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You are cordially invited to the wedding of the decade, when Christian Grey will make Anastasia Steele his wife. But is he really husband material? His dad is unsure, his brother wants to organize one helluva bachelor party, and his fiancée won’t vow to obey… Their passion for each other burns hotter than ever, but Ana’s defiant spirit continues to stir Christian’s darkest fears and tests his need for control. As old rivalries and resentments endanger them both, one misjudgment threatens to tear them apart. Can Christian overcome his childhood nightmares, and save himself?
Hello again romance readers. I’m PN Hinton, your companion for the world of romance. If you’re new to the Kissing Books newsletter, welcome and enjoy your stay. If you’re a long-time reader, welcome back; it’s good to see you again.
I’ve talked briefly before about my somewhat recent and new obsession with TikTok and how I can lose myself in it for hours. Most of the time it’s funny or bookish related, which is always something I enjoy. But every now and then, there will be something that I need, which will really resonate with me.
There’s one TikToker called mx.deran that I particularly enjoy. At the beginning of most of their PoV videos, they ask the question, “How’s your spirit?” And it struck me this last weekend how utterly thoughtful that question was.
When you ask someone how they’re doing, you’re likely going to get a very surface answer. Normally the answer is that they’re some variant of doing fine, even if they’re not. I know I do that. When I’m being honest, my normal answer tends to be, “I’m here…that’s about all I can commit to.” or “Not well, but I’ll make it.”
But, when you ask about someone’s spirit, you want a more in depth answer. Because you’re asking about their emotions, their will to keep on keeping on, etc. If someone asks me how’s my spirit, I feel they’re more invested in an honest answer; and I may just give it. No matter what my answer may be, it shows a more genuine interest in the other person.
So, Reader, let me just say I hope your spirit is doing well. And if it’s not I hope that you do whatever you need to do to help make it better.
Around the Web in Romance
After a brief hiatus due to the Memorial Day holiday, Jess and Trisha are back with the latest episode of the When in Romance podcast. I especially enjoyed the part about F/F romance novels, including the next book club pick, Wrong Number, Right Woman.by Jae.
If you like reading about librarians in love, you’re in luck with this list from Jess.
If you’re looking for some M/M romances to celebrate Pride month with, this list has a few good ones for you.
Recommendations
Sunday is Father’s Day. Like Mother’s Day, it’s always a bit bittersweet for me since I lost my father ten years ago. Last year, right before the pandemic hit, my beloved father-in-law also passed away very unexpectedly. I know I’m lucky because, including them, I have had multiple paternal figures in my life. I’m fortunate to have another one who has known me most of my life who is still alive.
I think, sometimes, dads get the short end of the stick. In sitcoms they’re bumbling oafs who barely know how to function, let alone be a parent. Or they’re completely absent. This treatment tends to be prevalent in romance novels as well, which seems a bit unfair to me. Whether he’s a background character or the hero finding romance, it’s always nice to see a good strong father figure (cue George Michael) in a romance novel. With that in mind, here are your recommendations for this week.
The Roommate Risk by Talia Hibbert
Both Jasmine and Rahul had good dads, which I just love. The story opens with Jasmine’s dad taking the parental reins and kicking her terrible mother (because she was) out of her life. And then he doted on Jasmine. And Rahul was striving to be as good a man as his father was, due to having experienced a recent loss when the story takes place. All in all, there are two great fathers in this book and I’m here for it. This is also another winner from Talia, so I mean you really can’t go wrong either way.
Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros
Lord Bannor is known for his sexual prowess and is said to have multiple children who are all housed in his castle with him. When he realizes he needs someone to help with the children, he sends out his steward to find a suitable candidate and gets Willow, a woman who is determined to win over not just the children, but Lord Bannor as well.
A Nanny for Nate by Lisa Worrall
When widower Parker decides that a live in nanny for his son Nate is the next best step after his regular childcare provider moves away, he sets about interviewing acceptable candidates. When Jake shows up at his door after a mix-up and awakens feelings that Parker hasn’t felt since his husband passed away, he gives the job to another candidate in a panic, despite Jake’s qualifications. This is on the shorter side, so expect everything that goes with that, including a bit of a rush on the story overall. Still, it is a great option if you’re looking for a sweet romance about a dad getting a second chance at love.
I know not everyone had a good father or may be suffering from that type of absence in their life, so if you are, my heart goes out to you. But if you still have your father and have a good relationship with him, hug him extra tight for me this Sunday, please?
That’s all for today. I hope that, whatever you do this weekend, it is relaxing, rejuvenating, and recharging for you. Give me a follow on Twitter @PScribe801. Until next week.
