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.
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)
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.
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!
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
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!!!
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.
I re-read Kate at least once a year. The whole series is like visiting friends.
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!!
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.
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.
“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!
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!).
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.
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!
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.
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.
The first Innkeeper book, I love Dina and Sean. The apple trees…
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.
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!
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.
1+
That’s mine too – where she thinks Helen “could be his child”…what a wonderful family scene!
+1
I love Magic Triumphs especially the parts were Conlan is acting just like a toddler.
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.”
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).🤣🤣🤣
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.
Innkeeper series is my comfort read (or listen) of choice. I just love all the characters, especially the Maud and Arland story.
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.
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 🤣🤣
1+ yes to everything
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.
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. ♡
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
This is making me want reread Iron Magic immediately lol
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 😂
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.
All right, if you insist. *Opens Burn For Me*
I love silver shark. That said my comfort read is innkeeper. Any time I need to feel better I reread all of innkeeper.
Yes, this!
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!
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….
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!
that was the same for me!
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.
How funny, Silver Shark is a comfort read for me too!
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.
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.
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.
+1
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.
I would have to say Silver Shark too. I’ve read that book so many times!
Sweep of the Blade. It’s such a typical romance. Happy ending included. Sometimes I need a simple happy ending.
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.
+1
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.
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*
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
HA Comfort Read: Innkeeper Series.
KD – Magic Strikes – Midnight Games – Excellent teamwork and awesome fight scenes! I always get a boost when I reread.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Innkeeper Series. It’s like curling up with a warm blanket on a cold day.
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.
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!
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.
So good! Steven West’s performance was top noch!
The best! 🙂
Hidden legacy and Kate Daniel’s are comfort reads for me, hidden legacy probably too choice
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Inn Keeper! the very definition of a cozy read!
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.
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
I read the Innkeeper series for comfort – always so good
Hard to pick just one! Comfort re-read series would probably be Nevada’s Hidden Legacy…followed closely by Kate & Curran 😉
Orro’s interpretation of A Christmas Story is the BEST! Every time I listen to it I can’t help but smile.
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.
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
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!
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.”
Which reminds me – what gifts did Dina and Sean exchange (yes, well, OTHER than mutual gift)?
My comfort reads are the first 3 books in the Hidden Legacy series. I read them at least a couple times a year.
Hidden Legacy, specifically Burn for Me. Reminds of my 20’s when I was coming into my own and learning so much about myself.
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!
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.
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.
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 🙂
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.
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).
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.
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 ❤️
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!