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.
like the whole of Hugh’s book… I literally reread it 3 or 4 times a year as well as listening on audio book. it speaks to me of redemption and as a survivour of rape and torture the story of self destruction to self realisation of being better gives me hope.
I also love Mauds book…
but tbh every book is a comfort read, escapism from my ptsd and Fibromalygia. your characters give me a place to hide when the world is too much and I can say hard on heart your books havd saved my life on more than one occasion.
I just need a horse sort of unicorn x
I’m glad that you’re able to find escape and shelter 🤗
I have to admit, the times y’all give Caldenia free rein with her words are my favorite. She’s harsh but fair. And she’s educational with a global view. Sweep of the Heart especially.
I read the whole kinsmen series starting with silver shark and ending with fated blades. It goes from despair / bleakness to normal routine.
Thank you for sharing your struggles and parts of your life. I appreciate your openness with us!
One of my favorite HA comfort reads is
One the Edge – it reminds me of my own childhood. My mom made due with what we had, but we struggled to have new clothes for school. As a child, I dreamed of having magic so that I could escape. I love Rose’s strength and power and that she and Declan have a HEA 🙂
I really hate breaking spines on my books, and I try really hard to read by opening them the minimal amount so that there’s not much creasing along the spine. My copy of Bayou Moon is incredibly creased. I have reread that book so many times. There’s something incredibly comforting about it. Obviously it’s a pretty violent book, but I think I just really enjoy both Cerise and William as characters so much. Their story and their romance has a lot of bittersweet moments but their ending is just fantastic. I love them and the journey that brings them together a lot.
Sweep in Peace is also a big one for me. I think the introduction of Orro and all the setup for the peace summit was just so much fun. It was exciting yet also emotionally compelling. The consistent juxtaposition of humor and seriousness within the House Andrews books is such a powerful draw to me. It’s a testament to the quality of writing to be able to interweave comedy and tragedy so effectively.
I love them all, and I truly enjoy the atmosphere you create in your books.
But Sweep of the blade has something that warms my heart: Helen.
I adore her and she grows on me with every page. I think she is the only child in literature that looks real and funny and sweet and smart.
Thank you for Helen 🌺
I love all of your books of course, but the Kinsmen books I gravitate towards when I want a quick comfort read. I also regularly reread the Innkeeper series.
For me my go to comfort reads are the Inn Keeper series, the humor of all the different species interacting never fails to bring a smile to my face and heart. If I had to pick a favorite scene it would be when Arland drinks coffee.
Probably Maud’s book … she is at a more mature crossroads of her life and struggling to balance what put she wants with what she thinks she SHOULD want. And so many conflicts (fight w Ilema, the poisoning, the hunt, the wedding). So many great characters about which I would like to learn more. Sweet scenes (movie night!)
I don’t skip to particular scenes, but I do tend to read in a hurry to my favorite bits.
A favorite scene only that I reread … site-visit to the new Baylor family home.
Oohh this is so hard … as I read other comments, I am thinking “Oh yes, that one is great … oh, and that one too, … and that was so satisfying … and,and,and”. Basically all the series have their high points and fun parts. So many favorites …
+1111
Maud’s book is my comfort read. Maud is a strong heroine who is resilient, intelligent, a brilliant swordsman, and intensely protective of those she loves. Maud’s journey for love, acceptance, and a place in a different culture and the triumph over the enemies of Maud’s new family leaves me feeling satisfied and content.
I always find myself reading Hugh’s book when I need comfort. I think what is comforting is the notion that people can change, and change can be good. I truly love consistency, but Hugh’s book allowed me to experience change and be okay with it!
(To be fair though, any House Andrews book is a comfort to me!!😊)
I totally agree about your comment about the USA. I grew up in what was formerly known as a third world country. There was no economic motility and my parents struggled very much. When we came to the US they were able to make a better life for themselves. I complain about America as well but I will never forget were I came from and I will always be grateful for where I live now.
There are so many comfort reads. I love all of Innkeeper but especially Sweep of the Heart. I love all of Kinsmen and The Edge. I adore Blood Heir. But my absolute favorite scene is in Iron and Magic where Hugh woke up after fighting Raphael. He finds Elara making crepes he thinks it’s a dream.
He rested his forehead against the back of her head. “Elara…”
“Please,” she whispered. “Please don’t say anything you’ll regret in the morning.”
His voice was a low snarl. “Sometimes when I lay awake in the middle of the night, I think of you.”
“Don’t…”
“Sometimes there is nothing left and all that’s anchoring me here is knowing you’ll pick a fight with me in the morning.”
“Hugh…”
“What do you want more than anything? Tell me what it is, and I’ll rip the world apart to bring it to you.”
She turned in his arms slowly and raised her hands. Her fingers touched his hair, brushing it back from his face. He savored it.
She stood on her toes and brushed his lips with hers. “Ask me again in the morning.”
For Hubby: Hidden Legacy. Grandma the tank mechanic reminds him of his own grandma-who worked in a tank factory during WW2. He fell in love with Catalina, because he too turns to cooking to sooth his stress. If he had to name his favorite scene, it would have to be the ferret heist. “I’m stuck in a Disney movie.” cracks him up every time.
Me: Innkeeper all the way. I have loved that one from the first post made however long ago. When the days are cold and bleak, I curl up and read about First Scholar and his love of philosophy.
Silver Shark. I’ve struggled with depression a lot in my life, and many of my past memories are gray-tinged and faded. Like washed in a fog. So the beginning of Silver Shark really calls to me, I can really see myself in that gray, bland world.
And then when she goes to Rada, to the Dahlia district… that’s really what coming out of a depressive fog is like. Suddenly the world is a riot of colors, sights, sounds… everything is intense and overwhelming but so so beautiful at the same time.
Plus Claire is just a totally BAMF.
Anything House Andrews is a comfort read for me. Their books are like warm comfortable stretchy pants and an oversized t-shirt after a giant meal. Exactly what I need.
However, when my mom passed last year and I needed extra comfort I went to the Hidden Legacy series first, then Innkeeper, followed by all things KD world.
It’s Magic Strikes for me. I adore the Kate series but it was Magic Strikes that really got me hooked. It’s something about the tournament, Derek’s situation, Jim’s leadership, and Curran coming to get Kate that made me fall in love with these characters. It’s my go to read whenever I need something I know I’ll love.
Bayou moon. The first line
William stood on his porch drinking Modelos especial.
Maybe it’s because he’s a trauma survivor doing self care. I imagine a world where baby shape shifters get left on his doorstep. William & Cerise create a healthy version of Hawks.
Hidden Legacy will always be my comfort read because of how the family dynamic reflects my own family. And it reminds of the happy chaos that comes with living with 8 people in a three bedroom home and how we made it work, adding nooks and crannies to fit everyone. I love that they always have each other’s back and it reminds me that I too have people who are there to back me up.
If I were to choose a specific scene from the books, it’s the ferret heist scene. I re-read the second book of the Hidden Legacy specifically for that. I have a sticky note that marks the beginning of the scene so that way I can just open it up to read only that scene if that is what I need.
It brings back the memories of my childhood stinky noodles doing their war dance and getting into shenanigans. They were the first pets that I purchased myself along with all of the supplies. They were mine, not the families. My parents made me write an report on the responsibilities of caring for a living creature and why they should let me have them. I even had to cite my sources. This scene also is a reminder that though shit may be going down, you can still have fun with it, as those guys got me through my parents divorce as tip-tapped their way through their next secret mission: getting ALL the crinkles under the dresser.
When I comfort reread, I usually pull out the entire series. If I pull out Burn For Me I’m not going to stop until the end of Ruby Fever. I will sometimes start with Magic Strikes instead of Magic Bites with Kate Daniels, though I think Magic Bleeds is my actual fave because that’s when Kate and Curran finally get together. Bayou Moon is my fave of the Edge series, and Silver Shark of the Kinsmen ones, but they’re all matters of degree.
Fave scene: Again, this is one of many, but I love when Kate shows up at the People’s casino because she wants to talk to Roland and Ghastek is trying to Pictionary the restaurant Applebee’s. So funny!
Actually, Silver Shark is my favorite too. I sometimes wish it was longer… but then I realize again that it’s perfect as is. I love rereading it, especially when I’m looking for something comforting that I can read in one sitting.
I love going back to On the Edge. Rose is such a fun character to follow, especially in her role as a sister. Scene wise I also like going back to Magic Triumphs and getting to watch Kate in mom mode with Conlan.
Your books were a great comfort to me when my stepson was killed. I reread all of your series from Edge, to Kate, to Innkeeper, to Legacy, to free fiction, to the blog and back on repeat. I just kept cycling through the loop. I want to thank you both for the respite your worlds provided.
Its a toss up for me between Sweep of the Blade and Silver Shark. I am a voracious reader and do not normally read a book more than once, but all of yours I can come back to time and time again to delight in the action and envision the characters like old friends!
The Innkeeper series. I love everything but that one is the one I always go back to when I need a reset.
I have two comfort reads. . Well the reads that can make me smile no matter what. . . . The shorts where you write about “what if Kate and Curran and the gang had cell phones”. . . The fire engine that Conlan gets made it into the series, the second is the “Space Chickens”. . . I believe the most recent ones were is Innkeeper 5.
The first two hidden legacy books. The evolution of Rogan is quite the comfort that it is possible if you try and treat people if they are human beings rather than an item you want something from.
The innkeeper series. Dina is the character I identify with most in the world, however, I do alternate listening to Inkeeper, with the Hidden Legacy. I am constantly recommending these series to everyone 😂
The entire Innkeeper Chronicles series is a comfort read for me. Dina is so smart and collected and knows how to respond in a crisis. Her world is fascinating. The little bits of “normal” you see are soothing, but knowing that even when things go crazy she’ll figure it out is comforting. I reread the series at least once a year.
I always return to “Of swine and roses” when I feel a bit down and need a quick comfort-read<3
Probably Sweep of the Blade is my favorite. I love Maud’s story.
Then Magic Claims. It’s fun to hear from Kate and family again.
I would have to say, Blood Heir, is my most visited book. Especially the scene with Julie in the bathtub and Derek asking uncomfortable questions. Maybe because this story thread is still unfinished and I like to torment myself with the anticipation for the next book. I’ve rooted for this couple for so long now…
Magic Bleeds is my go to comfort read. I reread things that make me smile and the scenes between Curran and Kate where they finally get together brings enormous comfort. It tells me there is hope for even the most stubborn of people. Plus I laugh my butt off every time I read it.
I should also say that during the worst year of my life I read the dang thing four times.
I have to agree with Silver Shark as a comfort read. after several extremely difficult and unhappy years I held onto a dream of having my own yard and gardening again; of being free to bake without someone trying to make me feel small. when that finally happened, I took (and continue to takw) deep satisfaction in that.
Else? Bayou Moon, because I come from a big, messy, loving family.
I hear you on the not being able to go home. My entire area where I grew up was razed to the ground by fire. Because of single parenting kids with disabilities, I’ve dropped economically and in social relatability from others. My life is smaller now, but I have gratitude, and therefore happiness. Thank you for your writing, which adds to my happiness!
The Innkeeper series is my go-to, although all of your books are amazing for comfort. But it’s just something about the found family dynamics, and the magical house, and… all of it. It just has it’s own magical feeling, ya know? 😄❤️
What you said!!!
Hidden Legacy on audiobook is my comfort series.
I don’t have specific sections, I just love the stories and it’s my go to when I need to calm myself, focus and listen to something I know will make me feel happy.
I also LOVE all Innkeeper books so sometimes it’s that series instead 🙂
My comfort read is the entire innkeeper series. Really, every once in a while the real world is mean and I’ll restart with Dina giving Sean the “what are you going to do about it” regarding the neighbor dog death and I miss the series all over again. Before I know it, I’m going through the books one by one. Thank you for the comfort and a galaxy of fun.
Sweep of the Blade.
Ilona Andrews are one of my comfort authors. It’s been a miserable year and part of what has gotten me through is listening to both series of the IA Graphic Audio books and then jumping to the Renee Raudman narrations when I ran out for Kate. I’m now thoroughly enjoying Small Magics and the timing is great as I finished all the IA series a few weeks ago. A huge thank you to IA for all your books!!! (I love all the original narrations but have been having extra fun re-experiencing them through GA).
1.The Hidden Legacy the whole serie.
2. The Innkeeper again the whole serie.
White Hot
– First there’s the acknowledgement of emotions. You keep telling yourself “he’s bad for me” but then you’re able to get your rear in gear and realize it’s actually a good fit.
-Like others have stated above, the ferret heist
– Post-interrogation scene. It just really rings true to me. Sometimes we have to do things that others perceive as horrible or terrifying. I loved, loved LOVED how Rogan steps in between Nevada and the peanut gallery and tell her she’s amazing. It brings tears to my eyes.
And how can I forget Pancakes admitting he made arrogant mistakes! absolutely delicious…
It has to be Clean Sweep !
The original Audio version
Magic Triumphs is my comfort read. since my husband passed away, grand kid and daughter are off living their life, this book makes me happy. For moments at a time i am back in the heart of family chaos.
I don’t want know how many times I’ve fallen asleep listening to Ruby Fever….
TBH, I cycle through all the books for comfort. If I had to pick one, it would be On The Edge.
Not only is the story compelling and characters amazing (Rose+Declan forever <3, and George+Jack were so great they continued to innkeeper!), but the idea that a magic world exists beyond some invisible barrier has definitely been a daydream of mine.
Silent Blade is the most comforting of your books to me!
Kate Daniels from Magic Slays to Wilmington years are my go to escape reads. My favorite parts are when Kate tells stories or comes up with some cultural reference so obscure and I’m awestruck.
The Innkeeper series is my comfort read. One Fell Sweep and Sweep of the Blade are sublime. Maude and Arland just knock me out and Dina and Gertrude Hunt fill me with such joy and give me so much comfort, especially during Covid. Sean’s steadfast love for Dina is beautiful and lifts my spirits.
I think I the get most comfort from your fictional children. Helen and Conlon tickle me with their antics and the others have thrived and become exceptional adults.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your magical characters and their stories. 🙏
Also and I will be totally candid here… on days when my brain is overwhelmed, and I don’t want to have to focus on a book or a scene I love to read this BLOG! Its true.
It helps me feel lighter and encouraged with what everyone has to say.
Thanks everyone!
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!!
When Catalina becomes the Deputy Warden. I admire her courage so much.
Sweep of the Blade. #Helen
I’ve decided it’s a good thing that Kindle doesn’t count. When I reread HA books yearly (or more), I mark them as unread so I can feel the success of it changing to read.
In order:
Hidden Legacy
Kate (includes shorts, Hugh, and Julie)
Innkeeper
Kinsmen
My comfort read is Clean Sweep. I came across it online and would wait impatiently for each installment. It led me on Kate Daniel’s, which was awesome but Dina’s inn in that first book will always be my comfort place.
The ‘get your guns, boys, we are going to Walmart’ is just timeless for me. It lifts me up no matter where I am emotionally. (horrible paraphrase all my own fault)
Innkeeper.
I once described the Innkeeper series as “a cup of soup for your soul”. I bought the first book of it for my sister while she was sick. She has now read everything IA hehehe.
Sweep of the Blade is my COMFORT read, we all have “ripper cushions” from daily life, and when I need a break I reread Maude’s stories. Thank you ANDREWS family for the entertainment, I keep your books in my preorder list, synopsis not needed. Happy Holidays Everyone.
Magic Strikes and Magic Triumphs seem to be the two I go to most. Magic Strikes has some fantastic humor moments and I am at the point in my life where I really relate to the parenthood aspect of Magic Triumphs.
My comfort passage is in the Innkeeper series where she goes to convince Orro to come cook for the Inn.
Reread favorite is fated blades but the voice of Steve west as hugh? Now you have me hot and bothered at work.
For me it’s very close between Innkeeper Chronicles and Hidden Legacy. I love both of the series so much, but the Innkeeper Chronicles have more of a cozy vibe going on. And Clean Sweep was the first book I’ve ever read by Ilona and Gordon, so it get’s the nostalgia bonus
Almost the entire Innkeeper Chronicles is a comfort read for me, but especially One Fell Sweep when you have everyone working together and there’s the scene where Dina runs to hug Sean after the first skirmish with the Draziri, that hug, the words, the feeling. Just yes!!!
And then in Wildfire where there’s just the comfortable companionship and the chocolate mousse after the not great dinner. Just the easy rapport between two people who care about each other.
Hidden Legacy is my comfort. From the moment Burn for Me came out, it was a favourite. I probably read it 100 times before book 2 and then a month later book 3 came out. Every book has been read dozens of times. And now I love Catalina as much as Nevada.
I love the humour, the action, the family interaction, the magic, the world building, the sex.
Currently my HA comfort read is Sweep of the Blade. “Ripper Cushions” makes me smile every time.
Mine would have to be Sweep of the Blade. Maude’s care and worry as Mother really resonated with me. I read that one yearly.
For me I’d say the Innkeeper series is my favorite to re-read. Too many of the others have enough conflict between the main characters to not be comfortable for me. Innkeeper has more of a consistent “us vs the world” feel.
