Celebrating Black Authors: 2025 Books, Winter Market Square & Bookish News
This week, we're spotlighting incredible books by Black authors, kicking off our Romanceopoly Winter readathon, and diving into book world drama & news.
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.
Celebrating Black Authors: 2025 Books, Winter Market Square & Bookish News
Hey bookish friends,
Winter Market Square is here! The Romanceopoly readathon starts tomorrow, and I’ll be sharing my TBR in a YouTube video (linked below). If you’re joining in, get ready for some cozy reading time and daily sprints!
We’re also diving into bookish drama, celebrating Black joy in books, and checking out a gorgeous Kickstarter project I found that I had to share with you.
And, fair warning—if you purchase Kindle ebooks, Amazon is making a major change on February 26 that you need to know about.
Must-Read Books by Black Authors
This week’s content is packed with amazing books by Black authors for 2025, covering everything from romance and fantasy to thrillers and historical fiction. If you’re looking for new reads, these lists are where to start:
If you have any favorite books by Black authors, hit reply and share—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Romanceopoly’s Winter Market Square Readathon
The Winter Market Square readathon kicks off tomorrow, and we’ll be doing daily live reading sprints to keep the momentum going. If you’re joining in, here’s what you need to know:
Live Reading Sprints (on Substack Live)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday at 12 PM EST
YouTube Live Recap
Saturday, March 1 at 2 PM EST
What will I be reading? Check out my Readathon TBR
Kickstarter Spotlight: Les Goulues – A Parisian Ghost Story
I randomly came across this stunning Kickstarter for a project called Les Goulues, and I cannot stop thinking about it. It’s an illustrated novel inspired by historical Paris and cabaret ghosts—the vibes are immaculate. I had never heard of this artist before, but now I need this.
👀 Check it out here: Les Goulues Kickstarter
Bookish Gossip: ACOTAR, Nora Roberts & More
If you missed this week’s bookish tea Novel Hour, we had a lot to talk about:
ACOTAR adaptation? Cancelled on Hulu.
Twilight turns 20—we’re all officially old.
Nora Roberts says she’s not a romance author anymore.
Why historical romance is struggling in traditional publishing.
And more
Catch the full discussion with special guests Becky from
& Kelly from and our regulars Victoria from and Laura from .We also hosted a Substack Live After Show, where we chatted about what we’re currently reading & watching.
📺 Watch the replay below.
My New Favorite Sweater (Made by Mom!)
Okay, I have to share this—my mom made me this cozy cardigan, and I am low-key obsessed. It’s warm, soft, and perfect for curling up with a book. I’ll probably be wearing for our reading sprints next week!
The yarn is from Expression Fiber Arts, and it’s even more beautiful in person.
⚠️ Important Amazon Ebook Policy Change – February 26
If you buy Kindle books, heads up:
After February 26, you will no longer be able to manually download your purchased Kindle ebooks. From that day forward, they will only be readable on Amazon devices or apps.
If you want to back up your purchases, make sure to do it before the deadline!
What’s New This Week
Under the Covers Book Blog
Mysterylandia
Reading Under the Covers Podcast
YouTube
Substack
Did you miss last week’s Insider? Check it out here:
📅 New Releases This Week: February 17 - February 23
A fresh stack of books just dropped! Whether you're craving romance, thrillers, or fantasy, here's what’s hitting shelves this week.
Featured New Releases (Feb 17 - Feb 23):
Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong – A thrilling and intense mystery set in a secluded Yukon town with a pregnant detective tracking a killer.
Grab this book on Amazon [Recommended]
Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis – Magical libraries, secret identities, and a swoony fantasy romance with Ilona Andrews’ seal of approval!
Grab this book on Amazon [Recommended]
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Romcom by Kimberly Lemming – A hilarious and steamy sci-fi romance where the heroine is abducted by aliens… and finds herself in a chaotic, love-filled adventure.
Grab this book on Amazon [Recommended]
The Girl Most Likely To by Julie Tieu – High school reunion drama, unresolved feelings, and a second-chance romance with a nerdy-but-swoony love interest.
Grab this book on Amazon [Recommended]
Two Thousand Promises by Jocelynn Drake – The final book in the Kings of Chaos paranormal series featuring Chinese vampires, fox spirits, and a centuries-old love story full of magic and betrayal.
Grab this book on Amazon
On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young – The Return to Dublin Street series kicks off with this emotional grumpy/sunshine fake dating romance between a footballer and an ambitious businesswoman.
Grab this book on Amazon
💡 Looking for More? Our book database has over 170 February releases to browse! This is a paid member feature.
Updated! I added even more February releases and started also on March.
A voice note recommendation from Francesca: In Scandal with the Duke by Stacy Reid
Our League of Lusty Ladies book club pick did not disappoint! If you like your historical romances steamy and with a rake that falls for a brazen heroine who is just as comfortable living her life without a man but knows what she wants and goes for it, then you’ll certainly love this book. ~ Francesca
Don’t forget to come and join us for book club! Live discussion March 8 at 12pm EST over on Youtube.
In totally unrelated news, got a new desk chair and I’m in love. It’s the most comfortable thing I’ve ever sat on. Check out the Dowinx Big and Tall Office Chair
📩 What’s on your reading list this week?
That’s a wrap for this week! What’s on your TBR? Hit reply and let me know what you’re reading!
Happy reading,
— Francesca 📚
PS: Have you finished any good books lately? Any Romanceopoly reads? We’d love to share your favorites with the community. Simply reply to this email and let us know what your recommendations are. Or if you want to share a quick voice note click here.
Catch us on Substack live! We will adding some Substack lives to our schedule soon. Stay tuned for that. And download the Substack app so you get instant notifications when we go live.
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