The rise of romantasy novels has taken over social media feeds, bestseller charts and commuting routines alike — but new research from Trainline reveals many readers still feel embarrassed about enjoying steamy fiction in public.
According to new findings released by Trainline, almost one in four Brits (23%) avoid reading spicy novels openly because they fear judgemental glances from strangers. Meanwhile, nearly half (48%) admit they feel some level of stigma attached to reading romance and romantasy books.
The research comes as romantasy continues to dominate online reading culture, particularly on BookTok, where fantasy romance titles regularly go viral and top bestseller lists.
Brits Are Still Judging Books By Their Covers
Despite the huge popularity of romance fiction, many readers still feel pressure to appear more “serious” when reading in public. Trainline’s research found that 59% of Brits believe romantasy is often dismissed as less legitimate literature.
As a result, readers are changing their behaviour to avoid unwanted attention:
- 27% skip or skim romance scenes in public
- 29% have abandoned a book entirely over fear of judgement
- 51% would feel more confident holding a classic novel than a steamy romance on public transport
- 21% admit they’ve chosen books specifically to appear more intelligent during a journey
The findings also reveal the impact of “performative culture”, with a third of respondents (33%) admitting they make assumptions about strangers based on what they’re reading.
Trainline’s Fake Book Covers Are Designed to Hide Your Romantasy Reads
To tackle reading stigma this summer, Trainline has launched a collection of limited-edition decoy book covers designed to disguise readers’ guilty pleasures while travelling.
The tongue-in-cheek covers feature hilariously dull fake titles including:
- Dense Classics For The Performative Reader by “Hugo Vaine”
- Beige: A History by “Alotta Light-Brown”
- Perfecting Paint Drying by “Paige Turner-Smythe”
The covers are intended to let passengers enjoy their favourite spicy stories without attracting unwanted attention on trains.
Jack Edwards Joins the Campaign
Trainline partnered with book influencer and content creator Jack Edwards to unveil the campaign.
Known online for championing reading culture and literature discussions, Edwards encouraged people to embrace whatever genres they enjoy reading.
He said:
“Reading can help you explore new worlds or learn more about our own. So, whether you’re reading a historical drama, a sizzling memoir, or a spicy romance, don’t let anything get in your way.”
He added that the campaign is about challenging reading stereotypes and encouraging people to enjoy books without judgement.
Reading on Trains Remains a Favourite British Ritual
Trainline’s research also highlights how closely reading and rail travel are linked in the UK. Around 24% of readers say trains are their preferred place to read, with passengers expected to spend nearly 15,000 hours reading onboard during the summer months alone.
Nat Marques, Head of Creative Innovation at Trainline, said the campaign is designed to help travellers feel more comfortable spending their journeys however they choose.
The free book covers are available from 20 May at selected WHSmith station stores across the UK while stocks last.
Digital versions can also be downloaded directly from the official Trainline campaign page here: Trainline Cover Stories Campaign
