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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Recently, I decided to rearrange one of my reading carts to try to dismantle the precarious tower of stacked books on top of it. My endeavor was successful, with some creative arranging and a fair amount of setting books aside to rehome. The entire process reminded me how many unread books I had, which prompted me to comment out loud that I needed to stop getting new books until a sizable dent had been made. Which then prompted my husband to go, “Who are you and what did you do with my wife?”
Which, hurt feelings aside, was a fair response.
I hope that you enjoyed that anecdote. Onto the rest of the newsletter!
Bookish Goods
Dark Romance Tarot Card Lightbox by KnitAndPrintbyTia
I love this so much! Not only is it a Tarot card, which we all know is totally my jam, BUT it also LIGHTS UP! I know that this would transfix me for hours and would be a welcome addition to any bookshelf. $25+
New Releases
Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart
When Ella finally decides to leave her cheating husband, she’s left with almost nothing. So when her best friend offers her family’s townhouse rent-free, she jumps at the offer. The only thing Morgan left out was that her handsome younger brother Julian was also in residence. However, Ella isn’t sure she’s ready to jump back into another relationship while in the middle of a divorce, no matter how fine Julian is.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
While on the road to her book club’s annual trip, Elsy’s car breaks down in the small town of Eloraton, which is the fictional setting for her favorite unfinished romance series. After reconciling herself to her situation, Elsy decides she’s here to help the town reach its satisfying conclusion. But the handsome but grumpy bookstore owner is equally as determined to stop her from finishing the story. The more the two interact, the more Elsy suspects that their respective happily ever afters are interwoven, and she becomes even more determined to see this story through to its end.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Quick correction to last week’s rec before we jump into today’s. I mentioned rumors of another Mummy movie last week, and that it would be the third. While it would be the third with Rachel, it would actually be the fourth in the series. In my defense, I wasn’t overly fond of the third one, so I could have just blocked it out. But, it was still an error and I wanted to correct it.
Last Thursday, I mentioned how adventure romances were on the rise, something that Jessica Pryde predicted would happen a couple of years ago when she wrote this piece here. While I’m not one for being on an adventure myself, as I’m far too cautious, I do like to read about them, regardless of the time period.
That said, I did promise y’all contemporary adventures for today’s recommendations. While it could be argued that these are more in the “heist” hemisphere, I argue that they are still adventure romances. Both have high stakes, usually involve a treasure hunt of some kind, and death is always a real possibility. So, the overlap is there. Enjoy!
To Have and To Heist by Sara Desai
After Simi’s best friend is accused of stealing a multimillion-dollar diamond necklace, she sets clear her friend’s name by recovering it. When the charismatic Jack offers his assistance, she accepts it, along with the task of transforming a motley crew into a heist team, ready to steal the necklace back during a high-society wedding. Between a secretive bride, a handsome detective, and charming Jack, this soon proves easier said than done, leaving Simi to wonder if her heart and freedom are at risk.
Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai
Successful account Mira has it all, except for a stable romantic partner. Much to her matchmaker’s chagrin, no one is the perfect match she is looking for, including lawyer Naveen. When he ends up being the lawyer designated to settle her late aunt’s affairs, they resolve to keep it professional. That is, until they find themselves having to solve the mess her aunt’s death left behind, all while being chased all over Vegas by all sorts of nefarious characters. As the adrenaline builds, so does the sexual tension, leading them to wonder if they should give each other a second chance. That is, provided they survive the night.
If you’re looking to add more to your Pride reading list (although you should be reading LGBTQIA+ books all year round), then check this list out.
I always find it interesting to discover what authors like to read themselves. If you’re like-minded, then check out this list of recs from the duo that is Christina Lauren.
I enjoyed this quiz that let me know my Bridgerton personality, and it’s not just because I got my favorite heroine.
Exciting news for fans of Beverly Jenkins and her Blessings series!
And that’s all she wrote for today. If you’re ever interested in what I do between the sends, you can always give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!