Category: Kissing Books

“Trope Cola” and Fake Marriages

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 26, 2024

Sponsored by

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.

Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help with handpicked recommendations. Tell the Bibliologists at Tailored Book Recommendations about what you love and what you don’t. You can get your recommendations via email or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! Subscribe today.

It’s the Monday after Independent Bookstore Day. If you celebrated, I hope you got a good haul that didn’t make your bank account cry too much. Since I’m writing this before I took my mini-bookstore crawl with my sister, I can’t give any updates yet. But come Thursday, I’ll be able to relay what got added to my ever-growing TBR pile.

Bookish Goods

Trope Cola Stickers by fatedmakes

These are just ADORABLE and perfect for the spring and summertime vibes. The price is $4.00 per sticker, or $14.00 if you want the whole set.

New Releases

All Too Reel by Nicole Lam

When Prince Kostas asks Raina to be his fake wife for a year to help him get his inheritance in exchange for a large amount of money and free publicity, the aspiring actress readily agrees. After all, in the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, she’ll take all the help she can get. However, Kostas is more charming than Raina anticipated, and she quickly develops real feelings for the handsome royal.

Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur

When romance writer Truly and divorce lawyer Colin start a podcast on relationship advice, the first attempted recording ends in disaster with Truly walking out. When Colin approaches her later to ask for a second chance, she begrudgingly agrees. Soon, the two find that they have more in common than they initially thought and wonder if their past failed relationships were designed to lead them to this happily ever after.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations are fake engagement/marriage books. This trope is an elevated version of fake dating. As such, the stakes tend to be higher. But, that also makes for a more interesting read in some cases. With that said, let’s dive into today’s recommendations!

The “I Do” Dilemma by Jayci Lee

Garrett Song needs a wife to remain CEO of his family’s fashion business, and Natalie needs to show the courts she has a stable home to retain custody of her niece. After discovering each other’s situations, they enter into a fake and temporary marriage. What neither expected was that the spark between them would flare to life and blur the lines of their agreement.

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

Kris and D’Vaughn have their reasons for signing up for the reality show Instant I Do. Kris is doing it to help boost her social media platforms, and D’Vaughn is using it to come out to her mother. The $100,000 cash prize is just a bonus. Neither expected that they would have intense chemistry on and off cameras, which puts them in the position of having to choose between cash or a chance at true love.

Check out this interview with our own Jessica Pryde with KBIA!

Cleat Cute may soon be coming to the small screen. *squee*

This TikTok from author Elisabeth Wheatley legit made me laugh out loud.

That’s all she wrote for this lovely Monday. Hopefully, this newsletter gave you a burst of serotonin to help prepare you for the upcoming week. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday and in the meantime, you can always catch up on my bookish adventures on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!

Kissing Books

Workplace Rivals to Lovers

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 24, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, your guide to all things romance-related. Thanks for taking the time to give this a read! I hope that this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.

As a friendly reminder, this weekend is Independent Bookstore Day. Be sure to get out there and show your favorite indie some love today. After all, it’s a win-win situation; you help your local bookstore and you’ll get new books.

Bookish Goods

a shirt with a hand reaching up from being buried under stacks of books, accompanied by the text "I'm Ok"

“I’m Ok” Shirt by nfiniti

Between all the books on my TBR pile and the ones I’m going to get this weekend, I feel this shirt on an emotional level. Still, I don’t mind the feeling, because I would rather have too much to read than not enough. $29

New Releases

The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy

After a series of disastrous dates, Maggie is overjoyed when she runs into a handsome doctor at her gym and the sparks begin to fly. However, Garrett, her other best friend, only sees red flags and constantly makes snarky comments about the good doctor. When Maggie confronts him about his negativity, he finally admits he has more than platonic feelings for her. Now Maggie is looking at two possible romantic options and isn’t sure which man to choose.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

After getting dumped by her fiancé Peter for his childhood friend Petra, Daphne finds herself in a new city with a new job and an unexpected roommate: Petra’s ex, Miles. Even though the two are as different as night and day, they have an amicable and uncomplicated living situation. All that changes after a night of drinking, when the two concoct a plan to get back at their exes. As they perpetuate a fake relationship online, real feelings soon follow, which leaves Daphne wondering if getting dumped was necessary for her to meet the true love of her life.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

When I was deciding on the theme for today’s recommendations, a friend recommended enemies to lovers. As you might have expected, I was perfectly fine with that, because I will always talk about that trope. However, I wanted to give it an extra sparkle, so I’m highlighting workplace rivals to lovers specifically. Enjoy!

