Category: 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?

Kissing Books

Hello April!

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 29, 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.

Want to make your book club the best club? Sign up for our In the Club newsletter. In the Club will deliver recommendations for the best books to discuss in your book clubs. From buzzy new releases to brilliant throwbacks, the books highlighted in this newsletter will drive your book club discussions. We’ll also share some book club-friendly recipes and interesting bookish updates from all over. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations, plus community features. In other words, we’ll keep you well-met, well-read, and well-fed. Sign up today!

The last few weeks around me have been wild, weather-wise. Last week, two chilly, rainy, and dreary days were promptly followed by a cool sunshiny one. One would think that I would be used to this type of flip-flopping after spending most of my life in this area, but one would be wrong. I’m hoping the cool sunshine stays for a bit rather than move to the heated inferno that is our summer weather, because I can certainly do without that arriving before its time.

Bookish Goods

Enamel Trope Pin by TheSnarkyCompany

This beautiful enamel pin displays some of the best-loved tropes in romance. What more could a bookish person ask for? $14.00

New Releases

Merc by B. Love

Merc has decided to retire from the criminal life and focus on taking care of his son and mother. Neo is a woman who, due to an experience in the past, has sworn off dating men with children. When she needs help, she ends up with Merc as her protector. They have every reason not to give in to the mutual attraction that exists between them. But the close quarters make it difficult to remember and have them wondering if they should take another chance at love with one another.

All the Hype by S Bolanos

When Dylan needs a plus-one for his company’s annual retreat, he naturally turns to his best friend, Jimmy, to act as his partner. Jimmy agrees to the ruse, even though it revives feelings he thought were long buried. As the days pass, the chemistry between the two men builds, blurring the lines between a platonic and romantic relationship. However, a secret from Jimmy’s past could end up destroying both and threaten the possible future that lies ahead.

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

Riot Recommendations

This TikTok came across my FYP and I felt the sting of an accurate attack. As much as I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, I can’t deny that if I were one, it would be friends-to-lovers. That will always run a close second in terms of my favorite. There’s just something about someone who knows all about your peculiarities before going into a relationship and still wants to try it out. There’s a reason When Harry Met Sally will always be my favorite rom-com.

That said, here are today’s recommendations that all highlight this trope. Enjoy!

Honor and Desire by Rebel Carter

Seylah has carried a torch for her friend August for years but has kept her affection a secret. When a handsome new arrival comes to Gold Sky, a spark ignites between them and Seylah. But when it seems that this could be the start of a new future for Seylah, August declares his intention to court her, leaving her to question whether he is just jealous or really scared of losing the love he overlooked for all those years.

Just Three Words by Melissa Brayden

Samantha is an accountant who loves things to be planned and in order. Hunter, one of her best friends, is the complete opposite. When Hunter moves in to share her loft apartment, both women expect to have to make some adjustments to their routines. What they didn’t expect was an attraction to ignite between them, and for it to have them questioning whether they could be more than just friends.

If you like the fake dating/fake relationships trope, there’s a bevy of books to choose from here and here.

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 find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading, and stay hydrated!

Kissing Books

Enemies, Friends, and Not Quite Exes

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 27, 2024

Sponsored by

Last Sunday, the Boston Public Library hosted a conversation with Beverly Jenkins and I was able to Zoom in for it. And, y’all…there are no words to fully explain the level of joy this brought me. Mrs. Bev is one of my favorite authors, but I have never had the opportunity to hear her speak. I had been looking forward to meeting her in person at KissCon back in 2020, but we all know what happened there. That was one of the bitterest pills for me that year. This experience was amazing, and the serotonin boost I needed.

Bookish Goods

Rope Book Bracelet by SportyBellas

What an adorable way to show off your love of reading! I love that these can be personalized with your initial and the book charm. And, since it is a rope bracelet, it is a bit more durable than a regular chain. $20

New Releases

What Happens Between Friends by Brenda Jackson

Recently widowed, Danielle receives another blow when she finds out that she wasn’t her estranged husband’s only wife. While struggling to adjust to all these revelations, she turns to Tristan, her brother’s best friend, for comfort. When things start getting steamy between them, Danielle is left wondering if she can trust in this enough to take a second chance on love.

