Hello and welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. It’s me, PN Hinton, here with more updates, some new releases, and recommendations for you. I hope that your weekend was everything you wanted and needed it to be.
I’m feeling especially festive today since my copy of Kiss Her Once For Me finally came in! I’ll admit that ever since I heard that Allison Cochrun based Jack on Bill Pullman’s character in While Your Were Sleeping on this episode of the Virtual book Tour podcast, I’ve been even more interested in this book. Hopefully, it will help with the holiday humdrums ’cause I’m still dealing with that.
I am also still reading The Rewind and I have aspirations to finish The Starless Sea before my book club’s Book-mas this Saturday. Wish me luck!
It’s time for Read Harder 2023! This is the ninth year Book Riot has done this challenge and we love that we’re still able to help you push your reading limits! Click here to sign up to receive newsletter tailored for each prompt and recommendations for books to tackle all 24 tasks from some of our well-known Rioters.
Bookish Goods
My Holidays Are All Booked Candle by BookedCandles
The image on this candle is adorable and this is a motto I’m sure that we all would like to adopt. I would much rather spend the majority of the holidays reading and relaxing. And with the combined smell of pine, cypress, Tonka beans, and eucalyptus, this is perfect for lighting while reading by the fire, electric or otherwise. Priced at $23.
New Releases
In It To Win It by Sharon C. Cooper
When former lovers Morgan and Drake meet while bidding on the same property, the sparks fly immediately. But it’s more from the animosity Drake has towards Morgan, who ghosted him years ago, rather than the still-there attraction. However, as they compete to bid on the property, one of the stipulations from the somewhat eccentric buyer, they both realize that neither is the same as they once were and wonder if this is a second chance for romance as well as a real estate opportunity.
Kink the Halls by Ali Williams
Riley is, to say the least, surprised when Wendy, her ex-girlfriend’s recently divorced mom, walks into her kink club looking for a Domme. As the night progresses, Riley slowly begins to realize that she wants to be that person to bring Wendy to her knees and sets out to do so.
CW/TW should be available on the author’s page/note at time of release.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Today is Gingerbread House Day! I know that building one of these is a well-loved holiday tradition for many people. And, while I personally don’t love the taste of gingerbread, I love the smell of any kind of baking and seeing how creative some designers are with what they make.
Since these are staples of the holiday, it goes without saying that there is a plethora of holiday romance books and movies that strongly feature these edible domiciles or even just the cookie version. Hence the theme for today’s recommendations! Enjoy curling up with one of these with the aforementioned cookie or your preferred holiday confection.
A Gingerbread Romance by Lacey Baker
After Taylor’s temperamental business partner backs out of a contest to build a life-sized gingerbread house, she turns to single dad and baker Adam for help. He agrees, knowing it would be great for his business. The more time they spend together, the more they find that they are enjoying each other’s company and wonder if will also be the season of love for them.
Most Wonderful by Bryce Oakley
Emilia is not a huge fan of Christmas and would much prefer to focus her time on running her indie bookstore. Cody loves all things holiday related, especially baking in her uncle’s shop. When their paths cross, Cody is determined to turn Emilia’s view on the holiday around. Will she succeed or will their different approaches to the holidays and life end their story before it really begins?
Gingerbread House of Lies by Shyla Colt
Tired of the constant matchmaking attempts, friends December and Emmanuel concoct a fake dating scheme to get their loved ones off their backs. They plan on doing the big reveal at the annual gingerbread contest. However, play acting reveals real feelings, which may end up being the perfect recipe for a holiday happily ever after.
If you’re still yearning for some holiday reads, check out these eight books.
Or, if none of those strike your fancy, then here is another list of books you might enjoy. No worries, there are no overlap or repeats. I checked!
This is super sweet and I just had to share since I felt all the feelings when watching it.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back on in your inboxes Monday with a fresh newsletter. If you need or want more of me in the meantime, you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. As an aside, I don’t auto-follow back, but it is a good way to see what I’m up two during the in-betweens. Until then, happy reading and stay warm and hydrated.