Assistant to the Villain

Assistant to the Villain, Book 1

By: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Narrated by: Em Eldridge

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.

Contains mature themes.

©2023 Hannah Nicole Maehrer (P)2023 Tantor

Critic reviews

"In this audiobook, Evie Sage is navigating financial challenges and takes on the role of assistant to a notorious villain, diligently managing office tasks and supporting his exploits.... Em Eldridge's narration adds a subtle depth to the characters. Eldridge's voice work...plays a role in making the audiobook a compelling journey into the captivating world of Evie and her enigmatic employer." (AudioFile)

Cute story, awful narration

The story was cute and interesting enough, but the narrator puts a huge dampner on it. I wish I would have purchased it in ebook form instead of audio. The narrator reads like she think she's reading to a bunch of small children at a library storytime. This narrator should only be reading children's books. The publishers should do everyone a favor and get a new narrator for the second book. If not, I'll skip the audio and get the ebook.

Banter, whit & comedy magic!

I ADORED this book. The banter, cozy feel, and comedic relief woven throughout was SO WELL DONE. It was hilarious, yet there were beautiful themes behind the story of women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and finding your voice. The end third had me SO surprised at each turn. Brilliantly done!!

So good!

I’ve been following this story since it was skits on tiktok. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!

Entertaining!

I got the book from a recommendation, and glad I did. It was surprisingly complex. The story is interesting, but the writing set it apart: half romantic sweetness that can be fun casually, and half the experience of a (seemingly) real adult woman mistreated for her gender above her ability. A villain arc I completely enjoyed. looking forward to the hopeful sequel.

interesting

seems I was constantly telling the book to just cut to the chase! a lot of fluff and filler and somehow hardly any world or character building? the humor was fun, and the characters likable. but there was just something lacking. moved a little too slow for me.

Looove the narration

The narrators voice is perfect for eve it’s raspy it’s just perfect for her. The story was also super good there seemed to be something always going on. Can’t wait for the next one!!!

Eh

Good for a pallet clines. I did struggle often with the narrator in this one. I kind of wish someone else was there so they could bounce of each other.

Obsessed!!!

I couldn’t stop listening! And the narrators voice?! Ugh I loved everything about it. Oh, and the book too. Can’t wait for the next one!!

I’m in love

This is a great book, I highly recommend reading it!! All I’m going to say is that chapter 59 broke me…

Loved It!

A very entertaining read that brought me joy. I can't wait for the next book to come out!