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Familiar Spirits #4
A Little Blessing
Yule is the start of the new year, the midwinter festival for the solstice and the days afterward. Traditions are to burn logs and light candles to welcome the return of the sun, to celebrate with food and cheer and family, and to remember connections with the past.
Robin Blessing never felt much need for that last part; he lives in his family’s old farmhouse with the ghosts of his long-dead relatives. Anyway, he has no time for Yule. Alone, overworked, and ill, the holiday and any coven obligations that go with it are the last things on his mind.
So he is not pleased to open his door and find Lucas Greysmith on the other side. Lucas is a legendary figure in Ravenscroft; marked by great magic, part of a powerful family, annoyingly tall and good-looking, and yet always asking after Robin when Robin is fine, thank you very much. Someone as important as Lucas should have better things to worry about than one little witch who won’t use his Sight, and Robin usually wouldn’t hesitate to tell him so.
Instead, Robin faints right at Lucas’ feet.
When Robin wakes up, it’s to find that the Greysmiths have decided that Lucas will stay with Robin for the duration of the Yule season to help him recover, and Robin is in no position to protest. The more rest he gets, the more he realizes that he’s been lonely, that he needs the help, and that there might have been a reason Lucas has been asking after him all these years. If Robin had used his gift, he might have seen what Lucas has been patiently waiting for.
Yule is both an end and a beginning, and for first time in years, Robin looking forward to what the future might bring.
Robin Blessing never felt much need for that last part; he lives in his family’s old farmhouse with the ghosts of his long-dead relatives. Anyway, he has no time for Yule. Alone, overworked, and ill, the holiday and any coven obligations that go with it are the last things on his mind.
So he is not pleased to open his door and find Lucas Greysmith on the other side. Lucas is a legendary figure in Ravenscroft; marked by great magic, part of a powerful family, annoyingly tall and good-looking, and yet always asking after Robin when Robin is fine, thank you very much. Someone as important as Lucas should have better things to worry about than one little witch who won’t use his Sight, and Robin usually wouldn’t hesitate to tell him so.
Instead, Robin faints right at Lucas’ feet.
When Robin wakes up, it’s to find that the Greysmiths have decided that Lucas will stay with Robin for the duration of the Yule season to help him recover, and Robin is in no position to protest. The more rest he gets, the more he realizes that he’s been lonely, that he needs the help, and that there might have been a reason Lucas has been asking after him all these years. If Robin had used his gift, he might have seen what Lucas has been patiently waiting for.
Yule is both an end and a beginning, and for first time in years, Robin looking forward to what the future might bring.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2022
42 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
R. Cooper
81 books1,000 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
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If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
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BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 21, 2024
Now all I want is for that Coven to get what's coming to them !
This is one of my fav series and comfort reread. This new installement won't be different !
I loved this book, as atmospheric and organic as many of R Cooper's work, but a little easier to follow than some. The story was good and the depiction of grief and what it can do to a person was so well done, you're not hit in the face with it but it's woven through the story in small hints.
I loved how warm the relationship was, even at the start, and the slow realisations that Robin gets after every interactions. 10+ years of relationship seen through a different lense can take a while to understand but their dynamic makes so much sense and together they feel so right !
The only real criticism I have is it ended too soon. I was already angry with that Coven after book 2, now I wanna see them get what's coming. I feel like we needed to see a bit further in time, the house full of found family and what it means for the rest of the coven. I hope we get a follow up showing us all that (not just a few sentences thrown in another story), either in novella form or another full book. Maybe Josiah and Connor ?
What about you, did you enjoy it ?
This is one of my fav series and comfort reread. This new installement won't be different !
I loved this book, as atmospheric and organic as many of R Cooper's work, but a little easier to follow than some. The story was good and the depiction of grief and what it can do to a person was so well done, you're not hit in the face with it but it's woven through the story in small hints.
I loved how warm the relationship was, even at the start, and the slow realisations that Robin gets after every interactions. 10+ years of relationship seen through a different lense can take a while to understand but their dynamic makes so much sense and together they feel so right !
