Despite the boom in romantasy and romance fiction, new research from Trainline reveals that many readers still feel self-conscious about what they read in public - especially on trains.
That’s why Trainline created Cover Stories - a collection of free decoy book covers - helping travellers enjoy the books they love with confidence on every journey.
Download your covers
Choose from five limited-edition disguises designed to keep your favourite reads undercover while travelling:
- Beige: A History, by Alotta Light-Brown
- The Complete Works of Rail Infrastructure, by Ona Track
- Perfect Paint Drying, by Paige Turner-Smythe
- Dense Classics for the Performative Reader, by Hugo Vaine
- A Wholesome Text for Modest Commuters, by Chastity Prim
Step 1: Print artwork ‘actual size’ on A3 sheet of paper.
Step 2: Fold paper at the indicated fold marks.
Step 3: Cut out the cover and fit around your chosen book.
Step 4: Read and enjoy!
Pick up a cover in station
Free downloadable covers are available above, while printed versions can also be picked up from the following WHSmith stores at train stations across the UK, while stocks last:
- London Paddington
- London Bridge
- London Victoria
- London King’s Cross
- London Euston
- Edinburgh Waverley
- Leeds
- Manchester Piccadilly
- Liverpool Lime Street
- Newcastle Central
23%
of people avoid reading spicy novels
in public over fears of judgemental
glances
1 in 5
readers
admit they've chosen a book
to look more interesting or intelligent
on a train
51%
say they'd feel more confident
holding a classic novel than a spicy
romance on a train
Meet Jack Edwards
Jack Edwards, BookTok creator and internet librarian, has partnered with Trainline to help champion judgement-free reading on journeys this summer.
“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. I’m teaming up with Trainline on a mission to challenge preconceptions and let people read whatever what they enjoy, because that’s what reading is all about!”