Violet Thistlewaite Isn't A Villain Anymore by Emily Krempho

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

"Violet Thistlewaite Isn’t a Villain Anymore" is exactly what it promises to be: a cozy, whimsical fantasy about second chances, soft redemption arcs, and the quiet magic of finding where you belong.

Violet Thistlewaite—formerly the infamous Thorn Witch—has decided she’s done being a villain. With the dark sorcerer she once served finally dead, Violet sets out to reinvent herself as someone kind, helpful, and unapologetically good. Her fresh start leads her to the quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, where she opens a flower shop, charms the townsfolk, and attempts to keep both her darker magic and her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant firmly under control.

Enter Nathaniel Marsh: grumpy alchemist-turned-apothecary, Violet’s landlord, and the perfect foil to her sunshine-filled optimism. Sharing a greenhouse—and very little patience for one another—these two slowly grow closer, especially when a mysterious magical blight begins threatening every living plant in town. Forced to work together, Violet and Nathaniel must confront their pasts, their fears, and their very obvious chemistry in order to save Dragon’s Rest.

The real strength of this book lies in its charm. Violet is impossible not to love—cheerful, determined, and genuinely trying to do better than her past. Nathaniel, despite his gruff exterior, is a secret softie (especially once a certain puppy named Daisy enters the picture). Prudence, his extroverted and mischievous twin, adds humor and heart, and the town itself feels like a place you’d happily wander into and never want to leave.

One of my favorite details was the daily shop signs Violet and Nathaniel put out front—dueling messages that poke fun at each other and perfectly capture the playful tone of the book. Moments like these give the story its cozy, lived-in feel and make Dragon’s Rest feel like a true community.

Thematically, the book explores redemption, belonging, and the idea that past mistakes don’t have to define a person forever. There’s a strong undercurrent of found family here, and the way the town comes together to support one another feels just as magical as any spell.

This isn’t a sweeping epic or a literary heavyweight—and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a fun, comforting fantasy romance with a medium-to-fast pace and a plot that keeps things moving. While I personally could have done without the more explicit sex scenes, they’ll likely be a plus for readers who enjoy spice in their cozy reads.

If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy, grumpy/sunshine romance, charming towns, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one is well worth picking up. I closed the book feeling warm, entertained, and hopeful—and honestly, a little sad to leave Dragon’s Rest behind.

Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐  

Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 

Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