Hey y’all, welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. I hope your spirit is doing well. I’m PN Hinton, your guide through the roller coaster of a ride that the world of romance can be. If it is your first time here, welcome and if you’re a regular reader welcome back.
Fair warning that a good portion of this newsletter is Bridgerton related or adjacent.
Romance Reflection
There will be slight spoilers for the recent season of Bridgerton in this reflection. If you haven’t had the chance to watch it yet, you may want to skip the reflection for today and come back later when you’re done.
I marathoned the entirety of Season 2 over the last weekend because I was impatient to know how it would all turn out. And, overall, I enjoyed it. That said, I also understand why people didn’t. The plot was completely changed, too much for it to be called an actual adaptation. At best it’s an ‘as inspired by’ situation.
While there were differences from the first season and the first book, such as it not being Daphne’s debut season, for the most part, it was still close to the source material. That wasn’t the case this season so for the purist out there, I get your annoyance. Here is a rundown of my personal take on the changes that were made.
My biggest complaint about the season was how they played up the love triangle and completely fabricated the sister’s animosity. While it all got resolved by the end, at one point, Edwina lashed at Kate and emphasized that they were half-sisters. This was never an issue in the book so I hated it was mentioned at all by any of the Sharmas. However, I appreciated that Edwina was more than just a plot device because that is basically what she amounted to in the book.
I liked the bee scene. Was it different? Yes, but it still established a connection between Kate and Anthony. And I understand why it wasn’t used as the catalyst for them getting married. The show has brought a lot of new people to historical romances. While those who have read them for years understand the importance and sometimes necessity of the ‘compromise’ scene, newbies may not. I do feel that if they had kept it, there would have been cries of “That is exactly what happened last season!!”
Now I know that people were upset about the desk scene not being there but let’s be honest about it. Anthony steps on Kate’s foot and kicks her. Hard. Yes it served as a conduit and prompted the first kiss; but, I do not think it would have transferred well to the screen. Even with as much as I love the book, I do have issues with that interaction.
We did get the Pall Mall scene and while it was different, it still helped to establish a turning point in their relationship, while giving insight to how their rivalry would always remain even if it was playful.
I didn’t mind the lack of sex scenes since I felt that the longing and the pinging and the “almost” everything was well done.
Ultimately, I feel the book and the season need to be judged on their own standing. And of course regardless of how you feel about it, remember everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Book Riot Romance
Second chance romance, YA edition!
Around the Web in Romance
Here are other ways that the second season differed from the source material.
Another season, another round of book recs for Bridgerton fans. I love it!
More Edwina? If it’s the show version, I’m all for it.
If you’re a fan of the “Smash or Pass” trend that’s been going around, here’s another round to play.
Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!
Recommendations
Since the majority of the content today was in reference to a historical romance, all my recommendations today will be contemporary picks. That said, I’m still going to focus on enemies-to-lovers though since that is my catnip and what the relationship between Kate and Anthony is in the book.
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
When wedding planner Carolina gets left at the altar, she worries she’ll never bounce back from it. Time proves her wrong though and she becomes one of the most sought after event planners in D.C. She’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime that could change her career path forever. The only hitch? She has to work with her ex’s brother. Who was also his best man. Who is also the man who convinced his brother, her groom, to leave her at the altar.
The Rivals by Vi Keeland
Years ago, Weston and Sophia’s grandfathers were business partners and best friends. They also had the unfortunate luck of falling in love with the same woman, who happened to be their third business partner and, when she couldn’t choose between the two, went their separate ways across all fronts. This animosity was passed down through their family and was destined to remain. That is until the woman who caused the fissure dies and leaves a hotel to both of the men which means it passes down to their grandchildren. As they try to find a way to unravel this mess, they find themselves at each other’s throats while simultaneously wanting to rip each other’s clothes off.
Party Wall by Cheyenne Blue
When sex-store owner Lily moves into the storefront next to Freya’s new age shop, it throws the latter’s life in a whirlwind. Despite sharing a common wall, Freya desperately tries to keep all aspects of their lives separate from one another even as the universe seemingly conspires to keep them running into one another.
Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back on Monday with another round-up of romance reflections, updates, and new releases. Remember to give me a follow, if you’re not already, over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading!