Review: Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Firstly, it was such an honor to receive an ARC for this third installment. I squealed with joy when this showed up in my email. After loving the Assistant to the Villain and Apprentice to the Villain, I could not wait to get this one in my hands and had already pre-ordered Accomplice to the Villain. Now that I’ve finished this one, I can’t wait to read the next one. There must be another, right? Please!

Returning to this series felt like returning home to a warm hug, cozy socks, and the best snacks. I was glued to my iPad as I read, wanting to do nothing more than lie in bed and continue reading. What an incredibly entertaining series this is. What amazing characters Evie and Trystan are.

Evie’s dealing with the return of her mother and trying to navigate her feelings, job duties, and feelings regarding Trystan. Evie is still the same lovable character as before; however, she's also becoming a dangerous woman in her own right. She is well-suited for her job, and her job is well-suited for her.

The Villain has rubbed off on her as she rubbed off on him. Trystan is doing his best to stay away from Evie after learning that she’ll be his downfall. He’s struggling with that. However, do not discount his love for Evie. He’s obsessed with her—rightfully so.

I’ll need to go back and revisit the previous books to be one hundred percent in my statement—but this might be my favorite stage of Evie and Trystan’s relationship. There’s teasing and longing, and there’s been heaps of development from their first meeting until now. Of course, angst. One of my favorite things about this series is Hannah’s ability to balance everything out perfectly. The plot is silly and fun, yet also emotional, with unexpected twists.

The secondary characters and romances are just as quirky and fun as ever before. I want to spotlight Becky and Lyssa’s relationship. Becky’s always been a favorite of mine. I loved her scenes with Evie and Tatianna regarding her love life; however, I especially loved her friendship with Lyssa. She’s become a reluctant older sister to her and would do anything for the ten-year-old.

Final Thoughts

Back in 2024, I stated that Hannah Nicole Maehrer was on a winning streak after reading Apprentice to the Villain, and it’s safe to say that she’s still winning. She’s three for three. Accomplice to the Villain is loads of fun with a lot of heart.

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Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

About the Book

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

Review

Hannah Nicole Maehrer is on a winning streak with this series. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this installment. Like the first, there’s so much humor, an entertaining plot, and witty banter. Of course, the slow-burn romance is to die for. The Villain and Evie do not get together yet; however, there is some development. Some squeal worthy and some were bound to make me cry if they didn’t figure it out. It’s safe to say that I do adore them both. I specifically loved Evie’s growth from assistant to apprentice. The title has certainly been earned.

As for the other characters, I’m pleased to report that we get more insight regarding them. A big theme that I noticed throughout this book was family. And I loved how all the characters through their families were connected in some way. It’s also worth mentioning that Lyssa—Evie’s younger sister—was delightful and a scene-stealer. As well as Becky. She and Evie had a sweet moment in the latter half of the book that I highly enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

Apprentice to the Villain is another hit. This is a perfect follow-up to the first book that beautifully expands this exciting universe. I am patiently waiting for the next book. I had loads of fun while reading this, and at times, the story really pulled at my heartstrings.  

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Review: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Summary

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.

Review

Assistant to the Villain was something that I hadn’t expected, but I’m glad I did continue with it. Prior to the release of this book, I had created my own expectations for how this book was going to play our and what setting it would be in. So much so, that once I read that first page, I almost closed it forever because I had fooled myself. However, I continued. And oh boy, I am very happy I did. I was so entertained with this, and I’m so delighted with how the story played out.

There was something so magical about the characters and their interactions with the other characters in this world. Everyone, especially Evie, was just so charming. Something that can only be found in a cozy fantasy book that is also adventurous. I adored the relationship between The Villain and Evie, something that had me kicking my feet and giggling. The banter was so funny and cute. And his POV was very enlightening. I need the second book now for my sanity!

Final Thoughts

Assistant to the Villain is a near perfect cozy, adventurous fantasy.

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About the Author