Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast

Reading Under the Covers
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A bookish podcast where 2 friends fangirl about all things books and romance

  1. 2D AGO

    When Reviews Turn to Bullying: The Belladonna Blowup & Author Tagging Debate

    This week on Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we’re diving into one of the biggest recent dust-ups in the book world and yes, it involves an Instagram rant, author tagging, and a whole lot of mess. Francesca teams up with Victoria from Bibliolifestyle for another episode of Novel Hour, where the question of the day is: What happens when a review stops being criticism and starts being harassment? Here’s what went down: An Instagram influencer tagged Belladonna author Adalyn Grace in a scorched-earth review calling the book “trash” and telling the author she “sucks.” It quickly spiraled into a mess of stories, screenshots, and revenge-review threats. And while everyone’s entitled to their opinion, we’re breaking down why tagging authors in negative reviews crosses a serious line. We also cover: New book releases for early November (from dark holiday romance to political thrillers)What we’re reading now (yes, it includes superhero aliens and a 1910 Cornwall murder)What we’re watching (Wife Swap, Great British Baking Show, and Interview with the Vampire) 📺 Watch the full video replay on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/TRKWNcbOpeo 📚 Books Mentioned: → Belladonna by Adalyn Grace: https://rstyle.me/+LWW0a-7cQGJ7qSPy3uQ4cg → Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite: https://rstyle.me/+KIpPj_4IpKeZKPKndjGSIw → Days at the Torunka Cafe by Satoshi Yagisawa and Eric Ozawa: https://rstyle.me/+QdQhgQs4Bt2zD7Z3hyTUDA → How About Now by Kate Baer: https://rstyle.me/+yeaAdVrTmkLnMLyGHVE0lg → Helm by Sarah Hall: https://rstyle.me/+kiY89FtOJSYwjVtDpW_Ctg → With Friends Like These by Alissa Lee: https://rstyle.me/+S2XJ21tV0hMJc2_BP46fZA → Town & Country by Brian Schaefer: https://rstyle.me/+uBojTXFbDvjWeTLLEWsCLw → Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen: https://rstyle.me/+_mFennuH8KIc0YC96o8k1w → Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger: https://rstyle.me/+QiNa4tKvKJruNpMbZnSl5w → Coldwire by Chloe Gong: https://rstyle.me/+33DppyjGW-NQmpzQilMOIA → The Scandal You Started by Nylah Monroe: https://rstyle.me/+_ezfkTbFDNBV50I3fM45Qw → These Violet Delights by Madeleine Roux: https://rstyle.me/+OdeVsYaV8xDi6MA8BpNGmw → Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi: https://rstyle.me/+3aVKzKWfsjfrSctHgmH1Aw → He Knows When You're Awake by Alta Hensley: a href="https://rstyle.me/+aQo8_ys8S-aVSWQ-dKCt_g" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    33 min

  2. 6D AGO

    If You Love "Bride" or "BDB," You'll Love These Fall Fantasy & Paranormal Reads

    In this Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast episode, Francesca brings you the ultimate fall reading mood board, but in book form. If you’re craving broody vampires, cozy witches, or shifters with attitude, this episode has you covered. It’s all about If You Love This, You’ll Like That: Fall Edition, pairing longtime fan favorites with hidden gems that’ll hit the same vibe. 🧡 Want more? Browse our Fall Books collection for even more perfect reads for the season. Books MentionedBride by Ali Hazelwood → The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson Slow-burn paranormal political romance meets spicy mates. Grab Bride on AmazonGrab The Fake Mate on AmazonRelated: Funny Paranormal Romance Books Stay a Spell series by Juliette Cross → Haven Ever After series by Hazel Mack Cozy paranormal rom-coms, small town, witches, shifters, and found family galore. Grab Wolf Gone Wild on AmazonGrab Getting It On with the Gargoyle on AmazonRelated: Romantic Paranormal Comedies with Juliette Cross Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward → Dark Protectors series by Rebecca Zanetti Alpha vampires, found family, epic battles and everything you love about paranormal romance. Grab Dark Lover on AmazonGrab Fated on AmazonMore like this: Books Like Black Dagger BrotherhoodExplore: Black Dagger Brotherhood Guide From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout → A Fate of Wrath and Flame by K.A. Tucker Enemies-to-lovers, fantasy intrigue, and supernaturals playing games. Grab From Blood and Ash on AmazonGrab A Fate of Wrath and Flame on Amazon Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews → Soulbound series by Hailey Turner Urban fantasy done right: magic, mythology, and slow-burn romance. a href="https://rstyle.me/+pnG2RIiiobHW6PI9Hl0noQ" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    19 min

