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.
Well, here we are again, looking down at the impending arrival of another weekend. I’m ready for it because last week felt like it dragged on forever, likely due to the ice and having my son home all week. Cabin fever is a real thing. That said, I am also very aware that we were extremely fortunate since we didn’t experience any outages and unfortunately not everyone in my city can say the same thing.
This weekend, I have the Romance Social at one of my local libraries to look forward to and it’s in person this year. While I’ll admit that part of me is still cautious about public places, I am looking forward to it since I always have a good time there with my romance-reading bestie. And I also always walk away with some swag, which is always nice.
Speaking of the day of love, are you still looking for the perfect gift for the bookish friend or paramour in your life? If the answer to that was yes, then look no further than Tailored Book recommendations. After a quick survey detailing their likes, dislikes, and reading goals, our professional book nerds, also known as Bibliologists, or Bibs for short, will get to work selecting books for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.
Bookish Goods
Slow Burn Tarot Card by lylajuneco
I know that some readers may not have an affinity for slow burns like I do. And I’m not saying that I want every book to be that way. However, there is something to be said about a nice slow build up that you know is going to end with a satisfying climax….Sorry for the double entendre, but I just couldn’t pass it up. This is priced at $3.50 and also has a black and white option if that is your preference.
New Releases
Shades of Love Anthology
This limited edition box set features 18 stories from some of the well-known names in contemporary romance. You’ll find a variety of heroes and heroines in this collection, along with multiple tropes, sometimes even in the same story!!
A Life Worth Living by Monica McCallan
Despite both being successful Philadelphia real estate agents, Nora and Gray couldn’t be more different. While Gray is extremely extroverted, bubbly, and open, Nora is introverted, self-reliant and closed off to the outside world. As their paths continue to cross though, they find out that they may have more in common than either one initially thought and wonder if there is a chance at a different type of life for them together.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I have been reading a lot of practically insta-love romances lately. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not opposed to them. But with those, there isn’t a lot of development about what turns the tides for the main characters, especially when it comes to enemies to lovers.
That is one of the reasons that today’s bookish good was related to the slow burn trope. Every now and then, i really crave the pining, the longing, and the hand flexing. It’s nice to read about and see because I feel the build up helps makes me appreciate when they finally kiss or do more. So with that in mind, today’s recommendations are slow burn romances.
Love, Chai, and Other Four Letter Words by Annika Sharma
Kiran is determined to not repeat her sister’s mistake in matrimony by vowing to never fall in love with someone who disappoints her parents. All is going well until she meets her neighbor Nash. After growing up in a family that has taught him to expect abandonment, Nash doesn’t put much stock in love…that is until he meets Kiran. Then, both of them are left questioning if they should keep to their paths or take a chance at love.
Perfect Rhythm by Jae
After her father suffers from a stroke, pop star Leontyne returns home to help him during his recovery. When she meets nurse Holly, she is pleasantly surprised to discover the other woman is underwhelmed by her fame. A tentative friendship begins to blossom between the two. But between Leontyne’s fame and Holly’s asexuality, both are wondering if they will be able to navigate the treacherous landscape that dating can be.
Here is a list of current and upcoming queer romcoms to add to your TBR. NGL…a lot of these are already on mine.
Take this quiz to see how well you know your cinematic weddings.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes Monday with a fresh edition and in the meantime I can be found floating around on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!