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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Spring Break is next week, something I’m sure the Teenager is very ready for. We had had plans to go visit some friends in Ohio, but it had to get postponed for a myriad of reasons. The new plan is to take one or day trips to local cities and/or staying somewhere outside our own four walls for a few days. Either way, it will be fun and I am very much looking forward to it.
Bookish Goods
Enemies to Lovers Book Club Shirt by TheBookishCollective
I’ll be honest in admitting that the knives are the first thing that caught my attention here, because how could they not? Then I noticed the rest of the design and how beautiful it was while simultaneously boosting my favorite trope, and I just couldn’t resist sharing. $28+
New Releases
The Reluctant Heartthrob by Jackie Lau
When Robyn finally takes a chance on speaking to the cute guy she keeps seeing at her favorite coffee shop, it results in a passionate night for the two of them. The next morning, she is surprised to discover that her one-night stand is none other than actor Ethan Park and makes a hasty exit. When she runs into him again, Ethan asks her out on an actual date. She agrees, figuring he would be like all the other men she’s dated and end up leaving her quickly. However, Ethan isn’t like the other men who came before him and may end up changing the way she looks at love.
Love Furever by Gabbi Grey
When Colin receives a concerning diagnosis, he is certain he can no longer take care of Widget, his French bulldog pup. Enter foster father James, who is happy to help both Colin and Widget out, even though he doesn’t think the situation is as dire as the other man thinks. As James continues to help Colin out with Widget, the two men find themselves being drawn to one another and wondering if there is a chance for them despite the deck being seemingly stacked against them.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
The “just one night” or “just one time” trope is a popular one in romance novels. Because we all know that it is never just one time. if it was, then there wouldn’t be much of a story, right? Still, the journey to seeing how the characters realize that they were wrong in their assumption that once would be enough can be very entertaining.
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams
After receiving concerning work-related news, Naya’s friends convince her to let her inhibitions go for one night and give her a list of challenges. One of them is to engage in a random hook-up and have it just be for the night. However, when said one-night stand, Jake, is more charming than expected, resulting in Naya’s confidence rising, she begins to wonder if maybe it would be worth it to see if there is a permanent future possible for the two of them.
Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings
Even though she has a history of making mistakes, one thing Lizzie has never done is spend more than one night with a lover. When she loses out on another bakery job, she breaks that rule and engages in a two-night stand with Rake. This agreement is perfect for Rake, who isn’t interested in a relationship at all and is planning on returning home to Australia. Then, Lizzie tells her that one of their passionate nights resulted in an unexpected pregnancy, and the two agree to find a way to make this work while promising it will stay a platonic co-parenting situation. As the months pass, though, they find themselves growing closer and wondering if this unexpected change will result in a loving relationship that neither really wanted nor planned for.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday 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.