In Walked Trouble by Dana Hawkins

Co-workers Remi and Maya find themselves sudden rivals in a cash bonus competition. Both need the money, and neither plan on losing. Soon, though, the not-so-friendly rivalry morphs into something different, leaving the two women wondering if they are willing to give up the prize for a chance at love.

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

Riot Recommendations

I know that the second chance trope is not everyone’s favorite. But it is one of mine because I think there is something to be said about returning to a past love after you both have grown and matured.

Ex Appeal by Cathy Yardley

When an exorbitant amount of money goes missing from one of Vinh’s accounts, he knows that he needs the best hacker to find it. The only trouble there is that person happens to be his high school ex, Emily, and they did not leave on good terms. As upset as Emily still is at Vinh dumping her when he did, she can’t deny that the money he is offering would be helpful to all of her current situations. As the two former lovers work to find the missing millions, the attraction between them sparks back to life and presents an opportunity for a second chance at love.

If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis

When DeShawn’s grandmother passes and leaves half of her estate to DeShawn’s ex, Malik, it is an unexpected shock. Even more so is the discovery that the two men are still married. When one of DeShawn’s uncles contests the will, the two men decide to play the part of a reconciled couple to honor Grandma’s final wish. As they carry on the charade, they find that while the problems are still there, so is the love and wonder if there is still a chance for them after all.

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

Kissing Books

Romantasy Recs

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 22, 2024

Sponsored by

Bookish Goods

Romantasy Starter Pack Mug by OpalandJuneShop

The text on this mug may indicate that it is specifically geared for newbies to the subgenre. However, it is perfect for a romantasy reader of any level. After all, who doesn’t love having a hot beverage with their current read? $20.00

New Releases

Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja

After a lifetime of bad luck in love, Maya agrees to an arranged marriage. On the flight to Pakistan to meet her future husband, she’s seated next to grumpy Sarfaraz. After the plane gets stranded in Switzerland, the two become travel companions and unlikely friends on the journey to their final destination. Soon, deeper feelings develop, leaving Maya to wonder if finding the perfect man mere days before her marriage to someone else is even further proof of her lack of luck in love.

Cover Story by Rachel Lacey

When there is a concern that there is someone stalking Hollywood’s leading lady Natalie, she quickly agrees to extra security. Her only request is that it be kept under wraps. Enter Taylor, bodyguard to the stars, fresh off a three-month recovery period. She is eager to get back into the field and agrees to act as Natalie’s bodyguard under the guise of being her girlfriend. However, as the fake relationship develops, real feelings blossom between the two women.

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

Riot Recommendations

Romantasy is certainly having its time in the spotlight right now. Last year, it was even given its own category in the Goodreads Choice Awards. And, while that is arguably a very divisive move, it was also a necessity. If we’re being honest, there should also be separate sub-categories for historical, contemporary, and paranormal genres as well, so that there is a chance for multiple standout romances to be recognized.

I digress.

Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in that genre or are already a seasoned reader, here are some books for your reading consideration.

Night for Day by Roselle Lim

Exes Ward and Camille are reunited at a job interview and quickly discover that the sparks are still there. When they both get the position, albeit on opposite shifts, they take that as a sign to try again. After their respective first shifts, the two are imprisoned, kept in separate locations, and can only speak to one another in the brief moments before dawn. They will need to find a way to to break free and get their happily ever after, while simultaneously avoiding being caught in the middle of a battle between gods.

How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks

While traveling through elven country, an attempt is made to ambush and kidnap Princess Sorcha. However, Sorcha is far from a shrinking violet and immediately fights back against her would-be captors. She receives assistance in defeating the villains from a mysterious thief known only as the Woodsman. The two are immediately at odds, yet he agrees to accompany her and her companion to safety. Throughout the remainder of the journey, an attraction starts to simmer between the two that refuses to be ignored, leaving them to wonder what will happen at its end.

I’d say his audition went well, wouldn’t you?

If you’re a fan of medical romances, then this list is perfect for you.

And it’s always a good time for a Sapphic romance.

