REVIEW: Assistant to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain #1)

Assistant to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain #1) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Romantic Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Mystery
Release Date: September 5th 2023
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ Audible

Book Description:

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.

♥ ♥ ♥

"Don't let your boss quiver your insides, Evie."

With quotes like the above is it any wonder how in love I am with this book?

I know it may seem as if it took me far too long to read Assistant to the Villain, but the reality of it is, I've savored every single sentence of this book since the moment I opened the Amazon box it was in. I think I've been waiting for this book since before I knew it would be a book. I've followed Hannah's journey on TikTok, just like everyone since the beginning and so the anticipation I felt for this book was basically unmatched.

Not only did I have to read the physical copy I pre-ordered [ yay red edges! ] but I also needed to listen to the Audiobook version before being able to sit down and finally write my review. First - out of every book I've read this year, this may have been my absolute favorite. Not only was Evie absolutely precious, but the myriad of emotions Assistant to the Villain made me feel...I'm in awe.

From the short skits on TikTok, it was beyond clear that Maehrer was talented. But the way this story was woven together using fantasy elements as well realistic and relatable personal issues pulled me in and refused to release me until the very last page. And even then I was looking for more [ thank the gods there is going to be more! ]

Velvet Cruelty

Velvet Cruelty By Eve Dangerfield
Publication date: October 11, 2022
Summary:
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Retelling, Romance

Once upon a time I was promised to a powerful man. I was raised to be dutiful and innocent. But on my wedding day, I’m stolen by four men. Men who loathe my fiancé. They’re going to use me to fulfill their vendetta.

One of them only wants my body.
One of them wants me as his wife.
Another one offers freedom… at a price.
And the last wants me dead.

I was raised to be a good society wife. Now I’m facing a battle of wits and breathless desire. My only hope is to set aside my innocence. Or learn to use it as a weapon.

Author’s Note: VELVET CRUELTY is a scorching romance between a woman and four beautifully dangerous men in which she never has to choose. Read at your own discretion.

—

EXCERPT:

A girl barely old enough to be called a woman is sitting on a bench two hundred feet below me. She’s laughing, a cutesy box of cupcakes on her knees. I adjust my lens scope and her face comes into focus. Green eyes, pale skin, and a wide, soft mouth with lips as red as blood—a color I’ve seen more of than most. She picks up a cupcake and holds it away from herself, as though afraid to taste it. Knowing her stepmother, she probably is.

Terrell says something and she laughs, her long ebony black hair catching the light. People stare as they walk past, their mouths falling open. The girl’s always been pretty but since she turned eighteen no one can take their eyes off her. I move my scope half an inch to the left and find Terrell. Clean-shaven with a hint of baby fat around the cheeks and chin. He looks younger than thirty-eight. And soft. The kind of guy you’d size up if you were looking to jump someone at a train station.

Red (House of Misfits, #5)

Red (House of Misfits, #5) By Cambria Hebert
Publication date: March 18, 2022
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fairy Tales, Retelling, Romance
Summary:

Once upon a time…

An orphaned boy runs away, knowing he is better off in solitude
than in the company of those with whom he does not belong.
However, Little Red is not meant to be alone,
his crimson halo a calling card to those far and wide.
And so off he goes… into the woods to attract the eye of a wicked wolf.

Better to see you with.
Better to hear you with.
Better to taste you with.

Astoundingly, the woods are not a frightening place,
and Little Red flourishes among the weeds and thorns until he isn’t so little anymore.
And the wicked wolf he’s gone to catch?
Well, this forest has more than one, and perversely,
their snapping teeth and sharp claws make him feel at home.
Years after walking into the woods, Red is expected to walk back out,
carrying with him the head of the most dangerous predator.

But those who sent him into the forest failed to take into
account that not everyone fears the bite of the big bad wolf.
Some crave it…

RED is book 5 in the House of Misfits series by Cambria Hebert. RED is a Male/Male romance modern version of Red Riding Hood. RED contains dark themes, a Korean Gangster, Opposites attract, Secrets and Twists, Hurt/Comfort, Possessive/Obsessive and Found Family. Oh, and of course spicy times. Please also note there are mentions of off-page child abuse some readers may find uncomfortable.

