Reading Under the Covers

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Channel • 2 Shows

Books

Books

Updated Weekly
Books

Books

Updated Weekly

3 FEB

Reading The Flame and the Flower for the First Time (Ch. 1–2)

Welcome to the very first episode of Ripped & Ravished Book Club, your deep dive into vintage "bodice ripper" romances that helped shape the romance genre as we know it. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, Francesca from Under the Covers Book Blog and Becky from Too Stupid to Live discuss Chapters 1 and 2 of The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, often referred as the foundational book of the modern romance boom. We unpack initial reactions, the heroine's impossible situation, how "forced seduction" functioned in the cultural landscape of the 1970s, and why these books were so widely consumed, while keeping a clear modern lens on consent, trauma, and reader safety. Watch the video on Spotify Content warnings This episode includes discussion of: non-consent/rape, sexual violence, pregnancy, forced marriage, abuse of power, and family mistreatment. Please take care of yourself and skip if needed. Becky / Too Stupid to Live Substack: https://tstlpodcast.substack.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-stupid-to-live-romance-reviews-%245-and-under/id1141770521Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2rhn2BiyPFDZNMXIHxi2jCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tstlpodcast/?hl=en Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Book Club01:01 Content Warnings and Sensitive Themes01:57 Initial Reactions to ‘The Flame and the Flower’04:19 Discussion on the Heroine's Plight09:12 Exploring Forced Seduction and Dark Romance16:26 Redemption Arc and Character Growth21:27 Comparing Modern and Vintage Romance31:17 Empathy and Reader Reactions34:46 Content Warnings and Author Responsibility35:16 The Fascination with Kathleen E. Woodiwissspan...

3 Feb

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1h 2m
17/06/2024

Bridgerton Series 3 Part 2 First Impressions

Welcome to an episode of the Reading Under the Covers Extra Bite podcast! Francesca is discussing her first impressions of the last four episodes of the Bridgerton Season 3 Netflix show. Thoughts on the show itself and book comparison. Book Mentioned: Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - https://rstyle.me/+b_4LAvge1OBTfCJllKdNrg Bridgerton Resources: Bridgerton Series Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/bridgerton-book-series-guide/ Julia Quinn Author Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/julia-quinn-author-guide/ Test Your Julia Quinn Knowledge - Take the Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/65d3a8c03ea2850015696c3c Additional Resources: Historical Romance Genre Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/historical-romance-guide/ Regency Romance: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/exploring-regency-romance/ Favorite Historical Romances of All Time: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/the-best-historical-romance-novels-you-have-to-read/ Historical Romantic Comedies: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/historical-romantic-comedy/ Join the Conversation: Miss the community chats? Log back in and join the discussion on all things romance books: https://community.underthecoversbookblog.com/ Thank you for tuning into Reading Under the Covers: Extra Bite! We love diving deeper into our reading adventures and are excited to share these gems with you and we hope our picks inspire your next favorite read. Happy reading! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.underthecoverscommunity.com

17/06/2024

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19 min
4 FEB

January Wrap-Up | The Best Reads, Romanceopoly & What Didn't Work LIVE

In this episode of Novel Hour Live Show, we are counting down the best (and not so great) reads of January 2026. Including a Romanceopoly reading update. Victoria's Mood Reading Vlog: https://youtu.be/pgT5r8TkMEQ?si=cTq604lOoBv3Ud2i Victoria's Wrap-Up: https://youtu.be/lBvhsS8eTgg?si=iGvE2aUERWNnuZBl Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/vB24mcY_Svw Drop your thoughts in the chat - we want to hear from you! Tune in EVERY THURSDAY at 12 PM ET, join the chat, and share your thoughts! Books Mentioned: → The Night We Met: https://rstyle.me/+xrsoDt9V4iIkKRJy5mNn3Q → You'll Never Forget Me: https://rstyle.me/+HNtlDcoyT77QeiyShZwUBQ → Silver & Blood: https://rstyle.me/+fGIpe1PeKnZCiJkK8mJlTQ → Beautiful Things: https://rstyle.me/+4kriPS2k7DNrsrGEupWHjg → The Re-Do List: https://rstyle.me/+EBqkAa3ujunFUgRGM83UTQ → You Watched In Silence: https://rstyle.me/+g-hrhlJbu_rH0UV_iwv-2w → Fruit of the Flesh: https://rstyle.me/+j_rUJHZu7Hhr_n7PNzBNzw → Slay Ride: https://rstyle.me/+maz-rxbfmPRsxhNPHDR46g → The Wolf and the Crown of Blood: https://rstyle.me/+ovVLkh-IVKxqGfW-iM2sLA → Whispers at Painswick Court: https://rstyle.me/+8aQooBMxASizo2wGVzUImw → Dolly All the Time: https://rstyle.me/+ReYTZu4NiYuEHeKpGFw4Sw → Halfway to the Grave: https://rstyle.me/+slixZOfuB0Up9W2Glk-XrA → Crown of War and Shadow: https://rstyle.me/+ERQImAo4ED86piJeS1_arA Upcoming Book Club Picks: → Whispers of the Lake: https://rstyle.me/+V0UahvGmaEUOjZbXav2jpQ → Rules for Ruin: https://rstyle.me/+wEToS9Dlj9llXEHlM8Ec-g LINKS: - Night Huntress Read-a-long: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/night-huntress-readalong/ - Winter Reading Guide: https://bibliolifestyle.com/2026-winter-reading-guide/ - Romanceopoly Reading Challenge: a href="https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challenge/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

