Mid-Year Reading Check-In 2025 📚 Favorite Books So Far with Guest Reviewer Jen

Mid-Year Reading Check-In 2025 📚 Favorite Books So Far with Guest Reviewer Jen

Author: Under the Covers Book Blog June 21, 2025 Duration: 27:09

We're halfway through 2025, so it's time for a mid-year reading check-in! In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, Francesca is joined by longtime guest reviewer Jen to talk about the standout books they've read so far this year. Expect a mix of vampire rereads, fantasy romance obsessions, underrated Kindle Unlimited gems, and spicy new releases they can’t stop thinking about.

👀 Highlights include:

– Top paranormal and fantasy romance reads

– KU recs (including a Lochness monster romance!)

– Which rereads are hitting better in audiobook

– Most anticipated second halves of 2025

– And why Lights Out and Never Been Shipped are total wins

Follow Jen:

https://booksjenrecs.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/booksjenrecs/

https://bsky.app/profile/booksjenrecs.bsky.social

Her reviews on UTC:

https://archive.underthecoversbookblog.com/author/jen/

✨ Books Mentioned:

The Never List by Jade Presley: https://rstyle.me/+k7W-CYx6xNRZ2KQ5WNc2LA

Overruled by Lana Ferguson: https://rstyle.me/+1UuE3beU7BysRQiHa5HcdQ

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson: https://rstyle.me/+XwtM1BlBz0T_JH23CDTg8w

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson: https://rstyle.me/+Ww-xKROMBR-gGQdfb6wZpQ

The Hot Vampire Next Door series by Nikki St. Crowe: https://rstyle.me/+zcDNHOEi2ZCnrjfQ3qSS_w

Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee: https://rstyle.me/+iPSHXS9988bguLFu08udiQ

I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Romcom by Kimberly Lemming: https://rstyle.me/+OD_ri3I3S2YHlY7vpuiKCg

Kiss of Smoke by Amy Pennza: https://rstyle.me/+DnXgsuKoeKBXT47uWpL7XA

He's to Die For by Erin Dunn: https://rstyle.me/+Js0Lp0RUtYzgLc6HDr8_sQ

Keep Me by Sara Cate: https://rstyle.me/+hu6g5X5gHfZhw6s2A6-6fw

Lights Out by Navessa Allen: https://rstyle.me/+x8T0S3pcyv3SFNvtaft15Q

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver: https://rstyle.me/+Az807clEIY7ojlUi4WSPuA

…and more!

Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian: https://rstyle.me/+xbrcsAXxUelsIusjVCe2KQ

Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost: https://rstyle.me/+hTLr5b0czxPe52QvaqUsCQ

Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward: https://rstyle.me/+p4K7naxPc1coxY3i-OSkXA

Argeneau Vampires series by Lynsay Sands: https://rstyle.me/+PIQ2XmB5p1KwrkRCSupx7Q

Check out my chat with Jen about Dark Lover by J.R. Ward:

https://youtu.be/uNWh8Yhfbn8

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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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