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 this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.
Today’s random holiday is Lost Sock Memorial Day. I know that somewhere between starting and finishing laundry, we have all felt the sorrow of losing a sock. It’s no big deal when it’s a plain sock, but I’ve lost some of my fun socks over the years, which is a bit more heartbreaking.
Looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift? Go beyond the tried and true flowers and chocolate and give the gift of reading with Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists are standing by to help your mom find her next favorite read, delivered right to her inbox or doorstep. And with gifts starting at just $18, there’s something for any budget! Head to mytbr.co/gift to send the gift of reading to the book nerd in your life!
It’s been a minute since I’ve updated you on my reading! I am still reading Just For the Summer because that author is one that I like taking my time with. I also started Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places and am adoring it as well.
Bookish Goods
Do Not Disturb, I’m Reading Smut Socks by VulpineVinyls
Today’s goodie is in honor of Lost Sock Memorial Day. They look super soft and comfortable. Plus, they give fair warning to anyone who may be tempted to disrupt your current reading session. $13
New Releases
Honey Pot by Katrina Jackson
Asif and Chanté are spies and lovers. However, Asif’s preference to work alone sometimes leads him into unexpected peril. When he goes missing on his latest mission, Chanté quickly heads out to find him, vowing not to let anyone or anything, including Asif himself, get in the way of their bright future together.
Gillian’s Island by Cara Malone
After her band books a gig on a luxury sapphic cruise, lead singer Scarlet is optimistic about what this means for her career. Veterinary researcher Robin had intended to spend the entirety of the cruise focusing on the wildlife and not the women. Then Scarlet and Robin meet, sparks instantly fly, and the two quickly become close. But when a storm forces all the passengers to abandon ship on an uninhabited island with no way to seek aid, tensions rise between everyone, including Scarlet and Robin, which could wither this blossoming relationship.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I’ve noticed an uptick in romances that feature one or both of the main characters getting left at the altar. This breakup usually takes place right at the beginning, leaving plenty of time for the jilted character(s) to start down the pathway of their new love story.
Personally, if I got left at the altar, I’d be through with love for at least a year, if not forever. But if that were the case for these characters, there wouldn’t be much of a story, now would there? With that said, here are the recommendations for today. Enjoy!
That Thing Between Eli and Gwen by J. J. McAvoy
Eli and Gwen have, respectively, found their forever person and are looking forward to settling into married life. But when Eli’s wedding day arrives, his would-be bride runs off with Gwen’s fiancé. After that painful betrayal, Eli and Gwen turn to each other to help adjust to what will be their new normal and soon find themselves wondering if there was a reason their best-laid plans went astray.
Trust Me by Jayne Ann Krentz
While caterer Desdemona is sympathetic towards Stark getting left at the altar, she still needs him to pay the bill for the wedding that wasn’t. When it comes out that Stark has a handful of social engagements that he’s obligated to go to, he hires her company. What begins as a professional relationship soon grows into more as these two opposites find themselves irrevocably drawn to one another.
It’s almost time for the first half of season three for Bridgerton. If you’re looking for some books with the same vibes, check out some of the books listed here.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with another romance roundup. If you’re so inclined, you can also give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world to get bookish snippets of me between the sends. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!