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.
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Previously, Spotify announced that they would be including 15 hours of audiobook listening as part of the Premium subscription. This wasn’t projected to happen until early 2024, so I was super excited to hear it went live earlier than anticipated. I selected That One Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf after recommending it last week and listened to it all in one day because I just couldn’t not finish it.
Bookish Goods
Book Lover Patch by PatchShopLtd
It’s getting to the cooler part of the year for some of us and denim jackets also appear to be making a comeback. This patch would make a perfect addition to one because, not only does it announce your love of reading, but it’s tots adorable! $5
New Releases
Luv Under Starlight by N.M. Patel
After her father died by suicide, Meera dedicated her life to taking care of her mother and brother and trying to pay off the debt he left behind. She doesn’t have time for anything else or the inclination to make it. To help make ends meet, she agrees to let Luke rent her extra room because she could honestly use the extra cash. What she didn’t need was the ball of sunshine that Luke was and the happiness he tried to bring into her life. After all, he’s only going to be there for three months, so there’s no need to get attached. Now, if only her heart would get on board with that sentiment.
Inheritance by Nora Roberts
Neither Sonya nor her late father knew he had a twin. So when her Uncle Collin leaves her everything in his will, including a Victorian house in Maine, she is more than a little surprised. She is also somewhat unnerved at the stipulation that she has to live in it for three years. When she arrives, she meets lawyer Trey, who is upfront about the house being just a little haunted. As Sonya explores the house, she learns more about the history of the place, including Astrid, the legendary “first lost bride,” and works to solve the mystery of her dad and uncle as well as work to break the curse the house seems to be under.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
The Goodreads Choice Rewards opened up last week, and the romance nominees were, well…overwhelmingly white and straight. Harsh, but let’s be honest; there’s no way to soften that blow, and the truth hurts.
I was a bit disappointed in what was there. With that in mind, I’m going to be recommending other romance novels released this year that could have and probably should have been contenders. Because, and I genuinely say this with no maliciousness to the books that were nominated, we all know that the list there is not a great reflection of the romances that were released this year.
Now, there may be repeats for some books previously mentioned in the newsletter, although I will endeavor to avoid that when possible.
Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron
Jana has always been a loner, closed off from those around her, especially since the one time she let someone in, and she ended up pregnant and heartbroken. So, she resolves to stay single. Five years later, she’s a bridesmaid at her sister’s destination wedding, surrounded by almost everyone she knows, including Anil, her ex. Determined to keep him at arm’s length as well as show she’s not a complete stick in the mud, she lets her walls down to join in on all the pre-wedding events. However, this also lowers her walls with Anil, who may or may not be wanting a second chance.
Stars Collide by Rachel Lacey
Pop star Eden has had a 20-year career that seems to be in danger of ending. When her recording company suggests doing a collaboration with up-and-coming Anna, she initially balks but eventually gives in, knowing she has little choice. Anna is overjoyed with the prospect of performing with Eden, hoping that it will also be a chance to break out of the “pop” mold. As the two women rehearse, an attraction develops between them, which leaves them wondering if they are willing to risk it all for love.
The Washington Post put together their picks for the best romances of 2023, and it goes without saying that I’m happy with the diversity displayed here.
I was excited to see this cover reveal for Karmen Lee’s upcoming Sapphic bowling romance.
And that is all I have for y’all today. There will be a send on Thursday, so you will hear from me again then. In the meantime, you can still find me occasionally poking my head out on the bird app under @PScribe801. Until then happy reading and stay hydrated!