I’ve reread Silent Blade more than any other book, ever. I could almost recite it at this point. Probably my favorite part (other than the description of passion cones) is the very last bit, when he’s moping around and she appears in his garden, and confesses she’s been living across the valley, also moping around. Two peas in a pod, lol.
Any of the Innkeeper books are probably the highest on my comfort list. However, almost any book written by you is on my comfort list. When my momma was ill and passed away 8 years ago I read your books over and over to help me get through that time. I could reread and not think and just let my brain idle during those long emotional days and nights of caring for her. We shared a love of your books so at the same time they kept me connected with her after she was gone. Whenever a new House Andrews comes out I think about how excited she’d be.
silent blade and then silver shark are almost equally my most favorite comfort read. maybe because as someone who swore to never re read books (why when there are some many more to read) I re read/audiobook all of IA books at least 1x a year and since Kate Daniel’s and HL have more than 3 I can’t just re read 1 I have to do the whole series but with silent blade and silver shark I get to immense myself in a whole word and live that storyline in 1 book.
When I need a quick pick me up, I will read one of your short stories like Of Swine and Roses or Grace of Small Magic. If I have more time, then Silver Shark. I have more than gotten my money’s worth from these.
More, please.
My House Andrews comfort read is the Hidden Legacy series, specifically Emerald Blaze, but generally the whole series. I just finished a re-read (re-listen) to the series to get me through Thanksgiving week with my family.
My favorite comfort read is the Ladies’ Communal, Ch 7, Sweep of the Blade. For the first time, Maud stands separately from other characters. She is not a failed vampires widow, not Dina’s sister or Arland’s not betrothed She is Maud, getting the hell beaten out of her but she doesn’t give up. She has figured out there is no winning but she keeps hanging on. When the scene ends after Helen brings Ilemina to her senses, Maud has prevailed. This is my favorite comfort read because when I’m having a particularly difficult time and really just want to quit, this scene tells me to just keep going and at some point it will work itself out.
for me it’s blood heir. it’s comforting to go back to visit Julie in her house near unicorn lane with the water feature inside and to see Derek again.
Absolutely Magic Strikes. Jim breaking the clipboard, Raphael giving Kate the fan, everyone laughing about Kate’s sausage. The entire book is perfection.
I always return to Burn for Me. There is something so captivating and real about Nevada that I connect to every time. She is the perfect blend of idealistic dreams and stubborn realism. Being so grounded in love and family allows her to find the best path even when she is floundering because she doesnt know herself. This sturdy foundation of character makes it possible for purity to be found in even her most vicious of strengths.
I would have to say Silver Shark or Iron and Magic. something about the darkness to light trope always makes me feel better. yes, Hugh is a flawed person, but the way he protects those he considers his is amazing.
For me, it is Fated Blades and/or Sweep of the Blade. I los count of hoy ma y times Inhave read them
I was going to say One Fell Sweep because that’s the one I turn to when I can’t get my self to read anything in weeks. But I’m sick at the moment, and I was so happy when Small Magics audiobook came out because I got to listen Of Swine And Roses. And I realised that I also read it last time I was sick only a month ago. And couple other times too in the last few years. So for some reason that I can’t really explane (It’s not even in my top 3 favourite house Andrews stories), that little story must be my comfort read.
I have read Burn for Me at least 6 times. Every time I have a long commute, I listen to it on audio. It is so immersive, I forgot about how bad the traffic is.
My comfort read is the Magic Burns. It is the first House Andrew book that I read and it is one of my favourite in the series. I always pick it up when I need an escape and it never fails.
The timing of this question is apt, as I just comfort read some House Andrews yesterday!
Magic Bleeds, specifically the Kate/Curran sections. I find it comforting because this is the book they “officially mate” or whatever Kate wants to call it. And who doesn’t love a happy ending
Three classics:
– the Curran- Kate pranks leading to her being glued to her chair
– of course, their first meeting, “here Kitty, Kitty”
– Helen’s day care skirmish leading to “ripper cushions.”
When I need comfort, Innkeeper is there for me. <3
Reading through the comments gave me so many feels. All these books are magic and I love seeing how they have comforted so many people.
I’m relatively new to the BDH, but have already read the Innkeeper series and Hidden Legacy a couple of times each (halfway through Catalina’s series again right now)–I’m on my first read through for Kate, but I know I’ll be revisiting her books many times.
I think for pure comfort I return to Gertrude Hunt–it’s such a hospitable story, and there is this beautiful balance between knowing the world is big and scary but also here is a good meal and peaceful space. I also adore Sean and Dinah.
Hidden Legacy is comforting, too–all the humor tucked in and the family dynamics…I just love it.
But I have to say…the scene that pops into my head unbidden and makes me laugh at awkward moments is when Kate sent Curren a saucer of milk at that fancy restaurant. Iconic.
While I love Hidden Legacy and Catalina in particular, I get way to emotionally invested in her for it to be a comfort read haha. For comfort I’d probably read (or listen to) any Dina and Sean related interaction. I just love their chemistry and banter.
For me, it’s both Magic Burns and Magic Strikes. I own and re-read every one of House Andrews’ books but those two are just so perfect, I never tire of them.
I love every single one of your books – some more than others – but they are all great. Personally I loved Hidden Legacy series the most. The family dynamics are wonderful and each plot was extremely well thought out. Kate Daniels series is in a close tie with Hidden Legacy.
I use both Silver Shark and Fated Blade as quick comfort reads (or listens)
My favorite scenes from other books are the elevator scene at the start of White Hot and meeting Grendel in Kate Daniels.
I also love to read the extra POV scenes and then go reread the book scene.
Your books are my comfort read. I re-read them on a regular basis. And it depends on the mood which ones I go for, sometimes it’s Kinsmen universe, sometimes Kates books. (I’ll blame mom they cycle for my mood). I just finished innkeepers…again.
But I must admit, my absolute favourites are the Hidden legacy series. But in terms of specific scenes= on the Edge, where George gets to learn why living forever is not sustainable in healthy society. It’s one that I use with my kids..as learning experience.
My IA comfort reads are:
Magic Bleeds – when Curran protects Kate from the water mage / learns who Kate really is.
Gunmetal Magic – Rafael and Andrea’s reconciliation is *chef’s kiss*
Magic Triumphs – any scene with Hugh
I don’t know about comfort, but I still giggle at the meeting between Kate and Currin and reread it fairly often.
At the height of the pandemic I read BURN FOR ME. Then I just kept reading the Hidden Legacy series. I was bummed, depressed and just plain upset and those books took my mind off it all. Thanks House Andrews!
Comfort scene, Roman being Roman. Either you shall not pass or when Kate and Curren ask him to officiate their wedding.
Scenes that convey real, unconditional love give me comfort:
Sweep of the Blade – the scene were Arland told his mother he’d choose Maud over her, their clan and all the power of being Warlord. I’m a sucker for a man willing to sacrifice immense power for the woman he loves. Like Maud, I was overcome because I knew he truly meant it. Arland is the knight in shining armor Maud so needed and deserved. Arland made Maud feel worthy again. He was so ridiculously proud of her, he empowered her.
KA – When Curran shocked Kate by not just walking away from being Beast Lord, but fully embraced raising a family with her. Curran made her childhood’s dearest wish come true… he gave her first real home, and family she always wanted … as you wish indeed.
Hidden Legacy – the scenes where Nevada managed the impossible feat of stopping Rogan’s raging hurricane. Her light and love broke through his darkness. He was such a damaged man and her love really healed him.
KA – When Kate goes off her leash and mows down every one that threatened baby Conlan. It’s a bloodthirsty scene, but, it’s cathartic, too. Kate was always so scared of her power but she embraced it fully to protect her child… in a way she was never protected.
While I always go back to Hidden Legacy books, I think one of my most favorite comfort reads is Silent Blade. The cozy kitchen feels and the visuals of lush dahlias always make me smile.
When I need to be happy I go straight to Kate book #3 or #4!
Magic Strikes and Magic Bleeds in my mind are fluffy, maybe because Kate finally realizes her feelings and acts upon them. And I just love the courtship pranks 😂
Comfort scene, One Fell Sweep, the breakfast scene. Starting with Helen naming Olasard and ending with Dina taking Helen’s breakfast plate to where she is hiding under a table.
With the coda of finding Helen helping Orro in the kitchen after they all go to apprehend Wing.
Comfort book is always Gunmetal magic. I don’t know why but I have reread Gunmetal magic more than any other Andrews book.
It is the perfect break book when rereading all of the Daniels books but also stands very well on it’s own.
I love how vulnerable she is at the start, how much she grows to accept all of herself throughout the book. I just love it and find the scene where Kate helps Andrea cover Raphael’s house in shag pile carpet followed by Andrea hiding in the attic and Raphael tracking her down, one of the funniest yet still most romantic scenes of any book ever 😀
My comfort read is definitely Kate’s series, in its entirety :3c
It’s a tie between Hidden Legacy and Kate Daniels for me. My two favorite series of all time. I listened to both on audiobook while I was post partum with my two babies and these books brought me a lot of comfort while I was struggling through PPD.
I referred my youngest Grandson (18 in Jan.) to your books; and I’m re-reading them along with him. (Even though I’ve re-read some of them 8 times.) This is fun because then we can talk about all the details. He has finished the Edge books, 10 of the Kate books, all the Innkeeper ones. One of my questions when he comes over is “What are you reading?” He always has a stack of other author books on his bedside table; and I usually buy him the next 3 or so books in the series he’s reading. He has a learning disorder (Dysgraphia); and the fact that he is a reader just makes me so happy.
So that was a long trip to answer the question of my Comfort Read. I would have to say it’s Innkeeper 4, Maud’s book. I just really like all the kicking ass in that book. But it also has family and loyalty and love.
I love the descriptions of Dina building the rooms for her guests.
There is something so comforting about the thought of someone putting that much effort into not only accommodating her guest but going above and beyond to make it feel like home.
I love reading about the level of thought and consideration she puts into it and how much it is appreciated by her guests.
Every time I pass one of the concrete road dividers, I laugh thinking of the scene where Connor was breaking them to show Nevada that he was scary w/o a gun. I think it is the part where Nevada decided to get a picture for her grandmother that made it memorable for me.
I will stick to just three favorites (there are so MANY to choose from)
1. Swine and Roses – all time favorite
2. Inn Keeper where Dina has the ground swallow the ninjas and then Sean shows
up in wolf form.
3. No Heroes, Conlan’s short story. On dark days everyone needs a boy and his dog don’t you think?
For me it’s the audiobook of Sweep of the Blade. I love Arland and Maud (and Helen).
For me it’s Blood Heir. I just love the dynamics between Julie and Derek.
Especially the scene on the roof where Derek finds Julie on top of the telephone pole and they fight against the thing that can only be killed with lemon juice. I’ve read that book so many times but I can never remember the name of that specific monster…
I just saw that I checked the Sperling for the post but forgot to check my own name…🤣
Fixed it ☺️
seeing your childhood home in ruins is a shock and a reminder of time passing. thank goodness we can always return to our favorite books, and know that any changes we detect are all on us 😀. my favorite comfort read is sweep of the blade. I love the way Maud is so competent and clever, and everything falls into a sweet and happy place. too many books today slice up your soul and don’t bother with a bandage, or even duct tape. I trust house andrews to never do that.
Grace of Small Magics! She has all this crazy stuff and a scary, violent new world shoved on her, yet is able to react with such compassion and courage. It just makes the real world seem a little less bleak. She’s an inspiration ❤️
Book: Bayou Moon, Edge #2
Scenes: 1) Maud and her supreme equestrian skills, riding a Hoard mount because she can.
2) the ferret heist – makes me laugh every time. The pure joy of the critters as they pull off the caper of the century.
Me: “Oh! My favorite is …. Hmmmmm … wait ….” (purses mouth and squints eyes)
(Points finger in the air) “Ah! There is too much! Let me sum up: Everything.”
🤣
I do love it all. I could pick scenes from every book.
I love some for the tingles I get from the nearly cinematic (to me) descriptions of the imagery (Blood Heir, to name just one).
I love the warm fuzzies for the family interactions (blood and found family).
I love the complex relationship of Kate & Roland & Hugh.
Hugh’s heartbreaking back story made me understand he’s complicated (as villains often are) but deserving of redemption.
I love the bloodthirsty justice (Cornelius in White Hot! Maud in Sweep of the Blade!).
I love the quirky characters (Bug!).
I love the kickass moms (I want to be a mom like Maud when I grow up – I’m 46 so I need to get on that growing up thing 😄).
I really enjoy the scenes with Sergeant Teddy in the Hidden Legacy books. For whatever reason, I identify with his character. 🐻
I am in a different boat with the growing up thing, but waving from the same sea. I went to my parents house for Thanksgiving. I called in sick to work today because I needed to put my pieces back together. last night at 130 am I put on an unnamed audiobook when I couldn’t sleep and kept telling myself I was home and safe. it was complicated growing up as me.
I go to Dina when I need comfort. Clean Sweep is my favorite. I have bother the kindle and audiobook versions and when I just need something familiar Dina and her haven is where I land.
oh, and I can’t wait for the latest Dina book in audible as graphic audio. I really want the scene where Sean takes down the space pirates because Dina understands his demons.
I gravitate to Kate’s world because I love the characters and I’ve read them several times so they feel like family! My family is just as crazy as theirs is so it’s my go to! I start at the beginning and work my way through!
that moment in mishmar when Kate looks up and sees Curran. I’ll dig through the whole book or that moment. then I’ll inevitably finish the book, go back and start from the beginning for balance and end up burning through the whole series again. But that moment is usually the catalyst.
I always want to go back to the time Curran was pursuing Kate and she denies any thought of a relationship.
And of course the scene where he hunts her down and she physically assaults him and then……….
I love reading Curans point of views right at the same time as Kate’s. it gives a great depth to the scenes, and really shows neither are perfect, but they try… and why they are such a great match
my personal fav reread is from Sapphire Flames. The proving that the girls are all Primes, thus creating House Baylor. The best part of it is poor Arabella trying to solve math problems while in her alternate form. While I love mathematics, I remember my younger brother ranting about how unfair it was that he had to take math in school. And that’s why I reread that book in mid-Ocyober, which is my brother’s birthday. he passed away from cancer just before his 41st birthday. But that memory was always a fun one for me.
Sweep of the Blade is a great second, but part of what makes a comfort read a comfort read for me is how many times you’ve reached back for it and how it keeps scratching that itch time and time again, so I have to vote Magic Strikes.
It’s Kate before the pain of Erra, Julie’s almost death and Aunt B, so she’s still a little lighter. There are a lot of great Kate/Curran moments, the phonecall, the bathtub, but I also feel it’s the book where the gang all gets together. The team in the Arena is great, has almost all of my original favs, Jim hasn’t become too Jim yet, and it’s fun and lovely and often hilarious. The ending is thrilling and devastating and Curran coming for Kate in the jungle is just top notch romance.
I just love that book so much. I’ll have a need for comfort, reread that one, and then I end up rereading the whole series.
LOL, I have anxiety anf so I comfort read all the series one after the other when I’m struggling. All the Kate Daniels books together make it so I know I have something to read continuously for several weeks. Two of my favorite scenes are when Kate meets the Atsani and the Shepard in Magic Rises and when Christopher walks home next door and Kate realizes Barabas and Derek split from the pack in Magic Shifts. The most comforting series to me is the Innkeeper series, though. It’s funny and poignant and I really love the characters and how kind they all are in their own ways.
I re-read everything HA has put out, several times a year.
But my go-to series, when I need a real comfort read, is the Inkeeper series. Dina’s anguish at the loss of her parents – even if it seems that they’re still alive, somewhere – resonates deeply with me.
That one scene, where she pulls out her favorite blue robe and suddenly has this incredible desire for a hug from her mother… that always breaks my heart. Because in that moment I sit here and I want nothing more than a hug from mine – and I know that it will never happen again, because she passed away last year.
A lot of things Dina feels in the books really hits home for me.
So, strangely enough, those are my comfort books… I guess it feels like my pain is being shared by someone else. And if she can get through it, then so can I…
“Mr. Evans?” I called. “A moment of your time?” He looked at me as if he’d never seen me before. “Do I know you?” “My name is Dina. I own the bed-and-breakfast.” He glanced past me at the old house sitting at the mouth of the subdivision. “That monstrosity?” Aren’t you sweet?
I love this, this conversation signals the start of the Innkeeper series that I know and love. I laugh, I smile and I just love this series.
Like many others on this thread, I go back and re-read many IA books. If I had to pick one book though it would be Iron and Magic. I despised Hugh in the Kate Daniels series and went into I&M with a LOT of skepticism. How could they take that absolute a-hole and make me care about him one iota without completely changing his character? His arc is *chef’s kiss* and they did it while keeping his personality believably jerkish. He didn’t turn into a NICE GUY™️, but I like him anyway. The banter between him and Elara is wonderful. I feel gleeful every time I read this book. Love it!
Hard to choose – it has evolved for me! I started out with Kate, but having read them at least 20 times, I now prefer the ones I haven’t read as often. I do really love Silver Shark as well, I loved the description of all the fruit and vegetables and just how capable she is! My favorite character pair is still Julie and Derek though, so Blood Heir is also up there!
