Category: Kissing Books

Drummers, Chocolate, and Brides

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 2, 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.

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

How are everyone’s reading goals going so far this year? According to Storygraph, which I recently moved to, I’ve read four books already. To be fair, those are the ones that I tracked, since I didn’t count anything in December that rolled over. I’ve only purchased one new book this year, and that was with a gift card, so I’m counting it as a gift. Additionally, I’m going to be more strict with skipping BOTM when a book doesn’t call to me instead of feeling like I have to pick one for one reason or another. And, I’ve decided that I’m going to let myself re-read this year, especially comforting reads. All in all, I feel I’m doing great with all things bookish, and I hope the same is true for you.

Bookish Goods

Book Lover Box of Chocolates by TheStepwrightInn

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and one of the go-to treats are chocolate boxes. This would be a perfect Galentine or Valentine gift, as well as a treat for yourself. Because you should also remember to give yourself gifts. $5

New Releases

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod

As the daughter of an extremely overbearing mother, Kayla has been told all of her life to be quiet and not draw attention to herself. As an act of desperate rebellion, she took up the drums and found a new family in her band, the Lillys. When the band makes it big, she finds herself struggling with adjusting to the sudden stardom and finds comfort in Ty, the tour bus driver. Are these two kindred separates destined to unite, or will secrets and pressures from stardom doom their love story?

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

When Vampyre Misery is called upon by her councilman father to enter into a marriage of convenience with Were Alpha Lowe in an attempt at an alliance, she agrees. But, despite how it may look to her father, it’s not because she cares about the war one way or another; it is because she feels Lowe knows something about the disappearance of her human best friend. After the ceremony, Misery is left alone in Were territory, though, where the two find it hard to deny the attraction between them that refuses to be ignored.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today is Chocolate Fondue Day AND National Weatherperson’s Day. So, today’s recommendations are both books that can be read in honor of one of those holidays.

Sinful Chocolate by Adrianne Byrd

Charlie is a major player who has no interest in settling down with just one woman. But when he receives some startling news from his doctors, he begins to have second thoughts about the poor way he’s treated the women in his life. During this time, he meets Gisella and is taken aback by her beauty. She isn’t unaffected by him either, but between the warnings of her friends and the launch of her new shop, Sinful Chocolate, she isn’t sure she has time to enter into an affair with an alleged ex-heartbreaker.

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

When meteorologist Ari’s mentor seems too focused on her rollercoaster relationship with her ex-husband, who is also the news director of the station they work at, she isn’t sure how to get the help she needs. After a holiday party ends in disaster, she decides to team up with Russell, the station’s sports reporter, to “parent trap” their respective bosses. Soon, though, their plotting leads to feelings developing between the two of them.

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

Kissing Books

Cozy Winter Romance Reads

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date January 31, 2024

Sponsored by

Despite being the shortest month on the calendar, even when it is a Leap Year, February has always felt jam-packed full for me, especially in the last few years. That said, the first day of February is also my son’s birthday, which means that, if nothing else, that day always brings a smile.

Bookish Goods

Book Nerd Beanies by NrrdyandFlirty

Confession: beanies are, the only hats that look good on me because my hair is super curly. And these seem perfect, since they also showcase one’s love of reading. $17

New Releases

Mister Sommelier by B. Love

By day, Antonne is a lover of wine and fine dining. But by night, it is a different story and, after his nocturnal happenings resulted in the loss of his fiancée, he resolved to putting love on the back burner. Then, he meets Haley, a sensual young woman who makes him rethink this approach to relationships. However, the two walk a fine line between friendship and romance and have to decide if it is worth it to throw caution to the wind to take a chance on the attraction that is obviously blooming between the two of them.

If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke

Duke of Wellesbourne Acton is in want of a duchess. On the way to meet a potential bride, his interest is snagged by a widow who disappears before he can get to know her better. When he finally reaches his destination, he discovers that the widow and potential bride are one and the same. However, Persephone has witnessed firsthand the damage rogues can do and is determined to resist Acton’s charms. Of course, she soon discovers that there is a reason that rogues like him are so hard to resist.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations are brought to you with a bit of a collaboration from my partner. When I was sitting at my desk, pondering a theme, he suggested “cozy winter.” Which made my brain immediately go back to snowed-in romances. Hence, the theme for today. And, as an added bonus, both are also novellas, which will also help with getting a good head start on reading goals for this year. Double winner!