4 Feb

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50 min
30 JAN

26 Books to Read in 2026 [ 13 Picked by Friends ]

I asked 13 friends to choose my reading fate for 2026... and added 13 of my own backlist books to make the ultimate 26-book challenge spread. If I don't make it look pretty in my journal, I won't do it...so let's set this up! In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I'm building my "26 Books in 2026" spread. It's half "books I've been avoiding" and half "books my friends forced me to read." Friendships will be tested, stickers will be used, and hopefully, my TBR will finally shrink. Watch the journal spread: https://youtu.be/uMp6idyKkDE ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 The brutal truth about my reading 01:15 My 13 Backlist Picks 06:21 The 13 Friend Recommendations 11:55 The final spread reveal 📚 BOOKS MENTIONED My Backlist Picks: ✨ Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi: https://rstyle.me/+IQJJ0_LHsSVC5UmEMSOuAQ ✨ The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole: https://rstyle.me/+W60sajqH4j6UhVRHeGjoOg ✨ The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino: https://rstyle.me/+VVUNed5hCK6yxmL-T9_B3Q ✨ What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller: https://rstyle.me/+9rNcJRJxnhm2GpTbg4osgQ ✨ A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly by Sophia St. Germain: https://rstyle.me/+1_HE10MOhTN7_abLR9kaZQ ✨ Stalked by Seduction and Shadows by Maggie Sunseri: https://rstyle.me/+ypQ8t7VoCQkyQSeyFVqvMg ✨ The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem: https://rstyle.me/+ml4T1P7D22wkQCfPKdqgtg ✨ Endless Anger by Sav R. Miller: https://rstyle.me/+A4B45ZF6BgzwSIDBR16jBw ✨ Grim's Delight by Abigail Kelly: https://rstyle.me/+r3f_8tc56fcVXEguWlI_gg ✨ The Predator by Runyx: https://rstyle.me/+HVDXJn6iMGe4EvjUTmzJow ✨ A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle: https://rstyle.me/+m81kbzv3dL9kYDOmLlnYpw ✨ Scoundrel Take Me Away by Louisa Darling: https://rstyle.me/+gFHL11m3FyFmLNYz76FkoQ ✨ Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe: https://rstyle.me/+-J-v3su905_3vIwFuAdNmQ The Friend Recommendations: ✨ The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer (rec by Chase @wandereader): https://rstyle.me/+cJZiBp0VjIgx3zhub4uMKA ✨ The Scattered Bones by Nicole Scarano (rec by Nancy @ravenousreader): https://rstyle.me/+-311plHXwvezzWNgkfCztw ✨ Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (rec by Victoria @bibliolifestyle): a href="https://rstyle.me/+7IgKNnTwZUL42zd0OnDMAg" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

