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.
As promised, here is the update from my Independent Bookstore Day. My friend and I ended up going to a total of five stores and I walked away with a total of seven new-to-me books. It was a mix of genres, but romance-wise I picked up a finished copy of Just As Your Are, The Fiancée Farce, and Mangos and Mistletoes. I also snagged two horror novels Mary, Will I Die and The Loop from a local author, as well as Ghost Squad and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
We also picked up a passport for IBD, so we will be making some day trips soon to visit the remaining four to get our stamps and more books!
Speaking of finding joy in all things bookish, be sure to check out Book Riot’s latest podcast First Edition. Here co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the entirety of the bookish world, using interviews, recommendations, and more from well-known people in the bookish community. One recent episode had Editors Vanessa Diaz and Kelly Jensen reminiscing on their initial introduction to Judy Blume’s classic, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret as well as their take re-reading it as an adult, which was the catalyst for me snagging a new copy for my own reread.
Bookish Goods
Book Earrings by TheSpangledSparrow
These adorable earrings are perfect for any type of book lover. Also perfect for end of the year gifts for teachers and/or librarians. And priced at just $12.50, you can buy more than a few to pass around.
New Releases
Majority Rules by B. Love
Ever since his daughter was born, Major’s love has revolved around her. That unwavering dedication is what has made it so easy for his ex to still control him even though their relationship is over. Then new nanny Denver enters the picture and he begins to rethink his single status. Even though Denver makes it a rule to not mix her personal and professional life, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Further complicating this is the fact that his ex is not willing to let Major move on to someone new.
Stars Collide by Rachel Lacey
Eden has been a successful singer for over 20 years but her most recent album didn’t reach the expected heights. To help recover from this, her team suggests a collaboration with the young up-and-coming pop star Anna, which she initially refuses. However she eventually agrees to the duet to try to help her career. Anna is over the moon at the chance to both work with one of her idols and try to shed her pop princess persona. As the two women begin to rehearse, the sparks begin to fly, leaving them to wonder if this is the start of a new career path and a relationship.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
One of the more divisive sub-genres in the romance world is the second chance romance. There are certainly others and I’m sure if you got down to the brass tacks, every sub-genre could be considered divisive. However, there are a certain few that stand out in the two fields of “for or against” and second chance is one of them.
Now, personally, I’m a fan because I think there is a variety of options with these. Most people think of a second chance with a former lover which is the one that most people either love or hate. There is also the second chance with someone where the opportunity couldn’t be or wasn’t taken before. The specifics for those can vary depending on the plot but it is still considered a second chance romance nonetheless. The latter category is what today’s recommendations fall into. Enjoy!
Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher
After getting her teenage heart broken, witch Violet wanted nothing to do with shifter Lincoln. When arcane rules require them to find mates, the two decide to fake date to give themselves time to find a way out of it. However, the act of faking soon re-ignites those old feelings and give these two a second chance at making magic in more than one way.
Can’t Resist Her by Kianna Alexander
Even though they went to the same high school, Summer and Aiko only interacted one time. However that one time resulted in a very passionate kiss that neither woman has been able to forget. When Summer returns home to Austin, it seems like the perfect second chance for them — except when they find themselves on opposites side of their alma mater’s upcoming demolition. Will they be able to still make it work or is their second chance doomed before it can really even start?
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes Thursday with another fresh newsletter and in the meantime I can be found on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.