Prudence Marsh is Not a Nobody Anymore

by Emily Krempholtz

She left home to chase her dreams. Instead, she found a band of thieves...

Prudence Marsh has always known she's meant for more than playing violin in her sleepy little town. So, when she hears of an audition to perform at the royal wedding, she knows this is finally her chance to become somebody.

Callum DiCorvo - roguishly handsome cursebreaker and bandit extraordinaire - is perfectly happy with his life of crime. When Pru collides with Callum and his crew in a roadside robbery that leaves her beloved violin in splinters, she insists on travelling with his ragtag crew until they replace it.

Before long, Pru finds herself growing close to the motley bunch, especially Callum, whose sparkling banter and crooked smiles tease her like a song she can't get out of her head.

Then, the crew discover an opportunity that could change a heist in the mystical Lune Vault at the palace on the night of the royal wedding. And Pru must now decide between the dream she's chased for so long and the life she never expected to find along the way...

A brand-new, cosy, heartwarming fantasy romance for anyone that loves Robin Hood and Tangled. Perfect for fans of Assistant to the Villain, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches.


✨Robin Hood-style bandits
✨Found Family
✨Small-Town
✨Forced proximity
✨Road trip
✨Slow burn but spicy

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy, Cozy, Fiction, Adult

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2026

About the author

Emily Krempholtz is the USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore and the upcoming Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore (November 2026). Her cozy fantasy romance books are full of heart, whimsy, wordplay, and stabby sentient houseplants.

Reviews

[Liana Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore was a very heartwarming book!

Prudence March is quite the character! She's ambitious and eager to prove herself. She's on the way to becoming a famous bard and here she meets a bandit, Callum DiCorvo, a man who destroys her beloved violin in a robbery!

Tension! Tension!!

Personally I enjoyed this a lot! She wanted to chase her dreams but found love instead. And the funny homicidal houseplant, Bartleby was back for more in this fun, cozy (and spicy!) little fantasy!


Full review to follow shortly :)



This book is featured as an ADD-ON on BOTM for November 2026! Get your first copy for $5 using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
I love BOTM, super easy to sign up, cancel, pause or skip a month at no additional cost to you. Enjoy!



Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group/Ace and the author, Emily Krempholtz for an early eARC!

Publication: November 10, 2026

[Ricarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited when I first heard about this companion novel to Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Anymore and even more so when I saw that it's about bards and bandits, but unfortunately this book didn't do much for me while reading. I was quite fond of Violet and her evil plant magic in the first book, but Prudence here didn't have the same appeal to me. Her plan is to leave the cozy town of Dragon's Rest and become a famous musician in a city where she doesn't know everyone by name. She plays different instruments and is a talented singer and dancer, and it was nice to read about her joyful performances, but her talk about wanting to be famous was also slightly annoying to me if I'm honest. But her plans are interrupted anyway when she meets a handsome thief and later his whole group of bandits. While Pru dreams about playing at the royal wedding, Callum dreams about emptying the royal vault, and because their goals overlap at certain points, they might as well travel together. It's a cozy fantasy, but it still was strange to me how trusting everyone was when they are literally a group of wanted criminals. I didn't think much of the characters in general. Pru and Callum were uncomfortably all over each other from the very beginning, and none of the side characters were memorable to me except for Bartleby, the sentient houseplant who loves playing with knives. I remember thinking that book one was missing notable side characters and, funnily enough, book two now had too many to actually care about. The overall style and pacing felt very chaotic to me, the plot often convoluted. Now that the characters are traveling to different places it becomes notable that there is hardly any world building and that I basically know nothing about this world. That all might be true for the first book as well, but it wasn't much of an issue as the characters stayed in one place and focused on their little cozy shops. Book two wasn't a bad read by any means, but not really the continuation of the story that I had expected. I can only imagine that there will be a third book about the whole Bartleby situation, but right now I'm indecisive if I would want to read it. (Who am I kidding, if it has a stunning cover like the first two books, it will have my attention.)

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

[DianaRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!✨💐

it was so nice to return to this cozy little world that emily krempholtz has created, this time from the pov of prudence.

prudence marsh is not a nobody anymore was a cozy fantasy but had some mid-level stakes to it — pru is traveling in hopes of creating a name for herself so that she may perform at the royal wedding, and callum is trying to be on his best behavior so that his friend vale will continue to participate in heists with him…

i think the next book will be vale’s, but im SO hoping that bartelby will get his time in the sun, after all of the time he spent as a plant, of course…

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

A charming read that will get you into the fall spirit!

Though not officially billed as a sequel to Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore, strict reading order purists may like to know that this chronologically comes after.

FMC Prudence, having previously held off her dreams to help rebuild after her and Nathan’s parents’ death, is ready to make her musical mark on the world, leaving her comfortable quiet life for something more. She’s kind, friendly, sees the best in others, and has quite the handful of spunk and thus, is determined to make a name for herself. However, things go quickly awry, and she somehow finds herself quasi-trapped into helping the infamous Rook and his gang rob the crown’s vault. If all goes well without a hitch, she can take the notoriety of playing at the royal wedding and fuel her musical career.

