Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast

• 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).✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/Stay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube:

  --------  

  17:19

  --------

  17:19
• Beach Reads You’ll Devour + 11 New Releases to Add to Your Summer TBR

  We’re in peak beach reading season, and today’s Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, episode is serving page-turners for every mood. From cozy mysteries to age-gap romances, survival love stories to sibling drama with a side of murder. We’re recommending books that are bingeable, escapist, and totally beach bag–worthy.We also dive into 11 brand new releases for the week of July 7–13, 2025, including books by Ruth Ware, Megan Bannen, Kylie Scott, and more. And don’t worry, we've got a little publishing gossip and watchlist chatter to round it all out.📚 What We Cover in This Episode:Beach Reads Themed RecommendationsWhat We’re WatchingNew Releases for July 7–13, 2025Bookish News & GossipA new YA/adult crossover imprint called Berkley XO is coming from Penguin Random House! We share first thoughts, predictions, and what it might mean for readers and authors alike.✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/Stay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/underthecoversbookblogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/underthecoversbookblogPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/utcbookblog/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utcbookblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/utcbookblogThreads: https://www.threads.net/@utcbookblogEmail: Send your inquiries and feedback to [email protected] Involved:Romanceopoly Reading Challenge: Join the challenge and spice up your reading routine with fun, themed prompts: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challengeJoin us on Substack: Connect with fellow romance lovers and participate in discussions: https://www.underthecoverscommunity.comSign up for our free newsletter to get the latest updates, book picks, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/subscribeWant to start a podcast?

  --------  

  47:09

  --------

  47:09
• Romance Beach Reads to Pack This Summer: Tropes, History & 2025 Book Recs

  In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we talk about what even is a beach read in 2025? I’m joined by Victoria from BiblioLifestyle, and we’re diving into the surprisingly rich history of beach reads, from their early 1900s roots to the Instagrammable versions we see today.We’re also unpacking what makes a perfect beach read (hint: it’s totally different for everyone), and of course, we’re sharing 5 fresh romance recommendations that are perfect for your summer reading list.📚 Books Mentioned:• Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood• It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan• Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews• Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria• Fan Favorite by Adrienne Gunn📖 Links & Resources:• New Yorker Article – “The Invention of the Beach Read”• Summer Reading Guide 2025• Victoria’s Blog🔗 Related Blog Posts from Under the Covers:• 2025 Kindle Unlimited Romance Beach Reads• Queer Summer 2025 Romance Books📺 What to Watch Next:• Mid-Year Romance Check-In with Guest Reviewer Jen• July 2025 Romance New Releases to Add to Your TBR🎧 Don't forget to follow the show and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, it helps more romance readers find us!✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/Stay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/underthecoversbookblogFacebook:

  --------  

  24:58

  --------

  24:58
• Caribbean Romance Authors, This Week’s Releases & Emily Henry Adaptation News

  Welcome to Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, where we chat, fangirl, and maybe even swoon over our latest reads. I'm Francesca from Under the Covers Book Blog, and today we’re recapping our latest Novel Hour live show!We’re spotlighting Caribbean romance authors and must-read new releases for the first week of July, plus some juicy adaptation news—including what’s coming for Emily Henry fans. If you’re looking for books with island vibes, fake dating, steamy cowboys, or tentacle spice (yep, that happened), this episode is for you.📚 Books Mentioned:Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson: https://rstyle.me/+qiNCQZsV7cdNzfXkj29sAwA House for Miss Pauline by Diana McCaulay: https://rstyle.me/+GLemk5PzT6sp2b5_O-B_mQLove Forms by Claire Adam: https://rstyle.me/+c3Y1Z0YbV-Y4A5YlcpWf5wSweethand by NG Peltier: https://rstyle.me/+cFDAYcsVYroW7jifkbSc1QOnly Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez: https://rstyle.me/+pET-elXQYYkqGyu4Tgm2_ACompromised Into a Scandalous Marriage by Lydia San Andres: https://rstyle.me/+1e-8JMR8j0b30kp_5FEiUwOverruled by Lana Ferguson: https://rstyle.me/+wIJpnHz_5FyaZ3pmRLTnrQLet’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood: https://rstyle.me/+1rGHQKFjduEN-WQoKiCDsQSave Me by Mona Kasten: https://rstyle.me/+q5COxBnZ1zCH5VHrYsiGyATypewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton: https://rstyle.me/+ViZ4RHPg7AFxYSHZouH-oAEtiquette for Lovers and Killers by Anna Fitzgerald Haney: https://rstyle.me/+-qJIjLtVRWlxVfWuzhTaGwBehind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho: https://rstyle.me/+_d4RbD9LqiFanY0udROc1wTenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone: https://rstyle.me/+Y9MbYzk_6py9Jo9pUVNldQTusk Love by Thea Guanzon: https://rstyle.me/+yFmsmaIwBmXwl1XNNPb2UQThis Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret: https://rstyle.me/+c5lClFH2vx_TU0wK_2ClGwBack in the Saddle by Maggie Eckersley: https://rstyle.me/+Nvo7BaeL_8nfmQYarAVbeQ🗓️ More July 2025 Book Lists:🔗 Mystery & Thriller Releases: https://www.mysterylandia.com/july-2025-mystery-book-releases/🔗 Kindle Unlimited Romance...

  --------  

  45:21

  --------

  45:21
• 8 Must-Read July 2025 Book Releases You’ll Be Obsessed With

  If your TBR has room for just one more book this summer… maybe make it eight.In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers podcast, I’m breaking down the most anticipated July 2025 book releases across romance, romantasy, thrillers, and more.We’ve got morally gray pirates, basement kidnapping (??), fated mates, courtroom rivals, cursed blades, and Lo Blacklock is back! Whether you're a mood reader or a seasonal TBR planner, there’s something in here for every vibe.📚 Books MentionedThe Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth WareOverruled by Lana FergusonScotch on the Rocks by Elliot FletcherSoulgazer by Maggie RapierThis Much is True by Vivienne LorretAtonement Sky by Nalini SinghTerror at the Gates by Scarlett St. ClairWildflowers by Kylie Scott🔗 Related Blog Posts & ExtrasJuly 2025 Mystery & Thriller Releases (Mysterylandia)Kindle Unlimited July 2025 PicksMaster July 2025 Book Release List✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/Stay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/underthecoversbookblogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/underthecoversbookblogPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/utcbookblog/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utcbookblogInstagram:

  --------  

  9:11

  --------

  9:11

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast