Hello and welcome (back) to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, here to give you the rundown on the world of romance, including new releases, recommendations, and other entertaining ways to pass your time.
April is almost over and it’s really hard to reconcile with that. I feel that this year is speeding by, which may or may not be a feeling you share. It also doesn’t really help that I feel like I’m so busy with everything that I can’t keep up with it all, or make sure I have some ‘me’ time. I’m not trying to have a pity party of one or anything like that but between personal and real world stuff, everything is just so draining. Here’s hoping that it turns around soon though!
Before we move on to more romance-related fun, are you on the hunt for fascinating insider stories from long standing experts in the book and publishing world? Then you should check out The Deep Dive, Book Riot’s latest newsletter. For just $5 a month, you’ll receive exclusive content via email twice a month. You can also try The Splash Pad for free, which is a monthly round up of bookish goods and reading recommendations. Read more about this and your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com.
Bookish Goods
Romance Trope Mug by AriellaSkyDesigns
It’s been a while since I highlighted a mug and I thought it was time to rectify that. I love this design and how the different tropes appear as bubbles. There are two size options as well as other color options for all white or white/black. The price for this starts at $21.
New Releases
Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli
After Jasmine’s relationship dissolves, she joins her parents on their vacation to try to realign her life. Little does she know that this is a seniors’ cruise and that the only other person on the boat under 50 is her childhood frenemy Jake. While the two initially clash, they soon realize that they have a lot in common. Is this a new chance for them, or is this romance destined to end once they’re back on land?
The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
Tired of her family’s attempts to set her up, bookstore owner Tansy tells them she’s dating Gemma, cover model and latest heir to Van Dalen Publishing. However, Gemma will only receive her inheritance if she also marries.When she hears that Tansy is already claiming to be her girlfriend, she takes it further by announcing a fake engagement. Both women need their families to believe their façade and are determined to see it through, even if it’s getting harder and harder for them to remember that it is not for real.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Lately I have been really wanting a pet; I don’t know what prompted this but I’ve felt it for a while. Now do I plan on getting one soon? No, and it’s purely because I’m still in an apartment and the pet deposit and rent is too damn high even for something small like a hedgehog or a hamster. Plus my apartment is not as big as I would like it for having any kind of pet, so it will stay a dream deferred until I get a house.
In the meantime I can read about all the pets I want in romance books, like the ones recommended today. As an added bonus, these books feature a rescue program with pets, which is something that is always needed and appreciated.
The Bookshop Rescue by Rochelle Alers
Bookstore owner Lucy decides that one way she can start work on her broken heart is by fostering pregnant golden retriever Buttercup. When it is time for the puppies to make their entrance into the world, neighbor Calum helps to deliver the litter. Neither expected that one passionate night between them would result in a baby soon being on the way for them and the ways that both their lives will change in life and love from there.
Rescue You by Elysia Whisler
Even though the dog rescue she runs with her sister has helped Constance heal from her most recent heartbreak, she needs more of a release and joins a gym. There she comes across grumpy Rhett, who is completely unprepared for how quickly she breaks down his emotional walls. When the sisters’ dog rescue is threatened, Rhett joins them to help save the business, and Constance and him begin to realize that this may be the opportunity for them to also save one another.
More Romance News
On Monday the Lift 4 Autism auction will open up for bidding. This initiative was started by Kennedy Ryan and Ginger Scott in honor of April being Autism Acceptance month. As someone who also has a child with ASD, I’m super excited to see what will be raised this year! Click here to start browsing the catalog.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I hope that y’all have a wonderful weekend no matter what you choose to do. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with another roundup of romance related fun. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.