Sponsored by Christina Lauren's THE SOULMATE EQUATION.
Can an algorithm find your soulmate? When single mom Jess tries out a new app that uses DNA to identify likely suitors, she’s shocked to discover that she’s a nearly-perfect match with River, the app’s creator! Too bad she’s already met him–and it didn’t go well. But the startup’s investors have visions of good PR dancing in their heads, so they offer to pay Jess to give River a chance. As they dip their toes into the dating pool, they discover that the app might be right…but is it really science–or just chemistry?
Hello again, romance readers. I’m PN Hinton, your companion in the world of romance. If you’re new to the Kissing Books newsletter, welcome and enjoy your stay. If you’re a long-time reader, welcome back; it’s good to see you again.
So far, this week has been much better than the last week, so that’s nice. I’m in a semi-reading slump though. It’s not a full-on one, as I have five books on my pile right now. But my focus is off. I need to hunker down and at least finish the book club pick since we’re meeting Saturday. Wish me luck!
I came across a post from one of my Facebook romance groups, concerning children in romance novels and how they’re not believable, mainly due to not being present enough. Since most people read books to escape the real world, this is a bit of a head scratcher for me. Children can be a lot to deal with, so I would think this is a welcome break.
The concern that they are not present enough made me think about the mindset of “children should be seen and not heard,” and how this is still something a lot of people believe in. Of course, I vehemently disagree with this. Still, it’s not exactly an antiquated way of thinking. When historical romances have kids in this role, it actually makes it more believable for me, since it tracks with how people were back then.
Now, I get the distaste for them only being there to serve as a deus ex machina. But children simply being present or a legitimate part of the story? It’s no biggie for me.
I don’t actively seek out romance novels with children, but neither do I actively avoid them. Their presence isn’t a factor to me at all. The main reason for this is because, for me, the presence of children in romances is always a possibility. Romances have a lot of sexy times in them, and, as health class taught us, sex may lead to babies.
Around the Web in Romance
The latest episode of the When in Romance podcast is up, with a special guest. Even if you are not done with Vivid yet, listen with no worry as there were no spoilers.
You still have a chance to win a free iPad mini from Book Riot.
Check out this list of joyful Asian-centered books.
Illumicrate is going to be selling special editions of the Brown Sisters trilogy!
If you’re yearning for some slow-burn fantasy romances, check out this list from author Liselle Sanbury.
Let the stars be your guide for your next steamy read.
Recommendations
I have been feeling down lately and overall in a bit of a funk. A lot of that is stress from the end of the school year, busy stuff at the day job, and just life in general. I’ve really been enjoying the few times I can just sit back or laughing to the point of almost passing out. If you’re in that same boat, hopefully these books may bring a smile to your face.
Trust Falling For You by Charish Reid
Yolanda and Sam are co-workers who have a completely different approach to teaching as well as life. So, of course, they end up being both bunk mates and by extension teammates at their university’s team building event in the woods. As they get to know one another, the attraction grows until it can’t be ignored. Yolanda is a woman after my own heart in that she and nature do not get along. The various hijinks involving the Great Outdoors continuously coming for her had me rolling.
Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
After being caught in a compromising position, Charlotte and Piers spend the rest of the book trying to find the real culprits to avoid being forced to marry. Apart from the banter, the laughter here comes from the son of the hosts. He overheard the encounter and, not knowing what it was, dramatically accused Piers of committing murder. His constant following of Piers shouting “Murderer!!” had tears coming out of my eyes.
Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan
Beatrice is giving no more flips while Violetta is still trying to live within the expectations of society. It’s Beatrice who does it for me in this story; she’s the old lady I want to be when I grow up because she knows that the world isn’t fair to women, and she’s bound and determined to try and change it, or at least shake the foundation of it. I know I’ve recommended this before, but I feel that this book doesn’t get as much love as it should, so here we are. It’s also a very sweet Sapphic romance with two older protagonists.
Let’s Get Textual by Teagan Hunter
When Zach accidentally texts Delia and she responds, thinking it’s her brother, it starts a thread between the two. Slowly the flirting builds through the written missives and eventually they decide to meet in person to see if the attraction they’re building up is legitimate. Despite the loved ones in their life warning them against it, they decide to risk it all for a chance at love. The banter in this book is hilarious and had me snorting more than once. This is the first in a series, but this one is by far is my favorite.
And that’s all she wrote for now. If you would like more of me during the in-betweens, give me a follow @PScribe801 over on Twitter. Until next time.