Reclaiming Ryda (Once Upon a Duchy, #2)

Reclaiming Ryda (Once Upon a Duchy, #2) By Rachel Rossano
Publication date: April 20, 2021
Buy Link: Amazon

Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance
Summary:

Rydaria lives as a prisoner in a tower library. Captured as a child, her past is a mystery. Maintaining the literary treasures within her care, she studies the world through books that give her a glimpse of the freedom she craves.

A scribe by trade, Crispin has devoted the last three years of his life seeking the lost heir of Avalene. He travels to Worthenave’s famed library in hopes of finding the key. Instead, he discovers a new mystery, a beautiful librarian who is locked in with her books every night.

As the days pass, Crispin must choose. Rydaria’s precarious situation is deteriorating. Meanwhile, his duty demands he leave before the Duke of Worthenave uncovers his quest. Still, the scribe can’t bring himself to abandon the captive in the library tower, even if it costs him his mission.

Inspired by Rapunzel and East of the Sun West of the Moon

—

EXCERPT:

Crispin

A large circular room greater than thrice my height in diameter lay beyond the gate. On all sides from the floor to about two feet below the ceiling, which was well beyond my reach, were shelves laden with all manner of written records. Binders, scrolls, bound volumes, drawers, boxes, and files lined each shelf. Small tags hung from many of them—each card covered in neat writing. 

Over them, a wooden ladder hung by hooks on a rail that ran the circumference of the room. Above the track, small rectangular windows nested in the thick stone walls between the top shelves and the carved ceiling. In the center of the rotunda lay a thick round carpet. On it sat a large wooden table that had clearly been made to match the shelves and five padded chairs.

I crossed to the table and set my scribe’s bag on the polished surface. As I surveyed the shelves wondering where I ought to begin my search, I came up short. Someone was singing—a woman by the sound of it.

I Put a Spell On You

I Put a Spell On You By Sarah Vance-Tompkins
Publication date: March 23, 2021
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

“Being a modern-day fairy godmother isn’t all ‘bibbidi bobbidi boo,’” the legendary Lilliana Willowbrook says. “It’s hard work, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We don’t handle cash, jewelry, real estate or revenge.”

AVIANA WILLOWBROOK had no idea that her mother is a living legend until the day the tattered old copy of “The Fairy Godmother’s Rulebook” arrived in the mail on her twenty-first birthday. Estranged from her mom, and living in Beverly Hills with her father, her stepmother and two super-achieving stepsisters, Aviana is unhappy and directionless.

Hotel heir NASH NOLAN isn’t content to use his family’s fortune, instead he’s used his computer knowledge to create a successful travel app. He’s not the kind of guy to wear his heart on his sleeve, Nash is immediately attracted to Aviana’s confidence and kindness.

But everything changes when novice fairy godmother Aviana is tasked with sparking a romance between Nash and her wicked stepsister. Will she use her powers to help Nash and her stepsister find their destiny, or will she use her pixie dust to find her own happily ever after?

—

EXCERPT:

The next time I stirred the house was still and dark. The Fairy Godmother’s Rulebook was open next to me on the sofa. Mesmerized by the pattern of lights dancing across the ceiling from the pool in the backyard. I came to the dawning realization I wasn’t alone. Someone was in the house with me.

Maybe I was dreaming, but every time I came to full consciousness I had the terrifying feeling of being watched. I tried to sit up, but I couldn’t. It was as if I’d lost the use of my limbs. I drifted in and out of sleep. Then a shadow moved over me and soft hands brushed against my face. I couldn’t move and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make a sound.

Cinderellis (Once Upon a Vegas Night #2)

Cinderellis (Once Upon a Vegas Night #2) By Evie Drae
Publication date: February 25, 2021
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, LGBTQ+, Retelling, Romance
Summary:

As the son of music industry royalty and a famous rock star in his own right, Henry “Cinder” Cinderford has spent his life on the road. Craving stability, he signs on to do a special limited engagement in Las Vegas and plans to spend the next six months discovering the meaning of home.

After losing his mom at a young age, Ellis Tremaine survived a childhood with an abusive stepfather who took out his anger on the son he never wanted. 

Nearly two decades later, Ellis continues to struggle against the emotional manipulations of his family, even in his career. But when he meets none other than the Prince of Pop himself, things start to change.

