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How to Read More Fantasy Romance (Even When Life Is Busy)

September 15, 2025 by Sharayah Maurice

Wish you had more time to read fantasy romance? Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just a full calendar, these practical tips will help you read more—without the guilt or pressure.

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You love books—the escape, the magic, the romance—but actually reading them? That’s another story. Life gets busy fast, and sometimes finishing even one book a month feels impossible.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need huge blocks of free time to read more. You just need a few smart strategies, the right mindset, and a TBR that’s easy to access and easy to love. Whether you’re trying to finish a series, rediscover your love of reading, or simply carve out more moments for yourself, these tips are for you.

And if you’re a fantasy romance reader (especially one who prefers no-spice, emotionally rich stories), I’ve included ideas just for you—including how to choose the right kind of book for your busy season. Let’s dive in!

How to Read More Fantasy Romance:

1. Make Reading Easy to Start

If the hardest part of reading is getting started, then remove the barriers. Leave your current book open on your nightstand, keep your Kindle within reach of your favorite reading chair, or download your next read to your phone for quick access during the day.

Want to make it even easier? Choose fantasy romance books that don’t require huge mental effort to dive back in. Cozy worldbuilding, clear stakes, and emotionally engaging characters (like in The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier) help you fall right back into the story without needing to reread chapters to remember what’s going on.

2. Read in the In-Between Moments

You don’t need an hour-long reading session to make progress. Five-minute pockets of time—waiting in the pickup line, sipping your morning coffee, or standing at the stove—can add up to chapters over the course of a day.

Ebooks and audiobooks make this even easier. Try downloading a clean fantasy romance audiobook on Libby or Audible, or read a novella-length KU book on your phone. You’d be surprised how fast you can get through a story when you take advantage of these moments.

Fantasy-friendly tip: Choose stories with short chapters or episodic plots, like Thorn by Intisar Khanani, so you can jump in and out without losing the thread.

3. Set Small, Joyful Goals

Big reading goals can quickly feel like pressure—but small goals? Those can spark motivation. Instead of saying “I’m going to read 50 books this year,” try:

  • One chapter a day
  • 15 minutes before bed
  • One novella per week
  • A weekend binge of a KU fantasy romance

Progress doesn’t have to be fast. It just has to feel fun. Even reading one no-spice fantasy romance per month means 12 magical adventures per year!

4. Don’t Be Afraid to DNF

Sometimes we stall out not because we’re too busy—but because we’re bored. Give yourself full permission to put down a book that isn’t clicking. There are so many beautifully written, clean fantasy romances out there. You don’t have to push through one that doesn’t delight you.

If you’re in a reading slump, try:

  • A novella (like The Pirate’s Son)
  • A fairytale retelling with familiar beats
  • A lighthearted fantasy with gentle stakes
  • A book with a trope you already love (like forced proximity or hidden royalty)
  • Letting go of a book that isn’t working is a gift to your future reading self.

5. Create a Cozy Reading Ritual

Reading is easier when it’s part of something comforting. Make a habit of curling up with a blanket and a warm drink, or lighting a candle when you sit down with your book. Even 15–20 minutes of this routine a few days a week can bring reading back into your rhythm.

Bonus idea: Create a seasonal TBR with fall-themed fantasy romance books. Light some cinnamon-scented candles and lean into the vibes—it’s the perfect setup for something like Kingdom of Beauty by Deborah Grace White or any story with magic, royalty, and emotional depth.

6. Join a Bookish Community

Sometimes the best reading motivation comes from talking about books with other readers. You don’t have to be in a traditional book club—just follow a few cozy fantasy creators on Instagram or TikTok, join a Facebook group for clean romance fans, or subscribe to a blog (like this one! 👋) that shares regular recommendations.

Being part of a bookish community keeps your TBR fresh and your reading joy alive—especially when it’s filled with fellow no-spice readers who love emotionally rich stories as much as you do.

🔸 Bonus Tip: Keep a “Low Commitment” TBR List

Have a go-to list of shorter reads, KU books, or series starters that you can easily dive into when you feel burned out or overwhelmed. Books like The Pirate’s Son or novella-length KU reads make it easier to start—and even easier to finish. That sense of completion gives your reading momentum a helpful nudge.

Final Thoughts

Reading more isn’t about doing more—it’s about making space for something you already love. Even five minutes with a good fantasy romance can lift your mood and transport your heart.

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Sharayah Maurice's books on Goodreads
A Battle of Past and Present A Battle of Past and Present (The Chronicles of Tanithor: Age of the Oracle Book 2)
reviews: 13
ratings: 16 (avg rating 4.81)

A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion
reviews: 28
ratings: 35 (avg rating 4.37)

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