Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast

We made it. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we are coming to the end of the first Ripped & Ravished Book Club, Francesca (Under the Covers Book Blog) and Becky (Too Stupid to Live Podcast) cover Chapters 9-10 of The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, and the last two chapters feel like the book suddenly swerves into an entirely different genre with an epic finale.
We finally get the long teased romance payoff (yes, that probing scene, Becky clocked the exact page), plus the most chaotic party in Charleston, peak jealousy, and the book's ultimate talent: miscommunication as a lifestyle. Then the story goes full gothic romance meets slasher: blackmail, bodies turning up, a surprise reveal, and Heather's London past crashing back into the present.
We also talk about what actually works here (tension, suspense, and the feeling that Woodiwiss was writing from pure author freedom and desire rather than market formulas), what still doesn't, and why this book remains such an important artifact in romance history, even if it's complicated to "rate" with modern eyes.
Catch up here (and watch the video of this episode): https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/the-flame-and-the-flower-review/
Content warnings: discussion includes rape/forced seduction, coercion, violence, murder/death, blackmail, and misogyny. Please take care of yourself.
What's next: We're not done with Ripped & Ravished, coming up, we'll be talking with romance authors who loved this book when it first hit, and what it's like to revisit it now. And of course announcing what is our next read for March/April.
Timestamps
00:00 Why It Feels Original
00:25 Podcast Setup And Warnings
01:39 Final Chapters Reaction
02:17 Horse Ride Flirting
06:39 Party Jealousy And Louisa
08:41 Assault Trope And Gothic Vibes
12:45 Miscommunication And Consent Tension
21:47 Upstairs During The Party
28:23 Chapter Ten Serial Killer Twist
29:02 Whodunit Clues And Blackmail
31:13 Louisa Murder Suspicions
31:43 Doubt and Confession
32:39 Heather Blackmail Spiral
33:50 Romance Meets Suspense
35:10 Explosive Final Chapters
36:24 He Knew All Along
37:36 Accountability and Consent
41:41 Female Pleasure Awakens
42:52 Can You Rate This
54:55 The Bath Obsession
59:38 Publishing Then vs Now
01:03:00 Why Readers Want Original
01:07:16 Wrap Up and Next Steps
Links to join the book club + resources
Ripped & Ravished Book Club hub:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/bodice-ripper-book-club/
Sign up for the book club newsletter:
https://underthecovers.myflodesk.com/ripped-ravished
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Author Guide:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/kathleen-e-woodiwiss-author-guide/
Romance Evolution through the Decades (1970s):
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/history-of-1970s-romance-novels/
1970s Romance: Iconic Romance Novels:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/1970s-romance-novels/
Follow Becky / Too Stupid to Live Podcast:
https://tstlpodcast.substack.com
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-stupid-to-live-romance-reviews-%245-and-under/id1141770521
https://open.spotify.com/show/2rhn2BiyPFDZNMXIHxi2jC
https://www.instagram.com/tstlpodcast/?hl=en
✨ 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!

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we are back with our Novel Hour live show book club! Today, we’re discussing Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams.
Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/bFwI98TXRcs
We’ll chat:
• first impressions and expectations
• characters and messy decisions
• the twists and ending (full spoilers)
• if we’d recommend it and to who
• books like recommendations and more
Books Mentioned:
Whispers of the Lake
The Wife Before
Beautiful Broken Love
Mayhem and the Mortal
Join us live Thursdays at 12pm Eastern for spoiler-filled book club discussion, chat reactions, cozy community reading time, bookish news, TBRs, wrap-ups, and more!
All the book clubs and readalongs you can do with us: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/romance-book-club/
✨ 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!

