As a cozy fantasy, this could've been great, but because there was the promise of romance, I had that expectation and the romance was not well-executed imo. They barely ever interacted, and when they did, we didn't actually get to see it. There was a 4-week time jump when the author was like 'yup we hung out a lot over those 4 weeks' but we didn't actually see that?? So then it felt quite insta-lovey but even then, the romance wasn't really there. The world-building was interesting, but I just feel like this wasn't what I was expecting and I was honestly quite bored :(

I loved some of the humour and the found family though!

This book has become my ultimate comfort read, and this is no exaggeration. There is something of a nostalgic old fashioned regency romance in every love story Stephanie Burgis writes, and that's an undeniable strength: because she has a knack for furnishing this recognizable vibe with modern sensibilities, but not in a way that fall apart at the smallest probing. Win win from both worlds, if you win. I had a great, relaxing time with Saskia and Felix, enjoying the interactions they have, the gentleness and kindness that underlies their core - I cannot wait for more, and I predict many rereads. For my comfort and pleasure:)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars | 🌶 0.5 Spice

At first, I thought Wooing the Witch Queen was a fantasy novel. Magical kingdoms, political intrigue, a powerful witch queen—everything pointed to a grand adventure. But as the story unfolded, I quickly realized this was, in fact, a romance wrapped in fantasy elements. And honestly? I wasn’t mad about it.
This book is lighthearted, witty, and utterly charming. Saskia, the so-called evil Witch Queen, is only seen that way because of her scheming uncle’s political maneuvering. Felix, the power-hungry Archduke, is actually nothing of the sort—just a man being used as a puppet by those around him. Through a series of misunderstandings, Felix finds himself in Saskia’s service as her new dark wizard, despite having no magic whatsoever. She doesn’t know his true identity, and yet, their connection is immediate, filled with undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of tension.
The dual POV structure makes the entire story even more entertaining, letting us see both Saskia’s sharp intelligence and Felix’s awkward, cinnamon-roll-soft heart. Saskia reads as STEM-coded and near-divergent-coded, a heroine who is unapologetically brilliant and determined. Felix is the ultimate soft boy, written by a woman in the best possible way—but when the moment calls for it, he absolutely steps up to defend himself and the woman he’s falling for. Their romance is wholesome, heartfelt, and just so easy to root for.
With its sharp humor, addictive storytelling, and just a touch of political intrigue, this book felt like a cup of hot cocoa on a sunny winter day—warm, comforting, and exactly what I needed. I loved every second of it, and that final glimpse into the next book? I’m definitely continuing this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cozy fantasy isn't usually my thing but what a sweet story this was! I just loved every single bit of this. I'd say this is a bit of a black cat/golden retriever sort of situation and it worked so well. I loved the slow burn because there might have been insta attraction but it took time for Saskia and Felix to actually do anything about it. All in all, I really think this was the perfect cozy romance with maybe medium level stakes and lots of cozy vibes.

R E V I E W

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis

☆☆☆.5

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble via Netgalley

Wooing the Witch Queen is a cosy, low-stakes fantasy read, reminiscent of Hannah Nicole Maehrer's Assistant to the Villain series or Elise Kova's Married to Magic stand alones.

When Imperial Archduke Felix of Estarion finally manages to flee his own territory after years of mistreatment at the hands of his father-in-law and former regent, he knows there is only one place he can go. The new Witch Queen of Kitvaria has made it clear since taking her throne that she will not be trifled with and with a terrible magical barrier established and keeping all her enemies at bay, Felix recognises the neighbouring kingdom of Kitvaria for what it is; his only chance.

Unashamedly prepared to beg for sanctuary, a fortunate case of mistaken identity lands Felix a job within the reputedly wicked Witch Queen's castle as her new librarian. Tasked with ordering and arranging magical tomes on witchcraft and wizardry, a task which shouldn't be difficult for the 'dark wizard' he is presumed to be, Felix finds unexpected comfort and joy in his new life amidst the formidable Witch Queen and the quirky cast of creatures she surrounds herself with. That is, until his Archduky rises up to face the Witch Queen despite his absence, threatening all Felix has come to hold dear, including his new secret identity.

