If there’s one genre you need to read in the winter, it’s cozy fantasy. That’s why it was so exciting to get an ARC ofViolet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz.

Not only is this a debut cozy fantasy, but there’s also a romance element. To be completely honest, I read this entire book while on a plane ride and it was the perfect thing to make me feel cozy while up in the air. That’s not an easy feeling to replicate.

Mostly though, I was excited about this book because I adored the title. It felt so different and something made me immediately want to pick it up. The fact that I read it in two sittings made it all the more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for something cozy to snuggle up with this holiday season, look no further than Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore. Before getting into my thoughts, I’d like to thank Berkley for giving me an early copy to read ahead of its release.

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Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore starts in an interesting way as we’re not introduced to Violet as she is now. At first, we meet her as the Thornwitch. While it might seem confusing at first, that little bit of backstory plays into the rest of the story and how the plot is going to play out.

Ultimately, this book is about Violet wanting a second chance at being the person she never got to be. Seeing everything Violet goes through especially with Guy Shadowfade was upsetting. She had so much potential which wasn’t cultivated in the right way and she’s finally getting a chance to live life on her terms.

Of course, that doesn’t mean her story is without hiccups. Most notably, she ends up being neighbors with Nathaniel. He is her landlord and works in the same building as her. He’s an alchemist while Violet is a florist, known for her beautiful floral pieces and different gardening items. Nathaniel is clearly suspicious of her from the start but he can’t seem to stop being attracted to her.

As you might guess, dark forces are at play even with Guy Shadowfade now dead. Ultimately, Violet has to confront her past and start something new while also saving the town she’s come to love. This book is swoony, cozy and has just enough plot to keep you flipping the pages. While I do wish the book would have had more romance, the cozy fantasy element is where it shines.

This was a promising debut from Emily Krempholtz and it has me excited for what she’s going to do next. Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore is out now where books are sold.