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.

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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!

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.

✨ 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...

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?

Kicking Off 2026 with Exciting Romance Book Clubs and Read Alongs!

In this first episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, in 2026, Francesca introduces an exciting lineup of romance book clubs and read alongs for the year.

You can choose from community-driven projects like the Romanceopoly study sessions or the Novel Hour Book Club, as well as guided binge experiences like read alongs for the Night Huntress World and J.D. Robb's In Death series.

There's also a unique 'Ripped and Ravished' vintage romance book club for those interested in exploring old-school bodice rippers.

Francesca ensures there's a lane for every type of romance reader, whether you want social interaction or a more private, guided reading experience.

Find out how you can sign up for each in our romance book club hub.

00:00 Introduction to 2026 Reading Projects

01:46 Romanceopoly Study Sessions

03:50 Novel Hour Book Club

08:36 Ripped and Ravished Book Club

10:28 In Death Read Along

12:45 Night Huntress Series Read Along

15:40 Choosing Your Reading Lane

17:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ 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!

Is Amazon using authors' work to train AI without consent? We break down the controversy. Plus, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are producing 'The Wedding Date' for Netflix! In this episode of Novel Hour live show, we discuss the latest bookish news and share our definitive list of the best books of 2025.

Grab a hot drink, your TBR list, and hang out live in the chat with us! Drop your thoughts in the chat - we want to hear from you!

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/9npoVUouNgs

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

📚 BOOKS MENTIONED

This weeks' new releases: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/new-book-releases-this-week/

→ Love in Plain Sight by Lauren Connolly: https://rstyle.me/+SwkcypKahAg9djGexCyrOQ

→ The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher: https://rstyle.me/+l1qsoIpcKqFfMAm2dNuHvA

→ You Can Scream by Rebecca Zanetti: https://rstyle.me/+4hYREUfgFjb1tvIoxHE2nw

→ Caste in the Stars by Leylah Attar: https://rstyle.me/+V6QxOkbG5925Gk6mRbqJtg

→ A Most Worthy Husband by Faye Delacour: https://rstyle.me/+TCUHChFvH2UXmX2_yYJk1Q

→ A Fate So Dark and Delicate by Sophia St. Germain: https://rstyle.me/+9xMuZftmukx8n5a4c9I6JA

→ Avenging Angel Bad Medicine by Kristen Ashley: https://rstyle.me/+z2AFhKDisNTuRZ9P2eULaA

→ A Whisper of Secrecy by Darcy Burke: https://rstyle.me/+NJ0QTov11K_iVjzEmVJaTw

LINKS:

Winter Reading Guide: https://bibliolifestyle.com/2026-winter-reading-guide/

Romanceopoly 2026: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challenge/

WATCH NEXT:

2025 Reading Wrapped: https://youtu.be/3YCUQJqEsGs

Best Fantasy Romance of 2025: https://youtu.be/8LlbZQkKaMg

Best Historical Romance of 2025: https://youtu.be/NfmYMR3yaIU

Best Kindle Unlimited Authors I Read in 2025: https://youtu.be/5xiSn7IcAgw

SOURCES:

https://www.tiktok.com/@dietrichstogner/video/7584108074705685773?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Finding good historical romances is weirdly hard right now, so in this video I’m RANKING the best historical romance books I read in 2025… from “this was fun” all the way up to “new all‑time favorite unlocked.”

This is a true countdown style video: I’m starting with the ones I liked but wasn’t totally obsessed with and working my way up to my absolute favorite historical romance of the year. If a book made this list at all, I still recommend it, they just hit me at different levels.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/NfmYMR3yaIU

If you’re looking for:

• Smart, emotional historical romance

• Romcom‑y Regencies with banter

• Gilded Age, Scottish castles, and a little espionage

• Options from cozy/clean to pretty dang spicy

…hopefully you’ll find at least one new favorite for your TBR.

TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS: What’s the best historical romance you’ve read in 2025 so far? And which of these would you pick up first?