Rook (aka Callum), along with his compatriots, has his own motivations for such an impossible feat, desperate to pull it off to keep the group together. He’s effortlessly charming, an easygoing people pleaser, always putting others first. When the feisty Prudence joins up, he’s forced to drop the facade, wanting to be and do better, wanting her to stay and be with him.

Points for really likeable characters in both Prudence and Callum. They had great chemistry and banter and worked fabulously as a team. The world building and the varied supporting cast were also well fleshed out, making this a richer and more adventuresome propulsive story than its predecessor. However, just like in the first book, personal growth was just as strong and the romantic progression was nicely done with a good touch of spice.

Overall, this was a quaint romantic fantasy about fulfilling one’s dreams and finding self worth, topped off with a complex heist, great magical elements, a highly entertaining surly plant companion, and found family vibes. I obviously enjoyed my return to this world and just have to say that side character Bartleby better get his story told stat!

Thank you to the author and Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly

[Maeghan 🦋 semi-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

HUGE thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc! Need something cute to follow me along my busy work week 💗

Prudence Marsh is Nathaniel’s twin sister (the mmc in the first instalment). She never felt like her own person & lived her life according to what people wanted from her. She wants to play violin at the royal wedding & get the recognition she deserves. By doing this, she thinks it’ll give her life meaning as she won’t be nobody anymore.

I gave the first instalment 3.5✨ as I thought it was really cute but dragged a bit. I loved this one more. It’s really more about the journey than the heist, and knowing yourself & what you stand for. They spend a lot of time gathering people from town to town. It’s also filled with wholesome & heartfelt moments.

The characters were the strong suit of this novel. Prudence & Callum were amazing and unique characters to follow. They both felt multidimensional & had a lot of depth. There was a lot of character development & I loved the romance. It felt wholesome & full. I would’ve liked to have Vale’s pov as I think it would’ve added some nuances. I’m really curious about Bartleby and the continuity of this series.

Overall a very cute read. I recommend this for Cozy Fantasy lovers!

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I had a lovely time with this one!

I love the non-villain villains and all the fun shenanigans that these books entail.

Whats to love…
- heist
- FMC leaves her hometown for the first time!
- swoony romance
- playboy mmc
- queer MCs
- road trip (not quite a quest but fun nonetheless!)
- cozy fantasy

After Violet Thistlewaite was a hit I knew without even reading the synopsis of this one that I wanted to read it...

Well the problem with not reading the synopsis before you start a book is you really have no clue whats going to happen--so when the first chapter opened with Bartlby's pov I jumped to the conclusion that he was going to be the MMC and then found myself disappointed he wasn't. Silly me. But that's not the books fault! And also Callum won me over big time so it all worked out in the end.

What might not work for some…
- This one is pretty cozy, imho more cozy than Violet Thistlewaite, so if you’re not in the mood for lower stakes and a slower plot this one might not work for you.

4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |

Thank you Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[DianaRose]

thank you to the publisher for an arc!!✨💐 it'll be nice to return to this cozy little world from the pov of prudence, and the description sounds so fun and whimsical!!

[Miranda Reads]

The first book was so fun! Can't wait for the next one!!

[Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy fantasy is my niche, and this book ticked all my boxes. "Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore" by Emily Krempholtz is a charming cozy fantasy following a bard and a bandit. I loved the first book in the series, "Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore," and was thrilled to get my hands on the sequel. The book is set in the same world as the first one, but with different players. While the first book focused on Violet and Nathaniel, this one centers around Prudence, Nathaniel's twin sister, and her love interest, Callum, and is told in alternating third-person POVs of the two. Luckily, Bartleby, our favorite murderous sentient pothos, is still in the game.

At 32, Pru decides it's time to leave Dragon's Rest and find her place in the world, hopefully as a renowned bard. Her dream is to play at the royal wedding and become famous. Unbeknownst to her, Bartleby, an ex-villain cursed into a houseplant, has his own reason for joining her: he hopes to find someone who can break his curse. He hides in one of the horses' saddlebags, and Pru lets him accompany her. Her journey gets off to a rocky start when she has to escape a pub after an incident involving a prized goat, with the help of Callum, a charmingly roguish bandit.

Pru encounters Callum again when she comes across him and his partner, Vale, in the middle of a roadside robbery. When she tries to intervene, the ensuing chaos results in her violin being broken. With no way to continue her journey as a bard, she joins the two bandits until they can find a way to replace it. When Callum and Vale reunite with the rest of their group, Pru finds herself swept up in their planned royal heist in the mystical Lune Vault at the palace, no less.

I enjoyed the book very much. The writing was good and immersive. I loved the Robin Hood–esque vibes, the world-building, and the magic involved, including the ability to break curses, illusions that can change appearances, and other magical elements. I also loved the smart wordplay in the chapter headings, such as "Between a Rook and a Bard Place" and "Heist Heist Baby," to name a couple.

