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.
It’s been somewhat quiet in my house lately. Now you may be asking why since y’all know I have a teenager who is very busy and energetic; so, that’s fair. Hence the “somewhat.” Our TV decided to give up last week and shut off in the middle of the episode of Not Dead Yet I was watching. I think it’s something internal since the red light is still there. It just won’t turn on at all. C’est la vie.
I am taking the opportunity to focus more on reading, though, so there’s the perk there, especially with the haul I got for IBD. I finally started Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and am enjoying it immensely. I’m also reading Happy Place as well as Lone Women (and am desperately wondering what the hell is in that trunk).
If you haven’t already checked out Book Riot’s latest podcast First Edition, be sure to give it a listen soon! Co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores different aspects of the bookish world, using interviews, recommendations, and more from well-known people in that community. Be sure to listen to the most recent one to see if Jeff and Rebecca ae able to pick the “It” book for May. Fair warning; there are a few good candidates there so you may also need to prepare your wallet and bank account accordingly.
Bookish Goods
Romance Trope TBR Cards by HeyBooklover
This is perfect if you have a stack of unread books that you need to get through, but don’t know which one to pick up next. And let’s be honest, which one of us doesn’t have this problem? These prompts will surely help you get through them in a fun way. $17
New Releases
Stardust by Kianna Alexander
Ken is an architect who is as well known for his work as he is for his introverted nature. He’s also the subject of up-and-coming reporter Nona’s latest assignment, which has resulted in her asking around about him. When they meet, a spark blossoms between them based on their shared love of music and dedication to work. However, is that enough for Ken to open up to Nona both about his personal life and a relationship, or is it simply not meant to be?
Grim and Bear It by Juliette Cross
Claire is certain that Henry has a crush on her but he never makes any type of romantic overture. She decides to take matters into her own hands and make the first move. Henry then finds himself being slowly drawn into Claire’s word, which involves tea, cupcakes, and romance novels. This happy new way of life is threatened when his father is arrested and Henry has to deal with the ghosts he has been avoiding his entire life. Now he runs the risk of losing a chance at happiness before it even starts.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
When I was looking for recommendations for second chance romances, these two books popped up in my search and the lightbulb went off for another recommendation theme: ghosting romances!
Now, an argument could certainly be made that these are still considered second chance romances, due to the nature of the separation. And I won’t argue that they would be under that umbrella. So you could certainly think about this as a second set of second chances.
However, one could also argue that it’s a sub-genre of a sub-genre because of the ghosting nature. In other second chances, both parties typically come to an agreement that it’s over for whatever reason. In these, one was left high and dry with no update, which makes the reconciliation a little more tricky. But it still happens ’cause it’s a romance and we’re all about the HEAs over here!
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
The first time Rhiannon and Samson meet, the sparks instantly fly and the two share a passionate night. Rhiannon thinks it could be more until Samson ghosts her. He doesn’t resurface until months later and when he does, he is in cahoots with her business rival. As the creator of a dating app, Rhiannon doesn’t believe in second chances, but Samson does and is determined to show her why he is worth the risk.
Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole
While helping her boss find his betrothed, Likotsi met Fabiola, a woman she could have pictured a future with. That is, until Fabiola disappeared without a trace. Months later, Likotsi is back in New York determined to erase the negative memories she now associates with the city, as well as her heartbreak. So of course, one of the first people she sees is Fabiola, who begs her for a chance to explain what happened. Likotsi reluctantly agrees, and as the two women recount their story, they begin to realize that there may be another chance for them after all.
Enjoy these rapid fire responses from Kennedy Ryan and Meryl Wilsner.
Speaking of Kennedy, check out the re-covers of her beloved HOOPS series.
Here’s some more romance covers on rocks! I am in awe at this creator’s talent. So gorgeous.
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter full of all the romance round-ups. In the meantime, you can find me floating around on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until them, happy reading and stay hydrated.