Categories
Kissing Books

Baking and Low-Angst Romances

Hello from last Saturday! Today was a busy, but fun, day for me. I got a haircut with a new style that I’m loving, then went book shopping and for sushi with a good friend. So, despite the heat, it was a great day.

I mentioned in my last newsletter that I would follow up on my book acquisitions, especially if I got the books I was looking for. And I lucked out and am happy to report that I got all three I wanted and put my birthday coupon to good use. All Signs Point To Yes, A Proposal They Can’t Refuse, and Chef’s Kiss have all been added to my home library and I can’t wait to devour them.

Romance Trope Pouch

Love Your Shelf Accessory Pouch by CardiganLibrarian

This is a perfect little pouch to hold anything you can imagine. Bookmarks, pens, pencils, etc…the possibilities are limitless, much like our love of some of these romance tropes. Plus, you can never have too many of these, right? $18+

New Releases

cover of Accidental Love

Accidental Love by Carmen Richter

After finding out that her current paramour was married the whole time they were together, music manager Love is pretty much ready to give up on the emotion altogether. Then she meets Willow, her latest client, and wonders if she is in danger of falling head over heels again, all the while wondering if her luck will be different this time.

cover of Fake It Till You Bake It

Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

Jada returns home as a vilified woman after turning down a proposal on national TV. While recovering from this whole experience, she starts working at Sugar Blitz, a bakery run by former football star Donovan. When a reporter mistakenly thinks they are a couple, the two decide to fake a relationship to help boost the business and salvage Jada’s career and find themselves developing very real feelings.

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

Riot Recommendations

Sometimes, you just want a nice calm, low stakes romance. At least, I know I do after the last couple of weeks I’ve had and these books seem to fit that bill.

Cover of soft on soft by em ali

Soft on Soft by Mina Waheed

As someone who considers herself an ambivert, I can understand the struggle that June faces wanting to stay inside with her cats but also wanting to occasionally venture outside to meet people. Her relationship with Selena sounds wonderfully balanced since she appears to be more outgoing but is also understanding of those moments when June needs her downtime.

cover of When Tara Met Farah

When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi

I’m a sucker for a good old sunshine/grump romance and that is what this is. What begins as a business relationship of reciprocity quickly develops into a mutual attraction and love as both women realize that, no matter where you are in life, love can change everything.

Here is a list of some awesome fictional parties I’m sure we’d all love to attend.

Check out this list of recommended must-reads from Harlequin’s long history.

And, if you like your romances a little bit steamier, here is a list of 15 recommendations that may be right up your alley.

It may be too hot for some to go to the beach IRL, but you can visit the coast between the pages of these books.

That’s all she wrote for today friends. I’ll be back on Monday with a fresh edition and, as always, if you need more of me in the meantime, you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading!

Categories
Kissing Books

Romance Tarot & Trans Romances

Quick note before we get into it: It was brought to my attention that one of the authors I mentioned last week is problematic. I usually try to be better about that and apologize for my oversight and will endeavor to do better in the future in that as well as trying to make sure representation is more balanced and applicable.

It’s Monday again, which means it’s the beginning of another work week. I know it’s cliched to say it, but if I had known how tedious the life cycle of a human adult was, I really would have appreciated my time off more as a child.

At least I have something to look forward to since it’s my birthday later this week! Hence my trip over the weekend to buy books with my birthday coupon. Since I’m writing to you from the past though, I won’t be able to tell you what books I got until Thursday’s edition. But I know what I want so I’m still excited!

picture of Romance Reader Tarot Card t-shirt

Romance Reader Tarot Card by anwdigital

I love, love, LOVE, this shirt. I have always been fascinated with Tarot cards and the art on the various versions. And this shirt combines two of my life-long loves, so you know it’s a winner in my book. It also comes in two other colors if gray isn’t your bag. $25+

New Releases

cover of Takeoff

Takeoff by Evelyn Sola

Determined to keep her life exactly the way it is, Vickie has sworn off men. Despite this promise to herself, she finds herself drawn to rising NBA star Christian, and the feeling is mutual. He is certain that Vickie is exactly what he and his son need in their lives to help complete their family and sets to work to show her this any way he can.

cover of The Life Coach

The Life Coach by Sienna Waters

Alice is the life coach hired by a friend of Vivien’s to help get her life back on track. Vivien is perfectly happy being curmudgeonly though, and so the battle between the grumpy and sunshine begins. But, as they spend more time together, they find an undeniable attraction building between them which may be doomed before it really starts when it comes out that Alice isn’t actually a life coach.

