Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore

Making good use of the grumpy/sunshine trope, Krempholtz's cozy romantasy debut pairs a formerly evil witch on a quest for redemption with the handsome new landlord who tests her ability to stay kind. Once known as the fearsome Thornwitch, Violet Thistlewaite sheds her wicked ways and heads to small-town Dragon’s Rest, where she hopes for a fresh start and to use her plant-based magical abilities to open a flower shop. She finds the perfect spot when she meets Pru Marsh, who offers her retail space, living quarters, and use of half the greenhouse at the back of the property. The catch is that Pru and her twin brother, Nathaniel, an alchemist, live and work in the other half of the building—and Nathaniel didn’t sign off on his sister’s offer for Violet to share his greenhouse. Worried about his own flagging business and reticent to let a stranger into his space, Nathaniel is initially rude to Violet, but she vows to break through his grumpiness. When the pair are forced to work together to rid the town of a terrible blight, an opposites-attract romance blossoms. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch as Nathaniel’s resistance to Violet’s charms crumbles. This is a fun, feel-good romp. (Nov.)