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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I am coming out from a bit of a reading slump. One book took me forever to finish because I felt that it dragged on longer than it needed to, and I DNFed another at 50% because I just couldn’t anymore. And I know it was those two books because I started Leather & Lark and that was like a breath of fresh air to my reading life.
Now, it may be a bit concerning that the book that breaks this is an actual enemies-to-lovers trope with a fake marriage between a contract killer and a ‘multiple deleter’ to boot. But a win is a win. I’m also reading Director’s Cut which is just as entertaining as the previously mentioned title, albeit on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Bookish Goods
“This Barbie Reads…” Magnetic Bookmark by LikeStarlightStudio
As last year’s blockbuster proved, Barbie is eternal and is multi-faceted. Of course I choose the “romance” option here but there are four other options or you can get a custom order made. Prices start at $5.
New Releases
The Accidental Proposal by Y. M. Nelson
Jason is enamored with his new girlfriend, Fortune, and knows that she is the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with. But when a meet-up with his friends ends in a verbal altercation between her and one of his oldest friends, he is forced to face the fact that one of his oldest friends is a racist and firmly opposed to his interracial relationship. When it becomes apparent that this is a rift that won’t be mended, Jason soon finds himself having to choose between the love of his life and lifelong friendships that he may have already outgrown.
Please note that while this can be read as a standalone, it is second in the series. Also be sure to check the author’s site for trigger and content warnings.
The Mended Hearts Bookshop by Sienna Waters
After Ash inherits a bookshop from an aunt she never even knew, she looks at it as an opportunity to take a vacation and have some quiet time from the busyness of the city. She wasn’t expecting her neighbor would be Pen, a bubbly plus-size baker who is determined to win her new neighbor over through the magic of pastries. As time passes, Ash begins to acclimate to Pen and small-town life. But is the happiness she found there enough to make her want to give up her life in the city and settle there permanently?
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I am sure we can all agree that Romeo & Juliet is not a romance at all. That said, it can’t be argued that the formula of a family rival preventing two lovers from getting together is still used in a lot of romances today. I know I’ve read a few like this in the past and have enjoyed them since they, of course, ended with a happily ever after. That is the theme for today’s recommendations as well. Enjoy!
One Summer Night by Caridad Pineiro
Maggie Sinclair and Owen Pierce have always been drawn to one another, going so far as to share a single kiss one steamy summer night. Unfortunately, their families are bitter rivals, which means that they are unable to explore those feelings any further. When Maggie begins to have business trouble, Owen sees a marriage of convenience as a way to unite their families as well as give in to their desires. Neither expected to develop real feelings for each other or what would happen when they have to choose between the family they grew up with and a chance at true love.
It Had to Be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret
After Verity’s snobby neighbor returns from Town, boasting about her successful Season, Verity announces her engagement to Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst in return. The problem there? Not only is she not engaged to him, but his family is her family’s sworn enemy. News of his alleged betrothal reaches Magnus as he is about to marry another woman to save his family from financial ruin. When he confronts Verity about the fib, she begs him to keep up the ruse for one week. After that, they can return to their respective lives. But as they soon find out, a lot can happen in one week, even true love.
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!