For even more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Another almost still completely marginalized group in romance are trans people. Again, a lot of that has to do with intolerance, closedmindedness, and other words to describe unpleasant individuals who want the world to be monochromatic and heterosexual, even though it’s never been either. That said, it’s only in recent years that trans people weren’t used as some sort of horrible plot device and I am happy to see them being represented in a more positive light. With that said, here are the recommendations I have for you today.

For the Love of April French book cover

For the Love of April French by Penny Aimes

While I initially had some reservations about this book— the BDSM tends to be outside my comfort zone— I ended up loving it and consider it an underrated gem of 2021. I found that the relationship developed at a believable pace, as we were able to read about the months as they went by. Plus, both April and Dennis knew that they were both broken on some levels and willing to accept each other and help to repair one another. Utterly amazing.

cover of Drag Me Up by RM Virtues

Drag Me Up by R.M Virtues

I’m a sucker for a good Hades and Persephone retelling and always will be. I also love all the representation here, with a Black demisexual Hades and a Black trans Persephone. What’s not to love about it?

Here is a round-up of some of the best LGBTQ+ romance novels this year. Please note that not all of these have been released just yet.

Here are 72 romances that have either already been released or are on their way to us this summer.

I had way too much fun with this Disney Love Triangle Quiz. Friendly tip— if you see a movie option that has been remade, go for the newer version. *wink*

Thanks again to author Jackie Lau for compiling this list of LGBTQ+ romances by Asian authors.

A new digital book box subscription is headed our way soon and I can’t wait!

That’s all for today friends. I’ll be back on Thursday with more updates, bookish swap, releases, and recommendations. In the meantime you can give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading until then!

Categories
Kissing Books

Stars, Second Chances, and Fake Dating

Hello and welcome back! We’re almost at the end of another week and I can’t wait for Friday at quitting time. I have a fairly busy weekend planned with a hair appointment and then a Barnes & Noble trip to use my birthday coupon. I have an idea of what I’m going to get but I’ll have to wait and see if the books are in stock. No worries though; I’ll update you next week on my haul, one way or another.

In reading news, still working through Part of Your World and I also started Count Your Lucky Stars and am super excited for it.

Constellation Bookmark Holder

Constellation Bookmark Holder by FabricBound

I am certain I am not the only book dragon guilty of hoarding bookmarks for all the various books I buy. Sometimes it can be hard to keep track of them which is where useful items like this come in handy. Plus, constellations, because nothing beats looking at the night sky, no matter how you do it. Was I drawn to this by the book I mentioned earlier? Probably but it’s pretty and functional, so it truly is a win/win. $15

New Releases

cover of Latte Dreams

Latte Dreams by Sharon Blount

High school sweethearts Robert and Vandross seemed to have it all until the unexpected loss of their baby. Years later, they find out that their child is still alive and was stolen by the doctor that delivered her. It’s a race to try to find and reclaim their daughter, giving them all a second chance at the family they wanted. But has too much time passed? And will it be too late for all involved parties to actually have a happily ever after?

cover of Reclaiming Love

Reclaiming Love by Amanda Radley

When Sarah’s tech-giant employee moves her to a Scottish island to work on their next project, she fabricates a fake relationship to her mother to explain why she’s suddenly taken off. As soon as she arrives, she finds that her cottage is more of a fixer-upper which leads her to ask Pippa, the local handywoman, for help. After her mother surprises her with a visit, Sarah calls on Pippa to pretend to be her girlfriend, which leads to the women becoming much closer than they had originally wanted or planned.

