Review: Maehrer’s debut novel is charming, witty, and utterly romantic! 

 

“Assistant to the Villain” follows Evie Sage as she looks for employment to support her ailing family. When a chance meeting with Rennedawn’s notorious villain results in a job offer, she takes it without a second thought. She never expected to fall in love with her boss, especially considering that he is evil personified, but when his carefully laid plans are sabotaged and his life is put in danger, she has little choice other than to come to terms with her feelings as she uncovers the culprit. 

 

What I love most about this book is that it’s just so fun! The atmosphere that Maehrer creates with her storytelling is similar that of some of my favorite comfort films/shows like Ella Enchanted, Tangled, and Once Upon a Time. Despite the novel’s high stakes, I found myself actually laughing out loud when I got to many of the comedic moments and became so attached to the characters that I really had a hard time letting go of them at the end. 

 

I really appreciated being able to read from both Evie and the Villain’s points-of-view. I was instantly intrigued by the Villain as a character because Maehrer skillfully kept his origins a secret, sprinkling hints here and there, until the big reveal near the end. His guarded and grumpy nature beautifully compliment Evie’s sunshine personality. I love a good “opposites attract” romance and Maehrer delivers on that front, going the extra mile to painstakingly capture their mutual pining for each other and the feelings left undeclared as they attempt to ignore their attraction within the workplace. When they finally do act on their feelings, nothing is more satisfying. 

 

That satisfaction, however, dissipated when I go to the final cliffhanger. To say it was punch to the gut is an understatement. I am desperate for book two because I cannot get enough of these characters and I want them to get the happily ever afters that they deserve!