Episode 4 of Ripped & Ravished Book Club is here! In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, Francesca (Under the Covers Book Blog) and Becky (Too Stupid to Live Podcast) dive into Chapters 7-8 of The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and we are officially in the "so close to the end… please give us something" zone.
These chapters bring big plot movement (hello, baby arrives) and yet somehow we're still drowning in domestic detail: baths, clothes, embroidery, household management, and a hero who keeps inching toward emotional growth… until he opens his mouth and resets the progress. We talk about how the book is crystal clear about his feelings, while Heather's inner life stays frustratingly out of reach, and why that makes the romance feel oddly hollow even as they're technically building a life together.
We also get into: the hot-and-cold communication spiral, Jeff's increasingly confusing role, George's surprising moment of remorse, and why certain "dramatic" beats feel like random drive by tension instead of true relationship stakes. Plus, we're still waiting for the book's legendary "female pleasure" reputation to show up on page (Becky is keeping score).
Catch up here (and watch the video of this episode): https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/the-flame-and-the-flower-review/
Content warnings: This episode discusses rape/non-consent (referenced), coercion, pregnancy/childbirth, misogyny, and controlling dynamics. Please take care of yourself.
Next up: Our final episode on this book discussion covers Chapters 9-10 and we want your thoughts before we wrap. Reply with where you're at: first-time reader vs reread, what's shifted for you, and whether the ending delivers the passion (and yes… the probing).
Timestamps
00:00 Probing and Passion Tease
00:14 Podcast Intro and Book Club
01:20 Chapters Seven and Eight Setup
01:58 Baths and Missing Chemistry
03:04 Hot and Cold Communication
04:59 Moving In and Blowups
07:23 Hattie the Wise Stereotype
09:40 Jeffs Forced Kiss and Vibes
10:48 George Confession Overheard
12:16 Brandon in New York Growth
17:18 Louise Debts and Power
21:51 Heather Changes and Birth POV
27:06 Her POV Missing
28:02 Becoming Mrs Birmingham
30:00 No Context for Competence
32:13 Shell of a Heroine
33:17 Stagnant Brandon Arc
36:08 Where Is the Heat
38:32 Yearning and Real Stakes
40:12 Side Characters and Style
43:35 Plot Finally Moves
49:08 Baths Without Purpose
50:57 One Bath That Works
51:57 Wrap Up and Next Read
Links to join the book club + resources
Ripped & Ravished Book Club hub:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/bodice-ripper-book-club/
Sign up for the book club newsletter:
https://underthecovers.myflodesk.com/ripped-ravished
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Author Guide:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/kathleen-e-woodiwiss-author-guide/
Romance Evolution through the Decades (1970s):
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/history-of-1970s-romance-novels/
1970s Romance: Iconic Romance Novels:
https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/1970s-romance-novels/
Follow Becky / Too Stupid to Live Podcast:
https://tstlpodcast.substack.com
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-stupid-to-live-romance-reviews-%245-and-under/id1141770521
https://open.spotify.com/show/2rhn2BiyPFDZNMXIHxi2jC
https://www.instagram.com/tstlpodcast/?hl=en
✨ 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!

