In this cozy fantasy with a side of romance, Violet Thistlewaite is a former villain known as the Thornwitch, who is trying to escape her past and be good. She has come to the quiet, quaint town of Dragon's Rest to open a flower shop. Unfortunately, her landlord and the occupant of the other half of her greenhouse is the alchemist Nathaniel. Nathaniel is convinced Violet is up to no good and will bring harm to his little town. Violet's sunny disposition and abilities to magically create beautiful plants and flowers soon win him over, despite his best attempts to stay away from her. Before long, a magical blight has come over Dragon's Rest, affecting all the plants. Violet and Nathaniel must find a cure, and Violet must decide if she can trust Nathaniel with the truth about her past.

I absolutely loved this cozy and adorable fantasy romance book! It was so unique and different from anything that I have read before. I loved the world building and Violet's tragic backstory, and how she came into her own over the course of the book to her ultimate realization. The magic of plants and flowers combined with Nathaniel's alchemy was a lot of fun, and the dueling sign boards provided a lot of laughs and levity in the early chapters, and showed their growth in the later ones. I loved the magical creatures, particularly the rock goblins and their importance to the story. The romance was sweet, charming, and just the right pace for a slow building, opposites-attract story.

Read this if you enjoy:
Plants and flowers or gardening
Grumpy/sunshine
Forced proximity- only one greenhouse!
Alchemy and potions
Magical creatures- rock goblins, sentient plants, witches
Dueling sign boards with puns and banter
Many lovable characters and several villains too
Cozy fantasy with a bit of romance

What a lovely cozy fun and whimsical story about redemption, found family, and starting over! I'm not one to typically read cozier fantasy stories so this is a bit of a first foray, but I loved it. I found the overall plot compelling and executed well with thoughtfulness and nuance.

The cast of characters were unique and fun - I loved Violet and her character arc from daughter of a villain to member of an eccentric but tight-knit community. Nate was a great MMC as well and i loved how his backstory and moral conflict interplayed with Violet's.

The world was laid out well and everything was easy to understand - the plot was fun, albeit a little predictable, but fast-paced enough to keep my attention.

Overall just really cute and feel-good!! I had a wonderful lovely time - Thornwitch forever!! I actually did really enjoy the Thornwitch of it all - I do love the vividness of her characterization.

In this fantasy world, Violet Thistlewaite, formerly a villain known infamously as "The Thornwitch," settles in a town to start over. She rents an apartment from twin siblings Pru and Nathaniel and opens up a flower shop in town, deciding to use her green thumb for good instead of evil. Violet's plans are tested, however, when she keeps bumping heads with grumpy Nathaniel. She has to figure out how to open her heart to love and share her past with the community, even though it's difficult. Told in alternating POVs from Violet and Nathaniel, this book has lots of cozy, romantic, and suspenseful moments with a great found family trope!

Unfortunately, though, this one just wasn't for me. I found it hard to get into the world and connect with the main characters. Nathaniel really irked me. He was a relatable character with his anxieties, but he judged Violet pretty harshly for most of the book. I enjoyed when he and Violet finally got together, but it took so long to get to that point in the story that I wasn't invested in their relationship when it finally blossomed. Violet also seemed very bland to me, and I don't know why.

The cover of this book is so cute, but the book actually had a lot of stress and anxiety within the plot. Maybe I was wrong in thinking this would be a cozy fantasy, but I didn't feel truly peaceful when reading this book, what with the mystery of the blight and the subplot to bring back the main villain.

I'm glad this book had a happy ending, though. I loved how the community came together to defend Violet, even when Nathaniel didn't. The other characters added to the whimsy of the book, and I appreciated that aspect of the plot.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley, for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Violet was raised by an evil sorcerer. She did horrible things for him.
Now she has a chance to start over and be whoever she wants. She used to be evil. She used to be the Thornwitch.
She isn't that person anymore. She's Violet Thistlewaite and she's going to open a flower shop.

This was exactly what I wanted it to be. Cozy, witchy, and of course magical. Perfect for this time of year. I loved the town and all the characters. I also adored the found family in this. Fantastic debut.

This is a cute and light-hearted fantasy story that has fairy tale elements to it. I really enjoyed this and the characters. Violet Thistlewaite is NOT a villain anymore, okay??

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This was so cute and wholesome and I’m obsessed. It was a perfect mix of cozy fantasy, action, and romance. I sincerely hope we get more books in the future. Everyone, please read this when it comes out in November ‘25. I need to talk about it!!

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is a wonderfully whimsical witchy read! I loved everything about this story from beginning to end! Krempholtz delivers a great story of starting over, facing your past, and belonging to a community, with an added touch of some fun humor.

