Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore is a charming debut cozy fantasy that swept me away with its heartfelt story of redemption, second chances, and unexpected love. Though fantasy isn’t usually my go-to, I was completely drawn in by the author’s vivid worldbuilding—I could clearly picture the quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, its three moons, and the quirky, lovable characters who inhabit it. Violet, a former dark witch trying to start anew, and Nathaniel, a grumpy alchemist with his own regrets, made an endearing pair as they navigated personal growth, a magical plague, and their growing connection. The sentient houseplant Bartleby and Peri, the dog-like rock goblin, were delightful touches that added warmth and whimsy. A feel-good, hopeful read that left me smiling—I’d happily read this author again.

If you liked Sarah Beth Durst's "Spellshop" or other cozy romantasy, this book may be just what you're looking for.

The whimsical cover pulled me in and the easy content kept me coming back for more! This was a really great rainy weekend read for me! I absolutely loved Violets character and I really really hope the next book is a prequel because honestly- while I loved rooting for Not-Evil Violet I kind of really really want to also get to know evil violet!

Between 4 and 5 stars - but we are rounding this up because it was such a lovely, cozy read! And the cover definitely drew me in - pure magic with the cover art! From the very start, I loved how you could see the goodness inside Violet. The author does a great job throughout the book of making readers feel how much Violet wants to belong somewhere. I was definitely 100% cheering for her!
As always, the "found family" aspect is a wonderful accompaniment to the story. The side characters in the village felt very unique and real - not just paper cutouts to move along the story. There's a clever reveal as to why the villagers were always trying to nudge Violet to join them for their weekly evening hangout, I just loved that.
As far as the romance goes, there's some spicy scenes for cozy romantasy fans - I felt overall that the author did an amazing job balancing the fantasy plot and the romance back-and-forth. We've seen a LOT more cozy fantasy in the publishing world the last few years, some of it is not as well-written, but this one most definitely is! Very fulfilling ending - can we hope for another in this fantasy world? Perhaps a story of Pru going on tour as a musician? Thanks again to Ace publishers for granting my wish to read this book!

So....I read this title and a smile. I don't know why but I do. In fact, I wanted this book based solely on the title alone (the cover isn't bad....but that title!!). I suppose on some level it reminded me of Assistant to the Villain by the title. And this book is just as whimsical, crazy (in a good way) and fun as Assistant to the Villain. The FMC, Violet, was raised by a villain. Her whole life she was trained to be a villain - she was a villain; terrorizing villages, killing people and committing other crimes. But when the villain who raised her and trained her is dead Violet has a change of heart. She wants a simple life of growing plants and helping people (yeah no more killing and terrorizing for our delightful FMC!). I liked the interacting between the FMC, Violet, and her landlord (the MMC) and the way their relationship develops. Not really enemies to lovers but certainly an I-don't-like-you to a lovers situation. Even becoming allies to fight evil - the same evil Violet Thistlewaite once committed.

In short this is simply a fun read. And...I smile every single time I think about this title!!!!

I also really loved the overall message of the book. That good is not something you are, it's something you do. I will definitely read more from this author

4.25 stars. Great writing. Hooked from the first page. Great representation of trauma and familiar manipulation, and understanding we must accept our past to move forward. Highly recommend. Also, the romance in here was top notch.

I’m new to cozy fantasy and this book was everything I could have ever dreamed of. I truly can’t think of a single critique I just lived every second of this and can’t wait to see what Krempholtz does in the future. Dragon’s Rest was such a cute and charming setting and the entire cast of characters (aside from Shadowfade and Sedgwick) were so loveable and funny and their stories were so sweet.

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. It’s a very cute concept I just think that the writing was a little too jumpy for me. I do plan on reading more from this author in the future as a second chance!!

Snatched at a young age and raised to be a villain, Violet is an interesting lead in this fun cozy read.

So often we see the underdog in books, raising up from the ashes of some village or other, and here, we have the one that made the ashes. Violet never really wanted to be a bad guy, and was more a victim of the big bad defeated before the story began, and thankfully one of the plucky heroes who took him down noticed and left her be free with a simple message. "Be good"

"Be good" becomes Violet's mantra as she works on her dream and goals, and breaking free from her past, taking the first steps towards a future not as the "Thornwitch, bane of all existance" and instead as Violet, the local florist. Almost like a reformed Poison Ivy from DC Comics. She even has a plant that likes sharp things.

I really enjoy these after the adventure type books, after reading This Will Be Fun (another good read, highly recommend checking it out!) I was hoping to find another interesting book in the same vain, and this did not disappoint. I mean, what DO you do, after 'peaking' in a fantasy setting at 20-something? Or in this case, after being declared evil incarnate for your whole life?

