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.
It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned a random thing that is bringing me joy. And that is channeling my inner semi-moody teenager by marathoning Daria on Paramount+. I loved this show and years ago, even got the entire series on DVD. Now I know streaming it when I own it may seem lazy. But something something convenience about pressing Play on an app versus hunting down the DVDs. And I’m okay with that.
I am currently reading Love, Theoretically and am enjoying it, and I’m also still working my way through You Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea and Killers of a Certain Age.
Don’t forget to check out The Deep Dive for some insider insight into the bookish world from various professionals in the field. Currently, Sharifah’s The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers is available to read for free and will give you an idea of what content you can expect from it. If you’re game, then head here to choose a membership level.
Bookish Goods
Pride Flag Hearts Bookmarks by ShopGiGiAndBo
You can never have too many bookmarks, especially when they are as cute as these are! Prices start at $3 and there are a total of 16 options to chose from.
New Releases
Can’t Let Her Go by Kianna Alexander
In addition to being good friends and core components to their friend squad, Peaches and Jamie are also both at a crossroads in their lives and the choices they make will have a rippling effect on everything. Will there be time on this journey of self-discovery to move from just friends to something more?
Sunshine and Silk Boxers by Joi Jackson
Lingerie designer Gia has moved back home to Kissing Springs ready to jumpstart her boutique that utilizes 3D printing technology. She enlists the help of her best friend Winston for this endeavor. Winston agrees, viewing this as the opportunity to let Gia know he wants to be more than friends. However, there is another man from Gia’s past who has moved to Kissing springs and decided he wants more than one night from her. Will Gia be able to choose between the two or will she end up heading back to the big city?
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
As mentioned in a previous edition, The Ripped Bodice recently announced their summer Bingo card for 2023. Check out the fun short they put together with this announcement.
Now I’ll be honest in saying I probably can’t help get all the squares since I’m blanking on options for some of topics. For the life of me I cannot think of a book where there was a legit fainting couch. But I can help y’all with at last two of them with today’s recommendations.
Along Came Love by Tracey Livesay
Square: It Was Supposed to Be One Night
When India has a brief two-day fling with Michael, she thinks it is just that. Months later she finds herself pregnant with his child and in jail in San Francisco with no one else to call for help but him. When Michael arrives to bail her out and finds out he’s the father of the baby, he insists on her staying until the baby is born. Soon, the close proximity reminds both parties of what brought them together in the first place and that this is the perfect opportunity for a second chance.
Okay this one may be pushing the envelope a bit since the affair lasts two nights, but I think an argument could be made.
Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett
Aida is the rare performing medium in that she can actually summon and communicate with the departed. Winter is a bootlegger who has suddenly found himself on the wrong side of a hex that makes him a magnet for ghosts. Aida is called in to help get rid of the spirits as well as work with Winter to find out who cursed him. As they work together, an attraction soon begins to develop between the two of them and they know that it is something they will have to discuss when all of this is done with.
In somber news, prolific romance author Julie Garwood has passed away.
If you’re needing more sizzle in your life, these romance novels may be perfect for you.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back on Thursday with another edition and in the meantime you can find me over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then happy reading and stay hydrated.