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.

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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!

Let’s settle the "Romantasy" debate once and for all. (And yes, we need to talk about Bride by Ali Hazelwood).

Does anyone else feel like book genres have gotten completely out of hand lately? We’re throwing around terms like they’re interchangeable (spoiler: they’re not), and don’t even get me started on the Bride discourse.

Today on the Reading Under the Covers podcast, I’m breaking down the Genre Funnel in a simple way. We’re going to look at the actual hierarchy of these sub-genres, define where the hard lines are, and finally explain why mislabeling books is actually hurting your reading experience.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/oz7iyAjpi_c

We’re getting into the weeds of:

- The difference between a Romantasy and actual High Fantasy with romantic elements.

- Why tropes in marketing are confusing everyone

- And my official defense of why Ali Hazelwood's Bride is absolutely NOT an Omegaverse book.

👇 WANT TO GO DEEPER?

If you want to really understand your reading tastes and stop wasting time on books that aren't for you, I’m running a free email mini-series diving deep into genres!

→ Sign up here: https://underthecovers.myflodesk.com/book-genres

⏳ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction: The Confusion of Book Labels

00:53 - Understanding Book Genres: The Basics

01:49 - Diving Deeper: Subgenres and Tropes

05:17 - The Romantasy Debate

06:59 - Case Study: Why "Bride" isn't Omegaverse

08:16 - Conclusion and Final Tips

💬 Let's Chat: Do you agree with my distinction between genres, subgenres and tropes? And where do you stand on the Bride debate? 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 the Reading Under the Covers podcast. On today's replay of our Novel Hour live show, come for a chat about the latest books we've added to our shelves. Physical and digital.

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

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/24QtFN4WCYM

Coming soon, new book announcements:

1. Unrivaled: https://rstyle.me/+c4ajaycvIdKv8dhUkju1BQ
2. Queen of Lombard Street: https://rstyle.me/+jo9CDVrDln0U9K5ZUbcmKg

Francesca's books:

1. Tender is the Storm: https://rstyle.me/+NYLgwjRs9y-X8O8euHE9Mg
2. Carnival Fantastico: https://rstyle.me/+cFGL_VwZoQcOVAp_xljREg
3. The Very Definition of Love: https://rstyle.me/+H7LDN3bUT2TT8XrgF44k4w
4. The Duke's Got Mail: https://rstyle.me/+LfqXqh3_meBp8pXkcYBSSw
5. Miss Wick and the Duke Dilemma: https://rstyle.me/+Ijwc_eJ4mM9SaPh6mHzvCA
6. Hold Me Like a Grudge: https://rstyle.me/+i_JzooES5ALbpYHXLNSxbg
7. Game On: https://rstyle.me/+QCo1b5dnd3sXYXJPhOpGkA

Victoria's books:

1. Somewhere Soft to Land: https://rstyle.me/+6kSe8Z3F_8qVGkSL8EAyTA
2. Summer's Never Over: https://rstyle.me/+oG479qyQp-GJS6ofSED5Iw
3. Best of the Strand Magazine: https://rstyle.me/+rEes1HDx7QM9Wv2c9HpA3Q
4. More Than Friends: https://rstyle.me/+AuQko_n4Nm9OdQfViSdljw
5. The Book of Blood & Roses: https://rstyle.me/+_vb4m6uzHXmgi7xBP32RhA
6. Daughter of Crows: https://rstyle.me/+xLASxtV0UV5EcFGtUOUc6w
7. Last Summer at Maine Chance: https://rstyle.me/+M4LmIeLqGkjcg9KjnF4xhQ
8. Chasing the Fire: https://rstyle.me/+Wc776NLpdtGBo0XI6msc3A
9. Innamorata: https://rstyle.me/+IpOWp18XnHTzcLVC5-EX0g

LINKS:

1. Winter Reading Guide: https://bibliolifestyle.com/2026-winter-reading-guide/
2. Romanceopoly: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challenge/
3. More January Releases I'm excited to read: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/january-2026-book-releases/
4. 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!

Is it excessive? Probably. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. 😅

Welcome to the maximalist reading tracking setup of your dreams (or nightmares). In this video, I'm breaking down exactly how, and WHY, I use 8 different systems to track my reading in 2026.

From my detailed Notion database to the only app I actually pay for and my physical journal, every single one of these has a specific job. If you’ve ever felt like one app just isn't enough, you have found your people.

Let's embrace the chaos.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/Fnukl62uK6M

⏳ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 The Confession: Why I need 8 systems

00:55 The "New Toy": Margins App

01:44 The "Big Three": Storygraph, Pagebound, Fable

03:28 The "Timekeeper": Bookly (My only paid sub!)

04:42 The "Legacy Archive": Notion Setup

06:18 The "Boss": Shelf Control & ARCs

07:21 The "Artist": Physical Reading Journal

08:47 Outro: Embracing the maximalist life

💬 How do you track your reading? Are you "Team Spreadsheet," "Team Journal," or "Team Chaos" or no tracking at all? Let me know in the comments!

🔗 GRAB MY TEMPLATES:

✨ My Notion Template: https://utcbookblog.com/rfCo3S

👯‍♀️ LET'S BE FRIENDS ON THE APPS:

Follow me on Fable:

→ Profile: https://fable.co/francesca-graziella-521424706323?referralID=GexUWSu3xv

→ Romanceopoly Book Club: https://fable.co/club/romanceopoly-2026-challenge-with-francesca-graziella-440377114136?invite=011926db-19e5-4565-b032-5a8911d1db04

Follow me on Pagebound:

→ Profile: https://pagebound.co/users/Francescagraziella

Follow me on Storygraph:

→ Profile: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/itsfrancesca

✨ 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!

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/8jO9dbrzHiw

Here'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/+7AhkOsIP5UYsF0zvpp1n4Q

Victoria'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/+Xj9F2UZupSEqDsIJhchMcQ

We also talk about:

1. Heated Rivalry’s TV adaptation and why it’s blowing up everywhere
2. Bookish burnout and giving yourself permission to read less
3. How 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-w

Tune 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.

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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 You

00:56 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 2025

08:56 Dark & Edgy KU Corner ⚠️ Check Content Warnings

11:26 Final Thoughts, Poll & Your KU Recs

Books 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? 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!