<![CDATA[Under the Covers]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PugX!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4efb7316-8f00-4704-ae15-db887a09ed6c_1000x1000.pngUnder the Covershttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.comSubstackTue, 28 Apr 2026 02:31:00 GMT<![CDATA[February Book Haul | Book Mail & AI Romance Novels]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/february-book-haul-book-mail-andhttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/february-book-haul-book-mail-andWed, 18 Feb 2026 12:53:12 GMTIn this episode of Novel Hour, we’ll chat about:

  • The New York Times “The New Fabio Is Claude” story and how the romance industry is rapidly adapting to A.I.

  • A.I.-assisted romance authors publishing 200+ novels a year and making six figures

  • Why many romance readers and writers are pushing back against A.I. in a genre focused on human connection, emotional nuance, and slow-burn tension

Then we’ll shift into the fun part: our February book haul!

  • library finds

  • book mail

  • winter impulse buys

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Today’s Agenda
00:13 AI in Romance Publishing: Controversies and Insights
01:56 Debate on AI's Role in Writing
12:24 Super Bowl Recap and Highlights
16:18 Winter Olympics: Highlights and Opinions
21:17 February Book Haul: Exciting New Reads
24:03 Exploring William Golding's Lesser-Known Works
27:15 Special Editions from the Arcane Society
30:41 Terah Shelton Harris: A Contemporary Favorite
33:16 Upcoming Book Club Reads
35:13 TV Shows and Traitors
38:40 Frustrations with Queen of Flow
42:46 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Mentioned:

Join live Thursdays at 12 pm Eastern for cozy book talk, bookish news, TBRs, wrap-ups, book club, and more!

LINKS:

SOURCES:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/business/ai-claude-romance-books.html

]]><![CDATA[Our February TBR | Cozy Winter Reads, Harlequin Historical Ending LIVE!]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/our-february-tbr-cozy-winter-readshttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/our-february-tbr-cozy-winter-readsSat, 07 Feb 2026 00:16:10 GMTWelcome to Novel Hour, our weekly live book talk show! 📚 Today we’re doing two things:
• talking about reports that Harlequin Historicals may be coming to an end, and what that means as mass market paperbacks fade out of bookstores
• building my February TBR with cozy winter reads that fit my 2026 reading goals

We’ll also chat about:
• the “Last Call for Mass Market Paperbacks” report and what’s really happening with the format
• why mass market romances, especially Harlequin Historicals, mattered to so many readers
• how these changes might affect how we buy and read books going forward
• the new releases and backlist titles on my February TBR

Join us live Thursdays at 12pm Eastern for cozy Book Talk, bookish news, and body-doubling while you sort your own shelves and TBR.

Books Mentioned:
→ How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson: https://rstyle.me/+_kNzpApr03TNIEXXokSFtw
→ Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy: https://rstyle.me/+JoGcxGS2hG8HlZQA40h1MQ
→ Vanguard by Karina Halle: https://rstyle.me/+Ql5P9d8QU2bQOXHP0S74OA
→ Half City by Kate Golden: https://rstyle.me/+qAow2JgvK3MNl7YEissGcw
→ Only Friends by Lydia San Andres: https://rstyle.me/+_Kzg7kKY69vR5uEkuvGYrA
→ Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown: https://rstyle.me/+D8WFgEGfQI2_iyqZ9wNhng
→ Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams: https://rstyle.me/+EP-erKulRXkDOdDXZ_8HFA
→ Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead: https://rstyle.me/+89qmTPEqUXRS3vWiSI_jhg
→ Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: https://rstyle.me/+PWRfcVmKhTOFynAIeuCbGw
→ The Author Weekend by Laura Zigman: https://rstyle.me/+NYFJHuQDc3tnU8B__sL6aQ
→ The Ex-Boyfriend's Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee by Saki Kawashiro: https://rstyle.me/+dHZqcDK2YCjaXI-W3io1ZQ
→ Jamaica Road by Lisa Smith: https://rstyle.me/+8GSvkY6uRZbr3Ud8okSmqg
→ Jane's Career by H. G. de Lisser: https://rstyle.me/+1svqH8xAOnuTd75CKTo-3w


LINKS:

→ Victoria's Full TBR:


→ Francesca's Favorite Historical Romances:


→ Why Mass Market Paperbacks Are Disappearing:



→ 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 February Releases I'm excited to read:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/february-2026-book-releases/

→ All the book clubs and readalongs you can do with us:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/romance-book-club/

WATCH NEXT:

→ 26 Books to Read in 2026:

]]><![CDATA[January Book Haul | Library Finds, Book Mail & eBooks LIVE]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/january-book-haul-library-finds-bookhttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/january-book-haul-library-finds-bookSun, 01 Feb 2026 04:26:09 GMTCome for a chat about the latest books we've added to our shelves. Physical and digital.

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, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@utcbookblog

Coming soon, new book announcements:
- Unrivaled: https://rstyle.me/+c4ajaycvIdKv8dhUkju1BQ
- Queen of Lombard Street: https://rstyle.me/+jo9CDVrDln0U9K5ZUbcmKg

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

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

LINKS:
- 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/

Watch next - all the ways I’m tracking my reading this year!

]]><![CDATA[Our January TBR is PACKED & Harlequin Just Did Something Controversial]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/our-january-tbr-is-packed-and-harlequinhttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/our-january-tbr-is-packed-and-harlequinSun, 01 Feb 2026 04:21:59 GMTWelcome to Novel Hour, our weekly live book chat! 📚 Today we’re locking in our January TBR, talking 2026 reading goals, and diving into the news that Harlequin France is testing AI-assisted translation for romance.

Join us live Thursdays at 12pm Eastern to:
• build your TBR in real time
• hear the latest bookish news & gossip
• hang out while we share what we’re watching this week
Catch the replay if you can’t make it live!

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, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@utcbookblog

LINKS:
- Winter Reading Guide: https://bibliolifestyle.com/2026-winter-reading-guide/
- Romanceopoly Reading Challenge: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/reading-challenge/

BOOKS MENTIONED:
→ Meg & Jo: https://rstyle.me/+2gnIBV_regIb7omnJbrJ-w
→ Fruit of the Flesh: https://rstyle.me/+dMHZNPHHNtBsj069Agn98g
→ The Younger Gods: https://rstyle.me/+mAd7B2dfZnQVoXDOuFOSWQ
→ The Serpent's Sin: https://rstyle.me/+xIUmDaIAZS2ahPutd-eFqg
→ Silver & Blood: https://rstyle.me/+7AhkOsIP5UYsF0zvpp1n4Q

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/


SOURCES:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/international-book-news/article/99385-harlequin-france-to-test-ai-translation.html

Watch Next - January Romanceopoly TBR Vlog

]]><![CDATA[January Wrap-Up | The Best Reads, Romanceopoly & What Didn't Work LIVE]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/january-wrap-up-the-best-reads-romanceopolyhttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/january-wrap-up-the-best-reads-romanceopolySun, 01 Feb 2026 04:10:56 GMTCounting down the best (and not so great) reads of January 2026. Including a Romanceopoly reading update.

Victoria's Mood Reading Vlog:


Victoria's Wrap-Up:

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, on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@utcbookblog

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/

]]><![CDATA[Virginia Kantra discusses Meg & Jo | Book Club LIVE]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/virginia-kantra-discusses-meg-andhttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/virginia-kantra-discusses-meg-andSun, 01 Feb 2026 03:46:20 GMTThe Novel Hour Live Show 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!

