Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, your guide to all things romance-related. Thanks for taking time from your day to give this a read! I hope this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.
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Last weekend, I was quite the social butterfly! On Friday, I went to the opening night of Gilbert & Sullivan Austin’s production of The Yeomen of the Guard with one of my besties. Saturday was breakfast with my husband and another bestie in the morning. And that night, I attended Austin Symphony Orchestra’s final performance in their Butler Pops series with another bestie. It was an homage to movie composer Jerry Goldsmith, and we enjoyed the performance so much that we treated ourselves to Season tickets for the 24-25 seasons.
All in all, it was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. And yes, I have a lot of people I consider to be my best friends, and make no apologies for it.
Bookish Goods
HEA Pride Shirt by YANovelDesigns
I couldn’t let Pride month pass without sharing at least one piece of Pride gear! This shirt is gorgeous and meaningful and perfect for everybody. And this month it’s on sale, which means that you can get it for $19.
New Releases
One and Done by Frederick Smith
Taylor is a San Francisco university administrator who is working towards getting his school accredited. Dustin is a consultant who has begrudgingly returned to the Bay Area for an assignment. When the two meet at a drag brunch, they are instantly at odds with one another and walk away expecting to never see one another again. Then they discover that Dustin is the person who will determine whether Taylor’s school gets accredited. As they work together, an attraction slowly begins to develop between them. But, due to their professional relationship, more than their hearts are at risk.
Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald
After former actress Val’s directorial debut is derailed by a bad interview. she leaves the limelight for a guest professorship at USC and a new career in academia. Maeve, her co-professor at the university, has little love for her new co-worker and is determined to send her back to Hollywood. When Val meets every challenge Maeve throws at her, Maeve begins to rethink her initial impression. Soon after, the two have settled into a comfortable professional and romantic relationship. But when Val’s directorial debut begins to get good press back in Hollywood, she finds herself having to choose between the love she found at USC and the big screen dream she still has.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
A couple of years ago, the most popular romance trend was the apron tuggers. Last year, romantasy ruled it all. If I were to bet, I would say that 2024 will be the year of adventure romances. People have been wanting the feel of movies like Romancing the Stone and The Mummy, and it shows. And, with the latter returning to the theaters later this year in honor of its 25th anniversary, rumors of a third, and the return of Rachel Weisz, I don’t think this train will stop anytime soon.
One of the best things about an adventure romance is that it can be set in contemporary or historical times, as evidenced by the two movies mentioned above. Today, I’m focusing on historical recommendations and will have some contemporary ones for Monday’s send. Enjoy!
My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas
When Catherine and Captain Leighton first met in America, they engaged in a short, passionate affair that ended in betrayal. When they meet again in London years later, Leighton is engaged to someone else while Catherine is on a mission that will hopefully earn her the independence she desires. However, despite how it ended the first time, the spark of attraction is still there. Will they have a chance to reunite under happy circumstances, or will it be a repeat of their first encounter?
Mystique by Amanda Quick
Lady Alice is not intimidated by the presence of Sir Hugh in her home, even though she no longer has the green crystal he wants returned. However, she also knows that she can help him recover it. That is, provided he can help Alice and her brother escape their nefarious uncle. Hugh agrees to her proposition under the condition that Alice act as his temporary betrothed. Soon, the two are in a battle not just to recover the stone, but for the love that has unexpectedly developed between them.
If you’ve been wanting to pick up an Alexis Hall book and aren’t sure where to start, this list has some good recommendations to consider.
For all my fellow enemies-to-lovers fans!
Take this quiz to find out your soulmate’s zodiac sign or this one to find your relationship status. Neither were accurate for me but they were fun to take!
And that is all I have for y’all today. Remember, you can always catch up with me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!