And that is all she wrote for today, y’all. I’ll be back in your inboxes on 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

Changed First Impressions

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 20, 2024

Sponsored by

Bookish Goods

Book Dragon Shirt by WhiteDreamsApparel

One thing you may not know about me is that I’m a sucker for small things with big glasses. There’s just something about those magnified eyes that makes my heart go “Awww.” Either way, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this little guy. And as such, I wanted to share him with y’all. $17+

New Releases

Hathor and the Prince by J.J. McAvoy

Hathor is worried that she will end up in a mediocre marriage. When the queen announces that her nephew, Prince Wilhelm, will be in attendance for Hathor’s family’s week-long party, she is hopeful that this is the match she’s been waiting for. When their initial meeting is less than ideal, her hopes are dashed. However, the season has only just begun, and Hathor will soon realize that first impressions are not always accurate.

Back to Us by Addison Clarke

When the opportunity for a Maine Event reunion tour arises, Elena is overjoyed, knowing that this is just what she needs to get her career back on track. She just needs to convince former bandmate and ex-girlfriend Skylar to get on board with the idea. However, Skylar doesn’t really miss the limelight: she prefers her life off-stage. Then again, Skylar has always had trouble saying no to Elena.

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

Riot Recommendations

We’re almost through the first quarter of the year, and we’ve already seen a lot of amazing new releases. Fortunately for us, there doesn’t appear to be any sign of this stopping. While this is marvelous news for all voracious readers, it makes our bank accounts less than happy.

Now, while I enjoy new releases as much as the next book dragon, there is something to be said about revisiting an author’s backlist. Not only are those books a bit easier on the wallet, it is also nice to see how an author’s skills have changed and developed over the years.

Both authors mentioned below have a romance scheduled to be released later this year. In addition to the recommended title, I’ll also mention their future title and expected date of publication. But, as always, you can likely expect me to give them another shout-out when they’re released into the world.

Huddle With Me Tonight by Farrah Rochon

Future release: Pardon my Frenchie

Entertainment blogger Paige is known for her vicious book reviews. When her post on NFL player Torrian’s upcoming cookbook/memoir goes viral, an online battle ignites between the two. When the two meet in person after being invited to compete in a reality TV, sparks of a different kind ignite, and they find themselves rethinking their initial impressions of one another.

The Plus One by Mazey Eddings

Future release: Late Bloomer

Indira is not looking forward to an upcoming wedding she was invited to, knowing that her ex and his new girlfriend will be in attendance. There is also the fact that her childhood nemesis Jude will also be in attendance. Jude is also less than eager to be there. Soon, the two decide that a fake relationship may make this event more bearable. But as they perform the act of a loving couple, the lines between real and fake soon begin to blur, leaving them with new problems to contend with.

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

Kissing Books

Retellings and Dark Romances

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 15, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. If you’re a regular reader, I’m glad to see you again. Or, if this is your first time here, I’m glad that you joined us. I’m PN Hinton, and I’ll be your guide through all things romance-related.

Well, it’s back to school for the Teenager this week, which I know he’s less than thrilled about because, I mean…it’s school. Still, he had a good week off I think. We didn’t go anywhere out of town because that’s just how the chips fell. Still, we did have some family time, which was my main goal for the week. Plus, he has a four-day weekend and the end of this month, which means there is more extra time off for him in the future, so yeah…he’ll be fine.

Bookish Goods

Dark Romance Wax Sampler by MidslumberProducts

One thing about me that you may not know is I love sampler packs. I’m notoriously frugal and these types of packs are perfect for me, since they give me a taste — or in this case scent — of everything to find my favorite. And in cases where I love them all? Well, then the price justifies making it a regular buy to get a little bit of everything. $12.00

New Releases

Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley

When Lissie accidentally serves food that contains shellfish paste to a very allergic customer, she finds herself in the sights of the snobbish Lin family, specifically their son, Preston. As a result of this honest mistake, the two are at odds with one another from the start. However, their paths continue to cross and bring them together. Will these chance encounters result in the two realizing that first impressions can be changed and that there is a chance for them to turn from enemies to lovers?

I’ll Conjure for You by Charish Reid

When one of novice witch’s Helen spells goes awry, it results in Everett finding the words to finally tell her how he feels about her. While Helen didn’t intend for the spell to turn out this way, she has to admit that she doesn’t mind the steamy results, but she soon finds herself needing to refocus their attention on getting rid of the evil presence that looms in Everett’s grandmother’s house once and for all.