(Trust) Falling for You by Charish Reid

When Yolanda and Samuel find out they’re bunkmates for the university’s week-long team-building event, neither are thrilled. Still, they resolve to make the best of the situation and try to get along. They never expected the close quarters to ignite a powerful sexual tension that made them rethink their initial impressions of one another.

Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir

Violet and Eli were academic rivals from their first day in kindergarten up until Eli leaves town. When he returns ten years later as her co-worker, their rivalry reignites. However, there’s also a spark of attraction, and they find themselves in a frenemies-with-benefits agreement. Both convince themselves that it’s just sex, but as it continues, they find themselves falling for one another and are left wondering what will come next.

Check out this interview between Mary Steenburgen and debut author Myah Ariel on how the actress helped to inspire When I Think of You.

Here is a taste of some of the new spring romances that we can look forward to.

If you’ve never read Jude Deveraux before, this list is a good jumping-off point. Remember that she is an old-school romance writer, so the tropes that were prevalent during that time will likely be present in these titles.

Oprah put out her list of the best romance novels out there, and I have to say it’s a pretty well-rounded list.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter, and you can always catch my Adventures in Bookworld over on the ‘gram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Ranch-Style Love

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 19, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, your guide to all things romance-related. Thanks for taking the time from your day to give this a read! I hope that this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.

This weekend is Independent Bookstore Day! All book dragons rejoice! I had a blast last year celebrating and I’m looking forward to it. This year’s plans are nowhere near as ambitious. I’m only planning on visiting a handful of stores with a cap of only one book at each stop. Will I stick to this? Only time will tell, but I’ll update y’all next time on the outcome.

Bookish Goods

I Want a Cowboy Sticker by BlissfullyBookedCo

I’ve been reading romances for a long time, but I’ve always had a soft spot for cowboys. It could be due to being a Southern girl — there’s just something about someone who knows how to work a ranch that is just oh-so-attractive. The price for this sticker starts at $3.

New Releases

Fake It Till You Make It by Siera London

When bubbly Amarie ends up stranded in a small town, her only work option is with the local and grumpy veterinarian Eli. When Eli names Amarie as an investor to keep the practice from going into foreclosure, the two set aside their differences to save the clinic while also trying to ignore the connection that is rapidly developing between them.

Finders Keepers by Sandra Kitt

Olivia never expected to find millions of dollars hidden in the walls of the house her late aunt left her. While this money would bring a welcomed change to her life, she wants to be sure it’s on the up and up. When FBI agent Sloan shows up to question her about the money, there is an instant mutual attraction. But, both are aware that they need to solve the mystery of the money before anything permanent can happen.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

In keeping with today’s bookish good theme, I’m recommending some cowboy/rancher romances. Enjoy!

A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon

When Lily-Grace meets Jesse for the first time, she is instantly at odds with him. Not only is he trying to prevent her widowed father from dating his grandmother, but he is also extremely hot-tempered. However, when she sees a more vulnerable side of Jesse at a community date auction, she begins to see him with different eyes. Soon, the two find themselves drawing closer to one another and a happily ever after neither expected.

Tipping the Barrel by BA Tortuga

When an accident leaves barrel racer Cheyenne without her horse, she returns home to tend to her external and internal scars. This also brings her into contact with first love and cowgirl Evie, and she wonders if this unfortunate accident will lead to a second chance with her. However, Evie hasn’t forgotten the heartbreak she felt when Cheyenne left her behind and isn’t sure she’s willing to risk her heart again.

Just for the Summer is one of my current reads because I can’t seem to get enough of Abby Jimenez. If you’re also looking for some read-a-likes, check out this list here.

Plan a vacation and get your BookTok trope.

A mobile romance only bookstore? Yes, please!

And that’s all I have for y’all this fine Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!

Kissing Books

Journalists in Love

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 17, 2024

Sponsored by

I am firmly in a chaotic reading state. I’m currently reading six different books. And most of them have been in progress for a couple of weeks. This is in no way a reflection of those books either: I’m just having trouble not getting distracted by other books. And then there are non-bookish distractions to contend with as well. That said, one bookish grace I gave myself this year was taking as long as I like with a book, no matter what.