For even more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations feature bisexual men. As severe as the biphobia and bi-erasure is for women, it’s just as bad for bisexual men. They are just as valid, just as important, and just as worthy of love as anyone else and shouldn’t be made to feel ashamed for who they are attracted to and who they end up with. To quote popular Tiktoker Capri, it’s about attraction not action. So, even if you’re in a ‘straight passing’ relationship, you’re still bisexual and should be proud of it. I see y’all.

cover of Sweet on the Greek

Sweet on the Greek by Talia Hibbert

You had me at Talia with this one. No shame; I have never been disappointed with one of her books and she is great at making me cry, both from laughing and feels. This one includes fake dating, a football hero, and a plus sized heroine. It really does have it all.

Cover of Illegal Contact

Illegal Contact by Santino Hassell

A bad boy American football player put on house arrest and stuck inside with his personal assistant who has been tasked with keeping him in line? Sounds like the perfect recipe for a chance at romance.

cover of a prince on paper by alyssa cole

A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole

I know I have recommended this book a handful of times before, but I couldn’t let this opportunity pass without mentioning my sweet Johan again. He is just the prefect cinnamon roll hero and I adore him.

And that’s all I have for you this fine Thursday. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday with a fresh newsletter. In the meantime, you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801.

Categories
Kissing Books

Get Ready for Even More Pride Reads

Hello and happy Monday. We’re ready to conquer another week and hopefully come out on the other end unscathed. I hope that your weekend was restful, relaxing, and cool as it is still very, very hot outside. Once again, we’re hitting triple digits in my area and we’re not even anywhere close to the dog days of summer.

Since I’m actively avoiding going out in said heat and have yet to make it to a pool, I’ve been staying inside and working on my TBR pile. I started Second Nature by Jae and am still working on Part of Your World. In genres other than romance, I’m reading My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry for my book club.

Paranormal Romance Hat

Paranormal Romance Embroidered Hat by MyBookGoddess

If you absolutely have to go outside, and you’re looking for a hat to help keep the sun out of your eyes, might I recommend this one? It’s perfect for blocking those UV waves and showing your love for PNR. $34 and comes in four colors.

New Releases

cover of The Governess Gambit

The Governess Gambit by Elise Marion

After being publicly ruined, Theodosia gives up her dreams of making a titled match and settles for a job as a governess. However, her charges prove to be unruly, which leads her to write a stern letter to their father. Lord James is outraged by this letter and is prepared to sack her until he lays eyes on her. Then he realizes that she may be exactly what both his he and his children need.

cover of A Song of Silver and Gold

A Song of Silver And Gold by Melissa Karibian

After the murder of her brother and attack on her home’s harbor, Princess Kaelyn takes action. Disguised as a man, she sets out, intent on taking out sirens completely. Due to negligence that lead to the death of the princess, Siren Warrior Aqeara enters into a bargain with the sea witch to carve out Kaelyn’s heart to resurrect the dead princess. When the two cross paths, they find themselves attracted to each other, something that is made further complicated by the fact that they are also bound and determined to be each other’s end.

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

Riot Recommendations

In keeping with celebrating Pride month, my recommendations today are both M/M romances that also both center around found families of sorts. I love this trope since it is always hopeful and we could all use a little bit more hope every now and then.

cover of Learned Reactions

Learned Reactions by Jayce Ellis

This book has almost every single one of my favorite tropes. Fake dating. Friends to lovers, with a side of years of a secret attraction. Plus, a person coming together to do what is best for his family. *swoon* Delightful and of course there will be a HEA since it’s a romance. You gotta love it.

cover image of The Hate Project by Kris Ripper

The Hate Project by Kris Ripper

I’ve been talking about this book since I read it and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. This was the first romance I read where both the characters are grumps and still make it work. I also really appreciate how it touches on anxiety and how it can make a person feel all alone even when they’re surrounded by well-meaning friends. Seriously, if you haven’t read this one yet, you’re missing out.

This week’s Trope Tuesday from Love’s Sweet Arrow was Part One for fairy tale retellings.

Stay tuned for how I plan to pay homage to this momentous moment in Romancelandia history next month.

