Hello and happy Thursday. I’m writing this to you the day after I returned from my trip to the coast and lemme tell you, I’m already ready to go back. It wasn’t nearly as long as I would have liked it for my first time, and the friends I went with agreed that the next time we go, we’re going to shoot for three or four full days as opposed to just one.
Still, it was a great break and opportunity to recharge before the absolute bonkers-ness that the last part of the year always turns out to be. I watched my spouse go parasailing from the safety of the boat, since heights are a thing for me. We ate at a really good Cajun restaurant for lunch and I found a new way to eat boudain (squeeze some lemon, lime, or both on them). Then we all did a bonfire on the beach. It was also nice to go check it out sans teenager, I won’t lie. People forget or overlook parents and kids need breaks sometimes too, and that is okay.
While I spent most of my time out and about, I did manage to finish The Dead Romantics, which I enjoyed. I am still working my way through Book Lovers and plan on starting Love in the Time of Serial Killers, since I didn’t start that as planned over the weekend.
Now that I’ve talked to your ear off, onto the rest of the newsletter!
Bookish Goods
Grumpy and Sunshine Candle by BriarWick
This is, by far, one of my favorite tropes and I love that there is a candle for it. If you’re also a fan, then you can burn this beauty while reading one of the many books that fall into it. $5
New Releases
Visible Mending by M. Arbon
This is all about about Edd, a sweet and overgenerous clotheshorse and Corey, his shy new neighbor who is learning how to adjust to their new solo status after a break-up. Edd slowly works to bring Corey out of their shell and welcome them to the small town of Clover Hill. Just when it seems like their friendship may move to more, Corey’s past comes back and brings back their fears that they would make a good partner, leading them to ask Edd for space. Will their relationship be able to overcome this setback or will this doubt end it before it can really start?
A Complicated Kind of Love by Adesuwa O’man Nwokedi
In this opposites attract romance, we meet Bioye who, after a makeup with her high school love, takes a position at the Malorno High summer camp being ran by Abolore, one of her former teachers who has sworn off love. An unexpected attraction blooms between them but their relationship has more than a few complications standing in its way. Will these prove to be too much for them or will they be able to overcome these obstacles and the hurts of their past to find a new love together?
And don’t forget that for a more comprehensive list of new releases, you can always check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
To go along with the bookish good, today’s recommendations will be books in the Grumpy/Sunshine genre. I know that I recently did this theme last month but what can I say? As mentioned numerous times, I’m sure, I’m a big fan of this trope and make no apologies for it!
Gulf Breeze by Gerri Hill
Due to intervention from a meddling, but well meaning aunt, photographer Pat finds herself helping marine biologist, Carly in restoring the woods and wetlands of the Texas Gulf Coast. For various and personal reasons, neither woman is looking for love but it seems that nature has other plans for them, especially when an early season hurricane decides to roll in. Close proximity, banter, and the beach? What more could you ask for?
A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole
This was the first book that I read in the series and it’s still a favorite. I love Portia’s energy and how she matches the Tavish grumpiness with just the right amount of sunshine. Plus, I love how much work we see Portia put into herself since she wants to be a better person. Not that she was a bad person at all, mind you, which is another draw to this story: her finding out she is worthy and just fine as she is. Tthat alone is always something very encouraging to read.
Romancelandia is once again coming together to fundraise for a good cause. Click here to donate to the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Trans Youth Emergency Fund and get a baker’s dozen of awesome romances.
This is giving *big* romance novel energy.
“Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match…”if that trope is for you, then this list has you covered.
Pick your fall favorites and get your love language.
Here are just some of the romance novels we have to look forward to this fall. Out of the 66 titles listed, I’ve read two already and 17 are on my TBR.
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime, you can give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!