All of the characters are so lovable, especially Bartleby (a sentient plant) and Peri (a rock goblin). There's a great balance to the story, with both the FMC and MMC dealing with the consequences of their pasts, while working through redemption and starting over. I loved the community of Dragon's Rest, with the found family aspect of its residents, and the fun twist that Krempholtz reveals at the end of the book.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Dual POVs
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Hidden Identity
* Turning Over a New Leaf
* Plant Magic & Alchemy
* Manipulation/Exploitation
* Knife-wielding Plant
* Pining/Slow Burn

𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
😉 (Very Mild)

If you love paranormal romance, with swoony, happy vibes, some good and evil conflict, fun quirky characters, and finding your HEA, then I would definitely recommend adding Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore to your TBR!

4 ⭐️

This book gave me exactly what I wanted in a cozy fantasy—warmth, whimsy, and a romance that made me smile like an idiot.
Violet was raised under the shadow of a villain, trained to cause chaos, and even has blood on her hands. But when she’s given the chance to walk away from that life, she chooses to reinvent herself—by opening a flower shop and trying to spread joy instead of fear. Of course, things get complicated when her new landlord is Nathaniel, a grumpy alchemist who has no patience for her sunshine energy (and yet…can’t stay away). Their bickering, banter, and undeniable chemistry made this story such a delight. Forced proximity + shared walls = tension that had me giggling.
I adored the little touches of magic woven into everyday life—mischievous rock creatures, a possibly murderous pothos, dragons, and even dueling shop signs with illustrated flair. The supporting cast really gave this book that found-family heart, and Violet’s redemption arc struck a perfect balance between emotional depth and cozy comfort.

If I’m being picky, the pacing leaned very cozy in the middle and the ending felt a bit rushed, but honestly? I didn’t mind. The vibes were immaculate, and sometimes that’s all I need.

Tropes
🌿 Plant witch FMC with a redemption arc
🧪 Grumpy x sunshine romance (he’s an alchemist!)
🐉 Magical creatures galore (yes, dragons!)
🏡 Found family + small-town coziness
📖 Cozy fantasy with humor, heart, and hope

Final thoughts: This was whimsical, funny, and surprisingly moving—a story about second chances, love, and learning to let yourself bloom. I already want to go back to this world, and I need Pru’s book next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Emily Krempholtz for the ARC.

In so many ways this is a lovely debut novel. I like this author's writing style and the lovely world and characters she created. I'll be looking forward to what she writes next! However, I never liked Nathanial. A lot of people try to write the enemies-to-lovers or grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and sometimes they just make the MMC unlikeable. He was rude and unkind and dismissive of Violet, and frankly she deserved better. I kept thinking I would warm to him, but every time I thought he made a little progress he would ruin it by being cruel. For me if I'm reading a romance and I don't want the main couple to get together, I can't rate it any more than two stars.

This was a really cute, cozy fantasy. The characters were likeable and I appreciated Violet's redemption arc as well as the romance with Nathaniel.

I was so excited to pick up Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore, and it was everything I hoped for in a cozy fantasy debut. The book blends warmth, humor, and heart with just the right amount of magic. Violet is a standout lead—flawed, determined, and deeply relatable—and the quirky cast of characters around her makes the town of Dragon’s Rest feel alive and inviting.

The dynamic between Violet and Nathaniel is a delight, with a grumpy/sunshine energy that feels natural and engaging. Their interactions bring both tension and tenderness, striking a perfect balance that enhances the story without overpowering it.

What I loved most is the atmosphere: Dragon’s Rest is the kind of setting you want to linger in, filled with charm, cozy details, and a touch of whimsy. At the same time, the story carries meaningful themes of growth, second chances, and finding your place in the world.

Overall, this debut is heartfelt, enchanting, and fresh. If you enjoy cozy fantasy with romance, humor, and a focus on redemption, this book is one you won’t want to miss.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing an eARC of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Anymore!

It’s been a rough reading year for me honestly, and there haven’t been a ton of books that have truly captured my attention. I honestly can’t believe Emily Krempholtz is a debut writer, but her experience in the publishing world clearly shows, because this is delightfully crafted story that I absolutely tore through!

I loved all of the characters, major and minor. I liked the 3rd person dual POV, which gave us insight into both lead characters feelings, and helped develop them at 3-dimensional individuals. And it’s such a small detail, but I absolutely loved the illustrations of the shop sandwich boards between the chapters! It was such a clear and quick way to highlight the characters personalities and the change in perspective they had towards each other. Honestly just a genius little storytelling device!

While this book is a romance at the core, I feel there is also a lot of moving parts that made the story more intriguing. The fantasy world raised the stakes a bit more, and the mystery/problem solving plot kept things fresh while hitting the regular romance beats. I also appreciated the deeper heart of the story, interrogating what it means to truly be “good”, reckoning with your past decisions, and trying to move forward by the action of DOING better. It was also very special to have a romance story focus on the importance of community, and showing that we do need others to support us beyond our romantic relationships. The ability to be a part of something was so integral to Violet’s journey, and I found myself wanting to stay in Dragon’s Rest for as long as possible, just like Violet!

On a thematic note, even though it wasn’t the focus of the story, I especially loved the shift to interrogating Nathaniel’s complicity in his alchemy work at the Crucible; how violence and harm are not just actions inflicted directly by evil individuals, but also the result of other types of power. This served as such an interesting foil to Violet reckoning with her villainy!

Overall, I really just enjoyed this book. I was invested at the start, and the whole cast of characters really had my heart. I think Emily Krempholtz has something very special here, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!

This was such a cute and pleasant read. I loved the portion where she discovered that trying to change herself was the right move but her actions were misguided by her own belief of what's good vse vil. and to see the town rally around her at the end touched my heart. I loved this.

3.75 stars!
This book was so whimsical and cozy! Definitely a great read curled up in a blanket on a cold day.

Violet thistlewaite is not a villain anymore
I loved learning about her past and how her magic works

Nathanial is grumpy. We love a grumpy hot nerd!
I love the interactions these two have and the little chalk board displays!

I did enjoy even if some of it was predictable and the beginning was a bit slow. Overall a nice warm read!

Thank you netgalley, author Emily Krempholtz, and Berkley ( ace books) publishing for the ARC!
All opinions are my own!

Rating: 3.5

This wasn't bad, the romance just happened too quickly and I stopped caring. I did like the build up to the romance, I just feel like it lasted longer. The plot felt like an afterthought and I didn't care about it either. Overall. I think that if you typically like cozy fantasy, you'll probably like this.

The premise itself is an immediate hook: a former villain, known as the dreaded Thornwitch, sheds her menacing past to embrace a future she barely dares to dream of. Violet's journey of redemption takes her to the idyllic Dragon's Rest, a perfect backdrop for her new life. Here, she plans to open a flower shop, channeling her magical talents into vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments rather than dark curses.
Violet’s efforts quickly endear her to the welcoming townsfolk of Dragon's Rest, but one person remains steadfastly unimpressed: Nathaniel Marsh. A prickly, yet undeniably dashing alchemist, Nathaniel shares her greenhouse space. Burdened by his own struggling business and a past that has denied him a second chance, Nathaniel has no time for Violet's flowers, frippery, or her intriguing presence. This sets up a classic "grumpy x sunshine" dynamic, promising a slow-burn romance born from initial friction and growing understanding.
The central conflict ignites when a mysterious blight threatens every living plant in Dragon's Rest. This ecological disaster forces Violet and Nathaniel to set aside their differences and work together. As they collaborate, battling the blight and their own personal demons, the novel delves into their fears, their pasts, and the undeniable, burgeoning feelings between them.
Overall, this book is for fans who love cozy fantasy with a romantic twist, a compelling redemption arc, and characters striving to be better versions of themselves.

Three cheers for Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore. I had the most fun ever reading this book. It's the perfect mix or cozy and emtionally poignant. The characters are endearing and the story pulls you right in.

I adored Violet and Nathaniel's banter and how they learn to adapt and change together. I think the sense of community that comes from the story is beautifully done and the message that anyone can start over and change, to feel remorse for their actions, is such an important message. This book doesn't shy away from both sides of the coin that makes people up. It fully brings into the light how everyone is capable of good and bad actions.

If all else has failed to tell you how lovely this book is, there are adorable companions and every good cozy has animal companions 😉

I am so very excited to keep reading Emily Krempholtz's writing in the future. Her strong writing voice and care in this beautiful story is truly well done.

This is easily the best cozy fantasy I've read in a long time. The characters, the romance, the stakes were all well fleshed out and made it difficult to put this down.

Violet Thistlewaite, raised by a dark sorcerer who yielded her like a weapon, is hoping for a second chance in Dragon’s Rest. She has strong plant magic and dreams of running a floral shop using her magic for good and not for evil like she was raised to do. She finds a home renting space from Nathaniel and his sister Pru, and may find more than just a landlord in the grumpy and attractive Nathaniel. She will have to reveal her secret if she wants to find love and protect Dragon’s Rest. With fantastic world-building and well-developed characters, including intriguing secondary characters such as a murderous plant, this heartwarming read will appeal to cozy fantasy readers.

I found this one really cozy and cute and the concept was really great! I loved Violet from the start as she tried to turn over a new leaf (pun intended). I did find that it was a slow read and I didn’t think there was much chemistry between the MMC and the FMC for me.