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12070+ Romance Short Stories to read

Submitted by writers on Reedsy Prompts to our weekly writing contest. From the thrill of a first date to a snapshot tour through an entire relationship, our collection of romantic short stories will give you everything your heart desires.

Romance Short Stories – Page 4 of 805

Dairy of a Reluctant Ruler

Submitted to Contest #306

From the throne of Alistair the 12thEntry 1 The royal advisor has once again urged me to keep a record of the daily occurrences so that if I am ever “indisposed”, whoever shall take my place will be able to comprehend the nuances and rationale behind my decisions. I am not sure which implication offends me more: that I would be irresponsible enough to leave the throne without a contingency plan or that I truly care what happens to the kingdom once my reign is complete.I had no intentions of being the figurehead for demonkind; my talents are ...

5 likes 1 comment 1
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The Last Thing I Ever Cooked for Him

Submitted to Contest #306

Recipe for Walking Away Preparation Time: However long it takes to remember who you are Serves: You Ingredients• 4 heaping cups of courage (Preferably organic, not store-bought)• 3 tablespoon of midnight tears (stored in cold)• 1 container of unanswered texts• 5 crushed dreams and given up ambitions (optional, but highly recommended for better flavor)• 1 suitcase packed with clothes, self-respect, and every version of you he ignored• a dash of anger (be careful with the portions, don't overdo unless necessary)• 2 girlfriends on speed dial (s...

12 likes 3 comments 3
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If Pride and Prejudice Friends Could Text

Submitted to Contest #306

Charlotte: What did you think of the dance last night? Did any potential suitor catch your eye? 😉 Lizzy: Besides the humiliation of being passed over by the arrogant Darcy, I found the evening pleasant. I am happy for Jane, though. Bingley seemed to favor her. Charlotte: She should secure him and his 5,000 pounds a year straight away. Lizzy: Charlotte! Charlotte: I am not romantic, you know. One must look out for one’s future. 💰 *** Lizzy: Bingley’s been to the house to visit Jane twice. I think they are in love ❤️ but ’tis hard to tell beca...

25 likes 31 comments 31
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Words between us

Submitted to Contest #306

WORDS BETWEEN US “I hate you.” I say when his lips are close to mine. “You love me darling.” He says, closing the space between us. For those who always take care of others, YOU deserve to be taken care of too and loved Mia “Shit, really on my first day.” I say when the keys to my new apartment fall down from the 3rd floor. I moved to Amsterdam from Seattle to start a new life and cause I got a job in a bookstore and this is how is going so far. “Ouch, what the hell” I...

2 likes 2 comments 2
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Journal of a caged man

Submitted to Contest #306

TW: swearing and sexual innuendo Day OneI've decided to keep a journal of my experience using a cage around my head to give up smoking. An unconventional approach, yes. Necessary? Yes.I want to quit "cold turkey," so I'm going to do it. No nicotine patches. Got my girlfriend to throw all my smokes and lighters in the bin and gave her the key to the cage."Only open this door here," I had indicated to a small door by my mouth, big enough to get food into,"When it's mealtimes," I instructed her.I expected her to be overjoyed, given the power of...

7 likes 4 comments 4
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The Quiet Hours

Submitted to Contest #306

ELEANOR - October 29thToday, I had to remind myself how to breathe. Looking into the mirror, I can see the dark circles that rim my eyes. Exhaustion breathes its horrid, damp breath over every inch of my body and mind. No one knows how hard it is getting. I’m sitting on the edge of my bed, head in hands, wishing it would all just end. But how do you run from things that are inside your head? I know that my last breath will be a sigh of relief.It’s mid-October, and my elation seems to only be fading further from my sight, or perhaps it is sim...

3 likes 1 comment 1
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RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE: How are you so stupid?

Submitted to Contest #306

TW: manipulative relationship, cheating From: <LivLafLoathe@mail.com>Date: Mon, Apr 7, 2025Subject: How are you so stupidTo: <jim@jimmail.com> Dear Jackass, Claire called yesterday. She said you hit on her wife at work. Real classy. Try keeping it in your pants for once. My condolences for the continued loss of your integrity, Olivia From: <jim@jimmail.com>Date: Mon, Apr 7, 2025RE: How are you so stupidTo: <LivLafLoathe@mail.com> Dearest Olivia, I’m sorry to hear my sister is telling lies again. You know I’m not int...

