Hello, friends, and welcome back. I know I say this every week but, with the record high temperatures everywhere, I sincerely hope you’re doing well. We’re reaching record breaking temperatures in my state that we haven’t seen since the early 20th century and it’s unbearable. And, again, it’s not even mid-July which means it’s not going to stop anytime soon. So, please try to stay inside, unless you absolutely have to go into the out. And if you do have to venture outdoors, be sure to drink water on the regular.
In reading news, I’m still working through The Very Secret Society Irregular Witches and I’m likely going to break my self-imposed rule of reading a max of three books at once to start No Rings Attached very soon.
Bookish Goods
Wine Tarot T-Shirt by DentzDenim
I’ve mentioned before I’m a fan of Tarot cards and the various art styles. I’m also a fan of wine, especially red wine. So, this shirt is right up my alley. Plus it’s a tank top which means that you don’t have to worry about the T-shirt tan if you have to be out and about. Heads up though; it only comes in white so be mindful of the red wine stains. $27
New Releases
Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter
After a couple of chance encounters in the most random of places, ranging from the Piggly Wiggly to a bingo hall, Aja and Walker decide to enter into a no-strings attached relationship. While both enter into this for a purely physical release to take their minds off their various life challenges, real feelings manage to develop between them leaving them to wonder if they should consider moving to just more than just a physical relationship.
My Fake Girlfriend by Reba Bale
Toya’s little sister is getting married and her mother insists that Toya bring her oft-talked about girlfriend as her guest. Only snag is that Toya doesn’t actually have a girlfriend and begs her friend Elana to act the role. Elana is initially hesitant, due to her very real feelings for Toya, but then decides to use this wedding as an opportunity to come clean about her feelings.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
I’m keeping up with the Christmas in July theme for today’s recommendations. I gotta say, the cooler weather would be much appreciated right now. Don’t be mistaken; I’m well aware that cold weather can be just as dangerous as the heat, since I very much remember February of 2021 in the South and the unprecedented blizzard we experienced. So, while I want it, I also want it safely.
Getting back on track, here are the recommendations for this week to hopefully help everyone get into a cool frame of mind while maintaining the warmish glow that romance novels can inspire in us. Also, as these are all novellas, y’all will get a bonus recommendation today!
Homecoming by Beverly Jenkins
It’s 1883, and Lydia is on her way home for the holidays. Along the way, she runs into Gray, a man she pined for when she was younger but parted ways with. Gray, a solider, is also on the way home and the two decide to make their way home together, wondering if this is their second chance at true love. I’m a sucker for second chance romances, especially ones where a considerable amount of time has passed since it gives both parties a chance to grow up a bit more. Plus, it’s a Jenkins so you know it’s going to be amazing.
The Viscount’s Tempting Minx by Erica Ridley
I read this novella a few years ago, when it was still under its previous name, The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation, to try to meet my Goodreads goal by the end of the year. Don’t judge me, we’ve all done it before. Anyways, I remember being delighted at the grumpy Benedict’s world being thrown into chaos when sunshiney Amelia refuses to let a little thing like a venue being destroyed derail his family’s annual Christmas celebration.
Booked for Christmas by Lily Menon
It’s romance novelist’s Sophia nightmare come true when her harshest critic Wolfe comes to her holiday party as someone else’s plus one. This bad luck seems to be doubled down on when both find themselves stranded alone when a blizzard blows in. Forced proximities are popular for winter-themed stories, likely due to the weather outside being frightful. But, it’s also a perfect time for romance as evidenced in this delightful tale.
It’s Cancer season! Happy birthday to all my fellow crabs out there and be sure to check out this list of romances that may speak to your Cancerian soul.
Guess the rom-com plot formatted as a recent popular Internet trend.
Check out this list of some recommendations from Julia Quinn, including her latest release, Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron, a graphic she did with her late sister Violet Charles.
Are you interested in joining us here on Book Riot? We’re looking for an Editorial Operations Associate. The position includes behind the scene tasks such as working closely with other editors and contributors, and we are committed to building an inclusive workforce and strongly encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and people of color. If that sounds up your alley, you can apply by clicking here.
And that’s all I have for you this week. I’ll be back on Monday wish a fresh newsletter. In the meantime, you can find me posting over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy readying and stay hydrated.