Thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will say, that it had a very strong start but teetered off toward the middle--the pacing slowed to a snail's crawl.

I really didn't care for Nathaniel--Violet's love interest. He was a total jerkwad and wouldn't stop whining every 5 minutes. I didn't really like their relationship as a result--I feel like Nathaniel was just so rude and nasty toward Violet for most of the book. And weirdly enough they immediately got together and his whole personality changed.

I can't really call it cozy because Violet's PTSD and the metaphorical ghost of her adoptive evil father made the book a bit stressful. Cozy fantasy to me is low-stakes, low-stress, and this book was not that.

Despite my complaining, it was a fun read. I hope we see more books like this in the future, redemption is always a fun concept to explore.

Violet Thistlewaite is not a Villain Anymore. I mean, she used to be but that time is past her. Truly, you need to believe me. She is new to Dragon’s Rest and starting over as a florist. When you were the former Thornwitch using magic is easy, right?

Violet is making her way in a new town with a new landlord, new business and new problems. When a new love comes along as well things get complicated.

This book was so much fun. From beginning to end it was entertaining and enjoyable. There are so many lovable characters to get attached to! There is a fantastic narrative that (in my opinion) leaves room for a sequel (please?).

If you like lighthearted, cozy fantasy with a great underlying message, this is the book for you. Looking forward to more from this bright new author!

I would like to thank Ace, Penguin Random House, the Author and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital arc for review purposes.

What a fun, lighthearted and cozy read this was! I love a whimsical witchy romance, and this Violet Thistlewaite definitely didn’t disappoint. This story reminded me of The Spellshop (by Sarah Beth Durst) and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (by Sangu Mandanna), two of my favorite cozy fantasies!

The world, magic, and characters were all fun and quirky; each added something special to the story. Emily Krempholtz created more than just your typical cozy fantasy here. She tackled some darker themes and the resulting traumas the characters dealt with. All of the characters had depth and development that me rooting for them from the very first page!

This was a delightfully heartwarming read, and I highly recommend you add it to your TBR this fall! The expected publication date for Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is November 18, 2025. Thank you NetGalley and Ace Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you so much NetGalley for the advanced release copy. I enjoyed this very much.
This was cute, well-written, and filled with adorable word play. This cozy fantasy does not become too relaxed, which was a worry of mine. The book starts out very cozy. Violet moves her new florist shop Rough Around the Hedges next door to Nathaniel's apothecary in Dragon's Rest. Violet has just left the evil sorcerer and is determined to be good, even when Nathaniel turns out to be a cranky curmudgeon and skeptical of her plant magic. Their first date is hunting for crow moss, and there's a small-town cottage-feel. Before things get hot and heavy in the greenhouse for Violet and Nate, Sedgwick opens an alchemy shop down the road. Not only is this competition for Nate's apothecary, but Sedgwick wants to resurrect the evil sorcerer and is taunting Violet about her shameful past. Turns out Violet was in denial, and had some dark power to confront. This never got boring, and still stayed cute throughout, I loved it. Very happy for Violet and Nathaniel. A great cozy fantasy.

Thank you very much #netgalley for the arc!

This was a cozy, soft fantasy with a lot of heart — but it took me a while to get into it. The story had such a great premise: a reformed plant witch trying to start over in a charming small town while keeping her mildly homicidal houseplant under control? Yes, please.

That said, Violet’s backstory felt a little rushed at the start, and it took until about 30% in for me to really feel connected to the characters and the world. It’s definitely a slower-paced, character-driven read, which I typically enjoy, but I think the pacing might’ve thrown me off here.

The writing itself is lovely and cozy, and I appreciated Violet’s journey of redemption and the sweet, tentative romance with grumpy alchemist Nathaniel. Once the magical plague mystery kicked in, the stakes felt a little higher, and I was more engaged.

Overall, while this wasn’t a perfect fit for my usual pacing preferences, I’m still grateful for the ARC and would happily check out more from Emily Krempholtz in the future — especially for fans of cozy fantasy with plant magic, redemption arcs, and soft, small-town charm.

This book is like if Legends & Lattes got tangled up with Howl’s Moving Castle and a witchy cottagecore aesthetic—but it’s also about healing. Violet is trying to outgrow the darkness she was raised in (and occasionally hexed people with), and watching her bloom into someone worthy of love, community, and self-forgiveness? Utterly magical.

Reading this book, it had grumpy/sunshine, dragon/witch, with a little bit of romance and for it characters Nathaniel and Violet confront their fears and their past. I happily cheered in the end for Violet for finding a great support group of people and love!

I love a reformed villain and this did not disappoint! Good slow burn, a little enemies to lovers and found family. This was lighthearted for the most part but does deal with some heavy topics. Can't wait to hand sell this one!

I received an eARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

TLDR: Main characters kind of boring but the side characters won me over; loved the action/adventure at the end.

I liked this book, but I will be honest that I was not in the mood for a cozy fantasy. I think if I re-read this in the future my rating might increase because I'll know going into it that it is a cozy fantasy. I think I also expected there to be stronger romance or fantasy more than just this kind of slice of life vibe. I enjoyed the murderous golden pothos (aka Bartleby) and I would have loved more about him in the story. The main male lead, Nathaniel, kind of annoyed me. He seemed kind of self-involved and seemed to have an inflated sense of self-importance that was portrayed in his assertion that he (and his way) was the right way. Violet was okay as our FMC but I found her also kind of boring. Both our main characters spent the entire book agonizing over who they are and their pasts. They both were looking to have a brighter future. Honestly, the pothos and Nathaniel's sister Pru were far more entertaining and interesting in my personal opinion.

This book will put anyone in a good mood! Fun romance, found family trope, and a naughty little plant sidekick... what more could you ask for? I loved the argumentative signs between the flower shop and the pharmacy. Hilarious. And the cover is really beautiful, too! This will sell like crazy in my shop.

This beautiful book was one of my top anticipated releases of the year and I loved every moment of it! This was such a cozy read and im obsessed with it!

full of comfort, romance, beautiful friendships, a stunning magic system, I was kept captivated by this book from beginning to end.

The emotional and deeper aspects of this book added to the story, while keeping the lightheartedness.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an arc!

I love a cozy fantasy and this book did not disappoint! Violet Thistlewaite reminds me of The Spellshop and Assistant to the Villain. Funny and heart warming, it is a great exploration of what it is like to restart your life again as an adult.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 — and 20/5 for that jaw-dropping cover!

"Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore" is everything a cozy fantasy romance should be: magical, emotionally tender, quietly funny, and absolutely bursting with heart—and herbs.

Violet is the reformed villain of my dreams: complex, charming, and trying so hard to be good, even when her snarky, possibly murderous houseplant has other ideas. Her journey to self-forgiveness while navigating a community she desperately wants to belong to had me rooting for her from page one.

Nathaniel Marsh, the grumpy alchemist with a soft center buried beneath layers of cynicism, is the perfect foil. Their slow-burn chemistry—equal parts tension and vulnerability—blooms like one of Violet’s enchanted bouquets. And the way they grudgingly become allies? Chef’s kiss.

The magical blight threatening the town adds just the right dash of stakes, and the lush, sensory-rich worldbuilding makes Dragon’s Rest feel like a place you want to crawl into and live forever.

🌿 Themes I adored:

Redemption arcs that feel earned

Found family and small-town charm

Healing through nature (and literal flower magic)

Enemies-ish to lovers with witty, tender banter

A powerful female lead who gets to rewrite her narrative

And that cover? Utterly spellbinding. Frameable. Iconic. I’d give it 100 stars if I could.

Final verdict: If you love cozy fantasy, morally gray women trying to be better, reluctant allies-to-lovers, or books that feel like a warm hug and a second chance all in one—this is your next favorite read.

I can honestly see myself going back to this book as a comfort read. I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy once it’s released so that I can reread this whenever. The fantasy elements were easy to digest and take in. I found myself immersed in Violet and Nathaniel’s world. Filled with magic, mayhem, morals, and change. So much beautiful change. The two of them have separately went throughout events that have shaped them, and not necessarily for the better.

Bartleby definitely has a place in my heart, the little murderous plant. There were multiple times when he was mentioned that I found myself smiling while reading, and that is one of those experiences I hope for other readers.

I found myself cheering on Violet on her healing journey. There were multiple times where she reflected on things that happened in her childhood and it made me sad. Violet is detached from the way she was raised, an acceptance of what has already taken place cannot be changed. It was a realistic way of acknowledging the twisted bonds that are developed between an abuser and their victim. In my opinion it is an easy way out to expect everyone to hate their abusers, when you never see the positive moments that hold a glow during the darkest of times. Violet knows Guy is wrong, she knows what he did is messed up, and yet she still loves her Dad.

