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!

• 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.

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?”

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!

✨ 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!

Welcome to Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, in today’s episode, we’re saddling up to explore cowboy romance — one of the most versatile, trope-rich subgenres in the game. From emotionally repressed ranchers to alien husbands with glowing eyes, cowboy romance delivers everything from small-town sweetness to wild paranormal heat.

We’re breaking down what defines cowboy romance as a subgenre, a character archetype, and a bundled trope cluster — and sharing all the must-read recs across the spectrum, including historical cowboys, queer cowboys, and international settings like Canada and Australia.

Whether you're here for the flannel or the feelings, this episode has a cowboy (or alien, or werewolf) for you.

• Must Love Cowboys by Carly Bloom
• Cowboy from the Future by Cassandra Gannon
• Spun Out by Lorelei James
• Heartless by Elsie Silver
• A Second Harvest by Eli Easton
• Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O’Connell
• Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
• Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah
• Dust Storm by Maggie Gates
• Flawless by Elsie Silver
• Smooth Talking Cowboy by Maisey Yates
• The Rawhide Man by Diana Palmer
• Once a Rancher by Linda Lael Miller
• Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James
• Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins
• A Cowboy to Remember by Rebekah Weatherspoon
• High Moon by Kati Wilde
• Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger
• Married to an Alien Rancher by Ursa Dax
• Taming His Princess by Mari Carr & Lexxie Couper
• Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend
• Caine’s Reckoning by Sarah McCarty

✨ 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!

Ready to ditch your comfort reads and grab something bold? It’s officially Bold Girl Spring, and Aries season is calling for a little chaos, a little passion, and a whole lot of main character energy. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m sharing spring reads that will shake up your TBR and help you channel that fearless fire sign vibe.

We’re talking:

• What Bold Girl Spring even is (spoiler: it’s the bookish version of Aries energy)
• How to break out of a reading slump or predictable picks
• The kinds of books that match Aries season energy
• 3 of my current faves + 1 spicy community recommendation

Whether you're in the mood for Viking warlords, space cruisers, Regency mischief, or cam couple—these romance recs will get you out of your reading rut and into your bold girl era.

• The Bone King and the Starling by Elizabeth Stephens
• Dark Viking historical romance with intense, primal vibes.
• Sunastara & the Venusian by Jess K. Hardy
• Love Boat in space with workplace tension and a swoony second chance.
• A Duke Never Tells by Suzanne Enoch
• Regency romcom chaos with disguises, dual romances, and tons of fun.
• For Pleasure or Worse by Karissa Kinword (community pick!)
• A spicy romcom about a cam couple planning a wedding while hiding their secret life from their nosy families.

Content warnings can be found here

Want More Bold Spring Energy? Check out the perfect tropes to pick up this month to bring that vibe into your reading life.

Check out the April Reading Guide with a journaling prompt and reset guide download to help you shake up your TBR. Plus more recommendations on what to read for every trope I recommended this month.

✨ 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!

In honor of National Library Week, we’re celebrating the swooniest, smartest, and most book-loving main characters—librarians! In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m sharing five must-read romance books featuring librarian heroines who find love between the stacks. From small-town charm and fake dating to post-apocalyptic badasses and rockstar spice, there’s a librarian romance for every kind of reader.

I’m also chatting about why libraries and librarians matter (spoiler: they’re superheroes), and giving you a heads-up about an episode you won’t want to miss—with tips on how to make the most of your library card using Libby and Hoopla.

Mentioned in this Episode:

📚 The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award – Fake dating, curvy heroine, football star

📚 Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha – Post-apocalyptic romance with mercenary librarians

📚 Funny Story by Emily Henry – Slow burn, roommates-to-lovers, emotional healing

📚 Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh – Quiet librarian meets tattooed rockstar

📚 Prose Before Bros by Cathy Yardley – Small-town rom-com, opposites attract, found family vibes

🎧 Don’t miss my chat with Laura from What to Read Next where we spill our best Libby and Hoopla tips:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/hoopla-libby-library-card-tips/

💻 Full book list with links & more librarian romances:

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/romance-books-about-librarians/

✨ 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!

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, we're cozying up with one of the most beloved romance tropes of all time: small town romance. From the tight-knit communities and cinnamon roll heroes to the town gossip and unexpected second chances, small town settings bring all the feels—whether you like your romance sweet, steamy, or with a supernatural twist.

We’ll break down what makes this trope work so well, how it shows up across genres (yes, even paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and cozy mysteries), and of course—I’ve got a stack of book recs to fill your TBR.

✨ Books mentioned in this episode:

• Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl – Book 2 in the Tumble Creek series
• Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis – Book 1 in Lucky Harbor (Kindle Unlimited)
• The Gamble by Kristen Ashley – Book 1 in the Colorado Mountain series
• The Secret Fling by Gena Showalter – Book 1 in the Original Heartbreakers series
• The One Who Stays by Toni Blake – Book 1 in the Summer Island series
• Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson – Book 1 in the Angel Falls series

🛠️ Helpful Guides and Blog Posts:

• Small Town Romance Books
• Paranormal Small Town Romance Books
• Cozy Mysteries for Romance Readers
• Tumble Creek Series Guide
• Lucky Harbor Series Guide

✨ 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!