In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we are so excited because J.R. WARD IS HERE. And she finally answers the question I have been asking:
Is Crown of War and Shadow secretly the BDB origin story? 👀
Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/tHIoFpn7LMs
In this 56-minute deep dive, we're talking:
✨ Her brand new Kingdoms of the Compass series (slow-burn romantasy, demons, badlands and found family vibes)
✨ How Crown of War and Shadow is different from Black Dagger Brotherhood (think "D&D meets LOTR")
✨ BDB origin story easter eggs in the new series (yes… she really does confirm it)
✨ BDB Season 2 scoop: how dark it gets, Rhage's Beast, and what's coming next
✨ Merc & Sorrel's character vibes, why Sorrel is first-person only, and how hard this book was to draft
✨ Four-book plan, IMAX-scale creature battles, and the spider scene from hell
✨ Which BDB brother would die in this world (Ward refuses… mostly)
✨ Passionflix creative control, cast reunion teases, and what comes after the Romantasy boom
If you love Black Dagger Brotherhood, paranormals, or you're hunting for your next big romantasy obsession after ACOTAR, you're in the right place. 💜
Tell us in the comments: Are you reading Crown of War and Shadow? And wha't your favorite J.R. Ward book?
Timestamps:
00:00 J.R. Ward teases the new series + BDB Season 2 scoop
00:25 What Crown of War and Shadow is about (slow-burn romantasy setup)
01:19 "D&D meets LOTR": How Kingdoms of the Compass differs from BDB
03:29 Meet Merc & Sorrel: 3-word character vibes
04:05 Why first-person Sorrel only (and why drafting was a nightmare)
05:33 Retrofitting a 20-year-old idea + keeping the big secrets hidden
08:00 The four-book plan, backstory dreams & the spider scene from hell
09:32 Writing IMAX-scale creature battles & cinematic action
12:38 Which BDB brother would die in this world? (Ward refuses… mostly)
13:53 Are there BDB origin story easter eggs in the new series?
15:31 Merc's protective energy: Supportive hero vs. alpha power plays
18:11 BDB crossover party game: Who Merc fights, befriends & lives with
24:08 Passionflix BDB TV series: Creative control, Rhage's Beast & Season 2 build
28:20 Is Season 2 lighter? Ward says "absolutely not" (setting up Season 3)
29:36 Why horses keep appearing in her books
30:35 From Cape Cod to Leaping Hearts: Writing what you know
33:46 Romance influences: Johanna Lindsey, Elizabeth Lowell & medieval inspo
35:57 Why men read her romance: Boundaries, grit and voice
40:53 Alpha heroes then vs now: Decency, loyalty and moral compasses
44:15 What she's reading (and why she rarely reads): ACOTAR, Lore of the Wilds & more
48:31 What comes after Romantasy? Trends, vampires, paranormals & historicals
53:12 Crown of War and Shadow updates: "Different" reviews, gratitude & KU access
55:20 Wrap-up
Grab your copy of Crown of War and Shadow: https://rstyle.me/+_Qy4c7F3Bp236GkKuWhxzA
Resources on the blog:
J.R. Ward Reading Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/a-beginners-guide-to-j-r-ward-reading-order/
Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/black-dagger-brotherhood-series-guide/
Black Dagger Legacy Series Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/black-dagger-legacy-series-guide/
The Bourbon Kings Series Guide: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/the-bourbon-kings-by-j-r-ward-series-guide-drama-romance-and-secrets/
Books Like Black Dagger Brotherhood: https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/books-like-black-dagger-brotherhood/

Watch Next:
J.R. Ward Beginners Guide: https://youtu.be/P7NiUn-_9TE
Black Dagger Brotherhood Reading Order: https://youtu.be/KEaODIYEh8Y
Ranking our favorite BDB books: https://youtu.be/TqziQMkW_-I
My Favorite BDB Heroes: https://youtu.be/ekURmqb4oPM
Is the BDB TV Show Worth It?: https://youtu.be/l-mxD3mlB1Q
Ranking the Top 8 Characters from the BDB Show (Season 1): https://youtu.be/pwGMx8s-SXo

✨ 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!

#JRWard #CrownOfWarAndShadow #BlackDaggerBrotherhood #BDB #Romantasy #ParanormalRomance #Passionflix #BookTube #AuthorInterview

Romance is always at the center of publishing… and this week, it’s chaos. We’re unpacking the New York Times headline "The New Fabio Is Claude" and the growing wave of AI-generated romance, plus the real issue nobody wants to say out loud: authors publicly denouncing AI while secretly using it. Then we pivot into pop culture (Super Bowl + Winter Olympics reactions)… and finally get into what you actually came for: our February Book Haul book mail, and upcoming book club picks.
Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/B1Td-hIZEMY
In This Episode
The NYT "New Fabio Is Claude" headline, and what it signals about romance publishing right now
The ethics + reader trust problem: denouncing AI publicly, using it privately
"Are readers getting duped?" + how AI content is showing up in categories and charts
Super Bowl recap + the "overlooked/undervalued" underdog
Winter Olympics opening ceremony thoughts
Then: February Book Haul time!

Books Mentioned / Featured
Author deep dive / book mail moment
One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris
Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris
Long After We’re Gone by Terah Shelton Harris

Book Club Picks
Next week’s discussion: Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams
March read-ahead: Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews

Classics mention
William Golding (classic lit shoutout)

Special Editions
Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews

New Release
Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward

Listener Question
Where do you land on AI in romance: transparent use with clear labeling, or no AI in the writing process at all? And did you pick up anything good in February.
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
Sources Mentioned
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/business/ai-claude-romance-books.html

If you love bookish news + honest conversations about publishing, follow/subscribe and join us live every Thursday at 12pm EST on Youtube. Drop your February reads in the comments and tell us: Do you think readers can tell when a book is AI-generated?
✨ 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!