Booked for Christmas by Lily Menon

Romance author Sophia and critic Wolfe have always had a combative relationship, what with him seeming to detest the sweet happily ever afters she provides readers with. When she throws a holiday party at her cabin, and Wolfe shows up as someone else’s plus one, they are surprised, to say the least. Then, a snowstorm blows in, leaving the two stranded with one another until it blows over. This also leads to them getting to know a little more about the other person and realizing that their personas on paper do not necessarily translate to reality.

Snow Storm by Cassie Mint

After years of saving up, Quinn is overjoyed to finally be heading to England for a college trip. When she ends up falling asleep on a guided tour due to jet lag, she is awakened by the Duke of Collingswood, who initially believes she is paparazzi. While that misconception is quickly laid to rest, it comes after a snowstorm has started and the tour bus has left. The two soon realize that they are stuck with each other for a bit, which is the beginning of their modern-day fairy tale.

Take this quiz to find out which rom-com leading lady you are.

Here are some dark comedy romance novels to consider adding to your TBR.

And prepare your wallets for some of the most buzzed-about romances headed our way in 2024.

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

Kissing Books

“Pretending” Romances

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

Sponsored by

Welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. If you’re a regular reader, I’m glad to see you again. 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.

It’s the last week of January 2024, y’all, and to say it’s been a doozy of a month would be a massive understatement. But hey, we’re still here, right? And sometimes (not always), that can be worth the price of admission. I’m dealing with quite an upheaval myself, but I keep telling myself this, too, shall pass. If you’re going through a similar storm, here’s hoping that it passes quickly. If it has been smooth sailing for you, I sincerely hope it stays that course because man…these storms can be brutal.

Bookish Goods

“Sucker For” Trope Sticker by CanlasDesignCo

These stickers immediately made me think of the candy that came with Valentine’s boxes. I’m sure we all had more than a few of these growing up, courtesy of elementary classmates. And with the variety of options here, there is bound to be at least one trope that you want to let the world know you’re a sucker for. $3.

New Releases

Mother Pucker by Swati M. H.

Physical therapist Shayla is a widowed single mom whose primary focus is being there for her son Kai. Her latest client, Rowan, is taking a lot more patience than she expected, though, especially since he seems determined to charm her panties off. She decides to give in just once so that they can get it out of their systems. But as everyone knows, when the attraction level is this high, once is never enough.

Work It Out by Eva Siedler

Jake has only three months to get the body he wants so he can be in the running for the starring role in an upcoming action flick. Rayah is the owner of the resort he goes to for this endeavor, and had her hands full before her superstar super secret client checked in. Soon, it becomes an all-around balancing act for both of them to do what is necessary to be successful while also trying to manage the attraction that is growing between them.

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

Riot Recommendations

Pretending With the Playboy by Tracey Livesay

Carter is a bachelor by design and aims to keep it that way. That is, until he finds out that his beloved aunt is in dire health and fakes an engagement with Lauren, her protegée. Even though Lauren has been burned by Carter before, she goes along with the fake engagement for his aunt’s sake. But when it goes public, and there is a larger audience to fake it for, she is torn between calling it quits altogether or risking her heart getting broken once again.

Pretending He’s Mine by Mia Sosa

Julian is a Hollywood agent who has his hands full with managing his best friend and superstar Carter, and trying to ignore his attraction to his younger sister Ashley. But when she turns up on his doorstep needing a place to stay, he can’t turn her down. He also has a hard time not agreeing to act as her fake boyfriend for Carter’s upcoming wedding and soon finds it difficult to continue to say no to the temptation that the younger woman presents.

Take this quiz and find out what kind of lover you are.

Here are some of the awesome romances headed our way in 2024.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with another round of recommendations. In the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading, and stay hydrated!