Clean Sweep. It’s still fresh and funny. I get my competence fix, it’s sci fi enough to be an escape but also innocent in many ways. I re-read when I need a safe place to land.
that is SUCH a hard question. so many happy book memories to choose from, and Ive re-read all of them so many times. especially these last 5years or so. I can relate to every MC, each in their own way.
I’ve never been married, but I can feel Mauds pain and frustration after trying so hard to meet her vampire family’s approval, the betrayal, feeling her husband blame her for his stupidity. “horrible witch that I am” And how reluctant she was to trust and open up again, the joy when she finally did. (I STILL want to know how Arland and Helen got sap on them)
I can feel the desperation Nevada did when she was trapped into an impossible task, the rage, the determination to cram Adam peirce down MIIs throat. The confusion, thrills and exhilaration as she fell in love with Rogan. how she Would Not Leave him, not in the cistern when he was freezing, not when he kept trying to tell her she would be better off with someone else. “foolish foolish Rogan”
the edge stories, where each one finds exactly what they need even when they don’t think it could possibly be real. and at the end of the edge books, I wailed because I wanted to see George, Jack, Gaston and Lark grow up. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BRINGING THEM BACK!
I didn’t know the word monachopsis until I read Catalinas story, but I’ve been there too. watching her grow into herself was awesome. The way she kept going even when it was hard. How she REFUSED to let anyone break her and yet she still held on the the soft parts. she could be ‘Victoria’s granddaughter’ when people needed a sneer, yet she remembered to cry and love fiercely. When she told Alessandro “from what pulpit are you speaking” and he froze I lost it!
the in-between stories like ‘the cool aunt’, ‘pay me’ and Regina’s cut scene. Jack and George in school. the Rogan and curran POVs. I played ‘mere formality’ for a friend who’d never heard of your books and we laughed so hard. (he devoured the innkeeper series soon after)
there are too many things to list about Kate, Curran, Julie, Andrea, Rafael, Dali, Jim, Derek, Ascanio, Roman, Hugh and Elara. don’t get me started. and now Conlan is involved. Sigh. I don’t have words. the feels. So. Many. Things. About Kate’s world. maybe ONE thing I can say….
“Ianitori te salutant!”
“Not another word. Latin is a dead language but that doesn’t mean you can molest its corpse. ”
in silent blade when we first meet Meli and she goes through her interview with Agostino, then turns the table, drops the mike and walks out, it was epic. Then she does the same with Celino. then again with her father and brother when they’re pissed she didn’t kill him. she is her own woman and nobody tells her what to do.
I loved watching Matais and Ramona dance around each other as they learned to appreciate an enemy they had never truly met before. and when they danced in the courtyard, mowing through everyone, so they could each stand before their spouses and make them face reality?
“you killed everyone ”
“yes”
“sign”
“I don’t want to”
“I. Will. Break. You.”
(cackles)
in swine and roses, where she has caught the pig, and Pushes her way through the bullies, takes him home without a word to her family and then tells the poor pig all her problems while she cleans him, And her….only to have him turn into a person. I talk to my cat when I’m stressed. God help me if any cat turned into a person while I vented.
and in silver shark, how the whole building was family when you need them. I think that’s awesome.
I can’t pick a favorite. there are too many. but I do love the moments that are ‘victorious’. I love the moments that are ‘couch time’. I love the broken moments where someone takes the time to acknowledge their pain and then just breathe. breathe again. one more time. ok, I’m good now. when someone is caught flat footed and totally blown away and just stares. I Love all these moments and House Andrews delivers them all, over and over. thank you. for such beautiful, dark and hopeful, dangerous and fulfilling words that I can explore and revisit.
That’s a hard question. I like so many of them. Magic Breaks is one of my favorites. I love the whole Kate Daniels series the most.
When I’m feeling stressed and helpless, I like to be Kate.
Iron and Magic is my comfort read.
I re-read innkeeper and HL quite often, however last year my 10yo daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour, while in hospital with her the one story I wanted to read was alphas origins, the line ‘don’t worry, I’m the biggest and the strongest and I’ll protect you’ resonated with me.
I made my husband travel for 2 hrs to bring me all my hard copy HA books, I re-read them all during her 9 month recovery 🙂
All of them but especially Sweep of the Blade and Iron and Magic.
Your characters are so well developed and have an intense emtional connection with life whether it be laughter or tears.
Oh I give up all the Legacy books too.
Over the past 61 years I have collected the complete works of twelve authors, you all are one of those.
It depends on what the situation is. Whenever I’m nervous for a date, I can never sleep, and I always go to Swine and Roses.
“Of Swine and Roses” is most often my HA comfort read. Of course, the answer to this question varies sometimes! “Iron and Magic”, too
If we are talking a specific scene, it’s the scene in Clean Sweep when Dina makes the patio move from under Sean’s feet. I’ve reread CS any number of times, and it still makes me laugh. If we’re talking a comfort reread of a full book, it’s Silver Shark for me too. Claire is so strong and compassionate, even in the pale world of her origin and I love seeing her burgeon with color and joy over the course of the book.
My comfort read will always be Kate’s world, doesn’t matter what book. I found magic Bites on a shelf randomly around 2007 in a bleak time in my life when I was young and very poor and my spouse and I were scraping by. I adored her and her world, and as I grew up and built a life for myself, so did Kate. She’ll always have my heart. 🙂
So many great books and scenes, but I always smile at how happy/braggy Roman is that they chose him to officiate.
Also any scene in the innkeeper books describing Orro’s food, lol.
Right now, it is Purpose. I love that story
I’ve read it at least a half of dozen times. It’s so Kate.
It is bittersweet to look back at your childhood; I was a young child in the 60s and looking back it seems things were much more innocent then. You’re right; as you grow up you definitely are more aware of bad things that are happening. I hope your younger, sweet memories of flowers and friends out weigh the harsher times that came later.
As for a comfort scene: Love Matilda and her animal friends; Bunny, the cat, and Zeus. and her laughter heheh “silver bells”!
Thank you for your hard work; it is much enjoyed.
Silver shark bc it epitomizes how a persons inner life can be so hidden from the outside world and reminds me to look for buried treasures in the people I meet
Innkeeper. Any of them.
Definitely Magic Strikes. It’s my go-to comfort book, especially when I’m going through a hard time.
I get the feeling that for all her adventures, Kate’s at her bravest(& loneliest) in this one, true to herself, witty, badass, and a great friend.
Honestly, I just pick one that I haven’t read in a while. Then once I’m started, I go through the list again.
I have treatment resistant depression. I’m a school administrator, and the last few years have been extra hard. Plus, some massive things have happened for me personally. I’m very, very grateful for familiar series. With all the IRL stuff, it’s really hard for me to learn new worlds. I love revisiting all the Ilona Andrews settings, though am partial to Kate overall.
I am US native with a… challenging childhood. Due to ongoing flooding concerns, my childhood home was demolished and the ground is now government owned. Standing in the street, looking at what it has become, was deeply surreal. “Desaturated” is an excellent description. I, too, am grateful for the vividness of my current life.
Thank you for the gift of familiar heroines and smart mouthed young people.
Magic Bleeds is my go to comfort reread. I love all your series, of course, but Kate and Curran will always be my absolute favorite!
For comfort reading my go to is Innkeeper. My life was in shambles -like most- during the Pandemic and I found a sanctuary in Gertrude Hunt. It has all the things that draw me to IA:They are written with developed and inventive worlds. Peopled by great main characters and more importantly to me also great secondary characters. Excellent plots! There is an emotional balance I enjoy, humor and an emphasis on family. What makes Innkeepers extra comforting to me is the place. An Inn with magic that wants and needs you to come visit and an Inn Keeper whose primary goal is to welcome guests and do whatever they can to help that person be happier. It is the ultimate safe place. Sanctuary. I needed that more than I realized. I am a people person and I love helping and caring for them . I was a nanny for 25 years for 2E kids (gifted and special need 2E is twice exceptional) and then did some caretaking for Family then worked in a few group homes . I did not handle the isolation well. The Inn offered me vicarious company and a caretaking mind set and became my comfort bread spot of choice. I am in a better place now but I still go to the Inn to recharge when stressed. I think Sweep in Peace is my fav if I had to pick one. Fav scene ? Can’t pick one but if Orro or Caldenia is in it? I love it!
Definitely Clean Sweep (and all in that series) but certainly the first one. I read it during a time in my life that I really needed an escape and not only did that but made me laugh as well!
I constantly tell people that Innkeeper is one of my comfort reads and Dina is my spirit animal.
I will never get over the pain of having Dina go through the death of her ‘baby inn’. It still makes me cry.
I also love when she rescues Maude on the desert planet. That’s the first time you really see Dina wield a weapon in a significant way, without the help of the inn, and you realize how much of a core of inner strength she has 😊
I usually go for one of Nevada or Catalina’s books. Throughout them all the strength of their family remains constant and that is comforting.
Comfort read: Sweep of the Blade
I grew up a tomboy, so I can identify with Maud. I still would rather be outside than inside.
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!
Kate Daniels. I love the stories but my ultimate favorites are the scenes were Kate and Curran are working out their relationship. It is so functional in such a dysfunctional world.
And the parenting!
Hidden Legacy, Emerald Fire to be exact. I honestly love that entire series but that book from start to finish really draws me in. Probably because of the whole “STEP AWAY FROM THE MONKEY” Scene.
They are all my comfort reads!
Midnight Games with Jim breaking clipboards, hot tubs getting people into trouble and the phone call beforehand that was worth the money. It’s wonderful, fun, a little dark but beautifully written.
Maud and Arland I adore. There is not a moment in this book that is not perfection. I have re-read this so many times it’s crazy but I still adore it and may now be off to read it again 🙂
Sweep of the Blade.
I enjoy re-reading Helen’s first trevail at their new home, which starts on page 89 and I have it highlighted so I can easily find it:
“Then the scary old knight came and told me that if I challenged the boy, there would be ripper cushions.” “Repercussions.”
The scene in Iron and Magic where they worship the elephant and he stops the attack. I don’t know why, I just love that scene so much.
On the Edge is my first Ilona Andrew’s book at it make me happy and thankful every time I reread it.
I LOVE the “kinsmen world” i will tell you.. i read one of them at least once a month.. whenever i’m looking for a pick me up.. it’s a feel good.. i would love if you went back.. maybe the kids get together.. lol.. now i’m going to go read them all
Silver Shark is definitely a comfort read for me, I have it on audio and I will listen to it multiple times while cleaning the house, something about it just feels cozy. I also really enjoy Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, something about that book makes me just plain happy
silver 🦈 shark’s my comfort read .
I comfort read Genres… and they are usually Regency Historical and Paranormal/Urban Fantasy. My favorite CRR’s from you would be the Hidden Legacy series… I don’t make book notes like others,,, I just read and do not over analyse books…. no post-it on pages or notes in the column I’m afraid.. just a reader who likes to read… I either like a book or I don’t. No discussions, no in-depth whys and wherefores, no book groups to bother me with trifles… I just read. K.I.S.S! The world is crazy enough, just sweep me away.
Well of course there are more words… you went from pages 78 to page 163.
Too soon??? 😜
I’m sorry Ilona and Gordon that your book is long. 😪(Does secret happy dance inside…. more to read more to read MORE TO REEEEAAAAD!!! Woohoo)
Thank goodness no one heard that.
We all want you to have the best book possible, you’ll get there. “Shakes pompoms”
I love Kate and I love Julie.
I love re-reading various scenes and books in that world depending on my mood, but your books are always turning up new details despite being read repeatedly which is what makescit so much fun. That and the characters.
although I love Nevada and Rogan too,especially Acubens Exemplar. And Nevadas date here Rogan crumples cars for Grandma Frida- who always steals the scenes by the way.
Love Kinsmen too- keep reading the stories matching Luisa Preisslers warrior calendar, so right now it’s kinsmen. Love Claire and Deirdre too.
Oh and I should say Jim & Dali (who need longer books IMHO) I love their little snippets…
I always start Hidden legacy with the I will just read some parts but end up reading all of them.
A lot of times it can depend on why I need comfort, but to save you from me listing half your books with a detailed explanation of which mood goes with which book I’ve narrowed it down to two. The first is Magic Breaks. There’s just so many great/heartwarming (and heart wrenching) scenes. There’s Ascanio refusing to be left behind, sacrificing himself to give them a chance to escape, and them refusing that sacrifice. Beau saving the day. Kate refusing to let Ghastek give up. Christopher facing his biggest fear to save Kate, and really everyone that goes on that suicide mission. Sarrat. Robert and Christopher’s sacrifice. Kate getting revenge for Aunt B. Kate meeting her father then making the choice to live for herself rather than for revenge.
The other one is Steel’s Edge. In a land of alphaholes where there can be such a fine line between protective and controlling, it’s nice to have a guy that is charming and courteous without it feeling cheesy or like he’s a pushover or not masculine enough. Then there’s Charlotte. She’s not a fighter and she’s completely out of her comfort zone, but she doesn’t let that stop her. She steps up and shows you don’t have to be Kate Daniels to be a bada**.
My current favorite comfort read is the Kate Daniels Wilmington Years books I really like them when I am stressed because the problems are a bit smaller and the relationships are more stable. If I had to pick between the two books it would be Magic Claims.
Sweep of the blade for me!! The are of course others that make me so happy to reread, but there is just something about this one that I kept turning back to when I need a pick-me-up.
I comfort read the entire kinsman universe but something about the scene where Meli is walking through the market. “She wore a green dress with a red skirt. It made her look like an upside-down flower. Her hair was down, a windblown mess of dark happy brown. Her face wore a deadly serious expression as she bargained for a bunch of herbs with a vendor. The vendor threw his hands up in exasperation. She raised her eyes to the sky. The vendor shook his head. An ancient ritual of haggling proceeded merrily along, both par parties having entirely too much fun their own good, until finally she walked away from the booth, her bundle of herbs deposited into a small expandable satchel.”
This is scene right here. I can feel the warmth of the sun, smell the spices in the air, and hear the organized chaos of the market all around her. She is vibrant, content, and glorious. I think about this scene when I am seeking contentment in my life. If I am stressed about work or life then you can be sure I am listening to the kinsmen universe.
Silver Shark for me, too. I must have read the teaser a dozen times before the novella came out. I’ve reread the whole thing many times over the years! More flower inspired buildings please!!
I was tempted to say Sweep of the Blade too, but I think it would have to be Magic Strikes, the scene after Kate’s conversation with Hugh in the pit with Curran when she tells him who’s responsible for Derek’s face. There are a lot of scenes in that book that I think of fondly, but that one is a favorite. I don’t know, it was nice to see them both on the same page and feeling so protective.
It’s gotta be Magic Stars, although I do love to reread Retribution Clause too.
Sweep of the blade is my comfort read.
Fated Blades is one of my favorites. It’s a fun read with action, drama and a killer love story that never grows old. Who can ask for more?!? (Ummm, skip that last question. We are after all, the BDH….)
Kate Daniels, any of the series. I’ve read the entire series including all of the spin offs at least 12 times. Something about a badass women killing monsters makes me incredibly happy
Sweep of the Blademy go to comfort Bookand audible book
Kate. She will always be my comfort read. Hard time with family? Kate reread. Work sucks? Magic Bites here I am. Bank account looks sad – ooh look, Kate’s free because I bought them years ago (girl math at its finest).
Specific Comfort Scenes – 1. Kate and Curran living their new normal with Conlan in Magic Triumphs. 2. Kate fighting Hugh in Magic Rises and the scenes following – love when Curran throws the boulder and she offers to fix it.
I really like to read Sweep of the Blade when I’m feeling a bit powerless. I also love to read all the Hidden Legacy books when I’m feeling stressed and need something fun to chill me out.
Thanks for all the books that make my life so much better!
All of your books actually but I think I read Sweep of the Blade most often as my comfort read (and love the GraphicAudio version).
The audio version of On the Edge. The dialogue between Declan and Rose is priceless! The way that Declan saved George, Jack saved William, and Rose saved everyone is amazing.
For me it really depends on why I want comfort…Magic Rises is one of my go-tos because there is just so much vindication and emotional satisfaction in the later portions. 🤣
Its hard to pick which one, but it would be one or any of the books in the Inn Keeper series. Maybe the first – I love the way Dina and Sean bickered when they first met. Or maybe the one with the space chicken philosophy debate, because that is all kinds of hilarious.
I have a cycle, first is Kate Daniels, then the Edge and Innkeeper, then Hidden Legacy, usually don’t read kinsman, but I enjoy it when I do.
I have the gift of a poor memory, so I can do it once or twice a year and enjoy them.
I will ask your forgiveness for my English, I’m still self learning it.
I really love what gifts HA has given me. hours of fun and feelings, confort reads that feed my soul and mind.
The only bad thing is that after reading your books I had book hangover. Meaning that nothing is as good and nothing tempts me for a while.
Thanks a million to you.
I really like Maud and Helen’s rescue from Karhari. I have read it a couple of times. It defines the characters really well and sets the stage for Maud and Arland.
sweep of the blade – love maud and arlands story.
