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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Well, it’s back to school for the Teenager this week, which I know he’s less than thrilled about because, I mean…it’s school. Still, he had a good week off I think. We didn’t go anywhere out of town because that’s just how the chips fell. Still, we did have some family time, which was my main goal for the week. Plus, he has a four-day weekend and the end of this month, which means there is more extra time off for him in the future, so yeah…he’ll be fine.
Bookish Goods
Dark Romance Wax Sampler by MidslumberProducts
One thing about me that you may not know is I love sampler packs. I’m notoriously frugal and these types of packs are perfect for me, since they give me a taste — or in this case scent — of everything to find my favorite. And in cases where I love them all? Well, then the price justifies making it a regular buy to get a little bit of everything. $12.00
New Releases
Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley
When Lissie accidentally serves food that contains shellfish paste to a very allergic customer, she finds herself in the sights of the snobbish Lin family, specifically their son, Preston. As a result of this honest mistake, the two are at odds with one another from the start. However, their paths continue to cross and bring them together. Will these chance encounters result in the two realizing that first impressions can be changed and that there is a chance for them to turn from enemies to lovers?
I’ll Conjure for You by Charish Reid
When one of novice witch’s Helen spells goes awry, it results in Everett finding the words to finally tell her how he feels about her. While Helen didn’t intend for the spell to turn out this way, she has to admit that she doesn’t mind the steamy results, but she soon finds herself needing to refocus their attention on getting rid of the evil presence that looms in Everett’s grandmother’s house once and for all.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
One of the books I’m currently listening to is Butcher & Blackbird. Now, regular readers will know that I am not a huge fan of dark romances, so this read is way outside my comfort zone. But my spouse listened to it first and really enjoyed it, and since I wanted to share that experience with them, I decided to give it a try.
I’m enjoying it so far and may be interested in the others in the trilogy. This doesn’t mean I’m ready to cannonball into the pool that is dark romance, but I may likely be willing to give them more of a chance. Since I know that a lot of my readers are dark romance girlies or looking to step into that world, I wanted to recommend a few for today.
As always, please remember to check the CW/TWs for these titles before diving in.
Sinful Vow by Asia Monique
As a mafia princess, Lucia has lived her entire life knowing that her marriage would be an arranged one, leaving her with no choice about who her husband would be. But, even though the majority of the mafia underworld viewed her as just a mafia princess, her family brought her up as an equal. So when she met her soon-to-be husband Enzo, she hoped he would be ready to accept her as an equal as well. Especially since she has some plans of her own that could change everything for them and the world they inhabit.
Souls and Sorrows by Sav R. Miller
When lawyer Cash finds himself at an underground auction, he ends up bidding on ex-ballerina Ariana and ends up with a new wife. However, Ariana is not a meek woman by any means, having had to fight to survive her entire life, and figures Cash will be just as malleable as the other men she’s come across. To her surprise, he never gives in to her seduction tactics, no matter how hard she tries, and she begins to wonder if this chance meet-up will result in a new life for her, full of healing and love.
Here are some recommendations for those who like their romance with a dash of adrenaline.
Take this quiz to find out which Modern Family couple you’re most like.
And here are some recs for my monster lovers.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday and in the meantime you can always give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.