Category: Kissing Books

All the Grumps!

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 14, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. If you’re a regular reader, I’m glad to see you again. Or, if this is your first time here, I’m glad that you joined us. I’m PN Hinton, and I’ll be your guide through all things romance-related.

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

I had a great time last weekend at my library’s Romance Social! There were a few craft options, but the only one I partook in was the resin keychain, which I will enclose a photo of below. I also picked up two books by two new-to-me authors. The first was An Earl Unmasked by Rachel Ann Smith, and the second was Secrets with the Marquess by Ceilia Rene.

Bookish Goods

Book-Bish Mug by FailedScientistCafe

Is this mug more than a little sassy? Yes. Does that make me love it just a bit more? Also yes. Seriously, I may have to rethink not getting myself a new mug because this one it just too tempting. And with prices starting at $12 and four color options, there is bound to be one for everyone.

New Releases

The Catch by Amy Lea

A misunderstanding about check-in dates lands influencer Melanie at a bed and breakfast in a rural east-coast Canadian fishing village, where she meets grumpy Evan and his bubbly cousin Lucy. When a boating accident lands Evan in the hospital, Mel claims to be his fiancée to make sure he isn’t left alone. But when his feuding family arrives, the two agree to keep up the pretense for their own personal reasons. As the week passes, the two find themselves being drawn to one another while being all too aware that their city versus country personalities may prove to be too different.

The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett

In an effort to make some quick cash while adjusting to various life changes, Jesse agrees to take part in a ‘friendship study.’ When he finds himself paired up with Lulu, a woman who he recently ghosted after a hot date, it just seems to be another one of life jabs. Still, the two try to make the best of this odd situation while simultaneously ignoring the chemistry that is still very present between the two of them.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Tomorrow is “Do a Grouch a Favor Day,” which is easier said than done since grouches tend to be…well, grouchy and not always receptive to help. However, there is often a reason for the hard exterior as well as a super soft heart beneath it. Even Oscar the Grouch has affection for his friends and his pet Wormy; it is just not always obvious.

In honor of today, I’m going to be recommending some grumpy/sunshine romances since that is a steady favorite in Romancelandia, especially with this girl. Enjoy!

With Her Own Two Hands by Tasha L. Harrison

Artist Julian left Philadelphia heartbroken and robbed of the creativity that once made him stand out among his peers. He ends up with a space next to Agostina’s shop in an art studio and is drawn to the woman and her carefree nature. Agostina offers him spiritual help to help him get over the drastic changes his life has made. But Julian may need more than that type of help to get out of his slump, and Agostina may just be the woman who can give it to him, provided she can get over her own hang-ups about love.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

Former footballer Alfie has been strong-armed into selling his memoirs even though he knows he will have difficulty putting his emotions to paper. That is where ghostwriter Mable comes in, but her sunshiny nature is instantly at odds with his storm clouds. When their working relationship is mistaken for a romance though, they find themselves fake dating to appease the fans. However, soon, real feelings develop between the two of them, leaving them to wonder if there is a happily ever after in the cards for them.

I’ve actually read all the Sapphic romances here and can attest to their awesomeness.

And this list is perfect for all my mafia-loving readers.

Choose a rom-com and get your favorite hot beverage.

In addition to a picture of my new keychain, I’m going to close this out with the reminder that as of today, all Valentine’s Day goodies, be they chocolate, candy, or decorations, should, at the very least, be 50% off. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

9 Romantic Dark Academia Books

Post author By Samm Saxby
Post date February 13, 2024

Sponsored by

This post is written by Carolina Ciucci

The dark academia trend shows no signs of fading away. The term was coined in 2015 to signify a particular subculture: an intense and all-consuming passion for learning, especially classic literature and ancient languages, observed in romanticized terms.

On the surface, dark academia draws a lot on gothic architecture (bonus points if it’s universities or libraries), dusty books, early to mid-century collegiate clothing, and a uniform color palette of blacks, whites, beiges, and browns. You will not find a glimmer of pink or yellow in the wardrobe of a dark academia aficionado.

As far as books go, dark academia also draws on (very often) delightfully pretentious people who, as Book Riot writer Zoe Robertson put it, “…can’t go a sentence without citing Shakespeare and spend their free periods retreating into the shadows of their secret cult.”

