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.
Y’all, I had a great time at the Passport Party this last weekend. I got to mingle with other like-minded book lovers, played trivia and found out some interesting facts about the various bookstores that were visited, and my friend ended up winning a bookish goodie bag in a raffle. All in all, it was a great time and here’s hoping it will happen again next year for IBD or maybe even Bookstore Romance Day, which is the third week of August. I’m already gearing up my wallet for that!
Before we dive into romancelandia, are you looking for more in-depth insight into the bookish world from various professionals who are immersed into it? If so, then be sure to check out the Deep Dive. You can currently check out Sharifah’s The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers on us to get an idea of the content included and then head here to choose a membership level.
Bookish Goods
Libraries Are for Everyone Pin by GoodGoodCat
I’ve talked many times before about my love of libraries and honestly I could go on forever about it. I love that this pin shows that libraries and the books are for everyone across all spectrums, despite certain people who, in the U.S. at least, are actively trying to get rid of anything that isn’t white and heterosexual. Show off your support with this pin. $11
New Releases
Mr. One and Only by Sharon C. Cooper
Genesis knows that dating her boss wasn’t a good idea. But she couldn’t help the temptation of the handsome Noah and then, to top that off, she had to go and fall in love. When Noah is ready to move their relationship to the next level and proposes, another man from her past comes back into her life. Genesis, caught between the two men, turns down Noah’s proposal to try to focus on what her next move should be. But when an unexpected development arises, she knows Noah is the one for her and hopes that it isn’t too late for them.
Romancing the Gorgon by Tallie Rose
When witch Lettie’s grandmother dies, she expects that her half of the Stone and Sorcery Lodge will pass onto her. However, there is no mention of it at all, leaving Lettie befuddled. Months later she is called back to visit the town lawyer and runs into Chandler, her Gorgon ex-girlfriend. Chandler’s grandmother is the other owner of the inn and has left them both half with the stipulation that neither can sell their half for six-months. Close quarters and unresolved feelings seem to be the perfect ingredients for these two women to consider a second chance at their love, with the added bonus of running a successful business together.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I took this fun quiz over the weekend to find out which Sapphic Romance Trope I was and got just one bed. This is just a super specific version of the forced proximity trope, which is always a fun one. So I decided that would be a great theme for today’s recommendations, since it has been a while since I’ve done that trope.
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Esme has the opportunity to come to America and make a better life for her and her daughter. The only thing she has to do is convince Khai to marry her. The snag there is that Khai is certain he can’t feel love and ignores her when his mother moves her into his house. However, as the days pass the two find themselves drawing closer and closer to one another and wonder if their somewhat inauspicious beginning is the perfect set up for a lasting love.
Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters
When Megan is invited to a wedding in Quebec, her ex-best friend Scarlett offers to take the trip with her and be her plus one. Even though Scarlett has had a crush on Megan for years, she would be happy to be back in her life platonically. As often happens with long drives, the two women begin to talk and find the little joys in their adventure. And when a snowstorm forces them to seek shelter and wait it out, the close proximity opens the opportunity for their re-emerging friendship to develop into something more.
The Ripped Bodice has released the card for their 7th Annual Summer Romance Bingo game.
And that’s all I have for y’all this week. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter and in the meantime I can be found floating around on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then happy reading and stay hydrated.