Time to trade in sizzling summer reads for cozy autumn ones. What better way to make the transition than with some cozy fantasy romances that will melt your heart? Read on for seven recs that will make you want to curl up, get comfy, and wait on cooler weather.
The House Witch by Delemhach
Finlay Ashowan is an enigma who’s joined the staff of the king and queen of Daxaria. Nobody knows about his past, and he’s content to be a simple royal chef, keeping nosy people out of his kitchen and creating unusual meals. But his identity doesn’t remain a secret — after all, a house witch and a kitten familiar named Kraken meddling in imperial affairs is hardly discreet. As the court discovers his powers, Finlay is dragged into all sorts of scenarios: fighting with not-so-chivalrous knights, protecting the pregnant queen, uncovering a spy, and fending off the angry royal mage. Not to mention his complicated love life and his past that is slowly catching up to him.
Cursed Cocktails by S. L. Rowland
Rhoren “Bloodbane” has earned his retirement after defending the frozen north from dangerous threats in the nine kingdoms for 20 years. Though his service has ended, his joints still ache, and his veins burn, so he goes off in search of warmer weather — and a new start. In Eastborne, he brings the skills and strength he gained from his former career and his most prized possession, a book of drink recipes his father gave him. It may not be as heavy as his past life, but running a tavern still has its own challenges. With luck and the right friends, he may just find a recipe for success.
The Lord of Stariel by A. J. Lancaster
The Lord of Stariel is dead, and now the magical estate must choose the next ruler. Will it be his favorite nephew, with the most powerful magical land-sense; his oldest son, whom he hates; or his daughter, who’d run away from home to study illusion? But Hetta knows it won’t be her, and she’s happy. She just wants to survive her father’s funeral and family drama, as well as not get involved with the attractive local men until after the Choosing. But Stariel will soon have bigger problems than the eccentric family: deadly, winged problems. The fae are returning to the Moral Realm for the first time in centuries, and only the Lord of Stariel can protect the estate.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Mika Moon is one of the few witches in Britain. She hides her magic, keeps a low profile, and stays away from other witches; otherwise, their combined powers would draw attention. As an orphan, she’s used to being alone, and she follows the rules — except for posting videos “pretending” to be a witch, which she thinks nobody will take seriously. Until someone does and begs her to travel to the remote Nowhere House to teach three young witches. Mika gets entangled with her students and others, including the prickly librarian, Jamie, who thinks of her as a threat. Mika slowly finds her place at Nowhere House, but soon there is danger, and she must decide if she should risk everything for the new family she didn’t know she wanted.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Kiela isn’t really a people person, so her job as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium is perfect for solitude. She and her magically sentient spider plant assistant, Caz, work to preserve magic for the city’s elite, until a revolution starts and the library is engulfed in flames. They escape, carrying as many spellbooks as possible to Kiela’s childhood home on a remote island. To her dismay, a handsome but nosy neighbor insists on keeping tabs on her, making sure she’s okay. What’s more, Kiela needs money, and the town’s bakery needs jam. So, she uses a recipe book — and illegal magic — to help the town and herself. But magic can do so much more, and Kiela’s ready to risk opening the island’s first, and desperately needed, spellshop.
A Rival Most Vial: Potioneering for Love and Profit by R. K. Ashwick
Every adventurer knows of Ambrose Beake, a proud half-elf who sells the only potions in the city. That is until a handsome shopkeeper named Eli opens a shop across the street, throwing Ambrose’s peace and income off balance. It only takes weeks before they’re locked in a bitter war over both price tags and products and Ambrose’s knowledge and Eli’s charms. But right as their rivalry reaches its peak, the mayor commissions them to brew a potion. Together. It’s complex — and lucrative — and both men are pushed to their limits. But as they work together to brew the potion, love may be brewing under the surface.
The Fae’s Bride by R. L. Medina
Alessia has much more to worry about than the new count everyone is obsessed with: her mother is ill, the villa needs repairs, and her four sisters are always causing trouble or stuck in it. Due to his fae blood, Massimo never thought he’d be the next count, and he definitely didn’t plan on falling for the town’s witch, who wants nothing to do with him. One thing is clear: it’ll take more than magic to bring them together.
Hopefully these books will make the transition to autumn — the best reading season — a little easier for all of you fall-weather reading friends. Happy reading!
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