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Comfort Reads

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Man and a woman against ocean background.

The slow editorial trudge continues.

Saturday:

Sunday:

Mod R is my witness, I keep cutting and cutting and somehow there are more words.

Thank you for all of the encouragement. You guys are too nice!

I received an interesting question the other day: if you could choose a comfort read among your books, what would you choose?

It’s probably Silver Shark for me. It grew out of my experiences more than any other. Don’t get me wrong, when I think about my childhood, it’s sun-filled and bright. The garden, the flowers, the River Street with the huge river flowing slowly past, the parks, the friends…

However, the older I grew, the more aware I became and the bleaker my life looked. It’s normal for teenagers to be nihilistic, but everything was truly falling apart by the time I was 14, and it only got worse from there. My adolescence is desaturated in my memories.

I had a chance to Google-drive past the house where I grew up, and it was in ruins. It really hammered home the point: that life is over. The place of my childhood exists only in my memories. It’s bittersweet, but the place where I live now is wonderful. It’s vivid, and bright, and I’m grateful for it. Yes, US has its problems, and I will complain about them as much as any American, but it’s a huge upgrade compared to the life I left behind.

Which brings me to another question:

Could we get a post sometime where folks share their favorite comfort read portions of House Andrews books?

This sounds like fun. Of everything we’ve written, what scenes or books do you go to when you need a little bit of comfort? One lucky commenter will get a signed book from our shelves.

Please don’t recommend other authors, as we will have a separate thread for that.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. No need to cut, when BDH will read it <3

    Hidden Legacy is my favorite reread. There is just something about the family dynamics and witty banter that always brings a smile to my face.

  2. My comfort read is any of the Ilona Andrews books/stories. Depending on day and mode it could be a Legacy or Gertrude Hunt or Kate books or just a deleted snippet. Thank you. Relax and plan a vacay when editing is done.

      • I like ALL the books, but my favorito scene is the ferret heist. Everything about it is pure gold.

        No, strike that – everything about it is a big, sparkly diamond. Seeing Cornelius so connected to his animals reminds me of how awesome having a pet is, and how much life sucks without one.

      • Mine, too. It is the first series I started from House Andrews, and it is still my favorite. My husband and I read it together and would have “book club” over whatever chapter we were supposed to read that week and it was just an awesome, awesome time. We were still dating long distance at that point and so just to have a scheduled time together over Skype, talking about a book we both were enjoying, it just meant the world to me.

      • Yes. The two new Wilmington books are what I am re-reading. When she frees those caged children just really gets me. And the little girl’s burst of chatter really gives me hope for the resilience of children.

    • Same! In more ways than one 😋 but I’ve got to say KD is my little hidey whole I escape to when the world gets too much. I think the book that best does this for me every time is Magic Strikes. It was the first IA book I read (I blame my out of order read on my sister who got me into the books but also bless her because she introduced me to my favourite fictional world) and I was instantly hooked. I also relate too much to Kate’s need for connection and I love how it’s the first book you really see the beginning of what will become her family. Consciously chosen not just through something as random and unpredictable as blood. It’s the first time we see Kate and Curran start to acknowledge what they are/can be to one another: a home. A safe space where they will always find protection. And that reminded me so much of my parents and how their love was (lost my mom a few years ago) and what I want for myself in a relationship. So long story short, Magic Strikes. Especially cause that tub scene always brings a goofy smile to my face at the shenanigans of our two beloved hooligans that are Kate and Curran.

      • I have to concur with magic strikes. Although I truly love that first team match up when Kate, Curran, and Dali “accidentally” annihilate their opposition. It’s funny, and badass and really hits my love of competence porn. Each of their matches are really great scenes though, I’ve read them hundreds of times.

      • Magic Strikes for me as well. I love when she gets ready to sacrifice herself for all of them.

  3. Silver Shark is my favorite quick read. Claire’s journey from the grey and bleak to sunshine and dahlias slways cheers me up. And Ven, mmm!

    • ++

      It’s always been Silver Shark for me. I keep going back, because it was my first IA read, it remains my favourite.

    • +1

      I enjoy all HA’s works (even Steel’s Edge) and reread them periodically, Silver Shark is my go to comfort read.

  4. Oh, that is a tough question. I honestly reread all of your books (yes, all of them!) at least once a year and whenever I have a hard time. But all the scenes from the Midnight Games in Magic Strikes are a definite favourite!
    Also very excited that the new book seems to magically increase its word count despite your best efforts in editing. All the more to read for the BDH! 🥰

      • Kate Daniel is my First reading of the Andrews house, and my favorite ❤️. A lot of Fun moments and a lot of characters that touch me. Kate of course but Derek, Julie, Curran (Andrea and Raphaël) Dali… and a lot more.

    • Same! Midnight games are my comfort food. Something about the dynamic between the players, especially when Jim snapped the clipboard. What did he want me to do, catch him as he fell?? Bahahahha

      • The Midnight Games is pure gold. If you haven’t listened to it on Graphic Audio, you’re missing out. The whole scene where Jim loses it is even more hilarious when acted out.
        “Look you said sloppy. I didn’t even use my sword. I hit him with my head like a moron.”
        “A man with a sword attacked you and you disarmed him and knocked him out in two seconds”
        …
        “What the hell was that?
        “Crimson Jaws of Death”
        “And were you planning on letting me know you can turn people’s elbows backwards?”
        “I told you I do curses”
        “You told me they didn’t work!”
        “I said they don’t always work. This one worked apparently.”
        😂😂😂

        • Yes!!! This is my go to pick me up. I wish we could get a whole book that was just the games. So much in just a part of the book.

          • +1

            For me it’s the competence porn plus the found family banter. Especially with them all messing with Jim. It’s so funny and I just love it.

            • +1 all of this
              Magic Strikes, the Midnight Games, and the bonus Curran POV that starts to show why they work together.

              • YES. I just finished the graphic audio of this book and loved it. Kate Daniels was my first House Andrews series, and has a special place in my heart. Although, I also agree with someone below who said the first Edge book. And the Inkeeper series is just cozy…I can’t pick just one!

        • I’m sitting here giggling like a loon just reading this comment…
          +1 for Magic Strikes
          …I think I’ll go read it now. 🙂

    • Just last night I started Magic Strikes again on audiobook, (my brain can’t handle graphic audio), it
      is where the true partnership and live of Curran and Kate begins.

      I have honestly lost count of the number of times I have read the Kate Daniels series.

      But very close second is Magic Claims (Clams?), the family dynamic – the deep love.

  5. Hands down, it’s “On the Edge” for me. Rose and kid-Jack and kid-George have my favorite-est happy ending ever all time forever and ever and ever through all the re-reads.

  6. Not playing, ofc, but I love the topic too much!
    It’s Jack and William in On The Edge, when Jack brings him his safety chocolate bar:

    “You’re safe. You’re in a good place. Nobody can hurt you here.” He hesitated. “There’s some mushy love stuff that goes here, but it probably won’t work for you. The important thing is, this is a good place. It’s safe and warm and there is water and food.”
    Andrews, Ilona. On the Edge, The Edge 1. Ace Books 2009. Kindle edition, page 333

    Sometimes I have the anxiety of a rabbit that’s been to war and reading or remembering this scene just brings me peace 🙂

    • That is a really good part Mod R! I went back and re-read a couple of chapters there bookmarked that section. 🤗

    • +1 I love that scene so much – tho’ my favourite bit comes just before that, when William first finds out that Jack lives with them, and he sees the bedroom, and Jack offers him the chocolate. William is just so gobsmacked he can’t say a thing the entire time

    • William is one if my favorite characters. I was over joyed when he recieved his own story. My sadness for him was the only thing that made On the Edge less than perfect.

    • +1000, this scene is everything. Jack taking William’s hand, telling him he’ll be alright, that Rose won’t let anything happen to him, the chocolate…and then he thinks William is in really bad shape and he starts to go get Rose. Jack has so clearly been cared for and comforted and accepted and loved for him to be able to share it all with William in that one single moment. It’s love in action.

    • YES! This scene always tugs at my heartstrings the most. I love all of House Andrews offerings (Yea for more words!) but that scene is gooey melty S’mores for the heart and is my absolute comfort read.

  7. I have a couple. From the Wilingto years when Connor lifts up the pig head and roars, and everyone’s reaction at that moment and hiding it from Kate is hilarious. And when Arabella fights the bear guy. The whole scene of her like Oh yeah, you think you’re big and bed, well let me show you mine.

  8. I really like the scene in Burn For Me where Rogan is having dinner with Nevada and Catalina and Arabella tease him. It’s both funny and relaxed.

    • +1
      Mad Rogan, “I spend my days steeped in melancholy, looking out the window. Occasionally a single tear quietly rolls down my cheek.”

      A page later Grandma Frieda starts grilling him… “Do you have a girlfriend?”… “A boyfriend?”
      … “What about…”

      “No,” Mom and I said in unison. My son and I quote that one regularly.

      We also regularly quote Kate:

      Negotiate…Okay. I could do that.
      “Alright, Jeremy!” I yelled into the night. “Give me the salamander and I won’t cut your head off!”

      Is it odd to find this comforting? Kate is so consistently badass and yet protective (of Derek, Julie, Grendel, Andrea, etc) that I take comfort from that.

      And one more from Fate’s Edge, the first time George, Jack and Gaston worked together. Audrey and Kaldar’s first meeting. The Altoids get me every time.

  9. I can’t pick just one! That’s too hard, so I’m going with the Innkeeper Chronicles (the whole series). I love how Dina protects everyone, how Maud overcame everything, and I have hope that their parents will return for a happy ever after (I originally typed happy ending, but that made me laugh too much, so I had to change it 🤣🤣🤣).

    Thank you for all you both do to bring comfort to all of us! 🤗

  10. I can’t pick a single moment in them, but Catalina’s books are my go-to comfort re-reads when I’m between books or series. There’s just something about her story that feels like a warm blanket and cup of coffee/tea.

      • This is the one I reread most. It’s so nice having a story where the romantic interest isn’t the only relationship forged. As a kid who struggled to make friends with the other girls it’s nice to see a great female friendship forming. I mean the whole found family element of HL is wonderful, but I like this one especially.

  11. When Kate and Curran are having dinner while everyone is searching for the magic bomb box in book 5 and Kate asks Curran if he knew Roland was her father before they got together and Curran says of course, and I made provisions for us to run far away if you want to.

    • oh the same for me!! it’s so nice to see what’s going on inside Kate’s head (he just wants to use me for my powers and to fight Roland) and the Curran is like we can run away to any number of safe houses and just disappear. He truly loves her for her and wants to keep her safe. love love love!

    • Totally my favorite too! You can feel when she just melts when he tells her they can go anywhere. Sigh

  12. I feel that. My hometown burnt down. Everything is gone. I’m going to visit my sister and dad next week. We will be at my sister’s house that she and my mom bought before my mom passed. I keep referring to it as going home, even though I’ve never even been to that town. I’ve decided home is where my family is.

  13. I reread Kate Daniels. I like to be in a totally different world where there are heroes that are better than me at battling the monsters.

  14. My absolute favorite comfort read is Blood Heir. I love everything about that book and have lost count of how many times I’ve read it.

    Then comes Sweep of the Blade. Maud KA and takes names. Fabulous.

    Currently rereading Hidden Legacy, and I absolutely love the interplay within the family, and between Catalina and Alessandro, and with the new found family members of House Harrison and House Etterson. It’s just wonderful, every bit.

    • I also know where you’re coming from with the previous life. I return to Maryland, where I spent over sixty years growing up, working, and raising a family, about once every couple of months at this point. It’s so bittersweet driving around, remembering all the good times and the bad ones, and knowing that life is gone forever. Sweet because the bad times are gone, and bitter because the good ones are too. As the saying goes: You can’t step in the same river twice.

    • Blood Heir – I loved reading the snippets weekly during Covid- and the whole book“does he know it is her?” mystery. Finding out he always knew- I love that. I’m sad for the people who don’t like this book. Seeing each other for who they and loving them anyway is something that resonates with me in all the IA books.

  15. I love Sweep of the Blade, the relationship between the Maude and Arland is so fun to experience. In addition the interaction with the secondary characters, Helen, Arland’s family and the visitors with hidden agendas make this one of my go to rereads. The Innkeeper novels are all great but this one stands out for me.

      • It’s funny this topic came up as I was just thinking what a comfort these books have been to me since I lost my parents this spring. I relate to so many of the comments above. I have read nearly everything on the list so far, and have enjoyed the mix of great characters, their relationships (the heart of the books), humour, and wild adventures. I might have a small crush on Curran. My favourite series is probably the innkeeper chronicles, however, as wouldn’t it be wonderful if it were true? Minus the world-destroying flowers , etc., of course. Posted with thanks and appreciation to House Andrews. ❤️

      • I love to see Kate and Curran in a happy (if peaceful) family in Magic Triumphs !

        THE PROBLEM WITH having a son who’d discovered he was a shapeshifter was twofold. First, Conlan was a hyperactive toddler. Second, lions are cats, and cats like pouncing. They especially like pouncing on their happily sleeping parents and then bouncing up and down on the bed, flexing their claws. “It’s six . . .” bounce “in the morning.” Bounce. “I thought . . .” bounce “you hunted . . . in the evening.” “We’re . . .” bounce “adaptable.” Bounce. “Lions . . . are . . . crepuscular . . . active in . . . twilight.” “Can we . . . make him . . . less active?” Curran grabbed Conlan and pinned him down. “Stop annoying your mother.” “Rawrarawara!”

        • +1 for Magic Triumphs.

          I love reading about Kate freaking out over Conlan, and seeing her demonstrating total control over her magic.
          “On one hand, a clean Conlan eating cereal. On the other, Conlan covered in blood gnawing a deer leg.”
          “Which one seems more like your kid?” Curran asked.

          I also love to reread the Nevada/Connor HL books. If I were still reading paper instead of ebooks, I’m sure I’d have worn out a few sets already.

  16. Innkeeper, hands down. The funny thing is that the first time I read Clean Sweep, a couple of years ago now, I loved Dina and didn’t particularly care for Sean. I’d have thrown him out of the inn, too, lol. And then Sean grew on me through each successive book as his character expands, particularly since I’ve listened to the Graphic Audio versions (is it January, when SWOTH comes out on GA, YET?) that add a little more humor to his voice than I picked up on when reading. Apparently that whole “doomed hero trapped by honor” thing with Sean as Turan Adin then “rescued” by Dina is one of my reading hot buttons, who knew? Now they are one of my favorite pairings and any scene with the two of them interacting is one of my favorites.

    I also love Maud and Arland’s book.

    I’d also have to say that I am in no hurry for the series to end/fully resolve. There are plenty of adventures to be had.

    • IA had me at the apple tree poisoning in “Clean Sweep” and I have joyfully watched the relationship growing between Dina, Sean, and Beast ever since.

      Including the additional charming cast of characters … Innkeeper is my squee-fest. Deadtree, electronic, one narrator, or many, I reach for Innkeeper, and Dina driven storylines.

      And, perhaps not so surprising, I come to this little found home corner of the internet, to bask in the everyday shenanigans and observations of: Ilona, Gordon, Mod R, Kid 1, Kid 2, pets, Jeaniene, their circle of friends and family, and the BDH.

  17. My favorite comfort read is Fated Blades. I loved everything about it from the cool cover art to the end with both families screaming at them. My mother’s favorite is Graphic Audio’s Sweep of the Blade. She says it helps to keep the nightmares at bay when she sleeps.

    • +1 !!! I also favor Fated Blades. I either read or listen to it every second or third week or so. It has yet to pale for me.

    • YES! to everything you said about Fated Blades. I know it’s fairly new, but I’ve already read it 3 times. They’re being together brings me great joy.

  18. I love all the series but my comfort read out of all is The Innkeeper, specifically Sweep of the Blade. Maud is taking such chances traveling to Daesyn. She confronts her doubts,deals with her past experiences and betrayals, and fights to be valued. And in a bloody finale she wins it all, vindication, vengeance and valuation! Every chapter is a gem taking you through her journey from betrayed to beloved. For me it’s the best story. I’m looking forward to their wedding!!!

  19. I read Nevada’s books. Something about how she had to grow up really fast just resonates with me. Also, Rogan lol Though I gotta say all three Kinsmen are a close second, they’re a fast read but I love how they pack a punch even being short.

  21. I have so many–Silver Shark (Claire’s journey is awesome), the Kate Daniels series (Kate’s arc is just as awesome), and Blood Heir. I also love Sweep of the Blade and Arabella and Mikhail’s fight in Ruby Fever.

  22. Any Innkeeper scene with Orro after he becomes the Gertrude Hunt chef, but favorites are his trip to the TV celebrity chef’s studio and his efforts to appease Officer Marais’s wife with all the donuts…

    I also particularly love when Catalina manipulates Alessandro into eating a hot pepper when she’s making salsa.

    Yes, there is a food theme here…

  23. For me it’s the Graphic Audio versions of the Innkeeper series. I listen to them over and over as I work. I’ve actually lost count of the number of times I’ve listened to them. They make me laugh and cry the exact right amount and I just love them to bits. I’m so looking forwards to when the new one finally gets its GA. I’ve already got it on pre-order.

    • I love love love the innkeeper series. but the graphic audio version just made me love them even more. it’s just so perfect!!

  24. sweep of the blade…. the ripper cushion and little fangs. just love the spirit and resilience of Maud. as well as her adaptability and smarts.

  25. I don’t know if these are so much for comfort, but they do bring me joy: If we are talking scenes – I love reading the hot tub scene in Magic Strikes. It’s such a fun scene. As for series – I love re-reading the Innkeeper Chronicles over and over.

  26. Glad to see I am not the only one with a soft spot for Sweep of The Blade. Maude being so competent, Helen being adorable, Arlan being all in on his girls. This is the book I turn to when the brain weasels get to be too much.

    • Not only are you not the only one, you are actually in the majority here. Me, too! Maud – yes. Also, there is something about the trip to the Black Sea and the scene in the mountains where Curran has to confess what he is up to.

  27. Hidden Legacy – Catalina’s arc in particular – was my comfort listen through the global pandemic. I would put in my earbuds and go for a walk and the world would steady a bit.

    Currently, the Innkeeper series are on auto repeat because they are cozy but exciting as I slog through my own personal pandemic of grief and stress.

  28. I have so many! But a particular favorite is in Iron Covenant when Elara finally decides she wants Hugh more than she wants to kill him. After all, they could always poison him. Oh, and when Kate blows up the kraken and calls Hugh and he laughs at her. Priceless.

    • Also, when Kate tells Hugh what happened at the Farm, inferred she was a former Iron Dog, and left his cohort. Hugh asks Kate why she left, she said she had a problem with authority, and he said that would do it. I laugh every time I read that in Magic Tides.

  29. It’s the scene in ONE FELL SWEEP before the aliens arrive. The gang is having breakfast, Helen is being cute with the bacon stealing, Arland is mock-growling at her, Maud is trying very hard not to notice Arland. The inn feels like a family.

    This is why I’m so happy by the final reveal in SWEEP OF THE HEART. It coldor

    • Oops, it submitted before I finished my comment.