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 in today’s episode, we’re diving into the hottest romance new releases for the week of April 7 through April 13.

This week’s list is bringing all the variety—from billionaire family drama to sapphic romcoms, spicy romantasy, paranormal pairings, and a regency murder mystery with enemies-to-lovers vibes.

Books featured this week:

• Ireland by Sylvia Day
• Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
• Enchantra by Kaylie Smith (Kindle Unlimited)
• The Hitman and the Psychic by Jocelyn Drake & Colleen Helme (Kindle Unlimited)
• A Lady’s Guide to Murder by Felicity George

✨ 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!

March might’ve been a low-energy reading month, but these March 2025 Kindle Unlimited books totally made up for it. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m sharing the standout KU reads that pulled me out of a bit of a slump—and I promise, they’re worth your attention.

We’ve got:

• A forbidden age gap romance between a storm-chasing professor and his student in Whirlwind by Kayla Grosse
• A binge-worthy vampire serial full of steam, secrets, and fae court drama in Hot Vampire Next Door by Nikki St. Crowe (Books 1–5)
• An epic fantasy romance with an assassin heroine and a morally gray vampire warlord in Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent

Plus, I’m chatting about how March felt like a weird transition month and how sometimes reading takes a backseat to mental recovery—and that’s okay.

📱 Whirlwind and Hot Vampire Next Door (Books 1–4) are also available in audio on Everand, if you're in your audiobook era.

✨ If you're looking for book recs to get back in the reading mood, these are the ones I'd put at the top of your KU list.

🔗 Links mentioned:

• March 2025 Kindle Unlimited Releases
• Book Vault – Always-Up-To-Date KU Database
• League of Lusty Ladies 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:

• 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!

It’s time to announce the League of Lusty Ladies April 2025 pick! And even though I’m a few days late (oops), the vibes for this one are so right for spring and Aries season. Think: bold heroines, buttoned-up heroes with secret feelings, and a race to Scotland in a storm. Yes please.

In this episode, I’m sharing our Kindle Unlimited romance book club selection for April—plus why I think it’s the perfect seasonal read and how you can tailor your reading experience depending on your mood.

This Month’s Pick:

In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation by Alexandra Vasti

Grab it on Amazon

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Novella, Book 1 in a 3-book series (all on KU!)

We’re coming off the heels of a big fantasy romance in March (Slaying the Vampire Conqueror), so this month’s novella is a fun, flirty change of pace—without skimping on the tension or steam.

You can read just the first book or binge the whole series—it's totally up to you. I’ll be posting updates and discussion chat on Substack throughout the month, so come join us!

✨ 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!

April is stacked with romance releases — from emotionally intense contemporary love stories to deadly magical games, Scottish lairds, and even a proposal planner caught up in murder. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m sharing 9 romance books releasing in April 2025 that you’ll want to add to your TBR immediately. Whether you’re into emotional slow burns, dark academia, cozy mysteries, or reverse harem paranormal? There’s something for every reader this month.

Featured Books:

• Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
• Enchantra by Kaylie Smith (Wicked Games #2)
• Hardly a Gentleman by Eloisa James (Accidental Brides #2)
• Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone
• Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry (A Three-Ring Mystery #1)
• Quietly Yours by L.H. Cosway (Quiet Love #3)
• Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale (The Wolves of Crescent Creek #1)
• A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper
• Enigma by RuNyx

Don’t forget to check out these helpful resources:

• Full April 2025 Romance Release List
• April 2025 Kindle Unlimited Romance Recs
• April 2025 Mystery & Thriller Releases

✨ 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!

Let’s talk about the new romance books hitting shelves (and e-readers) this week! For April’s first batch of releases, we’re getting everything from emotional long-distance soulmates to Regency romcom chaos to fantasy kings who are one unhinged growl away from ruining us.

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m breaking down my most anticipated (or recommended) books releasing from March 31 to April 6, 2025 that deserve a spot on your TBR. Whether you're in the mood for something emotional, adventurous, or a little chaotic, there’s something here for every romance reader.

Plus, check out the newly upgraded Book Vault for paid Substack members — over 150 releases each month, now with filters so good it’ll feel like book matchmaking magic.

https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/book-vault

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

Strangers-to-lovers + stranded at sea + forced proximity = vibes.

🔗 Buy on Amazon

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Long distance love, emotional family stakes, and the perfect date that changes everything.

🔗 Buy on Amazon

A Duke Never Tells by Suzanne Enoch

Everyone’s pretending to be someone else in this mistaken-identity Regency romcom.

🔗 Buy on Amazon

The Stolen Bride by Gena Showalter (Kings of Fury #2)

Feral fantasy king. Berserker chaos. Twin plot twist. And one wild mission.

🔗 Buy on Amazon

Bound in Blood by Sadie Kincaid (Broken Bloodlines #3)

The epic finale in this dark paranormal fantasy series. Fated mates, magic, and war.

🔗 Buy on Amazon

✨ 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!