The only real criticism I have is it ended too soon. I was already angry with that Coven after book 2, now I wanna see them get what's coming. I feel like we needed to see a bit further in time, the house full of found family and what it means for the rest of the coven. I hope we get a follow up showing us all that (not just a few sentences thrown in another story), either in novella form or another full book. Maybe Josiah and Connor ?
What about you, did you enjoy it ?
December 10, 2022
Beautiful
R. Cooper has been an auto-buy for me for years. I have all of her seasonal short stories as well as her Amazon available full-length books. And out of all of those, “A Little Blessing” is near my favorite. So, so cozy for the autumn and winter months or any time you feel exposed or down.
Robin and Lucas are in some ways perfect foils for one another but also share key similarities that make even their awkward interactions fuzzy and warm.
As someone from a large, close-knit community of elders, Robin’s chronic grief hit me hard. But in the way of the Familiar Spirits series, that grief coalesced into a kind of acceptance by the end of the book. This partially because of the community in Robin’s physical world and partly because the spirits of elders long passed showed him that love doesn’t end with life.
I don’t think I could love the Familiar Spirits books more, and “A Little Blessing” was the perfect addition to an already lovely collection.
R. Cooper has been an auto-buy for me for years. I have all of her seasonal short stories as well as her Amazon available full-length books. And out of all of those, “A Little Blessing” is near my favorite. So, so cozy for the autumn and winter months or any time you feel exposed or down.
Robin and Lucas are in some ways perfect foils for one another but also share key similarities that make even their awkward interactions fuzzy and warm.
As someone from a large, close-knit community of elders, Robin’s chronic grief hit me hard. But in the way of the Familiar Spirits series, that grief coalesced into a kind of acceptance by the end of the book. This partially because of the community in Robin’s physical world and partly because the spirits of elders long passed showed him that love doesn’t end with life.
I don’t think I could love the Familiar Spirits books more, and “A Little Blessing” was the perfect addition to an already lovely collection.
November 4, 2025
Reread 2025
Oh I enjoyed this one.
I loved seeing someone take on the coven
For too long every powerful witch was expected to do their duty and help the coven but we also outcasts. Robin finally with the backing of Lucas took a stand and took them to task.
I also enjoyed seeing the Robin's elderly caregivers through both his eyes and the ones who understood. They had a beautiful relationship
4.25 Stars
Its taken me a bit to get going this year as I just couldn't find the motivation to start reading, so to break the slump I took to a book that I was majorly excited about when I heard it was coming out last year. I've held off reading it to savour it. and it didn't disappoint.
Every one of these books I read and I think "this is my favourite couple" and if I had to choose I'd say Chester and Will are but Lucas and Robin I think will definitely fight for the top spot on the reread.
The communication issues worked in this one as Robin was so sick and needed to be able to hear and understand. While he was sick and so tired he didn't have the capacity to even imagine it, so he needs the healing to begin before anything could happen. It's a slow burn as we get to know the guys as they get to know each other again, with the help of a couple of ravens and meddling families both here and from the afterlife.
I enjoyed that the coven is being called out in this one. They definitely let Chester down, and it was nice to see someone actually see that, but they also let down all the Mc's in this series. They are as Robin points out, dependant on these powerful witches but at the same time leave them to their own devices regardless of how much pain they're in and are kind scared of them to a degree. It's good to see someone actually starting to call them on it.
Can't wait to reread this one and pick up the little bits and pieces I've missed on this read.
Oh I enjoyed this one.
I loved seeing someone take on the coven
For too long every powerful witch was expected to do their duty and help the coven but we also outcasts. Robin finally with the backing of Lucas took a stand and took them to task.
I also enjoyed seeing the Robin's elderly caregivers through both his eyes and the ones who understood. They had a beautiful relationship
4.25 Stars
Its taken me a bit to get going this year as I just couldn't find the motivation to start reading, so to break the slump I took to a book that I was majorly excited about when I heard it was coming out last year. I've held off reading it to savour it. and it didn't disappoint.
