Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast

• Trope Talk: Marriage of Convenience in Historical Romance + 5 Book Recs

  Imagine waking up one morning and—surprise!—you’re married. Maybe it’s to a grumpy, emotionally unavailable duke, a rakehell with no interest in being a husband, or worse—your best friend who you absolutely do not have feelings for… yet. But either way? You’re stuck. And the only way out? Catching feelings.That’s the magic of Marriage of Convenience in historical romance—one of the most timeless, dramatic, and undeniably swoon-worthy tropes of all time. And today on this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we’re breaking down:💍 Why this trope is so addictive📜 The real history behind Marriage of Convenience (yes, this was a real thing!)🔥 Some of the best authors who write it📚 5 must-read very different books that nail this trope📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:1️⃣ The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare (Grumpy/Sunshine, Beauty & the Beast, Forced Proximity)2️⃣ The Marriage Contract by Cathy Maxwell (Scottish Laird, Forced Proximity, Mysterious Hero)3️⃣ When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt (Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience, Dangerous Hero, Power Struggles)4️⃣ Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas (Marriage of Convenience, Slow Burn, Unrequited Love, Friends to Lovers)5️⃣ You're the Problem, It's You by Emma R. Alban (Lavender Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Queer Historical Romance, Political Intrigue)👉 Want even more trope talk?Not sure what a trope is? Think of it as your favorite storytelling ingredient—whether it’s enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, or today’s topic, marriage of convenience, tropes are what make romance so addictive. If you want to learn more, check out my full breakdown on the blog (link below), and if you sign up for our free Substack, you’ll get a FREE guide with over 400 romance tropes—perfect for helping you find exactly what you’re in the mood to read.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app!🔗 Resources & Links:Read more about tropes in romance: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/book-tropesGet your FREE Romance Trope Guide (400+ tropes!): https://www.underthecoverscommunity.com/susbcribe🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review! It helps other romance readers find the podcast. 💖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:

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  18:51
• Ranking My Favorite Lisa Kleypas Heroes – The Ultimate Tier List

  It’s time for some controversy—because today on Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m ranking my all-time favorite Lisa Kleypas heroes! We’re talking rogues, rakes, brooding billionaires (of the Victorian variety), and men who are so wildly obsessed with their heroines that they’ve set an unattainable standard for real-life romance.This ranking was painful to make—because let’s be honest, every single one of these men deserves their own moment of worship. But in the spirit of ranking, I had to make some tough choices. And yes, I fully expect the comments, DMs, and friendly debates over who should be number one.👑 Who made the God-Tier, Life-Ruining, Book Boyfriend Supreme list?🔥 Which hero would I let ruin my life?🥉 Who is still swoon-worthy, but just not quite the one?You’re going to want to listen all the way through—because my top pick? UNDEFEATED.🔗 Related Blog Posts & Guides:📖 Lisa Kleypas Heroine Ranking📖 How to Read Lisa Kleypas: A Complete Guide📖 Top 10 Lisa Kleypas Books📣 Join the Conversation:Who’s YOUR favorite Lisa Kleypas hero? Did I disrespect your book boyfriend, or are we on the same page? Let’s discuss! Drop a comment, send me a DM, or find me on social media.🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review! It helps other romance readers find the podcast. 💖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/ and https://www.mysterylandia.comStay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/underthecoversbookblogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/underthecoversbookblogPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/utcbookblog/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utcbookblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/utcbookblogSuzanne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofsuzanneThreads: https://www.threads.net/@utcbookblogEmail: Send your...

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  10:25
• 3 Books to Read If You Like Elsie Silver

