Happy Thursday! We’re almost through the first week of July and I hope that you made it through relatively unscathed. If not, then I hope that this upcoming weekend is restful for you and gives you the recharge you need next week to kick some butt.
I finished From Bad to Cursed which only further cemented my desire to live in Thistle Grove. I’m still working my way through Chef’s Kiss and plan on starting Book Lovers and an advanced copy of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches very soon.
Bookish Goods
Romance Reader Sunrise Journal by Pearstreetdesigns
Whether or not you use this notebook as a book journal, a regular journal, or just something to jot your random thoughts down, it’s a beautiful way of advertising what kind of reader that you are and showing that you do not care about any other opinion on the matter. $17
New Releases
The Duke’s Lesson in Love by Robecca Austin
When a near-death accident reminds Lord Gilleasbuig he doesn’t have an heir, he sets out to right this by claiming his estranged child from an orphanage. Rightfully standing in his way is Sadie, who has been watching the child since he was abandoned and is furious with Gilleasbuig for only deciding to step in to keep his name alive. Entranced by her, he is determined to prove to her and his son that he is ready to take on the responsibilities of a son and possibly a wife…
Music from Stone by Brenda Murphy
Nüwa Zhou is a celebrated pianist, but after an experience with a stalker that lead to a trial, she has retreated back to her parent’s estate. There she meets Julia, a stonemason, and enters into a friendship with her that soon turns romantic. When her stalker returns determined to take Nüwa again, she becomes equally as determined to protect Julia from a fatal fate and give their love a chance.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Foodie romances have been huge in the last few years. I have found myself picking these up more and more this year and I have really enjoyed the ones I’ve read. For me, I think it’s because there is something comforting about food in general. Yeah, typically we eat because it’s a necessity and we need the nourishment. But it can also be an act of love, especially when you’re cooking someone’s favorite meal for them.
Now for me, the act of starting to cook is an effort in and of itself. I drag my feet getting started, and grumble the whole way. But once I have begun I enjoy it immensely and wonder why I don’t do it more often. All that said, my recommendations for today will all feature food in a major way.
So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park
Okay, so admittedly this one is more like women’s fiction with a thread of romance but it’s close enough that I’m calling it. I love the idea of Jessie, a young woman, telling a bunch of men to eff off after getting fired and hearing them disparage absolutely everything about her. Also, rather than look at moving back home as a setback, she views it as a way to revive her love of cooking and her YouTube channel. There is also a handsome and helpful, albeit snarky, love interest to round it out.
Nuts by Alice Clayton
This is another story that features a woman having to return home after a career setback. Only this time it’s a Hollywood chef having to return home after a dairy related disaster to help keep her family’s diner from running into the ground. Again, I love that cooking is featured heavily in this and the fact that her family has a diner shows it was a lifelong love for Roxie.
Here are some recommendations for summer-fling romances.
This soulmate quiz is a fun way to pass the time.
That’s all for this week friends! Here’s to the weekend looming on the horizon and being able to take more than a few steps back to relax. Next week I’m going to be kicking off my own celebration for #JenkinsJuly and anniversary of 1994’s Summer of Black Love. So, keep an eye out on that. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!