Every one of these books I read and I think "this is my favourite couple" and if I had to choose I'd say Chester and Will are but Lucas and Robin I think will definitely fight for the top spot on the reread.
The communication issues worked in this one as Robin was so sick and needed to be able to hear and understand. While he was sick and so tired he didn't have the capacity to even imagine it, so he needs the healing to begin before anything could happen. It's a slow burn as we get to know the guys as they get to know each other again, with the help of a couple of ravens and meddling families both here and from the afterlife.
I enjoyed that the coven is being called out in this one. They definitely let Chester down, and it was nice to see someone actually see that, but they also let down all the Mc's in this series. They are as Robin points out, dependant on these powerful witches but at the same time leave them to their own devices regardless of how much pain they're in and are kind scared of them to a degree. It's good to see someone actually starting to call them on it.
Can't wait to reread this one and pick up the little bits and pieces I've missed on this read.
December 26, 2022
Best installment in the series yet (even though the last 20% could have been a bit shorter).
I want to do two things now: 1. reread Holly and Oak and 2. learn how to knit.
I want to do two things now: 1. reread Holly and Oak and 2. learn how to knit.
November 11, 2025
This was so well written ~ packs a lot of emotion and comfort in 270 pages! Robin, lost in grief and afraid to use his gifts : Lucas, a casual friend and onetime crush, imposing, gifted and alone. Their stumbling path back to each other is full of loving, caring and soft emotion. [We need another book in the Familiar Spirits series!!] This is one I'm going to buy myself for Yule!
October 9, 2025
Caretaking and magic
This novella takes place in the same town as book two in the series, and Holly and Oak are mentioned throughout, though I’m pretty sure this could be read on its own without *too* much confusion.
One of my favorite tropes is caretaking, and this has it in spades. One character has overworked himself to the point of collapse, and the other swoops in (along with his delightful family) to save the day. *happy sigh* It was lovely.
There’s also a theme of accepting your destiny and realizing you’re more important than you think you are (which is actually a recurring theme throughout this author’s books, now that I think about it).
There’s some smexy times here but nothing super explicit, which is fine since that’s not really the point of these books. R. Cooper can convey more intimacy in a finger stroked along a cheekbone than some other authors can with ten pages in the bedroom, so it’s all good.
I really hope there is more to this series eventually. I can definitely see potential in some of the side characters.
This novella takes place in the same town as book two in the series, and Holly and Oak are mentioned throughout, though I’m pretty sure this could be read on its own without *too* much confusion.
One of my favorite tropes is caretaking, and this has it in spades. One character has overworked himself to the point of collapse, and the other swoops in (along with his delightful family) to save the day. *happy sigh* It was lovely.
There’s also a theme of accepting your destiny and realizing you’re more important than you think you are (which is actually a recurring theme throughout this author’s books, now that I think about it).
There’s some smexy times here but nothing super explicit, which is fine since that’s not really the point of these books. R. Cooper can convey more intimacy in a finger stroked along a cheekbone than some other authors can with ten pages in the bedroom, so it’s all good.
I really hope there is more to this series eventually. I can definitely see potential in some of the side characters.
September 2, 2023
DNF @ 46%.
R. Cooper writes such great short stories. And this is at least 100 pages longer than it should be. The other three were over 100 pages shorter than this one, after all.
And while it’s been years since I read the other three, I seem to recall them all being tied together, but standing alone quite well. This one? I can’t recall if events referenced in this book happened in the other ones, but there’s a lot of talk of other characters, especially Will & Chester.
And nothing is happening. How many pages of Robin *not* using his gift and *not* acknowledging his feelings for Lucas, and of Lucas and Robin *not* being together am I supposed to read before something happens? How many more naps will Robin have to have?
I love R. Cooper’s pining boys, but there’s not enough of that coming through to snooze through this.
R. Cooper writes such great short stories. And this is at least 100 pages longer than it should be. The other three were over 100 pages shorter than this one, after all.