      ***

      This is why I’m so happy by the final reveal in SWEEP OF THE HEART. It comforts me to know that Maud/Helen/Arland will easily visit Gertrude Hunt for a relaxing meal prepared by Orro. Helen will practice creating rooms and play with the fish. I spend way too much time thinking about this. 😭

  30. I go to the Innkeeper series, specifically where Oro receives his “redemption” with Chef Adri. It’s such an uplifting moment!

  31. My favorite comfort read and/or listen is the Innkeeper series. I love the growth of the characters, the compelling story arc mystery of their parents/inn’s disappearance, and zany characters. My favorite comfort read is Sweep with Me and the Treaty Stay.

  32. There are so many scenes from so many books but Kate and the gang are my favorites. I have multiple paperback copies in the car and house for emergency reads. I have them in ebooks and audio and now Im collecting GA versions as well.
    The parts that stand out for me is when Curran literally and figuratively had her back during that claiming of Atlanta. I loved them as a couple so much!
    Then I think in Magic Shifts when Curran asks (Im paraphrasing) why dont you do what I say, and our girl says you dont ask you tell. Before reading this book I had that almost exact conversation with my husband. He was an Active Duty Marine then and had trouble turning off the ordering. I laughed so hard and sent him a message saying see I do have something in common with Kate. Her husband forgets we arent your subordinates 😂😂

    • Not just the military, Keera. 😉 Mr. Wife is now a retired corporate manager — the training is also OODA: orient, observe, decide, act. The first action being to inform the team what needs to be done and who will do what. But the training only polishes the innate approach to the universe, bless their decisive little hearts!

      On the other hand, they respond so beautifully to challenges that play to their strengths — he’d been fussing at me for not managing the budget well while he worked a series of factory start-ups around the world, despite knowing that money is not what I am good at, and that I really was trying. Instead of fighting with him anymore, I challenged him to do for our budget what he did for his employer. He froze for a minute while pondering that paradigm change, then his eyes lit up and he charged forth To Do Battle With Our Finances. Seriously.

      Since then, regardless of the intensity of his work/travel schedule, he gives me an annual report presentation with multicolour graphs in several shapes, backed by data tables, complete with goals and stretch goals for the next year and next five years, not to mention a summary of how far we’ve come since the year of challenge. And we haven’t fought about the budget since. 🙂

      • Oh my word. Truly want to grab my opera length pearls so I can clutch them…dramatically. How wonderful in resolving the financial situation.
        My hubby does 98% of our finances because 1) I’m numbers dyslexic 2) I can be a tad airhead with said numbers 😬

      • Teheehee and another giggle or three. “goals and stretch goals…” Wow.
        OK – deep breath. I’m good.
        Nope…laughing again.

      • An article by the head of a financial advisor firm discussed how to avoid the financial hit of divorce after retirement. His thesis was that prospective retirees should be proactive about avoiding divorce. One point was that upon retirement, managers and supervisors often believe they should either manage the household, or supervise the person who has been managing the household all along. In the author’s words: “That rarely ends well.”

      • Um… I think we would need to see example of the graphs. That sounds intense – but in a good way. Good for you!
        I now realize I am really relaxed with my family finance mgmt style….
        *eyes wide*

  34. Always, always it is Sweep of the Blade. It has taken me through COVID as a doctor, being told my husband was divorcing me the day after I told him I had terminal cancer and all the cr*p that has followed. When life gets too much, I turn to this book and life seems a little brighter

  36. A Mere Formality is my go to read. In the midst of her diplomatic career nightmare, Deidre finds love with the Lord Nagrad of the Reigh. It’s witty, funny, smutty, and short. It never fails to make me laugh and feel better! It’s a great short read when I am overwhelmed with oh so little time.

  37. the innkeeper series, especially 1-3 and my favorite, most comforting scenes are in Sweep in Peace (the presentation of the room for Turan Adin, the scene at the start of chapter 15 and the scene at the koi pond).

    For me, it’s a bit less about the series itself, but the memories I have of reading the books when I was in a very black hole mentally and the pause from my thoughts they afforded me.

  38. Both Magic Triumphs (Kate refusing to negotiate with the oatmeal-denying terrorist, Conlan singing the sad song of his people, Hugh) and Sweep of the Heart (phenomenal world building – so many many worlds).

    House Andrews, thank you for helping us through all the rough times.

  39. I reread Innkeeper the most as my comfort read, with Silver Shark coming in a close second. Visiting Gertrude Hunt is like getting a warm hug and Silver Shark takes me back to my earlier days. Although, there are times I revisit Kate and Curran too…

  40. Silver Shark for me too, as well as the other Kinsmen Universe books—there’s just something so uplifting about the people there—even those worn down by violence and bleakness—finding and choosing joy nevertheless, and walking their own paths, however unconventional, at however their stage of life or family situation—so much hope there. I reread these more than any of your other series, I think, for the comfort hope, joy—and I reread all your series!💜

  41. sapphire flames – when allesandro eats the pepper and when he has dinner. the hidden legacy dinners I general are a fav

  42. I always go back to the humor, the scenes where the stakes are high but then you get Rogan calling for pressure sensors on the dryer vents…

    • This whole scene with Augustine saying he’s in the middle of a Disney movie, and Harrison saying pretend I practice with my animals as much as you practice, then Rogan making the call!! It’s one of my favorites.

      And Orro trying to make a bad hamburger- just genius!

      Innkeeper books are my favorite. So many wonderful scenes and then the HEA once all the life ending battles are done.

  43. The ending of “On The Edge.” Where Rose arrives at the castle, unable to believe that nobles will find her acceptable.

  44. Innkeeper, the whole series, closely followed by Hidden Legacy. Rereading Burn for Me right now.

  48. What can I say? I love anything written by the dynamic duo. Both Hidden Legacy and Innkeeper series are neck and neck for favorite series of books. If I had to choose one though? Sweep of the Blade. I never get tired of Helen and her “rippercushions” lol!!

  49. sweep of the blade the scene, where Maud arranged the Tachies food. I like food preparation scenes, because to share food is to share love.

  51. I consider all your books comfort reads; Going back to them is like meeting up with old friends. The story I re-read the most is Alpha Orgins in the Angles of Darkness anthology

  52. I don’t normaly re-read books. Too many books too outthere to read. Yet I keep re-reading Iron and Magic again and again. It’s my one true comfort read.

    • glad to see someone else say Iron & Magic is their favorite. For some reason Hugh struggling to find himself just resonates with me. Him finding the strength day after day to make himself a better person & in small ways cancel out what Roland made him do all these years ago…is heart breaking.
      His fights with Elera are hysterical in so many ways. This section is one of my favorites..”If it comes back, Hugh will kill it. That’s what he does. He protects us.” to me that is when Hugh finds himself..as it states, Now he had a place,here in the castle, and a purpose. Chapter 10, page 185 on NOOK

      • This, the way Hugh stares in the abyss and finds the determination and courage to go on.
        Iron and Magic is my book to go to when times get tough.

  53. Ok I seriously just do rereads of the entire catalog when I’m trying to escape or cope but my favorite scene is the trials of House Baylor. Arabella’s frustration with the math delights me as a parent of older teens.

  54. magic breaks. it was the first I had both physical and digital copy of. the whole book was just the turning point for both Kate and Curran to step into their own power and selves. the story is just non stop anticipation and ends with the the claiming and curran stepping it down. it to be it was just this big “yes now we really get to see who they are” i think thats why i like magic claims so much, they are mirrors of each other.

  56. Oh, tough question… it’s both Kates Atlanta or the Magic Inn, depends on my mood. I read them so often, both are like home somehow.

  57. Silent Blade – the dahlia gardens and wars are a treat. We started a farm this past year, including rows and rows of cut flowers and, specifically, dahlias. Life overwhelmed (two family deaths, overcommitting to weekend art festivals while also doing gallery shows, regular jobs, etc etc) and something had to give. Sadly it was the flower fields. Reading about the dahlia wars, and the vividness of the backyard gardens, is both restorative and inspirational. I would totally nuke a hated rival’s garden…

  58. When I’m in need of comfort, Innkeeper is great – any part with food, tiny vampire children cooking with Quillonians, good doggies and mysterious cats, and… well, every part. Silver Shark is also good; a new hairstyle and trying new fruits always brightens things up. Then, a meal with the Baylor’s is nice, normal, and hilarious. Aurelia/Julie describing her new house reminds me of my own treasures and I also love reading about the inner workings of Elara’s castle. They’re all comfort reads! My favorite scenes are when the couples/future couples are being sassy to each other or the guys are prematurely smug. So funny!

  59. although I haven’t reread them in a while, I find the relationship between Rose and Jack and George in the Edge series to be the most relatable and therefore comforting to me. My older sister is 10 years older than me, without her I don’t think I would have made it. I was a weird kid. My sister loved me fiercely despite that. I am one lucky duck for sure.

    • Hey Maria, you don’t have to make separate comments for scenes, there is no limit on how many you can mention in one 🙂

  61. Great choices all. I gravitate between KD and Innkeeper because you write gems like this (Magic Breaks, Chpt 17):

    “Oh screw it. “I mourn my sword, but that’s alright. Grandmother gave me another one.” I pulled Sarrat out of its sheath.

    Landon spun the wheel. The Land Rover nearly careened, turning off the road. Landon parked and bolted out of the car, slapping the driver’s door closed behind him.

    Awesome. I’d terrified the Legatus of the Golden Legion just by showing him my sword. If I waved it around, he’d probably explode.

    Sarrat smoked on my lap. Its magic wasn’t subtle, like Slayer’s. No, this sword emanated power. It coiled around me. It liked me.

    Landon paced back and forth, his eyes a little wild.

    “Well, he took it worse than I did,” Curran said.

    “I don’t see what the big deal is.”

    “It’s a sword made out of your grandmother’s bones, Kate.”

    I shrugged.

    Landon stared at me through the windshield, turned around, paced back and forth, and stared at me again.

    “Do you know what most people have from their grandmother? A tea set. Or a quilt.” Curran smiled. “If your family had a quilt, it would be made out of chimera skin and stuffed with feathers from dead angels.”

    “Are we talking Judeo-Christian angels, because those don’t exist, or pagan angels like Teddy Jo?”

    “Kate,” Curran said.

    “Hey, I warned you from the start it would be weird. I sat in that bathtub with you and told you that this was a really bad idea. You said you loved me and stayed in the tub. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve made your bed. You have to lie in it.”

    “I’ll lie in any bed as long as you’re in it, but this is still weird.”

    I don’t know how many times I’ve read that but I still chuckle every time. Thank you for all the comfort reading. They have come in particularly handy for me this year.

  62. Magic Triumphs scenes with Conlan are comfort reads for me. The love and protection from Kate and Curran for Conlan warms me up.

    Iron and Magic scene where Deirdre screams for Hugh and he comes running to protect Elara.

    Sweep of the Blade as whole as it’s one of my fave House Andrews books bc of the dynamic between Maude and Helen

    I don’t know what it says about me that fight/killing/protection scenes are comforting. Now I feel like the dog Era hated that ran to her for protection from thunderstorms. Might need to talk to my therapist about this 😩

  63. My favorite comfort read is Clean Sweep. I just adore the interpersonal dynamics, the handsome interstellar vampires, & the secretly beastly fluffball. ♥️♥️♥️

  64. So many, BUT… That scene where Gaston describes George and Sophie’s courtship arc where they finally make it work. So happy for their happy ending!

  65. My comfort reads are Sweep of the Blade and Silver Shark. Lots of your characters are survivors, but on some level, I really connected emotionally with the characters in both books.

    In Sweep of the Blade my favourite parts were about Maud’s love for Helen. I love the whole sentiment about being a parent and what we do for our children. It’s really evident during and after Maud’s fight with Ilemina, “I couldn’t let her kill me,” Maud said, “I couldn’t leave Helen”. Helen’s defense of Maud is also a so wonderful.

    With Silver Shark, it’s that Claire has to present herself one way, but on the inside there was a vibrant person trying to get out. My favourite scene in where Ven shows Claire how he sees her on the bionet – okay, he doesn’t know it’s Claire, he shows her a glorious sea serpent (if only he wasn’t so blind!).

  66. It’s hard to pick just one, because all the HA books are my comfort reads. I am currently rereading Catalina’s story and just started Emerald Blaze. I recently finished the Innkeeper series…again. I just love them all and go back to them at different times for different things.

  67. Kate Daniel’s Magic Strikes. This is the book I will always go towards if I’m feeling down or need an escape. I can’t give you one reason why just something about this one makes me forget for a while and soothes my soul in a way that other books can’t.

  68. Sweep of the Blade – I love both Maud and Arland; Silver Shark; Fated Blades (re-read recently because of the naming-the man-marathon). I am an avid reader and read a lot (A LOT); it is the pure truth that your books are among the best I have ever read. Your skills in building worlds and characters are exquisite; you always craft engaging story plots; and, above all, I love the way your stories are interwoven with beautiful values – love, friendship, loyalty, kindness… Oh, and the sense of humor and delicious sarcasm! According to mood and circumstances, all of your books are comfort read.

  69. My comfort read has to be the entire Kate Daniel series. I do a reread every year and I love how I’m still able to discover things I missed previously or how certain scenes gets me emotionally like reading it the first time.

    • +1 on the things I missed previously. As many times as I’ve read these, you’d think that wasn’t possible, but it still happens almost every time.

  70. The whole scene where Maude meets the Tachi in Sweep of the Blade and makes them dinner. The “ripper cushions” incident and the “coincidental run in with the lees. I adore this whole book- out of all of yours I’ve re read this one probably 20 times! The traditions and world building- just extraordinary!

    • That Tachi scene is my favorite in this book, my second favorite after Blood Heir. The entire book is awesome though, every bit.

  71. My comfort read is all of the Innkeeper books. if I’m particularly stressed, it’s Sweep of the Blade. Maude and Helen make me so happy.

  72. My favorite is Innkeeper. I love them all but this is the one I come back to for comfort
    Specifically, One Fell Sweep
    ‘We’re being besieged by murderous poultry!’
    But my favorite scene is when Orro is explaining to Wing about Christmas:
    ‘The young men go out in small packs, they brave the cold and come into conflict with other packs and they have to prove their dominance through physical combat. Their fathers teach them lessons in the proper use of swear words and the young men have to undergo tests of endurance, like holding soap in their mouths and licking cold metal objects….
    I suppose Small Helen could substitute for a male, I’m sure we can get her a proper gun,’. We can’t She’ll put her eye out…’

    I love the depth of the characters and the effort to reinterpret different cultures to others. This scene makes me laugh every time! Of course any scene with Orro makes me happy!

  73. Both Hidden Legacy and The Innkeeper. I just start at the first book of each of them, and relax and enjoy reading them all the way through.

    I love the Hidden Legacy family, and how they stick together and support each other, no matter what. And I love the funny moments in the family, as well. The teasing and the in-fighting which really make me laugh, because the fighting is over things that aren’t important but does seem to relieve stress.

    And the Innkeeper and Gertrude Hunt with all the changes in the Inn and the Universe. I love the story of Maud, Helen and Arland and ripper cushions, which is priceless in so many ways. It’s such a joy to re-read them and experience the wonderful world you have built for them, and for us.

    Thanks, House Andrews.

  74. I have Magic Cla(i)ms downloaded on my phone. I read bits of it every time I have a chance. The opening scene with Kate and Era is a particular favorite.

  75. Kinsman Universe if I don’t have a ton of time but want to feel good.
    Hidden Legacy if I have even the teeniest bit of time (because, and I freely confess my failings, I can’t put down an IA book until I’ve read it entirely lol)
    The family dynamics always sucker me in, they’re just so warm and wholesome….IA seriously write THE best kids/teens!

  76. Innkeeper! There are so many things that make my heart happy: Dina revoking Sean’s welcome. Arland drunk on coffee. Anytime Arland starts a “I am but a humble warrior” speech. Sean and Arland interactions. Sean in poet mode. Orro when he drama llamas. Dina surprising folks with her brand of strength. Maud surprising folks with her strength. I’ve been listening to the Graphic Audio during some long drives and it just makes me SO HAPPY.

    As a step-daughter, I ABSOLUTELY adore Arland’s relationship with Helen. There’s a line when Arland says “when you see your daughter and the woman you love” to describe Helen and Maud. Maud hasn’t agreed to marry him at this point, but he already thinks of Helen as his daughter. (I mean, we know it’s going to happen, but still. He’s all in with both of them.)

    Hidden Legacy is my next comfort read. The comfort read part is all the family interactions . . . the family by blood and how they also sweep in Cornelius, etc.

    Thanks, House Andrews, for such great go-to comfort reads.

    • I totally agree! I just re-read Innkeeper up to SOTB. So satisfying. And, Catalinia has been peeking around the corner at me…

  77. oh, I love this question! I comfort read entire books, however…a single scene is never enough for me. My favorite so far is Ruby Fever for the ‘feel goods’. It so thoroughly wraps up the emotional strings of the major characters and I really love the Catalina/Alessandro dynamic.

  78. Clearly it has to be „ Sweep of the blade „!
    It is my absoluter favorite book, I adore Maud and her strong mind!

  79. My favourite comfort read has to be the Innkeeper Chronicles, in particular Sweep in Peace, Sweep with Me, and Sweep of the Heart.
    Love the world it opens up for the imagination!
    Special shout-out to Orro, the best chef there is 💕

  80. If I need something to cheer me up, it’s the ferret heist scene. The kinsmen universe in general is a go to for me for when I need something to relax with at the end of a long day due to their shorter length. That way I don’t stay up all night re-reading like I might with hidden legacy.

  81. I started reading Burn for Me, my first House Andrews book ever, in March of 2020 when I desperately needed an escape from the world and it gave me that so it’s the one I tend to reread when things start to get too heavy in the real world.

  82. Silver shark as well. 100%. I don’t know what it is about that book but it just hits me right.

    I also love the end of Swine and Roses. It makes me want more of their story!!

  83. The banquet scene from Sweep of the Blade when Maude connects with the Tachis and ends with Helen and rippercushions. I just never get tired of it.

  85. Every night I listen to one of your books and I switch between Hidden Legacy and the Inkeeper Chronicals (sometimes I listen to them in English, sometime in my native tongue). But when I feel really low I read Kate Daniels Number 3, the Midnight Games are amazing. Because it is the first time Kate really reveals her power to save someone she cares about. It is a huge turning point in her story (and of course the hot tub scene :D).
    I also love the scene in the last book where there is this conversation “The consort is ever merciful.” “Yes, HE is”. I love it so much!!!!

  86. The most recent comfort read section is Ramona and Matias talking about their summers at the summerhouse by the lake, chasing fireflies, climbing trees and eating cherries off the tree.

    Certainly my childhood was nothing like that growing up in an urban jungle, but I remember one magical summer where the moms of several family signed all of us kids up for ballroom dancing class, math tutoring class and swimming lessons at our pool. When you hang out with your besties all summer that no matter what you did together would be extra fun, and it was the last year we spent our summer together. That passage always brings me back to that one last magical summer.

  87. My favorite scene is when Kate returns from Mishmar with her “advising knife”, and Erra (re)appears. To bounce from that, any subsequent scene with Kate and Erra, or Kate, Julie, and Erra is total catnip. The role that Erra was able to fill for both of them, and their similar senses of humor is the BEST!

    • Erra after Derek and Curran practically run into each other: “You want to marry that? Is there a shortage of men?”

      Along with other scenes, I laugh every time I read that part.

  88. For me all of the Inn Keeper’s Chronicles are my comfort reads. I have literally read each book at least 10 times. I read the last one each week you sent out the chapters on the blog and then bought the book the minute it came out. My daughter, who loves your books too, actually gets frustrated when she asks me what I’m reading and I say, “I’m back with Dina and Sean.” Or, “I’m hanging with Maud and House Krahr again.” But, you love what you love and your Inn Keeper books are my warm blanket when I can’t people anymore and I don’t want to adult anymore, your books help me unwind enough that I’m willing to try again the next day!

  89. I’d just reread sweep of the blade yesterday
    It has strong massage about second chance (with love and with life in general).
    I find it really comforting that even if your life sometimes seems like Karhari, there is an Arland waiting for you in the end 🙂

  90. When I want a bit of a giggle I read the bit where Kate and Curran face down Roland and then Gastek realises who Kate really is. He is soo oblivious.

  94. InnKeeper is my comfort read. There is something about the control and wonder the inns can give you, but that it doesn’t solve all problems that really comforts me when life gets hard. I get to imagine the wonder of an inn and everything that can be created, while being reminded that problems can be overcome with some hard work and a willingness to dig in. Waving the magic wand (or magic broom in this case) doesn’t solve all, but finding wonder in the everyday life and the magic we can created in our own world really reminds me to appreciate life.

  95. For me, it’s the Hidden Legacy series–specifically, Catalina’s first book Sapphire Flames. Watching Catelina be forced to grow and adapt into a powerful, confident woman–the Head of her House and her family’s business–is so inspiring. It always makes me feel like I too can conquer sentient swamp monsters and find a hot Italian assassin of my own.

  97. Comfort read (if I had to pick just one): Steel’s edge. All your books are a wonderful escape, but i really love the more mature Charlotte and Richard love story

  98. Lol @ comfort read scenes… Its never going to be a scene but the entire book and for me its the Hidden Legacy trilogy. The entire arc of Nevada coming into her own and Rogan’s mad-intense action scenes with movie hero finales…

  99. Silver Shark also my fav comfort read. I enjoy all of the shorts from that particular IA world. I wish there are more.

  100. We really can’t go home again.

    I go back to the sections in Sweep in Peace where Dina creates the rooms for the delegations and the conference. There is something about interior design in books that I find soothing. And Dina is so thoughtful about it! Universal design at its best 🙂

  101. All the words!!!

    this will sound like a cop out, but I don’t read sections or out of order, ever 😅 for me, when I want a comfort read, I start rereading one of the series that I haven’t read in some time, and read EVERYTHING LOL. for example, I just felt the need for some IA, so I started rereading the Edge series, it’s the one I haven’t read since 2020. It was wonderful, also a bit traumatic (the thing that happens to Cherise’s mom… ugh, I just hate reading those parts)

  102. 100% Innkeeper for me. Everything about the series: recipes, characters, storylines is just like a warm blanket and mug of cocoa. It was also the first IA series I discovered when the pandemic was in full swing and it just brightened up that entire month.

  103. Burn For Me is my go-to comfort reread. I adore the family and how they’ve managed to live with what they have. It’s both the story and the promise of five more books after. I love that world but the first book when we get to know the family is always so comforting!

  104. All of Innkeeper,but especially the bits with Officer Marais and his family! My sympathy for you finding out the state of your childhood home. I once found relatively recent drone footage of my Grandma’s home town and her house is now a n empty lot with huge evergreen trees on it. I was there last in 1971! Sort out the happy memories from your youth and pass them on. There will be treasures there if you hunt for them. Holidays, pretty scenery, the smell and taste of your favorite foods. As I mention these I also remember! Thank-You

  105. I listen to all of your books on Audible at night to help me sleep. They are like receiving a hug from a friend: familiar, entertaining, and comforting. When I wake up, I know where I am in each story which calms my brain as I follow along and then I can drift back to dreamland.

    • Magic Steals. I love Dali. When she’s talking to her mom, aunt, and friends and Jim walks onto the kitchen in a towel… LOVE it!!!

  106. Hidden Legacy. I think I own multiple ebook copies. 😂 I live that series and i think i did 3 rereads in a 6 month period when i was in a rut.

  108. Hidden Legacy books.

    I’m an only child. My grandparents are no longer alive… and I wish I had such a big and supportive family. One of my favourite scenes – Grandma Frida knitting!!

  109. Im not sure if this counts for comfort but…

    I used to travel a lot, both for work and just because I liked it. However that hasn’t been the case in the last few years and sometimes I get this feeling that my life has gotten too boring and closed.

    When this happens certain reads help and of all HA books, my favourite in this context is Kate 6, the trip from Atlanta to Georgia. It always gives me this bubbly adventurous feeling I used to get at the beginning of a new trip (and the fact that I live on the Black Sea, only at the opposite site of it, probably matters too 🙂

    Some scenes from the Innkeeper have similar resonance, mostly when Dina changes the Inn into something completely different, it always makes me curious and interested to explore it.

  110. Generally Magic Strikes. Which may seem odd, but it’s the one that truly hooked me. The one that had me desperate for more and the beginning of everything that followed in so many ways. So yeah, that’s my go to. I just love the interactions throughout it and how you can see everyone becoming family.

  111. “Of Swine and Roses” -how a date should be spent, being a brave little pig, and maybe a little bit the keep away part.

    • For me, it is the Innkeeper Chronicles, especially Sweep of the Heart, followed by the triumphant Sweep of the Blade. When I’m depressed, nothing comforts me more than the rescue of Maude and Helen, Helen and bacon, Helen’s gift of the tree ornament, and mango ice cream. Then I am ready to enjoy how totally outclassed by Maud (and Helen), everyone is! I can’t resist the ripper cushions, the bride’s coffee hour, and the whole amazing, wonderful hunting episode! So much to treasure in both books. I read them both multiple times last year.
      Thank you, thank you both for helping me through the pandemic. When I couldn’t concentrate on any other books, yours reached my soul with uplifting comfort. I love them all and all your series, but these two books are my go-to when things are dire.
      I’m so blessed to have found you both so many years ago!

  112. The Innkeeper series for sure! I usually have it running on repeat (esp the new Graphic Audio version) and just start over again once I get to the end of the series (for now!).

  113. For me, it’s the Edge books and Bayou Moon in particular. I love the world building, but mostly the outsider-finding-his/her-family dynamic.
    Also, love the bad guy! He gives me the SHIVERS!

    • I haven’t noticed a lot of votes for Bayou Moon, it seems to be unpopular. However, I love all the Edge books and William and Cerise are my favorites for re-reading. I love the spaghetti queen scenes and their whole trip through the bayou. I would like to see a redemption story for Evan [the traitor]. After all, family always has to take you in, no matter what. I know the series is dead, though, to my great sorrow. Luckily, I have all of their other books to wallow in…and I do.

  114. If we’re sticking with comfort re-reads, I’m going a bit off-the-wall here and picking a short story. A Mere Formality! Each time I read it I get a fit of the giggles and all the “awwwww, true luv”, feels!!! Lightens and brightens my mood every time. And there have been a lot of re-reads!

  115. My ultimate comfort read is Fated Blades. It used to be Clean Sweep (it’s so cozy), but it was dethroned on November 27, 2021, which just made me realize was 2 years from today EXACTLY (yes, it was published on 11/23, but I didn’t read it until that Saturday). Now, isn’t that kismet? I am not exaggerating when I say I have read the entire book approximately 20 times. If I wasn’t currently at work (on my lunch break!) I would attach a photo of my beloved, yet bedraggled book. I’ve also gifted it to several friends.

    For why my ultimate comfort book is Fated Blades, of course it’s the overall plot/story, but I REALLY like the dancing fight scenes. I see them so vividly in my head and I get swept up each and every time. I am a mental health therapist by trade, and reading this book (as well as sharing it) is one of my tried and true methods of waylaying burn out, so I should be thanking you, as well as my patients<3

    Best,
    Ariel

    • A few of my favorite quotes/passages:

      •“Cassida gifted you a lovely vintage Second Wave toaster for your collection,” Matias said. What? Ramona turned to him. “You hacked them through a malignant toaster?” “Yes.” She laughed.”

      •“Matias!” Nadira said into the ensuing silence. “Why did you sell our company to Ramona Adler?” “Because it’s customary to exchange bridal gifts before the wedding,” he said. Everyone screamed at once.”

      •“Ramona laughed. It sounded like a promise of murder.”

      •“She looked beautiful and alive, as if the planet had exhaled its magic and conjured her from its breath to taunt him. He wanted to touch her to see if she was real. The woods spread for many kilometers around them, steeped in night shadows and glowing with delicate color. The temple sat within them like a tiny man-made island, and their fire was its heart. It felt like they were the last two people on the planet, just him and her.”

      •“Being kind to people and paying attention shouldn’t be done with the expectation of repayment. I helped them because I could, and it made me happy.”

    • I totally agree! This story gives me the most incredible “word pictures” in my mind. I never get tired of it.

  116. Although I love all IA books, Kate Daniels is my go to comfort. Specifically Magic Breaks. The high energy of the search, Mishmar, the dismemberment of Hibla brings me joy.

    I will occasionally reread or listen to Hugh & Kate sparring that’s always fun.

  118. If I’m rereading just a part, I’ll read the final third of Magc Strikes, from when Kate finds out that’s Hugh through the rescue. Yes, the hot tub, but also Kate recognizing that she has friends and she doesn’t have to give them up like Voron would want.

    I have a special love for Magic Gifts, and will happily reread that novella (novelette?) at random times. Probably because it shows Kate and Curran trying to be normal, and the scene at the end with the boy and his grandfather.

    For a full book reread as a genuine comfort read, Blood Heir. It just makes me happy.

    All that said, I picked up Sweep of the Blade last night while waiting for the laundry to finish and quite enjoyed Maud and the fruit platter.

  119. It’s Kate’s series for me! My favorite thing about it and honestly everything you guys have written is the witty banter and the little things you guys bring in. I love Disney and when you had Kate quote the Lion King it was perfect it really makes me feel like Kate is a real person who at some point watched Lion King. And in The Edge series when Rose takes the boys to the comic shop and they find the InuYasha manga, I love that show and manga so it’s always those little connections that brings me comfort and always make me feel like I’m getting welcomed home!

  120. I love them all, but in Sweep of the Blade the sight of Helen and Arland waiting for Maude, sitting on the wall with the same dirty marks. When Maude asks what happened their joint reply of “nothing” is classic.

  122. Innkeeper series is my comfort read. specifically Sweep of the blade and One fell Sweep. My favorite scenes are any scenes in which Maud, Helen, or Dina are underestimated because they are human or female. honestly any scenes with Helen are just so well done. Scenes with Dina and her sarcasm I just love it. my job requires a lot of customer service and the amount of times I have said one thing aloud but another in my head ( just like Dina) is crazy! 😂

    this scene holds a special place in my heart. One Fell Sweep page 59 in my kindle

    “That’s a kitty,” Maud said. “Be careful. They have sharp claws.” “What’s his name?”
    “He doesn’t have one,” I told her. I hadn’t gotten around to it. “I tell you what, you can name him.”
    Helen’s eyes got almost as big as the cat’s.
    “I can?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’m going to name him Olasard, after he who hunts the evildoers and rips out their souls.”
    The Ripper of Souls gave me a befuddled look.”

  123. I would choose Wildfire. It’s comforting to know that even when everything is hard they fight through it to get their happily ever after (even though you find out more hardships happen in Catalina’s series).🤣🤣🤣

  124. I think my favorite comfort read is the Hidden Legacy series —and specifically I go to the scenes from White Hot related to the ferret heist–so not actually the ferrets getting in and out but Nevada asking Augustine and Rogan if they have sensors in their drier vents —and then their both contacting their teams to have it added right afterwards. I love how she is not only right, but how they –notorious paranoid primes–react throughout the whole situation.

  125. Innkeeper series is my comfort read (or listen) of choice. I just love all the characters, especially the Maud and Arland story.

  126. I love all the books and all the words. Your humor resonates with me so I don’t know that I could pick a specific book or scene because all of them are special in their own way to me. I will happily re read any Kate, Hidden Legacy or Innkeeper book when I need a pick me up.

  127. Mine is also Silver Shark, for similar reasons I guess. I had a good childhood, but Ireland in the 70s & 80s was pretty grim, (especially for women & girls).
    My second favourite is more psychologically challenging to me at least – it’s Iron & Magic. I hated Hugh in Kate’s world, and getting to this point, where I derive great comfort from reading his redemption story is a testament to your writing for sure, but it also makes me question my sanity, and makes me grateful I’m single 🤣🤣

  128. I am another who defaults to Hidden Legacy. It truly has become a comfort read, somewhere I go when I need to feel wrapped in that blanket with my cup of Yorkshire Tea.

  129. Look, no matter how long you make this new book, i’m going to read it – i’m so excited for it!! 😀

    –

    Definitely the Hidden Legacy series – i’ve reread and reread and reread so many times. i adore the family connections and how tightly woven everything is, Grandma really reminds me of my own grandparents and that helps me remember them. It’s such a warm, cozy series, even with the horrible things happening – the family is always together, no matter what. ♡

  130. I reread Kate Daniels and Hidden Legacy and ungodly amount of times, but some of my favourite moments are when Curran steps down as Beast Lord for Kate, and when Erra is tender towards Kate.

  131. My short go to is “A Mere Formality”. If the difficulty I’m trying to ignore is larger then it will be either an Innkeeper or Hidden Legacy Book for me. Thankfully reading the work of House Andrews is sufficiently immersive that I can get a bit of emotional distance from whatever the trouble might be this time.

  132. Blood Heir, the scene where Julie was soaking in the tub after being burnt and injured, and waking up to Derek sitting in the room with her. I have always loved their interactions. They care so much for one another. Julie was worried about him seeing the rose. Derek was worried about her and her injuries. The banter in that scene was amazing. Then you ended it with Julie emerging from the tub naked and Derek’s mouth falling open. It’s a great love story that I hope you will finish one day.

  133. Write what you will, we trust you!

    Comfort read would be the whole Katie Daniel’s series as a whole. I read it when I need a break from reading! I reread when I’m in a slump and I don’t know what to read.

  134. Magic Strikes and Magic Bleeds – the dynamics of Kate and Curran finally choosing each other even with the weight of all their respective baggage remains my back to back favorite reread. So yes, Hot Tub scene and post-Summit scene.

    Fated Blades and Sweep of the Blade for the delightful competency and mutual respect of both characters, but Iron Magic might be my all time favorite. Especially the end when Elara rescues Hugh. Who knew there was someone out there more bad ass than Hugh?

    • oh yeah this is a great scene! especially the shock on Roland’s face when he sees Elara. Adding the battle scene where the people chant Landon’s name and 5?the iron dogs are like what the hell just happened?!? we are protecting these people and they just did something that we have never seen before!

  135. Good luck with all the edits!

    I’d say my comfort reread is Kate Daniels (actually currently rereading now!) but also Innkeeper Chronicles must surely be a contender – I first discovered it in the GraphicAudio format in January of this year and I’ve now read it four times 😂

  136. Hidden Legacy 100%. I love the world you’ve created, the romance is sweet and compelling. I come back to it a couple times a year when I don’t have mental energy to read something new.

  137. I love silver shark. That said my comfort read is innkeeper. Any time I need to feel better I reread all of innkeeper.

  138. I was introduced to your stories in the Edge when I was in my early teens and grew into the proud member of the BDH I am today, so there’s always a special sort of comfort for me in re-reads there. However, my comfort read lately has been with Blood Heir. I get so much joy out of seeing the woman Julie has become, and so excited about the possibilities of her future in Atlanta and as Princess of New Shinar. Love all your books though, and feel so blessed you share your talents with us. Thank you for all you do!

    • Also, picking a favorite scene is almost impossible because they’re all so good, but I love when we see Derek call Ascanio an idiot when they almost had their silly little show down. I love that even though the trio has grown into themselves and each has their own hand in the fight for human unity under the pressure of the magic apocalypse, we still get to see some of the old humor in them. It made me so happy to see the old wolfish boy wonder was still in there!

  139. Sweep of the Blade.
    I identify so closely with Maud’s story. You could have put my name in the story and it would have been eerily similar to my life. I go back again and again to reread it. Middle child, loves horses, is good with a weapon(my case a firearm), first marriage that turned so bad, raising (in my case) 2 girls on my own in not great conditions, trials and tribulations, being found and loved by a truly good guy, having a happily ever after.

    I am Maud….

  140. Gunmetal Magic is a big comfort read for me- it’s the same great cast but a more self-contained story and a happy satisfying conclusion. Especially love the reconciliation scene between A and R!

  141. My comfort read is, of course, The Ninja Ferrets. In the dark of night when anxiety spikes, I flip to that section and I just am so happy to reread it.

  143. My comfort read would have to be Blood Heir! While it is pretty tense at times, there are moments that really balanced it out, like when Namtur interrupts Derek and Ascanio’s confrontation. Or Derek vs hodag which was surprisingly funny. Julie is such a driven character that even when she’s in a tough situation, I’m sure that she’ll figure it out somehow.

  144. It really depends on what kind of comfort I am seeking but The Inn Keeper books hold a special place in my heart. I discovered the first two during a particularly bleak Christmas and then had the joy of reading along with the subsequent books. I came to Kate via Mercy so when I discovered all the snippets and free fiction on the website I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. You’ve created such a wonderful community in this corner of the internet and when I wrap myself in your words it is safe in the knowledge that I’m not alone and I’m a member of the BDH and that’s good company. The Innkeeper books are particularly comforting because Dina gets up and gets things done, she copes with what is thrown at her the best she can. I love the descriptions of the food and recipes. Your descriptions are so good I know what the GH and gardens look like and I can go for a wander anytime. Thank you.

  145. I don’t know if I have a portion of a House Andrews comfort read, but I know that I go back and read the Kate Daniel series probably once every year or so. That was really the first series that showed me that you could be strong, feminine, and human. For all of Kate’s “human “failings, she’s very aware with the fact that she makes mistakes, and that makes her human.

  146. I love and re-read everything by House Andrews, but the entire Innkeeper series is specifically my comfort read. I think it’s because, despite the battles, most of the action is in or around the comfort of Gertrude Hunt and either Dina or Orro are often making delicious food. There’s just something very cozy about that series for me.

  148. Sweep of the Blade. It’s such a typical romance. Happy ending included. Sometimes I need a simple happy ending.

  149. I love skimming a book (Kate Daniels mostly but also Innkeeper and the rest) and then re-reading the last few pages.

    One of my absolute favorites, no matter how many times I’ve read it:

    “He put the book down. “As you wish.” He rose and walked past me. I lowered my sword, expecting him to pass, but suddenly he stepped in dangerously close. “Welcome home. I’m glad you made it. There is coffee in the kitchen for you.”
    My mouth gaped open.
    He inhaled my scent, bent close, about to kiss me…
    I just stood there like an idiot.
    Curran smirked and whispered in my ear instead. “Psych.”
    And just like that, he was out the door and gone.
    Oh boy.”