Kissing Books

When Letters Lead to Love

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

Sponsored by

I’ve been in a decluttering mood as of late, specifically old electronic devices. After all was said and done, I got four tablets, three dead smartwatches, and an old-school Kindle keyboard out of my space. It’s true that, in the grand scheme of things, they weren’t taking up a lot of room. But still, I feel good about it and hope to move on to other stuff soon.

In reading news, I finally picked up Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez again. I started it last year but then got distracted by all the other books, and then when I found it, I realized that I wasn’t in the mood for it quite yet. But now I am and am loving it.

Bookish Goods

Tarot Trope Pop-Socket by IvyResinShop

One of the reasons for the recent declutter was me deciding to change cases for my Kindle Paperwhite. I felt I needed an un-haul of sorts before I bought something. I’ll admit I got a bit of FOMO by seeing all the other bookish peeps with clear cases and pop-sockets and decided I wanted to try my hand at that. While I went with a clear one for now, I am sure that soon I will want to customize that as well, like the one shown here. If you’re likeminded, it can be yours for the price of $27

New Releases

The Bodyguard’s Deadly Mission by Lisa Dodson

When Alexa and Andrew first met, he was training her to be a bodyguard. Throughout that period, Alexa managed to keep the relationship professional despite being tempted to give in to her desires. Now, she runs a security business, and her latest contract is one that could endanger both of them. Despite the danger lurking in the background, this could be the opportunity for both of them to explore their feelings for one another without the power dynamic that was previously present. Will they give in, or will they walk away when their mutual safety is ensured?

Blossom by Helen Hardt

Mary used to enjoy her role as a submissive under the name Blossom at the Black Rose Underground Club, until a scene with a Dom got horribly out of hand. After that, she’s ready to walk away for good until she meets Ronan, who is so intrigued by the beautiful woman that he is considering breaking his rule of forming a relationship outside the club’s four walls. Is this encounter one that will leave both Dom and sub satisfied, or are they setting themselves up for yet another disappointment?

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

Riot Recommendations

I’ve mentioned before that I am a fan of epistolary novels. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that my spouse and I started off as friends in high school, and the way we really got to know each other was by writing letters back and forth. We’re talking about pages and pages of words. It got to be a competition at one point, and we still have a few of those letters from when we were younger somewhere in storage.

That is one of the reasons that I went back to Yours Truly because, despite setting it down for a few months, I genuinely wanted to read it. And I’m glad that I did.

If you haven’t guessed by now, today’s recommendations all involve letter writing in some way, shape, or form. Enjoy!

Looks Good on Paper by Kilby Blades

One of the few joys in Zuri’s chaotic life is her pen pal from Italy, Alessandro. What she doesn’t know is that Alessandro isn’t actually the one writing her the charming letters; it’s his brother Nico. What initially started out as a way to help his brother quickly changes into something more, leaving Nico in a precarious position, especially when Zuri heads to Italy to meet Alessandro in person…

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

When a breakup leaves Tiffy with needing a place to stay, her best option comes from an ad for a flatshare. With Leon being a night-shift worker and Tiffy working the nine-to-five, they will be like ships in the night, which makes it perfect. It also makes face-to-face conversations difficult, so the two begin leaving notes for one another. Soon, they move from roommates to friends to something that neither expected.

And that is all I have for y’all 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

Short Reads Recommendations

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

Sponsored by

Y’all…we’re almost through January. This is hard for me to wrap my head around because it really feels like 2024 started yesterday. Maybe this month flew by because I’ve been super busy and have had a lot of milestones occur. Either way, I’m still shooketh about how quickly this first month of the year has gone by. And the beginning of February will see me officially having a 16-year old, which I can’t even with right now. So, let’s move on to the rest of the newsletter.

Bookish Goods

Book Ring by WittingCraft

This ring is amazing all around! It’s a minimalistic yet stunning way to showcase one’s love of reading. Normally, this is priced at $33, but at the time I wrote this, it was on sale; so, you may still be able to snag it for $27.