Recommend this one for anyone who wants to know about the other people after the heroes beat the bad guy and have their happily ever after, and the how the world adjusts to it as well.

Thank you to Berkley and to NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely adored this! Very cozy. Very fun. I loved reading about Violet's struggle with being good and her struggles in using her magic, as well as Nathaniel's struggles with what to do with his future.

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 favorite.

The title and gorgeous cover immediately drew me in from the moment I saw it. So, top marks for those! Then the synopsis had me intrigued and I knew I had to read this book. The concept of a villain trying to change and be a good person, wrapped in a cozy fantasy world, mixed with a little romance, had me absolutely hooked, and only grew stronger the more of the book I read.

I loved the entire atmosphere of this world! The entire town of Dragon’s Rest is definitely one I would want to visit. The magic was fun and quirky, the characters a hoot.

Each character felt very well created. Solid. They felt like their own person with depth, and the dynamics between each of the characters felt well founded. Each and ever character, even the secondary characters, was a gem. I mean, honestly, Bartleby and Jerome the Gnome almost stole the show.

Violet and Nathaniel’s chemistry worked so well together and I loved how they helped each other overcome their anxieties and fears. Pru was amazing and I hope she gets her own book one day!

I loved the way the characters came together near the end – I was pleasantly surprised by the WHY of it and felt that it was the best way the story could have gone.

Even things like the chapter titles, the flower graphics above the chapter, and the shop signs – OH MY GOSH, THE SHOP SIGNS – just made this book come together into absolute perfection for me. And again, I feel like Bartleby needs a second shoutout because he the best.

I also really loved the overall message of this book. That good is not something you are, it’s something you do.

This is a book I will definitely buy to have a trophy copy of on my shelf and will likely become a comfort reread for me. I highly recommend it and will be following the author for further books – the fact that this is her debut is so awesome!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Berkley, and the author for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book!

My review is already up on Goodreads and will be posted on Instagram on Friday, April 4.

The character growth in this book is phenomenal; I loved experiencing the grief and self-acceptance of both Violet and Nathaniel. It felt genuine, and I enjoyed that both characters had their own setbacks and their own journeys that weren't necessarily linear. The quirky cast of characters and creatures in town was wonderful, and I want more backstories from so many of the other characters! I hope we get more of this world!

oh violet, my quirky, funny, lovely, amazing female main character!! i had a great time with this one - i enjoyed the banter, the pacing was just right and honestly any time i picked it up i didn't want to put it down. and the ending was so cute! yes absolutely ready this one. thank you netgalley for the arc!!

Summary:
Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore is a charming, poignant story about redemption and second chances. Set in a charming town called Dragon's Rest, Violet and her grumpy greenhouse co-habitator struggle for second chances and redemption through charming flower bouquets and alchemy. They don't trust each other at first, but have to work together when a blight threatens to kill every plant in town.

Thoughts;
I loved this story and couldn't put it down. It was funny, charming, sweet, and sad at times, but a lovely read over all about redemption and learning to forgive past hurts and move forward.

VIOLET THISTLEWAITE IS NOT A VILLAIN ANYMORE was so much fun to read! It was cozy and cute and I can not recommend enough.

I love Violet! Her reflective nature and quiet strength are so admirable. I love a second chance and this whole book was incredibly fun and beautiful. I hope there is a book 2 so we can return to the world!!!

This was very cute! A cozy flower shop, a small town, and an enemies to lovers romance. If you loved Legends and Lattes you will love this as well!

ahhh well wasn’t this just the sweetest and coziest thing i’ve read in a while!!! i loved the writing and i think i read this in like, two solid sitting 💞 i need her next book asap rocky

4.5 stars.

I loved this book a LOT. Violet was raised by a villain, to be a villain. She committed murder and terrorized communities under the auspices of her adopted father, a wicked sorcerer/wizard. We meet her right after the villain has been vanquished by a hero who finds Violet waiting and tells her "go, be good".

So, Violet decides it's time to change. She's remorseful for her villainy and wants to have a cozy and comfortable life. She wants to forget she was ever a villain and just sell flowers.

There are some pretty dark things in this book and yet, it remains so cozy. She settles into a small village and makes friends, grows plants, and learns more about her magic. She fights with her landlord and then, they fall in love. They end up fighting evil together and everything works out in the end.

I'm not sure I totally understood her character arc, going from being able to take lives to wanting to save lives... but there was something really beautiful about it all the same. It was a lesson in redemption and grace but touched on these issues with lightness and humor.

Ugh, I don't feel like I can do this book justice through my review, but I would read more in this world and by this author. It intrigued me and I want to live in this world some more.