    Makes me so happy every time.

  150. Inn Keeper of the longer series for sure.
    But Silent Blade is one that I read also very often for comfort read. I love how the story unfolds. It is so beautiful.

  151. My comfort read(s) and in a slump read is the KD series. The one I have read the most is Magic Bleeds. I skip right to the Bernard’s chase scene. *Chefs Kiss*

  152. Kate is my favorite series. I encountered it for the first time in 2020 when things seemed extremely bleak (covid deniers were rampant in my family until a very close call with my grandmother)

    I reread it all the time and I LOVE the graphic audio editions. It’s like experiencing it for the first time and my husband can listen too lol

  153. Kate is my fav. First ones I read, so I’m crazy about them. Kate and Curran are a great couple, love their interaction. Kate in Magic Triumphs taking on the last of the Sanahu(sp?) to protect her son is just badass! Love everything they’ve written tho.

  154. My favorite read is One Fell Sweep, the scene where Maud is fighting a room full of Vampyres and Helen crawls under the table to get to her Aunt Dina. While that scene might not fall under the label of “comfort” it makes me laugh through sheer exhilaration. I’ve read that scene I can’t tell you how many times. I’ve reread all the Kate Daniel’s books a number of times, because it’s like coming home. There is a way the scenes unfold that is like you’re unwrapping memories you haven’t thought about in awhile. That’s what happened the first time I read the books and every time I reread them.

  155. It’s so hard to choose a favorite. I tend to reread based on my mood. But I’d have to say the fight between Hugh and Kate in Magic Rises, when she is done with everyones BS and lets it all out and where we gain Christopher as a main side character is an absolute favorite (chapter 15). And any time Orro is dramatic. . . so any scene with Orro makes me smile.

  156. My favorite is Sweep of the Heart, because it was my first experience in watching the story unfold in front of me. Because of this, if I go back to read it I remember not only the fun scenes, but all the banter among the BDH.

  157. Honestly its hard to pick, because all of your books are comfort reads. If I had to pick a favorite scene its when Andrea decorates Rafael’s house in purple shag carpet, and he brings her the crossbow to apologizes, also Kate and Curran cant lie to save their lives. Also purple carpet staining everything. I think its nice, because those 2 can finally stop dancing around each other and accept that they need each other and also because of the visuals

  159. KD – Magic Strikes – Midnight Games – Excellent teamwork and awesome fight scenes! I always get a boost when I reread.

  160. The Innkeeper Chronicles are my comfort read. The books are exciting and adventure-filled, but that inn is the star! I’d love a house that adapts to everyone who enters and does everything to keep you safe.

  161. Sweep of the Blade is the one book of all the House Andrews exceptional offerings that I have reread the most. It is my #1 comfort read, followed by Iron and Magic.

  162. Hidden Legacy hands down. I own 3 copies of each book, physical copy, kindle, and audiobook. Probably White Hot because the sweetness but Nevada is also still a bad bitch. I appreciate both aspects.

  163. When I need a lift I read and reread Book 10 where Conlon has his first change and plays tag with Mom from under the bed. That so catches the spirit of delight of the year and a half year old and then he’s in the Wrong Arms and he has GREAT HORROR when he finds blood on his cheek (so right on target for that age!)–Shrieks and immediately develops BLOOD CLAWS! The characterization is so so great!

  164. The scene where Nevada tells Rogan to make a fist and punch himself never fails to lift my mood no matter how sad things are. Thank you for all your wonderful work!

  165. I keep going back to Iron and Magic cos I like the way Hugh had to start again from the bottom. I randomly like the getting-Bucky scene. Not what you wanted but that’s what you get!

  167. I love the small lines re Benjiro Heart and Penelope referencing that though shite happens things can move on and get better/different.

    I also love the sibling interactions as this is not something I have.

  168. Hidden Legacy, especially Nevada’s trilogy is so so crucial to my well-being lol! This entire world is absolutely and insanely fascinating and mind-blowing!
    Thank you so much for your wonderful creations!

  169. Iron and Magic – I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read it and listened to Steve West tell it:

    When he’d thought she might be dead, fear had scraped him raw. For a moment he felt the piercing icy pain of what must’ve been panic.

    But she’d survived.

    Hugh reached out carefully and rested his hand on her chest, just under her breasts, to reassure himself that he wasn’t imagining it. She felt warm. Her chest rose and fell with her breath. She’d survived. All was good.

    Tomorrow it would return to normal. The crisis had passed. He raised his hand and walked out the door.

    Elara’s eyes snapped open. She saw Hugh’s wide back disappear through the doorway. He had reached out and touched her. It was such a light touch, hesitant, almost tender, as if he’d been reassuring himself she was alright. Hugh d’Ambray cared if she lived or died.

  171. When I want to curl up and be comforted I read “Sweep of the Blade” the dialog and ripercusions just enfold me in such a comfortable humor and heart filled place. The result is always lots of smiles and sighs.

  172. When my anxiety about the world is high (and, of course, bleeds over into my personal situation/issues), I need “competence porn,” so it’s Maud, Nevada, and Catalina I want to hang out with. Of course, I do complete rereads at least once a year.

  173. Any of the later KD books. She creates a family out of the people around her. That’s comforting for someone whose family shrinks not-so-slowly.

  174. Complex question. The Innkeeper books, Sweep of the Blade being my very favorite. Followed very closely by Iron and Magic. Because you have to be very good to not only credibly redeem a monster but bend, fold, spindle and mutilate the marriage of convenience trope and turn it into a great book.

    I love the Kate Daniels world but the books are so dense, I have a hard time treating them as comfort reads.

    That said, Andrea’s book is a good afternoon’s reading.

  175. Any time I need a pick me up, I go through the Kate Daniels books and find anything with Roman. Eeyore PJs, angry staff…. Roman is a character that makes me smile no matter what. He also reminds me of a friend that passed away many years ago. 🙂
    I’m *really* hoping to see Roman again…

  177. The scene where Kate finally confronts Roland and Curran says she’s going to walk out of there is one I come back to again and again.

  178. Probably Innkeeper. They were the first Ilona Andrews books I read and they’re still my favorites. Honorable mention to the kinsmen box set – mostly Silent Blade and Silver Shark, since those are shorter and therefore easy to just zoom through. I’m not sure I could pick a favorite innkeeper book or even moment. I will say there are so many parts of Sweep of the Heart I read over and over and over

  180. Hard to pick just one! Comfort re-read series would probably be Nevada’s Hidden Legacy…followed closely by Kate & Curran 😉

  181. Orro’s interpretation of A Christmas Story is the BEST! Every time I listen to it I can’t help but smile.

  182. For me, it’s Iron and Magic (there are a lot of other close seconds, though). I find the redemption arc itself comforting, and as an animal lover, I especially love the scene where Hugh frees Erawan. Makes me cry happy tears every time. And now I’m off for another reread, lol.

  183. For a long time my House Andrews comfort reads were Magic Triumphs and Sweep of the Blade. Now it seems to be Kate Daniels, the Wilmington years

  184. I feel like all the Ilona Andres books are my comfort reads, but if I need just a quick pick me up, I’ll re-read Sweep of the Blade. Love that one!

  185. Soooooooooo many to choose. All of the Innkeeper, The Edge, KD and HL, all have the best written and colorful families ever.

    “I want gifts and Christmas music. I don’t care how many Draziri are out there. They won’t take Christmas from me.”

  186. My comfort reads are the first 3 books in the Hidden Legacy series. I read them at least a couple times a year.

  187. Hidden Legacy, specifically Burn for Me. Reminds of my 20’s when I was coming into my own and learning so much about myself.

  188. Anything Innkeeper is good, but my main comfort read is Clean Sweep! And it never fails, if I ever start Clean Sweep, I inevitably end up reading through all the Innkeeper Chronicles so it’s a win-win!

  189. I have read all the HA books. It’s difficult to pick a favorite among the Kate, Edge, Innkeeper, or Kinsmen Series. My first thought was Bayou Moon, then Sweep of the Blade, and I started reading from Magic Bites to begin my fourth tour of the FA world and my favorite changed again. If I’m stressed/tired/concerned about something, I’ll stop my current new read and go back to where I was on my tour of House Andrews so I can return to my comfort zone.

  190. My go-tos are either Sweep of the Blade or Sweep of the Heart. Both are like Raiders of the Lost Ark- all good parts. I recently heard an old podcast about SOTH that complained that there was too much goodness, that it should have been spread out over maybe a novella and a novel instead. Obviously, sanity is not a requirement for podcasters.

  191. For me it is either “Silver Shark” or “A Mer Formality” if I need something for just an evening of no-stress reading.

    The Innkeeper books is for a longer run in “No brain, no pain” reading 🙂

  192. Actually, for me it is also Silver Shark. There’s something about Claire I relate to, I really love her character and how she takes care of her people …

    Followed by Magic Strikes. Because it’s the perfect blend of character development, fun banter, fighting outwardly and the inner conflict I just love.

  193. For me it’s a feeling I get when I read your books. That there are competent and kind people in the world and that everything will work out in the end. Also the fact that I could bust out laughing at any moment from a random scene. Like the one where Kate wins a race by busting the rogue over the head with a chair, or when Orro makes a scene on his favorite chef’s cooking show, or the ferret heist (truly a classic).

  194. I like the Innkeeper series. There’s something about living a life a long way from family and gluing your life together to make it worthwhile that resonates with me. And all of the quirky characters that come along are worth knowing, even if they don’t stay. I’ve moved quite a bit and it is sad leaving friends behind, but in Dina’s world, you are remembered and you are always welcome. I wish I could stay there for a little while, just to rest a bit. Growing up hurts. I personally enjoy the silly koo-kos and the powerful woman whose name I don’t recall that came home wanting a cheeseburger. Being homesick for the past, the feeling of saudade or hiraeth, hits me during the holidays.

  195. Hidden Legacy is my favourite series and ultimate comfort read. Specifically, Nevada’s trilogy and I typically read all 3 in succession like it’s one big book 🥰 My comfort scenes include nevada and rogans basement meeting scene, the gala and balcony scene with nevada and rogan, final battle scenes in white hot and wildfire and the house trials. Also the spicy scenes but that goes without saying. Ahhhhh I just love HL so much ❤️

  196. I get alot of comfort from your Edge series. just something about the pace of those books really chilled me out. it’s definitely a happy place I like to return to over and over again.

  197. really difficult to choose! Silver Shark. Sweep of the Blade. Sweep with Me. Wilmington books. Ruby Fever….so many more, can’t choose! if i must, Iron and Magic. Seeing Hugh go from absolute bottom to a place of hope and purpose is really powerful and comforting. And I love the elephant scene so much.

  198. All of IA are my comfort reads, honestly. I have all the audiobooks and kindle books so I can jump back and forth between them as needed. Kate Daniels is my most listened to, with Magic Strikes being my favorite to reread. But if I need lighter I’ll turn to HL. Or if I need short I go back to the Edge, where I love the dynamic between William and Cerise so much, and all her crazy family.

  199. This may seem random but Magic Rises is one of my favorite comfort reads. I mean the whole house Andrews collection is always on repeat on audible but Magic Rises holds a special place. It’s sad and heavy but what I love about it is Kate finally realizes she’s truly cared for. Sometimes in life we get caught up in our own negative self thoughts and then find scenarios that feed those thoughts.In Magic Rises Curran and others really push through and show her what a found family is and what love should look like even when the whispers and self doubt say otherwise. Also, and this is random, I always read that scene at the end with the fight between Curran and Hugh with “Holding Out for a Hero” playing in my head.

  200. I cannot count the times I’ve listened to the GA versions of Inkeeper – Audio perfection!! I have a soft spot for Sweep of the Blade.. Maude is the best!

  201. My most reread book is Mauds story, Sweep of the Blade, and the other Innkeepers stories.

    When I’m under stress or not feeling well, I don’t reach for a new story, but these comfort books.

  202. Sweep of the Blade is my all time favorite. I sleep with books playing and this one is played at least twice a week. I am an only parent to a girl so I guess I really enjoy Maud’s relationship with Helen. I wish I could be just as kick ask as Maud. 😀

  203. Sweep with Me. Between the debating space chickens and Orro finding out that his favorite TV chef is a fraud I do not know what’s funnier. I also loved the whole idea of The Mountain. It was a great blend of mystery, tension, and humor. Lots of humor.

  204. I love re-reading the Curran POV, the “text messages” if cellphones worked (so funny), and the scenes in the 4th Kate Daniel’s book where she fights all the battles at the Keep while Curran is laid up (including his POV too!). So good.

  205. I love rereading the first three books of Hidden Legacy. I love Nevada and Rogan’s story. My top comfort read.

  206. Mine goto for going to visit my book friends is the Innkeeper series. My special favorites is Sweep of the Blade.

    What I love most about this series is the continuity. The Maven of House Krahr is killed in Book 1 and Maude becomes the Maven in Book 4. My only gripe is that House Krahr jumps in prestige between books 1 and 2, but I’ll accept that Dina may have been out of the loop for vampire politics.

  207. The Innkeeper series is one of my comfort reads. I love going back and reading all of them, but Maude in Sweep of the Blade in particular I love.

  208. It will be hard for me to choose among your books for a favorite comfort Read. They are all my favorites!

  209. I‘d have to go with either Silver Shark or the Midnight games scenes from Magic Strikes. Especially the fights or the hot tub scene. Never fail to make me laugh.

  210. I reread the HA books very often, and I love them all. But one if my absolute faves is the part in Magic Bleeds where Curran is in a coma and Kate takes on the council to stay with him <3

  211. It is hard to choose. Sweep in Peace first, probably, but Magic Rises is also something I go back to over and over.

  212. This was such a difficult question for me to answer – House Andrew’s “Comfort Read”…But I think it has to be book 2 of the Inn Keeper Chronicles. Meeting up with George, Jack, Gaston and Sophie again and getting a peak into the adults they have become is a thrill. Reading about Officer Maraias’ car debacle never fails to make me smile and when George, Dina, and Gertrude Hunt force the delegates to share each other’s pain to help bring the end to war on Nexus it is heart breaking – but some how relatable.

  213. Oh, boy…this is a tough question, because I reread your books multiple times per year when I need to feel better about anything. Hidden Legacy, as a whole, I turn to the most. I particularly love Catalina’s books. Emerald Blaze is probably my favorite, but it actually hurts to pick just one!

  214. The innkeeper books are so comforting – reading or on graphic audio. Sweep of the Blade with Helen and her ‘ripper cushions’ for standing up to the little boy are so funny and sweet. It’s a definite reread or listen if I’m sick!

  215. Magic claims has been my comfort read recently, it just speaks to me in the way that both Kate and Curran are finally settled in their views of themselves and each other, finally understanding a lot of their own past choices. (Some of the peace I would like in my own life)

  216. I reread Grace of Small Magics. It’s a short read but I love Grace and Nasaar. The story set up with a family being indentured (kinda) to another is interesting and I don’t see it very often.

  217. I use Magic Stars for my comfort read. I’m not altogether sure why.

    When I want a quick laugh, well I saved the scene of Kate scolding Grendel over chasing the chickens on my hard drive, and every time it makes me laugh.

    From the Hidden Legacy stories, I particularly enjoy scenes featuring either Leon or Bug. I would love a short story of them investigating something together.

  218. Sweep of the Heart- I absolutely love the scene in which the Dushegubs (spelling ?) are misbehaving and Dina turns on a beaver nature show. I laugh now, thinking about it.

    I laughed for a long time after reading that scene.

    Beast is also a favorite.

    So is Bunny-Legacy.

    I very much enjoy any scenes with loyal and super-scary animals.

  219. My comfort read is all of the scenes involving Helen. No matter what is happening in life you know that in these books she will always be loved and ok in the end.

    For escapism it’s the Baylor family’s adventures. I want to become a previously unknown cousin. Favorite scene is the epic battle at the pit. (I’m in love with a water wizard warrior!)

  220. I reread Kate Daniels or Hidden Legacy books. I just love how all the characters interact with each other. They are dealing with serious issues but find things to tease and joke to each other about. I really love grandma in Hidden Legacy.

  221. There are several that I will pick up when I need a comfort read but most recently it has been “Sweep of the Blade” and “Magic Claims.” These allow me to fall into a new world every time.

  222. Hidden Legacy. The last 7 months have been just horrible with the death of both of my parents and I just need to get my mind off everything. I just keep re-reading them and it’s a wonderful escape!

  223. When I need comfort or feel like revisiting old friends I re-read the Kat Daniel’s series or the Hidden Legacy series. (In fact I’ve just a finished a re-read of the HL series last week.)

  224. Heh, I am re-re-reading Silver Shark right now. Started this morning. Thank you for giving so much of yourselves to the BDH.

  225. The Gertrude Hunt books, the entire series. I usually re-read it starting shortly before Christmas and into the New Year.

  226. If I had to pick one, it’d probably be Sweep With Me. The cozy holiday vibe, the full cast (poor Orro, trying desperately to recreate a horrible fast-food burger!) and good grief the koo-kos. The Innkeeper books are my faves and that one in particular just nails the comfort thing.

  227. Blood Heir – it was so nice to revisit the Kate Daniels world during all the tumult of the pandemic and it felt like such a gift to your fans. It will always be a comfort read because it brings back memories of some of the highlight moments of the pandemic – reading the latest posting and then eventually the full book.

  228. I’ve been rly stressed out the last couple months and read the hidden legacy series again. I would finish, wait a few days and then read it again (just Catalina’s trilogy tho). And again. And again. After the fifth re-read (in a month?) I just realized how stressed I actually am bc I couldn’t seem to stop. It’s like I could only cope by reading this trilogy. It’s funny bc I wasn’t that much of a fan of Catalina’s trilogy when it came out…

  229. I’m not sure why but definitely On The Edge for me. I love Rose and the boys and their grandmother and the way that they love their family so much. It reminds me of my giant family. We are much bigger but staying close with my family is a priority and I hope to never lose that.

  230. My comfort is KD which I re-read every year. For a quick comfort, I actually go to the latest book, Magic Claims. It is Kate accepting who she is, and recognizing what she needs to do. I love this book and my favorite phrase is actually not in the book, but the follow-up “Purpose”. I find myself throwing that out at various times 🙂

  231. As for series, Innkeeper is always particularly comforting, partly because I love the idea of the sentient house, the garden is lovely, who wouldn’t want to have such a cook… But when I had a tumour a few years ago and couldn’t get surgery for months (it turned out to be non-malignant, but I couldn’t know that, and the pain kept getting worse), I just re-read anything by you and it did me good. There’s just a lot of humour and heart in your books. I then had to go on to other authors since it took so long and I ran out of your books, but I was so grateful for them. Thank you!

  232. I have two: The Edge and Hidden Legacy. Both are more about family. I also love the Kate Daniels series plus any offshoots and have read all three many times over.

  233. My comfort reads change, but my favorites currently are the post Atlanta years – Magic Tides and Magic Claims. I am reassured , every freaking time,that Kate, Curran and Conan are still having a thriving life after huge changes. And that their true natures surface and they recognize those.

