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 to give this a read! I hope that this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.
Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help with handpicked recommendations. Tell the Bibliologists at Tailored Book Recommendations about what you love and what you don’t. You can get your recommendations via email or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! Subscribe today.
As a friendly reminder, this weekend is Independent Bookstore Day. Be sure to get out there and show your favorite indie some love today. After all, it’s a win-win situation; you help your local bookstore and you’ll get new books.
Bookish Goods
“I’m Ok” Shirt by nfiniti
Between all the books on my TBR pile and the ones I’m going to get this weekend, I feel this shirt on an emotional level. Still, I don’t mind the feeling, because I would rather have too much to read than not enough. $29
New Releases
The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy
After a series of disastrous dates, Maggie is overjoyed when she runs into a handsome doctor at her gym and the sparks begin to fly. However, Garrett, her other best friend, only sees red flags and constantly makes snarky comments about the good doctor. When Maggie confronts him about his negativity, he finally admits he has more than platonic feelings for her. Now Maggie is looking at two possible romantic options and isn’t sure which man to choose.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
After getting dumped by her fiancé Peter for his childhood friend Petra, Daphne finds herself in a new city with a new job and an unexpected roommate: Petra’s ex, Miles. Even though the two are as different as night and day, they have an amicable and uncomplicated living situation. All that changes after a night of drinking, when the two concoct a plan to get back at their exes. As they perpetuate a fake relationship online, real feelings soon follow, which leaves Daphne wondering if getting dumped was necessary for her to meet the true love of her life.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
When I was deciding on the theme for today’s recommendations, a friend recommended enemies to lovers. As you might have expected, I was perfectly fine with that, because I will always talk about that trope. However, I wanted to give it an extra sparkle, so I’m highlighting workplace rivals to lovers specifically. Enjoy!
(Trust) Falling for You by Charish Reid
When Yolanda and Samuel find out they’re bunkmates for the university’s week-long team-building event, neither are thrilled. Still, they resolve to make the best of the situation and try to get along. They never expected the close quarters to ignite a powerful sexual tension that made them rethink their initial impressions of one another.
Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir
Violet and Eli were academic rivals from their first day in kindergarten up until Eli leaves town. When he returns ten years later as her co-worker, their rivalry reignites. However, there’s also a spark of attraction, and they find themselves in a frenemies-with-benefits agreement. Both convince themselves that it’s just sex, but as it continues, they find themselves falling for one another and are left wondering what will come next.
Check out this interview between Mary Steenburgen and debut author Myah Ariel on how the actress helped to inspire When I Think of You.
Here is a taste of some of the new spring romances that we can look forward to.
If you’ve never read Jude Deveraux before, this list is a good jumping-off point. Remember that she is an old-school romance writer, so the tropes that were prevalent during that time will likely be present in these titles.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter, and you can always catch my Adventures in Bookworld over on the ‘gram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.