Greetings and salutations! Welcome, or 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.
How are we almost done with October yet?!?! It really seems like the month just started, and I really wanted it to last forever! Seriously, the older I get, the more October is my favorite month outside of my birthday month, even though it’s always hot as all get out then. At least we still have a few weeks left, so I’ll make sure to make the best of them!
It’s fall y’all, and this season is the extra perfect time of the year to cozy up with an engaging book or two. Though sometimes it can be hard to pick what to read next, and that is where Book Riot’s TBR comes in. No matter what your preferred genre is, TBR’s Bibliologists, also known as Bibs, work to find the perfect ones for you to add to your book pile.
Sign up here to pick your preferred plan and wait for the recommendations to roll in!
Bookish Goods
Enemies to Lovers Pin by BrioandBrandish
This is a beautiful and perfect way to show off your love of this trope. Even if this isn’t one of you preferred ones, it still makes the perfect gift for your bookish bestie that adores it. $14
New Releases
The Marquis Who Mustn’t by Courtney Milan
When Naomi needs the permission of the ‘”man in charge of her” to sign up for ambulance classes, she claims that Kai, the nobleman she just met, is her fiancé. To her surprise, he goes along with the ruse. What she doesn’t know is that Kai is in Wedgeford for his own personal reasons, and his plans will include committing fraud, stealing a fortune, and fleeing the country. She also doesn’t know that the two were actually betrothed as children before he disappeared for 17 years and that their engagement is actually real.
10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall
For the most part, Sam enjoys his job managing a bed and bath retailer. The one thorn in his side? The owner, Jonathan. When Jonathan calls Sam to London for a “difficult talk,” Sam uses that as the opportunity to fake amnesia. What seemed like a good way to get out of getting fired quickly turns when Jonathan, ridden with guilt, shows Sam a softer side he never knew existed, leaving him to wonder what will happen when the truth comes to light.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Keeping with the swag from earlier and romances that have a Halloween/supernatural/horror vibe, today’s recommendations are enemies-to-lovers monster romances. Yeah, that’s quite the string of words there, I know, but they are accurate for the titles listed here.
Quick reminder: as monster romances tend to be darker romances, be sure to check for the various content and trigger warnings.
The Hunted Mate by Darcy Dahlia
For years, Yara has managed to resist the siren-like call of the ocean, but when her mentor is murdered, it shakes her resolve to stay on dry land. To make matters worse, the person picked to replace her, Jack is infuriating on every level. Even as they bicker with one another, Yara finds herself being unnervingly drawn to him even though she has no idea why.
Not So Kind Regards by Clio Evans
Warts & Claws Inc. is almost like any other corporation, with the exception of being staffed by monsters who are caught in a war with their evil HR department. While Inferna finds herself very attracted to Calen, his lover just happens to be her office rival. However, sparks fly between them after a visit from one of the HR reps, and it leaves them wondering if they will survive the week to be able to see if there is a chance for all three of them to engage in a satisfying and sexy relationship.
This was a fun word association quiz, and seeing as I’m married, I’m going to say it’s fairly accurate.
I didn’t even know that Light Gothic Romance was a thing, but I’m here for it.
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday and in the meantime you can still find me on the bird app under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.