Bookish Goods

TBR Cart Sticker by FatedPages

I love everything about this sticker. I am a big fan of library carts. Once I have more space, I’ll be getting more of these for my book collection. And yes, my personal one is as full to the brim as the ones pictured here, something I am perfectly fine with. $3

New Releases

One Last Word by Suzanne Park

One Last Word is an app created by Sara that sends messages on your behalf to any person of your choosing upon your death. When a woman with her same name passes away, it releases all of the still-living Sara’s messages, including one to her high-school crush Harry. Shortly after this occurrence, Sara learns that she’s been accepted into a venture capital mentorship, with her mentor being none other than Harry. This forces Sara to face the effects of this error, but she may find herself surprised by the results this technical snag has.

The Bootlegger’s Bounty by Adriana Herrera

Yearning to be free from her controlling family, jazz singer Rosalía strikes up a deal with a rum runner and gangster. She knows she is risking going from the frying pan to the fire. But she will do anything to be free to make her own choices. She also can’t deny the mutual desire is present between the three of them or the curiosity about where it may lead.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today is Columnist Day. We’re used to getting our news much quicker in this modern day and age compared to the past. That doesn’t negate that journalism is still hard work. In honor of today, I’m going to highlight a few books where the main character is a journalist. Enjoy!

Topaz by Beverly Jenkins

Reporter Kate is hot on the trail of a con artist who is known for preying on elderly Black people. During her venture, she finds herself in unexpected danger and is rescued by Dix, a Black Seminole Marshal. Dix is there at the behest of Kate’s father to bring the young woman home. On the way there, the two powerful personalities fight against the attraction simmering between them that threatens to ignite them both.

Crossing the Line by Kimberly Kincaid

To help her best friend’s magazine, photojournalist Scarlett agrees to a fluff piece featuring Cross Creek farm. The reason for this article? Bad boy Eli and his shenanigans that have netted his family farm some bad press. During their time together, Scarlett discovers there’s more to Eli than what meets the eye, and the two draw even closer.

Check out this list of ‘late bloomer’ romances.

If you’ve been yearning for some small-town romances, then this is perfectly timed.

That’s all she wrote for today friends. I’ll back in your inboxes Monday and in the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

The Ides of April

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 12, 2024

Sponsored by

The saying goes that we should beware of the Ides of March, but most of us likely dread the Ides of April more because it’s Tax Day. We ended up owing, which has been par for the course for the last few years. Such is the life of an adult in this country. It’s a matter of gritting my teeth and moving on. Whatever your situation this year was, I hope it was as stressless as possible.

Bookish Goods

picture of My Weekend is Fully Booked Glass Mug

My Weekend is Fully Booked Glass Mug by KellieHCrafts

Truth in advertising right here! Between all the books I’ve obtained in the last couple of weeks, I could do nothing but read all weekend and still barely make a dent in my TBR pile. That said, there are worse issues to have, so I’ll take it. And, $13 is not a bad price for a gorgeous cup to drink out of while you read.

New Releases

When I Think Of You by Myah Ariel

Kaliya and Danny met in college and were instantly attracted to each other. Seven years later, Kaliya is stuck in a dead-end job as a receptionist for a movie studio while Danny is in the upper echelons of Hollywood. When he offers her a chance to work with him on his latest project, she throws caution to the wind and accepts, hoping it will help get her to where she wants to be. However, working together makes those old feelings quickly resurface, leaving Kaliya to wonder if this is a second chance for her to get the career and the man she wants.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

After Opal wins the lottery, she quits her job and buys a flower farm. When she arrives at the Thistle and Bloom, she is surprised to find it occupied. Pepper says she is the actual owner of the farm and has no intention of leaving. The two opposites devise a plan that could result in Opal recovering her monetary losses and Pepper keeping the farm. As they work towards that goal, the two women grow increasingly more attracted to one another and wonder if this unexpected situation has set them up for a happily ever after.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the marriage-of-convenience trope, which is one of the standards in romance. Another trope that is adjacent to it is that of the mail-order spouse. It could also be argued that it is in the sphere of the strangers-to-lovers trope, but with matrimony involved. Either way, it’s a staple.

