From 383506fc07e33fa1779a8785edff7df818a842d1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: neon <18559658+neonsolstice@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2026 05:34:05 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] feat(reader): support peeking books without tracking progress

Implement a 'peek mode' that allows users to open and read books without updating their reading progress or creating reading sessions. Add a 'Peeking' banner in the reader and disable API calls in 'useReaderProgress' and 'useReadingSession' when tracking is disabled.

Closes #161
---
 .../book/components/BookCoverCard.vue         |  26 +++-
 .../features/book/components/BookListRow.vue  |  16 ++-
 .../book/components/BookQuickView.vue         |  23 +++-
 .../__tests__/BookTableCells.spec.ts          |  13 ++
 .../components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue     | 128 ++++++++++++------
 .../book/components/detail/tabs/FilesTab.vue  |  18 ++-
 .../table/BookTableReadButtonCell.vue         |  53 ++++++--
 client/src/features/reader/ReaderView.vue     |  38 ++++--
 .../reader/audiobook/AudiobookReaderView.vue  |  31 ++++-
 .../audiobook/composables/useAudioProgress.ts |  16 ++-
 .../src/features/reader/cbz/CbzReaderView.vue |  40 +++++-
 .../reader/epub/components/ReaderHeader.vue   |  12 ++
 .../__tests__/ReaderSidebar.spec.ts           |   2 +-
 .../reader/pdf-v4/PdfV4ReaderView.vue         |  52 ++++++-
 .../__tests__/useReaderProgress.spec.ts       |  16 +++
 .../__tests__/useReadingSession.spec.ts       |  13 ++
 .../shared/composables/useReaderProgress.ts   |  18 ++-
 .../shared/composables/useReadingSession.ts   |  24 +++-
 18 files changed, 429 insertions(+), 110 deletions(-)

diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue
index 5f0204954..bcd2e7b65 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import {
   BookOpen,
   Check,
   Download,
+  Eye,
   ExternalLink,
   FolderPlus,
   Image,
@@ -181,14 +182,19 @@ function handleArtworkError() {
   coverImageRatio.value = null
 }
 
-function openFile(file: BookFileRef) {
+function openFile(file: BookFileRef, mode?: 'peek') {
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
     params: { bookId: props.book.id, fileId: file.id },
-    query: { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
+    query: mode === 'peek' ? { format: file.format ?? 'epub', mode } : { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
   })
 }
 
+function peekPrimaryFile() {
+  if (!primaryFile.value || isMissing.value) return
+  openFile(primaryFile.value, 'peek')
+}
+
 function openBookDetails() {
   void router.push({ name: 'book-detail', params: { bookId: props.book.id } })
 }
@@ -534,12 +540,12 @@ const secondaryLabelText = computed(() => resolveBookLabel(gridCardSecondaryLabe
                 <DropdownMenuContent align="end">
                   <DropdownMenuItem v-if="openableFiles.length <= 1 && primaryFile && !isMissing" @click="openFile(primaryFile)">
                     <BookOpen class="size-4 mr-2" />
-                    Open
+                    Read
                   </DropdownMenuItem>
                   <DropdownMenuSub v-else-if="openableFiles.length > 1 && !isMissing">
                     <DropdownMenuSubTrigger>
                       <BookOpen class="size-4 mr-2" />
-                      Open
+                      Read
                     </DropdownMenuSubTrigger>
                     <DropdownMenuSubContent>
                       <DropdownMenuItem v-for="file in openableFiles" :key="file.id" @click="openFile(file)">
@@ -549,6 +555,10 @@ const secondaryLabelText = computed(() => resolveBookLabel(gridCardSecondaryLabe
                       </DropdownMenuItem>
                     </DropdownMenuSubContent>
                   </DropdownMenuSub>
+                  <DropdownMenuItem v-if="primaryFile && !isMissing" @click="peekPrimaryFile">
+                    <Eye class="size-4 mr-2" />
+                    Peek
+                  </DropdownMenuItem>
 
                   <!-- Download submenu -->
                   <DropdownMenuItem
@@ -665,12 +675,12 @@ const secondaryLabelText = computed(() => resolveBookLabel(gridCardSecondaryLabe
           <DropdownMenuContent align="end">
             <DropdownMenuItem v-if="openableFiles.length <= 1 && primaryFile && !isMissing" @click="openFile(primaryFile)">
               <BookOpen class="size-4 mr-2" />
-              Open
+              Read
             </DropdownMenuItem>
             <DropdownMenuSub v-else-if="openableFiles.length > 1 && !isMissing">
               <DropdownMenuSubTrigger>
                 <BookOpen class="size-4 mr-2" />
-                Open
+                Read
               </DropdownMenuSubTrigger>
               <DropdownMenuSubContent>
                 <DropdownMenuItem v-for="file in openableFiles" :key="file.id" @click="openFile(file)">
@@ -680,6 +690,10 @@ const secondaryLabelText = computed(() => resolveBookLabel(gridCardSecondaryLabe
                 </DropdownMenuItem>
               </DropdownMenuSubContent>
             </DropdownMenuSub>
+            <DropdownMenuItem v-if="primaryFile && !isMissing" @click="peekPrimaryFile">
+              <Eye class="size-4 mr-2" />
+              Peek
+            </DropdownMenuItem>
 
             <DropdownMenuItem
               v-if="hasPermission('library_download') && openableFiles.length === 1 && primaryFile"
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue
index 23fd4217b..b1126c5e1 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import {
   BookOpen,
   Check,
+  Eye,
   ExternalLink,
   FolderPlus,
   Loader2,
@@ -98,14 +99,19 @@ const coverSrc = computed(() => coverUrl(props.book.id))
 const { refreshing, refreshWithFeedback } = useRefreshMetadata()
 const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
 
-function openFile(file: BookFileRef) {
+function openFile(file: BookFileRef, mode?: 'peek') {
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
     params: { bookId: props.book.id, fileId: file.id },
-    query: { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
+    query: mode === 'peek' ? { format: file.format ?? 'epub', mode } : { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
   })
 }
 
+function peekPrimaryFile() {
+  if (!primaryFile.value || isMissing.value) return
+  openFile(primaryFile.value, 'peek')
+}
+
 function openAuthorBrowse() {
   if (!authorQuery.value) return
   void router.push({ name: 'authors', query: { q: authorQuery.value } })
@@ -229,7 +235,11 @@ function openAuthorBrowse() {
         <DropdownMenuContent align="end">
           <DropdownMenuItem :disabled="!primaryFile || isMissing" @click="primaryFile && !isMissing && openFile(primaryFile)">
             <BookOpen class="size-4 mr-2" />
-            Open
+            Read
+          </DropdownMenuItem>
+          <DropdownMenuItem :disabled="!primaryFile || isMissing" @click="peekPrimaryFile">
+            <Eye class="size-4 mr-2" />
+            Peek
           </DropdownMenuItem>
           <DropdownMenuItem @click="emit('action', 'quick-view')">
             <PanelRight class="size-4 mr-2" />
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue
index 7dd76b3b0..04e28a869 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import { computed, inject, ref, watch } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
-import { BookOpen, ExternalLink, Folder, FolderPlus, Headphones, Pencil, Star, Trash2, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
+import { BookOpen, ExternalLink, Eye, Folder, FolderPlus, Headphones, Pencil, Star, Trash2, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import { usePermissions } from '@/features/auth/composables/usePermissions'
 import { Sheet, SheetContent, SheetTitle, SheetDescription } from '@/components/ui/sheet'
 import { Skeleton } from '@/components/ui/skeleton'
@@ -195,16 +195,24 @@ function handleCoverClick() {
   if (coverLoaded.value && !coverFailed.value) coverLightboxOpen.value = true
 }
 
-function openBook() {
+function openBookWithMode(mode?: 'peek') {
   if (!primaryFile.value || !detail.value) return
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
     params: { bookId: detail.value.id, fileId: primaryFile.value.id },
-    query: { format: primaryFile.value.format ?? 'epub' },
+    query: mode === 'peek' ? { format: primaryFile.value.format ?? 'epub', mode } : { format: primaryFile.value.format ?? 'epub' },
   })
   emit('update:open', false)
 }
 
+function openBook() {
+  openBookWithMode()
+}
+
+function peekBook() {
+  openBookWithMode('peek')
+}
+
 function editMetadata() {
   if (!detail.value) return
   router.push({ name: 'book-detail', params: { bookId: detail.value.id }, query: { tab: 'edit' } })
@@ -455,6 +463,15 @@ function handleDelete() {
               <BookOpen v-else class="size-4" />
               <span class="hidden sm:inline">{{ isPrimaryAudio ? 'Listen' : 'Read' }}</span>
             </button>
+            <button
+              class="flex flex-1 items-center justify-center gap-2 h-9 rounded-md border border-input bg-background text-sm font-medium hover:bg-muted transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
+              :disabled="!primaryFile"
+              aria-label="Peek"
+              @click="peekBook"
+            >
+              <Eye class="size-4" />
+              <span class="hidden sm:inline">Peek</span>
+            </button>
             <button
               class="flex flex-1 items-center justify-center text-primary-foreground gap-2 h-9 rounded-md bg-sky-600 text-sm font-medium hover:bg-sky-700 dark:bg-sky-500 dark:hover:bg-sky-600 transition-colors"
               aria-label="Details"
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/__tests__/BookTableCells.spec.ts b/client/src/features/book/components/__tests__/BookTableCells.spec.ts
index 6c5846607..ccddf684c 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/__tests__/BookTableCells.spec.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/__tests__/BookTableCells.spec.ts
@@ -272,6 +272,19 @@ describe('BookTableReadButtonCell', () => {
     })
   })
 
+  it('opens the primary readable file in peek mode from the peek button', async () => {
+    routerPush.mockReset()
+    const wrapper = mountReadButton(makeBook([{ id: 1, format: 'epub', role: 'primary', sizeBytes: null }]))
+    const peekButton = wrapper.findAll('button').find((button) => button.attributes('aria-label') === 'Peek EPUB')
+    expect(peekButton).toBeTruthy()
+    await peekButton!.trigger('click')
+    expect(routerPush).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+      name: 'reader',
+      params: { bookId: 42, fileId: 1 },
+      query: { format: 'epub', mode: 'peek' },
+    })
+  })
+
   it('shows play action for audio formats and allows selecting alternate format', async () => {
     routerPush.mockReset()
     const wrapper = mountReadButton(
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue
index 0b5bdb522..affab8807 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import {
   BookOpen,
   Check,
   ChevronDown,
+  Eye,
   Library,
   Headphones,
   Lock,
@@ -749,22 +750,30 @@ function openEditCover() {
   router.push({ name: 'book-detail', params: { bookId: props.book.id }, query: { tab: 'edit' } })
 }
 
-function openBook() {
+function openBookWithMode(mode?: 'peek') {
   if (!primaryFile.value) return
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
     params: { bookId: props.book.id, fileId: primaryFile.value.id },
-    query: { format: primaryFile.value.format ?? 'epub' },
+    query: mode === 'peek' ? { format: primaryFile.value.format ?? 'epub', mode } : { format: primaryFile.value.format ?? 'epub' },
   })
 }
 
-function openBookFile(file: BookDetail['files'][number]) {
+function openBook() {
+  openBookWithMode()
+}
+
+function peekBook() {
+  openBookWithMode('peek')
+}
+
+function openBookFile(file: BookDetail['files'][number], mode?: 'peek') {
   readMenuOpen.value = false
   mobileReadMenuOpen.value = false
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
     params: { bookId: props.book.id, fileId: file.id },
-    query: { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
+    query: mode === 'peek' ? { format: file.format ?? 'epub', mode } : { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
   })
 }
 
@@ -1075,6 +1084,19 @@ watch(
         <BookOpen v-else class="size-4" />
         {{ isPrimaryAudio ? 'Listen' : 'Read' }}
       </button>
+      <Tooltip>
+        <TooltipTrigger as-child>
+          <button
+            class="flex items-center justify-center h-9 w-12 rounded-md border border-input bg-background hover:bg-muted transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
+            :disabled="!primaryFile"
+            aria-label="Peek"
+            @click="peekBook"
+          >
+            <Eye class="size-3.5" />
+          </button>
+        </TooltipTrigger>
+        <TooltipContent>Peek</TooltipContent>
+      </Tooltip>
       <div v-if="hasPermission('library_download')" class="w-12 shrink-0">
         <BookDownloadButton :files="book.files" :book-id="book.id" />
       </div>
@@ -1143,58 +1165,74 @@ watch(
         </BookCoverSurface>
 
         <div class="mt-4 space-y-2">
-          <!-- Read/Play button: split when multiple files, plain when single -->
-          <div v-if="hasMultipleFiles" class="flex w-full h-9 rounded-md overflow-hidden">
+          <div class="flex gap-2">
+            <!-- Read/Play button: split when multiple files, plain when single -->
+            <div v-if="hasMultipleFiles" class="flex flex-1 h-9 rounded-md overflow-hidden">
+              <button
+                class="flex flex-1 items-center justify-center gap-2 bg-primary text-primary-foreground text-sm font-medium hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
+                :disabled="!primaryFile"
+                @click="openBook"
+              >
+                <BookOpen v-if="isPrimaryAudio" class="size-4" />
+                <BookOpen v-else class="size-4" />
+                {{ isPrimaryAudio ? 'Listen' : 'Read' }}
+              </button>
+              <div class="w-px bg-primary-foreground/20 shrink-0" />
+              <Popover :open="readMenuOpen" @update:open="(v) => (readMenuOpen = v)">
+                <PopoverTrigger as-child>
+                  <button
+                    class="w-8 shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors"
+                    title="Choose format"
+                  >
+                    <ChevronDown class="size-3.5" />
+                  </button>
+                </PopoverTrigger>
+                <PopoverContent class="w-52 p-1" align="end">
+                  <button
+                    v-for="file in openableFiles"
+                    :key="file.id"
+                    class="flex w-full items-center gap-2.5 px-2 py-1.5 rounded text-sm hover:bg-muted transition-colors"
+                    @click="openBookFile(file)"
+                  >
+                    <span
+                      class="text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded border shrink-0"
+                      :style="formatBadgeStyle(file.format ?? '?')"
+                      >{{ file.format ?? '?' }}</span
+                    >
+                    <span class="flex-1 text-left text-muted-foreground text-xs truncate">
+                      <template v-if="isMultiTrackAudio && FORMAT_TO_GROUP[file.format!] === 'audio'">Audiobook</template>
+                      <template v-else>{{ formatFileSize(file.sizeBytes) }}</template>
+                    </span>
+                    <span v-if="file.role === 'primary' && !isMultiTrackAudio" class="text-[10px] text-primary font-medium shrink-0">Primary</span>
+                  </button>
+                </PopoverContent>
+              </Popover>
+            </div>
             <button
-              class="flex flex-1 items-center justify-center gap-2 bg-primary text-primary-foreground text-sm font-medium hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
+              v-else
+              class="flex flex-1 items-center justify-center gap-2 h-9 rounded-md bg-primary text-primary-foreground text-sm font-medium hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
               :disabled="!primaryFile"
               @click="openBook"
             >
-              <BookOpen v-if="isPrimaryAudio" class="size-4" />
+              <Headphones v-if="isPrimaryAudio" class="size-4" />
               <BookOpen v-else class="size-4" />
               {{ isPrimaryAudio ? 'Listen' : 'Read' }}
             </button>
-            <div class="w-px bg-primary-foreground/20 shrink-0" />
-            <Popover :open="readMenuOpen" @update:open="(v) => (readMenuOpen = v)">
-              <PopoverTrigger as-child>
+
+            <Tooltip>
+              <TooltipTrigger as-child>
                 <button
-                  class="w-8 shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors"
-                  title="Choose format"
+                  class="flex items-center justify-center h-9 w-12 shrink-0 rounded-md border border-input bg-background hover:bg-muted transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
+                  :disabled="!primaryFile"
+                  aria-label="Peek"
+                  @click="peekBook"
                 >
-                  <ChevronDown class="size-3.5" />
+                  <Eye class="size-4" />
                 </button>
-              </PopoverTrigger>
-              <PopoverContent class="w-52 p-1" align="end">
-                <button
-                  v-for="file in openableFiles"
-                  :key="file.id"
-                  class="flex w-full items-center gap-2.5 px-2 py-1.5 rounded text-sm hover:bg-muted transition-colors"
-                  @click="openBookFile(file)"
-                >
-                  <span
-                    class="text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded border shrink-0"
-                    :style="formatBadgeStyle(file.format ?? '?')"
-                    >{{ file.format ?? '?' }}</span
-                  >
-                  <span class="flex-1 text-left text-muted-foreground text-xs truncate">
-                    <template v-if="isMultiTrackAudio && FORMAT_TO_GROUP[file.format!] === 'audio'">Audiobook</template>
-                    <template v-else>{{ formatFileSize(file.sizeBytes) }}</template>
-                  </span>
-                  <span v-if="file.role === 'primary' && !isMultiTrackAudio" class="text-[10px] text-primary font-medium shrink-0">Primary</span>
-                </button>
-              </PopoverContent>
-            </Popover>
+              </TooltipTrigger>
+              <TooltipContent>Peek</TooltipContent>
+            </Tooltip>
           </div>
-          <button
-            v-else
-            class="flex w-full items-center justify-center gap-2 h-9 rounded-md bg-primary text-primary-foreground text-sm font-medium hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
-            :disabled="!primaryFile"
-            @click="openBook"
-          >
-            <Headphones v-if="isPrimaryAudio" class="size-4" />
-            <BookOpen v-else class="size-4" />
-            {{ isPrimaryAudio ? 'Listen' : 'Read' }}
-          </button>
 