New Releases

Her New York Minute by Darby Baham

Olivia heads to New York with only one thing in mind: to become the best portfolio manager in that city’s branch and secure a promotion back in the UK. She is certainly not looking to find Mr. Right or even Mr. Right Now. However, when she meets Thomas through a chance plane connection, the sparks instantly fly, leaving Liv to wonder if there is room in her plans for romance as well as ambition.

The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

When rising superstar Riley’s ex-husband tries to claim credit for being the inspiration behind her break-out break-up song, she calls up Max, her college boyfriend and actual inspiration behind the music. While they haven’t spoken since their break-up, Max agrees to go public as the reason for the tune, provided he can join her band on tour. Once on the road, old feelings quickly get unearthed and rekindled, leaving them both wondering if they gave up too soon.

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

Riot Recommendations

For us book dragons, the beginning of the year is when we set the goal for how many books we want to read in the coming year. I typically set mine for 52 since that averages to one a week, which I can definitely do, even in the hustle and bustle of life. But some people have very high aspirations and set a goal for triple digits on the regular.

Now sometimes, these lofty goals can lead to panicking towards the end of the year when the actual number is well below the goal. This usually results in people picking up more novellas. If that is your MO, then I’m going to challenge you to flip the script, as it were, and start the year off with a few shorter reads to help get ahead of that number. And here are a few to consider.

That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole

As maid and assistant to Eliza Hamilton, Mercy has a front-row seat to seeing the effect that love can have on a person, even after that person has departed this earth. Determined to not open herself to that type of pain, she resolves to close her heart off completely. Then Andromeda shows up as her grandfather’s proxy to be interviewed by Eliza, and she finds herself being drawn to the vivacious woman who is making her second guess her approach to love.

Stone Heart by Katee Robert

In Olympus, Medusa is known as Athena’s knife, dispatched whenever Athena needs someone to disappear. This is a task Medusa only takes on due to the fact that she owes Athena her life. When she’s dispatched to go after Calypso, though, the beautiful target is willing to do anything to stay alive, including seducing the other woman. Soon, something real develops between them, but with Athena still gunning for Calypso, will their happiness have a chance to flourish?

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world and every now and then on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Peach (Color) Love

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

Sponsored by

I’m writing this the night before the predicated hard freeze for my area and am hoping that all goes well. Even if it doesn’t, we do have provisions to get us through the next few days and, as always, plenty of books to pass the time. For those experiencing any kind of scary winter weather, I sincerely hope you’re safe, warm, and have things to get through the situation.

Bookish Goods

Hot Girl Library Sticker by CraftandModern

I am a bit ashamed in admitting that I didn’t visit my library as often as I probably should have last year. Honestly, it would have saved me quite a bit of money if I had. That said, I still strongly believe in doing so and encourage others to do so as well. It’s another bookish goal I have this year. $6

New Releases

Before I Love You by AJ Alexander

After Audrey goes through a bad break-up, she takes her daughter to Tyson’s Creek to start over. Her game plan is to focus on raising her daughter and forgoing another relationship. However, when Connor walks into her life, those best-laid plans go astray, especially with the matchmaking machinations of their friends and daughters. Before she knows it, she can’t think of any reason to not give love another chance.

Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert

Eurydice is finally ready to set out on her own and prove to the world she is more than the role they’ve placed her in. Her first plan? To find someone to help her get over her ex. Charon is more than willing to take on that role even if he is concerned her heart isn’t really free. Meanwhile, said ex, Orpheus, is also determined to right the wrongs he inflicted on her and convince her to give him another chance, even if it means accepting Charon as well. All three of them may need to rethink the concept of love.

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

Riot Recommendations

As promised in Monday’s send, here are some romance novels that feature peach or peach-adjacent colored covers. Again, I will admit I’m being a bit flexible in determining what this entails, but the recs are still solid ones to consider adding to your ever-growing TBR.

The Perfect Seduction by Brenda Jackson

Megan is a college professor who has decided to try having a sex-only, no-emotions affair with Tyler, who also happens to be her first love. What she doesn’t know is that Tyler has no intention of passing up this golden opportunity of a second chance to make this a permanent relationship.

Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey

Online, Rosie and Jane have struck up a flirtatious correspondence under the latter’s pen name. In reality, though, Jane is part of the property development firm that has just served Rosie and her bookstore with lease termination papers. When the truth comes out, will the relationship they started via DMs survive, or will it be over before it has a chance to really start?

Here are some spicy recs to help warm up your winter.

You can also try some of these hotel romances.

Check out this list of just a few of the anticipated romance reads headed our way this year, and mark your calendar to be prepared.

Check out the cover reveal for Afterlight’s Special Edition set for Alexandria Bellefleur’s Written in the Stars series.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh romance related newsletter. In the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram posting under @pns_bookish_world and every now and then over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated and warm.

Kissing Books

Viva Magenta!

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

Sponsored by

I recently had the realization that the last full work week I did was the first full week in December. This means it’s been over a month since I didn’t at least have one half day, and that this is my first full working week of the new year. Honestly, I’m not sure how I’ll survive it because I got used to those short weeks very quickly. Call me dramatic if you must because I own it, but yeah…adulting amirite?

Bookish Goods

If It Involves Books and Pajamas… by BlueOceanApparel

As mentioned earlier, I’m still struggling to get use to being at work five days a week, and so I’m definitely living for these vibes. In fact, I may try to plan some kind of bookish slumber party this year to wear this at, and of course, I will be matching with my friends. That’s what the different color options are for! $14.

New Releases

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

After watching her mother struggle after her father’s death, Anne has decided to forgo love altogether. This decision has earned her a reputation for being a bit of an ice queen, which she is fine with. But when she needs a favor from her longtime friend Hart, he agrees only on the condition that she attend a holiday party with him at his grandfather’s. There he is sure he can convince her to let down her guard and give their love another chance to flourish.

cover of Frosted Kisses and Christmas Wishes

Frosted Kisses and Christmas Wishes by Madelyn Fischer

When Joel and Maya both show an interest in the same book at the Solstice bookstore, it ignites a conversation between the two. Once they start talking, they realize they were childhood neighbors with feelings that couldn’t be fully explored before Joel moved away. Now that life is giving them a second chance to explore these feelings, will they give into temptation, or will the associated hurt of their life experiences cause them to let it pass them by?

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

Riot Recommendations

One of the best bookish events I attended last year was the one for Mazey Eddings’s YA debut, Tilly in Technicolor. While I haven’t read it yet, I do know that color palettes play a large role in the story, which got me thinking about how important the idea of having a favorite color is.

Let’s be honest; we all know at least one Purple Girl, and if you don’t, then chances are you’re her.

From clothes, to household appliances, and any and all types of accoutrements, color plays an important part in our day-to-day lives. This idea is so true that Pantone even picks a color of the year annually.

Which leads us to this week’s recommendations. Today, we’re going to honor 2023’s color, which was Viva Magenta, and on Thursday, we will focus on 2024’s Peach Fuzz. Please note for both, I tried to get as close to the shade as I could, but some liberties may have been made. Enjoy!

Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim

Shortly after Sophie returns home to Toronto, it is revealed that she never graduated from matchmaking school. As such, no one wants to hire her. Desperate for clients, Sophie stumbles across a club known as the Old Ducks, seven septuagenarians who have given up on love. She takes it upon herself to help them all find love, all the while battling her overbearing and belittling mother, learning to love herself, and finding a love of her own.

The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman

After Lexi mistakes firefighter Dyson for a strip-o-gram, she is beyond mortified. To her surprise, rather than run screaming for the hills, Dyson instead asks her to be his fake girlfriend to help him win a bet, something she agrees to. Despite them only pretending to date, the chemistry between them is undeniable, which leads to real feelings developing between the two of them.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes Thursday and in the meantime you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world and Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Norse Gods and Romantic Suspense

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

Sponsored by

I’ve finished my first book of 2024 and didn’t really enjoy it, which makes me a bit sad. It was just mid, and the only reason I powered through was it was the book club pick and I didn’t want a DNF this early in the year. I’m hoping that this is not indicative of how the rest of my reading year will play out, otherwise, that would make for a very “meh” one indeed.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a mug with the text Audiobooks: turning errands into epics and cleaning into cliffhangers

Audiobook Mug by AudiobookAddicts

Truer words have never been spoken. When I worked in an office, there were many days where an audiobook made the commute bearable, especially whenever I did end up stuck in traffic. And domestic chores are a little bit less dull when you’re listening to a good audiobook. $14

New Releases

Run, Run Runaway by Dahlia Rose

As Lux is walking down the aisle to marry her fiancé, she realizes that she has no interest in marrying the man at the end. Rather than commit to a life she didn’t want, she turns runaway bride with her best friend, Hudson. What she doesn’t know is that Hudson has been in love with Lux from the moment they met or that he is the son of a Norse winter god. And now that he has the opportunity to show her every aspect of himself, including his deity status and desire for her, he has no intention of holding back.

The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz

In this new romantic suspense novel, when podcast host Talia makes plans to meet Phoebe, she is shocked to discover that the other woman has seemingly vanished. She meets Luke shortly after, who is also searching for Phoebe, and she is instantly and understandably distrustful of him. However, the two soon realize they must join forces to not only find the missing woman, but to escape a killer that has their sight set on the two of them and solve the mystery they have both been working on.

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

Riot Recommendations

Last week, I got my very first tattoo as part of my anniversary celebration with my spouse. I waited so long for two different but connected reasons. One was because I wanted to make sure that my first tattoo was meaningful to me because I didn’t want any “ragerts” later on. Another is I wasn’t sure how I would react to the pain level since my threshold is fairly low.

While it wasn’t what I would call pleasant by any means, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Honestly, I’ve had menstrual cramps that were worse. And I can say that I’m now officially part of the demographic that immediately starts planning their next one.

In honor of that, today’s recommendations are books that feature tattooed main characters.

Hate to Want You by Alisha Rai

Ever since the tragedy that made their families rivals years prior, former lovers Livvy and Nicholas have allowed themselves to have one night a year to give into the passion and love they still feel for one another. This year, however, Nicholas has decided that he is through following the rules of a game started by his megalomaniac father and sets out to convince Livvy that as long as he has her, he is willing to forsake everyone else.

New Ink on Life by Jennie Davids

After surviving breast cancer, Cassie is ready for a new lease on life and decides to become an apprentice as a tattoo artist. When she shows up at the Thorn & Thistle, owner MJ begrudgingly gives her a job, figuring if nothing else, Cassie’s background in business will help the struggling shop. But when clients begin to flock to Cassie for her tattooing style, MJ is left having to rethink her initial impression of the other woman, especially when an attraction begins to simmer between the two of them.

Pick some love songs and get a rom-com recommendation!

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with another round-up of romance related goodness. In the meantime you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world, and occasionally still posting over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Red String = True Love

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

Sponsored by

Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, here to share my love of the romance genre with like-minded readers through a myriad of ways.

After about a week to ponder on it, I’ve nailed down a few of my bookish goals for this year. One is to read more audiobooks since that is a format that I’ve been remiss in consuming. And with the changes to Spotify Premium, I’ll have more of an incentive since I’m essentially paying for it. Another is to (seriously) be more mindful of book spending, having a better balance of keeping up with the new books I get and working on all the other unread books in my library. While maybe not overly ambitious, it’s enough for me and something that is easily obtainable.

Bookish Goods

Go Away, I’m Reading Pen by DrilonRose

I am a sucker for a good pen and always have been. And since another goal I’m planning on this year is to write and journal more, this pen will be perfect for that, even if I wouldn’t exactly be reading while using it. $10.

New Releases

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

Rooney is a firm believer in the Chinese legend that says everyone is tied to their one true love with a red string of fate. After an amazing first date with Jack, she is sure that she has found the person at the end of her string. The only issue is that Jack doesn’t believe in fate at all. Will Rooney be able to convince him to go on faith alone and take a chance on true love?

cover of Don't Want You Like a Best Friend

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

Beth is about to embark on her debut season while Gwen is preparing for her fourth one. The one thing they share in common is that neither wish to get married and decide to set up their parents instead. However, as that plan begins to come to fruition, a wealthy viscount has set his sights on Beth. This development causes the two women to realize that their feelings have moved from being platonic, and they’re left wondering what type of future there may be for them.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today is Clean Off Your Desk Today, which, frankly, sounds rude as heck. It also sounds like a way to diminish the little joy that office workers have in personalizing their space.

