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 saying goes that we should beware of the Ides of March, but most of us likely dread the Ides of April more because it’s Tax Day. We ended up owing, which has been par for the course for the last few years. Such is the life of an adult in this country. It’s a matter of gritting my teeth and moving on. Whatever your situation this year was, I hope it was as stressless as possible.
Bookish Goods
My Weekend is Fully Booked Glass Mug by KellieHCrafts
Truth in advertising right here! Between all the books I’ve obtained in the last couple of weeks, I could do nothing but read all weekend and still barely make a dent in my TBR pile. That said, there are worse issues to have, so I’ll take it. And, $13 is not a bad price for a gorgeous cup to drink out of while you read.
New Releases
When I Think Of You by Myah Ariel
Kaliya and Danny met in college and were instantly attracted to each other. Seven years later, Kaliya is stuck in a dead-end job as a receptionist for a movie studio while Danny is in the upper echelons of Hollywood. When he offers her a chance to work with him on his latest project, she throws caution to the wind and accepts, hoping it will help get her to where she wants to be. However, working together makes those old feelings quickly resurface, leaving Kaliya to wonder if this is a second chance for her to get the career and the man she wants.
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
After Opal wins the lottery, she quits her job and buys a flower farm. When she arrives at the Thistle and Bloom, she is surprised to find it occupied. Pepper says she is the actual owner of the farm and has no intention of leaving. The two opposites devise a plan that could result in Opal recovering her monetary losses and Pepper keeping the farm. As they work towards that goal, the two women grow increasingly more attracted to one another and wonder if this unexpected situation has set them up for a happily ever after.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the marriage-of-convenience trope, which is one of the standards in romance. Another trope that is adjacent to it is that of the mail-order spouse. It could also be argued that it is in the sphere of the strangers-to-lovers trope, but with matrimony involved. Either way, it’s a staple.
Now, typically this only included mail-order brides, but a few grooms can be found, like one of the ones listed here. I will say that this trope tends to be more dominant in Westerns, but if I find or hear of one outside that, I will include it in a future recommendation. As for now, let’s get to the books.
Hearth and Home by Rebel Carter
The first time Julian sees Violet, he’s taken away by her beauty. However, he doesn’t believe in love at first sight and resolves to keep it platonic. When an unknown person places an advert for a husband for Violet, Julian steps up to the role of mail-order groom to help save her from embarrassment. Once married, the two quickly begin to fall in love. But, when a misunderstanding arises, it threatens to destroy their relationship and newfound love permanently.
The Cowboy’s E-Mail Order Bride by Cora Seton
When Ethan’s friend, Rob, places an advertisement for a wife as a joke, Ethan is left wondering how to break the news to the woman who shows up. What he doesn’t know is that Autumn is only there to use the experience to write an article. Neither expected to fall in love with one another, and when they do, they’re left wondering how to come clean with one another and still have a chance.
And that’s all I have for y’all this fine Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday, and in the meantime, you can find me floating around on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.