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.
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.