Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore
Emily Krempholtz
Nov 2025 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Emma Ladji
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4 reviews
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11 hr
Unabridged
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About this audiobook
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 endangers 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 previous life 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?
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 endangers 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 previous life 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?
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 ri...
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Ratings and reviews
4 reviews
Tammy C
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November 18, 2025
This was so stinkin’ adorable I could cry glitter. This cozy fantasy romance swept me off my feet with its quirky charm, heartfelt redemption arc, and a sentient houseplant that absolutely stole the show. I listened to the audiobook, and Emma Ladji’s narration was pure magic. She brought Violet’s sass, Nathaniel’s brooding charm, and the plant’s chaotic energy to life in a way that made me feel like I was right there in Dragon’s Rest.
Rachael Kluba
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March 8, 2026
Super cute and cozy book, loved all the characters!
About the author
Emily Krempholtz is the USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore. With over a decade of experience as an editor, book coach, and bestselling ghostwriter, and many more as a voracious bookworm, Emily writes cozy fantasy romances full of heart, whimsy, wordplay, and stabby sentient houseplants. When she’s not writing, you can find Emily baking, playing board games, planning her next Ren Faire costume, adopting yet another arts-and-crafts-related hobby, hiking, or advocating for the freedom to read as a state co-leader of Authors Against Book Bans. She lives in Colorado with her partner and a forest of houseplants, including a pothos named Bartleby.
Emily Krempholtz is the USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore. With over a decade of experience as an editor, book coach, and bestselling ghostwriter, and many more as a voracious bookworm, Emily writes cozy fantasy romances full of heart, whimsy, wordplay, ...
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