Challenge Corner discussion

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.

Prologue - I think that was one of the longest prologues I've ever read. It is definitely not what I expected, but I'm really interested and can't wait to see what happens

Chapter 6 - (view spoiler)[ I did NOT anticipate getting THE VILLAIN'S viewpoint. Although I don't know exactly why he is dead set on his agenda, I hope Evie is able to find a way to help him overcome his self-imposed darkness (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16 - (view spoiler)[ I can't believe everyone knows how they feel EXCEPT FOR THE TWO OF THEM! (hide spoiler)]

Finished - Although the story was not at all what I expected - I blame not reading the description - I ended up loving it! I can't wait till the sequel (and possible film adaptation)!

Glad you loved it! I’m going to start tomorrow

I started this one tonight and didn't read the description either. I just love the title and have been seeing it popping up everywhere, so decided to give it a go! I read to Chapter 4 tonight and I'm definitely intrigue. I like (view spoiler)[how Evie's job has aspects that make it feel like it is a regular office job, but in such a dark fantasy environment that it makes it funny. I also enjoy the chemistry that is starting to develop between Evie and her boss. You can tell she finds him hugely attractive, and I'm sure it's mutual! (hide spoiler)]

I am looking forward to continuing on tomorrow! I am listening to the audiobook and enjoying the narration.

Mid-Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[A bomb! But the person who planted it, it doesn't seem like they wanted the villain to actually be there when it went off. So if they aren't trying to kill trying to kill him, what exactly is the motive?

I'm still enjoying the chemistry. It's funny how Evie can't tell the vibes he's definitely giving off. She thinks he's disgusted by her touch, yeah, right, Evie! LOL

I'm looking forward to getting further as the intrigue is picking up. It's not super high stakes or anything, but sometime a nice Cozy Fantasy is just what you need during the cold winter months. (hide spoiler)]

Gwen wrote: "Chapter 6 - [spoilers removed]"I was surprised by that sudden new perspective as well! Loving it!

To Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[I enjoyed the miscommunication scenes, though I was surprised at how quickly Tristan jumped to conclusions about the letter he found. He didn't even give her the chance to explain. Following that, when they were separated for a bit, I liked learning about both of them, like Evie's home life with Mom, as well as Tristan's motivation and thoughts on Evie's position in his office. I also loved his apology. So cute! (hide spoiler)]

Mid-Chapter 27: (view spoiler)[We're starting to gain some traction in discovering the identity of the mole and saboteur. Even with that going on, I'm still mostly loving all of the little interactions between Evie and Tristan. So cute! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 38: (view spoiler)[It's amazing how a mutual distaste for another person can push two people together. Evie and Tristan are definitely closer than ever about everything that has gone on lately and he is becoming quite protective of her. I liked the convo Evie had with the healer that included Tristan going to her birthday party when they were kids. Evie mentioned always picturing Tristan as an adult, and I gotta admit, same. It was nice to get a little glimpse of what he was like before he became villain. Also, I am sure there is a story there, of how that came to be. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 1-9 (view spoiler)[Well I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book, but I’m definitely interested in it. The whole bomb thing and her getting stuck just make it super intense! I’m interested to see where this story goes. (hide spoiler)]

Ashlyn wrote: "Chapters 1-9 [spoilers removed]"Same! I went in with zero expectations and have been pleasantly surprised. I hope you continue to enjoy it, Ashlyn!

Chapters 10-26 (view spoiler)[I’m really not sure what I think about this anymore. His whole revenge thing is kind of strange. Like I get it, but these two playing these games is getting a little old. I do like Evie and love how she just has to pretend to want The Villain captured so she doesn’t come off as a sympathizer. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 27-36
(view spoiler)[I love how Evie was standing up for him when everyone else was laughing. This winged lady is interesting. I’m liking seeing these two together more and more and like his protectiveness grow. (hide spoiler)]

Finished
(view spoiler)[Okay, writing this as I read so I don’t forget. The notes that all three of them received seemed super strange. I don’t trust it at all. Loved their dance together too until everything went down.

And that’s was so sweet how he came to the sudden realization that he loved her!! And she found the letter that was signed by her mother. I question what’s going to happen now.

Omg that’s so sad that it was her dad all along! For some reason I wasn’t expecting that at all. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 56: (view spoiler)[Poor Evie, what a betrayal. Her Dad is such a dick. That's so sad. It's time to make her own family of her choosing. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: This was cute. I had zero expectations going in and was surprised just how much I enjoyed it. I will say my attention waxed and waned a bit, but I will definitely be picking up the sequel!

Ashlyn wrote: "Finished."I wasn't expecting (view spoiler)[it as her Dad either and it also bummed me out. That he was so cruel to her. (hide spoiler)]

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RESTARTING OCTOBER 30TH, 2025


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Curious what you guys think of this. I'm considering starting it with you. I did try it months ago, and for whatever reason I made it 2 chapters in and gave up. May have been a mood thing though.

I've decided to go for it!

I'll join in with you, Brittni!

Woohoo!

Have to say that I remember NOTHING which is great. I'm just at the beginning and I'm intrigued but not loving the narrator.

Chapter 1 - I take it back, I remember some things.

(view spoiler)[The FROG PRINCE wearing a crown called Kingsley. I think this is where I abandoned ship, or shortly after, because I didn't know how to deal with this haha. (hide spoiler)]

She is a little bit annoying and the way she ends some of these sentences is rough lol

Well, that was short-lived.

I don't like the narrator, I don't find it funny, and it feels very juvenile. I don't need spice in my books whatsoever, but I was briefly hoping there would be some good spice or love interest to redeem the YA like read, but then I read several reviews. There is no spice, and I'm not convinced the unexpected ending, whatever it is, can make me enjoy this. I'm calling it quits on this series.

Really glad other readers enjoyed it though!

yeah, I tried. I can't with this.

I agree Brittni, the narrator was AWFUL!!!! God, her voice was like nails on a chalkboard for me.

This was most definitely a YA book for me. Or a hallmark book that wanted to be 'dark' or hell, I'm not sure what she was trying to go for.

I hate to DNF this because I bought the audio, but I don't have another 5 hours of her voice in me. And I don't think that just reading this would do me any good. I have zero desire to find anything out.

I'm confused about whether I should start with this one or not.