Now, typically this only included mail-order brides, but a few grooms can be found, like one of the ones listed here. I will say that this trope tends to be more dominant in Westerns, but if I find or hear of one outside that, I will include it in a future recommendation. As for now, let’s get to the books.

Hearth and Home by Rebel Carter

The first time Julian sees Violet, he’s taken away by her beauty. However, he doesn’t believe in love at first sight and resolves to keep it platonic. When an unknown person places an advert for a husband for Violet, Julian steps up to the role of mail-order groom to help save her from embarrassment. Once married, the two quickly begin to fall in love. But, when a misunderstanding arises, it threatens to destroy their relationship and newfound love permanently.

cover of The Cowboy's E-mail Order Bride

The Cowboy’s E-Mail Order Bride by Cora Seton

When Ethan’s friend, Rob, places an advertisement for a wife as a joke, Ethan is left wondering how to break the news to the woman who shows up. What he doesn’t know is that Autumn is only there to use the experience to write an article. Neither expected to fall in love with one another, and when they do, they’re left wondering how to come clean with one another and still have a chance.

And that’s all I have for y’all this fine Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday, and in the meantime, you can find me floating around on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Foodie Romances

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 10, 2024

Sponsored by

Last weekend, I attended a discussion between Kelis Rowe and Farrah Rochon at a local bookstore where they talked about Farrah’s latest YA release, Fates Be Changed. This new Twisted Tale presents a world where Brave‘s Merida took the cake intended for her mother and the drastic changes this seemingly small change caused. I had a great time listening to these two wonderfully talented authors discuss their love of Disney, the writing process, and everything in between. In addition to Farrah’s book, I picked up Kelis’s YA debut Finding Jupiter. All in all, it was a good bookish weekend for me!

Bookish Goods

Book Lover Decal by SoPeachyDecals

Recently, I got a much-needed car wash. So, to reward myself, I finally put some decals that I got last Christmas on the back of my car. If you want a decal for a car, laptop, or anything else, this one is perfect to showcase your love of reading. The prices for this start at $6.50 and increase depending on the desired size.

New Releases

Jump Ball by Kasha Thompson

When Sariah is bequeathed the Las Vegas Ramblers following her father’s death, she has no clue how to be a basketball team owner. As such, she turns to Coach Justus for help, assistance that he is all too happy to give. When the pair work together to get the team to the championship, they also have to deal with an unexpected, if not completely unwelcomed, attraction.

cover of Aubrey McFadden is Never Getting Married

Aubrey McFadden is Never Getting Married by Georgia Beers

Aubrey has five weddings to attend this year and is not looking forward to that particular gauntlet. One of the reasons for this is the knowledge that Monica, the woman who convinced Aubrey’s fiancé to call off their engagement, will also be in attendance. Still, she is determined to share in her five friends’ special days. So, she resolves to ignore Monica, and the heart flutters that she gives Aubrey, until the last wedding is done.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Tomorrow is Grilled Cheese Day! Believe it or not, growing up, I didn’t eat a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches. As an adult, I have a newfound appreciation for them, especially the “fancy” ones. I recently ate a green apple and Muenster sandwich that was beyond amazing.

That said, there aren’t a lot of romances dedicated to the awesomeness of grilled cheese. The only one I can think of offhand is The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, which was also the first book that Trisha and Jess picked this year for the When in Romance book club. However, regular readers know how much I love my foodie romances, which is what I decided to focus on for today’s recommendations. Bon appétit!!

A Taste of Sage by Yaffa S. Santos

Lumi is a chef who also has the power of knowing how a person feels by tasting their cooking. After her fusion restaurant fails, she takes the sous chef position at one of Julien’s establishments. The celebrity chef, known for his charismatic smile that houses a vicious tongue, ends up being Lumi’s complete foil in the kitchen. However, when Lumi samples one of Julien’s dishes, she is hit with a wave of emotions she hadn’t expected. This causes her to look at Julien with new eyes and open herself up to the possibility of love.

Chef’s Choice by TJ Alexander

Luna is a trans woman who has just lost her job. Jean-Pierre is a trans man who needs a fake girlfriend to inherit his family’s culinary business. When Jean-Pierre agrees to pay Luna to take on that role and help him cook their way through a gauntlet of family recipes, she happily accepts his offer. What neither expected was to have real feelings develop during their fake relationship.