  234. I always come back to Magic Strikes when I’m stressed. I think the scene I love the most is actually a sequence. When Kate and Jim realize Julie can help Derek, the trip with Rafael, and then Julie coming and finding the shards. It’s like, “yes, they figured out how to make it okay,” and sometimes I just need that.

  235. Hidden Legacy, particularly Nevada’s books.
    Don’t know why but she is amazing and the whole family is now like old friends

  237. Hidden Legacy books, Blood Hair and Hugh’s book.
    I have read them over and over and over when I need it.

  238. All of my comfort reads come out of the Innkeeper series – Book 1 Arland drunk on Coffee, Book 2 any thing with Orro but really every thing up to the poisoning Book 3 Maud’s rescue, Orro and Maris, Christmas when Helen gives Sunset the ornament & the Hirus’ reveal Book 4 ripper-cushions and Book 5 the whole thing!

  239. I kind of envy those who can read for comfort. There is no such thing for me. I must put all my emotions, anger and stress into work. Like if cleaning and puting things back into shelves can help clean the mess in my life. Only after the storm is over I can sit down and enjoy my book.

  240. I guess I don’t have specific scenes that are comforting. But Dina sitting on her porch with food and drink looking at the garden is comforting to me. Also when I am overwhelmed and need to read, but don’t want to start a new book, I frequently start at the beginning of any of your series and read through them again.

  241. Silver Shark is my go-to comfort read. I have no idea how many times I’ve re-read it. The story hits all my personal pleasure buttons. Smart, brave, honest heroine who hides her abilities because Reasons suffers unrequited love for unattainable hot guy. Clever, privileged, somewhat spoiled hero uncovers the truth, learns to value and love her as she deserves. HEA.

    I love, love, love the big reveal, where Ven scans Claire’s mind and discovers that the woman he’s been desperately searching for is right under his nose and hopelessly in love with him. Puts my world to rights every time.

  242. I find it hard to pick just one book or passage. They are all so fine!!
    I do adore Magic Triumphs when Kate exiles Roland. Great comfort read!

  243. Sweep of the Blade. I love Maude’s snarky comments. Even when I am feeling unhappy or irritable, they can make me laugh out loud. “So just birds, then?”

  244. I specifically bought hard copy Innkeepers series for comfort reading. Because of the structure of those stories, I can randomly grab a book and randomly open it to a cool scene worth re-reading when I have a few minutes to relax.

  245. All of your books are re-reads for me. But my favorites are Magic Burns and Magic Strikes. It’s the building of her found family during those 2 that really are comforting.

  246. Comfort Scene:

    It’s gotta be the scene in Magic Triumphs when Kate is trying to find baby Conlan and then rips through the Sahanu. I have no idea why thats a comfort scene for me but it lives rent free in my head.

    Comfort Book:

    KD book 3. The Midnight Games is my favorite thing in all of KD history. Ive read that one the most.

  247. Love all the words, but I especially revisit these three things when I need a book hug:
    1. All scenes in Innkeeper with Orro. Both the visits to his offended woods (when I am upset or frustrated myself) or for the food (for comfort and it’s better than any cooking show, esp. “Fire and Lightning”!)
    2. Fated Blades–the dancing, the complete cesspool of the Senator and his allies, and Matias and Ramona realizing they have so much in common.
    3. Of Swine and Roses–a short story that showcases House Andrews’ special brand of ideas and writing style (and anyone who’s had a horrible date or loves this pig).

  248. Hidden Legacy, especially Catilina’s arc. There is something awe inspiring about her growth through the three novels, well, through the series as a whole. But when I need a good pick me up, I read about her overcoming her trials and rising above and it just lifts my spirits.

  249. My comfort read belongs to Helen in Sweep of the Blade where she explains what she did wrong and why she has “ripper cushions”. That entire book where Helen is constantly doing and explaning her actions has me smiling in delight. She’s a joy to read about be it her antics and/or her interactions with others in this book as well as One Fell Sweep.

  250. My comfort read is Innkeeper. It is where I found the Andrew’s and where I fell in love with the magic that one house can hold.

    The scene is the ribs scene for me. Sean found out where his species came from and decided to help. Just the little bits and pieces of the magic that got added to a normal BBQ scene that makes me smile every time.

  251. The Kate Daniels series will always be my favourite by Ilona , but my comfort read is the innkeeper series. The innkeeper series gives me the warm fuzzies.

  252. I started reading your books with Magic Breaks, and haven’t looked back since then. Every book I’ve read is a wonder. However, Magic Breaks I come back to read when I’m not sure what to read.

    Magic Breaks, for me, is a book about accepting who you are while trying to protect everyone else. I’m thinking about the part when Kate is rescued from Mishmar, and everyone’s huddled near the fire at the broken down gas station. The conversation between Kate and Landon, and then Kate and Curran was telling. The part with Kate, Landon, and Curran in the Land Rover makes me laugh to the point of tears every time. Then the whole scene in Roland’s swan palace so Kate could get Christopher and Robert back. Kate being at peace when backing down with Roland after breaking his blood ward.

    I understand about not being able to go back home. The last time I went back to see if there were any changes to where I lived as a teenager, I felt like I was in a straight jacket. Nothing drastically changed.

  254. Anytime I need a mental hug I restart the Innkeeper Chronicles. The amount of character growth and change and adjustments and loyalty comforts me so much. I just escape into Gertrude Hunt and forget whatever stresses I am feeling!

  255. I’m sad to hear about your childhood home. Whenever I drive by my old house (rare) I remember what I felt and some of it was good, it’s over now.

    All of you Innkeeper series are my comfort books. If I’m having to much brain activity when I’m trying to relax I listen to the Graphic Audio version of Sweep with Me. It’s the least anxty of them. I’ve probably listened to it a hundred times or more. You, and they, did a great job.

    Thank you as always!

  256. Innkeeper series, then Kinsmen, then Hidden Legacy. it’s all your fault anyway, you keep writing these relatable, sympathetic characters that feel like such good friends that I go back again and again. (Besides that; SPACE CHICKENS!)

    Thank you for the gift of your imagination.

  257. OMG I failed to mention the Costco lady. The original scene and the follow up when we find out who she is are both classics. Not comfort reads but wonderful nonetheless.

  258. Good evening from Greece! My comfort read would be Magic Stars. My favorite characters are Derek and Julie and reading about them makes my day.

    • Thank you Ionna. I thought I was the only one. The scene where Julie and Derek eat their food side by side in silence is just golden. That for me is a love meant to last. That is why I was so happy to read Blood Heir and am desperately hoping for a sequel. Just saying…

  260. Hidden Legacy for the steadiness, humor, chaos, and above all unconditional love of the Baylor family, especially in combination with Nevada and Catalina’s convictions. I love reading the scenes like Arabella trying to go make Alessandro stay and Leon and Bern trying to make sure Nevada isn’t marrying just for money or security.

    And Innkeeper because I love the tightness of the core concept (intergalactic, alive inn) and how naturally the whole world feels like it spirals out from there. It’s my favorite HA series. Also, because Dina is a bada** 🤩

  261. Sometimes I need something darker to remind me it could ALWAYS be worse and still have a happy ending so I may be alone when I say the Edge Series. My favorite is PROBABLY Bayou Moon with Fate’s Edge as a close second.

    If I need something light – totally turn to Innkeeper 🙂

  262. The Edge Series is my comfort read. I like the strong women and the way they work together with the men in their lives to overcome hardship. There is a sense of rising above circumstances and being strong and independent that resonates with me. It’s in the little details like the way Declan dresses to match Rose’s slightly out of style wardrobe. I feel like I often live on that edge too, where imposter syndrome constantly threatens to sap my energy and steal my happiness. A quick re-read and I find my balance again. Thank you for making women strong and the men who love them equals.

  264. My comfort read is the Innkeeper Chronicles, specifically One Fell Sweep. I love Dina and Sean and the Innkeeper world. It reminds me a little of stores I read as a child whet magic could be around any corner.

  265. To my everlasting surprise my HA comfort read is Hidden Legacy. I am not a romance fan, the predictable, insipid plots, the arrogant ass who just needs a woman’s love (actually, Rafael’s description of Lorna Stirling’s books fits me to a tee!).

    Having read Edge, and all the Kate books to that point (no Innkeeper yet), and desperate for something more by IA, I found the HL books on Amazon. You have to understand I mercilessly tease my romance novel-loving lawyer friend for her taste for empty books with beefcake covers, I took one look at the cover and the description and fled with my eyes scorched!

    Several months of deeply unsatisfying reading of random urban fantasy ensued. Finally in sheer desperation for something readable, witty, intelligent, engaging, I ordered Burn For Me.

    Well, book by its cover and all that! So much fun. All the characters, the family, the plot, the hijinks, even the overdone romance tropes (seriously, how many incredibly handsome, yet lonely and troubled billionaires can be out there just waiting for their soulmate?!), it all just works when done by HA. I really enjoy the characters, they amuse, and entertain, and even thrill, and of all the HA series, this is the cast I’d most like to meet.

    So, they are my comfort family. It’s not really a “read,” it’s more like going back for a visit every time – which I started again for the umpteenth time just yesterday, in fact! Thanks for giving me a whole virtual extended family to be adopted into now and then, to enjoy adventures vicariously, and to wait with bated breath for their next family episode.

  267. Kate and Andrea covering Raphael’s house in purple shag carpet.

    Kate getting past the officious Casino employee by taking control of all the vampires under the Casino was pretty fun too.

  268. So hard to pick. I would have to say innkeeper, the reality surrounded by fantasy makes it any easy escape. I’m also really loving Kate’s books on GA.

  269. i love the scene in Magic Bleeds when Curran walks back into the temple and buys the second cookbook. He’s so pissed off but still thinking about the beauty of food.

  270. I love reading about William’s reaction to Cerise after she cleaned off the rancid spaghetti in Bayou Moon. The clear wanting, then pulling himself back..

    • Bayou Moon came to mind first! Love that “spaghetti” scene / “hobo queen” lol!!! And the court scene with the family and the different characters arriving. That family is hilarious! In Steel’s Edge Richard’s — “…a long ballad about the bleakness of my life and the heaviness of the burden that was being me…” In another scene Kaldar telling him his first words were probably “woe is me”. I still crack up at these books! Ilona Andrews IS my comfort read! I reread Kate/The Edge/Innkeeper every year! You’re my fave!!!

    • So glad to see a few votes for Bayou Moon. I love it! I know folks complain about the ending, and it does seem a bit contrived, but each scene is so darn well written and the characters feel so real that it lingers in my memory. On the Edge and Bayou Moon remind me of my Appalachian roots and remain my 2 fav books! Then all KD books and spinoffs, then the HL books, Sweep of the Blade and other Inn books, oh crap, I just freakin’ love ’em all!
      I hope more people try them all out!

  271. It is hard to pick one as each book fits with different moods. I really love rereading the Inn-Keeper stories. I’m hard pressed to choose just one within that series, but currently I’m rereading Sweep of the Heart. Some of my favorite scenes are with the tree creatures as they are particularly awesome in their annoyingness.

    The first Kate Daniels story has a special place for me because my sister first introduced me to the world of Ilona Andrews with a gift of that book, so that is another comfort albeit for different reasons than the Inn Keeper stories.

  272. I reread all of them several times a year. the Edge are a favorite along with the Hidden Legacy. Gertrude Hunt is more of a comfort read because my very favorite book of all of them is Sweep of the Blade. I pretty much have it memorized (lol).

  273. I re-read all the scenes with baby Conlan. I don’t generally care for children in my fantasy but Conlan is a real doll! The blood claws are the best 😄.
    At night when I’m too tired to hold my Kindle but also too tired to fall asleep I’ve been playing chapters from the Catalina books. Audible let’s you set a timer so it’s okay to fall asleep to Catalina/Alessandro dialog!

  274. I’ve reread the innkeepers books at least twenty times now. Anytime I can’t find a book or series that holds my interest or things are just rough, I will start it over again. I have most of the scenes memorized and they still make me smile. Actually just got to maud’s story last night!

  276. The Innkeepers series is a true comfort read and I will read through the series at least once a year. In 2021 my younger brother passed and that series was a constant comfort through the heaviest days of my grief. I love all the books you guys have written but this series to me is family, both born and made 💗.

  277. When Catalina has a mental break down in her roof top hide out in Emerald Blaze and Alessandro comforts her and then it gets spicy. Sighhhhh

    Actually anything with Alessandro and Catalina because Catalina is a basket case of anxiety and I relate so much to her. Alessandro is so calm and collected and he just gets her. I love reading about them and how they are there for her each other.

  278. It’s difficult to pick one, but I would say Diamond Fire would be my fave. There’s a wedding coming up, family dynamics (good and bad), bad person caught and Catalina maturing. Also the kinsmen universe stories.

  279. The Innkeeper series for me… I have read and reread that series. Whenever I want to read a book or books that make me happy it is this series.

  280. For sheer cozy comfort, I go to the Innkeeper Series. I start at the beginning and read the entire series.

    I love Dina and her calmness and confidence just shine through. It always makes me feel better.

  282. The Innkeeper Chronicles is one of my default (annual or more often) rereads.
    I love reading the scenes where Dinah creates rooms to give people peace, particularly Turan Adin or the Hiru.
    I also reread the scenes in Sweep of the Blade where Helen gets in trouble for fighting and where Maud is super competent, like preparing the meal for the Tachibana, battling Lady Ilemina, then sharing her past deeds with the Herald.

    Hidden Legacy, particularly Nevada’s books, are my second place comfort reads, partly because I’m originally from Houston and partly for the family dynamics.

  283. I have to say I fell in love the first time I read Kate Daniels. I love the whole series but I will admit that lately with personal things going on…I’m rereading the Innkeeper series.

    Clean Sweep is my favorite reread.

  285. I’ve used both Magic Bites and Silver Shark as comfort reads more than once.

    I love how both stories give me a competent main character to immerse myself in her brain for a while. I love seeing how Claire’s world opens up for her, how she embraces the color and light. And I love how you can tell Kate is smart, even as she hides it under snark and attitude, pretending to be “less than” to stay invisible. But she can’t help making an impression.

  286. the short story of swine and roses is so fun to read. I have read all of the books at least four times, but this story always makes me laugh. the going back home, the shower scene, hilarious.

  288. I just started One Fell Sweep on Hoopla because 1) I’ve had a rotten November so far, and 2) some brilliant member of the BDH posted on some thread recently that the Graphic Audio versions were there (thank you x 1million!!). It soothed me to sleep without the anxiety bugs taking over my brain.
    But I love all the HA books so much, it was hard to choose just one to listen to.

  289. Alphas Origins! (one of their unpublished short stories online). It’s a bit strange, vampiric, and has growing happiness. The last line and twist is everything.

  290. My favorite comfort read that I most often go back to is White Hot. I love Hidden Legacy and the Baylor family in general but I usually go back to White hot because I really like the way Nevada and Rogan come together in that book, she discovers who he truly is. You also get to see who Nevada is going to become develop through the book.

  291. My favorite comfort read is definitely the Innkeeper Chronicles. My favorite of those is probably Sweep of the Blade. I love how effective Maud’s I’m just a clumsy human routine is until her kill count is announced, and how she navigates vampire politics! Helen is also amazing, the “ripper cushions” are very funny.

  292. Any House Andrews book is my choice for comfort read. I have them on kindle and start with first of each series and read until I run out of book.
    Just reread the two Wilmington books and am queuing up Hugh’s story to reread after work. Cannot wait for the sequel!!

  293. All House Andrews books are comfort reads for me 😅 I discovered Kate Daniels when I checked out the first three from the library and they kept me company in the emergency room when my dad had his gallbladder out and at all the follow up appointments.

    When I was pregnant with my daughter and couldn’t sleep the audiobooks from KD kept me company in the middle of the night.

    And this year the graphic audio Innkeeper novels have been getting me through my dad’s passing, my husband’s job loss and my iron infusions for anemia. I think Dina fighting through the darkness after the death of the inn seed is so potent to me right now.

  294. I keep going back to White Hot and Magic Bleeds. But then that usually leads me to a full reread of both series! 😆

  295. My comforts are always Kate Daniels. Mostly Magic Strikes or Magic Breaks. Kate has just always been my favorite and I really like how the story progresses in each of those books.

  296. My favorite comfort read passage is the last chapter of One Fell Sweep. This is where we see the Inn see die and how it affects Dina. Sean’s care for her gets me every time. He sells his house before he knows she will recover. He has such faith in her. While I have affection for many of your characters, I think Dina and Sean are my favorites.

  297. Hm, there are two that stand out for me: First one is the little fox-people experiment from On the Edge Declan did for George. I still think about it from time to time and I think I wrote an essay on reddit about that scene. It evokes something sweet and melancholic in me,because it’s essentially a kid finally letting go of irrational he clings so hard on, kind of like first separation from innocence and wonder of childhood and growing up. It gives me 20th century boys or the boy’s life vibe…It’s a small scene, but something about it tugs on my heartstrings.
    Magic Strikes is my favorite IA book and the scene where Jim gives detailed strategy to Curran and Kate to downplay their danger lvl only for them to demolish the opposition is forever stamped onto my brain.

  298. My comfort read is the Hidden legacy series. What I love most is the tight knit extended family of the books. The three sisters, mum, granny, grandpa,cousins husbands, boyfriends, friends, colleagues. I feel a part of that family. They are my comfort.

  299. technically i listen to it, its Burn for me. i cant read when im so upset- i can read, i guess, it just doesnt register & i just keep reading the same few sentences like 20 times. anyway, i love the whole sense of family & pride in family. each person has something special & unique to contribute & it isnt ever a negative. its always spun in a humorous way if its very quirky, at least. it makes me feel better/good when i listen to it because i wish that for myself & my family. it makes me want to smell gun & machine oil and be hugged. then i dont feel so down. i can rely on HA to bring me to a place where i like being for hours at a time when all the rest of my life is uncomfortable or disappointing, which isnt all the time. i also love the strength in spirit of the characters. yes, life can be hard, and then you get on with it. wallowing endlessly isnt doing you or anyone else any favors & the best thing is to keep getting up & pushing through it while gleaning as much from the experience as you can retain to prepare for the next blow. im a jar full of rainbows & unicorns, i know. i love the way karma gets the last word in.

  300. I reread all of your books every year anyway but I think the series I turn to most when I’m stressed or need a pick me up is Hidden Legacy.

    I can’t just read specific passages though, as soon as I pick up Burn for Me I know I’ll be binging the entire series! It just has everything I love, wonderful characters and family dynamics, fantastic romance, amazing world building, cool magic and cute animals. The ferret heist never fails to make me laugh out loud!

    I always start the new year with Kate and crew to set me off for a good year of reading and I’m not sure why but the Innkeeper series has become my between Christmas and new year read. I fit in the Edge and Fated Blades books whenever I get the mood throughout the year.

  301. Innkeeper series hands down! Hidden legacy close second. Can’t single out one book because once I start the first book I just keep going !

  302. Weirdly enough I am re-reading the kinsmen books for comfort right now.

    They are so beautiful.

    I had a go with Kate but for comfort it’s the smaller worlds. After kinsmen I’m going to the edge series.