           <div class="flex gap-2">
             <div v-if="hasPermission('library_download')" class="flex-1">
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/FilesTab.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/FilesTab.vue
index 8992cb04f..1ebea380d 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/FilesTab.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/FilesTab.vue
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import { ref, watch, computed } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
-import { BookOpen, Download, Files, Headphones, History, FolderOpen, ArrowUpDown, MoreVertical } from 'lucide-vue-next'
+import { BookOpen, Download, Eye, Files, Headphones, History, FolderOpen, ArrowUpDown, MoreVertical } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import type { BookDetail, BookDetailFile, WriteLogEntry } from '@bookorbit/types'
 import { READER_OPENABLE_FORMATS } from '@bookorbit/types'
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
@@ -102,11 +102,11 @@ function formatRelative(iso: string): string {
   return `${d}d ago`
 }
 
-function openFile(file: BookDetailFile) {
+function openFile(file: BookDetailFile, mode?: 'peek') {
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
     params: { bookId: props.book.id, fileId: file.id },
-    query: { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
+    query: mode === 'peek' ? { format: file.format ?? 'epub', mode } : { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
   })
 }
 
@@ -299,6 +299,14 @@ async function toggleWriteLog() {
             <Headphones class="size-3.5" />
             Play
           </button>
+          <button
+            v-if="READER_OPENABLE_FORMATS.has(file.format ?? '')"
+            class="flex items-center gap-1.5 h-7 px-2.5 rounded border border-input bg-background text-xs font-medium hover:bg-muted transition-colors"
+            @click="openFile(file, 'peek')"
+          >
+            <Eye class="size-3.5" />
+            Peek
+          </button>
           <Tooltip v-if="hasPermission('library_download')">
             <TooltipTrigger as-child>
               <button
@@ -331,6 +339,10 @@ async function toggleWriteLog() {
               <Headphones class="mr-2 size-4" />
               Play
             </DropdownMenuItem>
+            <DropdownMenuItem v-if="READER_OPENABLE_FORMATS.has(file.format ?? '')" @click="openFile(file, 'peek')">
+              <Eye class="mr-2 size-4" />
+              Peek
+            </DropdownMenuItem>
             <DropdownMenuItem v-if="hasPermission('library_download')" @click="downloadFile(file)">
               <Download class="mr-2 size-4" />
               Download
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/table/BookTableReadButtonCell.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/table/BookTableReadButtonCell.vue
index 4dd0049ea..0b1d15914 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/table/BookTableReadButtonCell.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/table/BookTableReadButtonCell.vue
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import { computed } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
-import { BookOpen, ChevronDown, Play } from 'lucide-vue-next'
+import { BookOpen, ChevronDown, Eye, Play } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import { DropdownMenu, DropdownMenuContent, DropdownMenuItem, DropdownMenuTrigger } from '@/components/ui/dropdown-menu'
 import { FORMAT_TO_GROUP, READER_OPENABLE_FORMATS } from '@bookorbit/types'
 import type { BookCard, BookFileRef } from '@bookorbit/types'
@@ -87,14 +87,22 @@ function formatBadgeStyle(format: string) {
   }
 }
 