Take this quiz to find out your dating persona.

Check out some of these baseball romances.

And that is all I have for y’all today! I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime you can always check out my adventures in books over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading, and stay hydrated!

Kissing Books

9 Romance Books You’ll Want to Tote with You this Spring and Summer

Post author By Samm Saxby
Post date April 9, 2024

Sponsored by

This post is written by Carolina Ciucci.

The warmer weather has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, which means that those of us who like to read seasonally appropriate romances will want to stock up. We’ve been blessed with a lot of amazing romances to enjoy during this spring and summer season, so the only issue with this list was getting the number of options down to a manageable amount. In other words: a list of fabulous books that wouldn’t completely empty your bank account. But narrow it down, I did! So now I present you with nine amazing romances that’ll give you all the springtime and summertime vibes.

If you enjoy descriptions of flower shops, long days at the beach, and the London season, look no further than this list, where you’ll find all of that and more. Also present are some of everyone’s favorite tropes, including fake dating and love across times and lifetimes, among others. Ranging from contemporary romances to romantasy, the books included in this list will satisfy your seasonal romance cravings.

Proceed with caution, though: reading these might result in an intense urge to live your spring and summer to the fullest. Or it might result in you burrowing down on your comfiest chair and reading all through both seasons — which, when you think about it, is pretty much the same thing.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Ricki Wilde is the underdog in her wealthy family, so when the chance comes to rent the bottom floor of a Harlem brownstone and get away from them, Ricki doesn’t have to think about it. She moves in, opens her long-dreamed-of flower shop, and sets out to live her best life. What she hasn’t dreamed of is the mysterious stranger who bursts into her life in the most unexpected of ways.

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

Gene Ionescu loves his life. As the first openly trans player in professional baseball, he knows he has achieved most of what he’s set out to do. But his near-perfect life threatens to crumble like a house of cards when Luis Estrada, his rival and former teammate, is traded to his current team.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

We’ve all heard about romances when one of the protagonists is cursed to be the last person others date before meeting their soulmate. But what happens when both protagonists share this curse? Justin and Emma, who agreed to date in order to cancel their curses out, are about to find out.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

When her fiancé realizes that he’s in love with his best friend, Daphne finds herself stranded in a town, not of her choosing, and sharing an apartment with Miles, her ex-fiancé’s new girlfriend’s ex.

Talk about complicated.

But their relationship soon becomes a friendship, and they come up with a plan. This plan may include deliberately misleading their exes by posting pictures where it seems like they’re having the summer of their lives.

The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang

Nothing says spring to me like romantasy, which makes this the perfect book to curl up with. From 4 BCE to present-day Los Angeles, two men are reincarnated again and again. The one thing all their lifetimes have in common? Each other.

cover of Don't Want You Like a Best Friend

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

Beth has to find a husband soon, lest she and her widowed mother end up on the streets. But worry not! Her best friend Gwen has figured it all out: they will make their parents fall in love and get married!

Except that it isn’t working. And even if it did, Gwen and Beth are becoming increasingly aware that getting their parents together matters less to them than being together themselves.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati Alexander

Meeting the perfect guy after vowing to remain single is one thing. Meeting him after promising your employers that you’ll stay single? Ouch.

But no matter: Sloane knows that things won’t lead anywhere with Charlie, despite their fake dating scheme, because he’s trying to win back his ex. Right?

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

A lot of us have wondered what we’d do if we won the lottery. Our imaginations probably didn’t show us Opal Devlin’s fate: being harassed from all sides to part with her money until she gives up and buys a failing flower farm in North Carolina.

But then! Fate must have a twisted sense of humor, because her refuge is now being contested by Pepper Smith, who claims the farm truly belongs to her. The two end up living together, but it’s only a temporary arrangement. Or so they think.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

Eve Hatch likes her life. Perhaps she doesn’t love it, but she doesn’t have anything to complain about. But when an unexpected pregnancy throws her for a loop, she must reevaluate fast. It’s Shep, her best friend’s brother, who steps up to help her, and…was he always this hot?

Can’t get enough of seasonal romances? Try this list of YA spring romances, or this one full of summertime romance goodness.

