Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore Published by Ace on November 18, 2025 Genres: Fantasy Romance
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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.
Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over—not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.
The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance—she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.
Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery—and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.
When a mysterious blight threatens every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another to save their community. But with a figure from her past knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder…does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?
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Violet Thistlewaite decides to start her life over in a small town called Dragon’s Rest. She rents a place to stay along with a storefront of her flower shop. Her landlord, Nathaniel, a grumpy alchemist is none too excited for the new tenant and her tempting looks and personality. When trouble brews in Dragon’s Rest, they must team up to defeat it alongside their community.
Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is such a fun fantasy book. I fell in love with the characters, especially the knife wielding plant. I really enjoyed the plot and loved seeing Nathaniel fall first and try to fight his feelings. Krempholtz blends paranormal and cozy fantasy masterfully with a healthy dose of romance. Another excellent touch were the storefront signs before chapters, I adored them. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of magical reads.