  If you love Elsie Silver but have read all her books, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In today’s episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m sharing three amazing backlist romance books that capture the same small-town charm, swoony cowboys, emotional depth, and high-stakes equestrian drama that we love from her books. Whether you’re into grumpy single dads, rodeo cowboys, or intense horse-riding competition, these recs will keep your TBR full.Want even more recommendations? I’ve got nine books on my blog post breaking these down by theme! Check it out here: 👉 Read the Full GuideBooks Mentioned in This Episode:If You Love Equestrian Romance:Leaping Hearts by Jessica Bird (J.R. Ward) - A strong-willed heroine, a broody ex-champion trainer, and a high-stakes horse-riding competition. Perfect for fans of: A Photo Finish & Off to the Races. Grab this book on AmazonIf You Love Small-Town Cowboy Romance: Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James - A rodeo cowboy hero, a small-town heroine stepping out of her comfort zone, and SO. MUCH. HEAT. Perfect for fans of: Flawless & Heartless. Grab this book on AmazonIf You Love Grumpy Single Dads:Down Too Deep by J. Daniels - A heartbroken widowed dad, a caring single mom, and the ultimate found-family romance. Perfect for fans of: Heartless (hello, Cade lovers!). Grab this book on Amazon💬 Let’s Chat!What’s your favorite Elsie Silver book, and which of these recommendations are you adding to your TBR? Let me know in the comments, on the blog, or on social media!Thanks for listening!🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review! It helps other romance readers find the podcast. 💖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/ and https://www.mysterylandia.comStay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/underthecoversbookblogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/underthecoversbookblogPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/utcbookblog/TikTok:

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  9:05
• Dramione Fanfiction That Became Published Books

  Welcome back 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 diving into something extra magical—Dramione fanfiction that has been reimagined into published books! ✨If you’re a fan of Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic (even though we never got it in canon—RIP to that dream), then you probably already know that the Dramione fandom has delivered some of the most incredible fanfics out there. And guess what? Some of those legendary fics are making their way to bookshelves in 2025!In this episode, we’re breaking down three must-read books that started as Dramione fanfiction, comparing their original fic versions to the upcoming published novels, and giving you all the reasons why you should add both to your TBR.Books Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Alchemised by SenLinYu (Releasing September 30, 2025) – Inspired by Manacled, one of the most famous Dramione fanfics of all time. A dark, dystopian, gut-wrenching story filled with emotional depth and high-stakes survival.Grab on Amazon📖 The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley (Releasing July 8, 2025) – Inspired by Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love. This one keeps the hilarious, emotionally repressed, slow-burn romance energy but shifts into a romantasy world with assassins and healers.Grab on Amazon📖 Rose in Chains by Julie Soto (Releasing July 8, 2025) – Inspired by The Auction. This upcoming romantasy follows a princess stripped of her power, sold to the heir of a brutal ruling family—expect intense power dynamics and forbidden love.Grab on Amazon🔥 Which one are you most excited for? And which do you think will be the most popular on release day? Let me know in the comments!📌 More Dramione Fanfiction Recs: If you want even more Dramione fanfic recommendations, click here.Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and I’ll see you in the next one. Happy reading!🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review! It helps other romance readers find the podcast. 💖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/ and https://www.mysterylandia.comStay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/underthecoversbookblogFacebook:

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  11:09
• What to Read This Week | Book Releases – March 10-16, 2025

  Welcome back to Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast! This week, I’m diving into the best new book releases for March 10-16, 2025, featuring romance, mystery, and fantasy reads that you won’t want to miss.📖 Books Featured This Week:The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore – A small-town nanny romance with a single dad chef, forced proximity, and found family vibes. Grab on AmazonGo Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch – A royal rivals-to-lovers rom-com featuring the Prince of Christmas & the Crown Prince of St. Patrick’s Day locked in a magical feud. Grab on AmazonA Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander – A trans Regency romance with forbidden love, slow burn tension, and witty banter. Grab on AmazonDeath Valley by Karina Halle – A dark cowboy romance with zombies, survival horror, and a dangerous crime boss. Grab on AmazonThe Usual Family Mayhem by HelenKay Dimon – A chaotic cozy mystery where grandma’s bakery might actually be a front for a murder-for-hire operation. Grab on AmazonMore March releases:21 Most Anticipated Releases10 March Kindle Unlimited Releases19 March Mystery and Thriller Releases💬 Which book are you most excited to read? Let me know in the comments!🎙️ New episodes every week—don’t forget to subscribe!🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review! It helps other romance readers find the podcast. 💖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/ and https://www.mysterylandia.comStay Connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/utcbookblog.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/underthecoversbookblogFacebook:

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  11:50

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