Romance is always at the center of publishing… and this week, it’s chaos. We’re unpacking the New York Times headline "The New Fabio Is Claude" and the growing wave of AI-generated romance, plus the real issue nobody wants to say out loud: authors publicly denouncing AI while secretly using it. Then we pivot into pop culture (Super Bowl + Winter Olympics reactions)… and finally get into what you actually came for: our February Book Haul book mail, and upcoming book club picks.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/B1Td-hIZEMY

1. The NYT "New Fabio Is Claude" headline, and what it signals about romance publishing right now
2. The ethics + reader trust problem: denouncing AI publicly, using it privately
3. "Are readers getting duped?" + how AI content is showing up in categories and charts
4. Super Bowl recap + the "overlooked/undervalued" underdog
5. Winter Olympics opening ceremony thoughts
6. Then: February Book Haul time!

Author deep dive / book mail moment

1. One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris
2. Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris
3. Long After We’re Gone by Terah Shelton Harris

Book Club Picks

1. Next week’s discussion: Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams
2. March read-ahead: Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews

Classics mention

1. William Golding (classic lit shoutout)

Special Editions

1. Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews

New Release

1. Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward

Where do you land on AI in romance: transparent use with clear labeling, or no AI in the writing process at all? And did you pick up anything good in February.

00:00 Introduction and Today’s Agenda

00:13 AI in Romance Publishing: Controversies and Insights

01:56 Debate on AI's Role in Writing

12:24 Super Bowl Recap and Highlights

16:18 Winter Olympics: Highlights and Opinions

21:17 February Book Haul: Exciting New Reads

24:03 Exploring William Golding's Lesser-Known Works

27:15 Special Editions from the Arcane Society

30:41 Terah Shelton Harris: A Contemporary Favorite

33:16 Upcoming Book Club Reads

35:13 TV Shows and Traitors

38:40 Frustrations with Queen of Flow

42:46 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Sources Mentioned

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/business/ai-claude-romance-books.html

If you love bookish news + honest conversations about publishing, follow/subscribe and join us live every Thursday at 12pm EST on Youtube. Drop your February reads in the comments and tell us: Do you think readers can tell when a book is AI-generated?

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we go back into our Ripped and Ravished Book Club discussion of The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. Today we dive into Chapter 5 & 6 of the book. If you missed the previous chapter discussions, go back and listen to those first.

Catch up here (and watch the video of this episode): https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/the-flame-and-the-flower-review/

1. Why Chapters 5-6 feel long (pacing + details)
2. "Grooming as intimacy": clothes, baths, and what comfort means in this era
3. The no-touching choice: space without sex (and why that helps the story)
4. Heather's naiveté and why it's grating and revealing
5. The boat sequence: rules, danger, and shifting responsibility onto women
6. Fever/hallucinations as the first real window into Heather's trauma
7. "Was the bathtub kindness… or manipulation?" (modern baggage vs author intent)
8. The "pants for women" scene: accidentally hilarious historical innovation
9. The slow burn problem: we're halfway in...where’s the emotional interiority?
10. Louise's dockside meltdown: melodrama returns and we're kind of grateful
11. Speculation corner: is the brother getting a spinoff romance in our heads?

This episode includes discussion of: rape/non-consent, coercion, pregnancy, illness/fever, controlling dynamics, misogyny, and historical sexual double standards. Please take care of yourself.

00:15 Welcome + What We're Covering (Ch. 5-6) & Book Club Context

01:46 These Chapters Feel Long: Pacing, Details, and the Slow Transition

03:33 Dresses, Naivete, and Losing Sight of Heather's Character

07:43 No Touching Allowed: Withholding Intimacy & Marriage Expectations

09:51 Historical Accuracy vs Modern Palatability (and Bridgerton Comparisons)

11:57 The Grooming Episode: Baths as Comfort, Symbol, and Suspicion

14:21 Reading With Today's Lens: Triggers, Rereads, and 1972 vs Now

17:40 On the Boat: Rules, "Milk" Moment, and Heather's Naivete Peaks

21:51 Missing Inner Monologue: Emotional Distance & Birmingham's (Non)Remorse

25:26 Brother Appears: Twin Vibes, Louise, and a Possible Book-Two Setup

28:27 Back to the Boat: Seasickness Bonding & Heather's Buried Trauma

31:46 Custom-Made Long Johns: The Comedy of 'Pants for a Lady'

33:32 Was the Fever a Plot Shortcut? Skipping the Real Relationship Work

35:00 Slow Burn Whiplash & 'Probing the Depths of Her Womanhood'

39:03 Missing Inner Monologue: What Was Heather Thinking at the Dock?

41:50 Louisa Arrives: Campy Soap-Opera Drama Turns Up to 11

42:44 Side-Plot Brainstorming: The Brother Romance & Bucket-of-Goo Comeuppance

51:50 Poison Tea Panic & Pregnancy Anxiety in 1799

53:17 Final Verdict on Chapters 5-6 + What's Next (Ch. 7-8)

How did these chapters land for you: "slow-burn settling period" or "Ohio road trip middle that drags"? And did Louise’s arrival make you more excited for what’s next?

Ripped & Ravished Book Club hub:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/bodice-ripper-book-club/

Sign up for the book club newsletter:

https://underthecovers.myflodesk.com/ripped-ravished

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Author Guide:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/kathleen-e-woodiwiss-author-guide/

Romance Evolution through the Decades (1970s):

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/history-of-1970s-romance-novels/

1970s Romance: Iconic Romance Novels:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/1970s-romance-novels/

Follow Becky / Too Stupid to Live Podcast:

https://tstlpodcast.substack.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-stupid-to-live-romance-reviews-%245-and-under/id1141770521

https://open.spotify.com/show/2rhn2BiyPFDZNMXIHxi2jC

https://www.instagram.com/tstlpodcast/?hl=en

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

I love my husband. He's great. But let's be real... if a certain river pirate or a scarred Duke showed up at my door? I would pack my bags so fast it would make his head spin. 💍💨

In today's episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I'm ranking the god tier of Regency Romance heroes. These aren't just good book boyfriends; these are the men who are so devastatingly charming that they have ruined real men for me forever. And yes, my number one pick is a controversial "toxic" favorite... but I stand by it.

📚 The Husband-Stealing Lineup:

Honorable Mention: Unclaimed by Courtney Milan (Sir Mark Turner): https://rstyle.me/+r9DxfBpU2TbkLLKQwOFp-A

5. Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt (Mickey O'Connor): https://rstyle.me/+8jM_ggUNk_OkU-BCuou75A

4. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare (The Duke of Ashbury): https://rstyle.me/+aNf2_fkXzry1N4J2fnYf-A

3. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (Sebastian Ballister, Lord Dain): https://rstyle.me/+yGSZ0_GoDJ0j6AKRzE0Smg

2. It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas (Marcus, Lord Westcliff): https://rstyle.me/+ZSynXXXBOJxM55eGcc4faQ

1. Reckless by Anne Stuart (Adrian Rohan): https://rstyle.me/+Y0BoTbu53ixAjvtYeyzr8A

Which fictional man would YOU leave your partner for? Let me know in the comments!

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

Welcome to Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, and our weekly live book talk show replay! 📚

Watch the video

Today we’re doing two things:

• talking about reports that Harlequin Historicals may be coming to an end, and what that means as mass market paperbacks fade out of bookstores

• building my February TBR with cozy winter reads that fit my 2026 reading goals

We’ll also chat about:

• the “Last Call for Mass Market Paperbacks” report and what’s really happening with the format

• why mass market romances, especially Harlequin Historicals, mattered to so many readers

• how these changes might affect how we buy and read books going forward

• the new releases and backlist titles on my February TBR

Join us live on Youtube Thursdays at 12pm Eastern for cozy Book Talk, bookish news.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda

00:13 Harlequin Historical Line Closure

01:15 Impact on Readers and Authors

04:19 Mass Market Paperbacks Distribution Issues

07:32 Discussion on Publishing Trends

13:35 February TBR: Exciting Reads

27:31 Live Book Club Announcements

29:02 Current TV Obsessions: Traitors

33:32 Turkish Drama and Queen of Flow

37:59 Real Housewives of Potomac

42:00 Upcoming Book Club Events

43:05 Wrapping Up and Farewell

Books Mentioned:

→ How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson: https://rstyle.me/+_kNzpApr03TNIEXXokSFtw

→ Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy: https://rstyle.me/+JoGcxGS2hG8HlZQA40h1MQ

→ Vanguard by Karina Halle: https://rstyle.me/+Ql5P9d8QU2bQOXHP0S74OA

→ Half City by Kate Golden: https://rstyle.me/+qAow2JgvK3MNl7YEissGcw

→ Only Friends by Lydia San Andres: https://rstyle.me/+_Kzg7kKY69vR5uEkuvGYrA

→ Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown: https://rstyle.me/+D8WFgEGfQI2_iyqZ9wNhng

→ Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams: https://rstyle.me/+EP-erKulRXkDOdDXZ_8HFA

→ Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead: https://rstyle.me/+89qmTPEqUXRS3vWiSI_jhg

→ Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: https://rstyle.me/+PWRfcVmKhTOFynAIeuCbGw

→ The Author Weekend by Laura Zigman: https://rstyle.me/+NYFJHuQDc3tnU8B__sL6aQ

→ The Ex-Boyfriend's Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee by Saki Kawashiro: https://rstyle.me/+dHZqcDK2YCjaXI-W3io1ZQ

→ Jamaica Road by Lisa Smith: https://rstyle.me/+8GSvkY6uRZbr3Ud8okSmqg

→ Jane's Career by H. G. de Lisser: https://rstyle.me/+1svqH8xAOnuTd75CKTo-3w

LINKS:

→ Victoria's Full TBR: https://youtu.be/a04zI86Qgho

→ Francesca's Favorite Historical Romances: https://youtu.be/NfmYMR3yaIU

→ Why Mass Market Paperbacks Are Disappearing: https://youtu.be/8Vpif8hE76k

→ More February Releases I'm excited to read: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/february-2026-book-releases/

→ All the book clubs and readalongs you can do with us: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/romance-book-club/

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

Welcome to the second 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 3 and 4 of The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, often referred as the foundational book of the modern romance boom.

We talk about whether Birmingham is even remotely redeemable, how the book handles trauma aftermath for Heather, and the way "marriage of convenience" shows up here as something closer to marriage for survival. We also compare these vintage dynamics to modern dark romance tropes, and why some scenes read as controlling/abusive through a 2026 lens.

Trigger warnings

This episode includes discussion of: forced marriage, rape/non-consent, abuse of power, controlling behavior, pregnancy, trauma responses, and coercive dynamics. Please take care of yourself and skip if needed.

Becky / Too Stupid to Live

1. Substack: https://tstlpodcast.substack.com
2. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-stupid-to-live-romance-reviews-%245-and-under/id1141770521
3. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2rhn2BiyPFDZNMXIHxi2jC
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tstlpodcast/?hl=en

1. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
2. 00:34 Diving into Chapters 3 and 4
3. 01:03 Trigger Warnings and Sensitive Topics
4. 01:45 Character Analysis: The Redeemable Hero?
5. 03:51 Discussion on Side Characters and Plot Dynamics
6. 14:04 Marriage of Convenience and Historical Context
7. 22:51 Dark Romance Tropes and Modern Comparisons
8. 27:32 Controlling Behavior and Abusive Dynamics
9. 28:31 Modern Parallels and Personal Anecdotes
10. 30:31 The Fiance and Blame Shifting
11. 32:13 Disgusting Virginity Obsession
12. 34:02 Heather's Powerlessness and Hope for Change
13. 36:41 Anticipation and Fear for the Future
14. 38:12 Historical Context and Character Analysis
15. 50:54 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

1. The book's attempts (or lack thereof) at making Birmingham "redeemable"
2. Side characters: "saviors," opportunists, and why everyone feels complicit
3. Marriage of convenience as a survival mechanism (and why it lands differently today)
4. Dark romance parallels: "burn the world for her" vs. controlling behavior that reads as abuse
5. The grooming/control vibes around clothing, possessiveness, and escalation
6. The fiancé angle, blame-shifting, and the love-triangle tension returning
7. Virginity as obsession: why it feels uniquely enraging and dehumanizing on the page
8. Heather as the emotional anchor-her intelligence, anger, and realism
9. Why the writing keeps you turning pages even when you hate (almost) everyone
10. Looking ahead to Chapters 5-6 (boat ride dread + America/plantation anxiety)

Ripped & Ravished Book Club hub:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/bodice-ripper-book-club/

Sign up for the book club newsletter:

https://underthecovers.myflodesk.com/ripped-ravished

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Author Guide:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/kathleen-e-woodiwiss-author-guide/

Romance Evolution Through the Decades (1970s):

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/history-of-1970s-romance-novels/

1970s Romance: Iconic Romance Novels:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/1970s-romance-novels/

Next up: Chapters 5-6. We're bracing for the voyage, watching for any real shift in power, and asking: when (and how) does this story start to feel like a romance, if it ever does?

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, it's time for our January wrap-up: what we read, what surprised us, and what totally missed. Then we go full detective mode on J.R. Ward’s Crown of War and Shadow with conspiracy theories we can’t unsee… including a possible Black Dagger Brotherhood tie-in and a “Scribe Virgin origin story” vibe that has us ready to highlight every suspicious clue (yes, including demons and spiders 👀).

Guests: Jen (BooksJenRecs) + Angela (Under the Covers OG)

Watch the chat on Spotify!

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:50 Discussing Book Series and World Building

02:08 Tamlin and Rhysand Debate

07:14 January Reading Wrap-Up

15:16 JR Ward's New Series Theories

26:09 What to pick up next - Top recommendation from each

27:19 Discussing Jessie Mihalik backlist

27:50 Disappointment of the Month: People We Meet on Vacation

29:57 Heated Rivalry and Book-to-Screen Adaptations (Bridgerton)

40:50 Reading Goals and Challenges (Romanceopoly, reading goals, mood reading vs prompts)

44:22 Final Thoughts

1. Is Crown of War and Shadow setting up a hidden connection to the Black Dagger Brotherhood universe?
2. “Scribe Virgin origin story” + lineage questions + clues we want to highlight and track
3. “Demons and spiders” getting highlighted for… no reason at all 😅

If you listened and immediately started building your own theory board… you’re our people. 💅

DM us or send a voice note: What was your top January read and do you think Ward is secretly tying this back to BDB?

Send a voice note: https://www.speakpipe.com/UndertheCovers

1. Follow Jen (BooksJenRecs)
2. Follow Angela

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

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: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challenge/

More January Releases I'm excited to read: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/january-2026-book-releases/

All the book clubs and readalongs you can do with us: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/romance-book-club/

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

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

1. Substack: https://tstlpodcast.substack.com
2. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-stupid-to-live-romance-reviews-%245-and-under/id1141770521
3. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2rhn2BiyPFDZNMXIHxi2jC
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tstlpodcast/?hl=en

Timestamps

1. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Book Club
2. 01:01 Content Warnings and Sensitive Themes
3. 01:57 Initial Reactions to ‘The Flame and the Flower’
4. 04:19 Discussion on the Heroine's Plight
5. 09:12 Exploring Forced Seduction and Dark Romance
6. 16:26 Redemption Arc and Character Growth
7. 21:27 Comparing Modern and Vintage Romance
8. 31:17 Empathy and Reader Reactions
9. 34:46 Content Warnings and Author Responsibility
10. 35:16 The Fascination with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
11. 37:01 Romance Genre and Feminism
12. 39:25 Romance Reading and Gender Perceptions
13. 41:19 The Structure and Tropes of Romance Novels
14. 47:39 AI in Romance Writing
15. 51:09 Reflecting on Romance and Consent
16. 58:23 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

What we cover in this episode

1. Why this book is considered such a major (and controversial) romance landmark
2. First-time-reader shock vs. historical "mythic" reputation
3. The heroine's lack of power and how the story escalates quickly
4. Forced seduction as a past cultural "permission structure" (and why it lands differently now)
5. The challenge of redemption arcs when harm happens on page early
6. Modern dark romance vs. vintage coercion: what's changed (and why it matters)
7. Why romance gets unfairly dismissed as "predictable," and the case for romance structure as a feature, not a flaw
8. Reader empathy, responsibility, and how/why content warnings change the reading contract
9. A quick conversation on AI books and POV/structure tells

Links & resources

Ripped & Ravished Book Club hub:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/bodice-ripper-book-club/

Sign up for the book club newsletter:

https://underthecovers.myflodesk.com/ripped-ravished

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Author Guide:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/kathleen-e-woodiwiss-author-guide/

Romance Evolution Through the Decades (1970s):

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/history-of-1970s-romance-novels/

Referenced in discussion (context article):

https://www.jezebel.com/the-sweet-savage-sexual-revolution-that-set-the-romanc-1789687801

Next episode

We'll be back with Chapters 3-4, watching closely for:

1. how the book frames accountability vs. "provision,"
2. whether the narrative acknowledges consent,
3. and what "romance structure" looks like once the marriage pressure arrives.

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

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): https://rstyle.me/+7IgKNnTwZUL42zd0OnDMAg

✨ Shades of Silver City by Miranda Joy (rec by Jen @booksjenrecs): https://rstyle.me/+7cjfSX8Tqzemb8kCzjN4AA

✨ I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang (rec by Tiffany @quilltreefox): https://rstyle.me/+lYAuzN_PPs1gsvtpmU6DCw

✨ Red City by Marie Lu (rec by Nina @tender.curiosity): https://rstyle.me/+r4z6DMKyYe212tsJQY2qlQ

✨ Beautiful Things by Emily Rath (rec by Cassi @fervorandfables): https://rstyle.me/+WnTBWacmZl6nQ8h3RswIAw

✨ Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry (rec by Angela @rn.gela): https://rstyle.me/+RUzIPP8XS5e43Bb9wYytAw

✨ For Pleasure or Worse by Karissa Kinword (rec by Amanda @amandacxyz): https://rstyle.me/+WKpUDRGS3Z1kG77XQOzU8w

✨ Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian (rec by Laura @whattoreadnextpodcast): https://rstyle.me/+9h9L3Lyw0aD5Pj84r7xWZA

✨ The Female by Invi Wright (rec by Stephanie @ideallyinspired): https://rstyle.me/+7d91effAmaH9ilt_HHd1_w

✨ A Darkness So Sweet by Emma Hamm (rec by Jasmine @horse_gal): https://rstyle.me/+X2otkHjO13x6MGf4Si6EpQ

✨ Naughty & Nice by Azalea Crowley (rec by Malia @romanceschmomance): https://rstyle.me/+_XoJGa9SvLol0n1vHWnz_Q

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!

Novel Hour sits down for a chat with Virginia Kantra to discuss our January book club pick: Meg & Jo.

Drop your thoughts in the chat - we want to hear from you!

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/x1822eXaxpg

Books Mentioned:

- Meg & Jo: https://rstyle.me/+OEUq7UC7pJNzblEwxB-6Rg

- Beth & Amy: https://rstyle.me/+bUUuGeVkg-vL4IfdO1L9uQ

- Anne of a Different Island: https://rstyle.me/+L9RgiUAMNIAxh25FZ1lixQ

- Whisper at the Lake: https://rstyle.me/+A8bLwac01gLNYZHYgz22CA

Resources Mentioned:

- Virginia shares her favorite contemporary heroines like Anne of Green Gables: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/if-you-love-anne-of-green-gables/

- March Sisters Series Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/march-sisters-series/

My reviews:

- Meg & Jo: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/meg-and-jo-by-virginia-kantra/

- Beth & Amy: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/beth-and-amy-by-virginia-kantra/

Tune in EVERY THURSDAY LIVE at 12 PM ET, join the chat, and share your thoughts!

More January Releases I'm excited to read: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/january-2026-book-releases/

All the book clubs and readalongs you can do with us: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/romance-book-club/

✨ 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:

1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
3. 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!