Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz
on November 18, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
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Guy Shadowfade is dead, and Violet Thistlethwaite is out of a job. After a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand witch, she’s ready to turn over a new leaf. And this time, she wants to sprout peonies instead of poison. The quiet town of Dragon’s Rest seems like the perfect place to start over. Violet opens a flower shop, swears off dark magic, and does her best to be…good. Even if her reputation – and her mildly homicidal, sentient houseplant – make that tricky. Her vibrant bouquets soon charm the locals, but nothing she does seems to impress the grumpy (and infuriatingly gorgeous) Nathaniel Marsh, the alchemist she’s forced to share a greenhouse with. But when a strange blight begins to rot the roots of Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together – through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings – to save the town.
This is the sweetest cozy fantasy, with a swoony romance, so much emotional depth, and a bit of mystery! The sweet and magical romance is set in the most quaint little village and filled with so many amazing side characters. I loved how the town came alive and was so heartwarming with the way they welcomed Violet in. The mystery plot and intrigue were an amazing balance to the otherwise endearing romance between Violet and her new landlord, Nathaniel. The two were so good for one another and it was so sweet how they knew when to comfort and encourage each other. I’m not sure I totally understood her character arc, going from being able to take lives to wanting to save lives… but there was something really beautiful about it all the same. It was a lesson in redemption and grace but touched on these issues with lightness and humor.
Four stars for this cozy fantasy romance. This is a charming and fun book. I enjoyed it, but especially the found family aspect towards the end. It’s a reminder we all have our flaws and wounds, but if we can accept ourselves and others, magic can happen.
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