Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore: A charming, must-read 2025 cosy fantasy romance debut with grumpy/sunshine vibes, small-town magic, and heartwarming second chances

‘I have rarely read a book so charming…Violet Thistlewaite might not be a villain anymore, but she’s definitely stolen my heart.’ Ashley Poston, New York Times bestselling author of Sounds Like Love

‘An irresistibly delightful cosy fantasy’ Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

‘Pure magic!’ Jenna Levine, USA Today bestselling author of My Roommate is a Vampire

She traded curses for carnations. But old magic dies hard…

Guy Shadowfade is dead, and Violet Thistlewaite is out of a job. After a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand witch, she’s ready to turn over a new leaf. And this time, she wants to sprout peonies instead of poison.

The quiet town of Dragon’s Rest seems like the perfect place to start over. Violet opens a flower shop, swears off dark magic, and does her best to be…good. Even if her reputation – and her mildly homicidal, sentient houseplant – make that tricky.

Her vibrant bouquets soon charm the locals, but nothing she does seems to impress the grumpy (and infuriatingly gorgeous) Nathaniel Marsh, the alchemist she’s forced to share a greenhouse with.

But when a strange blight begins to rot the roots of Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together – through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings – to save the town.

And as old secrets start to surface, Violet can’t help but wonder: does a former villain like her truly deserve a happily-ever-after?

A heartwarming cosy fantasy, perfect for fans of Assistant to the Villain and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries.

Tropes:
✨ Cosy Fantasy Romance
✨ Small-Town
✨ Low spice
✨ Villain Redemption ARC
✨ Only One (b̶e̶d̶) Greenhouse
✨ Found Family
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine

Praise for Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore:
‘What an addictive and immersive debut! Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is the true epitome of a cosy romance…it was like a warm hug, but there was also a ton of suspense and conflict…you’ll want to live in it forever’ Reader Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘The cosy fantasy romance genre has a new star! Emily Krempholtz’s wonderfully assured debut, absolutely charmed me’ India Holton, internationally bestselling author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

‘I absolutely adored this cosy, magical gem of a book! Heart, humour, and healing…I never wanted to leave the enchanting town of Dragon’s Rest’ Reader Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘An enchanting blend of botany and banter, Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore brews romance, redemption, and a homicidal houseplant into an utterly irresistible potion. The perfect cosy fantasy’ Julie Leong, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Teller of Small Fortunes

‘How I feel about this book in a word: OBSESSED. This book will definitely be in my top reads of the year, if not my absolute favourite. I loved the entire atmosphere of this world!’ Reader Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘Charming, deeply romantic…a cosy delight’ Stephanie Burgis, author of Wooing the Witch Queen

‘This is the very definition of cosy fantasy! If you’re looking for your next bookish escape from the real world, this one is perfect, with a swoon-worthy romance and beautiful writing’ Reader Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