Frolic’s Book Crush this month is Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky.

Here are some recommendations from Jess about what to read this month for Pride.

Seriously though, I can’t give or get enough book recs for celebrating Pride.

Check out this video of Ruby Barrett unboxing copies of The Romance Recipe. Also, not going to lie…kinda jealous of her hype person. *wink*

And that’s all I have for you this fine Monday. I’ll be back on Thursday and, in the meantime, you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading and stay hydrated.

Categories
Kissing Books

Weddings, Bi-Romances, and Recs for Geminis

Well, here we are back again looking at the prospect of another weekend. Last week was a bit rough for me, so I spent most of the following weekend being a hermit and staying in my apartment. This week though, I am going to see a Gilbert & Sullivan show (masked of course); so, I’m looking forward to that. I hope that you also have something fun to look forward to this weekend, even if it is just staying in and relaxing.

Picture of Dark Romance Reader Tumbler

Dark Romance Reader Wine Tumbler by BooksMakeMeBrainy

This one is for my dark romance lovers out there. I love the aesthetic of this as well as the message. Plus, it works wonders for keeping your wine chilled during the hot summer nights while you sit on a porch, reading and sipping. $14

New Releases

cover of It's Just Business

It’s Just Business by Remy Marie

Arthur is a ruthless real estate investor who has no time to worry about the people behind the businesses he buys out. This changes when he meets Bridget, the owner of the family-owned hotel he is currently trying to buy, and falls in love with her.

cover of Iced Heart

Iced Heart by Ariel Marie

In a world where vampires have taken over, Alima is determined to not bend to the bloodsucker’s will. Then she is chosen to be the wife of the daughter of a vampire king. Lethia, the vampiric princess, is intrigued by her new wife and the idea of taming her. As a new war looms in the horizon, will the two women take a chance on a love they didn’t think they needed?

Be sure to subscribe to the New Books newsletter for a longer list of new releases.

Riot Recommendations

Keeping with the celebrating Pride theme, my recommendations for today are all books that feature bisexual protagonists. Remember that bisexuality is a valid sexual identity. They’re not greedy, going through a phase, or looking for attention. They are who they are and deserving of love, regardless of who they end up with.

Cover of Wrong to Need You

Wrong to Need You by Alisha Rai

I will admit I was surprised about how much I enjoyed this book, since it’s typically a trope I avoid. I know that a sibling’s widow/widower is a bit different than an ex, but they still run in the same vein. Still, I enjoyed reading about Jackson returning home trying to pick up the pieces of his life after being erroneously viewed as a criminal for so long and Sadia adjusting to life as a single mom and an attraction to her brother-in-law. It’s still a complicated situation but, as always, Alisha handles it beautifully.

Payback's a Witch cover

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

Okay, so I know I just finished this and mentioned it but I’m going to do it again because I really loved this book so much. It wasn’t just the witchy vibes of Thistle Grove, although I do want to go to the there. I loved the relationship between Emmy and Talia and how it developed. I especially enjoyed Emmy’s self-discovery journey and Talia’s cinnamon roll goodness. You won’t be disappointed with this one.

Weddings are a perfect setting for books and this list proves it. Please note that, while not every book here is a romance, they do take up the lion’s share of spaces so I felt it was appropriate to include here.

Pick your favorite “Selling Sunset” star, and get a book recommendation.

I’m a trivia nerd so I really enjoyed finding out these random facts about some of the most beloved rom-coms out there.

It’s officially Gemini season and here are some romances perfect for those born under the sign of the twins.

Who wouldn’t want to listen to a conversation between Beverly Jenkins and Katee Robert?

Here’s a nice round-up of some Filipino romances.

And that’s all I have for you today. I hope that this weekend is fun and relaxing for you and, as always, full of reading. I’ll be back Monday and in the meantime you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Stay hydrated!

Categories
Kissing Books

Happy Pride Month!

Hello and welcome back to the Kissing Books newsletter! I hope that this last weekend was just the recharge you needed to take on this week. And Happy Pride Month, of course! Whether you’ve been out for years, are in the process of coming out, or still in the closet, know that you matter and you’re important. And I’m glad you’re here no matter what. Big hugs to you all, along with the true allies.

