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TBR Pile of Doom
🕑 Added 2022-10-31 21:10:39 +0000 UTCI just keep adding, don't I? Sorry, not sorry, I guess. I mean, I just want to drag everyone down to my level. Normally this post would be for upper tier folks and then released to everyone a week later, but in honor of spooky day, I'm putting it up for everyone today. This week we're doing Read-a-likes for A Little Too Familiar. These won't necessarily be romance reads. I'm going for more of a cozy vibe. Sometimes we just need cozy, you know? Or is that just me and my head full of nightmares?
First up, Legends & Lattes by Baldree. I came across this book when Billie Bloebaum, who founded Bookstore Romance day, posted the cover on Twitter. It is ADORABLE. When I commented that I loved the cover, she said Travis and I needed to be friends because we're both WA writers and have similar books. I'm all for forcing people to be my friend on the internet, so I reached out and Travis and I swapped books because at the time Legends & Lattes wasn't available since it was transitioning from a self pub title to a Tor title! Which means you're just in time to grab it. (They're doing special editions for B&N, I think!) This book is pitched as High Fantasy with Low Stakes. Basically it's about an Orc who decides being a mercenary is exhausting, so she wants to open a coffee shop, which in this world is a gnomish invention and no one else has heard of it. (Bean water?!? Who would drink that?) It's adorable. Found family, and just...and orc and a succubus opening a coffee shop.
Half a Soul by Atwater--this one is a very cute story set in regency era with a heavy fairytale vibe and a protagonist who has half a soul due to a fairy bargain. I liked it a whole heck of a lot, and I think I liked Ten Thousand Stitches even more.
I know I've already mentioned The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy as well as the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, but I wanted to put them on here because they're definitely read-a-likes.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels--this book is really bonkers. If regency era witches who pilot houses like pirates sounds great, then this book is for you.
Good Neighbors by Burgis--basically most books by Burgis? She's great at cozy. This one is a cozy paranormal romance that does include a necromantic duel, so what's not to love?
Dead Romantics--this one is pretty cozy considering how much it is about grief. (Actually, several of these are? Huh. I wonder why that is.) But it's a really funny ghost romance.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place - this is a middle grade series about a governess who has to care for three children that were literally raised by wolves. It's hilarious, there is a mystery within mysteries, possible (I don't want to ruin it for you) fantasy elements, and loads of literary references. My oldest loved these on audio because of all the howling.
A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet --this one is sci-fi, obviously, but it's a cozy read with lots of found family.
Dealing with Dragons--this is a middle grade series by Patricia Wrede. Super cute series about princesses who decide to go live with dragons instead of marrying princes.
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking--it's funny to me that like half of Kingfisher's books I would consider cozy and the other half spooky as all get out. But I love all of the ones I've read, so...
The House in the Cerulean Sea--this one is very much a hug in a book and super funny about a guy who hates his life, but doesn't realize it yet, and the adorable magical misfit orphans he has to deal with.
Witchmark by Polk--A gaslamp fantasy set in an alternate world much like Edwardian England. A feel good read, though they are investigating a murder, so might not be as cozy as some.
Mooncakes--okay, I haven't read this graphic novel yet, but it's been on my TBR for a bit and looks super cute.
Speaking of graphic novels, if you are a fan of Stardust by Neil Gaiman, there was an illustrated version with Charles Vest that is lovely. I used to own it, but alas, someone borrowed mine and I never saw it again.
Sorcerer and the Crown by Cho--Another regency era book, but set in a world in magical crisis. Cho is a very witty writer, and despite the character Zacharias dealing with prejudice and tangling with Fairyland, it's very feel-good.
Finally, the coziest of cozy fantasy, Howl's Moving Castle by Dianne Wynne Jones. A classic for a reason. She does amazing things with fairytale tropes.
Okay, friends, what cozy title am I missing? What ones do you recommend?
-Lish