The characterization is excellent, making each person come to life for me. I love Pru and relate to her need to prove her worth. She was always told she was too much and to dim her light, and I like that she overcame that. Callum is another great character, who has more layers than are apparent at first, hidden under his need to make others happy, sometimes at the expense of his own happiness. I appreciated his concern for the poor and his love for his found family. I thought they didn't give him all the credit he deserves, especially his childhood friend, Vale. Pru is the only one who sees through his mask and tries to peel back all his layers to reach the real him. I loved their banter and interactions. They are attracted to each other but deny their feelings for various reasons, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop into a slow-burn romance.

The book explores themes of forbidden love, found family, imposter syndrome, and the power of believing in oneself. I loved the growth of the characters and their camaraderie. The found-family dynamic was another highlight for me. Among the side characters who make up this motley crew, I especially liked Laina, one of the triplet sisters; Butcher, the baker; Jeph, the dog; and Lady, a winged horse who can communicate through her feelings and memories. I wish there were more scenes with her.

Vale wasn't one of my favorite characters because of the callous way he treated Callum, his patronizing behavior, and condescension. He treated Callum as a child, thinking he knew best what was good for him and making decisions for him. I loved when Callum finally stood up to him, something he had avoided doing so as not to make waves.

Bartleby was the real star of the show. He literally stole the show. He loves knives and stole some at every turn. Well, he was an ex-villain after all. I loved how protective he was of Pru. His caring was shown through acts of kindness, such as carving a flute for her. He found a way to communicate without words, with his leaves, and the author showed it perfectly. I hope the next book, if there is one, will be about him. I would love to know his story. He deserves a story of his own!

I definitely recommend the book. The pacing dragged a bit in the middle, but I was happy to spend more time with the cast. It is just as good as the first one and can be read on its own, but I recommend reading the first one beforehand to get to know the backstory and appreciate all the little nuances. I loved the book and give it full stars. Fans of cozy fantasy with quirky characters, sparkling banter, and plenty of adventures will enjoy this one. I know I did!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...

[Liz | lizzuplans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous one.
Loved Prudence’s story as much as I loved Violet’s story!!

Fun, light, with depth, cosy, filled with adventure, romantic: just the perfect read.
The various characters were fabulous, the romance was endearing, the plot was solid, and ugh I am sad the book is over.
I also really appreciated that the names of the characters were not crazy fantasy. Prudence, Callum, Frida– and not Penellaphe which you should read as Penelope (and I have seen crazier).

The chapter titles were so fun!
The cover is once again gorgeous and Bartleby was once again amazing.

This book is going on my fav list immediately! Cannot wait to buy my trophy copy!!
(Hope there will be more book in this “series”.)

I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.

[Kelcey | felinebooktrovert ✨️ · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I wish I could rate 5 stars based on the cover alone because COME ONE. How gorgeous is this cover?

Alas, that is not the only thing to comment on here. The story had potential, but I found myself underwhelmed with this one. The MMC was clearly supposed to be very charming and gives off the air of not taking a lot seriously, which can work, but in this case made him seem really immature. And the FMC was just kind of meh. Both of them got better as the story progressed, but the characters made this start really slow for me and I had a hard time feeling engaged or wanting to pick it back up.

I still might pick up a copy of this because it's GORGEOUS. And I am super excited for the next couple that is being set up. So I won't give up hope for this series ❤️

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC 4.5 stars!

This was such a fun magical read. If you’re looking for a cozy romance with adventure, a dangerous heist, and a ragtag group of thieves this book is for you.

This follows Pru Marsh who is a musician on her way to audition for the Royal wedding, and she ends up meeting a group of thieves along the way. She finds out they have a Robin Hood type scheme, and one thing leads to another, and now she sucked into their plan to rob the royal vault. Romance blooms between Pru and one of the thieves, Callum, and they both help each other figure out their true wants and needs in life.

On another note, I want a whole book on Bartleby. I hope we get more of his story. He was such a fun character and the ending had me so intrigued about his background. Books like this take me a long time to get through. I didn’t think the writing was as easy flowing as other books that I’ve read with a magical realism element however, this was still an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it for fantasy lovers.

This book was sent to me via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BookishKB]

🎻✨ Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore ✨🎻

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

💛 What to Expect
• Cozy Fantasy
• Found Family
• Musician FMC
• Bandit MMC
• Heist Adventure
• Road Trip Adventure
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: November 10, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ace, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Joy Metzger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bartelby the violent and vicious pothos plant was hands down the best character in this book. Unfortunately, that’s about all I really enjoyed. I LOVED Violet Thistlewaite- this book lacked the charm and wit of book 1.

The plot and ever growing cast of secondary characters was confusing to follow at times. Honestly, it kind of took forever for the story to get anywhere.

Very very sadly, this one was a miss for me.

[Krista ⟡ Ever Bookish · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

⟡ Thank you for the free audiobook, PRH Audio + the free book, Berkley Romance.

Oh my goodness, I loved this cozy fantasy. A musical gal, a bad boy bandit, and a royal heist made for a captivating story. The romance was swoon-worthy, the world enchanting, and Emma Ladji's narration lovely.

[Jenna O'Malley · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! 💫

I am in love with this series! Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

“I’ve always believed that stories can be just as sharp as swords. They might not end a war or overthrow a corrupt ruler, but they shift minds and open hearts.”