I recently finished an eARC of The Romance Recipe and lemme tell y’all that you’re in for a treat with that one when it comes out next month. I’m taking my time getting through Payback’s a Witch since it’s so delightful, and I also started Part of Your World. The baby goat on the cover totally got me.

Proud Romance Reader T-Shirt

Proud Romance Reader T-Shirt by TheDearWriterCo

I love the simplicity of this shirt. It’s direct and to the point, and it looks comfy as all get out. I could see myself lounging around in this with some leggings or shorts and reading all day. And it comes in a variety of colors as well! $23+

New Releases

cover of A Proposal They Can't Refuse

A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Caña

Kamilah and Liam have roughly three things in common. Both are trying to save their respective family businesses, both are being blackmailed by their grandfathers into marrying each other to do so, and both have a mutual hatred of the other. When they decide to enter into a fake engagement to fool the two older men, they find themselves feeling a very real attraction.

cover of The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes

The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian

Marian has just shot her husband and even though he had it coming (cue song), she knows that society won’t see it that way. Her only hope is known criminal Rob who she left tied up in a roadside inn hours earlier. When she returns to get him and promises him five hundred pounds if he can help her out of her predicament, they two embark on an adventurous and romantic journey through London with both of their pasts fast closing in behind them.

Be sure to subscribe to the New Books newsletter for a longer list of new releases.

Riot Recommendations

I’m one who tries to read diversely all year around but I also make a concerted effort to read specific books during specific months. So I will be reading more than a few LGBTQ books this month. As I mentioned in a recent article, I have gravitated more towards Sapphic romance as of late, so that is going to be the theme of my recommendations for today as well.

cover of once ghosted twice shy

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

When Likotsi runs into Fabiola on a stalled subway cart months after being ghosted, she agrees to one cup of tea if for no other reason than to find out what happened those months before. This novella is part of Cole’s Reluctant Royals series and was my first Sapphic romance novel but it certainly wasn’t my last! I really enjoyed this second chance romance that showed that you can forgive and move past hurt, especially when you know the full story.

cover image of Knit, Purl, and a Baby Girl by Hettie Bell

Knit, Purl, A Baby and a Girl by Hettie Bell

When Poppy finds herself unexpectedly pregnant from a one-night stand with an ex, she has no idea what to do. When she make the decision to keep the baby, she joins a knitting circle to help prepare for the baby clothes wise and gets closer to Rhiannon. I loved this book and I don’t think it’s gotten near enough love since its release last year. I found Poppy to be believable and endearing since she ultimately is doing what is best for her and the baby and can’t recommend it enough.

Be sure to also check out the I Heart SapphFic Pride Collection!

Make your way through this quiz and get matched up with a Marvel heartthrob.

I enjoyed this thread of books described like a r/relationship Reddit post.

Here’s the latest Trope Tuesday recommendations from Love’s Sweet Arrow.

And here’s a round-up of some of this year’s released and yet to come rom-coms.

And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back in your mailboxes on Thursday and in the meantime, you can always give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading and stay hydrated!

Categories
Kissing Books

Hello June, Hello Romance

Hello again and welcome back. I hope time has been treating you well since we last spoke and that, if you had the extra long weekend, it was restful. I won’t lie; the last week has been somewhat difficult for me due to the tragedy that happened in my state. There are no words and the only thing I can do is implore those in my state, and outside of it, to get out there and vote in all your local elections. Something has got to give because this has all been too much.

That’s it for the intro this week, friends. I promise I’ll try to be perkier next Monday.