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

Riot Recommendations

One of the books I’m currently listening to is Butcher & Blackbird. Now, regular readers will know that I am not a huge fan of dark romances, so this read is way outside my comfort zone. But my spouse listened to it first and really enjoyed it, and since I wanted to share that experience with them, I decided to give it a try.

I’m enjoying it so far and may be interested in the others in the trilogy. This doesn’t mean I’m ready to cannonball into the pool that is dark romance, but I may likely be willing to give them more of a chance. Since I know that a lot of my readers are dark romance girlies or looking to step into that world, I wanted to recommend a few for today.

As always, please remember to check the CW/TWs for these titles before diving in.

Sinful Vow by Asia Monique

As a mafia princess, Lucia has lived her entire life knowing that her marriage would be an arranged one, leaving her with no choice about who her husband would be. But, even though the majority of the mafia underworld viewed her as just a mafia princess, her family brought her up as an equal. So when she met her soon-to-be husband Enzo, she hoped he would be ready to accept her as an equal as well. Especially since she has some plans of her own that could change everything for them and the world they inhabit.

Souls and Sorrows by Sav R. Miller

When lawyer Cash finds himself at an underground auction, he ends up bidding on ex-ballerina Ariana and ends up with a new wife. However, Ariana is not a meek woman by any means, having had to fight to survive her entire life, and figures Cash will be just as malleable as the other men she’s come across. To her surprise, he never gives in to her seduction tactics, no matter how hard she tries, and she begins to wonder if this chance meet-up will result in a new life for her, full of healing and love.

Here are some recommendations for those who like their romance with a dash of adrenaline.

Take this quiz to find out which Modern Family couple you’re most like.

And here are some recs for my monster lovers.

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 me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Happy Pi Day!

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 13, 2024

Sponsored by

It’s Pi Day, the day that unites mathletes and pie lovers! This is an especially fun holiday, especially when you factor in exactly how many types of pies there are out there. You can’t beat a good chicken pot pie on a cold day, and warm blueberry with a scoop of vanilla is a personal favorite dessert of mine. The cuisine possibilities are endless today, so be sure to go out and have at least one slice of the pie of your choice.

Bookish Goods

apron with the text I'd Rather Be Reading

I’d Rather Be Reading Apron by WhatTheRedHeadRead

Truthfully, I do really enjoy baking, even if I haven’t done it in a bit. It brings me quite a bit of joy. However, this apron was too funny to not share and is also a bit true, since, in most every other situation, I’d rather be reading. So, I decided to share this today in honor of my fellow readers who also share this struggle. $29

New Releases

Venus Next Door by Niccoyan Zheng

Homebody Issac is happy with his quiet life in his cul-de-sac. His neighbors keep to themselves, and there are never any holiday decorations. Then Venus moves in with her holiday cheer, and he knows things are about to change. At first, the two new neighbors clash, but when a storm blows in, will this be the perfect opportunity for their attraction to flourish, or will it be completely quelled?

All This Time by Sage Donnell

After fully accepting her true sexuality, newly divorced Erin embarks on a weekend getaway with her three BFFs from high school. She is especially excited to see her long-time crush, Jodi, and hopes that 51 isn’t too late for a second chance. Jodi, on the other hand, has been out since college and has never felt that she should hide who she is. Will this weekend be ripe for a reunion, or will Erin’s past prove to be too difficult for Jodi to handle?

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

Riot Recommendations

As mentioned earlier, today is Pi Day, so of course, I had to share a few pie-related romances to pick up.

The Ultimate Pi Day Party by Jackie Lau

Josh is hoping that a Pi Day party will be a sufficient enough draw for his dad, a retired math teacher, to finally start speaking to him again. He hires Sarah, owner of the new Happy as Pie restaurant, to cater. As they work out the menu, Josh finds himself becoming increasingly more attractive to the pie maker and wonders if this next Pi Day he will be able to start a new romantic relationship with her while reconciling with his father.

Sweet as Pie by Alicia Hunter Pace

Years ago, Evie had her heart broken by her long-time crush and one-time best friend, Jake, when he chose her cousin over her. When he returns home, she is determined to protect her heart at all costs and tries to keep him at arm’s length. Jake returns home for a clean slate with a new hockey team and to reunite with his childhood friend. As they spend more time together, he begins to wonder why he let her get away and if there is a way to correct that mistake and still get their happily ever after.

Build a charcuterie board and get a book boyfriend trope.

