Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore ARC Review

Thanks to NetGalley, I got my first fiction ARC! Getting ARCs is a dream come true for a blogger, especially when they're this cute! I've been so excited to tell you about Emily Krempholtz's cozy fantasy debut, Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore, which is available November 18, 2025.

Genre: Fantasy / Rom-Com / Romantasy

Category: Cozy Read

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Rating: 4/5 Stars

Plot: 4/5 stars

Characters: 4/5 stars

World: 5/5 stars

Pairing: Blooming tea + blackberries and dragon horns with French almond cream filling

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PLOT

Violet Thistlewaite has spent most of her life working as the Thornwitch for Guy Shadowfade, a notorious dark sorcerer. Upon his death, she is offered a chance to start anew. Along with her sentient and stabby houseplant, Violet relocates to Dragon's Rest in hopes of opening a flower shop. Most of the townsfolk welcome her with open arms, including Pru, one of her new landlords.

Her introduction to Pru's twin brother and business partner is less successful. Nathaniel has baggage and a bad mood, but he also has an apothecary to run, and a business agreement would be mutually beneficial. He's suspicious and doesn't always play nice with the new witch next door. But when a blight strikes Dragon's Rest, Violet might be his best chance at solving the mystery and saving the town.

Krempholtz checked so many boxes for me with the dual POV, grumpy + sunshine pairing, a villain redemption arc, witches and alchemy, and plant magic in this cozy fantasy. I had high hopes, and she did not disappoint; I was hooked from the opening line and engaged to the very end.

A common pitfall for some cozy and romance novels is a lackluster plot that feels like it isn't achieving much. This book avoided that. There were a couple moments where I didn't love the word choice or writing style, but they were minor. Otherwise, I adored this story.

Violet and Nathaniel's journey is about second chances, starting over, forgiveness, and rewriting narratives. It also may or may not have dragons and a cute battle couple moment.

“Oy! Can you two idiots stop making moon eyes at each other long enough t’help us stop [...] ?”

CHARACTERS

Violet Thistlewaite wasn’t the Thornwitch. Not anymore. […] Violet Thistlewaite, she decided, was kind and generous.

Old habits die hard, and that's not all Violet struggles with. She's burdened with fear and anxiety around being recognized, shame for her past deeds, and a sense of being unworthy of the kindness shown to her by Dragon's Rest citizens. As it all builds up and the blight investigation brings her face-to-face with the consequences of dark magic, Violet fears she'll never find peace.

Being good—doing good—wasn’t easy, but perhaps that was true for everyone, not just recovering villains.

Nathaniel is plagued by past tragedies, including loss and ruined dreams. Pru often finds herself between them, using her wisdom and soft strength to guide and conspire in equal measure. But while Violet is hopeful despite her insecurities, Nathaniel allows himself to be weighed down by burdens he refuses to share. This provided ample opportunity for banter.

“But in this town, I reckon you’d find more success selling something that’s actually useful.”

“Useful?” Her eyes narrowed. “Flowers bring people happiness. Its’t that useful? Especially now?”

One of my favorite aspects was how they used their business signs to antagonize—and eventually flirt and support—one another. The illustrations were a cute addition to the book, as well as a smart way to showcase their relational arc without weighing the plot with unnecessary scenes.

While I enjoy banter, what I really loved was seeing Violet and Nathaniel start relating to one another and opening up. Over the course of the story, they teach one another to believe in their respective gifts, ability to grow, and that they're deserving of happiness.

The past is a compass; it’s what guides us to the future we want—and away from the one we don’t.

WORLD

Dragon’s Rest is a charming community that exudes a cozy Stars Hollow / Hallmark movie vibe, with fantastical elements like magical artisans and business owners, pesky gnomes, enchanted companions, and fairytale-like lore.

I appreciated how Krempholtz used the lore to set up a plot twist I didn't see coming until it was already happening. I also hope to see other areas of this world if we get a sequel. The city of Lokoa would be fun, but I'd especially want to experience the Stained Glass Sea and the Shards—a chain of islands that is home to pirates and criminals.

TL;DR

Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore is a magical debut worthy of anyone’s cozy fantasy TBR. I'd highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to those who love reformed villains like Regina Mills. Come for the enchantment of plant magic and fantastical companions, stay for the Stars Hollow vibes and Hallmark-worthy romance.

Thanks for tuning in! I am so grateful to NetGalley for sending this ARC to me so I could share my thoughts with you. I have more reviews coming soon, so keep an eye on our blog and/or bookstagram!