From attraction to friendship to something so much more, Ellis and Cinder become the celebrity ‘ship known as “Cinderellis.” But when reality threatens their storybook romance, all they can do is hope there really is a happily ever after for every once upon a time.

—

EXCERPT:

Ellis leaned his elbows on the handrail of the narrow metal catwalk overlooking the frontstage area and closed his eyes, allowing the music below to encompass him from all sides. Surrounding his senses. Filling his soul.

About three-quarters of the way through Cinder’s set, there was a song that dripped with passion and heart, making exquisite use of his stunning vibrato. It had become a favorite of Ellis’s almost from the get-go, most especially because its simplicity allowed him a moment to breathe, to open himself, and to fall heart-first into the music.

Book Blitz: Faerest

Faerest By Brianna Bennett
Publication date: November 10th 2020
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Retelling
Summary:

Mystery has surrounded Sydney White for as long as she can remember. Her mother’s death puzzled even the hardiest of investigators, but eventually, they just stopped trying. 

So, when Syd is presented with the opportunity to finish a degree in faery anthropology that her mother began over twenty years ago, she leaps at the chance to learn the truth. 

However, truth is often stranger than fiction, especially when the lines between faery and human are eroding each day. 

Syd will have to navigate unthinkable deals, a prince in peril she swore she would never speak to again, and an organization only known as Coventry.

—

EXCERPT:

Strangely, she could still feel the careful caress of his skin on hers, which of course transitioned into other memories about their final night together. ‘No, we’re not going there.’ she told herself firmly, shaking her head as if that would knock the memories from her brain.

Once she fully came back to the present, she found that Sal had already chosen a track and the timekeeper was counting down. ‘Focus, Syd. Dinner is on the line.’ she told herself, the controller’s smooth plastic familiar and comforting.

Princess Peach, Syd’s favorite character, took off when she accelerated, cruising to the front of the pack efficiently.

Book Blitz: The Dirty Dozen: MC Edition

The Dirty Dozen: MC Edition
Publication date: November 23, 2019
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Paranormal, Romance
Summary:

11 ~ Authors ~ 12 Novellas ~ 12 Hot Bikers 

Ever wonder what it’s like to take a walk on the wild side? 

Find out as these eleven authors show you as they take you on a journey through their MC Worlds. 

See what it’s like to be thrust into the dangerous world of an MC, where brotherhood and loyalty are more than just words. 

These eleven authors will have you captivated and wishing to wear one of their MC patches with each word you read.
Participating Authors: 

Kathleen Kelly
Wraith noun (in italics) ~ a ghost or ghostlike image of someone, especially one seen shortly before or after their death.
Desired – Natasha Thomas
His entire life had always been about three things; his club, his brothers, and his family. Until he met her.
Royally Taken – Elle Boon
He’s the protector. Sometimes he walked a fine line between right and wrong, but make no mistake, when shit goes south, he’s the one you’d want to have your back.
Sloth – Kay Maree
1%er, pain, blood, nothing but another nightmare followed by numbness, and the deep dark hole I don’t think I could pull myself out of again.
Havoc’s Temptation – Lauren Firminger
Just when they thought the dust was starting to settle, Havoc brings a long lost secret to the surface.
Charon MC – Khloe Wren
Blade is forced to learn a lesson when the price for exacting his vengeance becomes higher than he’d ever imagined it would be.
Danger – Penny Blush
I am the President of Knights Fury MC; my life has been threatened. I don’t know who to trust. There’s a traitor in my club. Now I need to put my trust in a stranger to help save my club and my life
Diesel’s Choice – Lauren Firminger
Would a second chance be too much for me to give him though?
He handed me my heart back in pieces once. Would I survive round 2?
Viper – Gemma Arlington
One girl in search of her father.
One guy willing to help.
One interesting and eventful night of passion.
Slade – VR Baucke
Tova – Hades Horsemen Club Princess, forbidden temptation, and rule breaker.
Slade – Hades Horsemen VP, hot as sin, loyal to the bone, and has finally met his match.
Tank – Ember Raine-Winters
Can Tank save Nadia against all odds, or will new revelations take her away?
Executioner – Sammy King
An executioner who was forced to grow up with hate in his soul.
An innocent girl whose life isn’t what she believed.

