detailed explanation, and the dragon ends up resembling the one from Shrek. Consequently, I wouldn't classify it as "high fantasy"; it's firmly ensconced in the realm of cozy fantasy.
I believe that if Hannah had aimed for a light, cozy romantic comedy, she hit the bullseye but didn't drive the nail all the way in. For instance, when the characters find themselves trapped in the office due to a storm, there is potential for more substantial development or intriguing events, though not necessarily of a spicy nature.
In summary, I genuinely enjoyed this book. It had me bursting into laughter and occasionally seeking solace from the characters' moments of embarrassment. Sometimes, all you need is a fun, whimsical, and romantic read, and that's precisely what "Assistant to the Villain" delivers.
When the book was handed to me at my favorite local bookstore, I couldn't help but wonder if I should have captured the moment on film. It felt like a monumental occasion, with its red sprayed edges reminiscent of a Halloween face paint palette - a promise of wickedness, but in an ironically adorable way.
Upon cracking open the book, I was greeted by the villain's map and his ingenious idea for mermaid sushi. As a devoted sushi enthusiast, I couldn't help but ponder whether it would qualify as cannibalism, only to realize that the villain would probably endorse such a notion. The book kicks off with the classic opening, "Once upon a time," a cliché that undeniably suits the overall atmosphere, akin to the iconic beginning of Shrek.
Throughout the story, I experienced moments of uncontrollable glee at the sheer adorableness of the villain, juxtaposed with bouts of secondhand embarrassment. It's a remarkably light-hearted read.
Now, let's discuss the spice—or perhaps the lack thereof. It's essential to emphasize that not every book requires a spicy element. If you're seeking an author's hasty inclusion of another trite and uninspired bedroom scene instead of a focus on character development and plot, then this book may not be your cup of tea. Instead, consider downloading another "romance" novel from Kindle Unlimited.
Moving on to the world-building aspect, it's fair to say that it left something to be desired. I found it challenging to envision the manor, ultimately constructing a generic mental image. The magic system, regrettably, lacks a detailed explanation, and the dragon ends up resembling the one from Shrek. Consequently, I wouldn't classify it as "high fantasy"; it's firmly ensconced in the realm of cozy fantasy.
I believe that if Hannah had aimed for a light, cozy romantic comedy, she hit the bullseye but didn't drive the nail all the way in. For instance, when the characters find themselves trapped in the office due to a storm, there is potential for more substantial development or intriguing events, though not necessarily of a spicy nature.
In summary, I genuinely enjoyed this book. It had me bursting into laughter and occasionally seeking solace from the characters' moments of embarrassment. Sometimes, all you need is a fun, whimsical, and romantic read, and that's precisely what "Assistant to the Villain" delivers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Kidnapping