Dark academia books don’t always include romance. But that’s not the case for the books included in this list: whether they’re romance novels or simply novels with romantic elements, these books put rapidly beating hearts and star-crossed lovers side by side with murderers and students of ancient Greek. As one does.

Beware, though: some of the romance in these books might make you want to take a vow of chastity. It is still, after all, dark academia.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

This YA novel is set at the prestigious Niveus Private Academy. Fellow students, Devon and Chiamaka team up in order to unveil Ace, an anonymous texter who threatens to reveal their secrets.

Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

There are few things I love more than dual timelines in books, which is why this one is right up my alley. In 1902, the Brookhants School for Girls had to close after several mysterious deaths. But now, a book about the school is set to be adapted to film, so a cast is sent to the ruins of what was once all splendor.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Only the most special students have a place at Hailsham, an exclusive boarding school in ’90s England. But what makes them special? That’s what former student Kathy, newly reunited with her former classmates Ruth and Tommy, is going to find out years later.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Magical dark academia? Yes, please. At 16, Breen finds herself joining a residential program for gifted students. There, she learns about the existence of demons, and a secret society that hunts them down called the Legendborn. She also finds out that there’s more to her mother’s death than meets the eye.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

The only thing I love as much as magical dark academia? Historical magical dark academia. Set in 1895, Gemma is sent from India to a boarding school in England after her mother dies by suicide. There, she develops visions, and discovers that she’s being followed by a young Indian man. But what does he want?

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

One of the few non-romance romantic dark academia books in this list features Oliver, a man who is getting out after ten years in prison. The man who put him there, Detective Colborne, wants to know why — and what his former classmate James has to do with it.

Half Truths by Claire Contreras

Is it truly a dark academia book without a secret society? Mae doesn’t have cause to wonder, because upon transferring colleges, she finds The Eight. This society may hold the answers she needs to learn about her missing brother and friend.

These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever

This book has been described as The Secret History meets Call Me By Your Name, in case you were wondering what you’re getting out of it. Paul meets Julian as a college freshman in the ’70s, and their bond quickly grows. But there’s a side to Julian that Paul is unprepared for.

Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri

Sometimes, the fate of an empire rests on your shoulders. Just ask Arwa, who must dig through various archives with a prince desperate to save his family in an attempt to voyage to the mysterious Realm of Ash.

Can’t get enough of dark academia? Try out 10 queer dark academia novels to obsess over, or learn whether you’d survive a dark academia novel.

Kissing Books

Celebrity Crushes and Surprise Siblings

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 9, 2024

Sponsored by

As of this writing, my happy thought is that I have some book mail headed my way! I ordered the special edition of At First Spite by Olivia Dade from Love’s Sweet Arrow last year to get the “throwback” cover ’cause the FOMO was real. And the level of excitement I felt when I got the official shipping email was unquantifiable. Regardless of whether it’s a surprise or expected, book mail always inspires joy, and we could all use more of that given the current state of the world.

Bookish Goods

Rainy Day Reads Candle by AARKAORIGINS

Even if I’m not always a fan of rainy days, I do love the sound and smell of rain. So this would be perfect for me on those days where I allow myself to be lazy and sit down and read, since the smell of this candle would make for a calming and relaxing environment. $11.00

New Releases

Sex, Lies, and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

After her father’s death, Nora is shocked to discover that she has a secret sibling. She’s even more put out to discover that all that’s been left to them is a rustic inn which they will need to have up and running by Labor Day, or else they will lose it. While renovating the inn, she meets Bear, who figures these “city girls” will give up quickly. But when he sees that Nora has more strength in her than he thought, he begins to feel things he thought he had long laid to rest.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

High school basketball coach, Julie, is starstruck when she finds out that the foster parent of her newest player is Elle, an ex-WNBA player and Julie’s celebrity crush. And, somehow, Julie has managed to convince her to be her assistant coach. In addition to helping her coach the players on the court, Elle also agrees to help Julie overcome her avoidance of dating. But of course, it isn’t too long before the friends and co-coaches find themselves developing romantic feelings for one another.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations are designed to help out those who are trying to do the Read Harder Challenge this year. To be honest, I don’t think I am going to be able to help with all of them, but I certainly can help with the prompt for reading a romance with neurodiverse characters.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Esme is given what she thinks is the opportunity of a lifetime when Khai’s mom takes her from Ho Chi Minh City to the US to be a prospective bride for the man. Khai, believing he is incapable of feeling, has no interest in this relationship, something he makes clear to Esme when she’s moved in. Soon, the close quarters lead to the two interacting more, and real feelings begin to develop. But in order for their romance to be a success, Khai first has to reconcile with the fact that he may have been wrong about his ability to feel emotions.

An Unseen Attraction by K.J. Charles

Lodging keeper Clem and tenant Rowley enjoy the quiet friendship that they’ve developed in the time since the latter started renting from the former. But when the two are trying to determine whether they want to move to a romantic relationship, the corpse of another lodger is found on the front doorstep. Soon, the two are rushing to find out who did the deed before they are the next to be murdered, while still trying to determine what comes next for them.

Pick a rom-com and find out which non-Plastics Mean Girls character you are.

And that is all I have for you this fine Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter, and in the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

All the Library Love

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 7, 2024

Sponsored by

This weekend is the 16th Annual Romance Social at my local library, and I am so excited about it. The last few weeks have been, to say the very least, challenging for me. So, I desperately need the burst of serotonin that this always brings. If I manage to make a craft, I will be sure to post a picture of it so y’all can see my artistic skills, limited as they may be, in living color. In reading news, I am currently reading The Catch by Amy Lea and listening to Psyche and Eros.

Bookish Goods

Book Wyrm Enamel Pin by RatherKeen

This pin is ADORABLE! Look at how protective that little wyrm is of their book! I love it so much! And it comes in four color combinations so you can pick your favorite or get all four so that they can be the bestest of reading buddies! $10.00

New Releases

Hearts off Paws by Simone Niy

Neighbors Chanté and Evan have some other things in common, such as having recently made life-altering decisions and being dog parents. When said canines cause their paths to cross, the two find themselves drawn to one another. However, are they ready to open themselves up to possible new hurts while still going through the minefield of their already existing baggage?

Bisexual Sing Team by Renee Dahlia

Once upon a time, Sierra, Vivian, and Jess were known as the Bisexual Sing Team. Now, due to complications from the pandemic, the band was forced to stop performing and adjust to different lives. In this collection of previously published novellas, you follow each of the women in their own stories about adjusting to life and love off the stage.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

In honor of my outing this weekend and due to February, among other things, being Library Lover’s Month, here are some romances that feature the heroes known as librarians!

Her Perfect Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

Impulsive is one word that almost no one would use to describe Rosa. This cautious approach to life has landed her a position as a librarian at the Queen of Peace Academy. However, that doesn’t mean she’s not without secrets—she has those aplenty. There’s her secret poetry journal and her crush on Jeremy, which, after a dance at her sister’s wedding and a sweet kiss, becomes reciprocated. But Jeremy has his own ambitious goals to meet, which may take him halfway around the world, goals that could doom the two lovebirds to a temporary fling rather than a long-term relationship.

My Reckless Valentine by Olivia Dade

Once again, free-spirited library manager Angie has managed to draw the ire of her superiors, who warn her that if they get another complaint from anyone, be they patron or administration, she will be let go. To make matters worse, she almost gets into an accident on the way home, where she runs into handsome and straight-laced Grant, which leads to a spicy encounter. When they find out that he is Angie’s new boss and part of the reason she is on her last strike, it brings complications to the affair that neither of them expected.

Pack a picnic and get the initial of your soulmate (yet another accurate result for yours truly).

Here is an article about some of the prominent romance writers and the way they are helping to further shape the genre.

And that’s all I have for y’all this week. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter, and you can always check out what I’m posting on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Drummers, Chocolate, and Brides

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date February 2, 2024

Sponsored by

How are everyone’s reading goals going so far this year? According to Storygraph, which I recently moved to, I’ve read four books already. To be fair, those are the ones that I tracked, since I didn’t count anything in December that rolled over. I’ve only purchased one new book this year, and that was with a gift card, so I’m counting it as a gift. Additionally, I’m going to be more strict with skipping BOTM when a book doesn’t call to me instead of feeling like I have to pick one for one reason or another. And, I’ve decided that I’m going to let myself re-read this year, especially comforting reads. All in all, I feel I’m doing great with all things bookish, and I hope the same is true for you.