And while it’s been years since I read the other three, I seem to recall them all being tied together, but standing alone quite well. This one? I can’t recall if events referenced in this book happened in the other ones, but there’s a lot of talk of other characters, especially Will & Chester.
And nothing is happening. How many pages of Robin *not* using his gift and *not* acknowledging his feelings for Lucas, and of Lucas and Robin *not* being together am I supposed to read before something happens? How many more naps will Robin have to have?
I love R. Cooper’s pining boys, but there’s not enough of that coming through to snooze through this.
January 20, 2023
This author has a knack for generating scenes in my head that play out as if I'm watching intricate animation full of nuance and humor and snark. I've read this series of which this is book 4, and I'll keep reading it as long as R. Cooper keeps publishing them.
January 8, 2025
Honestly I hope more books come and a reckoning for the coven!
January 1, 2023
I've picked up almost every book by this author for the last few years now, but I think I will in future think twice about picking up longer romances by them. I LOVE the first book in this series (A Little Familiar) and have reread it quite a few times in fall. The combination of angst and pining without much plot otherwise works perfectly for me in shorter books, but it's not enough to hold my interest for 250+ pages.
Additionally, in the case of this book, I didn't feel as much tension and relationship development despite its length. Everything just felt quite drawn out and repetitive. Some interesting aspects of their relationship like their sexual dynamic are also just mentioned in passing and never brought up again. Instead of longing glances and furtive touches, there was a lot of talking and Robin arguing more or less with himself about the future, his spiritual gift etc again and again.
One reason for the length of this book was the introduction of an story line with the coven that could have been interesting but just went nowhere and took up valuable time that could have been spent to actually show the two characters getting together instead of them just realizing that they divinely belonged together.
Overall, this book definitely felt too long and repetitive, but as always I enjoyed the cozy setting and the pining between the characters.
Additionally, in the case of this book, I didn't feel as much tension and relationship development despite its length. Everything just felt quite drawn out and repetitive. Some interesting aspects of their relationship like their sexual dynamic are also just mentioned in passing and never brought up again. Instead of longing glances and furtive touches, there was a lot of talking and Robin arguing more or less with himself about the future, his spiritual gift etc again and again.
One reason for the length of this book was the introduction of an story line with the coven that could have been interesting but just went nowhere and took up valuable time that could have been spent to actually show the two characters getting together instead of them just realizing that they divinely belonged together.
Overall, this book definitely felt too long and repetitive, but as always I enjoyed the cozy setting and the pining between the characters.
April 8, 2023
3.5
I've only just realized that this is the "Beings in love" author. I love the Familiar Spirits series, and was very excited to discover a new one I hadn't read, but I was very disappointed in the Beings in Love series and wouldn't bother to read another - and that's somewhat unusual for me.
But never mind - this is meant as a review of A Little Blessing I will admit that sometimes in this series the MCs are so busy being vague at each other that I miss having an omniscient narration - but I like them anyway. This one was sufficiently vague all over the shop that it didn't even have the level of angst that Robin probably could generate - but that's a good thing because I don't like angst. I think we would have benefited from some Lucas POV.
Despite the grumblings, I liked it, and I'll certainly read another if it becomes available.
I've only just realized that this is the "Beings in love" author. I love the Familiar Spirits series, and was very excited to discover a new one I hadn't read, but I was very disappointed in the Beings in Love series and wouldn't bother to read another - and that's somewhat unusual for me.
But never mind - this is meant as a review of A Little Blessing I will admit that sometimes in this series the MCs are so busy being vague at each other that I miss having an omniscient narration - but I like them anyway. This one was sufficiently vague all over the shop that it didn't even have the level of angst that Robin probably could generate - but that's a good thing because I don't like angst. I think we would have benefited from some Lucas POV.
Despite the grumblings, I liked it, and I'll certainly read another if it becomes available.