Picture of Romance Novel Coffee Mug

Romance Reader Coffee Mug

If this isn’t an around the clock mood for me, I don’t know what is. I would also enjoy a matching wine glass to pair with this for the evening but otherwise it’s spot on for how I feel most every day. $17+

New Releases

cover of West Side Love Story

West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras

This modern re-telling of Romeo & Juliet sees the titular lovers as members of rival familial bands. Mariana is determined to beat her adoptive father’s arch nemesis in the upcoming Battle of the Mariachi Bands, but also finds herself drawn to Hugo, son of the aforementioned enemy. Hugo is also attracted to Mariana and the two struggle to keep their passionate love affair secret, and still bring honor to their families.

cover of Valor: The Billionaire Bae

Valor: The Billionaire Bae by Amber Ghe

Valor is not looking forward to telling her parents about breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, nor is she willing to put herself out there just to give them a grandchild. She enlists the help of her best friend Ariston to enter into a fake engagement with her. Not only will this help the single father have some stability for his son; it will also give her parents a ready-made grandchild. However, Ariston has been harboring secret feelings for Valor and he isn’t going to let this opportunity pass without telling her the truth.

Be sure to subscribe to the New Books newsletter for a longer list of new releases.

Riot Recommendations

Vampires have been a staple in all genres, but in romances they tend to be delegated to contemporary only. And while I don’t mind a good urban paranormal romance, there is something to be said about historical romances that feature vampires. I mean, most were turned during this time period anyways so why the lack of novels set during that time? If you’re of that same mindset, check out some of the books below for that fix.

cover of Too Brazen to Bite

Too Brazen To Bite by Erica Ridley

Despite being penniless and untitled, the women of the ton simply swoon over Mr. Macane. A lot of that likely has to do with the rumors flying about that he is in fact a vampire. Hired to disprove this, skeptic Elspeth sets out to earn her fee only to find out that the rumors may in fact be true, and that she may be in for an eternity of true romance instead of simply one lifetime. Ridley is a master with the pen, so you’ll be sure to want to pick up this foray into the supernatural with her.

cover of Bite Me Your Grace

Bite Me Your Grace by Brooklyn Ann

Due to the vampire craze sweeping the ton, Ian, the Lord Vampire of London, is finding it hard to stay hidden. When aspiring Gothic author and neighbor, Angelica, breaks into his house to see if there is more fact than fiction about the supernatural creatures and finds herself at the risk of being a snack when she wakes him up from his slumber.

Here is a round-up of romance novels that feature characters who steal more than just hearts.

This video of a romance-themed Little Free Library brings me so much joy.

Romance novels that feature body positivity.

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

And that’s the newsletter for today y’all. I’ll be back Monday with another fresh edition and, in the meantime, you’re always welcome to give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading and stay hydrated.

Categories
Kissing Books

Oh So Sweet Romances

Hello and welcome back! It’s me, PN back again with a fresh newsletter. I hope that today finds you well and rested. I went to a funnel cake food truck over the weekend, and it was delightful. However, it was also hot out, which means I’m slowly coming down from a sugar rush, being slightly overheated, and then a cool shower. All in all, it’s not too bad.

In reading news, I’m reading Payback’s a Witch, Ice Cream Lover, and an eARC of The Romance Recipe. I also realized that all three of these books have bisexual representation in them, which has never happened to me before. I mean, I’m okay with it of course and it made my heart super happy when the realization sunk in.

Romance Trope T-shirt Purple

Romance Trope T-Shirt

This adorable T-shirt displays some of Romancelandia’s best known and loved tropes on candy hearts. It comes in a variety of colors, so it’s highly likely that you will be able to find one that matches your personality. $25+

New Releases

cover of Can't Hide Love

Can’t Hide Love by Cheris Hodges

When she takes a much needed cruise vacation, Alexandria decides to shed her mantle of being the responsible sister and engages in an affair with a sexy stranger. When she returns to her family’s B&B, refreshed and ready to return to her normal form, she is surprised to find that the architect that they hired for renovations is none other than Wesley, the man she had a fling with. Wesley has seen a side of her that none else has and is determined to coax it out of her while he works, and show her that their connection can last more than a week.

cover of Queen of Love

Queen of Love by Cynthia Dane & Hildred Billings

Tired of all the heartbreak life has thrown at her, Genevieve decides to focus on her work and sets out to purchase one of the oldest lesbian bars in Shinjuku. Aya turns out to be the right real estate agent for this task as well as a candidate for Genevieve’s next love affair. Although the latter is hesitant due to previous experiences, the former is determined to show her that she is interested in more than just a fling with her.