  3. NOV 4

    The TRUTH Behind the Matthew & Paul Controversy + Leigh Rivers’ Act of Kindness

    Welcome to Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast. This week's Novel Hour episode covers the Matthew & Paul controversy that has everyone talking, plus author Leigh Rivers did something that literally made us cry. We're also sharing the new releases you need to know about this week! Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/vo03Wz-RN6g ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:45 Matthew and Paul Drama Explained 01:20 Pity Marketing Debate 05:14 Ingram Controversy 10:27 Feel-Good Story: Leigh Rivers' Beautiful $100K Donation Story 14:13 New Book Releases of the Week 22:11 Current Reads: Cozy Comforts and Messy Dramas 28:22 What We're Watching: Baking Shows and Wife Swaps 34:57 Interview with the Vampire: Season One Review 39:15 Final Thoughts 📖 BOOKS MENTIONED: → Bloodstained by Jenika Snow: https://rstyle.me/+kOR0RyRcegSZQ0AyqlZLvw → Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport: https://rstyle.me/+bk-hKIwuj8k6OmCMgC6jNw → Branded by Saffron A. Kent: https://rstyle.me/+Tbxfwzv-QK4UodofoQv8AA → Undead and Unwed by Sam Tschida: https://rstyle.me/+-3OSBQF5devkdfD8dDNYyA → Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay: https://rstyle.me/+S29JUg5ivvoKTlwyPU2xvA → Wreck by Catherine Newman: https://rstyle.me/+ar4TJhScrWWlaf-TjDzRcg → Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside by Maisey Yates: https://rstyle.me/+2cZJAI1MKYazSflL208kvw → The Devil Is a Southpaw by Brandon Hobson: https://rstyle.me/+_weJCg2V5cBxjjqXLxac0g → The Last Death of the Year by Sophie Hannah: https://rstyle.me/+2MIYaFEJNtKJH_7p6wNZWQ → The Bone Thief by Vanessa Lillie: https://rstyle.me/+qcFMFsOKWgIdvkpXh9pkww → Maybe This Time by SeRaya: https://rstyle.me/+zEq4vS0on53AXCy-sMkFVw → Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair: https://rstyle.me/+tTcanvLpgsUrsUD3sQUHRQ 🧁 Mentioned While Discussing Shows Wife Swap TV Show Interview with the Vampire AMC Show on Netflix Season 1 Sources Mentioned → Author talking about Matthew & Paul controversy: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQK7BfCkUxg/ → BookToker covering Leigh Rivers’ donation: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8DF4EKQ/ → GoFundMe link (Help Save Baby Ollie’s Heart): https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-baby-ollies-heart ✨ Loved the...