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Dear diary

Submitted to Contest #306

03/09/2002Dear diary,What a journey.I moved into the study hall less than 24 hours ago and I am already missing home. Can you believe it? I know I can. Where is the self-assured girl that submitted the application nine months ago? London feels oceans apart from home. Sure, it's a two-hour flight, but I left all my life behind. I'm not so sure I made the right call anymore. Is it too late to go back and change? Probably yes. I called my mum to receive some comfort. The only thing she had to say was, "Typical Beatrice, always doubting herself ...

5 likes 0 comments 0
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Gratitude Journal

Submitted to Contest #306

Day OneAt last! A date that was a date. Not a strange interview where I get the distinct impression no one has ever been up to the job, or ever will be for that matter. For once, this wasn’t an exercise in disappointment. Or a strange act of vengeance. A poison arrow of an interaction that misses the mark and hits my heart instead of the stone cold heart of the intended victim. Even then, it isn’t the ex who conspicuously hurt her. It’s one or both parents. That’s where all this begins for us. Even then, it pre-dates our parents by a generat...

9 likes 4 comments 4
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Farewell, My Love, My Foe

Submitted to Contest #306

Good evening, everyone.Tonight, I stand before you with a heavy but resolute heart. I come not only with memories of love and longing but with the quiet strength born of having lived through passion’s extremes. I am here to say farewell—to a love that once roared like a siren calling me to its depths, to the toxic ties that once bound me, and ultimately, to the version of myself that clung to illusions. This speech is for anyone who has ever felt torn between heartache and hope, and for those who have ever had the courage to let go.I remembe...

4 likes 1 comment 1
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Little Berry’s Gingerbread Men

Submitted to Contest #306

This morning, I woke to the scent of home-baked goods—warm, rich, and promising, like the whisper of a long-lost romance. Perhaps it was the single life or the undeniable drought in the “men flow,” but my heart—and stomach—demanded something deliciously rebellious. “If love won’t find me today, I’ll craft my own sweet replacements!”With that declaration, I strutted into the kitchen, where fate had mischief brewing. Maybe it was just my imagination—or a wink from Cupid—but I swear tiny cherubs danced among my baking tools, sprinkling secret ...

3 likes 0 comments 0
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Grey Thumb!

Submitted to Contest #306

Sadie was now grey, retired into her golden plateau. She had once been a caregiver. That had all passed away, these days she was nurturing herself, sometimes laughing at 'herstory', not 'history'. One of her sisters got in her ear about the holistic benefits of gardening as hobby, potentially growing abundant fresh vegetables in her vegetable patch. A greying cyber pal of Sadie's had also been extolling the glories with his own praises of growing his leafy greens. He was cooking them, and sharing the excess produce with his friends, neighbou...

12 likes 2 comments 2
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When Rapture Drops Down and Dirty

Submitted to Contest #306

The Sermon Dear Andrea, At first I was thinking of explaining my feelings, etc., step by step. But after thinking about it I decided it would not be necessary and only a repetition of what you already know. Thank you for your letter, but it had nothing inside that I didn’t already realize. Response (Monday 6:25 pm)Dear George, I decided that I too should be able to write down my feelings. I will not mail them. Maybe I will give them to you when this mess is cleared up. I am sorry if you feel that I am a negative, depressing person. I am sure...

1 like 0 comments 0
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The Very Best Meal I Ever Ate In LA

Shortlisted for Contest #306 ⭐️

Los Angeles is a foodie’s haven. Mecca for anyone with a gold-plated tongue and diamond-dusted tastebuds. The choices are beyond abundant and available around the clock. Whether you crave comfort food, the elegance of fine-dining, or the thrilling adventure of a vegan kosher taco truck, LA has got you covered. I lived in the City of Angels for a decade, and while I was spoiled by all sorts of gourmet experiences, here is my recipe for the best meal I ever ate. What you will need:basil (freshly plucked from my friend Mick’s backyard)cherry to...

18 likes 16 comments 16
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Technomancer 25: Captain’s Log

Submitted to Contest #306

Leron stared out at the waves, drifting across the crater that was once Houston. The wind blew, picking up the fine white sand along the shore and blowing it by him. What remained of the Houston skyline pierced the water at the centre of the lake. Parched and black, they almost appeared like sea monsters. The exposed beams twisted outwards in places like enormous arms. Leron played with sand between his fingers, letting the fine powder slide through. “You know, they say the tops of the buildings didn’t take all that much damage. The only rea...

32 likes 11 comments 11
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RBE | RBE Romance | 2024-03

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