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.
This particular Monday I’m especially happy because it is a very short work week for me. As in, I’m only working today and tomorrow. Part of it is due to (still) needing to use my PTO since I’m close to cap. What can I say? I don’t really go anywhere. The other part of it is just feeling like this would be an emotional week. Again, February is a conflict of feelings for me all around; so, it is definitely a month that I take day by day.
One thing bringing me joy recently is that whatever stalemate I was in for reading seems to have been lifted. I think a lot of it had to do with The Spite House getting released earlier this month, as it was one of the books I was most looking forward to this first quarter and y’all…it did not disappoint. It was so good. And it’s a love story of sorts, albeit a paternal love that shows exactly how far a father will go to protect his children. So good. Highly recommend.
Bookish Goods
Bookshelf Pin by SEAMlessPinDesigns
Ever since I got an actual pin pennant, I have been loving pins even more. Now, that’s an interesting statement considering I’m already this close to having to buy another one since it is almost already half full. But still, I couldn’t resist boosting this cute little bookshelf pin because it is just adorable. This is priced at $20 and there are four color options.
New Releases
She’s a Keeper by Liz Lincoln
Rose has been carrying a torch for her friend Cassie for a good number of years, even through two divorces. When the opportunity arises for them to be roommates, she figures that close quarters will kill the romantic attraction. Instead, it has the opposite effect, and soon a friends-with-benefits relationship develops between the two women. While each are certain they can keep their feelings in check, as the relationship continues, they wonder if it is possible to have the best of both worlds.
ClickMate by Tia Kelly
Cole and Bella have both been extremely wronged by love and are looking to stay single and not mingle for the near future. And when they become next door neighbors, they are immediately at odds, which means there is no temptation to change this at all. While they may be oil and vinegar in person, their online personas are a different story altogether. Even as the in-person animosity continues to build, the online chemistry also reaches a boiling point. But what will happen when secret identities are revealed?
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Following up on the theme from last week, today’s recommendations are romance novels where the hero’s name is in the title. Since I did heroines last week, it seemed only fitting and fair to focus on heroes this week.
One thing that stuck out to me searching for these books is that these types of book seem to be primarily present in contemporary titles only, whereas heroines seem to feature primarily in historical romances. I’m not sure why that is, but it is a pattern I discovered.
Now, that said, I’m sure I could find some titles that contradict that theory and I may do that in the future in an even deeper dive. For now though, we’ll go ahead and focus on the books I have for you today based on this theme.
Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon
When Dr. Sloan is unexpectedly left with no childcare for her twins, she is left in a position where she needs to find someone capable, competent and most important, caring, for her girls. While he is looking to change his career path, Rafe can’t turn Sloan down when he seems the predicament he is in and agrees to work for her on a trial basis. As Rafe moves in, the attraction and desire increases between the two until they can no longer deny it or how they all fit together as a family.
Parker by Jack Harbon
Parker is a fixer of all things that can get broken and is happy with that reputation. While Trey isn’t broken when he enters Parker’s life, he is in desperate need of help and a place to hide. Parker agrees to be that haven for the kind man. Slowly, Trey begins to work his way into Parker’s heart, ensuring that he will do whatever it takes to protect his new love no matter who the enemy may be.
If you’re looking for diversity in your historical romances, check out some of the books listed here.
Valentine’s Day may be over but you can still take a few fun quizzes. Click here to find out what kind of flower matches your love song vibe. And click here to pick some romance tropes and get a rose color.
And that’s all I have for y’all today! Don’t worry; despite me being off from the day job after tomorrow, I will still be in your inboxes come Thursday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime you can find me floating around Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then happy reading and stay hydrated!