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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The last few weeks around me have been wild, weather-wise. Last week, two chilly, rainy, and dreary days were promptly followed by a cool sunshiny one. One would think that I would be used to this type of flip-flopping after spending most of my life in this area, but one would be wrong. I’m hoping the cool sunshine stays for a bit rather than move to the heated inferno that is our summer weather, because I can certainly do without that arriving before its time.
Bookish Goods
Enamel Trope Pin by TheSnarkyCompany
This beautiful enamel pin displays some of the best-loved tropes in romance. What more could a bookish person ask for? $14.00
New Releases
Merc by B. Love
Merc has decided to retire from the criminal life and focus on taking care of his son and mother. Neo is a woman who, due to an experience in the past, has sworn off dating men with children. When she needs help, she ends up with Merc as her protector. They have every reason not to give in to the mutual attraction that exists between them. But the close quarters make it difficult to remember and have them wondering if they should take another chance at love with one another.
All the Hype by S Bolanos
When Dylan needs a plus-one for his company’s annual retreat, he naturally turns to his best friend, Jimmy, to act as his partner. Jimmy agrees to the ruse, even though it revives feelings he thought were long buried. As the days pass, the chemistry between the two men builds, blurring the lines between a platonic and romantic relationship. However, a secret from Jimmy’s past could end up destroying both and threaten the possible future that lies ahead.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
This TikTok came across my FYP and I felt the sting of an accurate attack. As much as I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, I can’t deny that if I were one, it would be friends-to-lovers. That will always run a close second in terms of my favorite. There’s just something about someone who knows all about your peculiarities before going into a relationship and still wants to try it out. There’s a reason When Harry Met Sally will always be my favorite rom-com.
That said, here are today’s recommendations that all highlight this trope. Enjoy!
Honor and Desire by Rebel Carter
Seylah has carried a torch for her friend August for years but has kept her affection a secret. When a handsome new arrival comes to Gold Sky, a spark ignites between them and Seylah. But when it seems that this could be the start of a new future for Seylah, August declares his intention to court her, leaving her to question whether he is just jealous or really scared of losing the love he overlooked for all those years.
Just Three Words by Melissa Brayden
Samantha is an accountant who loves things to be planned and in order. Hunter, one of her best friends, is the complete opposite. When Hunter moves in to share her loft apartment, both women expect to have to make some adjustments to their routines. What they didn’t expect was an attraction to ignite between them, and for it to have them questioning whether they could be more than just friends.
If you like the fake dating/fake relationships trope, there’s a bevy of books to choose from here and here.
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 find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading, and stay hydrated!