I enjoyed this charming gas-light fantasy and the softly worded romance woven throughout. Even from the beginning, I felt secure in the knowledge that our two protagonists, who had been through so much respectively, would get their happy ending. I did find the events of the final few chapters a little anticlimactic and the constant referral to Saskia as the 'wicked' Witch Queen to be misleading since she never really embraced her role as a villain, which I found to be a shame. It felt like I was constantly waiting for something dramatic to occur, whether it be after Felix was 'kidnapped' or when they confronted his former regent. With Felix playing the softly spoken, soft-hearted librarian, I felt a little wickedness on Saskia's part would have gone a long way and added more excitement to the narrative.

A cute, cosy little romantasy for fans of assistant to the villain.

Felix is running away from being a puppet in his own court, seeking sanctuary with the fearsome wicked witch Queen Saskia, except down to a misunderstanding he’s now hiding out in enemy camp as a librarian. Life in the wicked witch’s castle isn’t what Felix expected, he feels more at home than in his own dukedom. And as he gets to know Saskia, well she may not be so wicked after all.

This was a really warm story, Saskia and Felix are wicked (get it?) protagonists, and the magical romance is everything you want it to be. I really love the power dynamics, it’s a real gender role reversal, Felix is very much the duke in distress to Saskia’s prince(ss) charming.

Like most fantasy, it’s a fable of tolerance and kindness and love. It’s funny, fast paced and easy escapism. If you’re looking for a booker prize winner, look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for fun then have at it.


Thank you #panmacmillan and #netgalley for my #arc

Wooing the Witch Queen is a cozy fantasy romance with a sharp, no-nonsense queen and a so called dark wizard who’s actually just a soft, nerdy archduke in disguise. Saskia has spent years crafting her fearsome reputation to protect her people, while Felix is just trying to escape his past and maybe, accidentally, fall for a queen along the way.

This book is all about found family, slow-burn romance, and mistaken identity, with a side of magical politics and some great banter. The dynamic between Saskia and Felix is chef’s kiss grumpy/sunshine but flipped, with her being the intimidating one and him being the gentle, bookish disaster. There’s also an amazing cast of side characters (a TROLL housekeeper, I repeat, a TROLL. and a very opinionated crow lmao) that make the world feel so alive.

The stakes are there, but the overall vibe is warm and comforting, making it a perfect pick if you love golden retriever love interests, prickly heroines, and a fantasy world with a touch of humor.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

Wooing the Witch Queen is my first Stephanie Burgis novel but you can bet now that it won’t be my last. I absolutely ADORED this novel. The writing style fit the humour and the context of the story, it was so elegantly plotted and the character arcs were PERFECTION. I really loved the journey the characters went on and the message and emotion of the story.
Wooing the Witch Queen follows a perceived villainous queen and her newly hired librarian. Our queen, Saskia, is currently looking for the threatening archduke. What she doesn’t know is that Fabian, the gentle man she’s hired to sort out her long-neglected library, is actually that very Archduke Felix Estarion she hunts.
I love how Stephanie has turned things on their heads, how our expectations and perceptions of people are brought into question here. Our villainess Saskia is not simply a monstrous witch queen and the archduke Felix Estarion she hunts who threatens her lands is actually simply a figurehead for his in-laws to control (this is revealed in chapter 1!)
There were so many scenes in this novel that I absolutely loved. This includes the way Saskia and Felix flirt, get closer and the tension within those scenes. I won’t say anymore because I think they need to be experienced. But the romance had a really excellent arc and the tension and delight in each scene was perfection.
Having finished this book (and having eagerly read the excerpt from the standalone sequel), I am now READY to dig into Stephanie Burgis’s previously published books. I can’t wait to devour all her books!

4.5/5 stars

Wooing the Witch Queen is the first book in the cozy romantasy series Queens of Villainy. Felix the Archduke of Estarion has been usurped by his father-in-law and flees to the only place that can oppose him—the castle belonging to the neighboring evil witch Queen Saskia. When Saskia mistakes him as the dark wizard she was expecting to be her new librarian, Felix assumes his identity and finds a home in this supposedly evil castle. Both find each other intriguing and unlike who they expected. Attraction turns to flirtation and more, but can it survive when the truth comes out?

This was such a charming and cute read that is delightfully cozy and lighthearted. I went in expecting a romantic comedy in a fantasy setting, and it gave me exactly what I wanted out of it. Outside of the initial miscommunication (that was necessary for the set-up but unsubtly unbelievable), I would not change anything else about this book.

