Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

There are two types of people in this world.

People who say, “I’ll just read one chapter before bed.”

And romance readers.

Because we all know “one chapter” is less of a plan and more of a beautiful little lie we tell ourselves.

It usually starts innocently enough. You’ve finished dinner, the dishes are done (or you’ve strategically looked away from them), you’ve made yourself a cup of tea, and you think, “I’ll read for twenty minutes.” Eight hours later, the sun is coming up, your tea is cold, and you’re emotionally invested in two fictional people who refuse to communicate like functioning adults.

It’s a journey. A completely predictable journey. And yet somehow, every single book gets us.

Stage One: “I’m Just Going to See What It’s About.”

This is where we pretend we’re being sensible.

We read the blurb. We admire the cover. We tell ourselves we’re only curious. Maybe we’ll read the first chapter tonight and save the rest for the weekend.

Look at us.

Making responsible decisions. Then chapter one ends with a mysterious stranger, an awkward encounter, or someone saying something outrageously attractive…

…and suddenly the weekend plan has quietly moved to “whenever I eventually finish this book.”

Stage Two: “Oh No… I Like Him.”

This moment sneaks up on us.

Usually, the hero has done something very small. He remembered her coffee order. He made her laugh when she wasn’t expecting it. He quietly helped someone without making a big deal about it. Or perhaps he’s still being insufferably grumpy, but we’ve spotted exactly one tiny crack in the armour.

That’s all it takes.

We know we’re in trouble. Of course, at this point the heroine hasn’t noticed any of it. She’s still convinced he’s impossible.

We, meanwhile, are already planning the wedding.

Stage Three: “These Two Are Absolutely Hopeless.”

This is my favourite part.

Not because they’re in love. Because they’re spectacularly unaware of the fact that they’re in love. She’s convinced he only tolerates her. He’s convinced she’d never choose someone like him.

Meanwhile, they’ve memorised each other’s coffee orders, risked their lives for one another, and invented seventeen excuses to spend time together.

The side characters know. The readers know. Even the neighbour’s dog probably knows, seeing how our reading light is still on in the middle of the night.

The only people who haven’t caught on are the two main characters. It’s ridiculous. It’s frustrating.

And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Stage Four: “I’ll Stop After This Chapter.”

No, you won’t.

You know it.

I know it.

Your Kindle knows it.

Because this chapter ends with: “He opened the door and froze.” Or… “She whispered one sentence that changed everything.” Or my personal favourite… “Twenty years earlier…”

Well, obviously you can’t stop now. That would be absurd. So you keep reading. Then you check the time. It’s 1:42 a.m.

The birds have started singing. Somewhere, tomorrow’s version of you is already disappointed.

Stage Five: “What Do You Mean It’s Over?”

This is perhaps the strangest stage of all.

You wanted the happy ending. You got the happy ending. And yet somehow… You’re sad. Not because the story ended badly…. Because it ended.

For a few days, these characters lived in your head. They came to dinner with you. Sat beside you on the train. Followed you around while you folded laundry and ignored emails.

Now they’ve gone.

So naturally, you stare at your bookshelf as though another romance might magically heal the heartbreak caused by finishing the first one.

Which, to be fair…

…it usually does.

Why We Keep Coming Back

People sometimes ask why romance readers happily read stories when they already know there will probably be a happy ending.

I think they’re asking the wrong question.

We don’t read romance because we’re surprised by the ending. We read romance because we want to experience the journey. The teasing. The awkward first meetings. The tiny acts of kindness. The slow realization that two people are becoming home to one another.

That’s the magic.

The happy ending is simply the reward for falling in love with the journey first.

And honestly, I hope I never get tired of it.

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Looking for Your Next “I’ll Just Read One Chapter” Book?

If you love slow-burning chemistry, friendship that quietly turns into love, and enough banter to keep you smiling long after you’ve put the book down, you might enjoy Confessions of a Curvy Heart.

If witty heroes, emotional growth and grand romantic gestures are more your style, The Billionaire’s Curvy Match would love to steal a night’s sleep from you.

And if you’re looking for a story that gently explores grief, healing and the courage to love again, The Widow’s Curse is waiting whenever you’re ready.

Just don’t blame me if you accidentally read until two in the morning.

We’ve already established that none of us are particularly good at stopping after one chapter.

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Love my writing? You can grab my books directly from my website or through my Amazon author page. When you purchase from my website, a larger portion of the sale goes directly to supporting my writing, allowing me to create more stories, mental health resources, and magical guides without relying on algorithms or advertising. You’ll also find exclusive bonuses, free reader gifts, and occasional special offers that aren’t always available elsewhere. If Amazon is your preferred bookstore, that’s perfectly fine too. Either way, thank you for supporting an independent author who spends an unreasonable amount of time talking to fictional people and turning it into books.