Hello and welcome to the first Kissing Books newsletter of 2023! Its been a week since we last met and a whole new year happened in that time. I hope that you spent New Year’s Eve and Day the way you wanted. I’m speaking ‘from the past’ but I’m confident that no matter what, I made sure to eat my black-eyed peas and collard greens to start the year off right.
The start of a new year always feels like the first blank page of a journal. I have no idea what revelations, challenges, changes, or other developments will come out at the days/pages turned, but I also remind myself that a new one is the opportunity to do better.
One thing I’m going to do this year is be kinder to myself in all regards, especially in reading. I still plan on challenging myself and reading a set number of books in the coming year, but I will also not be worried about how long it takes me to finish any book or how many are on my “Currently Reading” list. At the end of the day, I’m my only competitor in these challenges. However, I am also going to be mindful of making sure my book intake and consumption is more balanced because wow does the price tag and TBR pile add up quickly.
And speaking of reading challenges, it’s time for Read Harder 2023! We’re going on nine years for this challenge and we love that we’re still able to help you push your reading limits! Click here to sign up to receive newsletter tailored for each prompt and recommendations for books to tackle all 24 tasks from some of our well-known Rioters.
Bookish Goods
Seepy Grey Book Cat by BiblioChicShop
I don’t know about y’all but after the chaos of last year, especially those last few busy weeks, I am identifying so hard with this sweet kitty. I would love to curl up and just sleep for like a week surrounded by books. But, since that isn’t an option, this pin that showcases what I’d rather be doing will suffice. $13
New Releases
Mister Musician by B. Love
When Saint and Harmony meet, both are fresh off break-ups where the person they loved betrayed them terribly. Neither are willing to open their hearts again, yet they find themselves being drawn to one another. Will this be a new chance for both of them or will the heartbreak of the past doom them before a new relationship can even start?
Back in a Spell by Lana Harper
After essentially being left at the altar, Nineve Blackmoore reluctantly agrees to go on a date with nonbinary bar owner Marty. It goes about as well as can expected, especially when Marty finds out she’s part of the family that has been trying to buy the bar out from under him. After their date, when Marty begins to develop magical powers, something that typically only happens to non-magical people when they join a magical family, they two must work together to figure out what is going in and to discover more about the undeniable attraction between them.
Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood
In this collection of short stories, we are introduced to scientists Mara, Sadie, and Hannah who remain friends after they graduate. We also get to see them as they interact and fall in love with men who at first seem to be their rivals but end up being so much more. This is a collection of Hazelwood’s previously published novellas, Under One Roof, Stuck With You, and Below Zero.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Over the last few weeks I have been really focusing on reading cozy stories because the end of the year was wild and I just needed a mental break. That was my goal and I’ve pretty much kept to it — well, with the exception of How to Sell a Haunted House which I am enjoying, but my goodness it has pushed almost every single one of my ‘things that squidge me out in horror’ buttons.
That said, two of the books that I read did align with the cozy aspect: Legends & Lattes and Loathe to Love You. It got me to thinking that some cozy, low-angst romance may be the perfect way to start off the new year. So, without further delay, here are the first recommendations for 2023.
The Stand-In by Lily Chu
When Gracie is mistaken by the paparazzi for a famous Chinese actress, Wei Fangli, the latter offers her a job as her stand-in for an extraordinary amount of money. Not in a position to refuse, Gracie takes the job, and suddenly finds herself in the limelight with the handsome and equally infuriating Sam. However, as they spend more time together, her heart softens towards the man, leaving her in a position where she could end up losing everything.
Nothing to Lose by Clare Lydon
When an unexpected flood leaves grumpy Scarlet and other people homeless, bubbly Mayor Joy opens up her home to the unhoused and ends up with Scarlet as her housemate. Despite their differences the two strike up a friendship that could be more. But will it be enough to last when Scarlet is able to return to her home?
And that’s all for today my friends. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh new edition full of new releases in romance and recommendations. In the meantime, I can still be found over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay warm and hydrated.