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 Intro – 2025 Historical Romance Book Ranking

00:39 #12 – How to Train Your Viscount by Courtney McCaskill (historical romance review)

01:37 #11 – The Brazen Bluestocking by Tracy Sumner (historical romance recommendation)

02:25 #10 – Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham (historical romance review)

03:07 #9 – The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe (Gilded Age historical romance)

03:38 #8 – The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell (Austen-inspired historical romance)

04:18 #7 – A Duke Never Tells by Suzanne Enoch (Regency romcom romance)

05:12 #6 – In Scandal with the Duke by Stacy Reid (spicy historical romance)

05:47 #5 – Dare to Love a Duke by Eva Leigh (forbidden historical romance)

06:19 #4 – Never Gamble Your Heart by Lindsay Lovise (gaming hell historical romance)

06:57 #3 – Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas (classic historical romance)

07:39 #2 – Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti (marriage of convenience historical romance)

08:46 #1 – Don’t Let Your Dukes Grow Up to Be Scoundrels by Louisa Darling (top pick)

09:27 Conclusion – Final historical romance recommendations 2025

Books Mentioned:

→ How to Train Your Viscount - https://rstyle.me/+BZmDzmmth9Va5d9fQM7yAg

→ The Brazen Bluestocking - https://rstyle.me/+aorUZ_0PJgpW8rmahlN_Rg

→ Sense and Suitability - https://rstyle.me/+f8VMh26nkC6XYf44-vCm_w

→ The Gilded Heiress - https://rstyle.me/+gTxdC1W53gHyMwt2BrSlAA

→ The Austen Affair - https://rstyle.me/+Sjs3UlY9OVB6qap4N1vvUA

→ A Duke Never Tells - https://rstyle.me/+5YwNyxBOeBCC-E4BFxPqmQ

→ In Scandal with the Duke - https://rstyle.me/+q2SRDJzQ6EuLFku5X0lDdA

→ Dare to Love a Duke - https://rstyle.me/+KU7kfPDOgxTenSeC2Nsuww

→ Never Gamble Your Heart - https://rstyle.me/+Ge_mbYLk-OBjv8bDcqVxSg

→ Someone to Watch Over Me -

Pull up a chair, pour the coquito, and get ready for the ultimate cozy chat about how we really do the holidays. In this special archive episode from 2024, we're talking about our personal Christmas (and beyond) traditions, what we grew up with in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Italy, and the States, and how they've evolved over time.

From grand markets and real pine trees to nativity set wars and debating Santa Claus’ spending limit, we’re diving into the cultural, religious, and just plain chaotic layers of what makes this time of year meaningful...or stressful.

We cover:

1. When the holiday season actually starts depending on where you’re from
2. Why Three Kings Day might be bigger than Christmas
3. What’s on our holiday table
4. The most iconic holiday movies and music we still replay
5. Elf-on-the-Shelf hacks and gift-giving pressure
6. Hot takes on modern holiday traditions
7. Our personal survival tips for a low-stress season

Plus, we get nostalgic about Sia’s Christmas album, Hallmark movies, and the Bravo girlies... naturally.

🎄 Got your own favorite holiday tradition or hot take? Let us 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:

• 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!

If you loved Fourth Wing but you're tired of seeing the same book recommendations everywhere, today on Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we are sharing 3 underrated fantasy romance books will give you that addictive enemies-to-lovers, high-stakes magic energy WITHOUT being carbon copies. From dragon shifters to star-powered warriors, these hidden gems deliver everything you crave about Rebecca Yarros' world with fresh twists you won't see coming.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/KblbB7qwqSI

In this episode, I'm sharing three fantasy romance books that capture the magic, tension, and swoon-worthy romance of Fourth Wing without being obvious copycats. Whether you're craving brutal training academies, morally gray love interests, or epic world-building with dragons (or dragon shifters!), these underrated reads belong on your TBR. Plus, I break down what makes each book similar to Fourth Wing AND what makes it deliciously different, so you know exactly what you're getting into.

📖 BOOKS MENTIONED:

• A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan: https://rstyle.me/+z0elwdHwV9d08XUXRgYhuw

• The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard: https://rstyle.me/+gz8dJq9EET-UOz8V6XuMWA

• The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes: https://rstyle.me/+oaxzKb9fR8WtqwTOCqgL6w

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction: Tired of the Same Old Recommendations?

00:40 Book 1: A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan - Dragon Shifters Meet Game of Thrones

02:31 Book 2: The Starlight Heir by Emily Howard - Craft Weapons with Star Magic

04:19 Book 3: The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes - The Slowest Burn Fantasy Romance

05:55 Conclusion: Your Next Read and More Recommendations

✨ 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!