    40 min

  4. OCT 31

    5 Paranormal Romance Recs on Kindle Unlimited (Old School Vibes)

    If you miss the paranormal romance era of vampires, witches, and fae that actually felt dangerous and romantic, these 5 new releases I read have that old school PNR energy we've been craving, and they're ALL on Kindle Unlimited! Vampire romance with bite, witch stories with actual magic systems, and fae courts that feel like the books we fell in love with in the 2000s and early 2010s. These are NEW releases with classic paranormal romance vibes. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/ls0dz8Wi0aE ⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Vampire Romance Books 00:41 Top Pick: The Serpents Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley 02:33 Binge-Worthy: Hot Vampire Next Door by Nikki St. Crowe 04:05 Forbidden Romance: A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake 05:41 Enemies to Lovers: King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair 07:05 Lighthearted Read: Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee 08:02 Conclusion and Recommendations 📚 BOOKS MENTIONED: → The Serpent's Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley: https://rstyle.me/+9DJ6Q2lLUNoHnoq08E_FJQ → Hot Vampire Next Door by Nikki St. Crowe: https://rstyle.me/+SuUUfrAtv8RXBnjiF_jjZA → A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake: https://rstyle.me/+d0WsvqSMdgr5irs1nyrN1g → King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair: https://rstyle.me/+8QJ01gonM7zLs6SFkfOoGA → Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee: https://rstyle.me/+fNmHewEBBAxwNTqq3FAzaA 📺 Also Watch: → The Paranormal Alpha is Back: https://youtu.be/AaTGtoc8EmU → Is the BDB TV Show Worth It?: https://youtu.be/l-mxD3mlB1Q → Ranked the Black Dagger Brotherhood Heroes: https://youtu.be/ekURmqb4oPM ✨ 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!

    9 min

  5. OCT 28

    NHL Reporter vs. Author Controversy | Piper Shaw & Chelsea Curto Drama + New Romance Book Releases

    Welcome to Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast. It’s getting real in the hockey romance world 😳 An NHL reporter just accused a romance author of stealing her identity for a book character, and it’s MESSY. In this week’s Novel Hour Live Replay, we’re breaking down the Piper Shaw vs. Chelsea Curto controversy, why it blew up on BookTok, and what it says about real-life inspiration in fiction. We’re also sharing this week’s hottest romance, fantasy and mystery new releases, including must-read dark romances, fantasy, and cozy reads for your fall TBR. 💬 Let us know in the comments: Are you Team Piper or Team Chelsea? Do authors have a responsibility to avoid “real-life” inspiration in their books? ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to Novel Hour Live! 00:06 NHL Reporter Accuses Romance Author 09:43 Legalities and Real-Life Inspirations 11:16 New Releases for the Week 19:23 Current Reads and TBR Struggles 20:56 Halloween Dark Romances 24:30 Great British Baking Show Update 26:55 Billionaire's Bunker Review 32:14 Young Millionaires and Dollar Netflix Reviews 34:18 Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts 📖 BOOKS MENTIONED: → Power Play by Chelsea Curto: https://rstyle.me/+hlw5cJhkUuSEl5CdYgkubw → Good Spirits by B.K. Borison: https://rstyle.me/+Lq_88G_3LqHe-pC49lo4kg → I Am Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons: https://rstyle.me/+jgRNvxmopVhOEMvoAHmleg → The Devil She Knows by Alexandria Bellefleur: https://rstyle.me/+lnvDIq6HIR0ed978VtHMAQ → The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer: https://rstyle.me/+X7LS4wkdQ_gvbLn0wBylBw → Death at the Door by Olivia Blacke: https://rstyle.me/+5df_YK665EdNxeWbO3F3ng → Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs: https://rstyle.me/+q-9TBeBBHMhfZSW_5pPJag → The Huntsman by Naima Simone: https://rstyle.me/+1tpsTqmRkgCr2CllxNQyjw → The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall: https://rstyle.me/+ZwDZ7IBbGWCkYs7OGQwH7Q → Elanie and the Empath by Jess K. Hardy: https://rstyle.me/+5eBVu4ju5fz4OQ_mz8l88w → Half-Light Harbor by Samantha Young: https://rstyle.me/+Qgo02mjxe_XtNgsLMASi4w → Beg For It by Madison Fox: https://rstyle.me/+lB5MCOmKiHXsMAh4ozyPGQ → In the Dark by Chelsea Curto: https://rstyle.me/+HsF293P95VNOhX-8CuYlEQ → Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen: https://rstyle.me/+xefxZvWXMJgsTLl3vh9etg 🧁 Mentioned While Discussing Shows Money Heist (Netflix show — referenced) Berlin (Netflix spin-off from Money Heist — referenced) The Great British...