30 Jan

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12 min
13 JAN

January TBR, Reading Goals & Harlequin's AI Drama

We're back for 2026 with a January TBR stack, some spicy reading goals (or non-goals...we see you, mood readers), and a book club launch that kicks off with Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra. Plus, we react to the news that Harlequin France is testing AI-assisted translations. This month's TBRs are stacked with fantasy, gothic romance, historical mysteries, mythology, queer love stories. Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/8jO9dbrzHiw Here's what we’re planning to read: Francesca's TBR: → Fruit of the Flesh by I.V. Ophelia: https://rstyle.me/+dMHZNPHHNtBsj069Agn98g → The Younger Gods by Katie Shepard: https://rstyle.me/+mAd7B2dfZnQVoXDOuFOSWQ → The Serpent's Sin by Kathryn Ann Kingsley: https://rstyle.me/+xIUmDaIAZS2ahPutd-eFqg → Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik: https://rstyle.me/+7AhkOsIP5UYsF0zvpp1n4Q Victoria's TBR: The Re-Do List by Denise Williams: https://rstyle.me/+W1C8kTlmt7krmFfeiVEL2Q → Into the Midnight Wood by Alexandra McCollum: https://rstyle.me/+D9h_nN9YN68BTFr_-AUuBQ → Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen: https://rstyle.me/+QXzcx-5qpPsUQtarQT3phQ → The Wolf and the Crown of Blood by Elizabeth May: https://rstyle.me/+hUJcj5T39AuhXn0De2LG2g → You'll Never Forget Me by Isha Raya: https://rstyle.me/+Xj9F2UZupSEqDsIJhchMcQ We also talk about: Heated Rivalry’s TV adaptation and why it’s blowing up everywhereBookish burnout and giving yourself permission to read lessHow reader goals vary wildly (yes, you can be valid at 12 or 200+ books) Book Club Pick: → Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra: https://rstyle.me/+2gnIBV_regIb7omnJbrJ-w Tune in January 22 for the discussion! Drop your January TBRs and reading goals in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to catch our book haul next week. ✨ Loved the episode? Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕 💌 Talk to Me: Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message. ☕ Support the Show: Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing. 📚 Stay Connected: span...

13 Jan

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45 min
16 JAN

I'm Documenting Every Read 8 Different Ways in 2026

Is it excessive? Probably. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. 😅 Welcome to the maximalist reading tracking setup of your dreams (or nightmares). In this video, I'm breaking down exactly how, and WHY, I use 8 different systems to track my reading in 2026. From my detailed Notion database to the only app I actually pay for and my physical journal, every single one of these has a specific job. If you’ve ever felt like one app just isn't enough, you have found your people. Let's embrace the chaos. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/Fnukl62uK6M ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The Confession: Why I need 8 systems 00:55 The "New Toy": Margins App 01:44 The "Big Three": Storygraph, Pagebound, Fable 03:28 The "Timekeeper": Bookly (My only paid sub!) 04:42 The "Legacy Archive": Notion Setup 06:18 The "Boss": Shelf Control & ARCs 07:21 The "Artist": Physical Reading Journal 08:47 Outro: Embracing the maximalist life 💬 How do you track your reading? Are you "Team Spreadsheet," "Team Journal," or "Team Chaos" or no tracking at all? Let me know in the comments! 🔗 GRAB MY TEMPLATES: ✨ My Notion Template: https://utcbookblog.com/rfCo3S 👯‍♀️ LET'S BE FRIENDS ON THE APPS: Follow me on Fable: → Profile: https://fable.co/francesca-graziella-521424706323?referralID=GexUWSu3xv → Romanceopoly Book Club: https://fable.co/club/romanceopoly-2026-challenge-with-francesca-graziella-440377114136?invite=011926db-19e5-4565-b032-5a8911d1db04 Follow me on Pagebound: → Profile: https://pagebound.co/users/Francescagraziella Follow me on Storygraph: → Profile: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/itsfrancesca ✨ Loved the episode? Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕 💌 Talk to Me: Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message. ☕ Support the Show: Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing. 📚 Stay Connected: Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.Newsletter: join our insider for the latest updates. 💖 This episode may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the

16 Jan

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9 min
11/07/2025

The End of the Mass Market Paperback? What This Means for Romance Readers in 2025

Is the mass market paperback dying? And what does that mean for the romance genre, especially for readers who grew up sneaking stepbacks and collecting every duke on the shelf? In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, Francesca dives into the history and legacy of the mass market paperback format and how it helped shape genre fiction, especially historical romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries. We’ll look at why the industry is moving away from this beloved format, how BookTok and the trade paperback boom accelerated the shift, and what it means for accessibility, binge-reading, and the future of romance publishing. From clinch covers to collector’s editions, from Harlequin Intrigue to BookTok bestsellers. This is a love letter (and a bit of a rant) about what we’re losing… and where we go from here. 🔎 Topics We Cover:The rise of the mass market paperback in genre fictionHow MMPB shaped the romance genre, especially historicalsThe romcom boom and shift to trade paperbackThe BookTok effect on what gets published and howWhy this change hits romance readers harder than mostWhich subgenres (like cozy mystery, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance) are being impactedWhat the end of MMPB means for access and affordabilityWhere romance might go next, and how readers can adapt 📚 Links & Resources:Readerlink Will Stop Distributing Mass Market Paperbacks at the End of 2025 (Publishers Weekly)Book Publishers Plan for a Reduced Mass Market Paperback Footprint (Publishers Weekly)Mass Market Paperback Sales Continue to Decline (Publishers Weekly)An Elegy for the Duke (BookTrib) 🎙️ Let’s keep the conversation going! Tell me your favorite MMPB memory, your go-to author back in the day, or what you’re collecting now. Come chat with me on Instagram @utcbookblog or leave a comment on the blog. 💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite romance reader — especially the one still hoarding their Lisa Kleypas backlist in a plastic bin under the bed (no judgment, I am her). ✨ Loved the episode? Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕 💌 Talk to Me: Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message. ☕ Support the Show: Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing. 📚 Stay Connected: a...