    Thank you for them all!

  303. Nevada and Rogan’s trilogy in its entirety is a comfort read for me, but specifically White Hot. I love, love watching Nevada come into her own. I love reading about her love with Rogan blossoming. I love the family dynamics. The entire Baylor clan makes me feel warm fuzzies. I’ve read the trilogy three times in total and White Hot four times. In general, HA reads are go-tos when I need a dose of happy escape. Despite some of the books dealing with true tragedy our main people end up happy and together, and I need more of that in my life.

  304. I read Hidden Legacy when I’m feeling out of sorts with my family that people make unseen choices to help their loved ones, and that families fight but can also forgive.
    Also, everything Cornelius ever does is gold. One of the best characters ever.

  306. For me it’s the Inn Keeper series, specifically Sweep of the Blade. And I’m really enjoying the Graphic Audio production of the book. The banter between Arland and Maud is wonderful. My two favorite scenes are the Women’s Communal and Arland taking on 9 knights.

  307. Silent Blade is my favorite re-read. I am 100% vested in Meli’s emotions. For me it is a feel good read.

  308. Oh, I love the idea! It’s so nice to go through all the comments and catch yourself nodding in agreement. It made it a lot harder to choose for me, though.

    But I’ll go with my initial thought, as that’s probably the most right: Burn for me.
    Probably, because it’s the first book I read from you, and because we are talking about comfort – and Nevada’s family is so close, loving, always stigging together and yet still having their challenges, that it just feels right and warm.
    And also, I just love to skip to the end in MII and have this incredible feeling of satisfaction, when Nevada steps in the circle and Augustin drops his tablet 😉 Still the best!

    Maud’s story is a close second, again for love and family, this whole new (but great) world and the wit in it. And while I absolutly love Kate and Curran, let’s be honest: Their world is unfortunatelly just to harsh to really be a comforting read.

  309. It’s impossible for me to pick just one. I have all the series and shorts on rotation. I just finished all the Kate’s world books and Inkeeper series, about to start Hidden Legacy series (again). I’ve got over a thousand ebooks but House Andrew books are always in rotation between new buys.

  310. It kind of depends on my mood. If I need a longer comfort book then White Hot or Emerald Blaze (though I do end up reading Wildfire/Ruby Fever too lol). A shorter book would be Kinsmen Universe or Clean Sweep.
    Not going to lie all of Ilona andwers books are a comfort book too me lol.

  311. I love all the books however, my mind goes back to Kate Daniels. I originally found Kate Daniels on the blog. At that time, I hadn’t heard of Ilona Andrews and have no idea how I found them. I started reading and recalled the scene where Kate was in her kitchen with Boone Farms in front of her when a vampire started crawling on her ceiling. Funny, I actually thought “ARGHHH” and stopped reading the book. I decided to try and re-read the book (thank goodness) and absolutely fell in love with the series so much I told my son he needed to read the series (which he did) and the rest is history. My favorite line of course is “Here, Kitty, Kitty” CLASSIC!!!!!!

    • nancy, same! I stopped reading right after the “icy wave of fear and revulsion” and seeing the awful reflection in the beer bottle — I thought it was a horror novel and I’m not a fan of that genre. I, too, am soooo glad that I gave Magic Bites a second chance!!!

      • Oops, not a beer bottle, hard lemonade! (because of course I had to go start a re-read)

  312. My comfort read is Magic Bleeds, no matter how many times I read it, it always makes me laugh. Reading how Kate and Curran finely start being together, their banter, will forever make me feel good. It’s my escape from reality.

  313. Hidden Legacy, Nevada and Rogan, this particular passage about Leon.

    “It’s your call,” Bug said, picking up his laptop. “But a word of advice. From personal experience. When you keep people from doing things they are destined to do, they go crazy. Don’t let him go crazy, Nevada.”

    Makes me feel like, while you won’t be given your destiny, you can work towards it. To be happy.

  314. For quick comfort, my go to is a toss up among: Fated Blades, Diamond Fire, and Silver Shark.

    But my annual comfort reread is the Hidden Legacy series. I love the family dynamic, Nevada’s and Catalina’s hero’s journeys, the great side characters, and of course the world of House warfare and magic (have yet to read any scene that brings me greater pleasure than the Great Ferret Heist).

  315. Kate Daniels is my comfort read, my palate cleanser, and my reset button, all in one. She’s the series I can read, and re-read, over and over, and never get bored.

  316. In reading the comments and I’m finding I agree with each response! I enjoy all your books mainly because they provide me with laughter, love and family! I pick Magic Bites, as that was my first introduction to your writing! And what a wonderful reading journey it’s been!

  317. Innkeeper is the one I use for comfort and to recharge. No particular scene, although Ripper Cushions is a favorite.

  318. The Edge and Inn keeper, how they over lap and we see them all growing . I have reread all your books countless times. They are holiday faves, as well as emotional uppers. Please just carry on doing what you do best, love all your books xxx

  319. For me, there are a few moments in my life that I hang on to and re-light in darker moments. Your books are full of them, capsuled by small moments of snatched safety. Your characters are so realized (yes, yes, parasocial etc), it’s like sharing air with a close friend. Too many to choose just one, but my favorites tend to competence p0rn/fight scenes or every single Epilogue/it’ll all turn out ok. Currently open? The House trial in Wildfire.

  320. I just did a comfort re-read of the Hidden Legacy series as I’ve been on bedrest for 5 weeks with a shatter ankle and two scenes stand out for me- scene 1 where Rogan gives Nevada the display of thousands of carnations (providing her with a rare moment of bliss) and the final House Baylor defeat of Arkansas scene where everyone pulls together to defend House Baylor (showing that family (whether chosen or born) when working together are a formidable opponent)

  321. I love Silver Shark as a comfort read too.

    Also high on my list: Ferret Heist, Midnight Games, at the end of Magic Bleeds when everyone’s telling Kate exactly what not to do and then she goes and immediately does the thing.

    And most recently: Wilmington has been such a mellowing read (and listen! Love the audiobooks too)

  322. For me it’s the scenes with the kids. I love Connor changing for the first time and running into the woods to eat mice. Or not wanting to wear clothes when Kate has an important appointment. Helen has a lot of great scenes as well.

    With all of the blood and guts its great to appreciate children.

  323. 100% Magic Strikes. The Midnight Games are so fun, first entrance of Hugh, the growing tension with Kate and Curran (that hot tub scene alone!), beginnings of Derek’s growth, the shifters working together with Kate. I reread that book sometimes 3x a year.

  324. Sweep of the blade, Silver shark and Silent Blade are my top comfort reads, but basically if I need a break from life I pick up any of your books, simple as that. Love them all ❤️

  325. Blood Heir is my comfort read. When it was coming out as a serial, it was a light I looked forward to that helped get me through each week. Now when I re-read it, I remember the warmth and care the book gave me. It was such a gift.

    Magic Stars is a close second. The short, slice of life adventure of my two favorite characters always makes me smile.

  326. Maud’s book from the Innkeeper Chronicles. Reading about her and Helen and how the romance shapes up is my favorite part of the whole series. I try to read each book in turn during a re-read but then I’ll end up reading Maud’s book separately as well. YAY Maud and Helen!

    I think I want to be that kind of vampire when I grow up. lol

  327. First,(Don’t hate me) from my viewpoint, y’all can’t have a book that’s too long. My grandson says the best books have at least 200 k words, and, if its one of yours, I agree.
    Secondly, if I have to pick one comfort book, it will be from among your series. Probably an Innkeeper book, but maybe a Kate book or maybe … You see my problem.

  328. The Innkeeper series in general but Sweep of the Blade in specific. When I am stressed I like the low conflict plot but interesting detailed subplots. Maud makes helps me know I can be fierce in adversity but have a safe place with people I love. Thanks for all of your wonderful books!

  329. I like the scene where Erra talked with Kate about her boyfriend Leo’s war dog who was afraid of two things- Erra and thunder. The dog would seek her out whenever lightning occurred and no matter how much she stomped and yelled, the dog wouldn’t leave. He would stay there shivering until the storm passed. When she asked Leo why he did that, he said Erra was the most terrifying thing he knew. When the thunder came he would run to her because she was so terrifying, he knew she would scare away the thunder and keep him safe.
    “What happened to the dog?”
    “He sired many puppies and lived to a ripe old age. I kept a pillow by my bed and I would drape a special blanket over him when the storms came. I buried both the blanket and the pillow with him when he died so he wouldn’t be afraid in the afterlife. Give your husband and your son my love and get back to work”
    Magic Claims

  330. Oooh, this is tough to answer. I often turn to the books on audio and/or graphic audio and listen while I am working or driving to relax. The ones I go back to over and over are Hidden Legacy — all 6 titles, I go right through them — and Clean Sweep, graphic audio version.

    • Innkeeper -it used to be Sweep of the Blade but now I think it’s Sweep of the Heart.
      I really enjoyed the whole Caldenia part. I enjoy her

      Although Ruby Fever is a favourite as a whole book

  331. My absolute favorite comfort read of all is the Sweeper volume about her sister’s marriage. I love everything about it. I’d give the title, but my brain will not do names or titles anymore. A great grief since I used to sell books and had all of those at the snap of a finger. oh hell, i’ll go look it up

    Sweep of the Blade.

  332. I had to make some very hard decisions this year and several of House Andrews books helped me and gave me comfort. I love all of the books of course but during tough times I love to reread Nevada’s trilogy, the Innkeeper series and Magic Shifts. Nevada, Dina and Kate have a quiet confidence that helps me be more confident in myself. And their is something about the descriptions of Kate and Curran building their new life together that makes me feel better when I am anxious.

  333. Magic Breaks is my most re-read of the series. I love everything about it.
    But when I am feeling the need for comfort I listen to the Inn Keeper series. There’s just something about Dina and the inn that makes my heart happy.

  334. I love everything HA but the scene with Conlan under the bed with Kate and BFF trying to get him to come out never fails to elicit a smile no matter how I am feeling.

  336. For me, definitely Burn For Me and it’s sequals, the whole relationship between Nevada and Connor is kinda awesome. My favorite scene is when he kidnaps her and realizes she so much stronger than he predicted. I think very fondly of these two characters and wish I could read them with new eyes again. I’m thinking I might have to get the audiobooks as I’ve recently discovered that listening makes the books new again!

  337. The sword fight between Hugh and Kate in the courtyard in Magic Rises, where they end up fighting in front of everyone as an audience. It is a delicious scene that I happily read over and over. The whole book is a comfort read for me.

  338. I love both Hidden Legacy and the Innkeeper books for re-reading. My favorite scene is from Emerald Blaze right after Catalina and Alessandro leave the assembly. I too need someone to “understand me and call me on my crap” from time to time. 🙂

  339. Clean sweep was my introduction to HA and that series remains my comfort that I return to again and again.

    Hard to pick one scene – but a favorite scene is when Helen and Arland face-off over bacon in One Fell Sweep. Love Maud’s half apology and confusion over her daughter’s behavior, Sean, Arland, and Caldenia’s delight and Dina’s calm acceptance and knowledge of exactly where she is.

  340. Innkeeper, always Innkeeper. The calling and striving to bless people with comfort, peace, and safety. Maybe it is because the serial was such a blessing in a very dark era of my life, but in times of high stress I return, over and over. Thank you.

  342. I enjoy re-reading Kate’s arrival to her Father’s palace, because it has EVERYTHING. The ride over with Landon was pure comedy, from his reaction to Curran’s commentary. Then once she stepped inside she was finally able to get the proverbial monkey off her back and finally put an end to all the drama and suspense regarding her identity. Obviously the fight scene took care of all the action, but Hibla’s death was so well deserved that I sleep like a baby after she cuts her head off. lol

  343. I think it is Sweep in Peace for me as that is when I discovered the blog (even though I had been reading Kate for years) so I was with you every step of the way as the book was being written (very luckily I discovered near the beginning) and I loved coming back each week for more!!

  344. Tough one. It depends on what I need comfort for.

    If I’m just tired, Hugh at breakfast in Magic Triumphs makes me laugh. If I’m sad, I search out grandma Frida or Roman. If I just need a mental break, usually Sweep of the Heart. (or a couple of different, unnamed, authora)

  345. Of Swine and Roses is my favorite comfort read. I love that the character essentially has the most miserable, embarrassing day of her life and then karma essentially goes “ok, ok, ok, here’s your reward for being awesome.” Just a great story.

  347. I love Sweep of the Blade – love seeing a smart, capable mom kick a$$ and take names. LOL . I also love the family dynamics in the Hidden Legacy books.

  348. The Innkeeper series is my comfort reading when I get burned out by other books that are mediocre or too dark. The writing and story lines of this series are so good and interesting that I enjoy them every I read them. I have a room full of books and over 2100 Kindle books so I read a lot. I love all your books also. Automatic buy.

  349. The cooking and social bonding in House Tremaine, with Montgomery, Rogan and Russian grand Duke.

  350. All the Kinsman books but especially Fated Blades. I love the byplay between Ramona and Matias and the hearts they have hidden underneath.

  351. Whenever I was having a a really tough time in college, I’d pick up Sweep of the Blade. At this point, I can probably tell you what chapter the book is on by just looking at the page. I still pick it up now, of course, but that book got me through some really stressful times when I just needed a reminder that things would be okay.

  352. Mine is definitely the scene when Derek overhears Kate and Hugh talking about Roland in Magic Rises, and he tells her that it might matter to some people who her father is, but not to him. Gets me with the warm fuzzies every time.

  353. Anything from House Andrews is a comfort read for me, but Gertrude Hunt is the ultimate safe space. When door to door solicitors won’t take the polite refusal and force me to be rude instead, I always picture Gertrude Hunt ejecting them off the property or sinking them to the waist in the grass. It helps me keep my equanimity. Family driving me nuts? I imagine the house rearranging itself so no hallways or doors lead to me. Ah, Gertrude Hunt. Best place EVER!

    Also? Fart gun. When I first listened to the GA adaptations of Innkeeper, I didn’t even think of the fart gun until it was happening. I laughed so hard I hyperventilated! Now I keep that scene cued up on my phone for whenever I really need a moment of pure joy 🤪

  354. I have reread all of the books more times than I can count, and am currently enjoying the graphic audio versions of Kate and Inkeeper. I have found, however, that at least once a year, I feel the need to reread Iron Covenant. There is something about Hugh’s redemption arc, the mystery of what Elara is, and the growth of their relationship that just pulls me in again and again. I always finish the book with a rewarding feeling (and of course, a burning desire for more lol).

  356. If I must pick one favorite moment (there are so many), I have two words: ripper cushions. I love Helen.

  357. For me, it is the first Innkeeper book, Clean Sweep. Definitely my go-to book when I need a pick me up.

    “People say that physics has laws,” I told him, walking to the bedroom door. “I prefer to view them as a set of flexible guidelines.”

  359. More words aren’t necessarily a bad thing as far as the BDH is concerned, though if the edits need to bring about a certain word count I’m sure it is beyond frustrating for you right now. Hope it becomes better for you as the edit progresses.

    Surprisingly enough it’s Iron and Magic for the comfort read win for me. Love the whole story arc for both Elara and Hugh and love watching the bond being forged.

    Chapter 14 is probably my favorite:
    “Happiness he realized. For the first time in years he felt happy.” and “She would just lay here, luxuriating in the warmth of his body, cozy and safe.”

    Oh, me of little faith! I hadn’t ever thought to see the words happy, cozy and safe anywhere in paragraphs relating to Hugh and Elara after first meeting them.

    Also I must admit that Bucky and Hugh’s relationship always makes me smile and, on occasion, laugh out loud.

  360. First book of the Innkeeper Series. Where Sean tries to gain acces to Gertrude Hunt. OMG I love it. I usually read that part twice.

    Or Kate going “here Kitty kitty” that entire scene. Ahhh

    OMG that makes me so happy! Much Love to House Andrews!

  361. The whole Inkeeper series, or Hidden Legacy. Or Kate…heck, everything they write is my go to comfort read!

  362. Innkeeper chronicles (the whole series) is my comfort read. So much so that I read the whole series multiple times every year. I listen to audiobooks like some/most people listen to music.

    The book that I feel most connected to is Steel’s edge. Charlotte’s infertility is mirrored in my own. Her story is heartbreaking, but it has a happy ending.

  363. Magic Strikes! When the Fools are at the games and playing cards. It’s such a competent and diverse group, yet family.

  364. I love the mousse scene in HL (I’m a bit out of it, titles are hard). And the Edge books.
    But then there’s Gunmetal Magic. And really, I’m so Team Metal Rose that Magic Stars should top the list

  365. Anything to do with Kate and Curran is my comfort place and I go back to them again and again and again 💓

  366. I love Silver Shark, too & noticed the deep contrast between the industrial, gray, cold environment with the blossoms, colors, smells, tastes of New Delhi (new dahlia?). Also, I work in refugee resettlement so this theme and story (working in a menial job but contributing greatly) is so so accurate and dear to my heart. I’m just lucky that I get to be around these folks and help be part of welcoming new Americans!

    At any rate my comfort read (actually scene) is the 3rd Nevada book where’s she’s on the phone with the summoner who attacked the children of her client. Rogan is walking her back to his place and his staff are listening to her rip into that psychopath and hold her own. All around people are cringing away from her but Rogan is just loving her transform into this powerful woman (aka prime) who is a FORCE. ugh. favorite scene ever.

  367. My absolute favorite bits of any IA books are at the end of Wildfire – the scene where the Beast of Cologne shows up on the Grand Parkway overpass next to the Cinemark (I grew up in Katy so this speaks to me) and where the Baylor sisters are tested for House status. The part where Arabella has to do math gets me every time. Love it.

  368. Honestly there are so many from all the series that i cannot decide easily. Maybe if i had to pick, I like the bathtab scene of Kate and Curan from both point o views. I like reading/listening it from Kate and then from Curan and it always warms my heart.

  369. This is a super tough one: after much reflection I think Bayou Moon is just pipped to the post by Clean Sweep. BM if I don’t mind a little darkness with my comfort (triumphing over evil, although with a great load of sacrifice); but CS if I need a real pick me up.

    Having said that, I did recently reread Hidden Legacy when in desperate need of escape from real life 🙂

  370. Sweep of the Blade. As a single mom of 3 for the last 11 years Maud speaks to me on every level, and watching her and Arland’s relationship evolve and grow is just the best. Emerald Blaze is a close second though!

  371. When I am in between reads and don’t want to start a series, but want to read something I know I will love, I turn to the Kinsmen Universe. I love all three stories, but especially “A Mere Formality”. It always makes me smile!

  372. Not exactly a “comfort scene”, Helen and Arland with matching twigs and stuff is my comfort scene. But for a laugh/good mood scene – I love where Grandmother Victoria watches Cornelius confront the dino-rhino in the big battle scene, and says “significant, my foot”…

  373. Oh, gosh. How about all your books?

    But if I *have* to pare it down, I must confess that I frequently re-read the Innkeeper series for exactly that reason. For all the drama and danger, they still end up being comfort reads (except for maybe the most recent one, which was not so comforting), but I feel very cozy and safe whenever I read the others in the series.

    In fact, I think I’ll start re-reading them this evening. I’ve been puzzling all day about what to read next.