Be sure to subscribe to the New Books newsletter for a longer list of new releases.

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Riot Recommendations

The deliciousness of the Tuxedo Funnel Cake I had over last weekend had me thinking of sweets in romance novels. Even if I never plan on making the food described, I always love reading about them. That lead me to my recommendations for today which both involve bakers. You’ll notice they both feature the same family, although they have different authors, from the now closed Harlequin Kimani series. So, we can still celebrate Harlequin’s anniversary with some foodie related romances.

Cover of Delectable Desire

Delectable Desire by Farrah Rochon

Artisan baker Carter is struck when the beautiful Lorraine walks into his family’s bakery and yearns to have her. However, Lorraine is an heiress to a jewelry dynasty and used to men going after her purely for her bank account, so it will take more than a little persuasion for her to believe Carter’s intentions are pure. I’m never dissatisfied with Farrah’s writing and this book is the perfect fulfillment for a sweet tooth and sweet romance craving.

cover of Love and a Latte

Love and a Latte by Jamie Pope

Chase is tasked with getting the West Coast branch of his family’s bakery up and running. He has no time for any type of distraction, especially not from Amber, the barista there. Amber is equally as determined to not get involved in a workplace affair but, as always, fate has other plans. I love a good dessert and coffee match-up so reading about two characters who feel the same way warms my heart.

The Romance for Reproductive Justice ran from May 21st to the 23rd and raised $46,350.50, which was 115.9% of the overall goal.

Click here for a chance to win some new Fantasy Romances.

May 19th was the late Nora Ephron’s birthday, someone who is renowned for her work in rom-coms. What better way to honor her memory than by picking up one of these books that are reminiscent of her movies?

Despite the rising temps, it’s technically still spring. So, if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat by staying indoors, check out some of these fun spring romances.

We’re fast approaching Pride Month, and if you’re one who loves reading challenges, check out this Bingo card and play along.

And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back on Monday with a fresh newsletter. If you need a bit more of me over the weekend, I can be followed on Twitter under @PScribe801. Have fun and stay hydrated.

Categories
Kissing Books

Fake Dating, Real Romance

Greetings and Salutations once more! It’s PN, back with a fresh edition of the Kissing Books newsletter. I hope that this Monday finds you refreshed and recharged after a weekend of reading. Also happy 75th anniversary Harlequin! Thanks for being a consistent presence in Romancelandia for that long. Check out some of the books they will be releasing this week below!

picture angsty book lover keychain

Angsty Romance Book Lover Keychain

This is a keychain that could be read one of two ways. Either you’re a lover of angsty romance books specifically or you’re angsty in general but still love romance novels as well. Either way, it’s a wonderful addition to any set of keys. $9

New Releases

cover of Bloom Where You're Planted

Bloom Where You’re Planted by Darby Baham

Jennifer feels invisible, a feeling that is becoming more enhanced as friends in her life are moving on to the next stages in their lives. To help herself get out of this funk, she decides to start therapy. While her boyfriend Nick is supportive of her finding herself, he does worry that as she discovers more about herself, she’ll leave him and their relationship behind. Will these two be able to learn and grow together? Or is this the end of their journey?

cover of Boyfriend Lessons

Boyfriend Lessons by Sophia Singh Sasson

Eager to step away from the shadows into the light, wallflower Caitlyn enlists the help of her close friend Dev in what she calls “boyfriend lessons.” When it becomes clear the chemistry between them is far more developed than either thought, will they take a chance at a happily ever or will interfering parents block this happy match?