In “Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore” we begin our tale at Dragon’s Rest where Prudence makes the difficult decision to travel from her home in order to chase her dreams of becoming a well-known and valued magician. She has always had the talent, but the timing has never been right. With Nathaniel and Violet beginning a life together and looking after the apothecary everything is as it should be. Upon her performance at a faraway tavern Prudence runs into trouble she never expected. She is stuck with an unlikely group of bandits, with an outrageous plan to steal from the royal vaults. Not only is she wrapped up in their plans, but she is also wrapped up in one of the bandits Callum. Can she help them accomplish their heist, while also achieving her dreams?

The creativity in this author’s stories is impeccable. Every little detail beautifully intertwines with another. I don’t think I can do it justice. Bartleby is such a hoot. I loved the bakery named “Bready or Not.” and the dream maker’s cottage is something I could only see in my dreams.

The relationship between Callum and Pru was very well developed. No love is perfect and we all have a tendency to let our fears take hold of our hearts and we mask it with deception. It is being vulnerable and hoping someone accepts all of you for who you truly are.

I still have my qualms about Vale, but he redeemed himself quite well.

I am thinking a third book about Bartleby is in motion?! Already so ecstatic about that.

Please, please, please read this series. It has such a special place in my heart.

[Cheryl]

Her first book isn't great, but it has plenty of potential.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence Marsh is Not a Nobody Anymore! No, she isn’t indeed! Pru became a heroine to absolutely cheer on and adore. As I did for this whole book! Cozy fantasy has won me over so immensely over the past year and half of my becoming more into this genre. It’s really this year specifically where it has become a highlight and if this is the final cozy fantasy I read this year, there’s no better title to end it on. The adventure soared to terrific heights, I laughed, I swooned, I took so much heart in this fun cast of characters. If you need a pick-me-up, look no further than this delight of an adventure!

This is a cozy fantasy that not only makes you feel good but makes you feel seen too. It’s a journey where you understand these protagonists as they set out to prove themselves to their loved ones (and to themself as well). I read this and what I feel beyond that feel good happiness is courage and the joy of dreaming too. Of striving for something more.

And at the center of all this goodness and happiness are Pru and Callum. I adored them both! Pru’s heart is full of music and she yearns to find her place in the world to spread her love for creating music. This becomes a true journey of self-discovery for her, and one of resilience too. She keeps going, she keeps a good attitude, and she keeps trying and dreaming. I see her and think she doesn’t have a thing to prove, she’s perfect as she is, but I understand the drive to do that, and to find purpose alongside it too. Then there’s our main man Callum! Callum has an anxiety that is too relatable, one in which she finds himself scared of being left behind but also an anxious urgency in wanting to prove himself but not knowing quite how. How to find his voice to make his own choices in a way that doesn’t distant his loved ones but proves he belongs and he can make things right. And that is something I understand all too well. I loved both our protagonists dearly and equally, but Callum’s path felt the most familiar to my own. That feeling of inadequacy but also the strive to prove it wrong. I got that so immensely.

As for the romance! It’s a sweet slow burn! It’s cheeky at times too! Pru and Callum get to know one another through their misadventures and it brings down their respective defenses and allows the other to not just see one another, but to believe in one another. And I loved that! As I loved seeing how our favorites Violet and Nathaniel are doing!

I also want to give a shout out to my personal fave, Bartleby! I hope we get more from him in the future!!!

The joy this work brought me is immeasurable. I’m so glad to know it.

Thank you Ace and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this review voluntarily.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Selling Pitch:
More Tangled fanfiction but this time it slaps. Such a marked improvement from the first book, I genuinely think you should give this a try even if the original didn’t work for you.

Pre-reading:
I've gotta stop accepting arcs of sequels before I even read the first one. Hoping this is better than the first one, but I strongly suspect this is about to be more Tangled fanfiction.

(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Heist heist baby is so funny.
Making out like a bandit better be a smut chapter.
I like all the puns in the chapter titles.

Why are all the ses randomly capitalized? (Must be an arc copy error)

So like now, do we fuck the plant or do I have to wait for the third book? (Third? Fourth maybe?)

So like that is Flynn Rider. They just can’t get his nose right!

And it’s a piney boy. Typical.

Detritus sin

Girl, you can’t be stupid enough to think Rook is his real name and not his nickname. Be so for real. You clocked Violet, but not this shit?

I fear I would rather read their book, the fuck? I like Vale and Lainey.

I like this one better already. I love charisma and banter.

I’m sat, I’m seated, I’m obsessed.
Like is it just a Flynn Rider/OUaT Charming and Snow copy-paste? Basically! But I’m such a slut for charisma and banter.

No, I love it. I’m so in on this plot.

I hope to god this ends with them freeing Bartleby for a third book. (Hee hee.)

I love a world with magic ponies, good god.

Mr. Sternness and his brat is gonna do it for me every time.

Lady is a LAME name, are you kidding.

Blew a raspberry? She’s a horse. (She uses this phrase throughout the book so it must be a writing quirk, but I really don’t like it.)

Vale has to be the princess’ brother, right? And that’s who he doesn’t wanna run into? (Nope!)

