7 Cozy Fantasy Reads to Curl Up With This Winter (And One Indie Gem That’s About to Become Your New Obsession)

Winter has arrived in full force: frosty windows, early sunsets, and that irresistible pull to hibernate under a mountain of blankets with a steaming mug and a book that feels like a warm hug. If you're anything like me, this is prime cozy fantasy season—the subgenre that trades epic battles and world-ending stakes for quiet magic, found family, delicious baked goods, and the gentle thrill of discovering a hidden door to another world.

Cozy fantasy has exploded over the last few years, giving us stories that soothe the soul without skimping on wonder. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned traveler through its enchanted tea shops and woodland cottages, here are seven winter-perfect reads to add to your TBR—plus one brand-new indie debut that's just gone live for preorder and deserves a spot on your shelf.

1. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

The book that basically invented modern cozy fantasy as we know it. Viv, a battle-weary orc barbarian, hangs up her sword and opens a coffee shop in a bustling fantasy city. What follows is pure joy: fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, quirky regulars, a succubus barista with a heart of gold, and the slow, satisfying magic of building a life you love. It's like wrapping yourself in a fleece blanket while someone makes you the perfect latte. If you haven't read it yet, winter is the ideal time to start.

2. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Imagine a magical orphanage overseen by a buttoned-up caseworker named Linus, whose life is forever changed by six extraordinary (and adorably chaotic) children—including a gnome, a wyvern, and the Antichrist himself. This book is a masterclass in found family, kindness, and quiet rebellion against bureaucracy. It's funny, tender, and profoundly hopeful—the literary equivalent of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.

3. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

A prickly Cambridge professor travels to a remote, snow-swept village to study faeries—and ends up with an unwanted (but charming) academic rival sharing her cottage. Think dry wit, folklore deep-dives, blizzards, and the coziest academic enemies-to-lovers arc you've ever read. The wintry setting makes it perfect for reading by a fire, and the sequel (Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands) is already out for immediate follow-up bingeing.

4. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Mika Moon is one of the few witches left in Britain, keeping her magic hidden—until she's summoned to teach three young witches who definitely shouldn't exist. What unfolds is a delightful mix of practical magic lessons, librarian romance, and the warmest sense of belonging. It's like a cup of spiced chai: comforting, a little spicy, and impossible to put down.

5. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

In a gentle, solar-punk future, a tea monk named Dex travels the countryside serving custom blends to anyone who needs them. One day, they meet a wild robot—the first in centuries to seek out humans—and ask the question: "What do people need?" This novella is short, philosophical, and deeply soothing. It's less about plot and more about presence, making it ideal for a quiet winter afternoon when you want something beautiful that lingers.

6. Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

A powerful queen and her loyal knight run away together to open a bookshop-teahouse in the middle of nowhere. Naturally, dragons, assassins, and political intrigue follow—but mostly there are scones, rare books, and the sweetest sapphic romance. It's witty, romantic, and exactly the kind of low-stakes adventure that makes winter feel magical instead of endless.

7. Evelyn Speckleplum: The Monarch’s Inferno by Evelyn Speckleplum (Indie Debut – Preorder Available Now!)

Okay, full disclosure—this one is fresh, exciting, and a little under-the-radar, which makes discovering it feel like finding a hidden door in your own backyard.

Evelyn Speckleplum has spent her life feeling slightly out of step with the ordinary world. But one unexpected day, in the corner of a dusty dressing room mirror, she glimpses a flash of green—a curious creature from the Fey Realm, desperate for her help. Elm, her mentor, has been claimed by the Mistress. Evelyn has no choice but to return.

This is cozy portal fantasy at its finest: gentle wonder, quiet coming-of-age moments, hidden fey doors, and that rare "I wish I could step into this world" feeling. No grimdark, no chosen-one pressure—just pure, immersive enchantment wrapped in beautiful prose and a narrator's voice you'll want to listen to forever.

The paperback edition is available for preorder right now and ships January 20, 2026. If you're looking for your next winter obsession (and trust me, this one has serious binge potential), grab it early and be one of the first to walk through the fence with Evelyn.

[Preorder the paperback here: https://amzn.to/49aABxT

Final Thoughts

Cozy fantasy isn't about escaping reality—it's about remembering that magic can be quiet, kind, and close enough to touch. These seven books (and one soon-to-be favorite) are proof that wonder doesn't always need to be loud to be powerful.

Which one are you curling up with first? Drop your winter TBR in the comments—I'd love to hear what cozy magic you're diving into this season.

Stay warm, stay wondrous, and happy reading. 🌿