If you like the fake wedding date trope, this list is perfect for you.

Here are some of the sapphic romances headed our way this spring, and I, for one, am ecstatic.

That’s all she wrote for today y’all! I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can always give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Modern Marriages of Convenience

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 8, 2024

Sponsored by

It’s time for our Spring Break! I’m looking forward to some long-overdue family time. It’s been more than a few minutes since we have been able to do something like that and even if we just do a few in-town activities, the important part is that we will be spending it together. One thing I hope that we get to do is bowling, specifically at an alley that is designed to look like it is underwater, or maybe spend a couple of hours at multi-entertainment places.

Bookish Goods

All the Cool Girls Read Romance by OpalandJuneShop

I mean, where’s the lie? Seriously though, I love the message of this shirt because I am and always have been a loud and proud romance reader, and I’m tired of the haters trying to make me feel like it is something I should be ashamed of. And this shirt is a great way to make that statement without having to vocalize it. $29.00

New Releases

Spin the Block by Reese Ryan

When some negative press threatens Karris’s fundraiser for her former high school, the pop princess asks fellow classmate Ward to reprise the role of her fake boyfriend. Ward, a celebrity DJ who is looking to change his career path to that of a songwriter and producer, knows a musical collaboration with Karris would be extremely helpful. But he is hesitant to take part in a romantic one, fake or not, knowing that their feelings for one another have never been fake.

Lean in to Love by Catherine Lane

When Maya falls in love with Hollywood starlet London, her roommate Rory finds herself being dragged into a whirlwind romance. This also lands her squarely in the sight of London’s agent, Ellis. While the two women are initially at odds with one another, when it becomes apparent that Maya may not be as enamored as she seems, Rory and Ellis have to put aside their differences to save the reputations of London and Ellis and find themselves slowly falling in love along the way.

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

Riot Recommendations

One of today’s new releases involves the fake dating trope, which is a personal favorite. Another version of this trope is the marriage of convenience trope, which, while more prevalent in historicals, dark romances, and/or romantasy, is still fairly popular. Because even if both parties and the family themselves know that it is supposed to be just on paper, there are others that aren’t in the know and think it’s real. And I don’t think I’ve ever really done this trope before or, if I have, it’s been a while. So today seemed like the perfect time to rec some of those!

White Whiskey Bargain* by Jodie Slaughter

When a new moonshiner group moves to Harlan, Kentucky determined to do whatever it takes to become the top operation, the two established groups know they have to work together to eradicate this threat. It is soon determined the best way to do this is through a marriage of convenience. While Hannah and Javier both intend to keep this a business-only marriage, they soon find themselves fighting an attraction neither expected while still maintaining the safety, security, and financial flow of their respective businesses.
*Also, current hubby buddy read.

With You Forever by Chloe Liese

Rooney is super sunshine which makes her the complete polar opposite of grumpy Axel. That hasn’t stopped her from developing a crush on him, which only gets worse after they share an unexpected passionate kiss during a party game. Since he seems to not reciprocate these feelings, she has resigned herself to keeping those feelings locked away. But when they both find themselves in troubled waters where the best solution is a marriage of convenience, it isn’t too long before she starts to suspect that Axel is not as unaffected by her as he appears to be.

I don’t know about y’all, but I love a good romance about a romance author.

Just one bed? Yes, please!

Take this survey to see how your preferences stack up against other romance readers.

That’s all she wrote for today y’all! I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter and in the meantime, you can always give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Once is Never Enough

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 6, 2024

Sponsored by

Spring Break is next week, something I’m sure the Teenager is very ready for. We had had plans to go visit some friends in Ohio, but it had to get postponed for a myriad of reasons. The new plan is to take one or day trips to local cities and/or staying somewhere outside our own four walls for a few days. Either way, it will be fun and I am very much looking forward to it.

Bookish Goods

a shirt with a design of crossed knives and roses with the text enemies to lovers book club

Enemies to Lovers Book Club Shirt by TheBookishCollective

I’ll be honest in admitting that the knives are the first thing that caught my attention here, because how could they not? Then I noticed the rest of the design and how beautiful it was while simultaneously boosting my favorite trope, and I just couldn’t resist sharing. $28+

New Releases

The Reluctant Heartthrob by Jackie Lau

When Robyn finally takes a chance on speaking to the cute guy she keeps seeing at her favorite coffee shop, it results in a passionate night for the two of them. The next morning, she is surprised to discover that her one-night stand is none other than actor Ethan Park and makes a hasty exit. When she runs into him again, Ethan asks her out on an actual date. She agrees, figuring he would be like all the other men she’s dated and end up leaving her quickly. However, Ethan isn’t like the other men who came before him and may end up changing the way she looks at love.

