Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, your guide to all things romance-related. Thanks for taking time from your day to give this a read! I hope this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.
Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!
This Friday, Curio Mrvosa will be hosting its second Skullastic Book Fair. Longtime readers may recall I mentioned this last October and how much fun I had there. So, of course, I’m beyond happy that the store is working to make this a recurring thing, and can’t wait to see what my “halfway to Halloween” haul will look like.
Bookish Goods
Booktrovert Sweatshirt by
While it may not be sweatshirt weather for everyone right now, at some point, it will be. And when it is, this is the perfect sweatshirt to wear when snuggling up with your favorite beverage on a lazy weekend indoors. $48.
New Releases
Wyatt: The Barlowe Mafia by Asia Monique
When Wyatt’s father dies, he becomes head of his family’s mafia. His main priority is to put an end to the rivalry with the Callahan mafia. The proposed agreement is for him to marry Analia, the daughter of a high-ranking Callahan member. While both are prepared to do whatever is necessary for their respective families, neither expected love to be part of the agreement.
Spirits and Sirens by Kelly and Tana Fireside
After her dad asks for her help with their family funeral home, medium Elena returns home to Owen Station, fully ready to embrace the sixth sense that initially made her leave. The one person who isn’t pleased with her return is Allison, the new fire chief, and the feeling is mutual. But when she needs her help in solving a 70-year-old mystery, they agree to a truce and soon are looking at each other with unexpected and different eyes.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
My sister recently sent me this TikTok that was talking about the superiority of Grease 2, which was one of the movies that we watched constantly growing up. Now, I like both equally. And I do understand the pop culture relevance of Grease. However, that doesn’t mean that its sequel is inferior by any stretch. For some, it is the superior musical, even.
This train of thought led me to think about books that were the second in a series that were just as good as the first one. Now, I know that, as with the Grease versus Grease 2 debate, it is purely subjective. But these are two that stand out the most to me. Enjoy!
Breathless by Beverly Jenkins
Due to not having either in her early childhood, hotelier Portia strives for respect and stability. She also refuses to give up her independence and be tied down to a man, knowing how quickly love can sour. Still, she’s tempted to rethink this mindset when family friend Kent comes back to town. Kent is looking for a forever home and a wife, and sets his eyes on Portia. Once he realizes her feelings towards him, he works even harder to prove to her that they are meant to be.
Tender Rebel by Johanna Lindsey
Roslynn needs a quick marriage of convenience to save her from would-be fortune hunters. When handsome rake Anthony offers to help her, she is hesitant to accept, knowing that he could prove too tempting for her. After spending more time with the Scottish beauty, Anthony knows he has met the woman who he is willing to give up his roguish ways for. And, once that is determined, he sets out to prove it to her.
Take this quiz to find out which Emily Henry hero is your soulmate.
There’s also this one, in case you need some inspiration for your next date night.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday and in the meantime you can always give a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!