Greetings and salutations! Welcome, or 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.
Last week I went to an event called Mythological Mixer at the Lark & Owl bookstore and had a blast. Not only did I meet a handful of awesome new people, I got to make a flower crown, got a very insightful Tarot draw, and bought Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up and Cool for the Summer. There is also going to be a book club from the event, and the winner of the vote was Clytemnestra. With all these new books, I really need to start making a dent in my TBR/purchased book pile. *wry look*
Have you taken the time time to listen to First Edition, Book Riot’s latest podcast, yet? If not, you’re really missing out. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month, as well as interviews from popular authors such as S.A. Crosby and Khaled Hosseini.
Bookish Goods
To Be Read Book Holder by BlueberryCreekHome
This pick seems especially fitting, considering all of my recent book hauls. While I don’t think anyone’s entire TBR could fit in here, I think it would be a great place to hold and show off your planned reads for the month, book clubs, readathons, etc. And I love the little crescent moon on the side. $20
New Releases
Fixed Up Ever After by Anastasia Dean
After Lola shows up at her sister’s engagement party only to realize that the soon-to-be groom is her ex, she decides a quick hook-up with Javi will help soothe her ego. Neither expect to see each other again but are both surprised when he shows up as the contractor to help renovate her bookstore. They try to keep their professional relationship just that, but when Lola asks Javi to be her fake date for the upcoming wedding they both realize that there may be something more there.
The Make-Believe Widow by Darcy Burke
When widower James attends a house party, his primary goal is to find a new wife and mother for his children. Love is not necessary or even wanted, especially after his first marriage. Then he meets the widow Charlotte and feels an undeniable spark and connection. However, Charlotte is, in fact, not a widow and agrees to attend with her friends for a short fling. She is drawn to James as well but has to keep a distance to avoid her secret becoming known.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Recently fellow Rioter Isabella Popp wrote this piece on ‘old-school’ romance. If you haven’t given it a read, be sure to do so cause it’s a great read. And she brings up a valid point.
I’ve said before that there are some problematic roots to the romance genre and I stand by that. However, I also agree with Isabella’s point that it is worth it to read at least one or two. Know your deal breakers for sure since I don’t think that in order to be ‘well-rounded’ you have to read every possible sub-genre. I sure as hell don’t, so naturally, I don’t expect others to either. And there are old-school romance books I adored growing up that I can’t even get through now, which show that reading tastes can, do, and will change.
That said, today I’m going to recommend books that I believe could be classified as old-school romances. They’re also ones that I feel I could reread even now with limited to no issues.
Night Song by Beverly Jenkins
Y’all didn’t really think I was going to let July pass and not recommend at least one Beverly Jenkins, did y’all? Today we’re going with her debut novel about school teacher Cara Lee and Sergeant Chase. She is determined to resist all his romantic overtures, and he is equally as determined to knock down those walls and show her what passion and love can truly be like.
Warrior’s Woman by Johanna Lindsey
A good elevator pitch for this would be Vikings in Space. So, you can expect the associated plot devices that go with those types of romances. Tedra, along with her computer companion Martha, head out seeking aid to help her home planet from being overtaken by an evil man. They crash land on a planet that is ruled by warriors and meets the handsome barbarian Challen. While the two butt heads for their drastically different approaches to life, neither can deny the passion between them.
Late sharing this, but then again, there’s never not a good reason to squeal over an awesome cover.
This one made me laugh out loud. And I just adore his voice. He would read me the back of a Bisquick box and I’d be about it.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I hope y’all have a great weekend and I’ll be back in your inboxes come Monday. In the meantime you can still find me on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then happy reading and stay hydrated.