Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, your guide to all things romance-related. Thanks for taking the time from your day to give this a read! I hope that this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.
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Bookish Goods
Romantasy Starter Pack Mug by OpalandJuneShop
The text on this mug may indicate that it is specifically geared for newbies to the subgenre. However, it is perfect for a romantasy reader of any level. After all, who doesn’t love having a hot beverage with their current read? $20.00
New Releases
Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja
After a lifetime of bad luck in love, Maya agrees to an arranged marriage. On the flight to Pakistan to meet her future husband, she’s seated next to grumpy Sarfaraz. After the plane gets stranded in Switzerland, the two become travel companions and unlikely friends on the journey to their final destination. Soon, deeper feelings develop, leaving Maya to wonder if finding the perfect man mere days before her marriage to someone else is even further proof of her lack of luck in love.
Cover Story by Rachel Lacey
When there is a concern that there is someone stalking Hollywood’s leading lady Natalie, she quickly agrees to extra security. Her only request is that it be kept under wraps. Enter Taylor, bodyguard to the stars, fresh off a three-month recovery period. She is eager to get back into the field and agrees to act as Natalie’s bodyguard under the guise of being her girlfriend. However, as the fake relationship develops, real feelings blossom between the two women.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Romantasy is certainly having its time in the spotlight right now. Last year, it was even given its own category in the Goodreads Choice Awards. And, while that is arguably a very divisive move, it was also a necessity. If we’re being honest, there should also be separate sub-categories for historical, contemporary, and paranormal genres as well, so that there is a chance for multiple standout romances to be recognized.
I digress.
Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in that genre or are already a seasoned reader, here are some books for your reading consideration.
Night for Day by Roselle Lim
Exes Ward and Camille are reunited at a job interview and quickly discover that the sparks are still there. When they both get the position, albeit on opposite shifts, they take that as a sign to try again. After their respective first shifts, the two are imprisoned, kept in separate locations, and can only speak to one another in the brief moments before dawn. They will need to find a way to to break free and get their happily ever after, while simultaneously avoiding being caught in the middle of a battle between gods.
How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks
While traveling through elven country, an attempt is made to ambush and kidnap Princess Sorcha. However, Sorcha is far from a shrinking violet and immediately fights back against her would-be captors. She receives assistance in defeating the villains from a mysterious thief known only as the Woodsman. The two are immediately at odds, yet he agrees to accompany her and her companion to safety. Throughout the remainder of the journey, an attraction starts to simmer between the two that refuses to be ignored, leaving them to wonder what will happen at its end.
I’d say his audition went well, wouldn’t you?
If you’re a fan of medical romances, then this list is perfect for you.
And it’s always a good time for a Sapphic romance.
And that is all she wrote for today, y’all. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday and in the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.