This week on Novel Hour, we went full chaos—in the best way. In this replay from our YouTube live show, we’re talking:

👽 Our favorite alien romance reads (some weird, some adorable, all unhinged)

📚 10 must-read new releases for July 13–19, 2025

📺 What we’re watching: Animal Kingdom's finale, Real Housewives, and the Black Dagger Brotherhood TV adaptation

💍 Upcoming live show themes you don’t want to miss

Whether you're here for weird sci-fi love stories, summer thrillers, or hot takes on streaming shows, there's something for every mood reader in this episode.

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🕰️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Novel Hour

00:54 – Victoria’s Alien Book Picks

08:14 – Francesca’s Alien Romance Recs

14:29 – What We’re Watching (TV + Movies)

27:57 – July 13–19 New Book Releases

41:55 – Upcoming Themes

44:39 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕

These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

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Is the mass market paperback dying? And what does that mean for the romance genre, especially for readers who grew up sneaking stepbacks and collecting every duke on the shelf?

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, Francesca dives into the history and legacy of the mass market paperback format and how it helped shape genre fiction, especially historical romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries. We’ll look at why the industry is moving away from this beloved format, how BookTok and the trade paperback boom accelerated the shift, and what it means for accessibility, binge-reading, and the future of romance publishing.

From clinch covers to collector’s editions, from Harlequin Intrigue to BookTok bestsellers. This is a love letter (and a bit of a rant) about what we’re losing… and where we go from here.

• The rise of the mass market paperback in genre fiction
• How MMPB shaped the romance genre, especially historicals
• The romcom boom and shift to trade paperback
• The BookTok effect on what gets published and how
• Why this change hits romance readers harder than most
• Which subgenres (like cozy mystery, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance) are being impacted
• What the end of MMPB means for access and affordability
• Where romance might go next, and how readers can adapt

• Readerlink Will Stop Distributing Mass Market Paperbacks at the End of 2025 (Publishers Weekly)
• Book Publishers Plan for a Reduced Mass Market Paperback Footprint (Publishers Weekly)
• Mass Market Paperback Sales Continue to Decline (Publishers Weekly)
• An Elegy for the Duke (BookTrib)

🎙️ Let’s keep the conversation going!

Tell me your favorite MMPB memory, your go-to author back in the day, or what you’re collecting now. Come chat with me on Instagram @utcbookblog or leave a comment on the blog.

💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite romance reader — especially the one still hoarding their Lisa Kleypas backlist in a plastic bin under the bed (no judgment, I am her).

✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕

These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

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We’re in peak beach reading season, and today’s Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, episode is serving page-turners for every mood. From cozy mysteries to age-gap romances, survival love stories to sibling drama with a side of murder. We’re recommending books that are bingeable, escapist, and totally beach bag–worthy.

We also dive into 11 brand new releases for the week of July 7–13, 2025, including books by Ruth Ware, Megan Bannen, Kylie Scott, and more. And don’t worry, we've got a little publishing gossip and watchlist chatter to round it all out.

📚 What We Cover in This Episode:

Beach Reads Themed Recommendations

What We’re Watching

New Releases for July 7–13, 2025

Bookish News & Gossip

A new YA/adult crossover imprint called Berkley XO is coming from Penguin Random House! We share first thoughts, predictions, and what it might mean for readers and authors alike.

✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕

These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

Stay Connected:

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Email: Send your inquiries and feedback to hello@underthecoversbookblog.com

Get Involved:

• Romanceopoly Reading Challenge: Join the challenge and spice up your reading routine with fun, themed prompts: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challenge
• Join us on Substack: Connect with fellow romance lovers and participate in discussions: https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com
• Sign up for our free newsletter to get the latest updates, book picks, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/subscribe

Want to start a podcast?

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we talk about what even is a beach read in 2025? I’m joined by Victoria from BiblioLifestyle, and we’re diving into the surprisingly rich history of beach reads, from their early 1900s roots to the Instagrammable versions we see today.

We’re also unpacking what makes a perfect beach read (hint: it’s totally different for everyone), and of course, we’re sharing 5 fresh romance recommendations that are perfect for your summer reading list.

📚 Books Mentioned:

• Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

• It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

• Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews

• Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria

• Fan Favorite by Adrienne Gunn

📖 Links & Resources:

• New Yorker Article – “The Invention of the Beach Read”

• Summer Reading Guide 2025

• Victoria’s Blog

🔗 Related Blog Posts from Under the Covers:

• 2025 Kindle Unlimited Romance Beach Reads

• Queer Summer 2025 Romance Books

📺 What to Watch Next:

• Mid-Year Romance Check-In with Guest Reviewer Jen

• July 2025 Romance New Releases to Add to Your TBR

🎧 Don't forget to follow the show and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, it helps more romance readers find us!

✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕

These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

Stay Connected:

• BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.social
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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 today we’re recapping our latest Novel Hour live show!