So like Bartleby and a pirate? If he’s a telepath, maybe he can communicate with the plant? We’re expanding the world a lotttt with this book.

Bartleby, my heart! I’m so massively on my period but that did just make me tear up.

This book is leaps and bounds better than the first.
Way more world-building, way more visuals, way more depth to characters. She gives you a stock archetype and then elaborates on it until it’s something more unique. That’s very satisfying. It does still feel like Tangled fanfiction, but this one feels like a riff rather than a copy and paste. (There’s still some scenes that are directly copied.)

Like he is just the lovechild of FlynnXRobin Hood, but I’m having the best time.

I love a werewolf. This book is so much better.

He’s such a libra.

Oh girl, you’re not even being subtle about it. That is Flynn Rider’s scene with the wanted poster.

I know they’re setting up Vale to be manipulating everyone and like kind of not the best but I said daddy capable, daddy sly.

I would die for Bartleby.

The banter is bantering this book. I am kicking my little feet. I love a flirt.

With all the lock picking, I feel like we’re gonna have to get her out of jail at some point, or they’re gonna pull a Tangled, and he’s gonna be in jail, and he has to save her, so the plant lets him out.

My dumb brain keeps changing Lago Ferro to Sara Lago, which is a random shitty hotel we stayed at in Orlando on a family vacation growing up.

Me last book: I don’t like Nathaniel. He’s mean to her.
This book: Vale kinda bossy, kinda nasty.
Me: that one, I pick that one.
On this episode of spot the Capricorn.
Like I know she’s setting him up to be the villain and that should be a deterrent, but it’s notttt

Is Vale veiled all the time with a glamour and that’s why he’s so flawless? (Yup.)

We didn’t start the fire 🎶

Reading is and always has been political. What a gem of a quote.

This is disgustingly better than the first book.

This has a bit of Six of Crows and Dance of Thieves about it. Those books are more complex than this one, but I see the inspo.

Genuinely, where was this writing last book because all of a sudden, locations have details, and I can picture them.

If Vale is the old architect, I’m gonna lose my shit. (Way off.)

I hated the romance in the first one. I didn’t think they had chemistry. This one is so good. There is yearning. There is banter. They crackle. Like I’m shocked it’s from the same author. It is literally also Tangled, but if the first one was Raps, this one is Flynn.

I really like them together.

I think we could’ve workshopped that ocean line more. I like the sentiment. I agree with it, but nothing about them is particularly ocean themed.

Even when they bantered, she was never making fun of him. Huh, weird how that would turn people off of someone. I feel like that’s a direct response to the first book’s criticism. I feel like this book was very wow, everything y’all criticized in the first book was correct. I’m gonna work on it and fix it. And she did! I’m having the best time. I don’t think the writing is quite good enough for a five, but this is an easy four. Very on par with an India Holton for romantic quality and humor.

I feel like Vale is gonna plant the keys on Marsh and frame her for the theft, but that’s kind of useless for villainy.

Yeah, OK so I’m keeping up but-
Vale’s motivation is still such an enigma to me. Unfortunately, I still think he’s sexy, even if the author is like he bad guy.

Also, I can’t reiterate enough how much better this is than the first book. I think if you like Holton’s style, you will love this.

Not the you were my new dream from not!Attila. Like it’s very unsubtly Tangled, but I love Tangled.

I don’t understand why the plant is limited in communication. If he can hold a lock picking set, can’t he hold a pen? Or like they make a chart and let him point to the letters ouija board style? Like they’re purposely not communicating with him.

Good god, I hope we get a Breanne of Tarth and a reformed Jamie Plant-ister for next book because-
Ohmygod, it’s happening. Everyone calm down. It’s happening.

Oh, shut the fuck up. Are we getting two reformed gay villains? Uh yeaH. YeaH! Sign me up. Do I wanna be back in the little town? No! But if she can write dialogue like she did in this book with them… Also, I want a Bartleby book. I really went from I wouldn’t continue the series to I need the next two books immediately. That is so impressive.

The ending is quite abrupt, but oh my god, this was so much better than the first book.

Post-reading:
Y’all, I had a really good time. I did not expect to. I kind of came into this with a stinky attitude after the first book. I was ready to resign myself to slogging through another 350 pages and then to never think about this series again.

That’s not gonna happen. I loved this. I will quite happily be continuing the series.

It really read like she took every criticism of her first book to heart and said okay, you guys are right. I will fix that. And then she actually fixed it. That’s so rare to see. Usually a mediocre first book only declines in quality for the second. This one is leaps and bounds better. The books function as interconnected standalones, which I think is really smart. You can very easily skip right to this book and miss nothing important. I’d honestly recommend doing that. I really didn’t like the first book.

This one expands the world so much, and it’s done in a very digestible way. We get sensory details not just info dumping. You’ll be able to picture all the places she takes you. She gave herself a lot of room to expand this series. We get some new magic without it feeling horribly overpowered, and the plot in this one is actually compelling from the start. The first book is so slow. That is not the case here. This book moves while still feeling cozy. She did a really good job balancing plot progression with character development. Everyone had a task, but they also got to go on a personality journey. It’s very satisfying. The plotting twists are still kind of obvious and predictable, but the book catches up to you much quicker than the first installment, so you’re not waiting around forever for a solution you already know.

And the romance! Reading all the flirting was a treat. This book banters. Do they read as 30-year-olds, probably not, but mid to late 20s is still okay. And at least this time around, you will root for the couple to get together. They are unquestionably well suited for each other. They can tease each other, but they still have so much respect for the other person which was definitely lacking in the first book. The side characters are fun additions. They’re still a little underdeveloped when compared to the romantic leads, but that’s a pretty common flaw in romance as a whole.

The smut’s better this time around. It feels more tonally appropriate and backs off before it gets super explicit. There’s probably gonna be a couple of lines that take you out of it. An “eyes on me” does feel like we’re just hitting on popular TikTok tropes rather than writing the characters we built, but their personalities at least stay consistent over the course of the whole book.

Once again, the pet sidekicks shine. I loved the Pegasus. I continue to love Bartleby. I was amazed how much my heart lurched when he whittled her the flute. That was such a sweet moment, and I cannot wait for his book. I feel like she’s gonna drag it out, and we’re gonna get Vale’s book first though.

This was good enough that I would encourage you to give this a try if you tend to like fantasy romance and didn’t like the first book. I don’t think it’ll be a new favorite necessarily, but I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy your time reading it. I guess I’ll see y’all again for the third one!

Who should read this:
Tangled fans
India Hilton fans
Campy fantasy romance fans

Ideal reading time:
Fall

Do I want to reread this:
I think I’ll just remember it, but I would absolutely continue the series

Would I buy this:
Yes! I hope Owlcrate makes a gorgeous matching sequel

Similar books:
* Six of Crows-the OG YA fantasy heist book, ensemble cast, romance, queer
* Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson-generic but well done fantasy romance, revenge, family drama
* Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer-campy, fantasy romance, family drama, revenge
* The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton-campy, historical, urban fantasy, romance, autism
* Voidwalker by S. A. MacLean-campy, urban fantasy, monster romance, queer, family drama
* The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch-historical fantasy romance
* The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley-campy, fantasy romance, queer
* This Dark Descent by Kaylin Josephson-YA urban fantasy, political, romance, queer, ensemble cast
* Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett-campy, historical, urban fantasy, family drama

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Steph · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I read Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore, with digital checkouts from Libby. I primarily listened to the audiobook but also occasionally read it with the ebook. I do own a signed copy of the paperback in anticipation of this book!

I really loved Pru in this story. I felt she was very relatable and so sweet. But at the same time, I felt like this story dragged on a bit too long before it got to a good place. I got about halfway through and realized I was asking myself, "Are we there yet?" The characters in this one didn't land as they did with Violet's book. There were so many, and each one had their own set of issues, which I felt took away from the focus of the story. There is more sexual spice in this book, and though it tries to be sweet, it really seems to be coming from an unhealthy dynamic. I don't gravitate towards spicy books in general, and this one felt a bit forced and over the top for the genre.

The MMC had a good heart, and I liked how Pru was able to see him and how they were able to work with each other to understand one another by asking questions and trying to get to know each other. It was sweet that they could see that in each other and help themselves through those revelations. The way Pru handled herself vs. her internal thoughts, I felt in my core because I have some of those same challenges; I bet she is an ENFJ on the Myers-Briggs, haha.

Bartleby steals the show. Worth the read, if not just for his character alone. I hope we see more of him.

The book was good, and I do think I need to soak in this book some more; another reread is needed to fully appreciate all the details that went on in the book. I do hope we get more books in this world. When I read Pru's story again, I'll be sure to update my review. But for right now, it is a 3.5 pending a reread.

Content warnings: Spice more than once on the page, mild cursing, thievery, manipulation, threats by a pothos.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore 🎶🌱✨ review ✨ thank you @Acebookspub @berkleypub for the free book! #berkleypartner #berkley

Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore
by Emily Krempholtz

A musician leaves her quaint town in search of a bigger life, only to get tangled up with a mischievous bandit and a royal heist in this delightful and poignant new cozy fantasy romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore.

My thoughts 💭:

Sometimes you just need a cozy little adventure, a band of lovable misfits, a little romance, and some questionable life choices. And this book gave me ALL of that! After loving Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore, I knew I wanted to pick this one up, and I’m so glad I did! This was a fast, cozy, and entertaining read. The story has everything I love about a whimsical fantasy adventure. I loved Pru and Callum! Their banter, the flirting, and the way their relationship develops made this a fun romance to follow. I also really enjoyed the character development throughout the story, especially watching Pru navigate the difference between the dreams she’s always chased and the unexpected life she’s beginning to build. This is definitely a lower stakes fantasy and it was lighthearted without feeling empty, adventurous without being overwhelming, and full of the kind of charming characters you can’t help but root for. I am wondering if we’ll get another book…

Happy reading 📖 ✨🌱🎶

[Alex Z (azeebooks) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

An absolute joy of a book. A fantastic heist/robin hood story with lovable characters, personal growth and the perfect amount of romance. This is the kind of fantasy romance I love, it's a little goofy and very heartfelt. I can see Emily Krempholtz becoming a new fave author!!

