In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, I’m bringing you a replay of our Novel Hour live show all about summer reading vibes—complete with romance book recs, cozy mysteries, juicy thrillers, and even a multiverse salon love story. We also unpack some major bookish drama, from Sophie Lark’s mafia romances getting canceled in Ukraine to the controversy around James Frey’s new release and AI in publishing.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

Summer Romance Recs from the 2025 Summer Reading Guide

Enemies to Lovers in Belize, Fake Husbands at Marriage Camp, Christmas in July Sapphic Rom-Coms

Cozy Mysteries, Multiverse Hair Salons & Emotional Literary Reads

What We’re Watching: From Netflix’s Sirens to Bravo’s Nepo Baby Chaos

New Romance, Mystery, Thriller, & YA Book Releases

Bookish News: Sophie Lark’s Brutal Prince banned + the James Frey & AI scandal

Plus: The ongoing debate on AI narration & what it means for authors and readers

Books Mentioned:

– Kakigori Summer by Emily Itami

– A Far Better Thing by H.G. Parry

– A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant

– Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn

– Destination Weddings and Other Disasters by M.C. Vaughan

– Holly Jolly July by Lindsay Maple

– Bargains with Benefits by Jillian Witt

– Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

– I'll Pretend You're Mine by Tashie Bhuiyan

– Bald-Faced Liar by Victoria Helen Stone

– A Most Unlikely Lady by Darcy McGuire

– Flashlight by Susan Choi

– Cat Fight by Kit Conway

– The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone

– The Expat Affair by Kimberly Belle

– Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie Mare

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

02:16 – Victoria’s Summer Read Picks

07:02 – Francesca’s Summer Kindle Unlimited Picks

12:53 – What We’re Watching (Netflix’s Sirens, Final Destination, Bravo’s NYC Next Gen)

23:39 – New Book Releases (Romance, Mystery, YA, Fantasy)

34:43 – Sophie Lark Mafia Romance Canceled in Ukraine

40:29 – James Frey BOTM Scandal & AI in Publishing

Sources Referenced:

– RT: https://x.com/RT_com/status/1928769846516256961

– Danica Nava on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@danica_nava/post/DKaWPr_Tckw?xmt=AQF0is-lBtsOx4R0n0hC2miyVD30FM_DiyKfQjmx_cPXAg

– TikTok by @bydonmartin: https://www.tiktok.com/@bydonmartin/video/7511769113208032558?_t=ZP-8wvMjf6uHPD&_r=1

Don’t forget: Join us live every Thursday at 12 PM EST and catch the replay here!