Felix is the Archduke of Estarion, but his father-in-law has long controlled everything as Estarion’s Chief Minister, with his son as the head of the military. They put themselves into power after Felix’s parents died fifteen years ago. Knowing the Chief plans to kill him, Felix decides to escape to neighboring Kitvaria which is ruled by the dangerous Witch Queen Saskia. Since his life would be forfeit if his identity is discovered, Felix plays the part of dark wizard librarian.

Wooing the Witch Queen is an enjoyable story from beginning to end. I will admit up front, I was very worried because Felix hides his true identity, and I guessed it would cause huge problems once he is discovered. Yet my fears quickly settled, and I became engrossed with the tale because Burgis does such an amazing job letting the details unfold at just the right moments. I love the lingering gazes and accidental touches that build over time. Felix and Saskia’s desire is palpable, and Felix’s attempts to woo Saskia are so romantic. I love their connection, and even though it could seem dishonest, it’s genuine. She knows in her heart that Fabian né Felix is a gentle, kind soul. It’s in every action and gesture.

Saskia’s non-human staff are delightful. I love their loyalty and protectiveness. My favorite is Oskar the crow who befriends Felix and becomes his familiar. I love that Felix gives the crows gifts of buttons and string, etc. The other two Queens of Villainy are interesting. Lorelei is a loose cannon and a bit frustrating. I liked Ailana because she listened and made decisions after careful consideration. It will be interesting to see how the trio’s dynamics evolve in subsequent books.

In the end, Wooing the Witch Queen is a delightful romance set in an exciting new fantasy world. And with the way this one ends, I cannot wait to read more.

My Rating: A-

Confession: I have been craving a serious damsel in distress novel. Sure, I love all these wonderful strong female main characters fighting their way against the odds, cutting down armies to get the crown and save the kingdom, but WOW I've read a lot of them.

Wooing The Witch Queen taught me that I do not care if the damsel turns out to be a delightfully bookish Cinnamon Roll Archduke. I just need someone in distress. No, I will NOT be analyzing that, thanks very much, but when it was the queen demanding to know "who did this to you?" as our shirtless hero winced at his scars, well, this book had officially wooed me.

This book takes delight in sprinkling snarky one-liners in between its mostly cozy pages, some politics that feel really familiar (they'll take any leader as long as she's not a woman? wow, that one hurt), but what was utterly delightful was how every trope we all love got tilted just a touch, or genderswapped entirely. A poetry-writing royal on the run, hiding in his enemy's castle working under a mistaken identity as a librarian? We've kind of seen it...but not like this. In the midst of a miserable reading slump of epic proportions (see: eight unfinished fantasy and romantasy novels, kindly do not ask about other genres), the opening line instantly had me. It was feisty and defiant and unexpected, and while the book was less irreverent and cozier (but less smutty) than I'd anticipated, Wooing the Witch Queen never failed to delight in giving me comfort in the familiar while changing it just enough to make it feel new. Even the ending switches it up and lets our characters win in a way that is so well thought out and deliciously satisfying, while acknowledging there's still more work to be done (as in, hooray, Stephanie Burgis has sequels to write). Honestly, reading that ending right now felt like therapy.

My persnickety self wanted more side character development (they were delightful, let them shine!) and needed more world-building for a five-star experience. I needed more history, descriptions, and explanations when it came to the kingdom and its politics and inhabitants (I think there might be some sort of hierarchy of nonhumans?). And despite her fearful villainous reputation and own self-description, Saskia wasn't much of a wicked witch (which was based on one rumor and...aesthetics?). The tone was also slightly inconsistent, and the snark fell away for a cozier feel after a while (you'll mostly be relying on side characters to make you laugh by the end). But this book gets the romance just right, and the complete role reversal and switch of power dynamics was refreshing and fun and sweet and...yes, just a little wicked.

And bonus: I spy with my eye two more witch queens in need of a paramour: one who is afraid to fall in love because of its power, and one who doesn't believe in true love at all (but might hit on a lamp if it's cute enough). This is going to be FUN.

Thank you to Tor/Bramble for the ARC, but please note that all opinions are my own.

📣 deception, a cinnamon roll “dark wizard,” & a “wicked queen” who wears a crown of bones (but also takes care of the people who need her)

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 are you a cinnamon roll or a villain in the mornings? I can be cinnamon roll-ish if I have time to drink coffee & relax before my kids wake up 🤣.

Wooing the Witch Queen thoroughly wooed me. Romance & fantasy fans, add this upcoming release by Stephanie Burgis to your TBR—it has it all!

Archduke Felix is a widower who’s long been under the clutches of his abusive uncle. He takes advantage of an opportunity to escape to his uncle’s enemy: the witch Queen Saskia. Mistaking him for a dark wizard, she hires him to be her librarian, not realizing that he’s the puppet leader of the country trying to take hers over.

This book has romance, steam, & some tension as cinnamon roll Felix pretends to be a dark wizard & wrestles with the lies he’s telling Saskia by omission. The world-building is fun & Burgis builds satisfying backstories for both characters that make Felix’s found family & Saskia’s reluctant alliance all the sweeter. &, if this doesn’t convince you, there’s also a “who did this to you??” moment, but it’s the Wicked Queen doing the asking.

5 ⭐️, out 02/18.

CWs: murder, abuse.

[ID: Jess wears jeans, a white sweater dress, & boots, & holds the ebook while standing on a porch.]

Wooing the Witch Queen is an utterly delightful romantasy and I could not put it down! This is the first in Stephanie Burgis’s Queen of Villainy series and follows Saskia, the titular witch queen and her mysterious wizard librarian who is more than he seems. This book had everything I could have wanted and I just had such a good time reading it and it left me squealing with delight on several occasions!
Saskia is new to the throne of Kitvaria after she overthrew her awful uncle who murdered her parents and made her out to be some sort of monster thanks to her unasked for, yet very powerful magic. She’s busy working on her magical experiments and desperately needs her library of magic texts organized by someone competent. This is a lucky thing for the Archduke Felix of Estarion who has fled from his abusive and likely murderous father-in-law who had been acting as his regent since his parents died many years before. Felix shows up planning to ask for sanctuary but is instead immediately hired to be the librarian because Saskia assumes he’s a dark wizard who was supposed to show up for an interview. ‘Fabian’ as he decides to be called is determined to not be found out and works himself to the bone to please Saskia and keep the staff from growing suspicious. As the two spend more and more time together they begin to form an inevitable attraction, which is a delicious slow burn filled with yearning and some seriously intense casual interactions. I won’t spoil any major plot points because that takes away all the fun!
Saskia and Felix are wonderful main characters on so many levels even aside from the romantic aspect of things. They have complicated and troubled pasts they are both working to overcome in somewhat different ways. Felix has run from his while Saskia is done running and has faced it head on by taking the Kitvarian throne. She’s also working to create a kingdom that welcomes the non-human inhabitants just as equally as it does the human, which honors both her mother’s scholarly legacy and her own dearest supporters who now serve her. I also enjoyed both characters working through their past relationships though their situations are also quite different.
Wooing the Witch Queen was, simply put, a pleasure to read. It’s a slow burn and doesn’t get explicit with the spice, but there’s plenty of tantalizing moments between Saskia and Felix. The minor characters add a ton to the story that help make even this short novel feel like it has nice depth. The worldbuilding is enough to make political concerns, alliances, and enemies feel important, but it’s not particularly deep. I expect the next books in the trilogy will broaden the readers’ horizons both literally and figuratively, but ultimately these are romance books so I’m not expecting too much. I look forward to the next installment which will follow the fae queen, Lorelai - I think her book will be rather chaotic and fun!

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

As usual, Stephanie Burgis has created a charming whimsical story. It took me a little bit to get into the characters. But Fabian / Felix was so kind and earnest, both Saskia and I appreciated him. His acceptance of the crows, trolls and goblins was endearing.

Saskia seemed scattered at first. She took so much upon herself it's not surprising. Luckily, she has Felix and her castle staff to support her. I loved seeing her relationship with Felix build while she tried to ignore her feelings.

When things blow up, I was thrilled with Felix, continuing in his honest, straightforward way. Saskia was shocked but needed to look at the facts. Luckily, even though she didn't follow her advisor's recommendations she had made allies. Plus Felix supported her wholeheartedly.

Felix went through his own learning as he worked in the library, organizing and studying spell books. His admiration for Saskia as well as his own confidence blooms. Eventually, he learns of the additional betrayal of him.

Even with the progress made, there is much work to overcome prejudice in the empire. I look forward to more of the Queens of Villainy and their romances. No doubt the Fae Queen will stir up all kinds of trouble. If not, the Goddess surely has ideas.

I received a free early copy of this book for review. This is my own opinion.

<b>Genre:</b> Romantic fantasy
<b>Tropes:</b> opposites attract, mistaken identity, “who did this to you”,
<b>Spice Level:</b> on page scene, not descriptive

Wooing the Witch queen is a light, cozy fantasy romance perfect for readers who root for the “villain”. Even though its characters have endured some truly heinous things, the tone is light, not getting weighed down in heavy content. The darkest thing we see on page is bad guys getting turned into animals and (mild vague spoiler) and attempted poisoning.


Saskia calls herself a wicked queen the entire book, though the only real wickedness we saw from her was in a spicy scene. I really loved her and Felix’s relationship, and how it was drawn out. The other queens are…something. I hope to see them more as friends and less overbearing in future books, but as this book was setting up their friendship, I think that’ll progress well too.

I think if I had to compare this to something, I’d say the voice in the beginning reminds me a lot of Assistant to the Villain but it doesn’t really maintain that voice after the first few chapters. The vibe is there but that irreverent sort of funny fantasy voice slowly trickles away. Totally, it almost reminds me of The Spellshop? Maybe? I can’t quite place the things it reminds me of, but it’s kinda between the two.

Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of cozy fantasy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tor for the arc!

A most excellent start to The Queen’s of Villainy series! This fairytale-like story truly captivated me. I listened to the audiobook while following along with the eARC as well.

There are so many things I enjoyed about this story — the characters, the setting, the romance, even the political intrigue. It was a different kind of romance and even a different kind of fantasy story. Though I thought there was some similar storytelling to T. Kingfisher’s books. But this book was definitely a lot more lighthearted.

Saskia and Felix’s romance was really quite tender and wholesome. Both of these love interests are seen as a hindrance to the important families they were born into. And both were able to take back their power on their own terms, on their own timelines as well. But when they come together, it was really interesting seeing how their relationship grew. For one, Saskia is a powerful queen, doing her best not only to represent that power to her enemies, but she is unyielding in her earnestness to protect her people, especially non-human creatures in her kingdom. Felix has only just escaped his ‘imprisonment’ as the face of the Archduke (not the actual one enacting policies) and is just learning to be free again. The traditional romantic roles are reversed in this book compared to your typical romantasy plot, which I found quite refreshing. There is also bi representation from Saskia with her former lover being part of her court too.

While the romance aspect of this book was beautifully written, I also appreciated the ways found family were represented in this book. From Saskia’s ogre majordomo, Mrs. Haglitz her fervent housekeeper and the incredibly helpful goblins in Saskia’s castle. To the 3 independent wicked queens forming an alliance, and friendship, calling themselves The Queen’s of Villainy.

I am so excited to continue this series! I think this author wrote this book quite cleverly, as a foundation for an epic series. An excerpt of the next book is included at the end of this book, and I am MORE than intrigued to read the next book.

Thank-you so much for a chance to read this ARC.

This was so so much fun I didn't expect that! Cozy and cute, this is a great quick read that is so enthralling. We jumped right into it and I loved every second of it.

This was so much fun! I sped through it in one sitting because I was having such a great time. I loved all of the characters, they all felt so different and unique. Felix was adorable, such a cinnamon roll!! We love a soft boy. Also his job is literally to clean up a library, the bookworm dream. For me this was a great romantasy - the balance of fantasy plot/world-building and the romance was perfect. I think a lot of the popular romantasy has central romance that way overpowers the plot, which is fine, but makes it feel like it belongs more in the romance genre than romantasy. ANYWAY. All that is to say this is probably my ideal form of romantasy and I will definitely be reading the next books in this series.

TWs // CWs: discussion of past physical and emotional abuse, death of a spouse from illness (in the past)
REP: queer main character (bi maybe? pan?)

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Wooing the Witch Queen is a cozy, magical delight! Burgis weaves a charming tale with lovable characters, sweet romance, and just the right touch of humor. The world feels rich and immersive, making it a perfect feel-good read. If you love warm fantasy with a dash of enchantment, this one’s a must-read!

This is an entertaining, slow-burn romantasy. Wooing the Witch Queen features a bad-ass Queen, rich on power and magic. She is riddled in past traumas and loss of loved ones just like her new librarian who has come to her kingdom. The librarian (aka the Duke) is shrouded in a disguise as he's escaped the horrors of his own kingdom to make a new life.

This book is more cozy, romantasy then some of the other popular ones in this genre. The role reversals was a pleasant surprise as it was the Duke in peril NOT the Queen. Could the fantasy world been a bit more flushed out, of course.

Overall, an easy, sweet romance for fans of this genre.

Thank you, Tor Publishing Group | Bramble

3.5 ⭐️’s. This is cozy fantasy all the way! Strong empowering FMC and a sweet nerdy cinnamon roll MMC. The writing style is sharp and witty, the story itself moves pretty quickly (short book 300ish pages), and the banter with the characters is really funny and sweet. I found the MMC so endearing and the FMC was so no-nonsense I loved her. If you love cozy fantasy this book is for you. Thank you to NetGalley for my eARC.

Wooing the Witch Queen

What a FUN adventure! I absolutely adored this light-hearted fantasy romance. The whimsical and low level of seriousness reminded me of Assistant to the Villian.

Felix is on the run from his controlling father in law who seeks to have him killed and take his seat of power. He escapes to the witch queen's castle to beg for her support. Unfortunately, Queen Saskia mistakes him for an evil wizard who answered her call to help assassinate him. Felix accepts the position as evil wizard here to organize her chaotic library despite not being a wizard or a librarian. The ensuing adventures find Saskia and Felix unable to deny their chemistry and feelings as they try to navigate the politics of the emperor trying to seize lands and Saskia's uncle trying to dethrone her as an unstable wicked witch queen.

The audio was absolutely CHARMING! The narrator was fabulous and I adored all the characters. Highly recommend a listen!

Check this one out if you're looking for:
Unserious, charming romantasy
Vibes like Assistant to the Villian
An alliance of Queens of Villiany
Fun, whimsical fantasy adventures

Thank you to Macmillian Audio and Bramble for the ARC/ALC. My opinions are my own. Wooing the Witch Queen is on shelves February 18, 2025!

I loved this book. It has a grumpy witch queen who just wants to be left alone to do her magic experiments. It has a sweet poet, who is actually an escaped Archduke masquerading as a dark wizard/librarian. There are crow friends, wicked queen friends, and not human people friends. This layer cake of a book has kindness in every slice. Just because someone is a wicked queen with a bone crown and flaming skulls lighting the path to her castle doesn’t mean she isn’t also bisexual disaster marshmallow who is extremely protective of her friends, her staff, and the people of her kingdom.

Felix, the young Archduke of Estarion has decided that he doesn’t want to be murdered, and the only person he knows stronger than his chief minister is the Witch of the East, Queen Saskia. Saskia has recently deposed her uncle, who murdered her parents and took the Kitvarian throne for himself. Felix flees to Saskia’s castle where he intends to throw himself on her mercy, but instead is mistaken for a dark wizard named Fabian, and hired to organize the Queen’s library. The only thing Felix was allowed to do under the First Minister (also his regent while he was a child and his father in law while his much loved wife was alive) was study poetry. His knowledge of poetry is useful several times during the book. (Get that Liberal Arts degree!) While Saskia is working to keep her kingdom safe, she folds “Fabian” into her family. He is adopted by one of the members of her crow flock and accepted by her inner circle.

The world Saskia and Felix live in is not a kind one. Saskia has been demonized for her magic, non humans are persecuted, Felix was beaten and kept isolated while cruelties were carried out in his name. But Saskia’s castle, with its terrifying ornaments, is a place of kindness and caretaking. I had to stop reading a few times, overwhelmed by my wish for a softer, gentler world. I loved it. I loved the ending and I can’t wait to pick up the next wicked queen’s story.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Tor Publishing/Bramble and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

this was a fun and quick, low stakes cozy romantasy, emphasis moreso on the fantasy and political intrigue rather than the romance, which i’m not mad about! i mean, who doesn't love a dark librarian as the love interest (;
i always find that i enjoy when a romantasy is more fantasy than smut, and this was rather tame.

the narrator did a fantastic job!

i’m excited for the next book in this cozy romantasy series!

You won’t be able to put down this cozy Romantasy! Gosh the perfect blend of slowburn and found family!

Tons of fun and highly bingeable. My goodness, how I love fantasy standalones! (And technically, this is even better—the first in a series of interconnected standalones.)

Both main characters felt fully realized and compelling. The dual POV added depth to the mistaken/hidden-identity trope, making the story even more immersive. Felix brought a quiet gentleness that balanced the narrative beautifully—he was the perfect lens through which to discover this world. Saskia, on the other hand, was fiercely intelligent, protective, and kind. Together—especially in that final reveal, when they discover they rule neighboring states and can unite in a powerful alliance—they become the ultimate power couple. The story is also packed with a fantastic supporting cast at Saskia’s castle, including some overbearing goblins and a delightfully mischievous crow familiar.

What I loved most about this book is how it challenges conventional ideas of strength. Is true power found in cold, unyielding dominance? Or in resilience, kindness, and the courage to stand up for what’s right? It also raises sharp questions about the labels society imposes—who decides who is a “wicked witch” or a “queen of villainy”? Saskia never earned those titles, yet they were forced upon her.

In the end, this book is as thoughtful as it is entertaining. With its engaging characters, smart themes, and a romance worth rooting for, it’s a must-read for fantasy lovers—especially those who adore a standalone with serious romantic substance.

Black cat queen meets golden retriever archduke…sign me up. I really really liked this one, it was a cozy romantasy read. The witch queen is a misunderstood queen but is actually the morally grey character in this story. I like how she is hardworking, prefers to be in her lab than do politics and balls. Her background story is quite interesting too, she favors all magical creatures in a world where the enemy empire does not tolerate them. She is daring and smart, definitely a great character.

Then we have the archduke, who has suffered his whole life by those closest to him. He seeks refuge from the witch queen but she mistakes him for a sorcerer…which is a good thing because the witch queen hates the archduke. The character development of Felix was grand, we see him battered at the start but at the end he is a completely different person and all thanks to the witch queen at his side. Their love story is cute and overcomes so many obstacles, they’re opposites that compliment each other. I like how this book series is going, I’m definitely going to recommend to people by saying ‘read for the romance, stay for the big plot’ now I will wait for book 2!

A runaway duke seeks shelter in the house of a wicked sorceress under the guise of being her new library... but he's finding that the only spell she's doing is enchanting him because he can't help falling in love with her... but if his real identity gets out will she still love the person who is said to be the one warring with her own kingdom? Felix is the Imperial Archduke... or rather he's simply the figure head and has been held prisoner by his uncle who has been abusing him both physically and verbally for years. Felix yearns for escape, especially since his wife had died and he can see no other reason to stay and with an uncle who plans to kill him... he decides to run away to the one person his uncle would never suspect him of asking help from, one of the Queens of Villaney, the wicked Sorceress Queen Saskia. Queen Saskia is known for her wickedness, her crows and bats, and her crown of bones. Saskia in truth is only keeping up a facade, she actually is only focused on keeping her people safe from her uncle who murdered her parents, and working on her spells and work. Saskia doesn't care for much but just working and making sure her loved ones are safe, but she's constantly getting dark wizards showing up at her door demanding to challenge her and a scheming uncle hellbent on assassinating her. When Felix shows up in disguise at her door she assumes he is just another dark wizard looking to challenge her but when he says he isn't but is asking shelter, he doesn't even get the chance to explain exactly who he is before Saskia appoints him as her new librarian and tasks him with organizing her library. Felix just goes with it and says his name is "Fabien" and begins his new life with Saskia, and he begins to realize just what her true self is and begins falling for her... too bad he knows the moment she finds out who he is she'd probably try and get rid of him. The more time they spend together the closer they become... but the guiltier Felix begins to feel about hiding the truth. Can Saskia still love him when she finds out who he is and can they both stop their families from trying to kill them and start a war? This was such an enchanting and sweet cozy romance. Felix and Saskia were an adorable couple and I loved the buildup of their relationship. I adore a "vicious gf x soft bf" vibe and they were so perfect. This is the first book in a series and I am so excited to read the next book. All the characters were so much fun to get to know and I adored the romance so much. Stephanie writes so well and this was just such a cute read. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a cozy fantasy romance!!

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

3.5 stars rounded up!

I had a fun time with this and will absolutely be reading the next book in the series since I’m curious where the story will go/can’t wait to see what shenanigans the Fae queen gets into, but this book was a bit hard to follow with all the characters. I wanted more world building/depth of setting, and a bit more backstory for the found family and even the main characters. But, like I said, this was fun! I liked the romance a lot and there’s a twist towards the end I never saw coming! I really enjoyed the found family and hope we see more of that in the next book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!