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.
Want to make your book club the best club? Sign up for our In the Club newsletter. In the Club will deliver recommendations for the best books to discuss in your book clubs. From buzzy new releases to brilliant throwbacks, the books highlighted in this newsletter will drive your book club discussions. We’ll also share some book club-friendly recipes and interesting bookish updates from all over. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations, plus community features. In other words, we’ll keep you well-met, well-read, and well-fed. Sign up today!
I have been needing new glasses for a while and finally went to get my eyes checked. I had been wanting to try Pair Eyewear, so I went ahead and took a chance on them, which resulted in a new obsession. In total, I’ve ordered three top frames to go with the base pair and have still paid less than I would have for just the frames from my doctor’s office, which includes what insurance would have covered. You can’t argue with that math, friends.
Bookish Goods
You Were Right Here Magnetic Bookmark by AngelicaZunigaArt
Growing up, I was the type of reader who just had to stop my reading session at the end of the chapter. I still prefer doing that, but as an almost fully formed adult, I know that it isn’t always possible. So, this very specific bookmark makes my heart super happy. $5.00
New Releases
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
Soledad is a domestic goddess with the magic touch to fix any conflict that arises in a situation. When the man she had planned on building forever with commits an act of betrayal, she redirects her energy to adjust to being a single mother. Then, Judah enters the picture, and, despite the pain that she is still processing, Soledad finds herself tempted to take another chance at trusting her judgment, trusting a man, and trusting love.
Born of Blood and Magic by M.C. Hutson
Violet is a vampire who, thanks to a curse, can’t drink blood. Petra is an assassin for an organization that is dedicated to eradicating all supernatural creatures. Despite these drastic differences, the two women find that they are key to changing each other’s fates for the better and are forced to work together. Whether they will be able to overcome their understandable initial distrust of one another is undetermined, especially when an attraction begins to develop between the two of them.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
There was a recent discussion in the Romancelandia section of the bird app concerning “old lady romance,” which are romances that center around characters that are in their late 30s or early 40s. As someone who is in their 40s, I completely get the appeal of wanting to read about older characters.
But I was young once, so I also understand wanting to read romances around new adults coming into their own. Ultimately, the general rule of thumb is and always should be live and let read. We’re not in school anymore, and no one is forcing you to read anything you don’t want to read. There is something out there for everyone.
With that said, today’s recommendations do feature characters who find love later in life because it is still important to recognize that it is possible.
More Than Love by Sharon C. Cooper
Benjamin and Makena have been friends for over 40 years. Throughout that time, Makena has been in love with Ben but never wanted to risk losing their friendship. Now, though, Ben wants to take their relationship to the next level, and Makena isn’t certain if she will be able to resist him once he turns on the charm that she knows is there.
Just a Touch Away by Jae
Professional cuddler Hannah and ice queen Winter are completely opposite. When Winter’s father dies, he leaves them both a building with the caveat that in order to inherit, they will have to live together for 92 days. While Winter is set on disliking the other woman, as the days start to pass, she finds herself looking at her in different ways and beginning to wonder if the posthumous machinations of her estranged father ended up leading her to a happily ever after.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and, if you’re so inclined, you can give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.