Bookish Goods

Book Lover Box of Chocolates by TheStepwrightInn

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and one of the go-to treats are chocolate boxes. This would be a perfect Galentine or Valentine gift, as well as a treat for yourself. Because you should also remember to give yourself gifts. $5

New Releases

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod

As the daughter of an extremely overbearing mother, Kayla has been told all of her life to be quiet and not draw attention to herself. As an act of desperate rebellion, she took up the drums and found a new family in her band, the Lillys. When the band makes it big, she finds herself struggling with adjusting to the sudden stardom and finds comfort in Ty, the tour bus driver. Are these two kindred separates destined to unite, or will secrets and pressures from stardom doom their love story?

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

When Vampyre Misery is called upon by her councilman father to enter into a marriage of convenience with Were Alpha Lowe in an attempt at an alliance, she agrees. But, despite how it may look to her father, it’s not because she cares about the war one way or another; it is because she feels Lowe knows something about the disappearance of her human best friend. After the ceremony, Misery is left alone in Were territory, though, where the two find it hard to deny the attraction between them that refuses to be ignored.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today is Chocolate Fondue Day AND National Weatherperson’s Day. So, today’s recommendations are both books that can be read in honor of one of those holidays.

Sinful Chocolate by Adrianne Byrd

Charlie is a major player who has no interest in settling down with just one woman. But when he receives some startling news from his doctors, he begins to have second thoughts about the poor way he’s treated the women in his life. During this time, he meets Gisella and is taken aback by her beauty. She isn’t unaffected by him either, but between the warnings of her friends and the launch of her new shop, Sinful Chocolate, she isn’t sure she has time to enter into an affair with an alleged ex-heartbreaker.

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

When meteorologist Ari’s mentor seems too focused on her rollercoaster relationship with her ex-husband, who is also the news director of the station they work at, she isn’t sure how to get the help she needs. After a holiday party ends in disaster, she decides to team up with Russell, the station’s sports reporter, to “parent trap” their respective bosses. Soon, though, their plotting leads to feelings developing between the two of them.

And that’s all I have for you on this fine Monday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday, and you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Cozy Winter Romance Reads

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date January 31, 2024

Sponsored by

Despite being the shortest month on the calendar, even when it is a Leap Year, February has always felt jam-packed full for me, especially in the last few years. That said, the first day of February is also my son’s birthday, which means that, if nothing else, that day always brings a smile.

Bookish Goods

Book Nerd Beanies by NrrdyandFlirty

Confession: beanies are, the only hats that look good on me because my hair is super curly. And these seem perfect, since they also showcase one’s love of reading. $17

New Releases

Mister Sommelier by B. Love

By day, Antonne is a lover of wine and fine dining. But by night, it is a different story and, after his nocturnal happenings resulted in the loss of his fiancée, he resolved to putting love on the back burner. Then, he meets Haley, a sensual young woman who makes him rethink this approach to relationships. However, the two walk a fine line between friendship and romance and have to decide if it is worth it to throw caution to the wind to take a chance on the attraction that is obviously blooming between the two of them.

If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke

Duke of Wellesbourne Acton is in want of a duchess. On the way to meet a potential bride, his interest is snagged by a widow who disappears before he can get to know her better. When he finally reaches his destination, he discovers that the widow and potential bride are one and the same. However, Persephone has witnessed firsthand the damage rogues can do and is determined to resist Acton’s charms. Of course, she soon discovers that there is a reason that rogues like him are so hard to resist.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations are brought to you with a bit of a collaboration from my partner. When I was sitting at my desk, pondering a theme, he suggested “cozy winter.” Which made my brain immediately go back to snowed-in romances. Hence, the theme for today. And, as an added bonus, both are also novellas, which will also help with getting a good head start on reading goals for this year. Double winner!

