In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we are talking new releases. This week’s romance releases are stacked—from grumpy dukes and small-town second chances to dragon shifters and fake marriage shenanigans. Plus, we’ve got a special guest author joining us! Marina Adair pops in to chat about her upcoming enemies-to-lovers romcom, Love to Hate You, and shares some of her must-read author recs.

Whether you're in the mood for scandalous historicals, cowboy softies, or fated mates with fire-breathing stakes, there’s something here to spice up your TBR.

👀 Don’t forget: Paid Substack members get exclusive access to the Book Vault, a monthly romance release tracker with 150+ books across all genres. Filter by trope, setting, format, and more!

Books Mentioned

• The Duke Disaster by Kathleen Ayers – A grumpy duke, a chaotic widow, and one very steamy carriage ride. Historical romance with grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers.
• Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage – High emotion and cowboy charm in this second chance, small-town romance. Final book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series.
• The Woman Left Behind by Kristen Ashley – Romantic thriller meets emotional healing in book 4 of the Misted Pines series.
• ➤ Watch our interview with Kristen Ashley
• Bridesmaid by Chance by Meghan Quinn – Regency-themed wedding? Check. Fake marriage? Check. Office slow burn with heart? Check.
• Dragon Marked by Donna Grant – Dragon shifters, danger, and fated mates in book 5 of the Dragon Kings series.

🤠 Bonus Episode

Are you in your cowboy romance era? We did a full trope deep dive with tons of recommendations, from BookTok faves to fantasy cowboys.

🎥 Watch “What Is Cowboy Romance, Really?”

✨ Author Highlight: Marina Adair

We’re huge Marina Adair fans around here, so we were thrilled to have her on to talk about Love to Hate You—a modern You’ve Got Mail twist with bookstore rivals, beach vacations, and all the rom-com vibes.

📘 Love to Hate You releases April 22 — pre-order it now!

Marina's Romance Recs:

• Emily Henry – character-driven perfection
• Tessa Bailey – queen of banter
• Jill Shalvis – soft alpha heroes, always
• Donna Alward’s Mr. Dark and Dangerous – the book that made her want to write romance!

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