I need some spec-fic “comfort food”

I have not been in a great place, emotionally, so depressing or otherwise emotionally challenging books are not a good idea right now. I’ve mostly been re-reading books I already know I like, but it would be nice to read something new.

I read mostly sci fi and fantasy, with the odd smattering of mystery or historical, especially ones with a setting that legitimately feels like another world, even if it technically isn’t.

I mostly read for character (I will forgive a lot if a book gives me characters I can really care about), with my second priority usually being the Shiny Idea (most spec fic is at least partly written around some what if, ranging from “what if we had dragons during the Napoleonic wars?” or “what if we had technology that could duplicate any object?” to “what if elves?” or “what if space ships?”, a good what if can elevate a mediocre read to actually good)

I’m looking for books, preferably ones available as audiobooks, with one or more of the following characteristics:

1. Humor. I’d like to thank whoever recommended Murderbot to me.
2. A generally cheerful tone, particularly in the beginning. Once I care about the characters, I can handle things getting a little rough, but if I’m not hooked yet, I generally don’t want anyone dying or whatever.
3. An unambiguously positive ending. Lois McMaster Bujold tends to be good at those.
4. A kick-a$$ heroine. Honor Harrington, October Daye, Kate Daniels, and the like. Sword optional but preferred. (I’m a bit of a heroine addict <g>)
5. “Spicy” romance. It’s…been a while.

Aside from the ones I already referenced, a few authors and series that I already know I like:

The Parasol Protectorate

Sir Terry Pratchett (RIP)

Mercedes Lackey

The Kitty Norville books

The Iron Druid books

Elfhome

Charles deLint (I named my current lizard after him)

Barbara Hambly

So, what else should I be reading?…

by tamtrible