First, we have to agree that the definition of “cozy” is subjective. Not everyone means exactly the same thing when they say it.
Second, we have to understand that I do not know you and cannot read your mind. I don’t know what makes you feel warm and fuzzy. I don’t know what your triggers are, or your happy memories. We are different people, and personally I think that’s awesome.
But doesn’t everyone feel warm and fuzzy about the same things? “Warm cup of cocoa and a blanket and a hug,” that’s what it’s supposed to be like. That phrase is required in every single review of a cozy book. Get with it.
This vibe is more subjective than you think it is. Sorry. Maybe I’m just an alien, but here’s a silly example: Being with my pets makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Some people are allergic or don’t have or want pets, and this doesn’t have the same associations to them.
To make it slightly more complicated: I don’t relate to characters without problems. Others only relate to characters without problems. Where’s the universal warm and fuzzy there?
I realize I’m being cantankerous here, but I reject the notion that “we all” feel the same way about anything. Because I’m always conscious of an unthinking assumption that “we” are all exactly the same or think the same way or feel the same way. Sometimes that notion is completely harmless! Sometimes it’s not.
So, the answer is: my books might make you feel good. Or they might not. I cannot guarantee anything.
I put content note lists on every landing page and at the start of every book. If you skip them and then have a bad time after I warned you, that’s your responsibility. My books are not intended for children, and if you are an adult, you’re responsible for your own choices.
* If I should have tagged something in the content notes that I could have had a reasonable expectation of needing to tag and I didn’t, that’s on me. Please let me know if you encounter something that should reasonably be tagged.
So is it cozy? (Meaning I will never encounter anything that makes me have a feeling or thought other than the simple joy I’d get from a warm cup of cocoa and a mom hug)
No. You may feel that way at some point, but not through the entire book. You may feel other things.
So is it cozy? (Meaning it doesn’t include major character death, sexual assault, extreme violence, war, or other extreme content)
Yes, with an asterisk for the series that focuses on people who have been reincarnated. Details about those are on their content notes pages.
Also, most books are a “yes” to this. “Nothing but descriptions of hot drinks” and “constant beheading” are not the only options. Most binaries are untrue, including that one.
So is it cozy? (Meaning a story that centers empathy, nonviolent solutions, and kindness)
Yes. “Centers” but not “depicts only this and nothing else, ever.” Also, please note the very important distinction between “kind” and “nice.”
So is it cozy? (Meaning having a happy ending)
Happy endings are not exclusive to cozy fiction. But yes.
So is it cozy? (Meaning small/human scale rather than world-ending peril)
Yes. This is why I tend to use the terms “small-scale fantasy” and “slice-of-life fantasy”, to try to be more specific.
So is it cozy? (Meaning it’s exactly whatever I expect, based on the last cozy book I read)
No, because I’m not psychic.
Are you a horrible curmudgeon who hates happiness?
Maybe. Rather, I’m a horrible curmudgeon who hates lazy assumptions about how “everyone” feels a certain way. I also love language, and think people should use words to say what they mean rather than expecting catch-all buzzwords to convey nuance.
But I don’t want to be responsible for my own opinions and emotions! I want to get mad at others for not meeting my unstated expectations!
We’re not going to be friends. There are thousands of books that will fit you better. I hope you have a great time reading them.
But aren’t you supposed to be desperate for reader approval and convince everyone to read your books?
My superpower is that I have a day job. I won’t starve if you don’t read my books. If they aren’t a good fit for you, I’d rather you skip them.
You’re so negative.
Thank you. I’ve been practicing all my life.