11/07/2025

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17 min
02/05/2025

9 May 2025 Romance Book Releases to Add to Your TBR

It’s Taurus season, tourist season, and officially time to restock your romance TBR! In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, Francesca is sharing 9 must-read May 2025 romance book releases that hit all the right vibes—from fantasy slow burns and apocalyptic second chances to spicy academia and comic book crushes. If you’re a mood reader looking for friends to lovers, fanfic heroes, mermaids, revenge plots, or a touch of dark romantasy… this list is packed. We’re also talking trope matches for the Romanceopoly reading challenge and why some of these are perfect Taurus-coded reads. 📚 Books Mentioned (affiliate links): – Archangel’s Obsession by Nalini Singh – Much Ado About Hating You by Sarah Echavarre Smith – The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig – Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday – The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs – All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens – Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli – Daughter of Tides by Kit Rocha – Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan 🔗 Links & Mentions: – More May 2025 Releases on the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/may-2025-book-releases/ – The Book Vault (Paid Members): https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/book-vault – Romanceopoly Reading Challenge: https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/romanceopoly-reading-challenge – Taurus Season Reading Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/taurus-reading-guide/ ✨ Loved the episode? Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕 💌 Talk to Me: Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message. ☕ Support the Show: Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing. 📚 Stay Connected: Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.li...

02/05/2025

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15 min
24/03/2025

🌷 Spring Trope Talk: Botanists, Gardeners & Naturalist Romances in Historical Romance

If you’ve ever wanted to read a romance that feels like a walk through a blooming garden, this episode is for you. Today on Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we’re diving into one of the most perfect spring romance tropes: the botanists, gardeners, and naturalists of historical romance. Expect greenhouse seductions, apothecary mysteries, brooding dukes who fall for flower-loving heroines, and so much more. 🌿 In this episode: Best friends-to-lovers with a secret botanist heroineGrumpy dukes + garden show planningHerbal apothecaries and PI investigationsComedic chaos with botanist nerdsExotic nursery business meets secret kink club 💐 Books Discussed: The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan: https://rstyle.me/+R5aNYphvPigLANAUqHdkkADuke Gone Rogue by Christy Carlyle: https://rstyle.me/+9qrRzyznuT9qu9eVdrONSQThe Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett: https://rstyle.me/+R390lbzGn0VO8BaIyR_5FgThe Naked Gentleman by Sally MacKenzie: https://rstyle.me/+NAybnmZRiUO8FxbVOSqtRQThe Duke I Tempted by Scarlett Peckham: https://rstyle.me/+Jvfa4wwrzpjzko06XCvWlA 🎧 Tune in for spring vibes, feminist romance, and a little herbal pining. ✨ Loved the episode? Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕 💌 Talk to Me: Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message. ☕ Support the Show: Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing. 📚 Stay Connected: Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.Newsletter: join our insider for the latest updates. 💖 This episode may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show!

24/03/2025

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10 min
04/04/2025

April 2025 Book Club Pick: A Scandalous Historical Romance Novella You’ll Devour

It’s time to announce the League of Lusty Ladies April 2025 pick! And even though I’m a few days late (oops), the vibes for this one are so right for spring and Aries season. Think: bold heroines, buttoned-up heroes with secret feelings, and a race to Scotland in a storm. Yes please. In this episode, I’m sharing our Kindle Unlimited romance book club selection for April—plus why I think it’s the perfect seasonal read and how you can tailor your reading experience depending on your mood. This Month’s Pick: In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation by Alexandra Vasti Grab it on Amazon Genre: Historical Romance Format: Novella, Book 1 in a 3-book series (all on KU!) We’re coming off the heels of a big fantasy romance in March (Slaying the Vampire Conqueror), so this month’s novella is a fun, flirty change of pace—without skimping on the tension or steam. You can read just the first book or binge the whole series—it's totally up to you. I’ll be posting updates and discussion chat on Substack throughout the month, so come join us! ✨ Loved the episode? Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕 💌 Talk to Me: Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message. ☕ Support the Show: Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing. 📚 Stay Connected: Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.Newsletter: join our insider for the latest updates. 💖 This episode may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show!

04/04/2025

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9 min

Come hang out with Francesca and Suzanne while we talk romance books, book news and recommendations. Plus join in our discussions about book genres, tropes and meet other readers and authors.

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