The nights are longer, and the days are chillier; what other excuse do you need to curl up with a gorgeous cosy read? If you're anything like us, it's become your top social plan until the spring, and you'll only want the best to keep you company. Well, don't worry! We’ve pulled together a list of gorgeous cosy fantasy and sci-fi to help; so, make some hot chocolate, grab your blanket and cuddle up in a warm hug of a book.
The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong
If you’re looking for a heart-warming, cosy fantasy with an achingly sweet sapphic romance, then look no further than the new standalone from Julie Leong.
Certainty Bulrush wants to be useful – to the Guild of Mages, to the brother who depends on her, and to anyone else she can help. Unfortunately, her tepid magic hasn't proven much use to anyone.
So when offered the chance to earn her magehood, she jumps on it. Never mind that the assignment is to transport minor artefacts to the dull, unmagical village of Shpelling, or that it involves working with Mage Aurelia, a brilliant, unfairly attractive overachiever who's managed to alienate everyone around her.
In Shpelling, the two must deal with testy villagers, an unruly catdragon, and their growing attraction to each other, while avoiding any incidents that could further damage the Guild's testy relationship with the kingdom's citizens. But magic is fickle – sooner or later, it is bound to spell trouble . . .
Full of whimsy and charm, this is the perfect escapist read, The Keeper of Magical Things is an absolute delight to curl up with on a cold winter’s day!
BUY NOW
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
With the deceit and drama of a delicious soap opera, and the politics and messy relationships of the Korean mythological pantheon, The God and the Gumiho is a delightfully witty contemporary romantic fantasy.
A demon of darkness escapes the underworld, and the Scarlet Fox, who spends her days working at a café, emerges from hiding before quickly vanishing. Seokga, a trickster god, is offered a chance at redemption: kill them both, and his sins will be forgiven.
But the Scarlet Fox is prepared to do anything to prevent Seokga from bringing her to justice, even trick her way into his investigation. Anything, that is – except fall in love . . .
With protagonists who are snarky and sexy, their blossoming romance crackles on the page, The God and the Gumiho is an adventure you won't want to end so thank goodness the much anticipated sequel is also out now. Featuring a brand new set of characters and the return of some familiar faces, The God and the Gwisin is a yet another charming and clever contemporary fantasy romance from Sophie Kim.
BUY NOW
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
The Grand Budapest Hotel in space, Floating Hotel is a hopeful story of misfits, rebels and found family.
Welcome to the Grand Abeona Hotel: home of the finest food, the sweetest service, and the very best views the galaxy has to offer. Year round it moves from planet to planet, system to system, pampering guests across the furthest reaches of the milky way. The last word in sub-orbital luxury – and a magnet for intrigue.
At the centre of these mysteries stands Carl, one time stowaway, longtime manager, devoted caretaker to the hotel. It’s the love of his life and the only place he’s ever called home. But as forces beyond Carl’s comprehension converge on the Abeona, he has to face one final question: when is it time to let go?
Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, Floating Hotel is a cosy and charming sci-fi read to escape with.
BUY NOW
The Weaver Bride by Lydia
Set in a regency-inspired world with Bridgerton-esque dynamics but throw in a murder investigation and a deadly marriage mart and you have The Weaver Bride, a perfect mix of classic gothic suspense and modern fantasy romance.
Lovett Tamerlane is a silkwitch, her rare magic harnessed only through marriage to a Weaver. But finding a Weaver husband requires status, refinement, and money, all of which Lovett lacks. Her only saving grace is her secret ability: to open any door. But when Lovett opens the wrong one, she finds herself face to face with Eliot Lear, the notorious son of a prominent Weaver. Eliot offers her a life-altering opportunity: entrance to the Vainglory, a competition with the ultimate prize – marriage to Noé Alaire, heir to generations of Weaver wealth.
Last year, Eliot's sister won the Vainglory - and died. Now Lovett must solve the mystery of her death. If she does, Eliot will ensure she has her pick of Weaver suitors, regardless of who wins the competition. Yet unravelling the murder proves far more complicated than either of them anticipated. And Lovett should know better than to take a Weaver at his word. After all . . . what is love without betrayal?
Part twisting mystery, part thrilling romance, The Weaver Bride is an unputdownable romantasy steeped in a lush magical world.
BUY NOW
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Manadanna
If you’re looking for a cosy, heartwarming witchy romance then look no further than A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping, from the author of the charming, warm and uplifting The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
Once, Sera Swan was one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her powers, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her Guild. Now she helps run an enchanted inn in Lancashire, where she deals with their quirky guests' shenanigans and longs for a future that seems lost. Until she finds about an old spell that could restore her power . . . Enter Luke Larsen, handsome magical historian, who might have the key to unlocking the spell's secrets.
Running an inn, reclaiming lost power, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera is about to discover she doesn't have to do alone - and that love might be the best magic of all.