[Yousseif Abdellatif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight up, Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore feels like a really good album with two skippable tracks. Emily Krempholtz nails the highs and fumbles a few transitions, but the best stretches are special. Recommend for readers who like to cherry-pick favorites, skip if you hate uneven pacing.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this as an arc and congrats to Emily on her 2nd book! This title releases 11/10/26.

I wanted to love Pru’s story as much as I did Violet’s but sadly I did not. I found Pru to be resentful and somewhat whiny and failed to connect with most of the characters. I am also unsure if this book is supposed to be a dual POV. It wasn’t labeled as such, however some of the chapters definitely read like it was.

Things I did love: BARLTEBY! I loved that he went on his own adventure, and I do hope his story gets told one day. I did love the title chapters and giggled at Pru’s checklist that had notes from Callum. I also loved the LGBTQ representation in some of the characters.

If you enjoyed book 1, I do encourage you to give this a read, it just wasn’t my jam.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Prudence Marsh who sets off to become a famous musician when she sees a carriage being robbed and steps in to help and gets her violin destroyed by none other than the same thief who stole from her. She sets off with the thief and his friends determined to have them pay her back and get her a new violin, but then slowly starts to learn about this crew and what they’re doing and decides to help.

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book. The romance didn’t vibe with me as strongly as the first book did.

I felt like Pru and Callum’s relationship was a bit forced. I felt like they would be better as best friends, not lovers. I still enjoyed the banter and they understood each other in a way that others didn’t quite understand, which I did love.

Pru is that person who is very trusting, kind and always forgiving. I was impressed with her. At one point, there’s a revelation made that made me so angry and she thought about it and was like “I’ll talk to them first to get an understanding as to why”, and I was so shocked. I was ready to storm into this book and avenge her, but she wanted to COMMUNICATE, which usually characters don’t do that because they love to miscommunicate. I adored her the whole book because she said she didn’t like to fight or be angry and so I was just impressed by her the entire book. I still think her and Callum would be better as best friends, but I loved the friendship they did develop too along with everyone else.

Callum was…a lot, for me. He is a fun character and is the type to make sure everyone else is happy, which was sad at times because you don’t really know what he’s like as a person. He is quite adorable and doesn’t really act his age, but I appreciate how much he just cared and did everything he could to make sure others were happy, but in the end realized he should also choose himself sometimes.

I loved all the characters for the most part, except I couldn’t stand Vale. He was such a manipulator. That being said, dare I say I fell in love with him by the end of the book once everyone just talked out their thoughts and feelings??? Yes, yes I did. The author did a great job of turning around my feelings about some of these characters and the choices Pru made because I will tell you, this book was making me angry and I didn’t like the turn of events, and then as things were explained, I begrudgingly was like fine I like this book and everyone 😂

Now, who made the book for me was Bartleby. I have adored that pothos man since the first book and he was still the same endearing stabby plant I love. I loved the affection he started showing and after the end, I expect a book about him because I LOVE HIM SO MUCH AND WANT MORE OF HIM.

I also enjoyed the plot. I always love a heist in a book and in a fantasy book? Even better.

I look forward to more in this world! The next book better be about Bartleby!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore by Emily Krempholtz
Having thoroughly enjoyed Violet Thistlethwaite Is Not a Villain Anymore, I was happy to step back into Emily Krempholtz’s delightful world and catch up with some familiar faces. Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore continues the charm and spirit of the original while giving a fresh world to a new set of characters.
The story follows Prudence "Pru" Marsh, a musician from Dragons Rest who dreams of making a name for herself by performing at the grand royal wedding in Lokoa. However, her plans hit a major snag when she encounters a group of bandits. Though they weren't actively trying to rob her, the bandit,Callum inadvertently breaks her violin during the encounter. Penniless and without her instrument for the audition, Pru gets swept along and forced to travel with the group as they make their way toward the city.
Among the standout secondary, characters Bartleby, who was turned into a pothos plant in the first book shines. After spending seven years as a plant, the former villain now plays a delightfully supportive, protective role to Pru, adding both heart and comedy charm to the story. What truly elevates this cozy tale is it’s emotional depth and the rich dynamics within the group. The handsome bandit, Callum is complex, funny, and rakishly handsome character hiding his true self. Beyond his romantic connection with Pru, Callum undergoes meaningful personal growth throughout their journey. His relationships with the other bandits and his lifelong bond with his best friend, Val, add immense heart to the story. The long-overdue conversations and reflections between Callum and Val bring a touching vulnerability to their shared history, balancing the high-stakes plot of planning a heist into the palace's magically guarded Luna Vault.
Emily Kremp-Holtz once again excels in her pacing, magical world-building, and signature wit. The magic system is engaging, the humor is sharp and cozy, and the character development makes this a wonderful read. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven fantasy filled with heart, humor, and memorable relationships! 4.5 out of 5 stars!