Nathaniel carries his guilt like a brick on his back. Slowing him down, and expecting him to live the rest of his life in repentance. Granted when you first meet Nathaniel he is a grumpy man who is not a big fan of change. I was endeared to him right away. I love grumpy characters. The suspicious of new and good. It makes it that much sweeter when a twist in the story happens that allows them to feel free in the first time in forever.

I feel like this review has been one long gush, but I can’t state enough that if there is more comfy-cozy-romance-fantasy I will be coming back for whatever this author has to write. In this world? Absolutely fantastic, there were a couple loose strings that could be wrapped up in a future book. In a completely new world? I am also checking it out because Emily Krempholtz.

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is a delightful addition to the cozy fantasy genre. Set in the enchanting town of Dragon’s Rest, the story follows Violet, a former villain known as the Thornwitch, as she seeks redemption by opening a flower shop and embracing a new, kinder identity. Her journey intertwines with that of Nathaniel, a grumpy alchemist, leading to a heartwarming tale of second chances, personal growth, and unexpected romance.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc!

After working for a supervillain, Violet finally has the chance to start over. She wants to be good and stay good. As she works to build her own flower shop, make friends, and perhaps find love, a mysterious blight occurs in her new home. Determined to stop it, Violet is ready to take action.

At the beginning of the book, we really see Violet make progress. She works hard to form new friendships and create beautiful flowers. Initially, it was difficult to connect with her character because she started off feeling dull. However, I understand that she has to overcome obstacles and past trauma to find herself, which made her journey feel realistic.

Her banter with Nathaniel begins slowly, and it’s hard to imagine them getting together at first. But as the plot develops, their relationship starts to seem more believable. However, I'm uncertain about Nathaniel's argument with Violet at the end when he discovers she's the Thorn Witch.

Nevertheless, the plot is unique, and the characters are likable. While I didn’t become fully invested in the romance, overall, it was a cute and cozy read.

Really enjoyed this one, great characters, a story that pulled me in, and writing that felt super easy to sink into. It was hard to put down and stuck with me after I finished.

This was such a cozy, magical surprise. This is a warmhearted fantasy about second chances, set in a charming village full of secrets, soft magic, and quirky townsfolk.

At the heart of this story is Violet, a former villain trying to lay her dark past to rest after years spent under the command of an evil sorcerer. Haunted by guilt and unsure of who she is without the villainous title, Violet sets out to build a new life—and the emotional journey that follows is both whimsical and heartfelt. Nathaniel, the male main character, also wrestles with the weight of past choices, and the bond between the two unfolds with empathy and slow-burning charm.

The plot was engaging with a mix of cozy magic, mysterious problems to solve, and just enough danger to keep things moving. I really liked the whimsical writing style—it was cute without being over-the-top—and the magic felt light and accessible, perfect for readers who want fantasy without a heavy world-building commitment.

My only concern was at times the inner dialogues from Violet and Nathaniel dragged a bit and felt slightly repetitive. A little trimming would have kept the pace tighter without losing the emotional weight. Still, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.

This book would be a perfect pick for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, or anyone who loves a magical story about redemption, identity, and starting over. It’s cozy fantasy with a meaningful emotional core.

A lovely new cozy romance fantasy full of great banter, hun out and lovely cozy romance! Simply the best for cozy fantasy and romance fans alike!

🪴 Bookish Thoughts
This was such a cozy little surprise! Total cottagecore vibes, like sipping tea in a magical greenhouse. I expected Violet to have chaotic ex-villain energy, but she was even grounded, sensitive, remorseful, and so ready for a fresh start. I really loved her healing arc and her journey toward self-forgiveness.

Nathaniel was a total grump 😂 It took me a bit to connect with him, but by the end, he grew on me. His dynamic with Violet was a soft, slow-burn.

Overall, this felt like a warm hug of a story about second chances and building a new life. I’d definitely reread, and I’m already excited for the audiobook!

🌱 Read if you love:
• Cottagecore setting
• Redemption arcs
• Plant witch FMC
• Grumpy MMC
• Cozy small-town vibes
• Slow-burn romance

🗓️ Pub Date: November 18, 2025

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.