Book Club Night Kit

Adversary To The Villain

Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Cozy night

The fourth cozy-fantasy romp in the Assistant and the Villain series, where Evie Sage tangles deeper with evil, mischief, and a certain infuriatingly charming Villain. It is a low-stakes-feeling, banter-rich comfort read that practically begs to be talked about over tea.

Cozy Night with the Villain (and Us)

Bring your softest sweater and biggest appetite for banter. We are curling up with 'Adversary To The Villain', warm drinks, and comfort food for a gentle, giggly evening together.

Reading level: Easy

Best for: A warm, laughter-loving club that adores swoony banter and character-first comfort reads

Discussion

Warm-up

1.Settle in with your warm drink: which character in Evie's orbit would you most want on your side during a chaotic day, and why?
2.What was the first moment in this book that made you smile or laugh out loud, the kind you wanted to read aloud to someone?

Digging in

1.Evie has a knack for finding warmth and belonging in the most unlikely (and villainous) places. Where in your own life have you found comfort somewhere you did not expect?
2.This series treats a den of villainy almost like a cozy workplace family. Which scene here felt the most like coming home, and what made it feel that way to you?
3.The banter between Evie and the Villain is equal parts prickly and tender. Which exchange melted you a little, and did it remind you of any relationship in your own life?
4.If you could curl up inside one gentle, low-stakes moment from this book, which would you choose to linger in a while longer?

Going deep

1.By the end, Evie is more ensnared than ever in a world that blurs good and wicked. Setting spoilers aside, how did watching her navigate that pull make you feel, and did it comfort or unsettle you?
2.Four books in, this feels like visiting old friends. Without giving anything away, what did this installment give your heart that you did not know you needed from the series?

On the table & to sip

To eat

Villain's Lair Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

The ultimate no-fuss comfort duo for a story about finding warmth inside a den of scheming; easy to make in a big batch.

Evie's Apple Hand Pies

Sweet, portable, a little indulgent, and fitting for a whimsical fantasy world; store-bought crust keeps the effort moderate.

Frog-Friendly Herbed Popcorn

A playful nod to the series' beloved animal companions and quirky magic; toss with butter and herbs and set out in bowls to graze.

To sip

Spiced Apple Cider (warm) (no alcohol)

A cozy, non-alcoholic hug in a mug that suits the fantasy-village mood; simmer with cinnamon sticks and orange.

Honey Chamomile Tea (no alcohol)

Gentle and soothing for warm, unhurried conversation, perfect for the low-pressure vibe.

Mulled Wine 'Potion'

A gently spiced, wickedly warm brew for an evening spent among villains; keep it on low heat all night.