Kate Daniel’s the first one. I feel like I entered a completely different world
My comfort reads are the hidden legacy series because even at their most desperate the characters have support from family and friends and it never feels bleak. Who doesn’t want a family pancake breakfast or taco night to unwind in the comfort of home?
Magic Strikes is one of my faves, as I love all the snark, the arena fight scenes, and the hot tub scene! I have my original audiobook version loaded on my cell phone so I can listen to it whenever. Good stuff and such fantastically well-written characters.
hmmm, probably Burn for Me and Clean Sweep.
Any of the Innkeeper books. I keep going back to them and they never get old!
Ruby Fever I know it was hard to write but I love seeing a young woman come into her own, realize she is strong and to have a handsome talented man stand for her and beside her. It’s just comforting. Also magic Claims. It’s comforting to me to see Kate get her home.
The last 2 books of Hidden Legacy. The story really grabs me, so interesting!
While I read or listen I look at the fabulous art, and fantasize a bit about having someone that handsome in love w me.
My go to comfort read of House Andrews is Sweep of the Blade, and the scene where Helen gets ,”Ripper-cushions “.
Hard choice, but I’m going with Sweep of the Blade. Maude is a Bad Ass!
I absolutely adore HL and reread Nevada’s books regularly. In particular, the ferret heist always makes me giggle.
But one scene that I always keep coming back to is when Gastek opens up to Kate while they’re trapped in Mishmar in Magic Breaks. I know that it’s weird to list as a comfort read given how dark it is, but that scene and the following conclusion of the book is so thoroughly satisfying as a culmination of Kate’s journey up to that point, that I will often skip the rest of the book and start reading in mishmar. (Although this is partly because magic breaks is not my favorite Kate book despite its phenomenal ending)
The first 3 Hidden Legacy books.
I am from Houston but don’t live there anymore. That part of my life was tumultuous and in flux and I don’t love the city. But it’s where my family lived and sometimes reading about the places in the book give me a rose-tinted view into the mess that is Houston.
If I had to choose one then I would say Magic Strikes! The games draw me in every time and this book is when we see big movement for Kate and Curran as a couple. We also get to see Julie using her powers to save Derek and we find out that the pack recognizes Kate as an alpha personality. All around amazing!
Magic Strikes….I love the humor, passion, growing family feel, and writing that leaves me breathless of the Midnight Games.
Silent Blade – love the fact she hooked him with comfort food!
Whenever I’m in a book slump or I can’t pick a new book to start, I tend to re-read the Hidden Legacy series and Silver Shark. Sometimes it’s just Silver Shark. I’ve read it at least ten times. 🤓
Ummm has anyone told her we are encouraging “more” words not less?
All I read repetitively, but I just happened to reread Andrea and Raphael’s novel. her healing and their love is wonderful. Gunmetal Magic is a comfort read. Hidden Legacy and Sweep of the Blade are great comforts too
When Kate has had a stroke and all she wants is to be home. For some reason that scene makes me cry but also feels so human. Brings back many sad yet peaceful memories of my grandpa’s final days.
Not exactly a “comfort” read, but more of a memory jogger
Of Swine and Roses. I love this book. If I need a quick happy book. There is nothing better.
Ok, so I’ve only read thru about a third of the comments and I feel like I want to +1 to half of them!
Sweep of the Blade is it for me, though. Especially when Maud realizes why she hasn’t said “yes” yet. Figures out what is really important to her. I reread that scene with Ilemina whenever I need to feel certain about something.
But there is also Threat Assessment from the beginning of MT. “Call me Kate.” It really makes me happy to know that even in her HEA Kate is kicking a$$ and taking care of things.
Wonderful question!
July 29th I had a stroke. As soon as the double vision cleared I went straight to my favorite Inn and read through from the beginning. It was such an uplifting comfort. My most heartfelt thanks for creating a wonderful retreat from the harsh realities of learning to use my right arm and leg again 🤗
Wishing you nothing but healing and comfort, Dawn 🤗
I love all of HA’s work, but Innkeeper’s Chronicles are definitely my comfort reads. I love Dina and her very grounded core.
Silver Shark for me too.
I admit ho to is probably Hidden Legacy or Innkeeper, Kinsmen when I want a shorter one. Edge and KD are reread every couple of years.
the entire Kate Daniels series is my comfort read. I reread it regularly several times a year.
We will read ALL the words!! I don’t suppose you ever had any doubts about that.
I’ve been known to reread everything, and I mean everything, as a comfort read. I’ll start on one book, get on a roll, and the next thing you know I’m three series in and searching the old blog posts for snippets and freebies. But my all time favorite comfort read that I’ve reread more than any of the others is Magic Binds. I love everything about the book.
I love Kate standing up toRoland. I love Julie starting to come into her own. I love the scenes with Roman, everything from negotiating with his god to wedding planning. I love Christopher remembering how to fly. l love Kate going to Mishmar and retrieving Erra. I love Ghastek as Kate’s Legatus. I love the fight at the Keep. There are so many good scenes that then organically flow into the narrative of Magic Triumphs. so much good stuff!
I loved reading everyones favourites, each one brings me back to each book. And yhe idea of a sharing a “Comfort Read” was too appealing to pass up. For me, the scene that I keep going back to is when Kate and Ghastek (forgive me if I’ve gotten the spelling incorrect, I’m an audiobook listener) are trapped together. They talk about him being poor, but not so poor where your parents finish one job and have enough time to scarf down some mac and cheese before catching a few hours of sleep before going to theor second job.
It’s literary dose of reality in this realm of fantasy, and I almost always call my mom to thank her after listening to this scene. Mac and cheese was a luxury a few times, but because of her I always had a book – taking the precious gallon of gas once a week to take me to the library…. Tuesdays- her one day off.
I’m pretty sure when the Graphic Audio finally does this book, Imma cry.
I have two.
#1 – The first time we visit Baha-Char. So amazing! I would go in a hear beat.
#2 – The whole lead-up and follow-thru of the Ripper Cushions scene. So funny! I love it.
Hidden legacy is my fun reread, I love the world and the people and they are light and make me feel all the things but it’s not quite the comfort that KD is.
KD is a place to get lost and is comfortable for a long stretch and a deep dive. So it kinda depends on what I need.
Sweep of the Blade, I love Maud, Armand and Helen, Kate Daniels “ Magic Tides & Claims(Clams) and the end of Magic Triumphs, that’s besides Innkeeper, Hidden Legacy especially the ferret heist and the aftermath. There is so much to choose from 😊
My comfort read is Magic Strikes. it where I really started to fall in love with Curran’s character and Kate’s fierce defense of her friends.
#1. Kinsman, especially Silver Shark. Scene: when he brings her tea.
#2. Hidden Legacy. I love all the books in this series. Scenes: Alessandro and Catalina on the rooftop battle in Emerald Blaze. And of course the ferret heist: I laugh out loud every time I read this scene.
#3. Sweep of the Blade. Maud triumphs despite being dumped on Kahari. And the scene with Karat when she describes the footage of Arland “tearing out of some armored hovel … like some hero in a period drama”. It’s laugh territory, but also the start of their love affair.
the Magic Stars novella is the sweetest of all comfort reads. (insert big sigh)
Maud, Arland and Helen. Starting with
Yes, the princess you were expecting put on her armour and left to kill the dragon.
From one fell sweep to Sweep of the Blade and all of Orro’s moments- bad burger and cooking show visit and learning that Caldenia acted out of love for family and Costco lady = Ms Mariask
I go to The Edge series:) The characters and their stories and their support of each other, even if they are not favs of each other:) Grandma Éléonore is a beautifully written character.
Curran in his massive tub with Kate saying: this is why I built the pack…and when I found her I glued her ass to the chair”.
also,
Kate barking at Curran “No pain, no gain…”
I have reread the Innkeeper books and the Kinsmen series on repeat since they came out. With each new book my comfort read list gets longer and I find new little nuances with each read through. I also reread the Hidden Legacy series right before Emerald Blaze to find all the little eggs.
I adore your Innkeeper books, and of those, Sweep of the Blade is my favorite. I’m having a hard time with violence, and I think the Innkeeper books are the least violent. And of all your work, they show your amazing sense of humor. Space chickens hauling around rolls of toilet paper! Makes me laugh every time. My favorite sections of Sweep of the Blade include, “Next time you can help.” And “There’s a vampire walking towards us and it looks like she’s going to run us over.”
Ferret heist!
I love the Clean Sweep series. I take all the books with me whenever I travel. For me, I crave the familiar comfort of escaping into unknown worlds with familiar characters and knowing that while there is evil in the universe, goodness will win the day.
House Andrews books ARE my comfort read. If I had to be specific, as Derek is my favorite character, that scene in Magic Triumphs when Kate asks him if he ever wants more money and he says he’s got enough for bills, food, tools, and presents. What else would he need? That scene just smacks of “found family” for me.
Thank you for writing beautiful words that have brought so much comfort.
White Hot. No matter what’s going on in my life the ferret heist makes me laugh
OMG – too funny – yes, the call to put the screen over the dryer vent is pretty priceless.
Mine is the Innkeeper series and Iron Covenant…love the interaction between Hugh and Elara!
Oops that should be Iron and Magic!
My comfort read is Burn for me – because I love Nevada and Mad Rogan and the whole clan. The sense of belonging and being loved. That book is like a gentle hug after a horrid day.
I have read, and reread countless times Magic Strikes, Silver Shark, Burn for Me (the shock when Augustine realized Nevada was an unregistered Prime is priceless!) and Sweep of the Blade. And then along came Fated Blades. For me, it boils down to Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. Grabbing their happiness despite their families’ histories. Wonderful addition to The Kinsman Universe. Thank you for them all.
I have fallen into Innkeeper as my comfort reads. There’s probably a variety of reasons, like the attraction to an introvert of never having to leave the house and still get to have an endless variety of rooms to prowl through, but since 2020 I’ve returned over and over to the series when life is a little too hard.
🤭 If the editing added more words, I can only be happy – it’s more content for the always-insatiable BDH!
For comfort reads from House Andrews: I go back to the Innkeeper series over and over again. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve reread all of the House Andrews works multiple times, but the Innkeeper series speaks to a number of pivotal experiences in my life in a way no other books do, and I always feel better – more centered, more grounded – after a visit to Gertrude Hunt.
Argh… too many choices… But if I had to pick a COUPLE… for me – Magic Strikes and Magic Bleeds are the 2 for OG KD. Love Hidden Legacy too. Your whole back library is my go to. My brain is about to explode on having to choose just 1. 🙂
Innkeeper series would be my choice.
Specifically the Graphic Audios of the Innkeeper Chronicles. They all feel like friends to me and being with them all is so comforting.
Favorite is Of Swine and Roses. The scene where the pig is being cleaned up and then changes captures a memorial embarrassing moment. The ending is also great.
My favorite House Andrews comfort read is the Innkeeper series. It’s lighthearted and engaging. It’s fun to see the characters from the Edge series pop up too.
All of it!! But right now, Magic triumphs cos Happy Endings and all. And all the scenes with Conlan but my favourite will always be when he first shifts
My favorite?
I loved your first book… Magic Bites
And then I have to finish the series…
Each book is a delight and each one somehow scratches an itch for adventure, magic and fantasy. <3
Sweep of the Blade is my go to comfort read. So many funny and touching scenes—-from the Helen “Ripper Cushions” lesson to the Maude/Ilemina “practice session “ to the final medward family gathering. A superb read and reread that I’m so glad House Andrews crafted and shared with the BDH. It is a wonderful story of humor,romance,redemption, honor and family. It makes me happy.
Sweep of the Blade is definitely up there for me
I also love Silver Shark. It has emotional resonance for me. Plus the ending was funny. I think you mentioned how it was a tribute to the endings of movies you grew up with.
I also like Burn for Me. I enjoy the “it’s not too late” and the independence of the characters. Love, love, love. And the messy family you’ve got it perfect. Grandma Freida is perfect.
Chapter 23 of Sweep of the Heart
Sweep of the Blade always makes me feel warm and happy.
Magic Binds is my comfort read. The characters are becoming more fleshed out, “real”. Just another ‘day in the life’ kind of deal. We start out with Kate and Curran going to Roman’s, asking him to officiate the wedding. Kate and Curran sitting on the couch and Curran saying they should ‘get one of these’ . It’s what couples talk about when they’re settling in, becoming a unit.
Then at the conclave, Curran asks Kate why haven’t Rowena and Gastek ‘gotten together’ shows just how observant Curran is and how clueless Kate is when it comes to relationships. Desandra’s nuttiness, love her unfiltered banter.
The Nick Feldman reveal, of how Kate explains why Nick hates Kate’s bloodline. There’s so many places in this book that I can stop and savor.
In Magic Binds we see Curran and and Kate becoming more and the people around them are ‘richer’ characters because of their development.
The more I learn about the characters, the deeper I get invested.
Magic Binds may be my comfort read but each of your books holds a special place in my heart.
Hidden Legacy, Burn For Me. Nevada at “Mad” Rogan’s…..in basement in chains. Not into whips and chains but I liked how she stood up to him and, basically, won that round. Love the series.
Almost any house Andrews book is a comfort read, but really love the innkeeper series and sweep of the blade and love Orro I want to cook with him!!! I would love to know what he thinks of my apple pie
Animo! You will kick those edits asses!
As for my comfort read, I’ll go with Kinsmen Universe, I love it! Not surprisingly, I am very drawn to Fated Blades, too: I love Ramona!
It all depends on how much time I have. I love Inkeeper: I wish I could be a guest in an Inn!!! The “problem” is my compulsive nature: once I started I have to read all the books in the series. And after I finish that series, I jump to The Edge (because George and the gang are there, too), and then onto Hidden Legacy and the grand finale with ALL of KD (small side stories in between, too).
So, if it’s a rainy day and I need a comfort read: Kinsmen Universe.
If it is a matter of moody season, I star with Innkeeper and go through all the series finishing with KD.
The one scene that still can makes me snicker without even having to read it is Kate saying “here kitty kitty”
Sweep of the Blade is it! I love rippercushions. If I want more than just one book, it’s the Hidden Legacy series. Though the Innkeeper series is up there, I love when Rogan asks for the screens on the dryer vents during the Ferret scene, LOL.
Definitely the Innkeeper series. Something about her sense of home strikes a chord with me.
I really enjoy your books in general and can find lots of bits I really take comfort in, but my favorite book is “Iron and Magic”. Those scenes where Hugh and Elara are stepping through protecting those they have taken in as their people, especially as they see that commonality between them, and how through those experiences they gradually forge respect and deeper feelings for each other really resonate for me. My next favorite book is “Sweep of the Blade” because of the similar dynamic between Maude and Arwen. My Briggs-Meyer descriptor of “Defender” is probably a big factor here……
Tie between Iron & Magic and innkeeper series, Maude’s story and the last one. They are like meeting old friends that you haven’t seen in a while.
While I love all of your writing, the whole Innkeeper series is comfort reading for me.
You are cutting. However, words are related to hydras. You cut one off, and two grow to replace it.
I always go to the Innkeeper series for comfort. I usually start at the beginning then read them through. Something about a welcoming host who sees to your wellbeing in a magical inn is immensely comforting to me.
Right now, it’s Magic Claims. There’s something so special about this new series. I love all House Andrew’s book like so many of us, and I go through phases where one appeals more than another.
Hidden Legacy is definitely a comfort read for me! I feel my heartaches heal when I’m immersed in a family that loves so generously and fiercely.
This is such a wonderful question. I think it depends on what comfort I’m looking for, KD series was my first foray into House Andrews so will always be my favourite. It feels like catching up with old friends again with each reread.
But when I want to feel comforted and at home, Innkeeper Chronicles. I love how Dina (and later Sean and Maud too) create havens for visiting guests that suit their needs so perfectly.
I grew up with an eclectic household with up to 5 foreign students staying plus our own family of 5, who lived and studies with us. We had a girl from Japan who survived an earthquake, an Irish nun, a trans pperson in mid transition called Seana, a Chilean student who wanted to be a rockstar (reminds me of Sweep of the Heart’s space chicken saga).
I’d say Sweep of the Heart would be my favourite for that very reason. Late night philosophising, guests cooking up a storm of their home country meals and learning from each other. I just with Orro was in the kitchen while I grew up! I always get hungry and cook when I read his recipes, or Sean barbequing!
Iron and magic .
Hugh is so low at this point but he gets up and he does better. The characters are all wonderful, especially Elara, but Hugh’s pets make me smile every time. The whole thing is a violent funny hug of a story for me.
Thank you for writing it.
I have the Kinsman Universe anthology and it is 100% a comfort read for me. Not sure I could choose between the stories. They’re so beautiful and lyrical and I love it.
The final scene of Emerald Blaze (before the epilogue), when Catalina and Alessandro both finally realize they are each enough.
“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.”
Silver Shark (your mind is so quiet) Fated Blades (I will break you) Burn for Me (of course I’m funny, just ask Peaches) Ruby Fever (Catalina taking out Alessandro’s grandfather) and Sweep of the Blade (Fighting the dragon to save her daughter/or Ripper Cushions) Those are where I turn for comfort. Of course Sean caring for Dina after the baby inn dies can’t be forgotten. Ack! There are just too many. I am thankful for that..