    Cheers, Faith

  374. Fated blades is always a special treat and the one with the dahlias, who’s title I forget. They’re the series I forget about the most, but every year when I get to it during my reread, I’m delighted.

  375. Innkeeper for sure, especially when it’s slightly more slice-of-life (although I do enjoy the fighting-for-their-lives pieces too!). A cozy B&B, what could be more comforting?

  376. « I keep cutting and cutting and somehow there are more words » 🤣🤣🤣
    Kate´s books. And particularly book 3, when I need a comfort read.

  377. I have two comfort reads: “Sweep of the blade” (because Maud, Helen and Arland are just adorable and sweet and so good for snuggling in and rereading) and “Burn for me” because the way the family stocks together is so soothing.

    I love all the other books (ok, I never grew to like the Kinsmen books), and I am in the middle of my nth Kate Daniels reread, but those are the books I turn to when it is cold and dark and I need something really nice.

  378. Catalina’s trilogy is my favorite comfort read. I usually re-listen to the audio once a year. My favorite moment is probably the scene at the end of Emerald Blaze–there is something about Alessandro’s vulnerability, in how he’s been raised to believe he has nothing to offer anyone, contrasted with how much Catalina sees him, that hits me directly in the feels every time.

    “Don’t you get it? Right here, right now, you are everything I ever wanted. I don’t care about money, connections, or reputation. We can earn all these things, together. I just want you. You’re so much more than I hoped for. If you come home with me, I’ll be the luckiest person alive.”

  379. Magic Triumphs is the comfort read for me.
    It’s the book where the initial Kate books come to a close, and when i finish it i always get the “And they lived happily ever after..” feeling.
    The Innkeeper chronicles (all 5 that are currently on GA) are my comfort listening to, as i usually have them on during my commute to work.. Waiting patiently to add to the list with the Sweep of the Heart release!

  380. Sweep of the blade is my comfort read. Every time I experience maud confront her fears and excel in House Krar, I am moved and encouraged. Also, Helen is so adorable and fun to read. Ripper-cushions is my favorite. I’m hoping house Andrews opens the store for Christmas and I can finally snag a throw pillow!

    • I love my pillow!!!

      and to an earlier comment: I did buy my brother a fart gun when he was down. it worked a charm!!

  381. No question, Kate Daniels, Magic Bleeds. The whole book is awesome, but the best is the scene where Kate is driving home from Bernard’s with Saiman in the car and Curran chasing them in the snow. I love the snark and the snarky characters (Patrice, Erra “little squirrel! You taste like family!”) and bad-ass Kate.

  382. I Love Silver Shark. That entire universe is lush and intense. However my favorite comfort read is anything with Maud and Arland. It’s just lovely to see them fall for each other, and I love Helen!

  383. Sweep in Peace. It’s a go to book for comfort, for relaxation, and for pure escapism when like is just a bit too much.

  384. It used to be Hidden Legacy, especially the first and the third.
    Then I switched to 4 and 5 of Hidden legacy and now… Kate Daniels Wilmington Years. Those 2 short stories are so great!

  385. My comfort zone is kate daniels and Catalina’s trilogy. The only way forward is going thru the woods.

  386. The Innkeeper series, specifically the third book, is a big comfort read for me, if I’m in the mood for a whole book. If I want to read something shorter, I’ll return to Silver Shark

  387. On the Edge, where Declan explains to George why he can’t keep everything alive with his magic. It was so well written I could see it as I was reading it, and George realized what he was creating aside of his exhaustion.

  388. Hidden Legacy is probably my #1 HA comfort read, followed by the Kinsmen stories. I love Kate series and Innkeeper, but the tone isn’t quite „comfort read“ for me for whatever reason; and the Kate series is expansive and has a lot of offshoots and short stories, which is something that I don’t look for in a comfort read (but it’s wonderful in any other favorite series)

  389. It’s the first four KD books for me! I first read the books when I was 11 and have been rereading for the nine years since. I have always felt terribly alone and have perhaps, rather irrationally, looked up to Kate. Kate seemed to start out horribly alone and then friendships and a romance just started blossoming in her locale.

    Reading the growth of her character offered some hope of my own. And then when reading Magic Clams, and looking back to those first four books that I feel has really set the trajectory for her character, I’m always in awe of how far Kate has come, and it’s somehow always evoked introspection and renewed sense of purpose in my own my life.

    I enjoy the KD series rather indiscriminately, but the first four books have always been a point of nostalgia and hope for me. I read them when I get sad and then I feel better.

    Ironically, Magic Rises has the same effect as well, raising my blood pressure in the process albeit.

    I reread Magic Burns yesterday. My comfort scenes would be when Kate explains to Curran why she was so hell-bent on toothpaste’s and Myong’s marriage, the “please and thank you” scenes…and et cetera. There are so much good stuff, and a whole lot of solace provided!

  390. Sweep of the Blade. Really all of the Innkeeper series…I’ve read them countless times. But Sweep of the Blade is the one I re-read most.

  391. Anything Hidden Legacy, but I particularly love the scene where Rogan figures out that Nevada thinks of him as a dragon. There is so much chemistry there it jumps out and punches you!

  392. Any time Catalina cooks in Hidden Legacy, there is something about it that just makes my soul feel seen. One of my best friends told me, before I read Catalina’s trilogy, that Catalina was the most me adjacent character of all the characters in all the series-es so far, and when I read them I just agreed, so I guess beyond the cooking scenes, just all of her stuff is #relatable and comforting for me.

    But also I love when Elara goes to collect Hugh at the end of Iron and Magic. That’s a great scene.

  393. First off I love all your books but I will admit that when I want a comfort read, especially a short one that I can read fairly quickly, I often go to Silent Blade. Something about the passion cones scene gets me every time. If I want to reread a series I often choose the Innkeeper series. That said, I have re-read all of your books so many times that it is a little crazy. So much comfort in a cup of tea, chocolate and an Ilona Andrews book! Thank you for all your hard work, you two!

  394. My number one comfort read is Sweep of the Blade. I love Maud & Arland.
    After that I usually read the rest of Innkeeper.
    Depending on my mood I then turn to Blood Heir or Wilmington Years.
    After which I rember Kinsmen.
    For some reason Hidden Legacy is a summer read for me.
    Perfect for long evenings outside.

  395. It’s hard to pick a favourite but I think it must be Magic Strikes.

    I adore the Can-I-girl vs May-I-girl scene.

  396. I wobble back and forth between Hidden Legacy and the Innkeeper series for comfort reading. Arabella trying to do math is a top scene as is the “battle” at the Costco. Of course once I start thinking about it a bunch of favourites come to mind and then I wander over to Kate and Curran. You just write really well, with characters I love to visit over and over!

  397. The entire Innkeeper series is a comfort read for me. Nothing particular about it, although of course I have my favourite bits (“Please eat, small human.”), but rather the concept. Just embracing the idea that a weary traveler, perhaps burdened by many unknown travails, could show up at Dina’s door, and she would say: “Gertrude Hunt welcomes you.” Then she would make a cup of tea, and by the time the traveler had finished it, there would be a room prepared, that would somehow be perfectly appointed to make them feel comfortable and safe– feel that they could finally rest, for a little while.

  398. Wow, you did something so very right with all the votes for Sweep of the Blade! Sweep of the Blade is my comfort read also. My favorite scene is when Ilemina offers Maud the Maven position. What a validating moment for Maud, being recognized for her knowledge and physical skills. To me that is the ultimate comfort, to be recognized for all of the hard work you have done and be given a job where you can further show your value, that challenges you, and gives you the chance to expand your knowledge and experience. I imagine that writing does that for both of you, and I am so greatful that it does! I imagine both of you talking through scenes and getting to just the right wording to build the story and bring the right emotion. No wonder when you are done you are exhausted! You have to go through those emotions yourself to get it right! Well, I love all of the words you write and I appreciate the effort it costs you to write, and I hope that you experience the satisfaction of being recognized for a job well done when each book hits the best seller list!

  399. While I enjoy every book you and Gordon have written the Innkeeper chronicles are now my comfort reads. these books kept me sane while I was the primary caregiver for my mother while she was in hospice. Book 6 had just been released and I decided to re-read the series. These books gave me the mental break I so desperately needed. They will always have a special place in my heart.

  400. First, let me say that any HA book I pick up is my favorite at that time. I love them all.

    When I go looking for a quick pop of calm, I go to Hidden Legacy, because I know where everything is taking place. (I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 40 plus years and can picture the scene…)
    My absolute favorite is the “Nine month flu” scene when Nevada tells Rogan they are pregnant. The window glass is classic. Never gets old. Never.

  401. Hidden Legacy, for sure! Book 1 is especially hilarious but also moving – my favorite combo!

    – Peaches / SPLAT!!
    – The ferret heist!

  402. I love them all!!! My go to is Magic Bites.. when Kate first meets Curran. Here Kitty, Kitty. Solid Gold.

  403. The entire Kate Daniels series is a favorite comfort read of mine. I’ve gone back, several times now, and re-read the whole main series over a week or two (1+ book a day 😅) when I need some escapism but also need comfort and familiarity.

    When I don’t want to commit to rereading a full series, Sweep of the Blade or Magic Bleeds.

  404. I have several go-to scenes, depending on what kind of comfort I want.

    I think the first HA piece I ever read was Silent Blade, probably in an anthology. I lost track of it for a while, and it *haunted* me–especially the scene where Carvano confronts Meli after figuring out who she was. SUCH a good apology scene, and she doesn’t just cave! Pure catharsis. And then the following scene brings hope back into the world. I was so glad when I found the story again that I read it through twice immediately and re-read that pair of scenes a few more times…I may also have made my husband read it immediately.

    I also love any of the scenes where someone’s competence and general awesomeness are acknowledged by someone who previously underestimated them. I think that’s why, like many others, I love Sweep of the Blade–it has several of these scenes. Favorites there include when the House Scribe asks for Maud’s story (“It seems Lady Maud and I have gotten off on the wrong foot”) and she tells the story of becoming Sarev, and when Karat first meets Maud and Helen (“She would attack me if I tried, wouldn’t she? She’s building up enough bounce to jump across the room.”)

    Silver Shark is also a favorite when the ills of the world are weighing on me. I think about Rada’s immigration program often, and wish our world could institute a similarly sensible approach to refugees (and just humanity in general). I especially love the scene where Claire is buying fruit, wanting to try one of everything, and her neighbor tells her that her hair is too bright. Something about how Claire can recognize that the neighbor is trying to be kind, but also that she (Claire) doesn’t have to live by those constraints anymore along with the gentle support of the fruit seller gets me every time.

    For just plain laughing out loud and delighting in tour-de-force writing, I love any scene between Bug and Catalina. Also the scene where Catalina imagines Bug’s dialogue.

  406. I always always go to this section of Emerald Blaze as it makes me feel like love will win out over it all and Alessandro’s devotion gives me chills! I would love to have a person in my life that cherishes me the way Alessandro cherishes Catalina. I love everything about their relationship and feel like they are true partners and equals in it.

    “I pulled out my phone, found Alessandro’s number, and texted him.

    Where are you?

    Where do you need me to be?”

    So much is conveyed in those two little sentences. Wow House Andrews! Just wow!

  407. My comfort book is definitely Bayou Moon.
    I love the entire Edge universe, but Cerise and William’s story just resonated with me.
    The part where she asks him if he is a spy, and she just accepts him as he is, broken and all, because she sees him for who he is, that just makes me fall in love with the story all over again.

  408. Honestly, Magic bites. it’s the first book I read of yours. I don’t even need to reread, Ive practically memorised it at this point. Trigger words for happy thoughts… Boones Farm and here kitty kitty 🤣

  409. For comfort reads I usually go for Hidden Legacy. There are so many gems in that series, the infamous ferret heist probably being the best for cheering-up purposes. I also like Gunmetal Magic, probably because if someone as screwed up as Andrea can find peace and happiness anyone can!

  410. The rescue of Ghastek and Kate from Mishmar. The themes of putting others first for friendship, love or just being the right thing to do…especially Christopher.

    The first conversation between Christopher and Kate after he manifests as Deimos in Magic Binds. They both know Roland the best (at this point in the story) and can empathize with one another. I loved the reintroduction of themselves they did. But what I really appreciated was when Kate asked about what he will do now. He replies, “When you fight your father, I will soar above you. I want to be the last thing he sees before he dies.”
    So glad he was able to remember that he could fly! ♥️

  411. Iron and Magic. I know Hugh started as a villain but my inner child is tired of being brave and Hugh is a protector and for a while I spent every lunch hour rereading this book over and over again.

  412. my favorite go to book is White Hot. it’s so funny and so romantic and I just love listening to Rogan try to explain the lack of bullshit in his life. I can listen to that book over and over.

  413. I love everything written by HA, but for comfort reads, I always head back to the innkeeper series. The first book especially. I don’t know why that book is like wrapping myself in a warm blanket. I think it might be Dina’s demeanor that comforts me. She always comes across as so well centered.

  414. It depends on my mood, but if I had to pick just one, it’s either Cerise and Lord Bill or Audrey and Kaldar that I go to.

    Something about the liminal space represented by the edge, the culture clash across the Weird and Broken, and the pure intelligence, will, and general bad-assery of these women really resonate with me. Plus, there’s bonus Gaston, George, and Jack.

    I think I’ve posted it before here, but often rereading one world leads me to reread another. For example, the Edge might take me to Innkeeper, which sends me over to HL, which detours me to Jesse Mihalik’s Consortium Rebellion, and then the whole cycle starts over at Kate.

    Kinsmen is the one I can’t quite keep on the list – probably because I lurve long books and those are so short. Catalina and Augustine are other favorites though – I have the ferret heist mousepad hehe.

  415. When I’m feeling alone or even just in a reading rut, I reread the Hidden Legacy series. The sense of close-knit, ride or die family is everything I’ve ever wanted, and it’s very comforting to read about.

  416. Hi,
    I don’t contribute often,
    My soft spot House Andrews series is The Edge. It was the first series of books I read from you, and I was charmed and captivated.
    But my reread fav is definitely Kate and Curran. I love all the stories but their dynamic and the way their respect for each other grows… They show a very mature relationship that can still be excruciatingly childish at times. A wonder!
    Thank you so much for so many hours of immersive listening. You both are the best.
    Please don’t include me in the draw, I only listen to books now.

  417. Gunmetal Magic.

    I read it with a friend, we finished and had a long huge call about it and the KD series overall, scant hours before he died.

    We laughed so much, and he enjoyed it so thoroughly that it has somehow become the comfort read when I miss him and yearn to be back hearing his perspective on this absurd life.

    It’s not my favorite but it’s the one that gives me comfort.

  418. I really love them all but when I need a boost I tend to jump on the shorter story ones like Grace of Small Magics or the Kinsmen universe unless I’m planning on re-reading the larger series.

  419. One of my favorite comfort reads of yours has actually become my “bedtime story” . I thankfully remembered recently (just in the nick of time) that of the most comforting moments of my childhoof was just the act of falling asleep while listening to my parents read to me a tale. I used that memory of comfort and decided to use audible while I fell asleep to try to ease my new found adult anxiety/racing thoughts/ insomnia. It works as a charm- if i have the right story. And the right story for me is Sweep of the Heart starting at Chapter 10. There is something so soothing listening to a story that 1) stars a magic house that loves you 2)has descriptions about wide variety of different aliens 3)has descriptions of perfect systems in place to make those varied aliens happy and also keeping everyone safe (th type Apersonality in my LOVES this) 4) knowing how welling everything turns out in the end.
    I just love it. And I love how it sometimes influences my dreams.
    p.s. it took me a while to find which IA worked best. may I warn people against KD # 8 Magic Shifts, if they want to try this Adult nighttime story. I started with KD as they are my ultimate favorite but waking up to, “MEAT! MEAT! …MEAT” is not the so comforting.

  420. Sapphire Flames is the most re-read book on my shelf. Although I will read the entirety of Emerald Blaze for Catalina’s angry confession that she speaks Italian.

    But no, it’s Sapphire Flames. Catalina making her first true friend, gobstopping the Count, the hell pepper, the behind the scenes love story with Bern, the invisible man, TEXAS… I love how the entire world keeps generating madness off screen and Catalina just brushes against it while dealing with assassin fueled chaos. It’s my favorite. I know there’s a HEA for her even if it doesn’t happen in book one. The bad guys get beaten, the good people are safe, lessons are learned.

    I wanna snuggle with my dog and a fuzzy blanket and read it again.

  421. Of Swine and Roses. It’s short, but that makes it better. Somehow it’s the beginning of a story, but I don’t need the rest of it. What’s there is so full of family, and strength, and hope, that I know they’re not only going to be okay, they’re going to be happy too. It’s a lively little mood boost whenever I need one.

  422. I have re-read Hidden Legacy many times, I have re-listened to Hidden Legacy many times. Feeling low or off or down, pick up Nevada, and whoa life is good, it is a great read and so much fun. I love the characters, the relationships and the intrique. I was one of many I think who had no clue who Caesar was until the Arabella Aunt story. You can put the obvious in front of me and I will not see it. Thank you to both of you and your whole team, I am eternally grateful for your writing and hope and wish many more years of listening and reading your amazing words.

  424. I just listened to the audio books for Hidden Legacy. Prior to this I read the kindle versions. Slipping back into House Andrews’ worlds is a comforting escape at any time. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve reread the different series, or listened. Now that we’ve stopped moving around, I will start looking for hard copies of the books.

  425. Favorite comfort read is Innkeeper 3 One Fell Sweep; comfort listen is Kinsmen Universe Fates Blades

  426. I love all House Andrews books but I think that the Innkeeper series is my comfort read. I laugh out loud the most with this series (the same quotes get me every time). It’s also the only series that will truly make me cry (AHHHH! the baby Inn 😭😭😭) and then laugh while I still have tears on my face. It’s cathartic and a wonderful way to wind down my brain and anxiety levels (didn’t say I was anxious. Nothing to see here 👀). As far as characters, I probably identify the most with Catalina in the Hidden Legacy series and having to step out of my comfort zone to lead. But Innkeeper forever has my heart. I imagine what my room would be like as a guest in the Inn, roam the gardens, and have Orro’s eggs three ways. All the other worlds would probably terrify me but I think I would like to be a forever guest of the Inn like Caldenia.

  428. If I just want a quick read Silver Shark. If I have time for something a little longer my pick is Sweep of the Blade. I love both and have read them many times.

  429. Interestingly, Silver Shark is also my comfort read. I love the whole kinsmen world (always up for more short stories there!), and it’s an easy and highly satisfying read when I’m stressed. I recognized the echoes of Ilona’s experiences in it, and they also echo mine, but in a different way. My adolescence and 20s were suffocated by an oppressive religious environment and way of thought that I didn’t know how to escape from (and couldn’t admit I needed to escape from at first). Coming out of it, the world took on new life and offered a sense of wonder that I struggled to find previously. In that sense, I highly relate to Claire’s journey. It reminds me of the joy of being able to finally choose for myself and enjoy life as I pleased.

  432. Sweep of the blade, then Silver Shark.But, I am having some health challenges right now, and I am listening to the Baylor under my pillow when I am sleeing.

