Comfort Authors Only

This winter I've only eaten comfort food and read comfort authors.

Married to the Devil by Lillian Lark

Release Date: December 30, 2024

Content Notes

• Polyamorous Romance

• ANGST

• Knotting

• Breeding

• Alpha Asshole MMC

• Political Schemes

Quick Take: Married to the Devil by Lillian Lark is an emotional roller coaster of angst that lovers of Lark’s world will sip and savor. While a blush of crime noir is happening, it takes a backseat to the triad Lark carefully crafts. These three go through a lot, and you will, too.

About the Plot: Stella enters into a political marriage to gain the revenge she has waited for her whole life. In doing so, she finds a territory desperate for her protection and a family she didn’t realize she could have.

Why You’ll Love It: You want a triad, mafia-esque intrigue, and ghost pepper-level spice.

Skip It If: Polyamory isn’t your thing or alpha assholes.

I Married a Catman by Regine Abel

Release Date: December 28, 2024

Content Notes

• Arranged Marriage

• Matriarchal Society

• Leadership Corruption

• Ex Convict MMC

• Philanthropist FMC

• Breaking Unhealthy Cycles

Quick Take: I Married a Catman by Regine Abel is an exploration of the Nazhrals that I’ve been waiting for since I Married a Naga. What kind of society encourages piracy and somehow isn’t run down by anarchy? I think Abel gave a great answer. I only wish it had been longer sometimes.

About the Plot: Gaelec has been given a new chance as a free man. With the welcome surprise of a human mate named Ophelia, he also helps his culture have a new chance at raising its next generation into sustainable prosperity.

Why You’ll Love It: You love exploring unique speculative societies with non-trivial stakes, but the plot angst remains low.

Skip It If: You are not a PMA fan or at least intrigued by the premise. Aggression and violence are turnoffs for you as well.

Knowing the Ogre's Heart by Lyonne Riley

Release Date: September 13, 2024

Content Notes

• Friends to Lovers

• Breeding

• Fated Mates

• Size Difference

• Imprisonment

• Slavery

Quick Take: Knowing the Ogre's Heart by Lyonne Riley is a friends-to-lovers romance packed with danger and adventure. Despite the slavery, massacres, and gladiator pits, Riley somehow wrote something I would call cozy. That is how sweet these MCs are.

About the Plot: In Riley's Trollkin Lover universe, Mia rescues a young Cragnorr in their childhood and keeps him safe until they have to run away, and Cragnorr has to help save her.

Why You'll Love It: Despite the violence, the story is sweet and almost cozy. It would probably be more cozy if the characters were not held captive while giving in to their feelings, but Riley does a bang-up job given the setting she chose.

Skip It If: You get yucked out by violence and novellas. Regarding the latter, I suspect you're missing out.

When She’s Handy by Ruby Dixon

Release Date: September 13, 2024

Content Notes

• Assertive FMC

• Shy MMC

• Grumpy/Sunshine

• Blue Collar Couple

• The whole story is a Tay Tay reference

Quick Take: When She’s Handy by Ruby Dixon is a novella that makes a good literary palate cleanser between books. Note that I am a die-hard fan of her storytelling. If you like her writing and her world, have a book like this on hand to jazz up possible reading slumps.

About the Plot: Melody lost Brux right after he bought her freedom and won her heart. She has no plans of losing him again.

Why You’ll Love It: If you want the heroine to finally take the lead and for the MMC to not pack a giant limb in his pants for once, this will be a nice respite.

Skip It If: You’re not at least somewhat familiar with Risda III or think the idea of a story inspired by a Taylor Swift song will rot your teeth.

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Housekeeping

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