Booked for Christmas by Lily Menon

Romance author Sophia and critic Wolfe have always had a combative relationship, what with him seeming to detest the sweet happily ever afters she provides readers with. When she throws a holiday party at her cabin, and Wolfe shows up as someone else’s plus one, they are surprised, to say the least. Then, a snowstorm blows in, leaving the two stranded with one another until it blows over. This also leads to them getting to know a little more about the other person and realizing that their personas on paper do not necessarily translate to reality.

Snow Storm by Cassie Mint

After years of saving up, Quinn is overjoyed to finally be heading to England for a college trip. When she ends up falling asleep on a guided tour due to jet lag, she is awakened by the Duke of Collingswood, who initially believes she is paparazzi. While that misconception is quickly laid to rest, it comes after a snowstorm has started and the tour bus has left. The two soon realize that they are stuck with each other for a bit, which is the beginning of their modern-day fairy tale.

Take this quiz to find out which rom-com leading lady you are.

Here are some dark comedy romance novels to consider adding to your TBR.

And prepare your wallets for some of the most buzzed-about romances headed our way in 2024.

And that’s all I have for you today and this week. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime, you can find me posting over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

“Pretending” Romances

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date January 26, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. If you’re a regular reader, I’m glad to see you again. If this is your first time here, I’m glad that you joined us. I’m PN Hinton, and I’ll be your guide through all things romance-related.

It’s the last week of January 2024, y’all, and to say it’s been a doozy of a month would be a massive understatement. But hey, we’re still here, right? And sometimes (not always), that can be worth the price of admission. I’m dealing with quite an upheaval myself, but I keep telling myself this, too, shall pass. If you’re going through a similar storm, here’s hoping that it passes quickly. If it has been smooth sailing for you, I sincerely hope it stays that course because man…these storms can be brutal.

Bookish Goods

“Sucker For” Trope Sticker by CanlasDesignCo

These stickers immediately made me think of the candy that came with Valentine’s boxes. I’m sure we all had more than a few of these growing up, courtesy of elementary classmates. And with the variety of options here, there is bound to be at least one trope that you want to let the world know you’re a sucker for. $3.

New Releases

Mother Pucker by Swati M. H.

Physical therapist Shayla is a widowed single mom whose primary focus is being there for her son Kai. Her latest client, Rowan, is taking a lot more patience than she expected, though, especially since he seems determined to charm her panties off. She decides to give in just once so that they can get it out of their systems. But as everyone knows, when the attraction level is this high, once is never enough.

Work It Out by Eva Siedler

Jake has only three months to get the body he wants so he can be in the running for the starring role in an upcoming action flick. Rayah is the owner of the resort he goes to for this endeavor, and had her hands full before her superstar super secret client checked in. Soon, it becomes an all-around balancing act for both of them to do what is necessary to be successful while also trying to manage the attraction that is growing between them.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Pretending With the Playboy by Tracey Livesay

Carter is a bachelor by design and aims to keep it that way. That is, until he finds out that his beloved aunt is in dire health and fakes an engagement with Lauren, her protegée. Even though Lauren has been burned by Carter before, she goes along with the fake engagement for his aunt’s sake. But when it goes public, and there is a larger audience to fake it for, she is torn between calling it quits altogether or risking her heart getting broken once again.

Pretending He’s Mine by Mia Sosa

Julian is a Hollywood agent who has his hands full with managing his best friend and superstar Carter, and trying to ignore his attraction to his younger sister Ashley. But when she turns up on his doorstep needing a place to stay, he can’t turn her down. He also has a hard time not agreeing to act as her fake boyfriend for Carter’s upcoming wedding and soon finds it difficult to continue to say no to the temptation that the younger woman presents.

Take this quiz and find out what kind of lover you are.

Here are some of the awesome romances headed our way in 2024.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with another round of recommendations. In the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading, and stay hydrated!

Kissing Books

When Letters Lead to Love

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date January 24, 2024

Sponsored by

I’ve been in a decluttering mood as of late, specifically old electronic devices. After all was said and done, I got four tablets, three dead smartwatches, and an old-school Kindle keyboard out of my space. It’s true that, in the grand scheme of things, they weren’t taking up a lot of room. But still, I feel good about it and hope to move on to other stuff soon.

In reading news, I finally picked up Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez again. I started it last year but then got distracted by all the other books, and then when I found it, I realized that I wasn’t in the mood for it quite yet. But now I am and am loving it.

