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.
Independent Bookstore Day is so close and I’m so excited I almost can’t stand it. If I’m being honest though I’m really looking forward to some one-on-one time with my friend. We’re going to be in the car a good amount of the day driving between the stores which will leave room for a lot of talking and catching up. Plus I’ll get new books out of the deal as well. So, what’s not to love? If you’re not sure how to celebrate, check out Susie’s roundup of some of the awesome events happening this Saturday. And if you’re an audiobook listener, check out this Libro.fm sale going on all week in honor of IBD. Over 1000 audiobooks are available for around $5 each!
Before we move on to more romance-related fun, 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 be receive exclusive content via email twice a month. You can also try The Splash Pad for free, which is a monthly round up of bookish goods and reading recommendations. Read more about this and your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com.
Bookish Goods
Buy Local Books Pin by DissentPins
Today seemed the perfect day to share this pin with it being Independent Bookstore Day this weekend. I understand and agree with the draw of chain stores for sure, but there is something about going into a local indie store and having the employees recognize your face. It really strengthens the idea that you’re helping a community that appreciates it so much. This can be yours for the price of $15.
New Releases
Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan
Sinclair is overjoyed to be the maid of honor for her best friend as expected. However, she is less than thrilled to find out that the best man is Garrett, someone she has had a volatile relationship with since they were teenagers. He isn’t pleased himself but both are determined to put their differences aside to make their friend’s special day the best it can be. What neither expected is to also be dodging the attempts of a matchmaking grandma who knows that their mutual animosity is just a front for deeper feelings.
A Lesbian’s Guide to Women by Erica Lee
Annalise is new to the world of dating women, having only recently realized that she is attracted to them. When her first attempt at a date ends up in her being left alone, bartender Brinely takes her under her wing to teach her about the world of dating women. It seems like a win/win for both women and also a way to have fun. that is, until real feelings start to develop and both are left wondering where their FWB relationship can develop into more.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
In honor of Independent Bookstore Day, I’m going to recommend bookstore romances. I know I’ve done it before but it’s always a good time for one of these and even more so this weekend. Enjoy!
Booked On a Feeling by Jayci Lee
After lawyer Lizzie has a panic attack at work, she heads to Weldon for a couple of weeks to recover from the burnout that prompted it and figure out the next steps. If nothing else it will give her the chance to catch up with her childhood best friend Jack, who has secretly been harboring a crush on her all these years. He has no expectations of it changing though and is content to hang out with her and help her with her plan to revamp the town’s bookshop. However, as the friends spend more time together, Lizzie begins to also look at Jack through very different eyes.
Much Ado About You by Samantha Young
After Evie gets passed over for a promotion, she decides a vacation is in order and heads to an English village for some much needed R&R. There she takes a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore below her apartment. There she meets many delightful customers including flirtatious farmer Roane. She figures it is just harmless fun, knowing that holiday romances very rarely work out. However, as more time passes she begins to wonder if she truly wants to go back home and away from her new happy life.
And that’s all for me this week friends. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter full of all the romance related goodness. I’ll be sure to also update you on my bookstore haul next week as well. In the meantime, I can be found floating over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.