Sponsored by Amazon Original Stories.
Reagan has always liked people better from afar. Maybe that’s why social distancing came so easily. But she doesn’t want her grandpa to be alone for Christmas this year, so she heads home to Nebraska bearing gifts of Jell-O salad. She’s forgotten all about Mason, the boy next door. He’s all grown up now, and he doesn’t mind Reagan’s prickliness… he might even like it. In a time when six feet is close enough, how long can they keep their distance? From #1 bestselling author Rainbow Rowell comes a short, sweet holiday story. Prime members read and listen free.
Welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. I hope your spirit is doing well. I’m P.N. Hinton, your companion through the world of romance. Whether this is your first time or you’re a regular, I’m glad to have y’all here.
I don’t know if I mentioned it in a previous newsletter, but another thing I really dislike about ‘falling back’ an hour is that it gets darker way too early now. This is especially noticeable since I still work remotely because I’ll be sitting in my own little corner (in my own little chair) working and then look up and be like “Why the heck is it so dim in here now? Did my eyesight get worse in the last hour?” Only to realize nope my eyes are still the same level of not great; it’s just the sun starts setting earlier now.
Thanks. I hate it. But such is life.
I’m currently reading a handful of books in a desperate and likely futile attempt to meet my reading goal for the year; The Love Hypothesis, The Book Boyfriend, and A Second Chance Road Trip for Christmas. This is in addition with a few others I have been working on for weeks.
Wish me luck. I don’t think I’ll make it but I appreciate the encouragement.
Romance Reflection
There was a tweet floating around last week, asking why it is embarrassing to tell people that you write romance novels. There were many responses as to how some authors answer that and they ranged from sarcastic, to funny, to honestly blunt. And, while I enjoyed the variety, it did make me more than a bit sad.
The fact that the original poster felt they had to justify what they do for a living and lie or even hedge around it isn’t cool. I’m not sure if a partner or a friend made her feel that way but it’s something that, again, seems specific to the romance genre. I don’t hear about horror writers or mystery writers skirting around what they do. And honestly no one in any genre should.
I’ve seen the statement that romance keeps the lights on in too many places to feel that the people making said statement are exaggerating. It’s a popular genre. Period. End of discussion. It can be a lucrative career and if anyone gives you guff on it, chances are they’re just jealous because you’re in a position to get paid to do what you love and they may not be.
Romance authors should be proud of what they do because it still takes quite a bit of skill and craft to write anything, so own it! You are an amazingly creative person and that rocks. And if someone has a problem with it? Tell them they are welcome to take the one way exit out of your life. Because you don’t need that type of negative unsupportive person in your life. At least that’s what I would do because nobody has time for all that judgement from people who claim to care about them. At the end of the day, it’s your job and you’re fortunate enough that it brings you joy. Keep on keepin’ on, my friends.
Around the Web in Romance
Earlier this year, Julia Quinn’s father and sister were killed in a car crash. She recently announced that their family has established the Steven Cotler ‘60 Fund for the Summer Science Program in his honor. Read more about the fund and donate, if you’re so inclined, to the scholarship. At the time of their deaths she was also working on a graphic version of her novel within a novel featuring Mrs. Butterworth with her sister Violet Charles. She was able to finish the art, thanks to assistance from her other sisters, and that is still planning on being released.
Yet again more proof how much Romancelandia rocks, courtesy of a comment from a Disney Member Services Representative.
While not every book in this list is a romance, enough are that I am comfortable linking it here.
Here is a round-up of December romance reads.
Are you a fan of Beauty and the Beast? Then check out some of the books listed here!
So far we only have Day One but if you TikTok, be sure to check out Chelle Sloan’s 25 Days of Thirstmas!
Take this quiz to find out what role you would be in a rom-com! I’m…the secondary love interest and I HAVE FEELINGS ABOUT THAT!!
You can also take this quiz that attacked me slightly less and pick cookies to find out what underrated holiday movie to watch.
Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!
New Releases
Since last Monday’s newsletter was the shopping one, I missed out on the chance to highlight the new releases. So, I’m going to include a few of them in today’s edition along with the some of the new ones this week. Prepare your checkbooks!
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Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey (12/1)
Gloam by Lily Mayne (12/3)
Baking Spirits Bright by Bryce Oakley (12/3)
Yours Until Midnight by Jailaa West (12/3)
Beautiful Submission by Ivy Wild by (12/3)
Lighting Her Flame by Zariah Night (12/7)
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Sundae’s Best by Riley Hart (12/8)
Show Up by Renee Dahlia (12/9)
Western Waves by Brittainy Cherry (12/9)
The Christmas Manny by Sammi Cee (12/10)
A Sensual Seduction by Serenity King (12/10)
It Happened One Winter by Christi Caldwell (12/10)
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back Thursday with more romance reflections, news, and recommendations for you. Until then you can give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then!