-function openFile(file: BookFileRef | null) {
+function openFile(file: BookFileRef | null, mode?: 'peek') {
   if (!file || props.book.status === 'missing') return
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
     params: { bookId: props.book.id, fileId: file.id },
-    query: { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
+    query: mode === 'peek' ? { format: file.format ?? 'epub', mode } : { format: file.format ?? 'epub' },
   })
 }
+
+function openPrimaryFile() {
+  openFile(primaryFile.value)
+}
+
+function peekPrimaryFile() {
+  openFile(primaryFile.value, 'peek')
+}
 </script>
 
 <template>
@@ -105,7 +113,7 @@ function openFile(file: BookFileRef | null) {
         class="inline-flex h-7 w-7 items-center justify-center rounded-l-md text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted/50 hover:text-foreground"
         :aria-label="`${actionVerb(primaryFile)} ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
         :title="`${actionVerb(primaryFile)} ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
-        @click.stop="openFile(primaryFile)"
+        @click.stop="openPrimaryFile"
       >
         <Play v-if="primaryIsAudio" :size="13" class="text-sky-500" />
         <BookOpen v-else :size="13" class="text-emerald-500" />
@@ -133,21 +141,36 @@ function openFile(file: BookFileRef | null) {
             <span class="flex-1 truncate text-xs">{{ actionVerb(file) }} {{ formatLabel(file) }}</span>
             <span v-if="file.role === 'primary' && !isMultiTrackAudio" class="text-[10px] text-primary">Primary</span>
           </DropdownMenuItem>
+          <DropdownMenuItem v-for="file in openableFiles" :key="`peek-${file.id}`" class="gap-2" @select="openFile(file, 'peek')">
+            <Eye :size="13" class="text-primary" />
+            <span class="flex-1 truncate text-xs">Peek {{ formatLabel(file) }}</span>
+          </DropdownMenuItem>
         </DropdownMenuContent>
       </DropdownMenu>
     </div>
 
-    <button
-      v-else
-      type="button"
-      class="mr-auto inline-flex h-7 w-7 items-center justify-center rounded-md text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted/50 hover:text-foreground"
-      :aria-label="`${actionVerb(primaryFile)} ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
-      :title="`${actionVerb(primaryFile)} ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
-      @click.stop="openFile(primaryFile)"
-    >
-      <Play v-if="isAudioFile(primaryFile)" :size="13" class="text-sky-500" />
-      <BookOpen v-else :size="13" class="text-emerald-500" />
-    </button>
+    <div v-else class="mr-auto inline-flex h-7 items-center overflow-hidden rounded-md">
+      <button
+        type="button"
+        class="inline-flex h-7 w-7 items-center justify-center rounded-l-md text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted/50 hover:text-foreground"
+        :aria-label="`${actionVerb(primaryFile)} ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
+        :title="`${actionVerb(primaryFile)} ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
+        @click.stop="openPrimaryFile"
+      >
+        <Play v-if="isAudioFile(primaryFile)" :size="13" class="text-sky-500" />
+        <BookOpen v-else :size="13" class="text-emerald-500" />
+      </button>
+      <div class="w-px shrink-0 bg-border/80" />
+      <button
+        type="button"
+        class="inline-flex h-7 w-7 items-center justify-center rounded-r-md text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted/50 hover:text-foreground"
+        :aria-label="`Peek ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
+        :title="`Peek ${formatLabel(primaryFile)}`"
+        @click.stop="peekPrimaryFile"
+      >
+        <Eye :size="13" class="text-primary" />
+      </button>
+    </div>
   </div>
 
   <span v-else class="text-xs text-muted-foreground/40">-</span>
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/ReaderView.vue b/client/src/features/reader/ReaderView.vue
index f339c9ff4..78392accf 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/ReaderView.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/ReaderView.vue
@@ -43,6 +43,11 @@ const fileFormat = (route.query.format as string) || 'epub'
 const isAudioFormat = getFormatGroup(fileFormat) === 'audio'
 const isPdfFormat = fileFormat === 'pdf'
 const isComicFormat = fileFormat === 'cbz' || fileFormat === 'cbr' || fileFormat === 'cb7'
+const isPeekMode = computed(() => {
+  const mode = route.query.mode
+  return (Array.isArray(mode) ? mode[0] : mode) === 'peek'
+})
+const trackingEnabled = computed(() => !isPeekMode.value)
 
 const containerRef = ref<HTMLElement | null>(null)
 const showSidebar = ref(false)
@@ -82,13 +87,17 @@ const {
 
 const customFonts = useCustomFonts()
 
-const { onActivity, elapsedMinutes } = useReadingSession(fileId, () => ({
-  percentage: progress.percentage.value,
-  cfi: progress.cfi.value,
-  pageNumber: progress.pageNumber.value,
-}))
+const { onActivity, elapsedMinutes } = useReadingSession(
+  fileId,
+  () => ({
+    percentage: progress.percentage.value,
+    cfi: progress.cfi.value,
+    pageNumber: progress.pageNumber.value,
+  }),
+  { trackingEnabled },
+)
 