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Riot Recommendations

Today’s recommendations is brought to you by the “Fake Dating” trope, which I discovered in the last year that I am a huge fan of. There’s something about the line between fake and real feelings blurring until neither party can deny it that just makes my heart sing.

cover of First Comes Like

First Comes Like by Alisha Rai

I loved meeting Jia in Wrong To Need You, so I was very happy to hear that she was going to get her own story. And I was very satisfied with this story over all. What’s not to love? A Bollywood star, a catfish scheme, and a seemingly compromising position being caught by the paparazzi? All that leads to a fake dating situation, a quick marriage, and then a wonderful stroll into a happily ever after.

the cover of D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

I just finished this book and I legit let out a happy sigh at the last word. I loved everything about this book, from the family members, to the challenges of the reality show, and of course the relationship between the two titular characters. What I really appreciated is that there was no third act break-up here and the biggest challenge these women faced was their own self-doubts. But this was easily and healthily resolved and the steam factor was *chef’s kiss*.

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Here is a list of fifteen books, some of them romances, that center around queer joy.

It’s still AAPI Heritage Month While you should read diversely all year, if you’re looking to make a concentrated effort this month, here are a few more books for your consideration.

It’s also Jewish Heritage Month and if you want to celebrate with some romances by Jewish authors, check out this list.

Here is another list of “Romance Books as Indian Couture” by the always wonderful Nick from The Infinite Limits of Love blog.

And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back on Thursday and in the meantime you can catch up with me over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then!

Categories
Kissing Books

Meet Cutes and Second Chances

Hello again and welcome back. It’s me PN, your wonderful guide through the world of romance. We’re almost halfway through May which means it’s almost summer time! Even though I don’t get the summer months off like the kiddos do, I’m still looking forward to them. I hope that you have some adventures to look forward to as well, especially given the last couple of years. We could all use the reprieve.

picture of Enemies to Lovers candle

Enemies to Lovers Candle

A candle after my own heart! Or rather, one of my favorite tropes. Candles are always a welcome addition to setting the mood when curling up to read for an extended period of time. $5.00 and up.

New Releases

cover of The Love Connection

The Love Connection by Denise Williams

Ollie likes taking chances, such as with her business running a pet grooming salon that is housed in an airport. One thing she is cautious with is her heart; so, when her paths cross with handsome Bennett, she is determined to keep it that way. Bennett is a risk assessor by day and a romance writer by night, so he views their introduction of him returning a slippery dog to her as the ultimate meet cute. Will they both throw caution to the wind and give love a chance or keep each other’s at arm’s length?

cover of Castleton Box Set

Castleton Hearts Boxed Set by Chelsea M. Cameron

This box collection includes three Sapphic stories about three different women who find themselves unexpectedly falling in love in different situations and scenarios with someone they didn’t expect to develop feelings for.

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

Riot Recommendations

There’s something inspiring about second chance romances. I realize that most people may think “Oh there’s a reason you left them,” which is true. But sometimes the reason is because you weren’t ready to settle down or the person you were destined to be. Whatever the reason, here are some second chance romances for y’all to enjoy.

cover of I'm So (Not) Over You by Kosoko Jackson

I’m So (Not) Over You by Kosoko Jackson

This is an interesting one since it pairs up the fake dating trope with the second chance one. When Hudson approaches Kian asking him to pretend to still be together for his family, Kian refuses at first but then agrees when Hudson offers him the chance to kickstart his career. What I like about this one is that it’s clear there are still unresolved issues there and they don’t gloss over that. In fact, they fight about it a lot but still manage to work through it. It really shows that communication is necessary in any relationship.

cover of Been There Done That

Been There Done That by Hope Ellis

Zora and Nick are high school sweethearts whose romance ended when he broke her heart. When they meet years later, the sparks are still there although Zora is not willing to walk down memory lane even though Nick still loves her. Will he be able to convince her that he has changed for the better and is ready to settle down with her so they can start their happily ever after back up?

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Here are some book recommendations for Taurus season.

Check out these twelve candidates for a your beach reading pleasure.

If you’re looking for some fun M/M summer romances, this list has you covered.

It’s been officially announced that the next season of Bridgerton will focus on Colin and Penelope.

If you’re like for some Black romances featuring plus-size women, you may find what you’re looking for in either Part One and/or Part Two of these lists.

And that’s all I have for you today. Here’s to a restful and relaxing weekend for us all. Be sure to stay hydrated if you go into the out. If you’re so inclined, you can give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading!