Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast

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/8jO9dbrzHiwHere'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/+7AhkOsIP5UYsF0zvpp1n4QVictoria'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/+Xj9F2UZupSEqDsIJhchMcQWe 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-wTune 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...

Tired of downloading the same 5 hyped Kindle Unlimited authors from BookTok? Today I’m ranking my Top 10 best new-to-me KU authors of 2025, the hidden gems I had to actually go looking for.We’re talking everything from cozy romantasy to dark paranormal romance and a full-on Dark/Edgy KU Corner (with BIG content warnings). If you want fresh romance book recommendations that feel addictive, bingeable, and a little unhinged in the best way… this one’s for you.Tell me in the comments: ONE KU author you discovered in 2025 that more people should be reading, especially if they’re a total hidden gem.Watch the video: https://youtu.be/5xiSn7IcAgw⏱ Timestamps:00:00 Why I Tested KU Authors for You00:56 KU Authors #10–8 (Hidden Gems Start Here)03:03 KU Authors #7–5 (Surprising New Obsessions)05:07 KU Authors #4–2 (Instant Auto-Buy Territory)07:37 My #1 Kindle Unlimited Author of 202508:56 Dark & Edgy KU Corner ⚠️ Check Content Warnings11:26 Final Thoughts, Poll & Your KU RecsBooks Mentioned:→ To Catch a Lord: https://rstyle.me/+Cx-Yb9yrIVkDTde7Hcc05w→ Bound and Tide: https://rstyle.me/+NVe14ltyAneywoZ2R0s_iA→ If All Else Sails: https://rstyle.me/+zeEh1ce5vWsnVCoK0DZUrQ→ The Bone King and the Starling: https://rstyle.me/+8009rWTPkZE-AM6efSsYsA→ Bargain with Benefits: https://rstyle.me/+DJWMC1yQkm3YQ6HPaw1igA→ A Spell for Heartsickness: https://rstyle.me/+NdtmwEI3n0Zl_CM6eeASfg→ How to Fake it With a Fae: https://rstyle.me/+GDuxmJWLOa-rB4HuL16p2A→ I Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend: https://rstyle.me/+BIXuA1Yeof39YpAEPTo_AA→ Kiss the Rake Hello: https://rstyle.me/+CuT_16TLMu6LozRjwuOSsg→ Her Soul to Take: https://rstyle.me/+fxdng2u1KitxkE339gZJsQ→ The Poisoner: https://rstyle.me/+KdjLVB23irU2EozcyhjPjg→ Leave Me Behind: https://rstyle.me/+5uLWDDiqESaTd-Dku-5PGQ→ Sinners Retreat: https://rstyle.me/+FfcKtsIFia2bp-h-da4EXw✨ 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?

2026 Romance Book Club and Readalongs

02/1/2026 | 18 mins.

Kicking Off 2026 with Exciting Romance Book Clubs and Read Alongs!In this first episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, in 2026, Francesca introduces an exciting lineup of romance book clubs and read alongs for the year.You can choose from community-driven projects like the Romanceopoly study sessions or the Novel Hour Book Club, as well as guided binge experiences like read alongs for the Night Huntress World and J.D. Robb's In Death series.There's also a unique 'Ripped and Ravished' vintage romance book club for those interested in exploring old-school bodice rippers.Francesca ensures there's a lane for every type of romance reader, whether you want social interaction or a more private, guided reading experience.Find out how you can sign up for each in our romance book club hub.00:00 Introduction to 2026 Reading Projects01:46 Romanceopoly Study Sessions03:50 Novel Hour Book Club08:36 Ripped and Ravished Book Club10:28 In Death Read Along12:45 Night Huntress Series Read Along15:40 Choosing Your Reading Lane17:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts✨ 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!

Is Amazon using authors' work to train AI without consent? We break down the controversy. Plus, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are producing 'The Wedding Date' for Netflix! In this episode of Novel Hour live show, we discuss the latest bookish news and share our definitive list of the best books of 2025.Grab a hot drink, your TBR list, and hang out live in the chat with us! Drop your thoughts in the chat - we want to hear from you!Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/9npoVUouNgsTune in EVERY THURSDAY at 12 PM ET, join the chat, and share your thoughts!📚 BOOKS MENTIONEDThis weeks' new releases: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/new-book-releases-this-week/→ Love in Plain Sight by Lauren Connolly: https://rstyle.me/+SwkcypKahAg9djGexCyrOQ→ The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher: https://rstyle.me/+l1qsoIpcKqFfMAm2dNuHvA→ You Can Scream by Rebecca Zanetti: https://rstyle.me/+4hYREUfgFjb1tvIoxHE2nw→ Caste in the Stars by Leylah Attar: https://rstyle.me/+V6QxOkbG5925Gk6mRbqJtg→ A Most Worthy Husband by Faye Delacour: https://rstyle.me/+TCUHChFvH2UXmX2_yYJk1Q→ A Fate So Dark and Delicate by Sophia St. Germain: https://rstyle.me/+9xMuZftmukx8n5a4c9I6JA→ Avenging Angel Bad Medicine by Kristen Ashley: https://rstyle.me/+z2AFhKDisNTuRZ9P2eULaA→ A Whisper of Secrecy by Darcy Burke: https://rstyle.me/+NJ0QTov11K_iVjzEmVJaTwLINKS:Winter Reading Guide: https://bibliolifestyle.com/2026-winter-reading-guide/Romanceopoly 2026: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challenge/WATCH NEXT:2025 Reading Wrapped: https://youtu.be/3YCUQJqEsGsBest Fantasy Romance of 2025: https://youtu.be/8LlbZQkKaMgBest Historical Romance of 2025: https://youtu.be/NfmYMR3yaIUBest Kindle Unlimited Authors I Read in 2025: https://youtu.be/5xiSn7IcAgwSOURCES:https://www.tiktok.com/@dietrichstogner/video/7584108074705685773?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Finding good historical romances is weirdly hard right now, so in this video I’m RANKING the best historical romance books I read in 2025… from “this was fun” all the way up to “new all‑time favorite unlocked.”This is a true countdown style video: I’m starting with the ones I liked but wasn’t totally obsessed with and working my way up to my absolute favorite historical romance of the year. If a book made this list at all, I still recommend it, they just hit me at different levels.Watch the video: https://youtu.be/NfmYMR3yaIUIf you’re looking for:• Smart, emotional historical romance• Romcom‑y Regencies with banter• Gilded Age, Scottish castles, and a little espionage• Options from cozy/clean to pretty dang spicy…hopefully you’ll find at least one new favorite for your TBR.TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS: What’s the best historical romance you’ve read in 2025 so far? And which of these would you pick up first?⏱ Timestamps:00:00 Intro – 2025 Historical Romance Book Ranking00:39 #12 – How to Train Your Viscount by Courtney McCaskill (historical romance review)01:37 #11 – The Brazen Bluestocking by Tracy Sumner (historical romance recommendation)02:25 #10 – Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham (historical romance review)03:07 #9 – The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe (Gilded Age historical romance)03:38 #8 – The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell (Austen-inspired historical romance)04:18 #7 – A Duke Never Tells by Suzanne Enoch (Regency romcom romance)05:12 #6 – In Scandal with the Duke by Stacy Reid (spicy historical romance)05:47 #5 – Dare to Love a Duke by Eva Leigh (forbidden historical romance)06:19 #4 – Never Gamble Your Heart by Lindsay Lovise (gaming hell historical romance)06:57 #3 – Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas (classic historical romance)07:39 #2 – Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti (marriage of convenience historical romance)08:46 #1 – Don’t Let Your Dukes Grow Up to Be Scoundrels by Louisa Darling (top pick)09:27 Conclusion – Final historical romance recommendations 2025Books Mentioned:→ How to Train Your Viscount - https://rstyle.me/+BZmDzmmth9Va5d9fQM7yAg→ The Brazen Bluestocking - https://rstyle.me/+aorUZ_0PJgpW8rmahlN_Rg→ Sense and Suitability - https://rstyle.me/+f8VMh26nkC6XYf44-vCm_w→ The Gilded Heiress - https://rstyle.me/+gTxdC1W53gHyMwt2BrSlAA→ The Austen Affair - https://rstyle.me/+Sjs3UlY9OVB6qap4N1vvUA→ A Duke Never Tells - https://rstyle.me/+5YwNyxBOeBCC-E4BFxPqmQ→ In Scandal with the Duke - https://rstyle.me/+q2SRDJzQ6EuLFku5X0lDdA→ Dare to Love a Duke - https://rstyle.me/+KU7kfPDOgxTenSeC2Nsuww→ Never Gamble Your Heart - https://rstyle.me/+Ge_mbYLk-OBjv8bDcqVxSg→ Someone to Watch Over Me -