Magic Burns- I loved this book and it got me hooked on to the series and the rest is history. Julie was introduced in this and the whole arc with Bran was so well written and deep. I especially loved this part in the end-
“IN THE MORNING, WHEN THE WITCHES CAME FOR Bran’s body, they found it sprawled among white flowers. Blazing like small white stars, with centers as black as his eyes, the flowers grew overnight, sending a spicy scent into the air. By the time the day was over, the flowers had been christened Morgan’s Bells and a rumor floated person to person that Morrigan was so distraught over her champion’s death, she had wept and the flowers sprang forth from her tears. Bullshit. I was there and the bitch didn’t shed a tear.”
— Magic Burns (Kate Daniels Book 2) by Ilona Andrews
https://a.co/dfOeVxt
The writing is so Ilona – punches you in the gut
Magic Bleeds. It’s everything I wanted from the series. Tension all over, high stakes, making choices and dealing with the consequences, interesting revelations. Both Kate and Curran show their strength and their vulnerability and have to work hard to overcome obstacles and there was a real weight to the conflict. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve come back to this one.
Sweep of the Blade
The innkeeper series, especially the Graphic Audio version. Re-listening to the whole series just makes me happy when I am feeling down.
Sweep of the Blade – the whole book! Especially when Maude cuts the fruit and Rippercushions and the final scene and everything!
I must be the only member of the bdh that doesn’t reread books. I have reread the last chapter of the prior book before the new release to get my mind back where I left off but not the entire book. The guilt of my need to read pile of books would crush me.
Maybe when I retire I will have time to reread.
Sweep of the Blade, an all time favorite and I reread the entire series on the regular. Thank you!!
I honestly reread whole series when I can’t concentrate on anything else. But my favorite scenes, across all of the IA books, is in Magic Triumphs when Hugh and Elara have arrived in Atlanta, and Kate talks to Christopher about why he is forgiving Hugh and then letting Hugh into the house the next morning and letting him help. There is something about all the reluctant and hard won grace, and about Barabas and Curran and Elara doing their thing in the background, and about the active crystallization of found family across those pages that brings me so much comfort.
This is going to be lame, but this year your books have been my main comfort… therapy has not done it for me but books center me- to get a tad more specific I am reading Kate Daniels again, including novellas and her journey from lone killer into a confident queen makes me feel hopeful about the idea of overcoming darkness while including forgiveness. Similarly, I find comfort when I read about the Baylor sisters, how they care for each other always makes me think of the friends closest to my heart. On the other side, it had been a while since I discovered the Edge series but the kids growing up between worlds is so colourful and kind of relatable and now that I have finally read Inkeeper, Dina is such an entertaining character and along Kinsmen (brilliant!) I can tell I will be coming back to these stories I am currently making a soundtrack for.
INNKEEPER* (You would think I read what I write with so much time I put into book hoarding lol. )
Sweep the Blade, i have adopted ripper cushions as part of my vocabulary lol
I start with Clean Sweep because I cannot stop there, so I continue with the rest of the Innkeeper series until wherever it is currently left off. It’s one of those series I never knew I needed AND wanted.
Everything IA is on my comfort read list but if we are going for absolute comfort it’s either Catalina’s trilogy or Magic Claims.
I also love Silver Shark perhaps best, but also Silent Blade, Claire and Melly both. The imagery and the happy endings work for me. I also have a fondness that’s almost secret even from me for Grace of Small Magics, and for the story about the blue key in the drawer. The image of that key and the old woman and the griffins. Damn it; I went and looked at it again and my eyes are all blurry with tears now.
When you’re having those hellish days, when the words are stiff and uncooperative and you feel the hot breath of God love ’em, the BDH on the back of your neck — first, make sure it isn’t Gordon or one of the dogs, for your safety and theirs — and then lean back and remember that what you and Gordon write sustains souls and spirits, inspires minds, wakes hearts.
Not everyone wants the taste of magic in their world, and not everyone wants the same magic, but the world would be smaller and sadder without y’allses.
Just started HL the day before this post for this EXACT reason! I need my warm fuzzy feels to make all right with the world again
My favorite IA comfort read is blood heir. I read it about a year after I graduated college and the idea of of coming home and it’s the same but different maybe not because it’s changed but because you have resonated. It also just makes me happy to see all my favorite characters again 🙂
So hard to pick favorites! But when i need a brief timeout I go to the short stories; Of Swine and Roses and a Mere Formality.
The Edge is how i found you, and the series is still my favorite.
Loved how George, Jack, Sophie and Gaston appeared in the inn.
Thank you!
The Innkeeper series in general is my favorite comfort read. For a whole host of reasons: it’s one of the shorter series that’s kept with the same characters and without major time jumps, an easier read, lower angst, and the inns provide a sense of magic that is more undefinable – more pure magic – without ending with a deus ex machina feeling. I’ve read the entire series in multiple ways: paperback, e-read, and graphic audio. There’s just something about that series that does it for me. 🙂
Of the series, Sweep in Peace and Sweep of the Heart are my favorites. I love watching Dina handle a major event on her own for the first time and then watching Dina and Sean work together.
So yah, probly the most obvious. in the 3rd Rogan & Nevada book, where he thinks she’s ditched him for the night but then she shows up w/ the chocolate mousse. Stores that away and heads for the bathroom to get into comfy clothes. & of course he raids the mousse and they both just relax together on the bed. Yeppers that scene.
I just reread this! It is SO sweet. Just the normalcy of lounging on the bed together with their laptops next to each other. Taking refuge from being next to each other. I loved it when Nevada told Connor, it’s not set yet and he didn’t care. So sweet, and so relatable!
Ironically, Silver Shark is my comfort read. It’s short, has a lot of vivid descriptions. The epilogue always makes me laugh.
All your books get multiple reads/listens! 😄
Kinsmen books ( especially A Mere Formality when I need a good laugh) and the Edge series are the most comforting for me.
(I’m an e-reader so let someone else be lucky.)
I just finished another listen of the GA Innkeeper, so that is high in my mind, but I have a soft spot for Magic Rises. I realize it’s an emotional roller coaster but I will never forget how I felt the first time I read that book, and that scene when Curran crashes the party on the mountain with Astamur and the Atsany. Kate had his heart in her hands at that moment, he was absolutely prepared for her to crush it hin order to save her. Yes, I cried for Aunt Bea, but that moment on the mountain had me sobbing. I love those two.
Magic Strikes is my favorite! I love how Kate interacts with everyone. The arena scenes are the best and there are more light hearted moments in this book. Everyone is funny even Jim!
Sweep of The Blade
I think my overall comfort read is also Silver Shark. If there’s more time, Innkeeper. Fun magic/world and trust paying off, I guess? Innkeeper’s humor and relationships add into the comfort read.
I’ve always been a re-reader. No matter how many new books by authors I love build up that proverbial tower of bucket-listed TBR asap, I often grab an older one and take a coffee break.
From House Andrews, it’s the Innkeeper books. The first time I read the description of Baha-Char (several times, mind you) there was a click. After that, these clicks in my mind kept coming, and were accompanied by laughter, and fear and anger at the villains, and love for the characters, which grew with every new installment and book and comic.
Since you mentioned witnesses, I call my family to the bar. They’ll testify I’d never before laughed myself to tears in our living room, in broad daylight, so to speak, like I did/do when I read about the first scholar and the rest of the Space Chickens.
Maud, Allan’s and Helen’s story (Sweep of the Blade). I don’t know why it’s a favourite, but if things are a bit gloomy or tough, this is my comfort read. I desperately want to know what’s happens next.
Bayou Moon is probably my favorite comfort read <3
But I fall back on Magic Burns a lot, as well as Burn for Me and Silver Shark.
Not looking to enter but I am going to share…. when COVID first hit and I was watching news stories from Italy and they were sending ships to NY and I’m washing my groceries…. I tried to read and I couldn’t… I couldn’t consume new info… I reread the Kate Daniels series. I am forever grateful for y’all getting me through a very difficult time period in my life. I’m a medical professional and it was just so much. Kate and Curran helped me though. Thank you…
I love rereading the first three Hidden Legacy books. It’s hard to narrow down, but one of my favorite scenes is when Nevada has been sleeping off in the sniper’s nest and Rogan climbs up to check on her. It makes me chuckle every time I read it.
I love all the HA books. I just finished rereading the Innkeeper Series after just rereading the Kate Daniels books after just rereading … I think it just goes in a big circle to be honest.
My favorite scene, I think, is when Maud is chasing after the Hunt on Attuna. She didn’t have her makeup on because she’d just cleaned up after the Bridal Wassail coffee dump. And there’s this moment when you realize Maud’s broken free of her past at that point, just riding on the plain on her own, hiding behind nothing, making her own path.
Once I had a chance to see Stonehenge. The crowd was awful, you had to have a headset for the walking tour. It was all… ugh. And I took off my headphones. No one else was talking, they were too busy listening to their tours. And suddenly it was just me, Stonehenge, and the wind blowing across the Salsbury plain. That moment of being alone and in peace in spite of everything with the wind in your hair… that’s what Maud’s scene reminds me of.
Hmmm,
“I almost had her, I could have take her!” from Magic Bleeds. It just sucks when someone takes your moment. One of my favorite books. Gives me a good chuckle when I read this scene.
Silver Shark & Of Swine & Roses. Claire’s bravery can make me cry & Alena’s adventure makes me laugh. Both are a warm blanket against the cold world.
Magic Strikes specifically all the Midnight games are where I truly got hooked on Kate. I love when Curran shows up and hauls everyone in to the bunk room and closes the door and Andrea threatens to shoot Curran then Kate goes out and meets the air mage who is shocked to see her.
Also, any scene with Barabas and Chris.
And when Andrea and Roman are out and get attacked on the bridge and Roman gets so excited because bridges are between places.
The first chapter of Magic Binds where Kate and Curran ask Roman to officiate their wedding, I love Roman’s glee.
All of the Innkeeper. The whole family listens to them on GA. Specifically, I fell for Sean when his parents arrive and Dina has to hold his father and he stops them from attacking.
When Dina, Arland, and Sean go to rescue Maud and Helen and Arland sees Maud slicing through the crowd.
Maud making a plate for the tachi royal.
Nevada pushing Rogan down the ladder in White Hot.
Of Swine and Roses – love her bringing the pig home and it turning in to a man and disappearing.
These are small glimpses, I have so many highlights I cannot begin to name them all here. Thank you for your work, House Andrews, yall are a godsend.
Gunmetal Magic
Wrapping everything in carpet cracks me up!
Laughter brings me comfort so I reread my favorite funny scenes in KD. Like when Jene Boudreaux swallowed Deputy Holland whole in Magic Binds. His reaction and the whole scene afterward have me in stitches. Also, any scene where Roland is yelling at Kate. Why is he so dramatic?
All of House Andrews’ library of awesome is my comfort shelf. But…I grew up in a broken family, ending up in foster care as a teen with all 4 siblings scattered to various places. We did not win the parental lottery, but I am blessed in my siblings who I count as some of my best friends. So my ultra-need-a-hug-comfort reading from HA is the family scenes of the Baylor family books. The family feelings and support are the closest feels to what I have with my sibs (and probably what I wish we had had , minus loss of Mr. Baylor).
🙂
This is going to sound silly but the first chapter in Magic Breaks! Kate is out on an errand trying to apprehend a bunnycat in Unicorn Lane (I think?) with Ascanio. Her relationship with Curran is still on the new side and he gets all worried when she isn’t home in time for dinner and doesn’t hear from her so he goes out to find her to make sure she is okay. It’s just a fun chapter showing the dynamic between them and a quiet moment for the two of them (apart from the carjackers lol) before the drama and chaos of what is a very pivotal book in the series.
Also any scenes where Dina is rearranging the inn for guests in Innkeeper, I find comfort in reading about how she works. I just find her creativity fun, she clearly loves what she does!
I realize you didn’t ask for scenes but I don’t necessarily read a whole book for comfort reading. 😀
um, all of them… I think I go back to the beginning of the innkeeper series and to the hidden legacy series when I want something familiar and encouraging. and I’ll Reread the stories or these days throw the audio or GA audio versions on in the background ad I do things. Your stories have brought me a great deal of joy. I re-do Kate’s series too, and skip to the romance parts. lol
The Innkeeper series, is my favorite cozy read. I love details about the inn, and the idea of a home as a living entity. I hope we get more Innkeeper before too long- there should be some kind of Kickstarter to sponsor another book in fav series lol
I love reading the family kitchen moments in Hidden Legacy! Especially the banter and back and forth conversations between the family members. I also love the somewhat absurd topics that get discussed in the kitchen, like murder mysteries and house warfare and wedding dresses. Grandma Frida is the best, and Leon always makes me laugh. You can really tell how close-knit the Baylor family is.
Silver Shark is my favorite comfort read!
It has one of my favorite tropes (boss/efficient secretary), includes found family, and is short enough to read in one sitting. I like the bit of Cinderella in it (I met the perfect person for me. oh, noes…she’s disappeared!)
It’s a bit heartbreaking but I love how open Claire is after all the tragedy she’s experienced.
In Silver Shark, you can see the bones of Hidden Legacy. I feel like Ven’s Aunt Lienne is similar to non-homicidal Erra.
There are always great bits to re-read in all IA books, but Silver Shark is just the right length for a quick pick-me-up.
My favorite is Silver Shark followed by everything else. 😛 I just love the imagery contrast of her war world and the “mental world” and then when she goes to a gorgeous planet, it makes her “mental world” even more beautiful. Very cool. Make the world beautiful no matter where you are. <3
+1 Sweep of the Blade (and the whole Innkeeper series)
+1 Hidden Legacy (currently rereading the whole series, now at Emerald Blaze)
Maud & Arland, Catalina & Alessandro are my favourite couples. 🙂
Probably Sweep of the Blade. Also Hidden Legacy. (I’m currently rereading Hidden legacy atm, for a comfort read actually. I just finished rereading innkeeper). Also, Fated Blades. In all of the Kinsmen series, I love the description of the terraces and the slower pace of life in the providences. Also, the riot of color and the dahlias.
My comfort read is Kate Daniels. I love when Kate is pranking Curran as a form of courtship.
From Magic Triumphs Kate Daniels
one of my absolute favorites…
He was a baby and babies threw tantrums, because life was hard and not fair and their wishes were rarely taken into account.
About fifteen minutes into the drive, Conlan gave up singing the sad song of his people and fell asleep.
At different times each of your books will drift through my mind and I need to reread. Sometimes a scene, sometimes an image. In Burn for Me, the dress with ambitions of being a sleeve brings me back for a reread. Orro in the Innkeeper! Here Kitty Kitty. Or Julie in her secret house which everyone finds.
Innkeeper is always a quick feel good read but I am a Derek/Julie shipper so I have a soft spot for Magic Stars, as well as Blood Heir (which I can’t wait to read more about). I love the subtlety in the text and how it can be interpreted several ways depending on your bias.
I love the Innkeeper Chronicles, but Sweep of the Blade is my favorite to reread.
All of them, really. but I really love Magic Dreams and Magic Steals. I think Dali just really resonates with me (especially as a fellow blind- without- glasses individual).
definitely hidden legacy.its just so comforting reading a series that’s so anchored by family, in the best way. A family that knows you so well and shows up for you. and yes while learnint to set clear boundaries.
I’ve probably gone back to Sweep of the Blade more than any of the others. If I go back to a favorite passage, invariably I’m four chapters past that when I notice the time passing.
Well, thanks to this post and the many comments I read this morning I have now whiled away a rainy day here reading Sweep of the Blade again while crocheting.
Thank you House Andrews for a perfectly lovely day!
Silver Shark.
“It was at once so much more than she thought she would achieve and so much less than she was capable of.”
(Silver Shark, p.107)
Sometimes certain stories just give this “ping” with you, I don’t know why. I just know that whenever I need to pick myself up or give myself a break, I read this book.
The sentence above is one of those things that ressonates with both myself and many people around me. Because of circumstances or life choices or war or whatever the hell.. Sometimes you just have to choose a path or start over or do what is necessary and it is both so much more and so much less.
So I think for me this story is most of all a life affirmation.
Hidden Legacy
I have two favorites – I just love Bayou Moon. I read The Edge series first and something about William just really draws me in. I don’t reread often, but I’ve reread scenes from that one many times. The other is Clean Sweep, because its the first of your books to which I’ve introduced each of my children. I read Clean Sweep out loud with my son and did all the voices, and it was such a joy to see him fall in love with the characters I love, and to have so many little jokes together (He especially loves Arland in Drama Queen mode). By the time my daughter was old enough for it the Graphic Audio version had come out and we all listened to that together. It was such a joy to hear it with them.
I know it might be a bit odd, but Iron and Magic is my go to for comfort 🙂
I am the biggest sucker for a redemption arc. This one is also a big favorite. Especially the feelings of building something greater together.
ohhhh…it’s so hard to choose from my favorites!
oOne scene is at Hidden Legacy when Nevada was chained to the floor of Rogan’s basement and to avoid giving out any information about Adam she gave him her secret about her father’s illness 😭
I would have to say one of my favorite reads is the beginning of Ruby Fever where Catalina is showing the family the new “estate.” I just love the whole chapter. I think it is such a great beginning to a book. From “Is it haunted?” to “There’s a shack in the back . . .” for Arabella. I read it when I want a pick me up and it always makes me smile and often laugh out loud!