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 at 12 PM ET, join the chat, and share your thoughts, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@utcbookblog

LINKS:
- 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/

]]><![CDATA[We’re saying goodbye to Substack (but not to you)]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/were-saying-goodbye-to-substack-buthttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/were-saying-goodbye-to-substack-butSat, 13 Dec 2025 20:33:21 GMT Read more

]]><![CDATA[I Started My 2025 Christmas Movie Marathon… Here’s Your Cheat Sheet]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/i-started-my-2025-christmas-moviehttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/i-started-my-2025-christmas-movieSun, 23 Nov 2025 23:08:10 GMT Read more

]]><![CDATA[📚 I Tested the Best Goodreads Alternatives… Here’s the Tea]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/i-tested-the-best-goodreads-alternativeshttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/i-tested-the-best-goodreads-alternativesSun, 16 Nov 2025 19:52:28 GMT Read more

]]><![CDATA[🖤 AUTHOR PICKS: Slow Burn Romantasy That’ll Wreck You (in a Good Way)]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/author-picks-slow-burn-romantasyhttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/author-picks-slow-burn-romantasyWed, 12 Nov 2025 18:30:58 GMT Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Book That Got Me Reading Again Was About... Serial Killers?]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/the-book-that-got-me-reading-againhttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/the-book-that-got-me-reading-againFri, 07 Nov 2025 16:53:11 GMT Read more

]]><![CDATA[Why I Miss 90s Witches and 2010s Vampires (and the New Books Bringing Them Back)]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/why-i-miss-90s-witches-and-2010shttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/why-i-miss-90s-witches-and-2010sSun, 02 Nov 2025 21:49:26 GMT Read more

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]]><![CDATA[🖤 Are You Too Soft for Dark Romance? Let’s Find Out]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/are-you-too-soft-for-dark-romancehttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/are-you-too-soft-for-dark-romanceWed, 22 Oct 2025 22:41:33 GMT Read more

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]]><![CDATA[So You Think You Love Gothic Romance? Let’s Test That.]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/so-you-think-you-love-gothic-romancehttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/so-you-think-you-love-gothic-romanceSun, 05 Oct 2025 21:46:22 GMT Read more

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]]><![CDATA[Forget Pumpkin Spice, This Fall Is Witchcore AF]]>https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/forget-pumpkin-spice-this-fall-ishttps://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/p/forget-pumpkin-spice-this-fall-isMon, 08 Sep 2025 16:26:18 GMT
Under the Covers Weekly Insider

The Weekly Insider is your weekly bookish roundup for romance, mystery and fantasy recs, plus all the bookish content you won’t want to miss.

Under the Covers is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

#31: A syllabus for fall reading that doubles as a seasonal survival kit

Hi Book Besties!

You know how every fall people start stacking up ambitious TBRs they’ll never finish? Yeah, I’m not doing that this year. Instead, I made myself a personal curriculum, because if TikTok can turn “girl math” into a movement, we can turn reading into a syllabus. And I’m leaning into that idea from now until next year. More on that to come soon.

My Fall 2025 Personal Curriculum is Witchcore AF: haunted houses, cursed brides, cozy mysteries, dark academia nights, and even a little DIY witchery (because what’s fall without a simmer pot bubbling on the stove?). It’s part spooky season survival kit, part reading plan, and part vibe check for anyone who’s ever wanted their bookshelves to feel like a haunted library.

And I’m letting you peek at my syllabus. Maybe you can use it as inspiration for yours.

Find even more Fall books

Looking for a one-stop shop? The Fall Books Archive has everything in one place… every list, every vibe, every fall release I’ve covered so far. Think of it as your autumn reading hub.

FALL BOOKS

Wherever your reading takes you this season, I hope you find a book that feels like flicking on a candle in the dark…equal parts cozy and a little dangerous.

What would you add to your own fall curriculum? Hit reply or drop it in the comments, I’d love to see your picks.

Until next time,
Francesca

PS: For paid members, keep scrolling to download your PDF Fall 2025 Insider with a complete Fall Witchcore Curriculum. Everything from books, to clothes, and more.

Did you miss the previous Insider? Check it out here:

P.S. If you're an author or brand and think you might be interested in advertising on our Substack, you can find more info here.

Subscribe now

Now for paid members, here’s your Fall 2025 Insider Guide PDF download!

Read more

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