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.
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!
Last Sunday, the Boston Public Library hosted a conversation with Beverly Jenkins and I was able to Zoom in for it. And, y’all…there are no words to fully explain the level of joy this brought me. Mrs. Bev is one of my favorite authors, but I have never had the opportunity to hear her speak. I had been looking forward to meeting her in person at KissCon back in 2020, but we all know what happened there. That was one of the bitterest pills for me that year. This experience was amazing, and the serotonin boost I needed.
Bookish Goods
Rope Book Bracelet by SportyBellas
What an adorable way to show off your love of reading! I love that these can be personalized with your initial and the book charm. And, since it is a rope bracelet, it is a bit more durable than a regular chain. $20
New Releases
What Happens Between Friends by Brenda Jackson
Recently widowed, Danielle receives another blow when she finds out that she wasn’t her estranged husband’s only wife. While struggling to adjust to all these revelations, she turns to Tristan, her brother’s best friend, for comfort. When things start getting steamy between them, Danielle is left wondering if she can trust in this enough to take a second chance on love.
In Walked Trouble by Dana Hawkins
Co-workers Remi and Maya find themselves sudden rivals in a cash bonus competition. Both need the money, and neither plan on losing. Soon, though, the not-so-friendly rivalry morphs into something different, leaving the two women wondering if they are willing to give up the prize for a chance at love.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I know that the second chance trope is not everyone’s favorite. But it is one of mine because I think there is something to be said about returning to a past love after you both have grown and matured.
Ex Appeal by Cathy Yardley
When an exorbitant amount of money goes missing from one of Vinh’s accounts, he knows that he needs the best hacker to find it. The only trouble there is that person happens to be his high school ex, Emily, and they did not leave on good terms. As upset as Emily still is at Vinh dumping her when he did, she can’t deny that the money he is offering would be helpful to all of her current situations. As the two former lovers work to find the missing millions, the attraction between them sparks back to life and presents an opportunity for a second chance at love.
If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis
When DeShawn’s grandmother passes and leaves half of her estate to DeShawn’s ex, Malik, it is an unexpected shock. Even more so is the discovery that the two men are still married. When one of DeShawn’s uncles contests the will, the two men decide to play the part of a reconciled couple to honor Grandma’s final wish. As they carry on the charade, they find that while the problems are still there, so is the love and wonder if there is still a chance for them after all.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday, and in the meantime you can find me posting on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.