If you’ve been wondering how to start reading romance again without feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Whether you used to devour romance novels or you're just now feeling that little tug to get back into reading, restarting the habit can feel surprisingly intimidating. Real life is noisy, attention spans are stretched thin, and sometimes the idea of finishing an entire book sounds more exhausting than relaxing.
The good news? Starting to read romance again doesn’t require a huge time commitment or a perfectly curated TBR. You simply need the right mindset, a gentle reading routine, and a few beginner-friendly stories that feel like a soft landing, not a test.
In this guide, I’m walking you through simple, low-pressure ways to fall back in love with romance reading—plus some starter recs to make your next pick feel easy, cozy, and completely doable.
1. How to Start Reading Romance Without Overwhelm
Start with tiny, guilt-free reading moments
Instead of promising yourself an hour of reading every day, shrink the goal way down. Aim for:
- 5 minutes with your morning coffee,
- 10 minutes during lunch, or
- one chapter before bed.
Those small pockets of time feel manageable, and they add up faster than you think. Consistency matters more than page count right now.
Pick books that feel fun, not “important”
When you’re easing back into reading, this is not the moment to tackle a 600-page epic or the most emotionally devastating romance on your shelf. Reach for:
- light-hearted contemporary romances,
- small-town stories with cozy vibes,
- rom-coms with short chapters and lots of banter.
If a book feels like homework, your brain will avoid it. Fun, fast, and emotionally satisfying is the sweet spot.
Keep your TBR tiny on purpose
Overwhelming yourself with options is an easy way to stall out. Instead of building a list of twenty books, choose one to read now and two “maybes” waiting in the wings. That’s it.
A small, flexible TBR feels like possibility, not pressure.
2. Best Romance Subgenres for Getting Back Into Reading
Some corners of romance are perfect for readers who are out of practice. They’re immersive and emotional, but still easy to follow when your attention span is just warming back up.
Contemporary romance
These stories read like your favorite modern rom-com: relatable jobs, messy families, group chats, and inner monologues that sound like your own thoughts. Short, punchy chapters make it simple to sneak in a few pages between tasks.
Small-town and community-centered romance
If you want comfort more than chaos, look for books set in small towns, close-knit neighborhoods, or found-family friend groups. The community becomes part of the charm, and the stakes tend to be emotional rather than world-ending. Perfect when you want cozy, not stressful.
Romantic comedies (rom-coms)
Rom-coms are ideal for jump-starting your reading habit because they’re built around:
- quick pacing,
- humor and awkward moments,
- banter that keeps you turning pages.
When you’re tired, a scene that makes you smile is a lot easier to finish than a slow-burning, deeply angsty chapter.
Second chance and “reconnecting” romances
These stories often center on characters getting a second shot at love—after a breakup, a long separation, or a major life change. They carry emotional weight, but the familiarity between characters makes it easy to slip into the story without a ton of exposition.
3. Easy Habits to Rebuild Your Romance Reading Routine
Ready to make reading feel fun again?
Try my Bookish Bingo Challenge — a cozy, low-pressure way to choose your next romance and fall back in love with reading. 💕
Try an audiobook + ebook or print combo
If your attention span feels wobbly, audiobooks can be a lifesaver. Listen on your commute or while folding laundry, then switch to the ebook or print copy at night when you want to slow down and savor the details.
You’re still reading the same story—the format is just flexing to fit your day.
Put your current read where your phone usually lives
One simple, sneaky habit: leave your book or eReader in the spot where you normally drop your phone. When you sit down and reach out of habit, your book is already waiting. You don’t have to rely on willpower; you just change what’s within reach.
Match your book to your energy level
You’re allowed to choose books based on how your brain feels today:
- Exhausted? Choose a low-conflict, cozy romance.
- Restless? Try a rom-com or romantic suspense with a little adrenaline.
- Distracted? Pick something with short chapters or multiple POVs that cut quickly between scenes.
When your reading life works with your energy instead of against it, you’re far more likely to stick with it. For more on building reading habits that actually work (and what to avoid), check out my post Discover 9 Practical Tips to Avoid a Reading Slump and Reignite Your Love for Books .
Drop the guilt and embrace the DNF
If a book isn’t clicking after a few chapters, it’s okay to set it aside. DNF (“did not finish”) is not a moral failure; it’s just information. Your time and energy are limited. Save them for stories that actually light you up.
4. Beginner-Friendly Romance Books to Fall Back In Love With Reading
Think of these as a gentle “starter pack” to help you fall back into love stories without feeling overwhelmed. They’re engaging, emotionally satisfying, and easy to follow even if you haven’t finished a book in months.
“Book Lovers” by Emily Henry
Contemporary rom-com • Enemies-to-lovers • Small-town setting
Smart, bookish, and full of sharp banter, this story follows Nora and Charlie—two publishing professionals who end up stuck together in a small town. It’s clever and heartfelt, with short chapters that make it easy to read “just one more.”
“The Summer Deal” by Jill Shalvis
Found family • Second chance • Emotional contemporary
Found family, complicated friendships, and second chances all rolled into one. Shalvis has a way of making you care about the entire cast, and her writing is smooth enough to carry you through even when your reading muscles are still warming up.
“The Guest Cottage” by Lori Foster
Small-town romance • New beginnings • Cozy vibes
A charming, layered story about love, family, and unexpected new beginnings. It’s emotional without being overwhelming, with enough humor and heart to keep you turning pages at a relaxed pace.
“He Falls First” by Jill Shalvis
He falls first • Contemporary romance • Strong family dynamics
If you’re in the mood for a contemporary romance with warm family dynamics and a hero who falls hard and early, this one is a great way to remember why you love romance in the first place.
“Lilac Time” (Fern Michaels, Carolyn Brown, Lori Foster)
Novella collection • Women’s fiction blend • Short reads
Three stories in one, which is perfect when your attention span is still in “short story” mode. You can read one novella, set the book down, and still feel like you completed something.
Author Note: Fern Michaels, whose work brought joy to millions of readers, passed away on November 12, 2025. Her stories continue to comfort and inspire, and including Lilac Time here is a small way to honor her legacy.
📚 Want a deeper look at these beginner-friendly romances?
5. Turn Romance Reading Into a Cozy Ritual
Pair your book with comfort
Reading feels more inviting when it’s tied to a simple ritual. Light a candle, grab a soft blanket, pour a favorite drink, and let your brain associate that little routine with “this is my reading time.”
Experiment with low-pressure buddy reads
You don’t have to join a formal book club to feel connected. Ask a friend to read the same romance you’re picking up, then swap a few messages or voice notes about your favorite parts. No deadlines, no assigned chapters—just shared enthusiasm.
Match your book to your energy level
You’re allowed to choose books based on how your brain feels today:
- Exhausted? Choose a low-conflict, cozy romance.
- Restless? Try a rom-com or romantic suspense with a little adrenaline.
- Distracted? Pick something with short chapters or multiple POVs that cut quickly between scenes.
When your reading life works with your energy instead of against it, you’re far more likely to stick with it. If you love mood-based reading, you can also explore my Romance Reviews by Mood page to find stories that match exactly how you're feeling.
Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Start Small
Getting back into romance reading isn’t about speed, page counts, or finishing a certain number of books this year. It’s about rediscovering that feeling of being completely wrapped up in a story—rooting for characters, swooning over the slow burn, and turning the last page with a little sigh.
Start with one book, one cozy reading moment, and one tiny promise to yourself: I’m allowed to enjoy this, even if it takes me a while. The rest will follow.
Tell me in the comments: what’s the last romance that made you fall back in love with reading?
Looking for more ideas? Browse my
- Romance Book Reviews by Genre or dive into my
- Romance Book Reviews for your next read.
- Browse All My Book Reviews — Dive into your next read
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