January 8, 2023
I've read others by this author, and at this point I just assume all her books are based on pining and oblivious characters. I haven't read the others in this series and it probably made it a little more confusing than it would have been had I read the others first. But regardless, this was two coven members who are kind of on the outside, both having feelings for each other, but it takes ten years for them to get to a place where they realize this enough to act on it. There was a lot of caretaking which was the reason I read this. But also a lot of vagueness that maybe would have been not as bad had I read the others. Not a favorite read, but maybe if I start the series from the beginning I'll appreciate it more someday.
December 13, 2022
A Little Blessing is a standalone story in Familiar Spirits Series. All the titles can be read as standalones. MM PNR Romance with a HEA. Holiday stories. Hurt-Comfort. Ghosts, Witch families. Slowburn. Sweet and Cute, Feel Good, Comfort reads.
1POV, 3rd person, past tense. This kindle edition 267 pages 9th December 2022.
Ooooh, awww! 😍
Just simply perfect for me. A perfect title for this series, simply so good. Just what I want to read when I grab a new - or some previous - title in this series. Well done. It's a slow dance to enjoy. What a lovely series, no wonder it's one of my very favourites. Thank you to the author for writing these!
1POV, 3rd person, past tense. This kindle edition 267 pages 9th December 2022.
Ooooh, awww! 😍
Just simply perfect for me. A perfect title for this series, simply so good. Just what I want to read when I grab a new - or some previous - title in this series. Well done. It's a slow dance to enjoy. What a lovely series, no wonder it's one of my very favourites. Thank you to the author for writing these!
January 7, 2023
Beautiful
I love the way this is written, it is just exudes mystery and magic. Although it is a daily standard 'boy sees boy crush and tries not to make a fool of himself' book, the world building and writing turn it into something a bit special.
In this world there are witches who have the gifts of Knowing and Seeing and Looking. Whole conversations where one side is faint smiles, eyebrow raises and Knowing looks, is confusing at first, but turns into something undefined but 'more'. You feel at the end that the words on the page only allude to the conversation that is actually happening. Well, I can't describe it, it just feels a little magical and I loved the story.
I love the way this is written, it is just exudes mystery and magic. Although it is a daily standard 'boy sees boy crush and tries not to make a fool of himself' book, the world building and writing turn it into something a bit special.
In this world there are witches who have the gifts of Knowing and Seeing and Looking. Whole conversations where one side is faint smiles, eyebrow raises and Knowing looks, is confusing at first, but turns into something undefined but 'more'. You feel at the end that the words on the page only allude to the conversation that is actually happening. Well, I can't describe it, it just feels a little magical and I loved the story.
July 15, 2023
Again I love the magic and lore of this series. Cooper writes such believable characters with all the love and pain of loving from a far.
The yarn hoarder in me had such a soft spot for Robin from the start. Lucas was on trend with the series' quiet and stoic large men with huge hearts.
The yarn hoarder in me had such a soft spot for Robin from the start. Lucas was on trend with the series' quiet and stoic large men with huge hearts.
June 7, 2024
VERY slow-paced MM paranormal romance between two witches who've know each other their whole lives. Lots of regrets on both sides, due to either lack of self-confidence or incorrect assumptions. Some discussion of the community imposing too many obligations on each of them, while failing to properly support either of them. A pair of ravens provide comic relief.
Typos: a few missing words, "passed" for past, "daring-do" should be "derring-do," "laid down" for "lay."
Typos: a few missing words, "passed" for past, "daring-do" should be "derring-do," "laid down" for "lay."
Read
February 28, 2025Such a different type of book. So nice to find
A little blessing indeed. This author managed to make a poetic, quiet little fantasy with just the right amount of every ingredient. There is mystery, and spooky, warm cozy bundled up longing. The characters you can not just imagine but could probably pick out of a crowd. Do yourself a favor and read this on a stormy or chilly evening. It's A treat.
A little blessing indeed. This author managed to make a poetic, quiet little fantasy with just the right amount of every ingredient. There is mystery, and spooky, warm cozy bundled up longing. The characters you can not just imagine but could probably pick out of a crowd. Do yourself a favor and read this on a stormy or chilly evening. It's A treat.