Kissing Books

Stars in Their Eyes: Astronomy-Related Romances

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 5, 2024

Sponsored by

It’s Eclipse Day, y’all! There was a period growing up when I was fascinated with any and everything having to do with the solar system. So, Younger Me is totally geeking out about this. If you have the opportunity to view it, I hope that you enjoy it and stay safe at the same time.

Bookish Goods

Books & Pajamas T-Shirt by

There are no lies detected here; there is only truth. I’m sure many of us channel this exact energy. Plus, this shirt looks super soft, which is always a bonus in my book. $14.00

New Releases

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

The first time Amerie and Vincent met, she spilled coffee all over him. The second time, she claimed he was her boyfriend to avoid an awkward confrontation with her ex. To her surprise, Vincent goes along with the charade. Later, he reveals he did it because he also needs a fake girlfriend to accompany him to future family events to help get his well-meaning but overwhelming family off his back about his job. As the two play out the charade at his family’s cabin, Amerie finds herself falling in love with Vincent as the days pass. But, she is still reeling from the pain of her last break-up and isn’t sure she is ready to take another risk at love.

Love From the Sidelines by Tuesday Harper

In the past, Drey and Trinity shared a short but passionate relationship. But, when a misunderstanding occurs, it comes to a sudden and unsatisfactory end. So, when Drey is named the new football coach of the team Trinity’s son is on, the latter is less than pleased. However, Drey believes there is still hope for them and is determined to convince the older woman to give their relationship a second chance.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Vincent, the male MC from The Kiss Countdown, is an astronaut training for a mission during the duration of the novel. That’s one of the reasons his family, particularly his mother, is so worried about him. Between that and the eclipse, it’s the perfect time to share some romances with an astronomy-related theme. Enjoy!

cover of Even If the Sky is Falling by Taj McCoy; illustration of a Black woman and man kissing under a starry sky

Even If the Sky Is Falling, edited by Taj McCoy

In this anthology, we meet six couples who seek immediate shelter when an emergency warning siren accidentally goes off during a meteor shower. During this period of proximity, previously ignored feelings that need to be reconciled rise to the surface. Once the alleged danger has passed, they must decide what the future holds for them.

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare

After losing her chronometer, Alexandra has little choice but to take on a governess position. Her charges are the nieces of well-known rake Chase, heir to the dukedom. When Alexandra tries to make Chase see he needs to settle down to take care of the girls, he decides to show her that this is a futile effort by seducing her. However, he soon finds himself caring more about his nieces and their governess, and wonders if his philandering days are over.

If you’re feeling in the mood for more historical romances, check out some of the offerings here.

And that’s all I have for y’all this Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday, and in the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. You can also still occasionally see me poke my head in over on the bird up under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Mistaken Identities: Twin Edition

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date April 3, 2024

Sponsored by

Last weekend, I went to a local Renaissance Fair with my spouse and another friend. It had been a couple of years since I had gone to one, so I was very excited. And this particular one is fast becoming one of my favorites because it’s not overly crowded and small enough to enjoy in one day. I didn’t go completely overboard with spending this time, which is always a plus. One thing I did snag was a cute little hair dragon, which I will share below. As for now, onto the rest of the newsletter!

Bookish Goods

art of an octopus surrounded by books with the text "never too many books"

Never Too Many Books Octopus by QuillandCauldronDTX

I’m sure more than a few of us can relate to this aquatic cutie. It is a fact of life that there are never too many books. There’s just not enough time to read them all. $24

New Releases

Beyond Expectations by Natasha Allen

Serena and Rhett grew up in different worlds. She was the daughter of a mechanic who had to put in the hard work and dedication to become a lawyer, while he was born into money. When their paths cross, there is an undeniable spark between them. But, despite being drawn together, both are aware that their differences may prove too difficult to overcome.

Only and Forever by Chloe Liese*

Tallulah is a cynical author who needs help with the romantic thread in her latest novel. Viggo is a die-hard romantic who needs help with the impending opening of his bookstore. When they realize that they each have a specific set of skills that would be helpful to the other’s problem, they agree to be temporary roommates/co-workers. The close quarters quickly lead to the simmering attraction between them fully igniting. However, both have very different views on love and marriage, which makes it difficult for a happily ever after to be on the horizon for them.

*currently reading

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Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations have an oddly specific theme: mistaken identities that are centered around identical twins swapping places. This trope tends to be more prevalent in historical romances, but there are a few contemporary gems that can be found. I have one of each for your reading consideration today. Enjoy!