Bookish Goods

Tarot Trope Pop-Socket by IvyResinShop

One of the reasons for the recent declutter was me deciding to change cases for my Kindle Paperwhite. I felt I needed an un-haul of sorts before I bought something. I’ll admit I got a bit of FOMO by seeing all the other bookish peeps with clear cases and pop-sockets and decided I wanted to try my hand at that. While I went with a clear one for now, I am sure that soon I will want to customize that as well, like the one shown here. If you’re likeminded, it can be yours for the price of $27

New Releases

The Bodyguard’s Deadly Mission by Lisa Dodson

When Alexa and Andrew first met, he was training her to be a bodyguard. Throughout that period, Alexa managed to keep the relationship professional despite being tempted to give in to her desires. Now, she runs a security business, and her latest contract is one that could endanger both of them. Despite the danger lurking in the background, this could be the opportunity for both of them to explore their feelings for one another without the power dynamic that was previously present. Will they give in, or will they walk away when their mutual safety is ensured?

Blossom by Helen Hardt

Mary used to enjoy her role as a submissive under the name Blossom at the Black Rose Underground Club, until a scene with a Dom got horribly out of hand. After that, she’s ready to walk away for good until she meets Ronan, who is so intrigued by the beautiful woman that he is considering breaking his rule of forming a relationship outside the club’s four walls. Is this encounter one that will leave both Dom and sub satisfied, or are they setting themselves up for yet another disappointment?

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

I’ve mentioned before that I am a fan of epistolary novels. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that my spouse and I started off as friends in high school, and the way we really got to know each other was by writing letters back and forth. We’re talking about pages and pages of words. It got to be a competition at one point, and we still have a few of those letters from when we were younger somewhere in storage.

That is one of the reasons that I went back to Yours Truly because, despite setting it down for a few months, I genuinely wanted to read it. And I’m glad that I did.

If you haven’t guessed by now, today’s recommendations all involve letter writing in some way, shape, or form. Enjoy!

Looks Good on Paper by Kilby Blades

One of the few joys in Zuri’s chaotic life is her pen pal from Italy, Alessandro. What she doesn’t know is that Alessandro isn’t actually the one writing her the charming letters; it’s his brother Nico. What initially started out as a way to help his brother quickly changes into something more, leaving Nico in a precarious position, especially when Zuri heads to Italy to meet Alessandro in person…

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

When a breakup leaves Tiffy with needing a place to stay, her best option comes from an ad for a flatshare. With Leon being a night-shift worker and Tiffy working the nine-to-five, they will be like ships in the night, which makes it perfect. It also makes face-to-face conversations difficult, so the two begin leaving notes for one another. Soon, they move from roommates to friends to something that neither expected.

And that is all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday, and in the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading, and stay hydrated!

Kissing Books

Short Reads Recommendations

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date January 19, 2024

Sponsored by

Y’all…we’re almost through January. This is hard for me to wrap my head around because it really feels like 2024 started yesterday. Maybe this month flew by because I’ve been super busy and have had a lot of milestones occur. Either way, I’m still shooketh about how quickly this first month of the year has gone by. And the beginning of February will see me officially having a 16-year old, which I can’t even with right now. So, let’s move on to the rest of the newsletter.

Bookish Goods

Book Ring by WittingCraft

This ring is amazing all around! It’s a minimalistic yet stunning way to showcase one’s love of reading. Normally, this is priced at $33, but at the time I wrote this, it was on sale; so, you may still be able to snag it for $27.

New Releases

Her New York Minute by Darby Baham

Olivia heads to New York with only one thing in mind: to become the best portfolio manager in that city’s branch and secure a promotion back in the UK. She is certainly not looking to find Mr. Right or even Mr. Right Now. However, when she meets Thomas through a chance plane connection, the sparks instantly fly, leaving Liv to wonder if there is room in her plans for romance as well as ambition.

