From Alpha-Holes to Romantasy: How Romance Publishing Evolved with Erin Galloway (Berkley Romance)

From Alpha-Holes to Romantasy: How Romance Publishing Evolved with Erin Galloway (Berkley Romance)

Author: Under the Covers Book Blog May 23, 2025 Duration: 53:23

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes deep dive into the evolution of the romance genre with Erin Galloway, publicity director at Berkley. We’re talking everything from the rise of alpha-holes and billionaire heroes in the 2010s, to the explosion of rom-coms, monster clinch covers, and the TikTok takeover. Erin shares how reader behavior, media coverage, and marketing trends have shifted—and what’s coming next.

We also fangirl over iconic books, the power of cover design, and the wild ride of getting romance media attention in mainstream outlets like The Today Show and People magazine. If you’ve ever wondered how books get buzz—or just want your TBR to explode—this episode is for you.

📚 Mentioned books and series:

Classic & Influential Romance:


Notable 2010s Trends (Erotic/Billionaire/Alpha):


Upcoming / Current Berkley Releases:


Recent Releases Erin’s Excited About:


Series/Authors Mentioned:


🗂️ Want the full series on Romance Genre Evolution by the Decades? Start here

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If you've ever stayed up far too late, utterly lost in the world of a romance novel, you're in the right place. Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast is that feeling, turned into a conversation. Hosted by the two friends behind the Under the Covers Book Blog, this podcast feels like pulling up a chair in your favorite bookstore café. Each episode is a deep, often hilarious, and always heartfelt dive into the books they can't stop thinking about. You'll hear genuine, spoiler-filled discussions that dissect everything from beloved tropes and character chemistry to the sheer craft of storytelling. It's a celebration of the genre in all its forms-historical, contemporary, fantasy, and everything in between. More than just reviews, it's about the shared experience of reading: the anticipation of a new release, the comfort of a re-read, and the joy of finding a perfect book boyfriend. This is a space for fellow enthusiasts who understand that a great romance novel isn't just a story; it's an escape, a comfort, and a source of genuine delight. Tune in for passionate recommendations, thoughtful analysis, and the kind of enthusiastic fangirling that only true friends and book lovers can share.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast
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