reading slump remedies — short romance book recommendations
There are few things more frustrating than being in a reading slump. You find a book you’re excited about, you think about starting it all day, it’s finally time to dive in… and nothing. You can’t get into that book or any other book for that matter. Disaster has struck. But do not fear. There are things you can do: take a walk, try a new genre, reread an old favourite, or, as we’ll be discussing today, pick up something short and sweet (Alexa, play Sabrina Carpenter.) So to all my fellow readers plagued by the slump, here are three short romance novels/ novellas to reignite your fictional flame.
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
The Upside of Falling follows high schooler Becca Hart, who has given up on true love. However, when her best friend teases her for never having had a boyfriend, she impulsively lies and says she has started seeing someone. Introducing Brett Wells — the popular captain of the football team and Becca’s new fake boyfriend. With people on his back about his lack of meaningful relationships, this situation is as beneficial for Brett as it is for Becca. But, as the two begin to spend more time together, it becomes clear that they have more in common than anyone could have predicted. This young adult closed-door romance is under 300 pages and the perfect palate cleanser for anyone unsure of what to read next!
All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard
This book follows romance authors and exes Nick and Jess (New Girl fans rise). Jess is a small-time romance author who has spent her time following the breakup writing happily ever afters, whereas Nick has found big-time success with his notoriously sad love stories. After years of no contact, the two find themselves reunited at their publisher’s awards show when Jess is asked to present Niick with his award. And if that couldn’t get any more awkward… that night they get snowed into the hotel and *spoiler alert* there is only one bed left. This read is flirty, funny and fast-paced; a guaranteed solution to your slump.
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood
Below Zero wins the prize for the most original premise — Hannah is a NASA aerospace engineer who finds herself stranded at a remote Arctic research station, and the only person who is able to make the treacherous journey to save her is the bane of her life and longtime rival, Ian. Despite this being a novella, it is still brimming with all the angst that we know and love Ali Hazelwood for, so if you can’t commit to a full AH novel right now, this is perfect for you. Most excitingly, it is part of a STEMinist novella series, along with two other stories following Hannah’s best friends Mara and Sadie.
This article was written by Jess, who you can follow on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/thatromancebook for more bookish content