Hello and happy Monday. It’s the beginning of a new week and a new month. So here’s to this one being relatively chaos-free. But considering the world that we live in, that may not be possible at all. I still have a little bit of faith, though.
In things currently bringing me joy, I found a shade of blue and green lipstick that I am loving and have added it to my regular rotation.
Bookish Goods
Come For the Romance, Stay for the Smut Wall Print by PositivelyGB
I love the simplicity and sassiness of this print. It looks deceptively tame until you get up close and then you see the snark. It’s beautiful and it’s still. It’s perfect for a reading nook, corner, or hung between bookshelves in your personal library. As an added bonus, it is also very affordable. $5.00
New Releases
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
After being caught kissing Malaki, one of the men she has denounced as being being a “wastemen” on her show, student radio DJ Kiki decides the way to save face is by entering a fake relationship with him. Both are in it to salvage their reputations, but find themselves looking at each other through new eyes with each and every date they have.
Heated by Naima Simone
When professional ‘unmatchmaker,’ meaning she does the breaking up for people, Zora finds out that her latest client is entertainment attorney Cyrus, she’s shocked to say the least. As is Cyrus when she shows up ready to read the break-up letter from his girlfriend. But as the two begin to have more encounters, they wonder if this twist of fate will actually work in their favor.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I won’t lie, Past Me was planning on recommendations for today that were themed more towards the early days of America, specifically during the Revolutionary War, what with it being the Fourth of July. However, recent events have made me less patriotic than I normally am, and I don’t want to do that at all anymore, not even a little bit. And I won’t apologize for that.
Instead I’m going to recommend books where the main characters have decided they don’t want kids. The reasons don’t matter because, fictional or otherwise, it’s their choice. Much like it should be for anyone with a uterus, as they would be the one carrying the child. Because despite what others may think and say, you don’t stop being a parent when the child turns 18. You stop being a parent when you die. It’s a lifelong commitment so people should be 110% dedicated to this before they take that leap. And it sure as hell shouldn’t be a decision that is made for them by someone else.
Please note that this isn’t me saying, whether it’s in real life or in romance novels, that you can’t want to have or actually have kids. And to show this sometime in the near future, I will do recommendations for the surprise baby trope. But, again, the opposite is also true.
Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins
Spring is a BAMF for many reasons, such as her being able to live independently on her own, off the land, her practice of safe sex in a time where it was almost unheard of, and her being unapologetic about not wanting kids. And the male MC, Colton, is super supportive of this which is awesome to see, no matter the time period the story takes place in.
Not Another Family Wedding by Jackie Lau
Natalie is another kickass female MC who doesn’t want kids at all and, in a move that is still somewhat unique for romance novels, has had an abortion in the past. Of course, this totally valid decision isn’t always something her romantic partners agree with, so she stays mainly single. That is, until she kisses her best friend at wedding. This is a romance so there is an HEA and Jackie Lau has stated herself that it is a child-free one, so again big ups for a supportive partner.
Here is the latest from Love’s Sweet Arrow Trope Tuesdays; Celebrity Romances!
This is a fun way to past the time; pick attractive guys and get told your type.
That’s all for you this Monday. I’ll be back Thursday with more romance-related updates for you. In the meantime you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading and stay hydrated!