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Kissing Books

Summer Readin’, Had Me a Blast….

Hello again, romance readers. I’m PN Hinton, your companion for 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. 

Despite not having a three day weekend, I got a fair amount of reading done. I finished Cemetery Boys, which I highly recommend. Adri from the Perpetual Pages YouTube channel has been cheering this book’s praises for the last year and I’m mad at myself for not listening to them sooner. It is a sweet YA romance and the fall setting was nice considering it’s already hot where I’m at. It takes place around Día de Muertos, but I recommend it any time of the year. 

I also made progress on the delightfully creepy YA horror Hide and Seeker and an ARC of Reel. Reading wise, I’ll call this weekend a win.

Around the Web in Romance

Here are some recaps from the last week in Romancelandia, in case you missed them!

Beverly Jenkins announced in her newsletter that Indigo will get its own 25th Anniversary Edition hardcover re-release! Do I already have this e-book? Yes. Will I still buy this hard copy? Also yes. This was the first book I read from Ms. Bev, so it will always have a special place in my heart. I introduced her books into our household, and my sister and father enjoyed them as well.

The Read Bliss channel closed down on Monday, May 31st. It was dedicated to all things romance, with a diverse list of Romance BookTubers regularly contributing. They will be moving over to the Harlequin Books’ channel, so just head on over there to continue to see more of their recommendations. 

If you’re looking for books like The Kiss Quotient, then this list is for you!

Katee Roberts shares her love of the Hades and Persephone mythos and gives some of her favorite retellings. Neon Gods, her spin on the tale, was released this last Tuesday.

Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop also debuted this week, and here is one reviewer’s take on the engaging new novel.

Recommendations

I know that technically the first day of summer isn’t until June 20th. But in the south it feels like it’s already arrived. A lot of us here are already making our plans for the summer. As much as I would love to go to the beach and sit in the sand to read for a couple of hours this summer, it won’t happen.

One reason is that work is going to be pretty busy all summer, so vacation time is limited. I was lucky to get my birthday off. Also, I anticipate the beaches being especially crowded this year, with the vaccinated and otherwise. And that’s just too much for me. 

So, I’m going to have to be content with reading by apartment pools this year. Which is fine since I can still read, get in the water, and get my drink on. If you’re like me and the beach is not on your Summer Bingo card, here are a couple of books to help channel those beach vibes.

Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan

After an accidental scandal almost derails her career, reporter Dakota decides to regroup in her small hometown of Holly Grove Island. Fate proves to have a funny sense of humor when she winds up having Dexter, the first man to break her heart, as her new boss. Will this second chance at romance be a winner for these two? Or will the past threaten to doom their possible future. This gives me beach vibes because…well…there’s a beach on the cover.

The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior by Jennifer McQuiston

Lucy is determined to become a spinster and believes that the diary and cottage that was bequeathed to her by an elderly aunt is a step in the right direction. Lord Thomas is equally as determined to get Lucy to sell the cottage to him and goes about wooing her to do so. Of course, love has other plans. I’ll be honest; I don’t know if this takes place in the summer or not. But cottages always make me think of summer for some reason, so here we are.

Perfect Pairing by Rachel Spangler

Hal is a food truck owner and enjoys all the freedom that comes with the career. Quinn is an investment banker who recognizes the potential in Hal and offers her a brick and mortar location; which she promptly turns down. Will the women’s different approaches to life and business equate to a difference in love? Or will their mutual attraction still lead to a happily ever after? Food trucks scream summer to me, especially since you can find many on the beach. This sounds like the perfect match-up.


And that’s all she wrote for now! I’ll be back again next Monday and if you want more in the meantime, give me a follow over on Twitter @Pscribe801. Have a great weekend!