-const progress = useReaderProgress(bookId, fileId, elapsedMinutes)
+const progress = useReaderProgress(bookId, fileId, elapsedMinutes, 0, { trackingEnabled })
 const { cfi, chapterTitle, sectionIndex, totalSections, fraction, locationTotal, footerMode, cycleFooterMode, updateHeadsFeet } = progress
 
 const visibility = useVisibility()
@@ -140,6 +149,15 @@ function toggleHelpModal() {
   showHelpModal.value = !showHelpModal.value
 }
 
+async function startTrackedReading() {
+  const query = { ...route.query }
+  delete query.mode
+  await router.replace({ name: 'reader', params: route.params, query })
+  await nextTick()
+  await progress.save()
+  onActivity()
+}
+
 const chapterStartFraction = computed(() => {
   const fracs = sectionFractions.value
   const idx = sectionIndex.value
@@ -498,9 +516,9 @@ watch(
 </script>
 
 <template>
-  <PdfV4ReaderView v-if="isPdfFormat" :bookId="bookId" :fileId="fileId" />
-  <CbzReaderView v-else-if="isComicFormat" :bookId="bookId" :fileId="fileId" />
-  <AudiobookReaderView v-else-if="isAudioFormat" :bookId="bookId" :fileId="fileId" />
+  <PdfV4ReaderView v-if="isPdfFormat" :bookId="bookId" :fileId="fileId" :peek-mode="isPeekMode" />
+  <CbzReaderView v-else-if="isComicFormat" :bookId="bookId" :fileId="fileId" :peek-mode="isPeekMode" />
+  <AudiobookReaderView v-else-if="isAudioFormat" :bookId="bookId" :fileId="fileId" :peek-mode="isPeekMode" />
   <div
     v-else
     class="fixed inset-0 overflow-hidden"
@@ -513,6 +531,7 @@ watch(
       :isBookmarked="bookmarks.isCurrentCfiBookmarked.value"
       :settings-open="showSettings"
       :footerMode="footerMode"
+      :peek-mode="isPeekMode"
       class="transition-all duration-300"
       :class="headerVisible ? 'opacity-100 translate-y-0' : 'opacity-0 -translate-y-full pointer-events-none'"
       @back="router.back()"
@@ -523,6 +542,7 @@ watch(
       @toggleFullscreen="toggleFullscreen"
       @toggleHelp="toggleHelpModal"
       @cycleFooterMode="cycleFooterMode"
+      @startReading="startTrackedReading"
     >
       <template #settingsPanel>
         <ReaderSettingsPanel :state="state" :customFonts="customFonts" @update="applyUpdate" />
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/AudiobookReaderView.vue b/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/AudiobookReaderView.vue
index 95572fdf9..4983e60d1 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/AudiobookReaderView.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/AudiobookReaderView.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, ref, watch, type WatchStopHandle } from 'vue'
-import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
+import { computed, nextTick, onMounted, onUnmounted, ref, watch, type WatchStopHandle } from 'vue'
+import { useRoute, useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import {
   Bookmark,
   BookmarkCheck,
@@ -33,8 +33,10 @@ import { useAudioSettings } from './composables/useAudioSettings'
 import { useAudioBookmarks, type AudioBookmark } from './composables/useAudioBookmarks'
 import { useReadingSession } from '../shared/composables/useReadingSession'
 
-const props = defineProps<{ bookId: number; fileId: number }>()
+const props = defineProps<{ bookId: number; fileId: number; peekMode?: boolean }>()
+const route = useRoute()
 const router = useRouter()
+const trackingEnabled = computed(() => !props.peekMode)
 
 const detail = ref<BookDetail | null>(null)
 const loading = ref(true)
@@ -65,7 +67,7 @@ const audioFiles = computed<BookDetailFile[]>(() => {
 
 // ── Progress ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
-const progress = useAudioProgress(props.bookId)
+const progress = useAudioProgress(props.bookId, { trackingEnabled })
 
 // ── Queue (created lazily after files load) ───────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -139,7 +141,7 @@ const audioBookmarks = useAudioBookmarks(props.bookId)
 
 // ── Reading session ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
-const session = useReadingSession(props.fileId, () => ({ percentage: progressPct.value }))
+const session = useReadingSession(props.fileId, () => ({ percentage: progressPct.value }), { trackingEnabled })
 
 // ── Ticker (updates position every 500ms while playing) ──────────────────────
 
@@ -560,6 +562,19 @@ function handleScrubberLeave() {
   if (!isDragging.value) scrubberHoverSeconds.value = null
 }
 
