Hello and welcome (back) to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, here to give you the rundown on the world of romance, including new releases, recommendations, and other entertaining ways to pass your time.
I did end up making it to the grand opening of The Book Burrow this last weekend. It was such a wonderful cozy space! I felt welcomed the moment I walked in and the owners were super friendly and talkative. I finally picked up my own copy of One Last Stop after the two of them told me how much they enjoyed it. I also did a Blind Date with a Book and ended up with YA novel None of the Above, which I have never heard of but am excited to read. Then I went to the symphony on Sunday with my cousin and had a great time there as always. All in all, a good weekend.
Before we get into all things romance, are you on the hunt for fascinating insider stories from long standing experts in the book and publishing world? Then you should check out The Deep Dive, Book Riot’s latest newsletter. For just $5 a month, you’ll receive exclusive content via email twice a month. You can also try The Splash Pad for free, which will round up recs and bookish goods once a month. Read more and find your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com.
Bookish Goods
All Books Count Pin by BrioandBrandish
Yes to all of this. It doesn’t matter how you consume a book; all that matters is that you consume it. I would proudly display this any and everywhere. $12
New Releases
Glory and the Master of Shadows by Grace Callaway
Lady Glory is one of the members of a secret society of lady detectives and her latest case results in her crossing paths with Wei, a master of martial arts and healing. She convinces him to take her on as a pupil which he agrees to even though it is taking away from his own quest to avenge the murder of his family. As the two train together, a passion slowly begins to burn between them. But theirs is a forbidden love for the roles they play both as a teacher and student and a commoner and a Duke’s daughter.
A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins
In order to escape an arranged marriage, Poppy fled to London. Years later she returns when her sister’s accused of murder. Joshua is a duke who is trying to avoid being forced into matrimony by overzealous debutantes. After literally running into each other, they realize that a fake engagement can help both of them out and agree to such arrangement. Too quickly they discover that real feelings are developing between them as the charade continues.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I started watching School Spirits on Paramount a couple of days ago and am enjoying it so far. In a way it’s giving off Veronica Mars vibes and I am here for that.
Watching that got me to thinking about how fascinated we humans have always been with ghost stories and not just in the horror genre. One of the first ghost romances I remember seeing and enjoying was actually in Charmed when John Cho guest-starred as a ghost whose murder the Halliwells had to help solve. Piper and him had a small romance that broke my heart cause he was dead-dead and there was no coming back from that.
Apologies, I got distracted by the sadness associated with that core memory. Today’s recommendations are ghostly romances where in one of the lead characters is a ghost. Of course since it’s romance, they don’t stay ghosts…HEAs forever y’all!
A Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese Beharrie
Gemma has a secret; she can see ghosts. And when she sees them she helps them with their unfinished business so they can move on. Levi is the latest in her ghostly companions; only snag is he feels his unfinished business is helping her reunite with her long-lost sister. There are multiple complications that come from this and along the way Gemma and Levi also have to face the fact that they are slowly falling in love.
Phantom Promise by Julie Leto
Paxton was cursed and turned into a phantom centuries ago and he has spent that entire time vowing to have his revenge. His chance at satisfying that thirst is Jeannette, the woman who has wandered into the chateau he haunts. However, while Jeannette may look like a naïve young lady, she is far from being easily deceived. Their mutual attraction cannot be ignored especially as it is, aided with a bit of magic. Once that happens, the lovers are left to deal with the multiple effects of this encounter.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with another fresh edition. In the meantime, you can find me floating around on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.