    35 min

  6. OCT 24

    30 Years Reading Paranormal Romance Taught Me This Pattern

    In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I share my 30 year reading experience with the paranormal alpha and my thesis on a connection I noticed about their popularity and decline. They explode during economic crises and world instability and that cannot be a coincidence. For me, it started in the 90s when I fell for Lestat in high school. Then I watched the genre absolutely dominate in 2008 after the financial crisis with series like Black Dagger Brotherhood. The mid-2010s brought a decline, but now paranormal alphas are back stronger than ever starting with the romantasy boom. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction: The Paranormal Alpha Hero 00:36 The 90s: Economic Uncertainty and Vampire Obsession 04:38 The 2000s: Twilight and Urban Fantasy Boom 10:25 The 2010s: The Decline of Paranormal Romance 12:58 The 2020s: The Resurgence of the Paranormal Alpha 15:05 My Thesis: Why Economic Crisis = Paranormal Alphas 17:42 Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of the Paranormal Alpha Watch the video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/AaTGtoc8EmU In this episode I'm breaking down why paranormal alphas dominated the 90s during economic uncertainty, the 2008 resurgence and what it meant for romance readers, why they disappeared in the mid-2010s, and why they're back NOW and what this pattern says about us. This is my 30-year paranormal alpha journey and the cultural pattern I lived through. If you love vampire romance, shifter romance, or any paranormal romance books, this deep dive is for you. 📖 BOOKS MENTIONED: → The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice: https://rstyle.me/+F3JY0_1SuA-jFEK97_WoUw → Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton: https://rstyle.me/+tvqrQXJR4yldTd1TmgPRJw → Merry Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton: https://rstyle.me/+35pC-Np-PfrEjKHlxmra6g → Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris: https://rstyle.me/+eqF8HGRknT3DLf8YXX37PA → Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: https://rstyle.me/+AXmJ8UfabCY1CPJ0xN71sQ → Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead: https://rstyle.me/+bp8EkDgZBPLs4lpWB3zHZQ → Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James: https://rstyle.me/+yGtQpcFY5UDjNyKyGQ7-kg → Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward: https://rstyle.me/+OjpkHcWk4cj4ms1iAa2JmA → Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh: https://rstyle.me/+a4lJTV98h8GT-TDFt9MXOA → Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole: https://rstyle.me/+nVQkcANJOJ0hNv-Ku0fXjQ → Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost: https://rstyle.me/+ycWANgMxnAFphSKmsKXlyA → Vampire Huntress series by L.A. Banks: https://rstyle.me/+-nVgsSqEwykZeX-Pi7H7sA → Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs:

