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, 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.

Published
August 29, 2023
Where to find this book
External links open a book search at the selected retailer. Availability may vary.
Assistant to the Villain

The series

Full series details →

Assistant to the Villain is a delightful blend of fantasy, romance, and humor that flips the script on traditional fantasy tropes. In this enchanting series, the lines between hero and villain blur as we follow a smart, sarcastic protagonist who’s stuck in the most unexpected of roles: assistant to a powerful, yet enigmatic villain.

Read full series description

Set in a world where magical beings and nefarious plots are commonplace, the series introduces readers to a heroine who’s anything but the typical sidekick. With a knack for problem-solving and an ever-growing connection with her complicated boss, she navigates a world filled with danger, intrigue, and plenty of witty banter. But the real charm lies in the unexpected dynamic that develops between them. The villain, mysterious and magnetic, becomes more than just an adversary—he’s a complicated figure whose true motivations slowly unravel, leaving both the assistant and the reader questioning who the real villain is.

Through vivid world-building and a deft touch of humor, Assistant to the Villain invites readers to lose themselves in a whimsical yet thrilling adventure. Romance weaves through the story, but it’s not just about love—it’s about power, choice, and the gray areas between good and evil. With each book, the stakes get higher, and the twists more irresistible, making the journey from apprentice to accomplice an unforgettable ride.

Whether you’re a fan of quirky characters, fast-paced plots, or stories where the bad guy might not be as bad as they seem, this series offers a unique take on the fantasy genre that will have you hooked from the very first page.

Risingshadow

Rating distribution

How reader ratings are distributed across the 1–10 scale.

101
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Risingshadow

Be the first reviewer

Sign in and write the first reader review.

Risingshadow

Readers Also Enjoyed