[Alyssa ☀️ (stories.and.sunshine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence Marsh Is Not A Nobody Anymore is a second interconnected standalone in Emily Krempholtz’s cozy romantasy world. I read the first book, Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Anymore, this summer and knew I had to say yes to reading an advanced copy. Thank you Berkley/Ace publishing for the chance to read and review.

Although both books are set in the same world, each is a distinctly different story. What I really loved about Prudence’s story is that we get to experience more of the world as Pru sets off on a adventure to make it big as a bard. Pru is determined to meet her goal of performing at the royal wedding and must leave her little mountain town of Dragon’s Rest to do it. On the road to the auditions for the gig of lifetime she finds herself allied with notorious bandit, Callum, and his gang.

This was the coziest heist story I’ve ever read. While the characters are planning to break into the Queen’s vault (Ocean’s Eleven style) they are building friendships and working through personal growth. One minute the characters are running from a carriage heist and the next they are sharing memories via the magical winged horse. And nothing says cozy fantasy like a sentient plant so I was very happy to read more about Bartleby, the pathos with a love of daggers.

The romance is sweet and spicy in this cozy romantasy. Pru is far from home and learning to ignore the inner voice that says she should give up. Callum is reckoning with his bandit life style and want for connection. The two have immediate chemistry that had me giggling reading all their flirty comments. Their love story is one of discovering that initial attraction can mean something deeper.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone reader who is looking for a romantasy that is somewhere between medium stakes and low stakes. There is an exciting heist plot in a very cozy setting. There is magical creatures and found family which really adds to the cozy vibes.

[Alyx Gough · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Thank you so much Berkley for the eARC!

OH MY GOSH. I loved this book SO MUCH.

This was giving Flynn Rider meets D&D and I was absolutely HERE FOR IT. 😂✨ Give me a charming rogue, a chaotic little adventure party, a ridiculous heist, found family, magic, and banter that had me grinning at my Kindle like an idiot and I am SOLD.

Prudence was such a wonderful character to follow. Watching her go from feeling like a nobody to finally figuring out what she actually wants—and realizing that maybe being important isn’t about being known by everyone—was surprisingly emotional. I loved her so much.

And then there’s Callum. 👀

This man had PEAK Flynn Rider energy and I ate up every second of it. The chemistry between him and Prudence was fantastic, but honestly? THE BANTER. I cannot remember the last time I had this much fun reading character interactions. They were constantly making me smile, laugh, and occasionally yell at my book.

This book was beautiful, emotional, charming, hilarious, and just ridiculously fun. It had that perfect D&D feeling where you have a group of slightly chaotic people, one questionable plan, and absolutely no idea how they’re going to pull it off—but somehow you’re having the time of your life watching them try. 😂

And the found family?! The adventure?! The magic?! The romance?! My HEART.

I finished this with the biggest smile and that very specific feeling of not being ready to say goodbye to the characters yet. This is exactly the kind of fantasy romance that reminds me why I love reading in the first place.

I need everyone to read this one. Immediately. 💛

[Amy (ReadThisAndSteep) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Charming and cozy, this companion book to Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is set in the same whimsical world, but stands on its own. With themes of personal growth, resilience, and found family, alongside a journey and heist, it is both heartwarming and escapist.

When bard Purduence's violin is destroyed by a handsome rogue named Callum, she demands to travel with them until they replace it. So she joins his ragtag crew of bandits on a road trip that culminates in a magical heist, and this journey moves her from self-proclaimed nobody to the hero of her own life, finding love along the way.

As sparks fly between Prudence and Callum, Callum's crew's clever banter and the world's whimsical magic make this fun. Told in dual POV, of Prudence and Callum, the story is humorous and heartfelt. Prudence shows satisfying growth across the book and is endearing. Some of the tropes include road trip, forced proximity, slow burn romance, and there is some spice. There's also a Robin Hood theme behind the bandits' motivation for their crimes.

While I love the MCs, my favorite character across both books in this series is Bartleby. A sentient houseplant, he is loyal, fiercely protective, and hilariously skilled at wielding weapons. This was a very entertaining and comforting read, and it looks like a third book might be coming!

Emma Ladji narrates the audiobook, and she does such a great job capturing the characters and the playful energy of their interactions. I love the warm tone of her voice and the way she leans into the whimsy of the world these characters inhabit. The production quality is excellent, too. Highly recommend this on audiobook!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to PRH Audio, Berkley, and Ace for the free eARC, ALC, and finished copy of Prudence Marsh is Not a Nobody Anymore by Emily Krempholtz, out on November 10th!

Violet Thistlewaite was a standout hit for me, so I was extremely pleased to find out that we were getting another book in this world surrounding Prudence, who was such a delight in the first book. This book is so cozy and has great stakes that never feel like they are overly dangerous in a way that takes away from the cozy atmosphere. I absolutely love a bard/rogue dynamic so this was perfect for me.

Our world expands so well in this novel. We get to experience more and branch out with new secondary characters. The character growth for both Pru and Callum was extremely believable and well done. They grew individually and their relationship was just the cherry on top. It truly took everything I loved about Violet Thistlewaite and amped it up.

Highly recommend this magical tale and recommend going back to Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore because it holds a special spot in my heart! We also are getting a Bartleby book next year!!