Engaging Review: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole
I was eagerly anticipating Assistant to the Villain, Hannah Nicole’s debut novel, especially after watching her delightful TikTok videos that gave me a peek into the whimsical world she was creating. The promise of cozy fantasy sprinkled with romance, a grumpy boss x sunshine assistant dynamic, and the irresistible charm of a villain had me hooked. However, as I dove into the pages, I found myself wrestling with mixed feelings about this low-stakes fantasy that, while engaging in parts, left me craving more depth and excitement.
A Cozy Fantasy with Romance… But Where’s the Spice?
At its core, Assistant to the Villain attempts to explore themes of unlikely connections and hidden depths. Evie, our effervescent protagonist, is everything her grumpy boss—the titular villain—never thought he deserved. Their banter, underscored by palpable chemistry and tension, was certainly a highlight for me. I’m a sucker for the grumpy x sunshine trope, and the playful interactions, particularly when he affectionately refers to her as “little tornado,” brought a smile to my face. But alas, despite these sparks, the romance faltered under the weight of its own build-up.
The magic of dual perspectives allows us to glimpse into the villain’s mind, making him the most intriguing character in the story. It was thrilling to peel back the layers of his mysterious past and motives. Yet, I found myself wishing for more insight into his thoughts; they offered a glimmer of what could have been a more compelling narrative if explored more deeply.
While the mystery plot took a surprisingly dark twist that I didn’t see coming—complete with a cliffhanger ending—the book often felt disjointed and low in stakes. Sure, it had its moments of suspense, but I found myself longing for a faster progression of not just the romance, but the entire plot. I mean, after investing over 340 pages in will-they-won’t-they, I was disappointed to find that when they finally kissed, it felt more like a half-hearted gesture than a culmination of tension!
Witty Moments vs. Missed Opportunities
The humor touted as “laugh out loud” was another area where expectations fell flat for me. I often cringed rather than laughed at situations that were poised to be comical, and Evie’s slightly ditsy demeanor occasionally shifted from quirky to annoying. The moments that were meant to be funny—like the villain sleeping with a nightlight—came off as more perplexing than endearing.
The world-building, while adequate, lacked a sense of memorability. I barely registered the names of kingdoms or towns, rendering them forgettable in the grand tapestry of the story. In a fantasy setting, I hoped for a more vibrant backdrop that would keep me grounded in this magical universe.
A Read That Just About Survived
Despite my critiques, I didn’t hate Assistant to the Villain. I read it in one sitting, captivated enough to keep turning the pages, even if frustration sometimes flared up. Even if the book doesn’t warrant a second read for me, it still has its charm and entertainment value—especially for readers seeking a light fantasy without too much emotional weight or intensity.
In conclusion, if you enjoy cozy fantasies that lean more towards the magical than the romantic, filled with quirky characters and a sprinkle of mystery, this book might just be your cup of tea. While it didn’t resonate as deeply with me, I appreciate what Hannah Nicole has crafted and look forward to seeing how her writing evolves in future works. After all, every author starts somewhere, and there’s always room for growth and exploration in their storytelling.
Favorite Quotes to Ponder
One of my favorite moments captures the essence of growth amidst struggle: “It was ironic that the man who dealt with so much death seemed to have brought her back to life.” This line lingered with me, reminding us of the complexities of human connection, even when intertwined with danger.
Thank you, Red Tower Books, for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own!
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