Ann Aguirre’s cozy contemporary fantasy leans hard into found family, queer community, and second chances. It also pairs those warm vibes with a messy heroine and a beta hero who has adored her since childhood. Depending on your taste, that mix will feel either comforting or crowded.
The setup
Iris Collins has always been the chaos bunny in a family of high achievers. When she inherits a rambling purple Victorian, her B&B plan sputters and she pivots to renting rooms to a motley crew of boarders. Some are human. Some are not. Enter Eli Reese, a socially awkward app developer and Iris’s long-ago crush, who drifts into the household and discovers exactly what he has been missing: a place where misfits fit.
The vibe
Think communal dinners, house repairs, neighbor drama, soft magic, and a constant drumbeat of chosen family. The tone is light and earnest, with low angst and closed-door romance.
What works
- Found family comfort. The boardinghouse becomes the beating heart of the story. Aguirre celebrates kindness, acceptance, and everyday care.
- Beta hero, kind heroine. Eli is gentle and steadfast. Iris is sunny and generous, even when her life is on fire. Their sweetness will scratch the comfort-read itch.
- Inclusive cast and soft fantasy. Shifters, witches, and humans share space, with themes of community and belonging taking center stage.
- Standalone friendly. It sits in the Fix-It Witches world, but you can jump in here without homework.
What might not
- The “cozy stalker” problem. Eli has kept tabs on Iris online for years, and the narrative frames it as awkward devotion. Some readers will find that creepy rather than cute. If you are sensitive to boundary issues, this may be a deal breaker.
- Too many subplots. Housemates, neighbors, legal logistics, business hurdles, paranormal prejudice, and more. The romance often rides in the back seat while side stories drive.
- Show vs. tell. Prose can repeat points and spell out themes instead of letting scenes carry the weight.
- Money mechanics. Budgeting, inheritance, and property realities are glossed over, which can strain believability if you notice such details.
- Spice level. Fully closed door. If you want on-page heat, look elsewhere.
Read if you like
- Found family that actually does the work of showing up for one another
- Low-angst, closed-door romances with beta heroes
- Light paranormal elements layered over contemporary life
- Series-adjacent cozy fantasies like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Verdict
The Only Purple House in Town is a hug of a book that prioritizes community over claws-out conflict. If you want a cozy, queer-inclusive boardinghouse tale with soft magic and a gentle romance, this will charm you. If obsessive pining edges into discomfort for you, or you prefer a tighter romantic focus, manage expectations.
