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 reading this newsletter, I’m glad that you’re here. If you’re a regular reader, welcome back; it’s always good to see you.
Romance Reflection
Some people have become unnecessarily nasty with the cast of Bridgerton on a personal level, which I take issue with. First, let’s start with the backlash against Jonathan Bailey as it recently became public knowledge he’s gay. This caused a huge backlash from fans, with the most hottest garbage take being that the chemistry between him and Simone was now nonexistent.
For anyone with that mentality, let me just say that you’re acting saltier than the Dead Sea for no reason. The chances of him falling in love with a random fan even before this was revealed is still the same as it was before. Which is zero.
The idea of a handsome movie star sweeping us off our feet, a popular theme in contemporary romance, is the grown version of the ‘becoming a princess’ fairy tale. Does it happen? Yes, but not that often. Also, Jonathan being gay doesn’t negate him being a good actor as well as an an attractive man. The chemistry was still believable and that’s all there is to it.
Then there’s the backlash against Charithra, such as fans cutting her out of promotional poster. Why? Because of the love triangle that was written in for the story, which was out of her hands. Did I love this change? No. Am I going to take that out on the actress? Absolutely not. She played the role that was written for her and she did it well.
She also had a ‘friend’ tell her she only got the role because of the ‘diversity quota’ which boiled my blood. No one needs that negativity from anyone, let alone a ‘friend’. I sincerely hope that Charithra gave them their walking papers.
Please just remember that at the end of the day these are people doing the job they were hired to do. Both did it very well, as did the other members of the cast.
Stop. Being. Hateful. It’s not a good look on anyone.
Book Riot Romance
Don’t forget to listen to this week’s When in Romance with special guest Liberty Hardy where, among other things, they talk about monster romances and give recommendations for it.
Here is a round-up of some of the exciting romance novels coming out this month.
Around the Web in Romance
Here are some more recommendations for enemies-to-lovers romances.
Check out this clip of the cast of Bridgerton reading from The Viscount Who Loved Me and understand why I almost crashed when I listened to Adjoa Andoh narrate Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
I’m all for guy-liner cause you do you boo, but I will admit I snorted when I saw the eyes on the Ken doll in this romance novel cover recreation.
According to this quiz, I’m almost romantic and, after reading the description, I really can’t argue.
Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!
Recommendations
I mentioned earlier that celebrity romance novels are a modern day spin on the “becoming a princess” trope. And yes, I know that royal romances are still very much a thing, especially in Ye Old Kingdom of Hallmark around the holidays. But I don’t think it happens nearly as often in contemporary fiction because there is a modern counterpart for it. And I don’t want to make it seem like I do not appreciate it or begrudge those who like them. That’s why my recommendations today all are ones that involve a celebrity in some way.
Between the Lines by Bobbi Marolt
When romance writer Gail meets Tannen, feelings quickly develop between the two women. As they begin to develop a solid friendship that gives signs of being more, both of their pasts threaten to ruin this newfound happiness before it can be fully formed. Will they be able to leave the past in the past and focus on their future together?
Love Scenes by Bridget Morrisey
Sloane finds herself having to swallow all her pride when she finds out the lead actor on the movie she has been called upon by her family to help produce is none other than Joseph, the man who made her last job a living hell. However, she really can’t turn this down and decides to bite the proverbial bullet to take the job. A series of events causes her to have to take on the lead role, which leads to closer interactions with Joseph than she wanted. It also causes her to look at him with more romantic eyes and worry that, while pretending to be in love with him, she may have gone and actually fallen for real.
Reel by Kenned Ryan
When Neevah is cast in renowned director Canon’s feature film about a lesser known starlet of the Harlem Renaissance, she is over the moon about what this could mean for her career. And Canon is ecstatic to have found ‘the One’ who can fully embody his vision of Dessie Blue. Both are attracted to one another but determined to keep it professional. As often goes with best-laid plans though, that determination falls by the wayside; it’s a juggling act to keep their professional life separate from personal to bring the forgotten story of Dessie to life while still keeping the door open for a happily ever after for them.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I hope that this week is restful and relaxing for you and, as always, has a dash of reading in it. I’ll be back Monday with another fresh newsletter ready for your enjoyment and, should you want to hear more from me in the meantime, I can be found posting on Twitter under @Pscribe801.