I loved that this was told in dual POVs (always a plus in any romance). I absolutely adored Felix who is too innocent and cinnamon roll soft for his own good. I was just charmed instantly with his love of books, kindness, and vulnerability. I liked that Saskia was not really evil, but just claims the label for her own ends. Their romance was flirty and teased slowly before it dipped into some spice. I particularly enjoyed all the pining and the wooing. And I just love a found family, and the castle itself made for the perfect setting for one with heartily quirky supporting characters.

Wooing the Witch Queen is a romantasy that revels in its romcom-ness with cozy charm.

*Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the eARC via Netgalley

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

*Wooing the Witch Queen" is an absolute delight—fun, charming, and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish! Stephanie Burgis masterfully weaves a story filled with wit, romance, and magic, making it impossible to put down. Felix is such a lovable, well-written character, and his journey from a reluctant librarian to a man determined to win the Witch Queen’s heart is both heartwarming and hilarious. Saskia, on the other hand, is a force of nature—powerful, intelligent, and refreshingly uninterested in playing by the rules. Their banter sparkles, their chemistry is electric, and their dynamic is just so much fun to watch unfold.

What I loved most was how effortlessly Burgis balanced humor with heartfelt moments. The magical setting is richly imagined, but it’s the characters who truly steal the show. The slow-burn romance had me grinning, and the twists kept me hooked. If you’re looking for a story that feels like a warm hug wrapped in adventure and mischief, this book is it. Highly recommend!

This book was an amazing surprise. I don’t think I expected to enjoy it as much as I did, and I definitely did. World building and the characters were good, but I really love the humor. I was quickly drawn in to the story and I never got bored. I enjoyed the will they, won’t they aspects of the main romance. They were very cute together, and complimented each other very well. I also love Felix so much and I would love to get my own Oscar. Saskia was a great MFC. It was fun watching her grow more confident in herself and her decisions will still remaining to true to who she was. . I’m very excited to see what the series goes. So if you’re looking for a cozy romantic, witchy read look no further. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone.

4.5 ⭐️

I want to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC

Wooing the Witch Queen is a cosy romantasy featuring an evil witch queen and her gentle librarian. I enjoyed the fact that the ML was the gentler character in this book because it added an interesting spin to well loved tropes.

There were some great elements here. The world-building was intriguing, and I liked the blend of cultures present within the world. I also liked the addition of occasional modern items and the explanations for their existence. My favourite aspect was the found family. I wanted to go to live in the castle with the characters!

I had a couple of general issues with the story. Our FL is described as being evil but doesn't really show it at any point. It meant that the character development felt a little lacking because the start point wasn't that bad anyway. Also, the stakes felt a little low, and I felt that the conclusion was slightly rushed. However, this didn't take away from the overall charm of this cute and cosy story.

This was a really cosy fantasy read that made my heart feel full and was so comforting to lose myself into.

If you’re looking for a book that has a magical world, enchanting characters, cosy settings and a slow burn romance full of intrigue and tension, this is a book for you!

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this but it pleasantly surprised me. I’m not usually a cosy fantasy reader but this was a break from the heavier fantasy reads and provided some lighthearted and swoony fun!

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Being honest, I wasn't sure about this one because of the title - and then the cover artwork in some other print versions of this book made it seem as if it was going to be a real romantasy, which isn't really me. I'm glad I persevered with it though and it was an easy and quick to read story. Whilst a little predictable in places, I liked the lead characters - three feisty witches - and enjoyed their character development over the course of the plot. The Archduke adds a good counterpoint to them. This is the first in a series (Queens of Villainy) and I liked how the ending of this one neatly sets up the next book.

Three and a half
This was a fun and ever so slightly light hearted read for me. I enjoyed the whole scenario with a fearsome queen and an archduke who finds himself to be far braver than he thought. Felix hopes that Saskia will shelter him but she mistakes him for someone who can help sort out her library and as he overhears the queens plotting to kill the archduke obviously he doesn't correct the misunderstanding . Yet the quiet librarian enchants the fierce queen and as their relationship develops how can he convince her that he is not the evil dictator she believes ?
We meet two other queens who are both getting their own books and they do appear to be quite bonkers well certainly one most definitely does ! I very much enjoyed the whole setting of this and could imagine a world similar to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang but happily no child catcher although there is undoubtedly something similar here. The supporting characters added greatly to the story and we even get a meddling God which was a fun idea. I'm just not a reader who enjoys the more cinnamon roll type of hero but will state that Felix does grow in strength as a character which I liked. If you enjoy cosy romance with a little magic then this book will certainly be entertaining.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

A spur of the moment escape quickly turns into a case of mistaken identity, redemption, and needing to protect a newfound family...

Wooing the Witch Queen is an odd (but engaging) read as it is both very grim but also humorous. The MC essentially tricks the 'evil' queen into thinking he's someone else and then slowly wins her over. He's not doing it maliciously, and he often shows he feels guilty about it, but he never clears it up until things have gone way too far. It made me a bit uncomfortable to be honest. However, the tone clearly is set up to make this an amusing chance of fate. We're meant to be in on the joke every time she goes off about her enemy, but I was cringing as he basically catfishes her.

That aside, the story is entertaining and I liked the big reveal at the end - wasn't fully suspecting the twist and it played out well. It also made me want to learn more about the magic system in general as this book didn't have much detail regarding how it works, but hints at some dark secrets surrounding who is allowed to harness this power.

I wish we had more interactions between the MC and the other creatures as this was by far one of the sweeter parts of the story. It's about misunderstandings and acceptance, friendship and trust. I felt like this needed to be focused on more (like the kitchen scene) as it seemed rushed to show how the MC's kingdom is wrong about monsters.

Overall a problematic romance with some cozier elements.

This was a really fun read! Saskia and Felix were great MCs and the worldbuilding in this novel was excellent. The steamier scenes were woven so well into the naturally progressing romance that they didn't feel 'plugged in', which is something I really appreciate in a romantasy!

Thanks so much to both Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis is the first in a trilogy of romantic fantasies, and I have to say it has one of the most satisfying endings I have read in quite some time.
Set in a world filled with magical creatures the book tells the story of Queen Saskia, the fearsome wicked queen who wrested the throne from the uncle who branded her a monster. Her reputation is hiding the truth, she is a woman who cares deeply for her kingdom and is very protective of those she loves. In her determination to protect her queendom from the ruthless Arch Duke Felix whose territories border her own she decides to hire a dark wizard to hep by bringing some order to the chaos that is her magical library. Little does she realise that Fabian, her new employee is in fact the Duke in disguise, completely without magical powers but desperate to escape the clutches of the abusive uncle who has been ruling in his name for years. Given that this is a romantasy I'm pretty sure you can guess what happens next.
I absolutely loved this book, it just made me smile so much while reading. It is full of heart and charm and happily ever afters, and I think the world could do with more of that right now.
The characters are just wonderful, I loved that the so called norms were subverted so that we have a sweet cinnamon roll male character who falls for a grumpy, clever and strong Queen, and I think the development of their relationship over the course of the book was just perfection - seeing Saskia slowly let down the walls she built up to protect herself and trust despite her misgivings was beautiful, as was seeing Felix find his strength and have the courage to face those who kept him down for so long. It was also great to see a book where the female main character was willing to pursue the man and take agency in the relationship, and I know that was driven in part by the secret that Felix was keeping which held him back, but it still felt very true to Saskia's nature that she would go after what she wanted.
The secondary characters do so much to bring the rich world that Burgis has created to life, from Morlokk, Saskia's major domo who happens to be an ogre, to kindly Mrs Haglitz, the troll house keeper, who sees much more than many would give her credit for. With its own deities and complex political alliances this feels like a fully fleshed out world of the author's imagination and I look forward to seeing more as further books in the series are released.
I have seen this book described as cosy, and while that is true to some degree, it never feels cloying or overly sweet, it is just that perfect slice of joy in book form.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers, all opinions are my own.

This was a fun read. Felix escapes from his violent uncle and father in law who want him dead and seeks refuge from a neighbouring queendom. When he walks into her court he is mistaken for a dark wizard she has employed to sort out her fathers library. Unbenownst to the Queen however, Felix is in fact the Duke of the Kingdom she is at war with and Felix may not be able to hide his idenity for very long.

This is a really fun read, and as a bibliophile i thoroughly enjoyed the library setting and could imagine it clearly in my mind. In and of itself this is a story about acceptance for who you are as a person and not what you look like. I loved reading about Goblins, and Trolls, and the other creatures in the court. Charming and heartwarming with a touch of spice.

This is a cosy fantasy romance with a cinnamon roll MMC and an ‘evil’ but not so evil witch queen.

I enjoyed the role reversal to what we typically experience in books, where the FMC (witch queen) was the more dominant character and the MMC was more of a damsel.

I would have preferred a slower burn as the connection between them felt quite instant. Also would have liked a bit more world building. I liked the side characters at the castle, thought they were really cute. Overall this was an easy read.

Thank you @panmacmillan & @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.