  433. It’s tough to choose just one, but I have to go with Sweep of the Blade. That book just makes me feel better.

  434. As someone who has taken the past two months to read through ALL the Kate Daniels books for the first time – I’m going to say:

    Iron and Magic. There’s something wildly comforting about watching two people who feel “wrong,” find their place, find each other, and find themselves surrounded by lots of people who respect and accept and care for them too. And their banter makes me laugh. Laughter is medicine.

    Blood Heir. I love this book so much. A story about a girl who doesn’t know who she is anymore and thinks she can never really go home. Every time someone recognized her, or spoke to her as Julie, I wanted to cry. And as much as the ending makes me crazy desperate for the next book, I actually like that there’s still things that are unresolved – because everything still kind of ends on an uplifting note.

  435. I would have to say the innkeeper series. I just love all the characters and how they interact. I absolutely adore the heartwarming and hilarious memory of Dina’s father in the car with her mother. I laugh out loud every time I read:

    One time we were on the road and a giant semi veered a little too close. He’d screamed, “Jesu, Helen, turn the horses!” and then spent the rest of the day being embarrassed about it.

    I also adore Orro and his dramatics. It’s all so delightful. These are yummy books.

  436. My favorite reread is definitely Hidden Legacy, especially Catalina’s arc. I love seeing the sisters grow and become more confident in their abilities.

  437. Definitely Kate Daniels series as a whole, but specifically Magic Strikes. My favorite scene is when Kate and the others go into their fight and they’re supposed to fly under the radar. But instead they absolutely decimate their opponents in hilarious ways and Jim snaps his clipboard, lol.

  438. For me, it’s magic strikes where you really see kate and Curran recognize this is something and then magic triumphs and Conlan. Everything conlan. My babies are 5 and 3 so it all just resonates

  439. I reread everything several times a year, but I listen to Sweep of the Blade at least once a month from start to finish, and don’t even count how many time I put on the favorite parts when I need a short break. I love when Helen with her little daggers threatened to kill Illemina if she hurt her mom.
    Children in house Andrew’s book are so talented; Conlan made blood claws when he was a baby; Arthur kinectically assembled a gun in the air using his grandma yarn and yarn swift (great imagination here).
    I am patiently waiting for Maud’s next book; hopefully we get a scence where house Ervan need a favor from house Krahr or some such, and Maud’s former mother in law get to meet house Krahr’s Maven. Ooh… I can’t wait.

    • Maud’s former mother-in-law meeting House Krahr’s Maven? Oh that would be absolutely delicious!

  440. Iron and magic is my top comfort read (one among many of yours admittedly)

    ”She came for him. She threw caution to the wind, displayed her power, and came to get him away from Nez. She faced Roland for him and would’ve fought him. Hugh never expected it. She should’ve left him to rot, yet she pulled him out of there and somehow dragged him to the castle. Nobody, in his entire life, would’ve done it for him, except for his Iron Dogs.”

    • Love This As Well! I can relate to how Hugh Feels, as no one but my husband has ever stood up for me!

  441. My comfort read is the innkeeper chronicles. And hidden legacy. Both set in Texas and because I live here it’s familiar. Like putting on a favorite sweater.

  443. Silent Blade! It is short so you can read it as a quick pick me up. There is something about the story that I just adore. She uses all the skills she developed learning to be a good wife to later get him to fall in love with her. It is poetic justice at it’s finest but also happily ever after! Just makes me happy and warm inside!

  444. I love everything about Kate!
    I re-read the books so many times that Kate and Curran do feel like my extended family. I missed so much knowing what happened to them after Atlanta and the Wilmington Years books were a wonderful surprise – except for the covers because Luisa’s Small Magics Kate is it for me 😉

  445. It’s hard to choose between my first love of your series Kate Daniel’s and the Hidden legacies and Innkeeper series. But I recently re-read them. So for now Clean Sweep wins out.

  447. My no. 1 book is One Fell Sweep, followed by Sweep of the Blade. So many great moments in all of them.

    A few from those: Maud’s rescue; making the special Hiru room; Helen offering the Hiru a Christmas ornament “now you have something”; everyone reaching out to Dina when she’s comatose “please, small human”; the final showdown at the Inn “so I would snap out of it” “not in my Inn!”

    Fated Blades if I’m looking for a short read. A perfect little novella – especially the part where they first work together, both on the business front and to break into the compound (fighting through the goons), and the final reveal of their connection at the end (big fight showdown).

    Favourite scenes from other series, in no particular order:

    1) Curran coming after Kate in book 6 – the lion bounding through the hills, crouching down to say “punch me in the face or something”…

    2) Hidden Legacy – the Baylor sisters at the trials – culminating with Arabella and math 🤣

    3) Edge 1 – William discovering Jack lives with his family

    4) Magic Tides – the whole opening, especially Curran’s reaction to Kate leaving “will you be back for dinner?” and “happy wife, happy life”… then explaining to his contractor why they need to prepare for a siege

  448. I honestly love them all, but if I had to pick one, it would be the Innkeeper series (I can’t pick just one of them!). Though the setting is far from my everyday life, I love how Dina, Sean and their friends and family feel like real people. And the growth! Watching how they have all grown, in confidence, themselves, relationships, is just great. And of course, the books are just amazing – fantastic plot, funny, heart breaking, phenomenal.

  449. Clean Sweep!!!!
    I love all of your books and have reread at least once all of them but The Innkeeper Chronicles hold an extremely special place in my heart. It’s not just my comfort read from among your books but one of my all time favourite from all the books I’ve read.
    P.S. I rarely post here but I truly appreciate you 🙂 and can’t wait to read your new book even if it has 2000 pages!

  450. I’ve been relistening to the Graphic audio of Magic burns. There is a section where Kate is talking to Curran about Myong and why she support’s Myong’s relationship with Crest. She talks about the things she doesn’t get to have. That moment coupled with the moment at the end of the book are the things that I go back to. The fact that someone listened and took in the impact of what you said and remembered it. The coupling of those two scenes with everything else that is going on in that book is a big part of why those sections in particular is a comfort read for me.

  451. Sweep with Me. When life is all loss and fear, I can pick up this book and be wrapped in Sean and Dina’s love and the joy of Treaty Day. The humor, the warmth, the comfort- this is where I find it.

  452. So hard to choose one portion of one book, as all your series are my go-to comfort reads (one after the other on audio). Today, I would choose the ferret heist scene. Tomorrow might be totally different, depending on what I have listened to most recently.

  453. My favorite is the first part of Clean Sweep, when Shawn is in the orchard. I crack up every time. 🙂

  454. My comfort read is Magic Strikes which inevitably leads me to rereading Magic Bleeds and then might as well just reread the highlight reels from Kate and Curran’s relationship from there.

  455. For me, it is the Innkeeper that I lean most into as a comfort read, though to be fair, I re-read all of the IA library pretty regularly. But when I think comfort read, I think Innkeeper … Dina with this amazing home that she loves, and that loves her in return. Her story at the simplest level is just defending her home and helping it to thrive. Making it a sanctuary, which is something I try to do with my home too. Just not as successfully as Dina, sadly. 🙂 And then finding a partner that fits into that home as if he was made for it. Mmmm, comfort.

  456. I have tinitis. At night I block it out by listening to Sweep of the Blade. I have to read and listened to it many many times. Love the story line and characters.

  457. It isn’t one book, but most of them. I will cherry pick scenes, depending on my mood, from the books to comfort read.

  458. I think my comfort read could be the entire Kate Daniels series. she’s everything I’m not. brave and strong with the ability to kick lots of butt. Meanwhile I’m a giant chicken who’s scared of everything, and cries when I’m angry instead of just being able to get mad. Kate helps me remember that both events and emotions pass. Even the way you feel about someone can change (Hugh). You learn from them and move on.

    • Being scared isn’t the opposite of brave and tears are rarely as bad as we want to make them out to be. It’s the facing up to those items and continuing on that is bravery. You got this! Proud of you!

  459. White Hot…especially the epilogue. I think about Rogan breaking the snowballs apart before they hit Nevada so often.

  460. It’s funny you ask this because the entire collection is my comfort place but if I had to pick just one it would probably be clean sweeps

  461. For me, it’s the bathtub scene with Kate and Curran during the Midnight Games.

    and just both of them. Their very real-life relationship.

  462. I love a comfort read, something that takes me to a time and place, whether it be when and where I read the book, or within the book.

    The Innkeeper series, specifically Mauds story, is my fav comfort read – I’ve revisited this book so many times now. Maud is strong, pragmatic, fierce, intelligent and so vulnerable. I love the conversation she has with Karat when she first arrives on the planet, pointing out how refreshing her welcome is. 😀

  463. Sooo many scenes, and yes, the Hidden Legacy and Innkeeper books are especially thick with them.

    But, I keep coming back to Julie’s troubles at boarding school, solved when Kate and Raphael ride up in full regalia. (“Those runes on the sword don’t do anything.” “But they look impressive.”)

  464. I’ve listened to Iron & Magics audio 6 times now, and I have to restrain myself from going back more often because I don’t want to overdo it. the entire innkeeper series is also something I relisten to when I get into a slump trying to find a new great book, and I need something I know I’m going to love.

  465. My go-to lately has been the scene from Magic Triumphs where Kate eliminates the sahanu. Some days the idea of locking all your problems into a small space and chopping them into tiny pieces with a sword is a little too appealing!!

  466. Arabella threatening to stuff Michael’s bill up his backside, and Catalina being so horrified by the thought, she has to call on Nevada to talk Arabella down, makes me smile every time I read it or think about it.

  468. I’m not sure which part I’d call a comfort read, though Dina and Helen unpacking ornaments and then the Hiru walk in. There’s something lovely about that.
    My current favorite scene is Sean v the space pirates. Sling-shotting himself onto the ship, cutting his way in and destroying the crew. Just something you do. la la. I swear it was longer the first time I read it.
    I also enjoy the GA versions (Orro! omg), the audio makes it easy to listen to the Kahari bar fight from Dina’s POV in book 3 and then from Maude’s POV in book 4. Sooo fun.

  469. Every House Andrews book, depending on what I need comfort for. Faves are Iron and Magic coz Hugh redemption and I love why the book came about (BDH win, thank you so so much HA) and also Fated Blades, funny and romantic and I adore Matias and Ramona!

  470. Kate Daniel’s is My Comfort Go To. Depending what I need comfort from or for decides what book I choose. In my Job I’m known for the amount of books I consume, and get asked for recommends all the time and the scene I use to sell the series, Without spoilers, is the Here Kitty, Kitty. So far its work all 11 times, We now have a informal book club around the series at our store!

  471. Innkeeper- the Costco scene. I still laugh every time I read. I loved that we got to meet the woman who helped later on.🤣

  472. .
    Probably my biggest Ilona comfort read is either The Edge or Burn for Me. I have a big family (so I love the family in Hidden Legacy) and we grew up poor.

    Most fantasy books, the characters play at being poor. Or they are poor, but the author obviously doesn’t know what that MEANS. The descriptions seem either overwrought or cliche. But the Edge is different.

    When I was 18 my dad lost his job. I worked 2 full time retail jobs for 3 months while he took every pizza delivery job he could get. One day my little sister (15) pulled me aside and pointed out that my little brother (14)- who was starting high school in 2 weeks – had outgrown all his clothes. They were too short, too tight, too small – just didn’t fit. So I took all the money I could scrape together from my two jobs after having bought groceries and went with sis to JC Pennys to get him jeans and shirts that fit, damn it.

    I can’t read the first page of The Edge without crying. Jacks shoes get me every time. I KNOW what that feels like. So weirdly, it’s a comfort read. Because it feels like Ilona knows exactly what that feels like too, and there is a happy ending to Roses story.

    • +1
      Putting duck tape around the front of my “skips” ( cheap plain keds/ converse) to keep them from falling apart and drawing on the tape. Thats what I remember most from middle school.

  474. Hidden Legacy for me, definitely my cleanser series. I have just started it again now..for the second re read this year

  475. Kinsman for me too. Silent Blade was my favorite comfort read until Silver Shark came out, and now it’s my favorite. That scene where Claire is trying to cut the unfamiliar fruits/vegetables and learn to cook reminds me of every time I’ve moved and struggled to find my footing. Her perseverance is reassuring!

    I try not to buy physical books because I move around quite a bit and books are heavy, but I regret not getting the Subterranean Press special edition with both stories (and Luisa’s illustrations!).

  476. I don’t know if it qualifies as ‘comfort’ but Kate yelling back at Roland that her lineage is longer than his by one… that moment always gives me goosebumps and fills me up with so much pride. I didn’t come from great parents and it’s very empowering to know that cutting myself off from them, denying and rejecting everything about my history isn’t the only option to help bring forth a break in the cycle, to help build my life into what I want it to be, to be the type of parent I want to be.

  477. Love them all, but probably the comfort read is either Silver Shark for something short and then the Inn Keeper series because the main characters are wonderful , and the supporting characters are so rich too. I love how sentient the Inn is itself !! My grandmother’s house was haunted as it was built next to an old road called “Stage Coach Road” and a cemetery plus its right near a Civil war site. It’s not far from Hurricane Mills which was Loretta Lynn’s house and her house was haunted as its next to a Civil War site as well.

    Good luck with the edits. I am so excited this new book and can’t wait to read it!

    Cheerio,
    Melissa

  478. My comfort read is definitely one of the Kate Daniel’s books, I think the one right after they step down from the pack. I know it’s stressful for Kate, but she’s finally not hiding (not completely at least) and being true to herself and I love it. I also love how so many people follow her and she just doesn’t realize how much people truly love her.

  480. Hmmm my comfort comes from beginning to reread Kate Daniels from the first book to the last really, I can’t point to a particular scene but the whole series itself is my comfort read. It’s such a joy! The new Kate Daniels books in particular would be big comfort reads. Similarly with Deana’s series.

  481. I’ll read any of your series for comfort. I’d be hard pressed to pick just one.
    I can’t thank you enough for that!

  482. I love this moment in Ruby Fever.

    She kissed my hair. I almost cried. She used to hug me like this every time my magic leaked, and someone lost themselves to obsessing over me. She would hold me and tell me that it would be okay, that with practice I would get better. Mom always believed in me without any doubt. “You and your sisters, you three are so different, and somehow you’re all the same.”“How are we the same?”“All of you can do anything you want if only you manage to get out of your own way. You especially. You need to get out of your own head, Catalina. You overthink everything. Put yourself on rails and go forward.”“Okay,” I promised.

  483. Haha, that moment in the Kate books when Saiman dresses her up to flaunt her in Curran’s face. At the restaurant that is used as a meeting ground and Curran gets riled up and Kate is so angry and Saiman is drunk. I particularly love the chase scene between Kate and Curran.

    and what comes after of course 🙂

  484. Oh my, I think it would be Arland, drunk on coffee, running about naked among the apple trees.
    Then I would have another mug of coffee.

  486. My favorite reread scene is when Kate & Curran asked Roman to officiate their wedding. I thought the whole scene was hilarious and very sweet. And you could tell that he seriously appreciated the opportunity to marry them. He went all in.

  487. Everything that you write gets read about 3 times a year (it saves me as I read 1-3 books a day)so much so that I have my reading copies that after a few reads I trade for better, and a whole other set that has all been signed.

  488. For the longest time, it was just Hidden Legacy — esp Burn for Me as every Neveda/Rogan interaction gave me squeals and i’d get so caught up in it i want to google people from the universe to find their herald entries when i was doing long drives with the audio (esp Rhinda Charles)

    Then the Innkeepers, but esp Sweep of the Blade carried me away. I chuckle deeply just remembering the strong face as Arland walked between the stair wells but Maud carrying him (basically) anytime anyone couldn’t see them after he took on the mass of warriors.

    Recently Fated Blades — and the dancing in the forest as well as the battle dance at the end and the not-quite-merging of the companies at the end just sends me into a fit of warm fuzzies.

    Sorry. Can’t pick just one.

  489. I can’t decide if it’s the Innkeeper, Hidden Legacy, or Kate Daniel series. It all depends on the situation

  490. My most random favorite: a scene from (I think) Magic Breaks, when Kate is on her donkey crossing the city with Derek and Ascanio, who are sniping at each other, but take a break to make fun of her heavy footsteps. It’s such a completely funny non-eventful moment.

  491. I love to re-read Magic Breaks from the Kate Daniel’s series. I really feel that that book in particular is probably the most well done urban fantasy book I’ve ever read. It hits all the notes for me, and I often compare it to others, which sadly, do not measure up. But hope springs eternal and I’m always on the hunt for the next, Magic Breaks.

  492. I always go back to Catalina’s books in Hidden Legacy! Something about who she is as a character really connects with me and I enjoy reading her story arc.

  493. My favorite is Sweep of the Blade, Maud’s character resonates with me on so many levels, especially her love and devotion to Helen.
    I come back most to the scene where Maud fights Lady Ilemina. Maud is such a wonderful mother and as my own 3 girls are growing I appreciate her character more and more. Thank you!

  494. For the most part, I don’t reread books. But I have read On the Edge 3 times. It’s definitely a comfort read for me. The characters go from desperate to finding friends, making a home, coming of age…happily ever after. It has everything I need in a book. Heroes, family, heroine, working for hope, health and happiness. There’s bits of found family, certainly romance, but mostly it’s a book full of love.

  495. I listen to the Kate Daniels series. Sometimes from top to bottom, but Book 4 is my favorite because Kate and Curran finally get together.

  496. I go to the food scenes. Kate making breakfast, Nevada sitting in the kitchen in a white dress eating tacos. Stuff like that. Homey bits are nice pauses in all the ‘things are blowing up, we need to stop the bad guy” events in the rest of the book

  497. Magic Brakes, when Ghastek learns who she really is:

    “I looked into the power roaring into my face. “Father.”
    “Father?” someone squeaked to the left. Ghastek might have just had a heart attack.”

  498. Last night I pulled out Gunmetal Magic. Over the course of the evening, I opened it randomly and read three parts that seem to be my favorites: the fight with Andrea and Roman on the bridge, ending with them arriving at her apartment, Kate and Andrea decorating Raphael’s house and their subsequent make up, and the entire finale, starting just before the Michelle scene.
    I also like the part where Andrea becomes the Bouda beta and gets Kamal et al out of jail.

  499. I would have to say the “Bad HoBo” scene in Bayou Moon is a favorite in our home. That being said all of your books are a comfort for me. You have this wonderful sense of family and what it should mean. Not every person you right has this trait. Rose Drayton’s dad for example. But from Rose and Grandma stepping it up for their boys, to Kate and Curran’s love and support of Julie, to The relationships between Penelope and Navada, their love for one another is tangible. I have learned o lot about love, the below the surface kind, from your books. Things I didn’t even realize that I needed to learn. I find myself quoting things from your books to my children. I have thanked you before for creating these amazing worlds that are fascinating to read about, but this time I would like to thank you for creating amazing relationships that I can learn from. Thank You!

  500. It’s the Innkeeper Series and how the relationships develop. My favorite is when Dena goes to recruit Oro (Sorry about the spelling, I only listen to the books). Her sense of his needs and how to engage him is wonderful and I aspire to that level of understanding of others.