Assistant to the Villain (Special Edition Hardcover): A Cozy Fantasy Romantic Comedy from a Tiktok Sensation

By Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Book Overview

Experience Assistant to the Villain like never before with the SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION--bound in luxe linen, glowing with foil, finished with gold-foil edges, and featuring exclusive artwork by Tamara Osborn. Available only in the US and Canada while supplies last.

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
Book #4 Adversary to the Villain

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1682816346
• ISBN13: 9781682816349
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fun fantasy office romance!

Overall rating: 3.75/5 Ease of reading: 4/5 Romance: 2/5 Spice: 0.5/5 What a fun book! Love a good office romance and it was interesting to read about morally grey characters rather than heros trying to save the world. I do wish there was more development of the magical aspects in the book and more world building. But I LOVED the humor and writing style. I found myself giggling out loud multiple times. 🤭 I will be reading the rest of the series at some point because I need to know what happens after that plot twist and ending! I recommend for anyone that wants a funny, grumpy/sunshine, fantasy-inspired office romance story. ❤️

❤️❤️

Ahh such a good first book. Loved it.

Such a breath of fresh air

This book was just what I needed at the point when I read it. It checks so many boxes. Comedy - check. Magic - got it. Dragons and “talking” animals - they are the best. Mystery and plot twists - sure does. Character growth - yup. Romance - duh. Witty banter and just the right amount of innuendo - absolutely. An ending that leaves you wanting more - *already preordered the sequel! Don’t get me wrong, there are absolutely no illusions that this book will end up being a great classic like Jane Eyre or Pride and Prejudice. The story doesn’t take itself seriously and if you read it for what it is, a book written for the joy of the story, then I think you may have a good time with it. I sure did.

I ENJOYED this book sooo much!

I can’t wait for more. This is the cutest and most witty book I’ve read. The characters are real characters and very charming. It is an adult book but makes me feel like a kid. As Kingsley would say, “fantastic” (I wish I could draw a sign for it).

Steamy, begging for more, hilarious

This book is so great. I want more! Please write a sequel! Evie is so relatable and hilarious. Definitely recommend.