Seriously though, starting the new year off with a clean or even rearranged desk sounds like a good idea. I rearranged mine to make it a little more joyful to look it and to give myself a better balance of energy.

The unofficial holiday for today did lead me to today’s recommendations, which are office or workplace romances. Enjoy!

One Tough Cookie by Delise Torres

Karina is an aggressively independent woman who is happy with her career at the Singular Cookies, Inc. and living without love. When she meets Ian, the company’s new mechanic, she starts to develop the kind of feelings for him that she actively tries to avoid. She soon comes to the realization that it is okay to rely on someone and that sometimes love is worth the risk.

Paper Love by Jae

When Susanne’s mother sends her to go help save her uncle’s stationery store, to say she’s less than thrilled would be an understatement. Anja, the only full-time employee at the store, is also less than pleased with her new boss, which leaves the two women instantly at odds. But as they begin to work together, initial impressions change, and they find themselves looking at each other with different eyes.

Take this quiz and find a book recommendation to start 2024 off with.

And that is all I have for you today. I’ll be back in your inboxes Monday and in the meantime you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. I still occasionally poke my head in over on the bird app under @PScribe801 but the former is definitely the most active. Until we meet again, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Most-Anticipated Romance Releases of 2024

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

Sponsored by

Happy New Year, y’all! Welcome back to the Kissing Books newsletter. And 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.

My New Year’s Eve was relatively low-key. I hung out with some close friends during the day, did a party watch for the last episode of The Haunting of Hill House at night, and then watched the ball drop with my family before heading to bed. All in all, a pleasant way to usher in the new year.

Bookish Goods

picture of Romance Reader Heart Necklace

Romance Reader Heart Necklace by CraftyEliseShop

I’m in a lot of “eras” right now, and one is my necklace era. I am serious in saying that I have to wear a necklace every day if for no other reason than to have something to fidget with. And since I’m a romance reader, this is definitely one I wouldn’t mind adding to my rotation. $13

New Releases

Sunflower by Aricka Alexander

Autumn is a single mother whose sole focus is to make sure that her daughter Sydney is taken care of. So, she is not looking for a relationship when Winter comes into her life. However, the attraction between the two women is instantaneous, and soon Autumn is left wondering if Winter is worth the risk of opening up her heart once again to the possibility of love.

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

When a mistake causes the nomadic Raine to get stuck in Ireland, she has little choice but to settle in her for the near future. One night at the pub aptly named the Local, she runs into the owner, Jack, and ends up insulting him and his business. Rather than taking offense, Jack offers her a short-term job to help him revive it. But when feelings begin to develop between the two, they find themselves wondering what will happen once their business arrangement ends.

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

Riot Recommendations

For today’s recommendations, I’m going to mention a few of the books that I’m looking forward to this coming year. If 2023 was any indication, we can look forward to a lot of awesome releases this year. And while I am not certain I will get to all of them, these are two of the ones I will definitely be making a priority.

The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee (5/21/24)

Between friendly rivalries and one passionate kiss, bowlers Ava and Georgia had quite the past before they ended up working at the same school. When the school principal announces that there is money in the budget for a school bowling team, the only catch is they have to coach it together. This leaves both women struggling to stamp out the attraction that still exists while leading their team to victory — and that soon proves to be a futile effort.

cover of A Little Kissing Between Friends

A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins (5/28/24)

Music producer Cyn and erotic dancer Jucee have been best friends for years. And during that time, they’ve managed to keep their relationship firmly platonic. But the events of one chaotic night result in the women looking at each other with different eyes and, in turn, causes them to wonder what would happen if they added some “benefits” to their friendship.

That’s 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 still find me over on the bird app under @PScribe801 and on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.