By Riley — how I read books on Kindle without a Kindle device, and how you can too
I get asked quite a lot how people can read my books — especially Riley’s Road and Riley’s Road Manual. A lot of people think you need a Kindle device.
You really don’t.
So here’s how it actually works, in simple terms, based on how I use it myself.
What Kindle actually is (and what it is not)
Kindle is just an app.
That’s it.
You can install it on your phone, tablet, or even use it on a computer. No special device needed.
I mostly read on my phone, which means I can open a book anywhere — waiting around, travelling, or just relaxing.
Yes — it works on pretty much everything
You can download the Amazon Kindle app on:
- Android phones and tablets
- iPhones and iPads
- Even computers if you prefer a bigger screen
So if you’ve got a phone, you’re already sorted.
Getting started (this takes about two minutes)
Here’s exactly what I’d tell a friend to do:
- Open your app store
- Search for Kindle
- Install the app
- Open it and sign in
If you’ve ever bought anything on Amazon, you already have an account. Just use that.
If not, you can create one in a couple of minutes.
One account, everything connected
This is one of those things people don’t always realise.
Your Amazon account works across everything, not just books.
So the same login connects:
- Your Kindle library
- Your purchases
- Your subscriptions like Amazon Prime
- Any other Amazon services
The really useful bit?
Everything syncs.
So if you stop reading halfway through a chapter, it remembers exactly where you were — even if you switch devices.
Finding books (including mine)
Once you’re in the app:
- Tap the search bar
- Type what you’re looking for
If you search Mark Nolan, you’ll find my books, including:
Tap, download, and you’re in.
Reading is simple (and actually quite nice)
Just tap the book and start reading.
You can change:
- Text size (really helpful if you’re tired)
- Background colour (I use dark mode a lot)
- Brightness
It’s designed to be easy. No fuss.
A quick word about Kindle Unlimited
This is optional, but worth knowing.
Kindle Unlimited is like a library subscription:
- You pay monthly
- You can read loads of books without paying individually
A lot of independent authors (including us) use it so people can access books more easily.
Free book promotions (this is important)
Sometimes, books are made completely free for a short time.
No subscription. No payment.
Just download and keep.
I’ll be doing this with Riley’s Road as part of a helmet awareness campaign, so more people can access it without any barriers.
Why I’m telling you all this
Because honestly, a lot of people miss out simply because they think it’s complicated.
It isn’t.
If you can use your phone, you can use Kindle.
And once it’s there, you’ve got access to books whenever you want — whether that’s learning something useful or just reading something that makes you think a bit differently.
Final thought (from me)
If even one person reads Riley’s Road and decides to wear a helmet because of it, then it’s done its job.
Everything else is just making that easier to happen.