We’re spotlighting Caribbean romance authors and must-read new releases for the first week of July, plus some juicy adaptation news—including what’s coming for Emily Henry fans. If you’re looking for books with island vibes, fake dating, steamy cowboys, or tentacle spice (yep, that happened), this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned:

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson: https://rstyle.me/+qiNCQZsV7cdNzfXkj29sAw

A House for Miss Pauline by Diana McCaulay: https://rstyle.me/+GLemk5PzT6sp2b5_O-B_mQ

Love Forms by Claire Adam: https://rstyle.me/+c3Y1Z0YbV-Y4A5YlcpWf5w

Sweethand by NG Peltier: https://rstyle.me/+cFDAYcsVYroW7jifkbSc1Q

Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez: https://rstyle.me/+pET-elXQYYkqGyu4Tgm2_A

Compromised Into a Scandalous Marriage by Lydia San Andres: https://rstyle.me/+1e-8JMR8j0b30kp_5FEiUw

Overruled by Lana Ferguson: https://rstyle.me/+wIJpnHz_5FyaZ3pmRLTnrQ

Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood: https://rstyle.me/+1rGHQKFjduEN-WQoKiCDsQ

Save Me by Mona Kasten: https://rstyle.me/+q5COxBnZ1zCH5VHrYsiGyA

Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton: https://rstyle.me/+ViZ4RHPg7AFxYSHZouH-oA

Etiquette for Lovers and Killers by Anna Fitzgerald Haney: https://rstyle.me/+-qJIjLtVRWlxVfWuzhTaGw

Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho: https://rstyle.me/+_d4RbD9LqiFanY0udROc1w

Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone: https://rstyle.me/+Y9MbYzk_6py9Jo9pUVNldQ

Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon: https://rstyle.me/+yFmsmaIwBmXwl1XNNPb2UQ

This Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret: https://rstyle.me/+c5lClFH2vx_TU0wK_2ClGw

Back in the Saddle by Maggie Eckersley: https://rstyle.me/+Nvo7BaeL_8nfmQYarAVbeQ

🗓️ More July 2025 Book Lists:

🔗 Mystery & Thriller Releases: https://www.mysterylandia.com/july-2025-mystery-book-releases/

🔗 Kindle Unlimited Romance...

If your TBR has room for just one more book this summer… maybe make it eight.

In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers podcast, I’m breaking down the most anticipated July 2025 book releases across romance, romantasy, thrillers, and more.

We’ve got morally gray pirates, basement kidnapping (??), fated mates, courtroom rivals, cursed blades, and Lo Blacklock is back! Whether you're a mood reader or a seasonal TBR planner, there’s something in here for every vibe.

📚 Books Mentioned

• The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware
• Overruled by Lana Ferguson
• Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher
• Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier
• This Much is True by Vivienne Lorret
• Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh
• Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair
• Wildflowers by Kylie Scott

🔗 Related Blog Posts & Extras

• July 2025 Mystery & Thriller Releases (Mysterylandia)
• Kindle Unlimited July 2025 Picks
• Master July 2025 Book Release List

✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕

These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

Stay Connected:

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Author Virginia Heath joins me to chat about her newest historical rom-com Look Before You Leap, the second standalone in the Miss Prentice’s Protégées series. We talk about what makes a good grumpy/sunshine pairing, how Calamity Janeinspired her heroine, and why she threw a surprise house party full of desperate debutantes into the mix.

She also shares some of her current favorite romance reads—including a surprise cowboy romance phase (yes, really) and her all-time favorite Nora Roberts book.

Stick around for a bonus throwback: my co-blogger Suzanne shares her thoughts on book one, All’s Fair in Love and War—complete with grumpy military hero, chaotic kids, and a big messy dog.

📚 BOOKS MENTIONED:

• Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath
• All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath
• Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
• Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage
• Montana Sky by Nora Roberts
• …and more!

🎧 Subscribe for more romance book chats, author interviews, and chaotic fangirling every week.

✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕

These notes contain affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

Visit the Blog: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

Stay Connected:

• BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.social
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• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/utcbookblog/
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Email: Send your inquiries and feedback to hello@underthecoversbookblog.com

Get Involved:

• Romanceopoly Reading Challenge: Join the challenge and spice up your reading...

Welcome to the Novel Hour replay! In this week’s show, we’re diving into audiobook faves, wild book news (RIP TikTok’s publishing dreams), and the latest on Mindf*ck and Butcher & Blackbird adaptations. Plus, we've got new book releases you’ll want on your TBR ASAP.

🎧 Audiobook Recs You Need to Hear:

Here are the ones we’re vibing with:

• The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs (narrated by Kiiri Sandy & John Pirhalla)
• The Perfect Divorce by Geneva Rose (full cast)
• Matriarch by Tina Knowles (narrated by Tina herself, Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly Rowland & Angie Beyincé)
• Lights Out by Navessa Allen (narrated by Elena Wolfe & Jacob Morgan)
• Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver (narrated by Samantha Brentmoor & Eric Nolan)
• Nocticadia by Keri Lake (narrated by Stella Hunter & Aaron Shedlock)

🖤 Check out our curated list of Duet Narration Romance Audiobooks → Read the list

📺 What We’re Watching:

• 28 Years Later (zombie vibes, mixed reviews)
• Animal Kingdom (season 5 chaos report incoming)

📢 Then it’s on to the bookish news desk:

• Sarah J. Maas signs massive licensing deal — We're talking merch, makeup, immersive experiences & more. Hollywood Reporter source
• TikTok quietly shuts down its publishing house Eighth Note Press after just two years. Read the New York Times article

→ Original post by @brosandprose on Threads

🎬 Book Adaptations You Need to Know About:

• Mindf*ck series is heading to Amazon with Sophia Stallone attached.
• Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver is officially getting a film adaptation. Deadline article | Variety coverage
• Powerless by Lauren Roberts is in development at Amazon despite major plagiarism controversy from Red Queen comparisons.

🆕 New Release Highlights:

• The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood →