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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Before we get too deep into it, I wanted to give a quick heads up that there will not be a send next Thursday, due to the holiday here in the US.
I am happy to report that I am fully out of my stagnate reading state and have spent the majority of my time over the last week reading. I devoured Leather & Lark, which gave me the drive to start a handful of other books. At the recommendation of my FYP on TikTok, I borrowed Crafted From the Ashes of Roses from Kindle Unlimited. I also started How to End a Love Story, A Novel Love Story, and The Lost Story in addition to still making my way through Director’s Cut.
I just realized that a majority of the books I’m reading have the word “story” in them, which was a completely random happenstance.
Bookish Goods
TBR Tarot Towel by BinkyGirlCreations
Whether it’s on the beach, poolside, or even in your own backyard, this is a perfect towel to lay out on while you attack your personal TBR. Prices start at $33.
New Releases
Confidential Attraction by Brenda Jackson
After a family tragedy, Mark finds himself the guardian of his infant niece. While successful in business, the entrepreneur has no clue on how to be a father figure to a tiny human. Seeing his ineptitude, his assistant, Allison, decides to help by moving in and becoming a temporary nanny. However, with the extra time spent together, Mark and Allison are unable to ignore the shared attraction, which will have a ripple effect on all other aspects of their lives.
Change of Heart by Kate Canterbary
Successful surgeon Whitney spends her summer days leading her hospital’s new ethics initiative and her nights crashing weddings with her BFF and indulging in one-night stands. When Henry, her latest conquest, turns out to also be one of the new surgical residents, she is determined to keep it professional. However, the universe appears to have other plans for them, and their paths continue to cross. Soon, Henry has Whitney rethinking her “one night only” stance and begins to wonder about the possibility of a happily ever after.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Over the weekend I visited The Book Burrow, which is one of my favorite independent bookstores, and walked away with two vintage YA Avon Flare books.
I’ve said many times that my love of the romance genre started in middle school, but that’s when my love of *adult* romances began. I read romance novels from the moment one of my older cousins bequeathed younger me her collection of First Love from Silhouette books, and that is what placed me on the romance path.
Now, because of when these books were written and published, they weren’t as diverse as YA romance is today. Which is sad, because no matter the age of the reader, they should be able to see themselves in the books they read. With that in mind, today’s recommendations are going to be YA romances that I wish I had as a younger book dragon.
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
Shortly after 16-year-old aspiring romance writer Tessa gets accepted to the creative writing program at a prestigious art school, she’s struck with the dreaded writer’s block. Luckily, her friend Caroline has a romance checklist which will not only help Tessa get her writing mojo back but will also help to catch the interest of her real-life love interest, Nico. As Tessa works through the list, she begins to question if her happily ever after is with Nico or maybe with Sam, the boy next door who was also her first real friend at her new school.
Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe
When Ray and Orion meet at the local skating rink, both are processing a familial loss. As such, they’re instantly drawn to one another, sensing the kindred soul. Soon, they’re spending more time together and finding solace in each other’s company. However, the path to love isn’t always smooth, and soon they find themselves having to fight opposing forces, including a decades-long family secret, that threaten their blossoming love.
Take this food quiz and get your Bridgerton match.
In case anyone was curious, these are the books that inspired today’s recommendations. I know that they will be full on cheese, but sometimes you need that in your reading life.
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!