A review by natashaleighton_
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

A fast paced and thoroughly entertaining debut, that reads like the fabulously chaotic love child of Beauty and The Beast and The Office(US). You know, if the Beast was a brooding, byronic Villain who hated everyone—except his sunshiny (and overly optimistic) cinnamon-roll of an assistant. 

We follow protagonist Evie Sage, who, whilst searching for a job to provide for her ailing father and little sister, stumbles upon the Kingdom’s most feared criminal—known only as The Villain. And after saving her (and himself) from certain death, makes Evie’s dream come true… by offering her a job as his assistant. 

Evie thrives in her new role and thanks to her savvy organisational skills and optimistic outlook on life  has things running smoother than ever (with ALOT less beheadings and a far more productive workforce.) But with plots going awry far too often, Evie suspects sabotage and it looks increasingly likely to be an inside job. 

Now Evie must help her boss (whilst navigating her new found feelings for him) find the perpetrator trying to take down their operation…and make them pay. 

I genuinely loved this! It’s humorous, heartfelt and full of soo many quirky characters I couldn’t help but get attached too. I’m also an absolute sucker for the grumpy x sunshine and found family tropes so pretty much devoured this. Though I should warn it is a slow-burn kind of romance and doesn’t have any spice (so if that’s a must, then you may not find much enjoyment in this.)

The writing was really enjoyable, but felt more like YA than adult romantasy. Though, I thought it worked perfectly for the satirical and lighthearted, fairytale-esque tone. As someone who spent a good portion of my childhood obsessed with fairytales, this is the book I didn’t realise I needed in my life until I now and I know there’ll be plenty of rereads in my future. It gave off such cosy vibes and reminded me soo much of The 10th Kingdom (which was one of my all time fave shows as a kid) and its delightfully charming and eccentric cast of characters. 

I loved Evie, our main protagonist (and walking ball of sunshine) whose wit and endearing optimism (in-spite of all the tragedy she’s endured) had me rooting for her from the very first page. Watching her inadvertently melt the Villain’s tough exterior (with her honesty and compassion) was wonderfully heartwarming and really gave us a chance us to explore The Villain’s complex (and equally tragic) backstory in more depth—bringing dimension to his character that will have you rooting for him in no time. 

Though, I must admit it was Kingsley, the sign holding (and crown wearing) magical frog who stole my heart and the top spot as my fave character with his quiet judgement and hilariously spot on, one word observations. 

I can’t really say much else for fear of spoiling the plot or deliciously plot twisty ending (the traitor reveal was fantastic, I couldn’t guess their identity AT ALL.) But I will say, if you love fun and light-heartedly entertaining fairytale-style stories, Shrek or Once Upon A Time —then you simply must check this out. 

Also, a huge thank you to Emma Fairey and Penguin UK for the finished copy. 
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