Welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. If you’re a regular reader, I’m glad to see you again. Or, if this is your first time here, I’m glad that you joined us. I’m PN Hinton, and I’ll be your guide through all things romance-related.
2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!
Despite being the shortest month on the calendar, even when it is a Leap Year, February has always felt jam-packed full for me, especially in the last few years. That said, the first day of February is also my son’s birthday, which means that, if nothing else, that day always brings a smile.
Bookish Goods
Book Nerd Beanies by NrrdyandFlirty
Confession: beanies are, the only hats that look good on me because my hair is super curly. And these seem perfect, since they also showcase one’s love of reading. $17
New Releases
Mister Sommelier by B. Love
By day, Antonne is a lover of wine and fine dining. But by night, it is a different story and, after his nocturnal happenings resulted in the loss of his fiancée, he resolved to putting love on the back burner. Then, he meets Haley, a sensual young woman who makes him rethink this approach to relationships. However, the two walk a fine line between friendship and romance and have to decide if it is worth it to throw caution to the wind to take a chance on the attraction that is obviously blooming between the two of them.
If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke
Duke of Wellesbourne Acton is in want of a duchess. On the way to meet a potential bride, his interest is snagged by a widow who disappears before he can get to know her better. When he finally reaches his destination, he discovers that the widow and potential bride are one and the same. However, Persephone has witnessed firsthand the damage rogues can do and is determined to resist Acton’s charms. Of course, she soon discovers that there is a reason that rogues like him are so hard to resist.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Today’s recommendations are brought to you with a bit of a collaboration from my partner. When I was sitting at my desk, pondering a theme, he suggested “cozy winter.” Which made my brain immediately go back to snowed-in romances. Hence, the theme for today. And, as an added bonus, both are also novellas, which will also help with getting a good head start on reading goals for this year. Double winner!
Booked for Christmas by Lily Menon
Romance author Sophia and critic Wolfe have always had a combative relationship, what with him seeming to detest the sweet happily ever afters she provides readers with. When she throws a holiday party at her cabin, and Wolfe shows up as someone else’s plus one, they are surprised, to say the least. Then, a snowstorm blows in, leaving the two stranded with one another until it blows over. This also leads to them getting to know a little more about the other person and realizing that their personas on paper do not necessarily translate to reality.
Snow Storm by Cassie Mint
After years of saving up, Quinn is overjoyed to finally be heading to England for a college trip. When she ends up falling asleep on a guided tour due to jet lag, she is awakened by the Duke of Collingswood, who initially believes she is paparazzi. While that misconception is quickly laid to rest, it comes after a snowstorm has started and the tour bus has left. The two soon realize that they are stuck with each other for a bit, which is the beginning of their modern-day fairy tale.
Take this quiz to find out which rom-com leading lady you are.
Here are some dark comedy romance novels to consider adding to your TBR.
And prepare your wallets for some of the most buzzed-about romances headed our way in 2024.
And that’s all I have for you today and this week. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.