Book Blitz: Fractured Sleep (Fairy Tale Ink, #4)

Fractured Sleep (Fairy Tale Ink, #4) 
Publication date: June 28, 2019
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Fantasy
Summary:

Fairy Tale Ink is proud to present these four retold stories of the classic, Sleeping Beauty. A story for every reader from best-selling and award-winning authors! 

Aurora’s Fight, by Angela Brimhall Five years ago, Aurora was forced to live at Thornhurst Manor, the city insane asylum. Every night she dreads sunset when sleep becomes a wicked game of survival. When Aurora is kidnapped and imprisoned in The Briar, a vision reveals the desperate man in the next cell is her only hope in stopping the plague of her nightmares. Will she find a way to rescue this mysterious man before The Dragon’s death countdown reaches zero? 

The Lonely Princess, by Jo Schneider: Everything changed in the 500 years Aurora slept. Now teenagers go to the Academy, where humans and fey live side-by-side and everyone pretends to get along. In her attempts to find her place in this new world, she meets Saru—a mysterious boy who delights in irritating her. Their attraction is instant, but his forgotten past might be their undoing. 

Dragon’s Curse, by Adrienne Monson: When her nana is in a near-fatal car accident, Dawn is forced to reconcile her beliefs about magic. Her long-buried powers could save Nana’s life, but at a high price. Accepting magic means that the man Dawn dreamt about her whole life is real and that she’s the only one who can save him from a cursed sleep. To do that, she’ll have to face the terrifying dragon who put him there. 

Restless, by Quinn Coleridge: Rory Kingston doesn’t want much. Just a good night’s sleep and a normal life free of magic. Yet Rory’s own royal pedigree keeps getting in the way of achieving these goals, not to mention her preoccupation with a new neighbor. Where the darkly handsome history professor goes, danger and mayhem follow. Has Phillip come to drag Rory back to the magical kingdom she left behind years ago or are his motives even more nefarious?

—

SNEAK PEEKS:

At the Edge of Dreams
by Angela Brimhall

Aurora pressed her back against the clock tower wall, clutching the stolen scroll to her chest. The whine of clicking machinery from the surrounding buildings tapped like a metronome in her head, beating out the rhythmic heartbeat of The Briar. She squeezed her eyes shut listening for the signal she’d been detected. But nothing came. Aurora’s chest fluttered when she peeked around the corner to Main Street.

Steam hissed from arterial pipes and veiny downspouts protruding from faceless citadels. Aurora searched through shadows for yellow-orange eyes. Mist clouded the alleyways wedged between the buildings, cloaking any Huntsman hiding from view, but she couldn’t see any patrolling the street.
Aurora didn’t hesitate. She bounded away from behind the wall and ran, not looking back. Alarms blared as she passed the city limits and met the lip of Spindlewood Forest.

Book Blitz: Razel Dazzle

Razel Dazzle by Elizabeth Morgan
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Fairy Tale, Erotica
Release Date: November 8, 2013
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ B & N

Book Description:

A modern twist on a long haired tale....

Will she let down her hair for the man of her fantasies?

Famous for her long, golden hair and beaming smile, Razel D’Punz is the hottest model in the industry. But although most women would kill to get ahead in this profession, Razel lives an isolated life; one she has learnt to accept...until she meets Matthew Prince, a new photographer in the business.

Refusing to let her mother/agent’s strict rules stop her from spending time with the man of her fantasies, Razel quickly discovers that one night with Matthew isn’t enough.... And neither is the life she is chained to. Something will have to change if she is ever to get her very own Happily Ever After.

Warning: This title contains explicit language and graphic sex.

♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

They were two beautiful people. Both strong and healthy, exactly what she was looking for.

The male was at least six foot, slender, but his body was firm. His light brown hair was slicked back, making his jaw-line and chiseled cheekbones more defined. His eyes were firmly fixed on his partner as they attempted the triple spin.

The female—such a petite thing with snow-white skin and a dazzling set of white teeth. Her blueeyes shone as she gazed up at him from a slanted dip. Her golden hair was tied up with stray curls hanging around her face.

Such a beautiful couple. They will do perfectly. She waited for the show to end.

______