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!
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!”