Hello and welcome (back) to the Kissing Books newsletter. In case you’re new here, I’m PN and I’ll be your guide through the happenings in the world of romance.
I know that this was a stressful week for a lot of us, what with Tuesday being Election Day. I’m writing from the past so no clue how it all turned out yet. All I can tell myself is that I voted with my heart and for the betterment of my state. All I can do now is hope that it proves to be successful.
In lighter news, I finished Witcha Gonna Do? and found it delightfully cheeky and fun. I finally also indulged myself and one-clicked Dowry’s Meadow, a book that has legit been on my mind since I saw this specific TikTok a few months ago and will be starting that very soon. I also started A Haunted History of Invisible Women: True Stories of America’s Ghosts for nonfiction November vibes.
Onto the rest of the newsletter.
Bookish Goods
Reader ’til I Die Magnetic Bookmark by CraftyEliseShop
I feel this motto to the depths of my little reader soul. Plus, I also like that it looks larger than most magnetic bookmarks I’ve seen, which I really appreciate. I have a few floating around but they are tiny so it’s like a little surprise when I actually find them in a book. But something tells me this one would be a tough one to lose and it’s super affordable, priced at just $3.
New Releases
A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal by Preslaysa Williams
All of Jaslene’s plans for a perfect wedding with her fiancé Marcus drastically changed when her sister died in a tragic car accident. After this loss, she focuses on raising her niece and keeping the wedding business she started with her late sister afloat. Marcus, heartbroken but understanding, decides to turn his focus to his job at Charleston’s Black History museum. When their paths cross again, they can’t ignore the pains from the past or their ripple effects in the present. They also cannot ignore that they are still very much in love with each other.
A Second Chance by Tessa Vidal
Gracie left her town to pursue a career in medicine and in the process left behind the woman she loved. When she returns years later, she is eager to help the less fortunate with affordable medical care as well as try to win back Lauren’s affections. Having gone through a gauntlet of stressful and tragic life changes, not to mention the intense heartbreak she felt when she got left behind, Lauren isn’t sure she is willing to accept Gracie back into her life or heart, even though the temptation to do both is very high.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I totally didn’t intend to highlight two second chance romances in the New Release section. But you know what? I’m not mad about it and we’re going to continue to ride that hype train through today’s recommendations.
Also, you’re welcome for the earworm that you may have gotten from that sentence. Fun fact: my dad hated that song because I wore it out when I was in high school. That and “Shy Guy,” which I still regularly jam out to.
Enough with the tales about Wee Me. It’s recommendation time!
Through the Storm by Beverly Jenkins
This was probably my first second chance romance book. I still have fond memories of it and how it taught me that it is possible to forgive and grow when it comes to matters of the heart. This is the first in Jenkins’s remarkable Le Veq series and, in my opinion, one of her most emotional ones. But you’re sure to fall in love with Raymond and Sable, along with every Le Veq family member.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
I’m still in the mood for witchy reads and I just got my copy of the sequel to this, The Kiss Curse, via a Book of the Month add-on. So, it seemed the perfect time to hype up this book about what can happen if you mix a broken heart, vodka, and witchcraft to curse your ex. Especially when they show up years later, still looking as handsome as ever and also very much cursed. And it doesn’t help the fact that the attraction is still there as well.
Check out this interview with Elena Armas.
Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming and current releases in historical romances.
Test out your romcom quote knowledge here.
Or, you can make a dessert pizza and get a Disney prince.
And that is all I have for y’all today. I don’t often give ‘homework,’ but I’m going to today by imploring you to take some time for yourself this weekend or whenever your next day off is. This timeline is challenging as hell, and that’s even before you factor in what time of the year it is. It’s okay to take that necessary time to prepare yourself for what may come next.
I’ll be taking my own advice this weekend and really focusing on relaxing. I will also be going to the symphony, courtesy of a season’s pass one of my near and dear friends recently purchased for me, and am beyond excited for it. I can also still be found posting occasionally over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until Monday, happy reading and stay hydrated.