My comfort read is Emerald Blaze. Something about Catalina and Alessandro in that book is my happy place.
innkeeper 1 and 2 for me!! it’s a holiday read for me as I’m baking Christmas cookies.
I really do love silver shark though, I should reread it soon
Definitely, all of KD and the first 3 hidden legacy books. I personally think the banter between the characters in both is the most perfect I have ever read. <3
Definitely Hidden Legacy,
the family dynamics, sacrifices made for the better good.
The humor is fantastic, cracked me up a few times lol
The scene in Sweep of the Blade where they’re watching the cartoon in Armand’s rooms and they’re eating together and Helen gets to watch the movie and she’s never seen a cartoon before. They’re safe. That’s my comfort read. It also makes that whole book my comfort read. The Innkeeper series is also by far my favorite. I love all of the House Andrews works, but I can’t help but remember the magic of reading them week by week, watching it grow. A beautiful, magical world right down the street, so to speak.
I have always wished I had a hard copy of each chapter and the BDH comments following each week. especially for Sweep of the Blade. Someone made up a conversation between the savark (? the horses from the Horde?) about how wonderful it was to fight beside the three that haunts me to this day. I would love a short story about Arland, Maude, and Helen riding them and finding the Innkeeper tree! that would be awesome! and then to find the doorway to Gertrude Hunt! Woohoo!
unfortunately, the computer I had everything copied to died before I could transfer it. sigh.
Hard choice, but my comfort reed is Dina- Hüterin der Tore – 1st Innkeeper in german, but when i start i read the whole series.
All your books are comfort reads due to the fact that the very excellent workbuilding and even better characters allow us to escape our own reality in really, really good company with amazing overall arcs:
So my list of favorite comforts would be:
* Kate interacting with Curran, Conlan, Erra, Luther, Roman, Hugh, shapeshifters, vampires… Hmm basically the entire series. Especially love the Wilmington years as it shows us Kate in her full bloom so to speak
* All family scenes in HL
* Innkeeper in general: How Dina keeps everything under wrap despite all various situations of almost breaching cover
However my most comforting read is Sweep of the Blade.
My initial reaction to the change of scene and narrator was a bit of sceptism.
But it turned out to be the most perfect story conveying how is feels to be a mother, wanting two sometimes almost equally important things – your children or children’s wellbeing and thriving yourself through your own accomplishments. A desire that still falls away if your child/children are not well. And as my daughter was about Helens age, when I read it first time you really got me!
The scene that captures the essence of it and thus is the most comforting of them all is Mauds rant to Ilemina in chapter 11 about what she wants.
And in every re-read since I feel seen as a mother and woman wanting my place in things.
Thank you so much for all your worldbuilding, characters, blogs and kindness in sharing it all.
damn, should have been “your child or childrens wellbeing” and where did that extra every come from in the end 😄
Fixed 🙂
Definitely Kate’s books are my #1 but Hugh’s book is one of my favs too and such an awesome tie into the depth of his character. Plus… his obsession with the moat. Every time I read him going on about it, I smile.
I reread all IA series regularly as comfort reads. I’m even reading them in French to help with expanding my vocab and learn some witty remarks. I’ve just finished rereading/relistening to Iron and Magic and I had completely forgotten about the scene where Stoyan/Lamar was reading Machiavelli to a comatosed Hugh and Bale was reading Hugh Harry Potter. I almost fell off the chair laughing when S/L asked Bale what Bale was waving at them and Bale said a stick and S/L threatened Bale to better watch out if he thought that he was waving a wand at them.
I also try to read them in French! I thought what could possibly motivate me to improve my vocab… nothing better than your favorite authors! Though I have to say so far I’ve only tried the first innkeeper and I haven’t gotten terribly far – the descriptions of the inn were a bit of a challenge for me and my high school french 😀
so hard to choose, I re-read everything constantly!
the edge series, iron & magic, or the kinsmen series.
oh, and A Mere Formality!
the exhaustion of diplomacy and facilitating relations. I just get it.
“Blossom”
I crack down every time I think about the big bad Roland, with all his age, knowledge and power, who pop up in front of Kate and call her Blossom, like yours average Joe..
Never fail to put a smile on my face.
That’s genius,
I always get a laugh from Kate using a vampire as a hole punch ☺️
It’s impossible for me to pick just one. You as authors don’t just write stories, you build worlds. I relive every single world while I wait for your next piece of writing. I relive them for the resilience of the characters – the themes of love, loyalty, and integrity.
Deep moments when Kate shows so much love – driving Andrea through deep magic to the boudas, taking The Scarlet Star for her friends, fighting off challengers while Curran recovered from Erra’s darkness… so many scenes.
Dina’s books held so much love. When she fought for Sean’s freedom with Nuan Cee and protected the Hiru. When Kosandian chooses Lady Wexyn and explains Caldenia’s reason for self-exile.
In the Edge series, when Charlotte first shows her power on the boat using White leprosy and everyone was afraid to stand next to her but Richard offers his arm for support. When Charlotte sacrifices herself for Sophie and Richard’s sacrifice brings her back from being the living death.
In Hidden Legacy, when Catalina screeches for the first time.
I can think of so many more but you get the idea! I think the reason why these scenes give me so much comfort is because these are pivotal moments where the characters evolve in love and power.
Thank you for writing.
Lately I have been on an almost constant IA re-read loop. I have only had a few new books/series that really kept my attention, plus any time I feel anxious or frustrated I zoom right back to the next IA book in line. I can’t even count how many times I have listened to Hidden Legacy (my fav) this past year. Right now I doing the Innkeeper series.
I have 2 comfort reads. the first is a quick read, I love the short story Of Swine and Roses.
But, a sit down and get comfy and read it has to be meeting Kate for the first time in Magic Bites. I’m hooked from that first read everytime.
I love to reread the scene in Clean Sweep where Sean is trying to build the base for the barbecue pit and Dina “helps”, with some input from the inn. I sniggering to myself just writing this. It’s a tonic for the worst of days.
How fun!
Clean sweep is definitely it! I love the entire book and it never fails to make me smile. My favorite scene would be Sean in the Apple Orchard with Beast. But the football playing Vampires are a solid second.
Love everything that you weite.
My favorite is everything Hidden Legacy. I grew up in an all female household (though the Cousins in HL are really cool, too) and the banter, the day to day, the near adoption of friends into the family who lost their birth family, the cooking, the hard work, the familial support feel like my childhood. Also the humour is sooo funny. And the „voice“ of this world is so strong. After 2 sentences of the Augustin snippet I knew it had to be hidden legacy.
And I absolutely adore Sweep of the Blade. Love the politics, the different species, overcoming difficult odds, adorable Helen and of course romance is nice, too. The vampires are so endearingly and frustratingly dramatic an stubborn. And also hard workers. It‘s just a great mixture.
Hi! High school social worker here. One book I haven’t seen on this list (no I didn’t read every comment!) is Hugh’s book, followed by his scenes in Magic Triumphs. It’s … an odd kind of comfort. A hard reality one. For me, it’s proof that recovery from trauma- especially ones you invited yourself- can be overcome and forgiveness can be found. It’s proof that things can get better! That who my students are right now, isn’t necessarily who they’ll be when they grow up. Hugh’s redemption arc is so so important to me- it’s hard to read, but I think about it and remember it a lot. I love that HA depicts realistic symptoms of PTSD (Hugh’s drinking, his nightmares, his impulses, rages and mistrust, Kates fears of being buried alive – books after being stuck in father’s prison!) and also takes the reader down a realistic road of fighting for the life you want and the person that you want to be. No, it’s not ‘pull yourself by your bootstraps’. Its community, asking and giving help, being scared but knowing it’s safe so doing it anyway, it’s tireless effort, and taking care of yourself. That’s why I love Hugh’s story. Its the story of so many of my students and friends. Its the gritty reality of overcoming a past shaped by other people and the … near terror and ferocity involved in making your own future.
I always reach for Bayou Moon. The Hobo Queen and Lord Bill dynamic has an amazing energy that just sucks away the blues. Fave scene – when Cerise finds out William is a mirror spy and he realises she won’t leave him. Cerise telling her family not to throw rocks at the man she loves, as she knows all their dirty secrets and won’t miss when she throws them back. Just love this book and after reading for 20 years, it’s the first book that I ever did a re-read of.
For me its Silver Shark – don’t even know why but I think I must have read it at least ten times by now. I guess I admire how much she can keep hidden within herself while only displaying what she deems useful at any given time. An impenetrable shell around one’s mind and emotions sure would be handy 😀 And while that might not be the indended moral of the story, I like how she’s able to handle everything herself without confiding in anybody – hiding her identity, immigrating to a new planet, fitting in, fighting baddies, saving kids in trouble, all in a day’s work 🙂 Although, of course, it’s nice that she finds her people in the end and can open up and relax a bit 😀 Favorite scene has to be her job application… gears turning and trying to give the appropriate responses while analysing her surrounding and reactions to her, sadly failing by being too freaking competent – has me grinning like an idiot every time I read it!
My fave comfort reads are Fated Blades and Kinsmen.
Sweep of the Blade is my go-to Andrews comfort read. Maude is a wholly-made, concrete character that never loses internal consistency. This scene is one of my favorites:
“The words kept pouring out of some secret place she’d hidden them and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop them. “I lived a lie. I can’t take that chance again. I won’t. I don’t want Arland to marry an outsider who is barely tolerated. I want him to marry someone who is valued by his House. Someone who is indispensable. I want that marriage to be seen as a boon for House Krahr. I don’t trust any of you except Arland. I want to ensure that you will never turn on me. That my daughter will have a place here not because of your son, but because of me and eventually because of herself.”
Bayou Moon
Bayou Moon is probably my favorite re-read. At least once a year!
The Cool Aunt, specifically the conversation in helicopter about Arabella not having enough hands to catch everyone.
I love definitely all of the Innkeeper Chronicles. Kate Daniels’ books is how I got started reading your books. It helps me relax with a little excitement.
Of all House Andrew’s series, I love most Hidden Legacy and Innkeeper, and as with so many others in the comments above, Sweep of the Blade is my most gone to comfort read. Coming a close second are both Silver Shark and Silent Blade from Kinsmen.
the bit where Catalina’s family aren’t affected by her magic and it’s explained. (im terrible but i cant even remember which of the books its in- never remembers the titles!) because they couldn’t love her any more than what they already do. I read this when my son was tiny, and he was a 4.5 year journey of infertility that happened as soon as my husband took me somewhere bright and sunshiny. and after his arrival, we’ll let’s just say I was a hot mess for a long time. but I had never loved anything more. and I don’t know that I ever will. and I was comfort at those 3am insomnia stages where I knew I had to go to sleep because he’d be awake in another hour. but I couldn’t sleep. so I’d read more bdh magic.
Silent Blade , I have read the book so many times . It is my go to book when I feel down . 💖
I love Sweep The Blade but Kate is my absolute favorite. I think Magic Strikes is my favorite book. I also love when Kate and Hugh fight in Magic Rises
Magic Triumphs is one of my favorite comfort reads. Sometimes I just need to read about Kate kicking a**, despite the chaos, to remind myself that I can too.
Silver Shark is probably one of my comfort reads as well 😅
Hidden Legacy is my comfort read. I can’t wait for the Graphic Audio!!! It’s the snark that gets me. The way I can laugh and be anxious about a situation at the same time. I love ANYTHING with Grandma Frieda in it….and also Leon. He was written exactly…a true teenage boy, and I love who he is turning into!
Let’s hope Graphic Audio will pick it up for adaptation! 🙂
No news at the moment for that.
I hadn’t really thought about this too much, but I would say it’s On The Edge. I think it’s the liminal nature of it, near-world escapism. Plus fluffy lynx cubs, great characters, and Edge Burgers!
My comfort read is also Silver Shark. It has everything I ask from a book but shorter, so when I need to feel better I read it and my mood is improved in the same day😊
Mine is definitely hidden legacy. it’s a fun read and I love the magic system, but I think i go back for the family that is there no matter what. I have a rough relationship with my own family and the Baylors are a balm I need every so often.
Magic Rises! They are all masterpieces, but Magic Rises makes my toes curl.
Silver shark is one of my favorite comfort reads. Its fun, a little sexy, dash of adventure…..
Favorite all time scene however is when Caldenia and her nephew speak in the garden. We learn how much more there is to her story. Such an amazing woman! Gets me every time.
Of Swine and Roses
For a very fast read when I just need to take a few minutes break.
“Sweep of the Blade” . I used to have problems sleeping through the night. I’d wake up at 3 something and my mind would just spin and tumble around. Then, I found audio books. I’d wake up, plug in a book (that I’d already read and liked), and just listened until I fell asleep again. Worked like a charm. My best go to book is Sweep of the Blade. Fierce women (and children), fascinating beasts, dynamic men, mean girls, and happy endings. It tilts my brain back to level. Thanks!
Another Hidden Legacy fan here. As much as I love Nevada’s trilogy, it’s Catalina’s that really speaks to me. Two scenes from Emerald Blaze are my favorite rereads: Catalina and Alessandro having sex on the roof that first time (because really, the spice is just yum!) and the whole scene from Grandma Frieda being bitten through Rogan walking in. For all that is a nail-biter scene, there’s so much humor there too. Grandma Frieda faking to keep getting CPR from Alessandro, Arabella throwing shorts at Catalina and Runa, “emotionally compromised”, Nevada telekinetically going after the spider, and her remark to Rogan about the baby’s magic just keep me smiling throughout. I usually listen to the audio books rather than read them, and Emily Rankin is such a wonderful reader, especially with that scene.
Ferret Heist….I mean seriously how much do I love that entire scene? Honestly in all of your books, there are always scenes and dialogue sequences that I love so much, that make me laugh out loud, and bring such comfort and peace. It’s hard to choose most of the time. Also in Fated Blades when they go to interrupt Haider Davenport – the whole sequence with the desk, the discussion, and his crowing over making money – also a fantastic scene (recently reread). I’ve read all of your books many countless times.
The Burn for Me series is my favorite go to read. I reread all your books each summer (elementary librarian). Your books earned me top elementary staff summer reader this year so thanks! I love that it’s set in Houston. When I was younger and poorer, I would teach during the day, then work at a bookstore nights and weekends. When I had time off I would drive from Dallas to Houston every chance I got to spend time with my family. I think that’s why it’s comforting along with the fact that I love the characters. Reading and rereading your books is like sitting down with a good friend. Thanks!
My favorite is the Midnight games. The history of Kate, the loyalty of Andrea, and the protectiveness of Curran. My favorites. Derek was unfortunately a casualty but it did grow him up incredibly fast as trauma is want to do.
Most definitely Hidden Legacy series, especially the Catalina books. I can reread (listen) to them at any time.
Definitely Hidden Legacy, the first one stole my heart completely and every time I need to relax my mind, I go back to it.
so yeah, burn for me 🙂
I reread innkeeper for comfort. something about them put me in a cozy state of mind. thanks guys!
I love the part in the Edge series where George learns he must let go of the dead.and so many others, where people find they can be loved for who they are. That series I read again and again, it speaks to my heart more than any other. I thank you so very much for writing this world into existence.
the beast lord can Not use a Hammer ….is in the first KD novel scene is a Translation from german to eng .
One of my comfort reads is the ferret badger heist in White Hot.
My House Andrews comfort read is definitely Blood Heir. Specifically I adore the section in Chapter 2 describing Julie’s new home. To me, it really feels the embodiment of a safe haven, and there’s something really poetic about this space that is designed to her exact needs and is just her own. I’m usually far more invested in character driven moments, but I really love that scene being introduce to the setting itself. Also the subsequent secede set there are some of my all time favourites! (Chapter 11 I’m looking at you)
I love the scene where Kate first meets Curran. “Here kitty, kitty”.
My comfort read is to start the series on repeat. I also do this in anticipation of a new release… generally my happy place is when one of the Baylor’s is kicking butt either irl or intellectually. And each new pairing is my favourite. Also +1 on Sweep of the Blade. Love everything about it… oh and Anything in the Kate world… um everything? I have pretty much all your books on re-read when I want to reset mentally. sorry to be so unspecific but I just love your worlds.
It’s always Innkeeper for me. Dina in her magical home, talking to it, creating beautiful spaces that make her guests feel so cozy and welcome, just gives me all the warm fuzzies. Even Sean feels like Gertrude Hunt is home.
I love the scenes in Magic Claims that show Curran and Kate re-finding themselves with a layer of maturity over the kick-ass and general joie-de-guerre, and the passion undiminished. I know it’s really new, still, but they’ve already become comfort scenes.
Sweep of the blade and Innkeeper series
Sweep of the Blade. I love the scene when Maud freezes the monster so she has time to free Helen from the monsters’ maw…. Then Blood Heir after that. I love Marten. She is so sharp!