Scoring with the Wrong Twin by Naima Simone

When her vivacious twin asks her to swap places with her for a modeling shoot, shy Sophia reluctantly agrees. There, she meets handsome tight-end Zephirin, and there is an instant and mutual attraction. But, as he thinks she’s her sister, their initial meeting is tinged with deception. As the two get to know each other better, Sophia knows that she will eventually need to tell Zeph the truth, even if it results in her missing out on her own happily ever after.

The Husband Trap by Tracy Anne Warren

When the spoiled Jeanette refuses to go through with her marriage, her wallflower twin sister Violet steps in for the role of bride. Soon, Violet finds herself having to navigate high society as Duchess to the handsome Adrian while simultaneously keeping her real identity a secret. Because while Adrian may be happy with how his marriage turned out, all that may change should he discover which twin he married.

If you’re looking for even more mistaken/secret identities, this list has you covered.

Behold my tiny hair dragon! As of now, they’re nameless. But I’m thinking of something that starts with “S”.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

8 of the Best Romance Short Stories

Post author By Samm Saxby
Post date April 2, 2024

Sponsored by

This post is written by Carolina Ciucci.

Romance short stories may be tricky to get just right, but when they are, they’re one of my favorite things to read. Delicious love stories that I can gulp down in one greedy bite? Or, alternately, savor like a truly excellent chocolate truffle? Yes, please, and thank you. I love a good doorstopper, but there’s something so satisfying about reading a great love story in a single sitting. And that’s what you’ll find here: eight romance short stories you can read in a single, delightful sitting.

The stories on this list all come in at somewhere between 25 and 50 pages, and there is something for everyone. You like your romance to be retellings of folklore and mythology? You got it. You prefer YA? You will find it here. You’re all about vampires? Knock yourself out. From witty bookstore owners to vampire mercenaries, there’s a variety of characters and relationship dynamics, so you’ll be sure to find something that works for you. (Personally, all of these stories worked for me.)

Most of these are part of anthologies, and a couple of them are part of a longer series of romance short stories, so you’ll be getting an embarrassment of riches if you check these out. Now take a seat, grab a cup of your beverage of choice, and dive in.

cover of Love in Colour- Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola

“Ọṣun” by Bolu Babalola

Beautiful Ọṣun is in a relationship with selfish Ṣàngó. But when Erinlẹ enters her life, she realizes she can be more than looked at: she can be seen.

From Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold

cover of Who's Loving You: Love Stories by Women of Colour

“Long Distance” by Varaidzo

June finds herself admiring May. There is just one problem: the two women seem to exist four years apart.

From Who’s Loving You: Love Stories by Women of Colour

“The Way We Love Here” by Dhonielle Clayton

Viola lives in a world where you can tell how close you are to meeting your soulmate by a red coil wrapped around your ring finger. She’s anxious about it…until she meets Sebastian.

From Meet Cute

cover of Fools In Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales

“Silver and Gold” by Natasha Ngan

Mila and Ru are rivals with a romantic history that neither cares to acknowledge…until they’re snowed in together in the middle of a blizzard.

From Fools In Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales

“Consignment” by Elaine Burnes

A bookstore owner. A writer looking to get her book in stores. A beautiful love story full of sweetness and (what else?) books.

From Finding Ms. Write

“With Any Luck” (The Improbable Meet-Cute #5) by Ashley Poston

Imagine being the person everyone dates right until they find their soulmate. That’s the case for Audrey Love, who’s afraid she might have kissed her best friend during his bachelor party. Why else would he have disappeared hours before the wedding? Now she needs to find the missing groom — and maybe her own happy ever after.

“Drop, Cover, and Hold On” (The Improbable Meet-Cute #4) by Jasmine Guillory

A natural disaster traps Daisy and Harris together during Valentine’s Day. What else is there to do but get closer (in more ways than one)?

cover of The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance

“Fangs for Hire” by Jenna Black

Gemma is just your regular mercenary who’s been assigned her next hit. Regular, that is, except for the fact that she’s a vampire. And her target, Ross, happens to be distractingly hot.

From The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance

If you’re looking for more romance short stories, be sure to read about 9 of the best romance anthologies out there. If you’d like something a bit longer, how about checking out romance novellas?