Hello and welcome (back) to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, here to give you the rundown on the world of romance, including new releases, recommendations, and other entertaining ways to pass your time.
In what is fast becoming the trend for February, we had our annual ice storm last week. This resulted in a few days off from school for the Teenager and us pretty much staying indoors. I still worked though since that is one of perks of WFH for businesses, so at least I didn’t have to commute anywhere. I know I should probably be used to it by now since, again, it has been happening for the last few years. In my defense, though, the years that we have been having these ice storms don’t account for even half of how long I’ve been alive, so I’m giving myself some grace.
Are you looking for the perfect gift for the bookish friend or paramour in your life? If the answer to that is yes, then look no further than Tailored Book recommendations. After a quick survey detailing their likes, dislikes, and reading goals, our professional book nerds, also known as Bibliologists, will get to work selecting books for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.
Bookish Goods
Blak Girl With Books Plush Blanket by Neferkrafti
With the visit from Old Man Winter we had during the majority of last week, staying warm and cozy was at forefront of my mind. Then I saw this absolutely gorgeous blanket and knew I had to share it. I mean come on…just look at it! The price for this beauty begins at $30.
New Releases
Suitors and Sweethearts: An African Romance Box Set
This collection of six contemporary short stories that highlight African joy and love will take you to places like Nigeria, Ghana, and Lagos, and features some of your favorite tropes. A perfect way to kick off the month of love!
Taking a Chance by Emerald B.
Chance and Sage have both had life experiences that have resulted in them hardening their hearts and not willing to take any chances with it. When their paths cross again, will they be willing to revisit their history for a new chance at love or will the hurts of the past stop them from taking the leap?
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
As mentioned earlier, we experienced an ice storm here last week which resulted in my son being off from school for most of the week. We also had a few scares with branches that fell off the tree outside the window to his room. Don’t worry! He’s fine, he was just startled for the most part.
The day after this happened, I braved the elements to check the mail and then took him on a drive around the property to look at all the fallen branches. Seeing what passes as a winter wonderland for us got me to thinking again about the draw of snowed in romances. Again, it’s the forced proximity, the tendency to have there only be one bed, the tension…all of those are the perfect ingredients for hidden passion to explode, or in some cases, reignite. So, today’s recommendations are even more snowed in romances.
Never Too Late by Brenda Jackson
As the end of her marriage looms in the distance, Sienna returns for one last trip to the cabin she shared with her soon to be ex-husband Dane. Imagine her surprise to find him there as well. Even more surprising is the knowledge that Dane never stopped loving her and doesn’t want their marriage to end. When the estranged lovers get snowed in, they’re forced to face their feelings and decide if they both really want their marriage to end. This snowed in romance is also a second chance/marriage in trouble one so it has a lot of appeal for those readers who love all the tropes!
Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare
A heartbreak from the lord next door and a bit too much sherry inspires Nora to pen the love letter Lord Dashwood Missed Out for other young misses in her position. Imagine her surprise when it ends up becoming a hit! On the way to a speaking engagement in Spindle Cove, she is stranded when snowy weather hits with the object of her affection and scorn. As one can expect, he isn’t happy to be painted as a villain and challenges Nora to show to him exactly what he missed out on.
Pick some Valentine’s candies and get your favorite trope!
Here is another list of some of the romance novels headed our way this year. A good portion of these are on my TBR or have already been read.
I’ve been a victim of this too…
I am unsure if I ever heard of this phrase before this TikTok but I’m sure as heck going to use it now!
And that’s all I have for y’all today! I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a brand-new edition. In the meantime, I can be found posting on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay warm and hydrated!