Greetings and Salutations, fellow Romance lovers! It’s me, PN, back with another installation of the Kissing Books newsletter. I hope that your weekend was relaxing, rejuvenating, and that you’re ready to face the first full week of October.
I finally saw The Lost City and thoroughly enjoyed it. Each one of its rom-com-banana-pants moments. There was also the very real way it dealt with how someone could process grief, something I especially appreciated.
And, yes, I totally cheered when Alan firmly advocated for the joy of romance when Loretta had been disparaging of it. Made my heart super happy. Definitely going to be a regular watch. It also made me want to re-watch Romancing the Stone, no shame.
On to the rest of the newsletter.
Bookish Goods
Romance Book Tropes World Tour T-shirt by FanGirlByNeverlandB
This is an adorable and comfy-looking shirt that showcases love for all types of various romance tropes. And I love the design of it as well, as it is very reminiscent of shirts you would get at a concert. I would totally rock this while sitting on my porch, sipping a beverage. Comes in seven color options and starts at $19
New Releases
Rescuing Hearts by Ruby Scott
Due to numerous heartbreaking experiences in her youth, Kristi has decided to live her life on the road, or rather in the air, as a flight attendant traveling for work, pleasure, and volunteer work. On a flight to San José, she meets pediatric surgeon Fenna and finds herself drawn to the younger and optimistic woman. Will she be able to trust her enough to forget the hurts of the past and open herself up to a new lease on life and love?
Where Your Eyes Linger by Dani M. Ward
Jameson is an exotic dancer who also happens to be a Fire fae, on the run from her controlling royal ex. One of her most faithful patrons is Emmett but, fearing being hurt again or that Emmett will be harmed, she keeps him at arm’s length. As they get to know each other more, she begins to weigh the risks of opening up her heart again for a new chance at a happily ever after.
And don’t forget that for a more comprehensive list of new releases, you can always check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
I have been pulling extra hours at the day job over the last week because Mama needs that coin that comes with OT pay. True it gets tiring but Future Me will be grateful come payday. One way I have maintained a strong performance is because I am able to put on my ear buds, pick a Spotify playlist, and power through the day.
After all, a good playlist can make almost any stretch of time go by faster and make it slightly more enjoyable.
Now, my need for constant music flow during my nine to five got me thinking about how many romance novels borrow song titles for their own books. It’s not a consistent enough theme to be anything more than a sporadic pun, but it is still interesting to note and led to today’s recommendations: books that are also song titles!
Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
This second chance romance, which is also a modern spin on The Turn of the Screw, finds Andie returning to help her ex-husband North when he reaches out for help after finding out he is the sole guardian of two young cousins. A nice mix of romance and mystery with a spooky spin (there will actually be a ghost) also isn’t a bad way to kick off an October Reading List.
Along Came Love by Tracey Livesay
When India finds herself stranded in San Francisco, the only person she can turn to for help is Michael who is not only the man she ghosted after a two-day affair, but also the father of the baby she is carrying. Will this random series of circumstances be the perfect setting for the former lovers? Check out this one-time only, secret baby, forced proximity, second-chance story to see.
If you’ve been looking for some romances with Trans representation, here is a good jumping off point.
Plan a birthday party, get paired up with a 90’s heartthrob.
This is sound advice right here.
If you can’t get enough of enemies-to-lovers, this list has some options that you may have previously overlooked.
And that’s all I have for y’all today! I’ll be back on Thursday though so we shall meet again soon. Until then, you can give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading and stay hydrated!