Hey y’all, welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. I hope your spirit is doing well. I’m PN Hinton, your guide through the roller coaster of a ride that the world of romance can be. If it is your first time here, welcome and if you’re a regular reader, welcome back.
It’s the last Monday in March y’all. This time next week, we’ll be in April and at the beginning of the second quarter of 2022. It’s hard to believe, especially when I remember that in roughly nine weeks it will be summer again. I know the Teenager will be happy at that but it will be an adjustment for me to get use to having someone around during my work day. No worries though, I’ll manage. I always do.
I also saw Turning Red last week and loved everything about it. I know there has been a lot of criticism for it, to which I saw *raspberry*. In the 80’s and 90’s we were overwhelmed with all the teenage, horny boy movies and all the content that would not fly today. So we can deal with a movie about a girl who is going through puberty and all the ups and downs it entails. Because everyone who went through it knows that it’s more than just boobies and getting your period.
Romance Reflection:
I’ve been seeing a lot of discussion on The Smolder in Romancelandia as of late. I think part of that is due to the release of the second season of Bridgerton and seeing all the smoldering looks between Anthony and Kate. And I totally get it. Because boy howdy some of those ocular exchanges…. *fans self*
Smolders abound in romance novels and movies. And it’s so glorious to read about and see in a romantic movie. It’s been said that the eyes are the window to the soul and typically are easy ways to decipher how someone is feeling. Unless one has perfected the art of a poker face or RBF, which is something I wear proudly most days. It took me a lot of years to perfect mine and gosh darn it, I’m going to show it off.
Getting back on track, sometimes you just can’t help looking at someone with such stark emotion on your face. And that is where the smolder comes in. Especially if it happens before either one or both of the main characters are willing to admit that they have feelings for one another. Or they let the mask slip because they think no one is watching and then someone, hopefully a friend, tells them in not so many words, “I totally saw you eye-banging them, just so we’re clear.”, much like the gif here illustrates.
And when the object of the observer catches the smolder and is caught off guard not knowing what to do or how to feel? Especially if they were previously combative with one another?!?! YES!! All the yes and swooning there.
So, bring on more of the smolder. Bring on the eyes that promise all the dirty and decadent things that will be done behind closed doors. Give me more of the longing gazes across crowded ballrooms or bars. I will always be here for it.
Book Riot Romance:
If you like manga, webtoons, and romance, this list has some recommendations for you.
Around the Web in Romance:
Here is this delightful round-up of 2022 romance novel covers as cocktails.
I had fun taking this Smash or Pass quiz that feature older Hollywood celebrities. And I won’t lie; I almost broke my mouse button on more than a handful for them.
I don’t know who this person was but I know they need to go kick rocks. Naysayers will need to stop saying romance writers aren’t intelligent when they’re some of the most intelligent people out there.
Kacen Callender is writing an adult romance novel!!
Love’s Sweet Arrow started a Trope Tuesday series on their TikTok and I’m excited to see what all they recommend in the coming weeks. I also strongly co-sign on the recommended book.
You mean you will pay me to say that I rejected you? I’m here for it. I agree someone needs to write this book because, whoo, is there potential there. I would definitely buy it.
Read this interview with Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran about their experiences joining the Bridgerton cast.
And this piece about how the friendship between Eloise and Penelope parallels in the books and show. This is one of the endearing constants in the series, so happy to see that.
New Releases:
Here are the books showing as being scheduled for release this week, although some of them may be subject to change. There’s a lot of exciting ones coming out so prepare your wallets and bank account accordingly.
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Chet Lee by Monica J Charles – (3/27)
Malum Discordiae by Ashlyn Drewek (3/28)
Going Public by Hudson Lin (3/29)
What Happens on Vacation by Brenda Jackson (3/29)
Her Favorite Rebound by Jackie Lau (3/29)
The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert (3/29)
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A Duke, the Spy, an Artist, and a Lie by Vanessa Riley (3/29)
A Small-Town Girl by Diana Anyango (3/30)
The Water’s Edge by Jerica Taylor (3/31)
You and Me Together by Kitty Jones (3/30)
Big Duke Energy* (3/30)
Last Resort by K. Bromberg (3/30)
*Anthology
And that’s all I have for y’all on this lovely Monday morning. I hope that your week has started off on the right foot and, if it was challenging, that this newsletter helped with a boost of serotonin. I’ll be back Thursday with another one and some recommendations. If you’re not already following me on Twitter, I can be found posting under @PScribe801. Happy reading!