Sweep With Me hands down. It’s in my audio list. I have listened to that book at least 20 times. (I have a very long drive to work.) For me that book has it all. It’s funny (space chickens) allow me a moment to smile. Romance (Sean in his Inn Keepers robe). Intrigue ( Must except all guests) and most of all warmth and heart to the very end. I love this book and still get excited just at the thought of relistening to it. I have read all your books. I truely love them all but Sweep With Me is my fav.
My go to comfort read is the scene where Curran finds Kate in the Mountains in Magic Rises. Both Kate and Curran are so incredibly vulnerable in that scene and it damn near breaks my heart and mends it every time.
I reread books because I like the characters and want to spend time with them. I’ve reread Kate Daniels, Hidden legacy and Clean sweep many times. I find them all comfort reads because I’m spending time with friends.
My comfort “read” is Sweep of the Blade, in the Graphic Audio version. I listen to it when I have trouble getting to sleep or wake up in the middle of the night. It is better than a glass of warm milk to get me to sleep with a smile on my face.
Any Kate book is a good comfort when I need one but Magic Bites is my go to. I bought Bites as a paperback in ‘09. A year later I left an extremely toxic workplace for a job at the very bookstore I bought Magic Bites.
Four years later the company closed that store and fired all the staff.
It sounds awful but being jobless right then, at that time, lead me to the place I am now. I love my work and I work with some of the most amazing people I know.
I still have that same copy of Magic Bites. It’s precious because it reminds me of how I got where I am.
When things are really bad, I re-read the Innkeeper series and then keep on
going. Thank you for them.
Definitely Hidden Legacy. Love the family dynamics and the family loyalty. The interactions are so very real and enjoyable. I laugh out loud every time I do a re-read!
Hard to choose, but I think that Sweep of the Blade is the most comforting for me. The combination of character dynamics just works perfectly.
Where Maude tells Helen that “Hate is a very powerful tool”
that is probably one of the very best explanations of certain people’s unresolved inclinations toward ignorance.
I think Sweep of the Blade – mostly because of Helen.
The scene where she faces off with Arland at the breakfast table, then smashes her mug and disappears with the bacon just makes me laugh no matter how many times I read it, and “Yes, Chef!” makes me smile.
Throughout the entire book, scenes with Helen provide insight into the other characters, and I enjoy that a lot.
I love the scene from On The Edge where Jack is showing William his bedroom. William is so gobsmacked by the realisation that Jack and Georgie have been brought up and treated the same, that Jack rushes to the fridge for the emergency chocolate, to help William feel better.
The family dynamics in the Hidden Legacy books always bring such warm comfort to me!
Now that we’re older and boring life things like work get in the way, spending time with my sisters gets harder and harder to do. Visiting the HL world and rereading their adventures reminds me of the bond with my own family and how no matter where we are, my sisters and I are always connected. <3
I love all the books. Hidden Legacy is probably my favorite series, but really it’s like trying to pick your favorite child! If we’re talking an individual book I have to say Silver Shark. I have probably re-read that story over 100 times. I love it because I understand the difference of the bleak depression to the colorful joy. I want to read any other books set in that world. I keep hoping that maybe you’ll revisit it again.
While I dive back into all of the worlds House Andrews has created, I tend to go to Hidden Legacy books for comfort more than the others. I think the family dynamics, banter, and characters finding their metaphorical feet is really comforting.
Thanks House Andrews!
For me it’s definitely KD Magic Rises. I love how Kate has to mitigate her duty against Curran’s behavior. I especially love the scene after she gets rescued and is at the shepherd’s place and Curran shows up.
The anger, the passion, the misunderstandings, and the miscommunication are all being put out there and getting sorted – it is the best. And the way the humor hits in that intense scene is one of my favorite things.
Christmas at the Inn. I’ve re-listened to Innkeeper so many times I’ve lost count. It’s great comfort read for when my mind is busy and needs happiness to percolate through my ears.
Blood Heir, especially when she wakes up in the bath and Derek is there.
I know it’s somewhat controversial but I have always very connected to the two of them since the very beginning.
Yes, I agree
My comfort read is definitely “ Of Swine And Roses”. I have read that book…a lot of times when I needed a bit of ‘pick me up’. It has a strong heroine, an interesting universe, quality humor as always and a happy ending. What’s not to like?
I have a real fondness for Magic Triumphs when Kate tried to educate Baby Connal by the book , the maternal angst (et puis,Oh zut ! moment) and Oh, look ! Daddy is killing the very bad guy ! He’s very dead !
Strangely, it’s so cathartic for me, it’s very relaxing.
Favorite scene? Impossible! Too many to choose from; like being asked to pick a favorite chocolate treat. Favorite book? A very tight race but Sweep of the Blade.
Definitely Magic Bites for me. “Here kitty, kitty, kitty….”
I love the beginning of their relationship.
Out of all House Andrews books, I’ve probably reread the Kinsmen Universe books the most because they’re quick reads and each have their own HEA. I’ve reread them whenever I find myself in a reading slump, and sometimes I also reread them when I have a book hangover from another House Andrews titles (e.g. the latest Kate or Hidden Legacy when they just came out). Because they’re so short, I feel like I can get a quick pick-me-up whenever I read them.
Hidden Legacy is also a comfort reread whenever I feel like can commit the time to read all the books, it feels like visiting old friends. I most recently reread the entire series earlier this year when I got laid off from work.
When Kate first met Curran in the Unicorn Lane.. it’s so momentous yet funny and thrilling at the same time for me. Kate being this badass mercenary and Curran acting like the proud Beast Lord, the two interact with each other and two lives with no intersection befote just started to entwine from that point on.
Also, everytime Curran being sneaky around Kate. And when Nevada shocked Rogan with her power. Which kind of remind me of the bear pair I look forward to seeing someday in future Hidden Legacy books.
*befote : before
might as well add a scene from the Technomancer snippet where the female lead stood her ground despite her brother (or male relative) leaving her all alone to deal with the ‘dangerous guests’ during their family party.
Said guests later kidnapped her though. Unfortunately the snippet stopped before she got freed or escape.
Definitely, Magic Rises. That sword fight…
I love all the kinsmen books, but Silver Shark is my favorite. Bonus (but also sad) that it’s shorter so I can fit a quick re-read into my mom of many children life.
I admire Claire so much! To go to a completely different world and embrace it instead of holding onto the familiar. Then there’s the amazing woman under boring exterior and hidden crush that’s actual mutual. *sigh of contentment*
Thanks Ilona for embracing the US and obviously rocking this very different culture!
Sweep of the Blade: All during the pandemic, whenever I thought it would never end, I’d read this one. Maud endured years in exile and then had to struggle to overcome prejudice to find her place.
But the scene that pops into memory is the one where she comes off the bridal walk to find Arland and Helen keeping a secret together–the way one parent and a child would. I think that cemented them as a family. Or…there are just too many good ones to name them all.
So for specific scenes: One Fell Sweep, when Dina and Sean are going to the transgate at Wilmos’ shop, which has so many elements I love:
-Dina and Sean bickering about Sean giving Marais the weapon and Sean deliberately annoying Dina with one-word answers.
-Dina’s annoyance about being called a “negative Nancy”
-Sean trying to distract Dina (from their pursuers?) with banter about “what chicks dig”
-the werewolves and their reaction to Sean. In a universe with the whole Pack structure, it’s pretty obvious that the werewolves want a Pack leader and also obvious that they have chosen someone not interested in it.
-Dina’s little squee moment when Sean calls her his girlfriend – very amusing to the reader as it is obvious by this point in the book that they are way past boyfriend/girlfriend stage
So there are things happening in the book between characters and then also the reader and the author interacting in, what, metatext? Not the right word.
“without a Pack structure” not “with”.
Also, I may be alone in the whole part where I read a scene and squint toward the author and think “what ELSE are you setting up here?”
I have to say, the first two Hidden Legacy books are a comfort read, along with the entire Innkeeper series. I double checked my list (yes I have to keep a list. I’m old and I need to remember which books I’ve read recently ) and I have read Burn for me 11 times. What can I say? Nevada is a great character, I love her banter.
Judging by the notecards stuck between pages, I can confidently say all my IA comfort reads are from Hidden Legacy.
If I had to pick a favorite, it’s either the beginning of Chapter 9 or chapter 14 from Burn for Me. Both are hilarious, and never fail to make me smile.
“This is distracting you, and I need you to function, so let’s fix this. Which part of what happened is upsetting?” still has to be one of my all time favorite quotes.
The ferret heist in White Hot never fails to bring a smile to my face.
The entire Kate Daniels series and associated books from beginning to end.
Sweep of the blade, then Magic strikes.
Both for comfort and love.
I have 2 comfortable read series of yours Innkeeper I love when Dina comforts Orro with the mango or when Orro explains Christmas or let’s face it anything Orro really. I also loved when Gertrude Hunt took the sapling of Magnolia Greene. Well let’s face it I just love the Innkeeper series I also love the Hidden Legacy series Rogan Rogan Rogan 😁
I discovered Kate Daniels when I was recovering from a broken back/concussion after a bicycling accident. There were four books in the series then and I devoured them. I needed a massive distraction from 3 months flat on my back and Kate and Curran gave me that. As aging and Life happens, I find all of House Andrews’ works a great comfort. I have my favorites, of course, but I find I need the humor, the HEA’s more than ever as the world gets darker. Because each story, no matter what darkness is being confronted therein, has rays of happiness, humor, and hope. (And delicious food!) Thank you for sharing your gift, your stories. They’ve gotten me through some tough times when my brain needs to be distracted from whatever it’s hopelessly stuck on in that moment. Thank you.
If I am short on time, it’s Kinsman. Otherwise I’ll go to Catalina’s trilogy or Innkeeper.
Silver shark. Hands down.
The entire hidden legacy series is one of my comfort reads, but there are 2 IA scenes that I will specifically go read on their own:
1) Baylor Family Trials at the end of the 3rd book
and not HL, but I love the scene in Magic Claims where Kate is navigating the vampire from behind the white board.
I laugh every time I read about the vampire doing the shower pose!
My mother’s favorite scene is in Magic Bleeds, when Curran is in a coma and she reads to him and fights everyone waiting for him to wake up. She says the speech she gives them (« my aim won’t falter, my face will be the last thing you see before you die ») is her Comfort Read whenever she’s feeling sad 🤣
For me it’s whenever everyone is being silly during hard times. And Hugh The Beloved Violent Idiot. Love that guy.
Love love love everything
I read Magic Strikes, then Magic Bleeds, then skip a few and hit Magic Triumphs (I’ll probably add the Wilmington years next time, too). I want the humor and the romance and the happy endings–and Magic Strikes is my absolute favorite, but I love the addition of Grendel in Magic Bleeds.
Sweep of the Blade every time. I love Maud finding security and a family that values her and Helen and I love that love story (beautiful though it is) is secondary to the acceptance and recognition she gains from House Krahr.
I go to the Baylors. I love the family scenes. They are so funny, but also very wise.
Leon asking Catalina how stressed she is, and when she answers a lot and he says very good, because it means a lot of food. Grandma Frieda taking pictures for the Family album… LOL.
For me, they are also bittersweet, because we, too lost my dad to cancer.
But i think, he would have loved them, too, would he had have the chance to read them. He read a lot and liked that kind of stories.
So for me the Baylors are my comfy read. They never loose their humor and always stand together.
For me, Nevada and Connor. I love everything about their books. But like you, the kinsmen series Novella has a special place in my heart.
Thanks
I love your books and I read my first book from your. read the books of German I was German and in german it was good. i hope it’s come new books for art stories and news book. what book was the first book come back in German?
I agree with all the comments about Sweep of the Blade! It is such an amazing book. For me, though, the entire Innkeeper series is like a warm hug of Christmas! I love the parts about Sean and Dina as well as Dina and the inn. Some of my favorites are…..
*spoiler alert*
– when Dina finally realizes it has been Sean all along who saved her from poison.
– when Dina goes to get Maud and Helen home.
– the parts about the relationship between Dina and the inn.
– ending of the Sweep of the Heart – regarding the inn.
My comfort among all the books and all the writers is ‘Sweep of the blade’, i just love that book and i always go to it when i need comfort
My comfort read moments
– derek “I knew it was you by the way you rode your horse”
– rogan when he was under Nevada’s window (after having to “comfort” rynda and the kids) and he refused to leave and instead built a staircase
– Hugh and Kate’s conversation on her porch in the last book, talking about Dad!
– Curran lifting Kate’s arm to punch him when he made bad decisions about loreli and was expecting anger but got sadness
– every time I find “carebear” mentioned – hidden legacy and innkeeper
– arland “I am not a poet but…”
– all the emotions of the inn
**Magic Breaks**
It had all the things in one place for the first time! They were separated, Hugh showed up, then Curran showed up, she disappeared, Curran travels to *Mishmar* to rescue her, she meets Grandma, confronts Dad, and then claims Atlanta. I was exhausted just reading it, then I read it twice more just to make sure I got all the details. It. Was. Perfection!!
btw I didn’t just read it twice, I read this one when I need something to read, I don’t need something to read, I should be doing something besides reading, and reading when I should be doing something else. I love this book.
Chapter 2 of Sweep of the Blade. Ressurection, redemption and rescue all in the first hour. This is my go to listen at night when I can’t sleep and my mind won’t stop cataloging all my failures. I’ve loved this story best from the first listen and can’t count the number of times I’ve listened to it. Maud is my hero.
I read Burn for Me before any other Hidden Legacy books were in the works and chomped at the bit for months until White Hot came out. I devoured the book -and used that word before I knew the Innkeeper series existed- and felt so much better at the end of White Hot when Nevada and Rogan finally actually get together. I felt similar after the first Catalina book, but since there was a bit of history (the trial) with Alessandro and Catalina, it felt a little different. To this day, when I need comfort and have the time, I re-read the first two Hidden Legacy books… and then the rest of it just for good measure.
They’re all comfort reads! And that’s why I end up re reading them all over the course of a year. Probably the ones I most turn to for comfort though is Magic Strikes and Bayou Moon. Magic Strikes just has the best Kate x Curran scenes, she admits she likes him, and he likes her and there’s just delicious snark and tension and also lots of the secondary characters I love too. And Bayou Moon because for some reason I just really love William. And also Cerise. So I usually re read their scenes.is that bad?
where Alura manifests to go save Hugh because everyone else has abandoned him.
in White Hot, I love rereading the scene of the charity gala and ferret heist. When Rogan sees Nevada in the dress, I love that moment. For comfort read I’ll skip around to different scenes in that book and read all of the sweet ones and the kickbutt ones.
(what a great blog post topic btw!)
Not sure if you would call it a comfort read, but if I had to narrow it down to a single part of a single book there is one that that makes me feel happy. “Sweep of The Blade” the end of the book where Maud wakes in hospital bed and Hellen leaps across to her with her cry of “Mommy!”
Gunmetal Magic is usually my favorite, mostly because it’s Roman heavy. He’s such a soothing character. No matter how dark things are, he is always thoughtful, kind, and encouraging. He’s a bright spot.
All IA books are my comfort read, but if I had to choose 1 book it would be Iron and Magic – it is self contained, but is also connected to The KD series. It also has an uplifting theme (new beginnings/rehabilitation). Then KD for the family dynamics – eg when Hugh and Alana turn up or the Blood Heir the scene when everyone appears for the werewolf showdown. Pure gold. Then Hidden Legacy & Sweep of the Blade. (But I also really enjoyed re-reading the Edge series…)
I’m late to the party, apparently, but I just can’t NOT comment on this thread!
My comfort reads are all the “emotionally charged” scenes from whatever books. When there’s tension between main characters, be that they’re flirting, bickering, or flat out fighting. House Andrews just masters those. They are numerous, and they are the ones I go back to in my hardship. These scenes help me channel my inner turmoil. I can project whatever emotions are filling me up at the moment, play them out in fantasy, and it helps with letting them go (Frozen theme in the background ;] ). So, I occasionally revisit each and every book and story, admittingly skipping most of the plot in favor of the tension and katharsis. That’s why Curran’s POVs are such a gem! All the tension!
I can’t quantify the number of times I’ve read or listened to Iron and Magic. The comfort comes from the understanding that if Hugh can be redeemed, anyone can.
For me, it would be the scene in the Wildfire, where Nevada brings Rogan a tray of chocolate mousse, while he thinks she is upset with him. Then he eats it on his bed while reading his father’s files, and plays with the skin on her arm while she checks her email box.
This is what an intimity is for me. It was so bittersweet I cried a little.
Sweep of the Blade and the Wilmington years. They’re such good stories and they make me happy.
Innkeeper Chronicals- love the time the Vampire gets drunk on coffee, the irascible cook, the acerbic empress/permanent guest, as well as the heroine and the House!!!
The Kinsman books, and Iron and Magic for my standalone reads..
It’s basic but all the food/cooking scenes. The vivid descriptions of all the deliciousness make the imagination salivate and the care behind all the cooking/feeding of family/friends/etc. gives me warm fuzzies.
And the wonderful picture Mod R posted of her version of Orro’s “eggs three ways”. Thank you, Mod R, for all your hard work keeping us in line. Heehee
oops off topic, sorry.
