Author Spotlight Saturday!
- Justice Tomjack
- Aug 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Welcome back to Spotlight Saturday, where I highlight the authors who have completely taken over our shelves—and our hearts. Whether you're new here or a returning reader, you're in for a treat. This week’s feature is one of my favorite fresh voices in fantasy romance—an author who has managed to make murder, spreadsheets, and swoony slow-burns feel like the ultimate comfort read.
Let’s talk about Hannah Nicole Maehrer, the brilliant and wickedly clever mind behind the Assistant to the Villain series.
If you love books that don’t take themselves too seriously but still pack a punch with emotional depth, banter that cuts like a blade, and characters you’d follow to the ends of the realm, Hannah's writing will absolutely steal your heart (and maybe your soul... but in a charming way, of course).
Her world-building is fun yet vivid, and her characters feel like the kind of best friends and brooding love interests we all wish we had. With just a few books under her belt, Hannah has already built a loyal fanbase (hello, TikTok!) and created a story world that feels like a cozy blanket wrapped around your chaotic, villain-loving heart.
The Assistant to the Villain Trilogy (So Far!)
Villain era activated. Every book girlie needs to work for a dark lord at least once
1. Assistant to the Villain
The book that started it all. When Evie takes a job working for the Villain, she expects a quiet life of admin duties and keeping her head down. Instead, she’s sucked into a world of darkness, secrets, unexpected loyalty—and a little too much romantic tension with her boss.
Think: The Office but make it fantasy, with workplace banter, murder, and forbidden attraction.
Tropes: Forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, morally gray love interest
Favorite vibe: “I can’t tell if you’re going to kill me or kiss me.”
Aesthetic: Inky forests, glowing eyes, blood-stained files, candlelit confessionals
2. Apprentice of the Villain
This sequel dives deeper into the growing feelings between Evie and the Villain, while the stakes grow higher and the darkness creeps in. It’s funnier, sexier, and even more dangerous.
Think: Trust tested. Lines blurred. More layers peeled back.
Tropes: Slow burn, loyalty tested, emotional tension
Favorite vibe: “He’s dangerous, but he’s mine.”
Aesthetic: Cracked armor, whispered truths, shadowy halls, midnight meetings
3. Accomplice of the Villain (Coming Soon)
The final installment is on its way, and fans are already counting the days. Expect explosive secrets, ultimate declarations, and (hopefully) a villain-sized happily ever after.
Think: Redemption arcs and revenge plans finally colliding.
What we’re expecting: Epic battles, sacrifices, and swoonworthy confessions
Aesthetic: A final dance in a dark castle, blood-red roses, hands clasped in chaos
Why I Love Her Books
Hannah Nicole Maehrer has such a unique gift for combining cozy fantasy, dark humor, and romantic chaos in a way that feels fresh and addicting. Her books give you the feeling of curling up with your favorite blanket, laughing out loud one minute and clutching your heart the next. The Villain series blends magical mischief with raw, emotional depth—and every single character feels like someone you want to protect with your whole soul (yes, even the morally questionable ones).
The banter? Flawless. The yearning? Top-tier. The way she builds tension between characters while still sprinkling in moments of softness and vulnerability is chef’s kiss. I love how she subverts traditional fantasy tropes and gives us complex villains who steal the show—especially when they're falling in love with sunshine assistants who are just trying to survive HR meetings and assassins on the payroll.
Her books are magic. Pure and simple. If you’re looking for fantasy with a splash of chaos, a dash of darkness, and a whole lot of heart—Hannah Nicole Maehrer is your girl.
I’d follow these characters into any enchanted forest, villain’s lair, or bureaucratic nightmare they dragged me into. Every time.
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