What It’s About
Accomplice to the Villain picks up where Apprentice to the Villain left off, plunging Evie Sage deeper into the chaotic world of her brooding boss, Trystan Maverine — aka The Villain — in the kingdom of Rennedawn. As the prophesied race to restore magic intensifies, Evie’s role evolves from assistant to full-fledged accomplice in magical mischief. Alongside will‑they‑won’t‑they romantic tension, she’s juggling frogs in crowns, rogue assassins in the break room, and the looming threat that her sunny disposition may clash disastrously with evil duties. (Barnes & Noble)
The Person behind it all
Hannah Nicole Maehrer—or as TikTok knows her, @hannahnicolemae—is a fantasy romance author and BookToker with a propensity for villains. Hannah first introduced Evie and The Villain through a viral TikTok series, portraying them as office nemesis-skits with magical flair. This playful format evolved organically into campus-office fantasy—and eventually a full novel trilogy. Maehrer has shared that writing the books allowed her to expand beyond the limits of skits, adding emotional depth and new narrative possibilities that a short video simply couldn’t capture.
Tone & Style
Kirkus Reviews praises Maehrer’s work as “a clever, tongue‑in‑cheek romantasy about workplace opposites attracting.” (Kirkus Reviews) The series is best described as Once Upon a Time meets The Office in a fantasy realm: witty banter, absurd danger, and paradoxes of villainy vs. heroism all woven into snappy chapters. The narrative cleverly parodies office culture with magical twists—from compliance‑crazed HR for curses to bland team building with haunted dragons. (Barnes & Noble, PublishersWeekly.com)
Characters & Stakes
- Evie Sage: A ray of chaotic sunshine in a fortress of malicious planning.
- Trystan Maverine (The Villain): Cold, imposing, but ineffective at avoiding feelings. His internal struggle: staying evil while falling for Evie. (Kirkus Reviews)
- Alexander William Kingsley: Formerly human now frog, venerated court advisor who continues to surface endless chaos and sass. (Kirkus Reviews)
The magic in Rennedawn is fading—and a prophecy insists someone must be crowned the “true prince” to restore it. As pressure mounts, personal loyalties and alliances shift, and Evie must prove her worth both as a competent accomplice and someone with a conscience. (Kirkus Reviews)
Behind the Scenes: Inspirations & Creative Process
Maehrer originally created these characters for TikTok skits and frequently channelled improvisational energy in rewriting the books, often letting them lead her plot decisions rather than strict outlines. She has said the creative process for the first book was “the most fun I’ve ever had,” and that Evie’s world never stops surprising her.
What Fans & Critics Are Saying
- Kirkus calls it romantasy done right, applauding the sharp humor and escalating relationship drama. (Kirkus Reviews)
- Publishers Weekly notes the “plenty of shocking twists” and Maehrer’s trademark banter, all carried forward into this high‑stakes finale.
- Bookhype and Goodreads readers rave:
“These books have a bit of everything! Humour, romance, suspense, drama, blood, magic AND A TALKING FROG!”
“The tension and banter between the leads is well‑written and laugh out loud enjoyable.”
Why Accomplice to the Villain Stands Out
- Balances satirical workplace comedy with fairy‑tale scale stakes
- Builds on viral skits with layered character arcs and subtle romance
- Offers exclusive author insight via bonus chapters and alternate viewpoints
- Appeals to romantasy fans, skit followers, and those who enjoy sharp dialogue with magical absurdity
Publishing Details
| Name of the Book | Accomplice to the Villian |
| Author’s Name | Hannah Nicole Maehrer |
| Series | Once Upon a Time meets The Office |
| Publishing Date | August 5, 2025 |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy + Fantasy |
| Amazon | Accomplice to the Villian |
| Goodreads | Accomplice to the Villian |
| Format | Kindle/e-book |
| Pages | 336 pages |
| Language | English |
Final Thoughts
Maehrer closes her trilogy with wit, heart, and magical mayhem. Accomplice to the Villain gives readers the character development they crave, the emotional payoff they’ve been waiting for, and the unexpected twists that keep every turn exciting. It works best when read in order—after Assistant to the Villain and Apprentice to the Villain—but especially as a finale, it feels both satisfying and ripe for more adventures.
If you love sharply written dialogue, absurd magical office life, and a slow‑burn love affair set in a fairy‑tale kingdom, Accomplice to the Villain is a delight worth pre‑ordering.
( similar reads – My Favourite Decision By Elizabeth O’ Roark )
