We’ve almost made it through another week friends and, after the catastrophe that was last Friday, that’s a feat in and of itself. In these dark and challenging times, It is hard to find the light sometimes. And, even though there are tough times ahead, it is important to take time to take a moment and just enjoy the things, whether it’s picking up a book, losing yourself in a videogame for a few hours, or enjoying a nice cold adult beverage. Big hugs to everyone hurting right now.
I’m not sure about y’all but, as always, reading is still my consistent silent partner. So, in currently reading news, I have From Bad to Cursed, Chef’s Kiss, and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina on my shelf.
Bookish Goods
Romance Reader Bookish Tote Bag by TheBookishCollective
I love this acrostic-inspired bag that matches some of romance’s popular tropes with a descriptive word that I know most of us resonate with. You can use it over and over again for the multiple trips to the library or bookstore, or just a day to the beach to read the books that you borrow or buy from said places. Sounds like winning all around to me. $16
New Releases
The Bluestocking Beds Her Bride by Fenna Edgewood
Fleur is a woman who is determined to have her revenge on the man she believes is responsible for her family’s downfall. Lady Julia is a happy spinster who advocates for the less fortunate, ignoring the rumors that abound the ton about her preference of bed partners. When the two happen to meet, their destinies and their lifelong goals become entwined, leaving them with hope for their futures, possibly together.
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
When professor and Prince Jameson is tasked by the Queen to put on a concert in her husband’s memory, he resents being called in to take away attention from her unruly children and hires a singer known as ‘Duchess’. Too late, he realizes that Duchess is rapper, which is not the music that the Queen had in mind. But Duchess is also trying to get some good PR generated for her, so the two decide to make the best of this situation, while trying to ignore the attraction that is building between them.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
Since I’ve done enemies to lovers before, I decided that for today’s recommendations, the theme would be the friends to lovers variety. Personally, I am a big fan of this trope and always have been. I blame movies like When Harry Met Sally and not-so-much-guilty-pleasure Boys & Girls. Because honestly in this day and age, as long as it’s legal and moral, enjoy what you do because our current world is a hellscape.
Getting back on track, here are my recommendations for some friends to lovers books to add to your TBR.
Bedding Lord Ned by Sally MacKenzie
I’ve talked about this series before in the past and I still maintain that if you’re looking for some light historical reads with a bananas premise, it’s right up that alley. This one is about oldest son Ned, who has been a widower of four years and is looking to change that. Right when he decides this, his childhood friend Ellie—who has carried a torch for Ned for years—decides she give up the ghost and look to other suitors. Of course you know that they will end up together but the journey there, which also includes a red panty-stealing cat, is a hilarious romp.
How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson
This was one of my first reads of the year and I strongly feel that not enough people are talking about it. Is it a bananapants premise? Sure; but I mean, a lot of books out there have even zanier ones. Plus, I love the slow build between True and Lu, plus the descriptions of the various places and people they met. Because there is a lot of name dropping done here: who gets dropped? Well you have to read it to find out.
Apparently I knew a lot more about 90’s rom-coms than I thought which is nice to know. Take this quiz to find out where you rank.
Here is a round-up of some of the more popular romances that feature a celebrity
And if you’re looking for some reads that will make you want to fan yourself from more than the summer heat, check this list out.
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday and in the meantime you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until next time.
— PN Hinton