+async function startTrackedReading() {
+  const query = { ...route.query }
+  delete query.mode
+  await router.replace({ name: 'reader', params: route.params, query })
+  await nextTick()
+  const fileId = audioFiles.value[currentFileIndex.value]?.id
+  if (fileId) {
+    progress.update(fileId, currentPosition.value, progressPct.value)
+    progress.flush()
+  }
+  session.onActivity()
+}
+
 // ── Computed helpers ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 const absolutePositionSeconds = computed(() => {
@@ -776,6 +791,12 @@ onMounted(async () => {
               {{ detail.audioMetadata.narrators.map((n) => n.name).join(', ') }}
             </p>
           </div>
+          <div v-if="props.peekMode" class="flex h-8 items-center gap-1 rounded-md border border-white/20 bg-white/10 px-1.5 text-white">
+            <span class="hidden text-[11px] font-medium sm:inline">Peeking</span>
+            <button class="h-6 rounded-sm bg-white px-2 text-[11px] font-semibold text-black hover:bg-white/90" @click="startTrackedReading">
+              Start reading
+            </button>
+          </div>
           <!-- Bookmark toggle -->
           <button
             class="p-2 rounded-full hover:bg-white/10 transition-colors"
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/composables/useAudioProgress.ts b/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/composables/useAudioProgress.ts
index 04509be0b..e146c602d 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/composables/useAudioProgress.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/audiobook/composables/useAudioProgress.ts
@@ -1,12 +1,17 @@
-import { onUnmounted, ref } from 'vue'
+import { onUnmounted, ref, unref, type MaybeRef } from 'vue'
 import { api } from '@/lib/api'
 
 const SAVE_THROTTLE_MS = 5_000
 
-export function useAudioProgress(bookId: number) {
+export interface AudioProgressOptions {
+  trackingEnabled?: MaybeRef<boolean>
+}
+
+export function useAudioProgress(bookId: number, options: AudioProgressOptions = {}) {
   const resumeFileId = ref<number | null>(null)
   const resumePosition = ref(0)
   const loaded = ref(false)
+  const trackingEnabled = options.trackingEnabled ?? true
 
   let pendingFileId: number | null = null
   let pendingPosition = 0
@@ -15,6 +20,10 @@ export function useAudioProgress(bookId: number) {
   let dirty = false
 
   async function load() {
+    if (!unref(trackingEnabled)) {
+      loaded.value = true
+      return
+    }
     const res = await api(`/api/v1/books/${bookId}/audio-progress`)
     // Mark loaded regardless of response so callers can distinguish
     // "load attempted" from "load not yet called".
@@ -28,6 +37,7 @@ export function useAudioProgress(bookId: number) {
   }
 
   function update(fileId: number, positionSeconds: number, percentage: number) {
+    if (!unref(trackingEnabled)) return
     pendingFileId = fileId
     pendingPosition = positionSeconds
     pendingPercentage = percentage
@@ -42,6 +52,7 @@ export function useAudioProgress(bookId: number) {
   }
 
   function flushIfDirty() {
+    if (!unref(trackingEnabled)) return
     if (!dirty || pendingFileId === null) return
     const body = JSON.stringify({
       percentage: pendingPercentage,
@@ -59,6 +70,7 @@ export function useAudioProgress(bookId: number) {
   }
 
   function flush() {
+    if (!unref(trackingEnabled)) return
     if (saveTimer) {
       clearTimeout(saveTimer)
       saveTimer = null
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/cbz/CbzReaderView.vue b/client/src/features/reader/cbz/CbzReaderView.vue
index 78619bf3b..2298c84d8 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/cbz/CbzReaderView.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/cbz/CbzReaderView.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import { type Component, computed, nextTick, onMounted, onUnmounted, ref, watch } from 'vue'
-import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
+import { useRoute, useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import {
   AlignJustify,
   ArrowDownUp,
@@ -37,16 +37,22 @@ import { DropdownMenu, DropdownMenuContent, DropdownMenuTrigger } from '@/compon
 
 const TWO_PAGE_BREAKPOINT = 900
 
-const props = defineProps<{ bookId: number; fileId: number }>()
+const props = defineProps<{ bookId: number; fileId: number; peekMode?: boolean }>()
+const route = useRoute()
 const router = useRouter()
+const trackingEnabled = computed(() => !props.peekMode)
 
 const { headerVisible, footerVisible, handleMiddleTap, showHeader, showFooter, setVisibilityLock } = useVisibility()
 
-const { onActivity, elapsedMinutes } = useReadingSession(props.fileId, () => ({
-  percentage: progress.percentage.value,
-  pageNumber: progress.pageNumber.value,
-}))
-const progress = useReaderProgress(props.bookId, props.fileId, elapsedMinutes)
+const { onActivity, elapsedMinutes } = useReadingSession(
+  props.fileId,
+  () => ({
+    percentage: progress.percentage.value,
+    pageNumber: progress.pageNumber.value,
+  }),
+  { trackingEnabled },
+)
+const progress = useReaderProgress(props.bookId, props.fileId, elapsedMinutes, 0, { trackingEnabled })
 const { pageCount, bookTitle, loading, error, pageUrl, load } = useCbz(props.fileId, props.bookId)
 const { fitMode, viewMode, scrollMode, direction, spreadAlignment, forceTwoPage, widePageSingletonMode, bgColor, bgValue, imgFitClass } =
   useCbzSettings()
@@ -537,6 +543,17 @@ function onResize() {
   viewportWidth.value = window.innerWidth
 }
 
