Hey y’all and welcome back. I know that the world is a dumpster fire right now and that won’t change soon. And while I tend to be a ‘glass half empty’ person, I also recognize that you need to take the time to find joy, even in small things. So, in the spirit of that, I’m going to drop some random facts here that may make you smile.
For starters, July 18th is National Sour Candy Day. Now, yes, it’s “unofficial.” But still, how fun is that? So, go on and get your sour candy fix on today. After all, you’re just observing the holiday right?
Also, rainbows at night, while rare, do happen and are called moonbows.
Hopefully those helped to start your day off on the right foot or perk you up! Now on to the rest of the newsletter.
Bookish Goods
Romance Books Stack Hard Enamel Pin by ProcrastiplannerEtc
One of the gifts I recently got myself was a pin to display all of my pins. And y’all, I love it so much! It’s a great way to let someone get a brief glimpse into the chaos that is my personality and brain. So, naturally, I’m on the hunt for more pins like this beautiful gem right here. It’s simple but says so much about a romance reader’s preferences that everyone should get one. $5.50
New Releases
The Sweetest Connection by Denise Williams
This novella is a friends to lovers set up at an airport with a scavenger hunt thrown in for kicks. When candy shop worker Teagan finds a lost love letter, she’s determined to find out who it belongs to. Friend and secret admirer Silas joins her on this adventure and the two are on the case. However, hanging over them though is Teagan’s impending travel plans which will take her away for who knows how long. Is a week enough time to solve the case and for these two figure out that they’re meant to be more than just friends?
Genuine Imitation by G.R. Lyons
After experiencing one too many betrayals in his life, Thomas has opted to a life as a recluse. This plan is thrown off track when Hayden is caught trespassing on his property and Thomas offers him a unique arrangement that will help with Hayden’s financial issues. Hayden is also determined to break down Thomas’s walls and prove that he’s worthy of his love, despite all the challenges and threats that are now headed their way.
Riot Recommendations
We’re keeping with the theme of honoring 1994’s Black Summer of Love with today’s recommendations. They both feature Black romance authors who got their start around that time. Now, this does include Ms. Bev because it’s also #JenkinsJuly, as she is so worthy of a month of celebration.
They’re also all short stories as opposed to full length novels. I love a good novel, don’t get me wrong, but every now and then a short story collection is just up my alley because I can read it in small doses. Even novellas are nice since they can be read in a couple of hours. So, if you’re like me and looking for stories like that, here are some candidates for your consideration.
Island for Two by Beverly Jenkins and Elaine Overtone
I don’t know about y’all, but reading about island getaways and finding love sounds just peachy keen right now. From a plane crash in Hawaii to a Fiji island fling that soon develops into more, these may just be what you need for a getaway from the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget a daquiri!
Rosie’s Curl and Weave by Rochelle Alers, Donna Hill, Felicia Mason, and Francis Ray
I remember reading this book when I was in high school and enjoying it. So, I was super happy when it was reissued. There are four love stories here, all centered around the neighborhood salon, featuring very different women at different places in their lives. One thing they have in common though? They’re all about to find love very soon!
Frolic’s Monthly Book Crush for July is The Sizzle Paradox by Lily Menon!
Here are some romances to bring some thrills to your summer.
And, if you want, you can turn the heat up even more with some of the books named here.
Check out Love’s Sweet Arrow recs for Sibling’s Best Friends-ish romances.
Read a short passage and possibly get hooked on a new romance novel.
Enjoy this this video clip of Jackie Collins taking down Barbara Cartland after the latter called the former’s book terrible.
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back on Thursday with a fresh new edition. In the meantime, you can give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!