August 2, 2024
meditation on grief
At the end of a year of mourning, Yule brings a time of change.
Subtle but strong power hidden by grief and a lack of self worth; attraction suppressed for fear the love interest may not return it.
Magic is knowledge, Sight, and a love of the love of family and patterns of seasons.
At the end of a year of mourning, Yule brings a time of change.
Subtle but strong power hidden by grief and a lack of self worth; attraction suppressed for fear the love interest may not return it.
Magic is knowledge, Sight, and a love of the love of family and patterns of seasons.
December 10, 2022
Wonderful.
As with all the other books in the series, I couldn't put it down once started and enjoyed it so much. Great storytelling and characters. I can only hope there are more to come.
As with all the other books in the series, I couldn't put it down once started and enjoyed it so much. Great storytelling and characters. I can only hope there are more to come.
December 11, 2022
Comfort Read
This was another warm and comfortable read from the author. Soul deep story almost like hot chocolate with marshmallows. Robin is endearing and as always (with this author's work) very human - which I think is the reason why the books are so warm and comforting.
This was another warm and comfortable read from the author. Soul deep story almost like hot chocolate with marshmallows. Robin is endearing and as always (with this author's work) very human - which I think is the reason why the books are so warm and comforting.
December 16, 2022
A Magic Story
I love this series and the author’s characters and profoundly indirect evocative writing style. This book gives us a Robin who doesn’t realize his own worth and the powerful man who lives to serve him….
I love this series and the author’s characters and profoundly indirect evocative writing style. This book gives us a Robin who doesn’t realize his own worth and the powerful man who lives to serve him….
January 12, 2023
No sé si estos libros son autoconclusivos. Tenía entendido que sí, pero al parecer no, porque de la historia y el contexto entendí poco más que nada... Además, vaya que fue aburrido, y los personajes apenas resaltan, con migajas de romance aquí y allá. ¿Me estoy perdiendo de algo aquí?
February 25, 2023
This was a blessing/joy to read. Quiet, gentle, while deepening and worrying the world of the Familiar Spirits books, making the magic involved more urgent, upping the stakes. Our behavior towards each other does impact the world around us.
April 2, 2023
*3.75/5 stars
Picked this up on a whim and it was a sweet story with lovable characters. Technically it is the fourth in a series but each book seems able to stand on its own. Sometimes the prose did drag a little, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
Picked this up on a whim and it was a sweet story with lovable characters. Technically it is the fourth in a series but each book seems able to stand on its own. Sometimes the prose did drag a little, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
June 12, 2023
3 1/2. Stars👍😋
Finally a storytelling I like and slightly understand🤔😁! This read was good even though it started in the middle (to me). Wish there were more stories to this storylines!👍😊
Finally a storytelling I like and slightly understand🤔😁! This read was good even though it started in the middle (to me). Wish there were more stories to this storylines!👍😊
September 14, 2024
A Little Familiar ❤️
I love this witchy little story! It's short and sweet. The ending with Piotr and Bartleby together was so hot. 🔥
The narrator grew on me and I ended up thinking they were perfect for this story.
I love this witchy little story! It's short and sweet. The ending with Piotr and Bartleby together was so hot. 🔥
The narrator grew on me and I ended up thinking they were perfect for this story.
July 18, 2025
Something about R. Cooper's writing hits me in a very particular way... It's like I can almost grok all of it but can sense more going on under the surface. I don't think that I've read many other authors that do this to me... always an interesting experience.
December 10, 2022
Just Wonderful
I always feel good after reading one of R. Cooper’s books. The books just give a warm and optimistic feeling.
I always feel good after reading one of R. Cooper’s books. The books just give a warm and optimistic feeling.
December 18, 2022
I love the magical system and world Cooper has created, and the characters are round, dynamic, flawed, and interesting. Very engaging, compelling, and sweet slow burn romance here.
March 30, 2023
Unexpectedly lovely read. Perfect book to snuggle up with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews