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 really felt the love last weekend. As planned, I went to the Pflugerville Community Library’s 15th Annual Romance Social. Unbeknownst to me was the fact that some of the wonderful librarians there were also newsletter subscribers. When I arrived Meg, the librarian behind the event planning, had an entire swag bag waiting for me full of bookish goodies. My heart was so full at this unexpected gesture. I was excited at the prospect of in-person crafting, new books, and listening to a panel of talented romance writers talk about their stories and craft alone. But to get extra gifts was just a most welcome surprise!
The authors this year were M.L Eaden, Kelly Cain, Vivien Jackson and Becky Wade. I had to limit myself to just two books, because I am booking on a budget. The ones I got were The Saint George Chronicles and Tastes So Sweet by Kelly Cain. Be sure to check all those authors out since they each cover a different sub-genre in romance. Chances are y’all become a fan of at least one!
Bookish Goods
Wooden Book Holder by HighlandConcepts
Now, I’ll admit I was one of the naysayers on this doodad when it first became big a few years ago. This was mainly due to me doing most of my reading digitally. Now that I read a lot more of hardcovers and larger paperbacks, I see the appeal and may be requesting one for a gift in the future. These helpful reading buddies start at just $9
New Releases
Isha, Unscripted by Sanji Patel
Isha has always marched to the beat of her own drum and she is okay with that, even when her collegiate and career path place her in complete opposition of what her family wants for her. When the opportunity to have her script read by a panel of producers goes awry, friend and fellow ‘outcast’ Rohan convinces her to try to set up a meeting with one of her former UT professors; Matthew McConaughey. What follows after this brainchild is formed is a series of hijinks that leaves Isha wondering if the bright lights of Hollywood are still in her future.
Safe With Me by Lily X
While Havi may be having some second thoughts about hijacking a U.S. military ship to escape Earth, she still maintains that it was better than staying on the slowly dying planet. When she arrives at the New World, Fay is the medic assigned to her case. Neither woman can deny the attraction between them but both feel that the time is not ideal for a new romance, especially when the shadows of the past join Havi on the New World.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
As I was trying to come up with a theme for today’s recommendations, my gaze fell on the stack of books that I’m currently reading and was drawn to one in particular. In all fairness, all the books on my reading pile are important and ones I want to finish, otherwise I would DNF them (and I do not hesitate to do that). However, one needs to move up priority wise since I have a book club meetup for it soon and I haven’t even gotten past the first page. *grimace*
Luckily for you, my reading procrastination resulted in today’s theme: historical romances that also feature the heroine’s name in the title. And who knows? Maybe I’ll do it for heroes in the near future.
Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy
In this second chance romance, Aphrodite bemoans her name since she feels that saddling someone with the name of the goddess of love sets them up for romantic disappointment. This fear proves to be true when the love of her life leaves her for another woman and she retires to the country. When she is guilted by her mother into returning to London for her sister’s debut, she does so begrudgingly only to run into Evander, the man who shattered her heart. Now a widower, Evander is determined to win back Aphrodite’s love even as the hurts of the past threaten to destroy their future.
The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton by Miranda Neville
Celia is having a rough season. Not only were her marital prospects ruined thanks to Tarquin’s biting commentary on her style, she gets kidnapped. When she runs into him after escaping said kidnapping she figures life can’t get any worse. That is until it becomes apparent that he is suffering from memory loss and the vicious side of her can’t help but to entertain the idea of a little revenge. This is a zany little romance from the late author that is sure to have you laughing out loud more than once.
I am so excited for all the awesome LGBTQ+ romances headed our way this year.
I don’t typically have a Romancelandia BINGO card but if I did, you can bet your bottom dollar that this wouldn’t have been anywhere on it.
Build a pizza, get your love language.
This ‘find the book title’ quiz is a fun way to pass the time.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes Monday with a fresh new edition. In the meantime I can be found posting on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!