Are you a romance book enthusiast wondering if Amazon Prime is worth your time and money? I’m always looking for new romance books, and Kindle Unlimited has been my saving grace, with all that money saved reading new books and discovering new authors.
If you’re an avid reader of romance novels, you know the thrill of discovering a new book that keeps you up all night, scouring through Facebook groups, Bookstagram, and Goodreads.
I’ve been using Amazon Prime for a long time as well, and Amazon Prime Reading is one of the benefits of getting a subscription. However, is getting a Prime subscription to read worth it?
Let’s explore this in detail:
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is like the perfect package of benefits that make life a bit easier and more fun. But what exactly does it offer, especially for a romance book lover like you?
At its core, Amazon Prime is a membership program with these features:
- Shipping Benefits: No more waiting forever for your next book. Order a romance novel and have it in your hands fast (in a day or two).
- Prime Video: When you need a break from reading, you can dive into a world of movies and series. There are several romance book adaptations: Maxton Hall, The Idea of You, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and probably more in the works.
- Prime Reading: Here’s where it gets good for us book lovers. Prime Reading gives you access to a rotating selection of books, magazines, and comics. It’s like having a mini-library at your fingertips, ready for you to discover your next favorite romance.
- Kindle First: Get early access to new books each month. Get 1 free pre-release ebook every month from editors’ picks. Magazines and comic books are also included in the catalog.
For romance book fans, Prime Reading and Kindle First are like hidden gems within Amazon Prime.
Amazon Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited
Now, let’s talk about two features that are absolute gold for book lovers: Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited. If you’re into romance books, these might be game-changers. (And I lean more towards KU on this)
Prime Reading:
Prime Reading is like getting a free box of romance chocolates with your Prime membership. It has a bunch of ebooks and audiobooks that change all the time, and you may find a good romance book or few.
Kindle Unlimited:
Kindle Unlimited is Amazon’s separate subscription service, specifically for readers who want unlimited access to a massive library of books. Think of it as an all-you-can-read buffet. For a monthly fee, you get access to millions of titles, including a huge selection of romance novels.
Prime Reading vs. Kindle Unlimited:
| Feature | Prime Reading | Kindle Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | Smaller, curated selection (changes regularly) | Massive library, wider variety |
| Cost | Free with Prime membership | Separate subscription fee (monthly or annually) |
| Reading Experience | Read on any device with Kindle app | Read on any device with Kindle app |
| Content Availability | Popular titles, some hidden gems (Limited Catalog) | Bestsellers, indie authors, niche subgenres |
| Book Limit | No limit on how many you can read | Borrow up to 20 books at a time |
| Best For | Occasional readers | Avid readers |
Other Amazon Prime Benefits for Readers
A Prime Membership offers more than just a free limited reading experience. If you’re a frequent online shopper, this membership may be more than beneficial along with pairing up your reading habit.
These other benefits include:
- Prime Early Access: As an Amazon Prime member, you get early access to Lightning Deals. This means you can snag discounts on books, e-readers, and other reading accessories before non-members even see them.
- Prime Day Deals: Prime Day is like a holiday for Amazon Prime members, with exclusive deals across the site. For book lovers, this means discounts on books, reading devices, and accessories.
- Prime Video: As I mentioned, Prime Video has some good adaptations of romance books that you can watch. I recently watched Royal, White, and Blue and completely loved it!
- Prime Music: My second favorite part about the membership is Prime Music which comes with it. I am not a Spotify user, and as I have music included in my Prime Subscription, I don’t need to pay separately for a music service which is cost-saving.
- Amazon First Reads: Amazon First Reads is a program that offers customers early access to new books across popular genres.
- Amazon Household: Amazon Household allows you to share Amazon benefits with other adults, teens, and children.
My Thoughts
I have been a prime subscriber ever since it was introduced in India. As an online shopper of household items, books (though I don’t purchase them often), and electronics, with its fast delivery, it is quite beneficial.
My mom and I also binge-watch series or movies on Prime Video, although I have to confess the choices are quite limited and it’s not at par with Netflix yet.
Prime Reading is a good feature, but Kindle Unlimited has a wider option, and I pay for both of them. With KU, I don’t really utilize the Prime feature, and I have observed that some romance books are available in Prime Reading as well, although very limited.
Cost vs. Benefit
| Subscription Service | Cost | My Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Membership | $139 per year / $14.99 per month | An all-rounded package, beneficial for an online shopper who wants to club all the features (Music, Video, etc.) in one. It is best for frequent shoppers who love to read occasionally. |
| Kindle Unlimited | $11.99 per month | A wide variety of books and opportunities to discover new authors at no additional cost apart from the subscription. Best for avid readers. |
In Summary...
If you’re a casual reader, Prime Reading might be enough to satisfy your romance book cravings without the need for Kindle Unlimited. However, if you’re an avid reader who goes through several books a month, investing in Kindle Unlimited might be worth the extra cost. Considering the additional benefits like Prime Video, Early Access, and Prime Day Deals, Amazon Prime offers excellent value for romance book lovers looking for a comprehensive package.