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.
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I had a great time last weekend at my library’s Romance Social! There were a few craft options, but the only one I partook in was the resin keychain, which I will enclose a photo of below. I also picked up two books by two new-to-me authors. The first was An Earl Unmasked by Rachel Ann Smith, and the second was Secrets with the Marquess by Ceilia Rene.
Bookish Goods
Book-Bish Mug by FailedScientistCafe
Is this mug more than a little sassy? Yes. Does that make me love it just a bit more? Also yes. Seriously, I may have to rethink not getting myself a new mug because this one it just too tempting. And with prices starting at $12 and four color options, there is bound to be one for everyone.
New Releases
The Catch by Amy Lea
A misunderstanding about check-in dates lands influencer Melanie at a bed and breakfast in a rural east-coast Canadian fishing village, where she meets grumpy Evan and his bubbly cousin Lucy. When a boating accident lands Evan in the hospital, Mel claims to be his fiancée to make sure he isn’t left alone. But when his feuding family arrives, the two agree to keep up the pretense for their own personal reasons. As the week passes, the two find themselves being drawn to one another while being all too aware that their city versus country personalities may prove to be too different.
The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett
In an effort to make some quick cash while adjusting to various life changes, Jesse agrees to take part in a ‘friendship study.’ When he finds himself paired up with Lulu, a woman who he recently ghosted after a hot date, it just seems to be another one of life jabs. Still, the two try to make the best of this odd situation while simultaneously ignoring the chemistry that is still very present between the two of them.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Tomorrow is “Do a Grouch a Favor Day,” which is easier said than done since grouches tend to be…well, grouchy and not always receptive to help. However, there is often a reason for the hard exterior as well as a super soft heart beneath it. Even Oscar the Grouch has affection for his friends and his pet Wormy; it is just not always obvious.
In honor of today, I’m going to be recommending some grumpy/sunshine romances since that is a steady favorite in Romancelandia, especially with this girl. Enjoy!
With Her Own Two Hands by Tasha L. Harrison
Artist Julian left Philadelphia heartbroken and robbed of the creativity that once made him stand out among his peers. He ends up with a space next to Agostina’s shop in an art studio and is drawn to the woman and her carefree nature. Agostina offers him spiritual help to help him get over the drastic changes his life has made. But Julian may need more than that type of help to get out of his slump, and Agostina may just be the woman who can give it to him, provided she can get over her own hang-ups about love.
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
Former footballer Alfie has been strong-armed into selling his memoirs even though he knows he will have difficulty putting his emotions to paper. That is where ghostwriter Mable comes in, but her sunshiny nature is instantly at odds with his storm clouds. When their working relationship is mistaken for a romance though, they find themselves fake dating to appease the fans. However, soon, real feelings develop between the two of them, leaving them to wonder if there is a happily ever after in the cards for them.
I’ve actually read all the Sapphic romances here and can attest to their awesomeness.
In addition to a picture of my new keychain, I’m going to close this out with the reminder that as of today, all Valentine’s Day goodies, be they chocolate, candy, or decorations, should, at the very least, be 50% off. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.