Suffering From a Book Hangover
Picture it: your favorite author finally drops a new release. You've been waiting months—maybe longer—for something fresh. You download it the second it hits your device and devour the whole thing in one sitting. The story is gripping. The emotional push and pull, the suspense, the surprise—it’s all there. And that hard-won happily ever after? Chef’s kiss.
You sigh. You close the book. And then... boom.
A wave of sadness.
Melancholy. A strange sense of loss. You’re hit with the dreaded book hangover.
A book hangover is that foggy, in-between state where you’re still mentally living in the world you just left. The portal has closed. The characters feel like lost friends. And don’t even think about starting a new book—because how could you possibly cheat on your book boyfriend?
A book hangover is that foggy, in-between state where you’re still mentally living in the world you just left. The portal has closed. The characters feel like lost friends. And don’t even think about starting a new book—because how could you possibly cheat on your book boyfriend?
That’s me. Right now. Deep in the hangover.
Normally, I cope by diving headfirst into another book—ideally a sequel or something set in the same world. But this time? The author hasn’t written the next book yet. And I’ve already read everything else she’s released.
Cue the dramatic sigh.
The book that has me texting my husband to come hold me and help me through this mini depression? Protecting What’s Mine by Siobhan Davis. It’s a dark mafia romance where you cheer for the mafia main character to rescue the broken heroine, but the badder bad guys keep winning.
It’s dark, y’all.
It’s one of the many genres I love to read. A complete opposite of what I write, I’m a college romance girl through and through. Angsty, emotional, enemies-to-lovers vibes are my lane. But this? This took me out. The characters are living rent-free in my mind and I don’t even know how I’m going to go back to the manuscript I’m working on.
So, what now?
I’m going to try the usual tricks. Turn on a comfort movie–Pride & Prejudice is one of them. Maybe scroll through TikTok or just go to bed. Everything will look better in the morning, right?
If you’ve ever felt this way, then you get it. And if you haven’t? I hope you find a book that wrecks you like this one day. Because while it hurts, it also reminds you how powerful stories can be.
So here I am, trying to write out my thoughts so I can move on. If you're in the same boat, just know you're not alone. Misery loves company—and apparently, fictional men who ruin us for all others.
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Ava Vail
Ava Vail is a contemporary romance author specializing in short, emotionally intense love stories with strong character arcs and just the right amount of steam.
Her books are perfect for readers who love slow-burn tension, forbidden attraction, and binge-worthy romance you can finish in one sitting.