The Innkeeper series if I am answering for a series, Fated Blades for a book (most of the kinsman universe would work for quick book reads), but for scenes Grace of Small Magics or Of Swine and Roses.
Love reading all your books.
For comfort, I reach for the Innkeeper’s series. Dina can make every guest feel better, even me.
First of all, if you asked me which of my favorite authors (whom I’m not mentioning) has the largest percentage of my comfort reads in their total output, it would definitely be y’all. I think I’ve reread all of your stuff at least twice and some up to 5 times. I think re-readability is my first criteria for a comfort read, because every time you read it feels just as good as the first time.
However, within your oeuvre, my favorite comfort series is the Innkeeper Chronicles (any book), favorite short work is Silver Shark, and favorite novel is Iron and Magic. My absolute favorite scene is the one in Magic Triumphs where Kate and Curran are trying to convince the magical practitioners in Atlanta to unite to defeat those extradimensional dragon dudes. Nick Feldman reveals hitherto unsuspected comedic talent, until Hugh d’Ambray sweeps in and dramatically empties a bag full evidence on the table in front of the gathering. I lurrrve Hugh as you probably can guess. All I can say is, you don’t want to go shopping with THAT guy.
I’ve read everything from HA multiple times. My favorite is everything Julie. I love that kid.
It sounds weird, but sometimes I need the comfort of crying and when I do, it’s the section in Magic Triumphs where Conlan gets away from his babysitters and Kate drops everything and goes running to save him. When she says “Conlan, it’s Mommy” and he jumps in her arms, I lose it every time.
And then, after I have the crying out of the way, I always go read the Magic “Clams” Little Teapot scene. When Barrett asks “What’s this?” And the response is: “I believe it’s a little teapot,” Claudia said, completely deadpan. “Short and stout. See, there is its handle and there is its spout.”
That helps get me back on track. Thank you House Andrews for providing so much wonderful material for us to enrich our lives with.
❤️
thanks
Oooh fun! My all-time favorite House Andrews comfort read is Bayou Moon because the relationship and eye-rolls between Cerise and William makes me cackle constantly. One of my favorite moments is when William kills the mud-eel and carries it’s head around on a spike then uses it as a conversation starter about getting it stuffed.
A quick comfort read is always Silent Blade, one other story in the kinsmen universe edition. I keep going back to Hidden Legacy to ride out the ups and downs of life. Love Sweep of the Blade, any I think it just edges past for the win.
for a real comfort read, I tend to grab a pile, read just my favorite parts, and then inevitably get sucked into rereading the whole series. That said, I usually go to Magic Breaks, when Kate and Curran reunite in Mishmar–love that dialogue– Wildfire, after Rogan gets his mousse, and the last chapter and epilogue of steel’s edge. It’s (occasionally temporary) peace and safety backed up with (not temporary) support and care.
My comfort read in House Andrews many comforting books is probably Sweep of the blade. Particularly the scene when Maude goes to the banquet and saves the day by serving appropriate food, then gets called away because her child broke another kids arm. As a mother, I LOVE how calm and understanding she handles that situation. Also Ripper cushions.
I have a child with pretty severe disabilities and she doesn’t understand many social rules, and I worry a lot about other children not accepting her, or being cruel. This book and scene specifically are very comforting. I feel understood and hopeful that other people really do understand how precious children are, even when they are seemingly causing problems.
I really can’t wait to read more about Maude and Helen.
Grace of Small Magics – I have read this so many times. I love the part where she takes him to task for punishing the decedents of a child who didn’t participate in the betrayal and says she will free her family by ending her line.
All of them. It depends on what kind of comfort is needed. Am I looking for close family relationships, humor to brighten my day, or something to give me time away from the real world. I have read so many comments and find myself thinking I agree with it all!! I’m not an indecisive person, but there you go.
when I need something relaxing I always seem to go to The Innkeeper series. Which is kind of addictive for me, so I usually don’t stop until I finish the whole thing.
I thank you I truly love all your books and have reread them all often.
It’s pretty much the whole Inkeeper series but probably Clean Sweep. I love Dina and her world. I wish it was my world! Anytime I wanted to escape the cold, I could just open a door to somewhere warm.
The Edge. I love the relationships and the love between the characters. The shear bravery of people who live under duress but but come together to defend their world makes me feel anything is possible.
I too love them all! You make such amazing worlds and fill them with people I want to hang out with. I especially love the family dynamics, whether found or by blood. What is most comforting depends on my mood though. My biggest favorites are all of Kate, tied with Nevada and Connors 3 books (Hidden Legacy). I love Magic Rises (controversial, I know), so many great scenes, and Kate just getting it done regardless, the redemption scene! But also Magic Shifts, when Kate has a stroke and then fighting the ifrit together! Oh and that other one… I could go on and on really. They’re all just so good. Thank you for giving us this gift. I know we’ve all said it before but your books have gotten me through some really awful things. Thanks again.
Short Story Comfort Read: Silver Shark
Book Comfort Read: Sweep of the Blade
Series Comfort Read: Hidden Legacy
I enjoy all the moments in your stories that indicate you understand how one’s soul might be forged into a twist, but
another vote for Hidden Legacy:
I enjoyed this scene from the moment Nevada noticed Rogan (who didn’tyet know it was Rogan), but:
He didn’t simply walk into the plaza. Those eyes told me that the moment he stepped foot into it, he owned it. I knew I should’ve looked away, but I couldn’t. I just sat there, shocked, and stared. The two women saw him and stopped talking. He cut right through the layers of civilization, politeness, and social snobbery to some preternatural female sense that said, “Dominant male. Danger. Power. Sex.” Why couldn’t I find someone like that? Why couldn’t he be my guy? If he ever talked to me, I probably wouldn’t be able to string words together into a sentence. The man was looking at me.
Wow, I need to remember to check the number of comments at the top of the post before I get lost reading them all.
I think I have three of your books that I would consider comfort reads, aside from all IA books in general.
Sweep with Me (GA) – I love Orro’s obsession with the TV chef and the Dryfan liege’s family problems and Sean’s learning the ropes.
Magic Triumphs – I love Kate trying to be the perfect mother to her monster baby. Perfectly illustrates why Roland was so hesitant to have children.
Magic Tidas & Clams (it counts as one audiobook) – I love how they’re all holding up their enemy’s heads, I love Conlan’s life lessons, and I’m getting really curious as to how their new Pleistocene park is shaping up.
Sweep of the blade (& the entire graphic audio series) of the “Innkeeper Chronicles”. The audio voices are magnificent particularly for the character Helen. Her voice is so darn cute!
The scene where Kate first “consults” for Saiman at the Midnight Games. Something about how her knowledge shocks/intrigues him just makes me smile every time.
The Curran POVs. By far, I always find myself coming back to these stories. Just seeing their relationship from first meeting and blossoming into more from his persective always gives me a smile. The two characters are beautiful yet fierce together and the different understandings of the scenarious from both sides never ceases to make me laugh.
Everything. All of it. But specifically Magic Strikes, because Kate starts to feel less alone, the kinship and connection feel real.
Also On the Edge for that sense of security she’s trying to forge.
Sweep of the Blade
My favorite comfort read!!!
Silver Shark is the one that probably would fit comfort read, though for a quick dip into that world I probably have read A Mere Formality more. Really any of the Kinsmen Universe. Something about science that feels magical.
Is it weird to say that you guys are my comfort author(s)? I’ve been reading your books since high school, along with my mom and little sister (eventually). When I was in the military and facing war on a daily basis, your books were a balm. Even in the darkest ones, there’s hope and love and evil doesn’t win. All three of us would have your newest book the day it was released, and we’d read it together. It was a way for us to stay connected despite the distance and my growing PTSD. Now I’m in grad school and your books are a different kind of escape; they help to heal, rather than distract.
Silver Shark really is cathartic. I think I’ve read it often enough to have it memorized now. There’s life after war, and it isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. I buy fresh flowers when I can afford it (grad student, lol) because they are reminders of life. Color heals. (…also the subtle Firefly reference makes me stupidly happy.)
Thanks for sharing your talents with the world. Your books have helped me on many a sleepless night, and have kept me connected with my family. <3
I love Charlotte and Sophie preparing to go to the ball and choosing dress designs. Although it’s a strange choice for a comfort scene, I love Kate in the (Baltic?) mountains with the Asmir and the god telling stories and Curan showing up and breaking boulders and having “important relationship talk.” I’m weird.
Caucasus mountains 🙂. They are in Georgia, old Colchis.
I know you want just one book, but all your books are comfort reads for me. I am reading the Kate Daniels series again right now.
Magic Triumphs! Which usually sucks me into reading all the others. Which then leads into the other series – so many good choices!
I love when Dina finds Orro and hires him. I love all of the innkeeper books, I just love that scene especially.
Innkeeper. The others are too rooted in reality for me. A comfort read takes new away from the drama of real life. I actually haven’t been able to finish the Edge series because a part was too relatable. But Innkeeper is just right for when I need to get away. I just bought them all in the Audible sale!
I love all the books including The Edge series, but when I need comfort, it’s Kate all the way! Particularly Magic Bleeds and everything after including Iron and Magic and Blood Heir.
Iron and Magic is my comfort read. Years ago, in a blog comment, Ilona said something to the effect that Hugh was too far gone to be redeemed. Not too long after, they accepted his redemption as a challenge and succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
I hated Hugh. Now, he might be my favorite character of all time. I love his toughness, his protectiveness, and the kindness that he tries to hide. I love the interplay between him and Elora. I love watching them grow to know, appreciate, and then love one another. I have read and listened to Iron and Magic more times than I can count. It has already seen me through some dark days, and I rely on it to distract me, lift my spirits, engross, horrify, and amuse me. It is my most beloved comfort read ever.
All of your books have such wonderfully dynamic family scenes which are truly a joy to read, but recently I keep going back to Hugh and Elara as my comfort read.I get so many laughs out of their interactions. It’s sort of like a reverse Hallmark film, but with blood, guts, and monsters for me 😅
The scene of Curran in a coma with Kate, beat up, tired, annoyed, telling him about the problems with the council – and then he answers! It makes me feel so happy for Kate who has persevered against all odds to protect her love. Sometimes it makes me smile and sometimes it brings tears, depending on my mood.
For me, Maud’s story. Can’t really pinpoint why – something about her extreme competence, born equally of innate ballsiness as well as soaked-up learning of so many species from her parents’ inn? The fact that I adore her relationship with Helen? The fact that because of circumstances and culture, she and “The Fortress” don’t allow their relationship to be physical for a very long time but it is nonetheless committed and secure? Anyway I keep travelling back to that super awkward wedding in vampire space
I hadn’t considered specific parts. I just go for Hidden Legacyor Innkeeper or Julie’s story.
Oh, I just start with Clean Sweep and go live at Gertrude Hunt for the whole series. That is Texas as it should be, and my mom says that my eggs over easy are as good as Orro’s. 😉
My wife and I are huge fans of yours. It is easily the first meeting between Kate and Curran.
“Here Kitty, Kitty”
The tension was perfect, you felt it. I think you hooked all of us right there.
Chemistry from go.
The beginning of a great story always warms the heart.
Can’t choose just one of the Inkeepers
I love all the books, and I have reread everything many, many times (doing a complete Kate reread right now), but the Hidden Legacy scenes with the Baylors always really touches me.
I was super-close with my granny and I have been without her for about 20 years (I STILL think, “I need to call Granny and tell her about this,” all the time), so seeing Grandma Frida interact with everyone is perfection.
There are also hilarious scenes in all the books that I love to reread. When Jim is hiding in Dali’s apartment because her mother has shown up unexpectedly and he makes noise and Dali says its a cat— and her mother starts talking about how she needs to get it fixed so it won’t spray– I laughed out loud when I read that.
My comfort read from your books is also silver shark! It’s short and sweet, and the protagonist is lethal. Best combination.
Bayou Moon is my comfort read. When I’m in between series or can’t seem to get into anything, that’s my go to. Lark is so relatable to who I was as a child and teen. I did everything I could to be unlikable, pushing family away because of circumstances I took on guilt for that were beyond my control. I also find the story funny and exciting. Whenever I reread an old book, I get something different from it, usually based on my mood or where I am in life at that particular point.
I listen to audiobooks at night to help me fall asleep. I have Hidden Legacy, Innkeeper, Kinsmen & KD on rotation. I find revisiting all these worlds very comforting. (I always read them the first time through & then do the “re-reads” via audio.) I love them all & have listened to them I don’t know how many times.
I’m hard pressed to pick just one scene or book that is comforting to me. If I had to pick a book from each of these series for a comfort read I would say Emerald Blaze, Sweep of the Blade, Fated Blades, and a toss up between Iron & Magic and the Wilmington novellas for KD.
Thanks for all the joy & magic you’ve shared via your books! Looking forward to venturing into your new world of Maggie after the editing slog, etc, is finished. (It will end eventually, you got this! 🙂
of swine and roses. The scene where he basically oinks and asks her for a date at the end lights up my day every time!
My husband bought me a printed copy of small magics back from his most recent business trip to the USA. I am loved.
The innkeeper scene where Orro first serves breakfast. It is warm and sunny scene with people just talking and having coffee. I can just imagine the joy of waking up, walking out to the patio and finding that someone else has made breakfast. Eggs three ways, bacon baskets, what is not to love? Pull up a chair and have a cup of coffee.
Of Swine and Roses. Short and sweet, there’s just something about having a bad day but picking yourself back up / having something good happen as a result of it.
Hidden Legacy
Hidden Legacy- Burn For Me
I find myself reading sweep of the Blade & Silent Blade in turns as comfort reading. I love both worlds and the heroines. Thankyou for creating both worlds.
Sweep of the Blade is for my reread #1 beside I do not like the last fight in relation to the ‚she is an extreme good fighter’ impression in comparison to the description of said last fight, and neither like the conversation in the med-ward with her child
While I could pick up any IA books, I really enjoy the 2 POV’s of the tavern fight scene where Maud and Arland meet for the first time. They are in different books but I’ll pull them out, especially in GA so I can keep driving!
Maybe a snippet of Sean’s POV would be good too.
I go through waves of love for the different swries but right now it’s Wilmington, I love seeing Kate and Curran again.
Steel’s Edge.
I get migraines and it lays me out for days on end. My only comfort is listening to Steel’s edge . Richard soothes my aches and pains. 😉
Moin :-),
My favorite scene is currans POV at Fernando´s (Magic Bites). It´s published in Small Magics (got the beautiful Hardcover edition today)
Makes me smile everytime i read it.
Basically, I love all of HA’s works an i look forward to my next new favorite from you. Thank you very much for all of your hard work
Well, just recently I couldn’t find anything I wanted to read and was kind of feeling really low. I just started the Kate Daniels series all over again from the beginning and I found that I am noticing more details than before and I am really enjoying it more the second time around. Thank your for ALL the books, thank you for this blog. It remind me that everyday problems are not just mine but everyone deals with “things” everyday. Keeping things in perspective. Love and Merry Christmas to all.
SotB is a total comfort read. Maud’s comment, “So, just birds, then?” makes me laugh every time!
Clean Sweep
when I want comfort I usually look for badass justice with a bit of humor. Magic Strikes is always accommodating.
The Edge Series. On the Edge (where we first encounter Geroge) and Bayou Moon are the go-to ones.
Comfort reads where to start? All your books are re-read often since they touch my heart to the core. The Kinsman series and Swine & Roses are regulars, I think because I can re-read them quickly and each can stand alone.
Of the longer series, my favorite scene is the ferret heist. I mean who can resist a bunch of furry adorable thieves. I love when tough guy Rogan, asks his security to up protection on the dryer vents. Makes me laugh out loud every time.
Also even though I know the furballs make it out unharmed, I always breathe a sigh of relief that they are safe and looking for treats as a reward.
Cornelius is a favorite with his introverted, kind self hiding a backbone of steel. I love that Nevada and family draw him out into the world.
I read and listen to all the series over and over. My pick depends on my mood. But when I need a bit of a boost or a good over evil I will go with Iron and Magic. Hugh and Elara triumph over some really bad guys. But it is the emotional and mental journey that Hugh takes that gets me every time. To take that character and expose his journey to the reader was mind blowing. Did anyone ever think they would like Hugh? For me it’s a reminder about change, forgiveness and overcoming obstacles.
For me it is the Innkeeper books. Anytime we don’t know what to read or listen to together it just always goes back to start at Clean Sweep so we can go through them all again.
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!!!
Hidden Legacy is my favorite reread too. There is just something about the family dynamics and witty banter that always brings a smile to my face 🙂
I love everything and I can’t wait for new material!!! I’ve reread them all and love them all. What I go back to depends on my mood and what I need at the time. They give me courage to face my problems and a break from reality to recover mentally. I will forever be grateful for all the time and effort everyone puts into the final products. Thank you!
Clean Sweep and Magic Bites for me. I got my hubby hooked on both series and they made us laugh out loud and talk about them together. He had Cystic Fibrosis and had his third double lung transplant in February at age 42 and didn’t come home from it. I haven’t been able to read a book since then but thank you for those memories. I will get back into reading someday but grief is a strange animal.