A delightful romance with an icy, gorgeous historian, a talking fox, a re-animated rooster, and a whole host of other quirky characters. Dealing with mental health and discovering your inner worth, A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is an empowering and heartfelt read.
BUY NOW
The Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers
It's impossible to choose which of the Wayfarers series to recommend so we've just gone for . . . all of them! Each book in this sci-fi series has a different but connected story focusing on different characters and their adventures.
Set in the far future of our galaxy, Wayfarers is series that features a complex and detailed universe with new species, planets, technology and ideas. Covering themes such as love, found family, diversity, identity and purpose, the Wayfarers novels are hopeful, charming and will restore your faith in humanity.
BUY NOW
Fated Winds and Promising Seas by Rose Black
Fated Winds and Promising Seas is a tender-hearted tale of forging fates, fantastic creatures, and found family.
Lucky is in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. In a strange occurrence he is freed from his prison and cast out to the ocean where he is rescued by the magical ship The Dreamer. Aboard the ship is Gabriel, whom Lucky remembers, and starts to think there is more than fate drawing them together. They must traverse the ocean in a great adventure for Lucky’s quest to be proven innocent and finally gain his freedom.
This heartfelt queer romance is delightful – but watch out for the Leviathan!
BUY NOW
A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
Famous for her breathtaking and heartfelt East Asian fantasies, Elizabeth Lim fails to disappoint with her latest romantic fantasy standalone - think Beauty and the Beast meets The Little Mermaid.
A gifted art forger, Truyan Saigas has the unique ability to paint the future. But when her father is lost at sea, not even magic can heal her family, or save her two younger sisters from the dangerous consequences of her mother's gambling debts.
Then Elang, a mysterious dragon lord, offers her a deal: in exchange for a fresh start for her mother and sisters, Tru must enter a marriage contract and join him in his desolate undersea palace. Once there, Tru will embark on her most dangerous forgery yet. To infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King's inner circle and paint a future so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms . . .
Devastatingly romantic, vibrant characters and gorgeous storytelling, once again Lim will captivate you and whisk you away on a magical journey.
BUY NOW
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
Ultimately about finding acceptance, love and family where you least expect, The Teller of Small Fortunes is incredibly gentle, wryly funny, and will be one of the most heart-warming stories you'll ever read.
Fleeing a troubled past, an immigrant fortune teller bands together with an ex-mercenary, a semi-formed thief and a baker. Travelling gently around in a beaten-up wagon, telling small fortunes, having small adventures, and finding themselves – and each other – along the way.
Another gorgeously cosy fantasy from Julie Leong, The Teller of Small Fortunes is a wonderfully comforting story about trying to find yourself – and finding family instead.
BUY NOW
The House of Frost and Feathers by Lauren Wiesebron
Publishing in paperback later this month, The House of Frost and Feathers is an utterly enchanting standalone fantasy, reimagining the legend of Baba Yaga.
Marisha's time is running out. She's already lost her family to the sleeping plague, and she fears she'll be next. Penniless and desperate for protection, Marisha is forced to accept a job as apprentice to the notorious koldunya, Baba Zima. Thrust into looking for a cure to the plague, the search grows increasingly dangerous and seemingly impossible. Uncovering connections between her own family history, the plague and her dreams, if Marisha can find the cure, she will finally be free.
With achingly beautiful writing, doors to other worlds, powerful folkloric magic, enchanted masked balls and magical bonfire gatherings, The House of Frost and Feathers is the perfect book to cosy up with.
BUY NOW
The Floating World by Axie Oh
Richly woven with Korean mythology, The Floating World is the first in an epic fantasy romance duology about destiny, and the power of light in a world of darkness.
Ex-soldier Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. Possessing just his name and sword, he comes across the score of a lifetime - a chest of coins for hunting down the girl who wields silver light.
Ren is a spirited acrobat travelling with her family. But everything changes when they are attacked by a demon. Desperate, Ren releases a blast of silver light and kills the monster - but cannot save her beloved uncle from grievous injury.
Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off for the mountains, where the creature came from - where Ren herself fled from ten years ago. Her path collides with Sunho's, but he doesn't realise who she is. As the two grow closer, it becomes clear their pasts – and destinies – are more entwined than they could possibly have imagined . . .
Reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens, The Floating World will sweep you into an intricate and absorbing new world and thankfully book two, The Demon and the Light, is also available now and we have signed copies of both!
BUY NOW
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
Filled with magic, stardust, and a shockingly dark heart, this is one you don’t want to miss.
For centuries, Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor is a woman named Penelope, who never ages, never grows sick – and never forgives a debt.
When Violet Everly discovers that her family owes a blood debt to an immortal, she must venture into a hidden world of magic, gods and monsters to break the curse – no matter the cost.
A gorgeously gothic read to curl up with on a stormy night.