The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

When rising superstar Riley’s ex-husband tries to claim credit for being the inspiration behind her break-out break-up song, she calls up Max, her college boyfriend and actual inspiration behind the music. While they haven’t spoken since their break-up, Max agrees to go public as the reason for the tune, provided he can join her band on tour. Once on the road, old feelings quickly get unearthed and rekindled, leaving them both wondering if they gave up too soon.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

For us book dragons, the beginning of the year is when we set the goal for how many books we want to read in the coming year. I typically set mine for 52 since that averages to one a week, which I can definitely do, even in the hustle and bustle of life. But some people have very high aspirations and set a goal for triple digits on the regular.

Now sometimes, these lofty goals can lead to panicking towards the end of the year when the actual number is well below the goal. This usually results in people picking up more novellas. If that is your MO, then I’m going to challenge you to flip the script, as it were, and start the year off with a few shorter reads to help get ahead of that number. And here are a few to consider.

That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole

As maid and assistant to Eliza Hamilton, Mercy has a front-row seat to seeing the effect that love can have on a person, even after that person has departed this earth. Determined to not open herself to that type of pain, she resolves to close her heart off completely. Then Andromeda shows up as her grandfather’s proxy to be interviewed by Eliza, and she finds herself being drawn to the vivacious woman who is making her second guess her approach to love.

Stone Heart by Katee Robert

In Olympus, Medusa is known as Athena’s knife, dispatched whenever Athena needs someone to disappear. This is a task Medusa only takes on due to the fact that she owes Athena her life. When she’s dispatched to go after Calypso, though, the beautiful target is willing to do anything to stay alive, including seducing the other woman. Soon, something real develops between them, but with Athena still gunning for Calypso, will their happiness have a chance to flourish?

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world and every now and then on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Kissing Books

Peach (Color) Love

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date January 17, 2024

Sponsored by

I’m writing this the night before the predicated hard freeze for my area and am hoping that all goes well. Even if it doesn’t, we do have provisions to get us through the next few days and, as always, plenty of books to pass the time. For those experiencing any kind of scary winter weather, I sincerely hope you’re safe, warm, and have things to get through the situation.

Bookish Goods

Hot Girl Library Sticker by CraftandModern

I am a bit ashamed in admitting that I didn’t visit my library as often as I probably should have last year. Honestly, it would have saved me quite a bit of money if I had. That said, I still strongly believe in doing so and encourage others to do so as well. It’s another bookish goal I have this year. $6

New Releases

Before I Love You by AJ Alexander

After Audrey goes through a bad break-up, she takes her daughter to Tyson’s Creek to start over. Her game plan is to focus on raising her daughter and forgoing another relationship. However, when Connor walks into her life, those best-laid plans go astray, especially with the matchmaking machinations of their friends and daughters. Before she knows it, she can’t think of any reason to not give love another chance.

Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert

Eurydice is finally ready to set out on her own and prove to the world she is more than the role they’ve placed her in. Her first plan? To find someone to help her get over her ex. Charon is more than willing to take on that role even if he is concerned her heart isn’t really free. Meanwhile, said ex, Orpheus, is also determined to right the wrongs he inflicted on her and convince her to give him another chance, even if it means accepting Charon as well. All three of them may need to rethink the concept of love.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

As promised in Monday’s send, here are some romance novels that feature peach or peach-adjacent colored covers. Again, I will admit I’m being a bit flexible in determining what this entails, but the recs are still solid ones to consider adding to your ever-growing TBR.

The Perfect Seduction by Brenda Jackson

Megan is a college professor who has decided to try having a sex-only, no-emotions affair with Tyler, who also happens to be her first love. What she doesn’t know is that Tyler has no intention of passing up this golden opportunity of a second chance to make this a permanent relationship.

Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey

Online, Rosie and Jane have struck up a flirtatious correspondence under the latter’s pen name. In reality, though, Jane is part of the property development firm that has just served Rosie and her bookstore with lease termination papers. When the truth comes out, will the relationship they started via DMs survive, or will it be over before it has a chance to really start?

Here are some spicy recs to help warm up your winter.

You can also try some of these hotel romances.

Check out this list of just a few of the anticipated romance reads headed our way this year, and mark your calendar to be prepared.

Check out the cover reveal for Afterlight’s Special Edition set for Alexandria Bellefleur’s Written in the Stars series.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh romance related newsletter. In the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram posting under @pns_bookish_world and every now and then over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated and warm.