Love Furever by Gabbi Grey

When Colin receives a concerning diagnosis, he is certain he can no longer take care of Widget, his French bulldog pup. Enter foster father James, who is happy to help both Colin and Widget out, even though he doesn’t think the situation is as dire as the other man thinks. As James continues to help Colin out with Widget, the two men find themselves being drawn to one another and wondering if there is a chance for them despite the deck being seemingly stacked against them.

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

Riot Recommendations

The “just one night” or “just one time” trope is a popular one in romance novels. Because we all know that it is never just one time. if it was, then there wouldn’t be much of a story, right? Still, the journey to seeing how the characters realize that they were wrong in their assumption that once would be enough can be very entertaining.

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

After receiving concerning work-related news, Naya’s friends convince her to let her inhibitions go for one night and give her a list of challenges. One of them is to engage in a random hook-up and have it just be for the night. However, when said one-night stand, Jake, is more charming than expected, resulting in Naya’s confidence rising, she begins to wonder if maybe it would be worth it to see if there is a permanent future possible for the two of them.

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings

Even though she has a history of making mistakes, one thing Lizzie has never done is spend more than one night with a lover. When she loses out on another bakery job, she breaks that rule and engages in a two-night stand with Rake. This agreement is perfect for Rake, who isn’t interested in a relationship at all and is planning on returning home to Australia. Then, Lizzie tells her that one of their passionate nights resulted in an unexpected pregnancy, and the two agree to find a way to make this work while promising it will stay a platonic co-parenting situation. As the months pass, though, they find themselves growing closer and wondering if this unexpected change will result in a loving relationship that neither really wanted nor planned for.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter and, if you’re so inclined, you can give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Love in Unexpected Places

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date March 1, 2024

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Bookish Goods

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New Releases

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Soledad is a domestic goddess with the magic touch to fix any conflict that arises in a situation. When the man she had planned on building forever with commits an act of betrayal, she redirects her energy to adjust to being a single mother. Then, Judah enters the picture, and, despite the pain that she is still processing, Soledad finds herself tempted to take another chance at trusting her judgment, trusting a man, and trusting love.

Born of Blood and Magic by M.C. Hutson

Violet is a vampire who, thanks to a curse, can’t drink blood. Petra is an assassin for an organization that is dedicated to eradicating all supernatural creatures. Despite these drastic differences, the two women find that they are key to changing each other’s fates for the better and are forced to work together. Whether they will be able to overcome their understandable initial distrust of one another is undetermined, especially when an attraction begins to develop between the two of them.

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

Riot Recommendations

There was a recent discussion in the Romancelandia section of the bird app concerning “old lady romance,” which are romances that center around characters that are in their late 30s or early 40s. As someone who is in their 40s, I completely get the appeal of wanting to read about older characters.

But I was young once, so I also understand wanting to read romances around new adults coming into their own. Ultimately, the general rule of thumb is and always should be live and let read. We’re not in school anymore, and no one is forcing you to read anything you don’t want to read. There is something out there for everyone.

With that said, today’s recommendations do feature characters who find love later in life because it is still important to recognize that it is possible.

More Than Love by Sharon C. Cooper

Benjamin and Makena have been friends for over 40 years. Throughout that time, Makena has been in love with Ben but never wanted to risk losing their friendship. Now, though, Ben wants to take their relationship to the next level, and Makena isn’t certain if she will be able to resist him once he turns on the charm that she knows is there.

Just a Touch Away by Jae

Professional cuddler Hannah and ice queen Winter are completely opposite. When Winter’s father dies, he leaves them both a building with the caveat that in order to inherit, they will have to live together for 92 days. While Winter is set on disliking the other woman, as the days start to pass, she finds herself looking at her in different ways and beginning to wonder if the posthumous machinations of her estranged father ended up leading her to a happily ever after.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and, if you’re so inclined, you can give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.