    20 min

  7. OCT 21

    The Publishing Industry Is Changing (And We Have Thoughts) + New Releases

    In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers Podcast, we share a replay of our Novel Hour Live Show. We kick things off with the publishing industry bombshells currently rocking BookTok. From trad publishers chasing indie darlings to brand-new imprints launching with 100% self-published titles, it’s giving... upheaval. We talk about what’s driving this shift, why publishers are playing it safe, and what authors (and readers) should do next. Watch the live video replay here: https://youtube.com/live/01c-ZgDRE9Q Also in this episode: New book releases: from cozy Japanese mysteries to historical horror and paranormal holiday romanceCurrent reads: from dark cowboy romance to poisoner botanistsWhat we’re watching: why The Woman in Cabin 10 adaptation just didn’t work Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:23 The Shift Towards Indie Publishing 04:24 Discussion on Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing 07:41 New Book Releases 16:59 Current Reads and Recommendations 27:04 The Woman in Cabin 10: Book vs. Movie 34:15 Final Thoughts 🆕 New Book Releases (Oct 13–19) ✦ The Menu of Happiness by Hisashi Kashiwai: https://rstyle.me/+B5rTCHyw7-0_GvsHjQ7QsA ✦ And Then There Was the One by Martha Waters: https://rstyle.me/+Qm8dR-bMCXX6TnlOHkGPyA ✦ The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley: https://rstyle.me/+eAzBIuzPRJsK69LzLzUEhg ✦ The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong: https://rstyle.me/+SjF2Dd_yq_fi-EjP-svN8Q ✦ The Last Witch by CJ Cooke: https://rstyle.me/+S4RdEtBoJDXKJlXmP9mbZA ✦ I'm Gonna Get You Back by Elena Armas: https://rstyle.me/+VTHBrSB9XvEziJSAAWVN4g ✦ A Scar in the Bone by Sophie Jordan: https://rstyle.me/+vaAR7YvD8-nkrQwbdXQNoQ ✦ Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham: https://rstyle.me/+v8H78Pm4L6zlNxfe1E5Nng ✦ Scrooged for the Holidays by Kayla Grosse: https://rstyle.me/+BIGffsCznag2wL1SSfnD-Q ✦ Poisoned Ivy by Ava Rani: https://rstyle.me/+pthj43f7Zs8ZTS_zV3CxtQ 📚 Currently Reading and Up Next: ✦ Branded by Saffron A. Kent: https://rstyle.me/+U2jPdNmjDoqTucdjHKLbAQ ✦ The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia: https://rstyle.me/+rcDgMRSbtb36QBXfvEowpg ✦ Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen: https://rstyle.me/+iqC0XeMTtv35-RwUgJ1rSg Sources Mentioned: a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jescadawn/video/7558894234565119287?_r=1&_t=ZP-90bJUEtJQZb" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    35 min

  8. OCT 17

    A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake Book Discuss

    Welcome back to Reading Under the Covers! This week Francesca is joined by guests Jen and Angela and they are diving deep into A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake, a dark fantasy romance featuring vampires, witches, dangerous bargains, and plenty of spice. In this spoiler-ish book club discussion, we're covering: ✨ The vampire bargain premise and world-building 🔥 Character dynamics between Raphael and Samara 💭 Prison setting and magic system 🌶️ Conflict, character development, and relationship progression 📖 Who this book is perfect for and comparables 🎯 Our rapid-fire ratings and honest recommendations Want the spoilers? Check out my post discussing the A Bargain So Bloody ending explained: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/a-bargain-so-bloody-ending/ And the full book review here: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/a-bargain-so-bloody-by-vasilisa-drake/ Whether you've already devoured this book or you're trying to decide if it's your next read, grab your favorite drink and join our honest conversation about what worked, what surprised us, and why this dark paranormal romance is worth discussing. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 00:30 - Book Synopsis: A Bargain So Bloody 01:07 - First Impressions and Expectations 01:38 - Character Dynamics: Raphael and Samara 03:17 - Target Audience and Comparables 04:43 - Conflict and Character Development 09:49 - Prison Setting and Magic System 13:34 - Rapid Fire Questions and Ratings 16:08 - Conclusion and Upcoming Reads 📚 ABOUT THE BOOK: A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance | Vampire Romance Grab the book on Amazon: https://rstyle.me/+0wLvl03HLleLmW9MfVadwQ When Samara is trapped in a supernatural prison and has to make a dangerous bargain with the vampire Raphael as her only hope for survival and escape. But in a world where blood magic rules and trust is a luxury, the price of freedom might be higher than she ever imagined. 💬 Have you read A Bargain So Bloody? Drop your thoughts in the comments, we want to know what YOU thought about Raphael and Samara's story! 👉 Subscribe for more romance book discussions, reviews, and reading recommendations! ✨ 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...

    17 min
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A bookish podcast where 2 friends fangirl about all things books and romance

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