+async function startTrackedReading() {
+  const query = { ...route.query }
+  delete query.mode
+  await router.replace({ name: 'reader', params: route.params, query })
+  await nextTick()
+  progress.pageNumber.value = progressPageIndex.value + 1
+  progress.percentage.value = progressPercent.value
+  await progress.save()
+  onActivity()
+}
+
 // ── Mount / unmount ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 onMounted(async () => {
   viewportWidth.value = window.innerWidth
@@ -595,6 +612,15 @@ onUnmounted(() => {
           <span v-if="bookTitle" class="text-sm font-serif text-foreground truncate leading-tight">{{ bookTitle }}</span>
           <span class="text-xs text-muted-foreground tabular-nums">{{ pageLabel }}</span>
         </div>
+        <div v-if="props.peekMode" class="flex h-7 items-center gap-1 rounded-md border border-primary/30 bg-primary/10 px-1.5 text-primary">
+          <span class="hidden text-[11px] font-medium sm:inline">Peeking</span>
+          <button
+            class="h-5 rounded-sm bg-primary px-1.5 text-[10px] font-semibold text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90"
+            @click="startTrackedReading"
+          >
+            Start reading
+          </button>
+        </div>
         <DropdownMenu v-model:open="showSettings">
           <DropdownMenuTrigger as-child>
             <button class="viewer-btn" :class="showSettings ? '!bg-muted !text-foreground' : ''">
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/ReaderHeader.vue b/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/ReaderHeader.vue
index c093d8dc3..0ed894d87 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/ReaderHeader.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/ReaderHeader.vue
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ const props = defineProps<{
   isBookmarked: boolean
   settingsOpen: boolean
   footerMode: 0 | 1 | 2
+  peekMode?: boolean
 }>()
 
 const emit = defineEmits<{
@@ -33,6 +34,7 @@ const emit = defineEmits<{
   toggleFullscreen: []
   toggleHelp: []
   cycleFooterMode: []
+  startReading: []
 }>()
 
 const isFullscreen = ref(false)
@@ -105,6 +107,16 @@ onUnmounted(() => document.removeEventListener('fullscreenchange', onFullscreenC
 
     <!-- Right button group -->
     <div class="flex items-center gap-1 shrink-0 ml-auto">
+      <div v-if="props.peekMode" class="flex h-7 items-center gap-1 rounded-md border border-primary/30 bg-primary/10 px-1.5 text-primary">
+        <span class="hidden text-[11px] font-medium sm:inline">Peeking</span>
+        <button
+          class="h-5 rounded-sm bg-primary px-1.5 text-[10px] font-semibold text-primary-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-primary/90 sm:h-6 sm:px-2 sm:text-[11px]"
+          @click="emit('startReading')"
+        >
+          Start reading
+        </button>
+      </div>
+
       <Tooltip>
         <TooltipTrigger as-child>
           <button class="viewer-btn" aria-label="Search" @click="emit('toggleSearch')">
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/__tests__/ReaderSidebar.spec.ts b/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/__tests__/ReaderSidebar.spec.ts
index a1343acbe..cc7e4791b 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/__tests__/ReaderSidebar.spec.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/epub/components/__tests__/ReaderSidebar.spec.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest'
 import ReaderSidebar from '../ReaderSidebar.vue'
 
 describe('ReaderSidebar', () => {
-  const scrollIntoView = vi.fn()
+  const scrollIntoView = vi.fn<() => void>()
 
   beforeEach(() => {
     scrollIntoView.mockClear()
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/pdf-v4/PdfV4ReaderView.vue b/client/src/features/reader/pdf-v4/PdfV4ReaderView.vue
index 15996a5cf..c0cebde1a 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/pdf-v4/PdfV4ReaderView.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/pdf-v4/PdfV4ReaderView.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { onMounted, onUnmounted, ref } from 'vue'
+import { computed, nextTick, onMounted, onUnmounted, ref } from 'vue'
+import { useRoute, useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import { PDFViewer, ScrollPlugin, ScrollStrategy, SpreadMode, ZoomMode } from '@embedpdf/vue-pdf-viewer'
 import type { PDFViewerConfig, PluginRegistry, ScrollCapability, EmbedPdfContainer } from '@embedpdf/vue-pdf-viewer'
 import { getAccessToken } from '@/lib/api'
@@ -10,16 +11,23 @@ import { useThemeStore, ACCENT_OPTIONS } from '@/stores/theme'
 import type { PdfReaderSettings } from '@bookorbit/types'
 import { getIsDark, lookupAccentHex } from './pdf-viewer-utils'
 
-const props = defineProps<{ bookId: number; fileId: number }>()
+const props = defineProps<{ bookId: number; fileId: number; peekMode?: boolean }>()
+const route = useRoute()
+const router = useRouter()
+const trackingEnabled = computed(() => !props.peekMode)
 
 const themeStore = useThemeStore()
 
 const bookSettings = useReaderSettings(props.fileId, 'pdf')
-const { onActivity, elapsedMinutes } = useReadingSession(props.fileId, () => ({
-  percentage: progress.percentage.value,
-  pageNumber: progress.pageNumber.value,
-}))
-const progress = useReaderProgress(props.bookId, props.fileId, elapsedMinutes)
+const { onActivity, elapsedMinutes } = useReadingSession(
+  props.fileId,
+  () => ({
+    percentage: progress.percentage.value,
+    pageNumber: progress.pageNumber.value,
+  }),
+  { trackingEnabled },
+)
+const progress = useReaderProgress(props.bookId, props.fileId, elapsedMinutes, 0, { trackingEnabled })
 
 let saveTimer: ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null = null
 let unsubPageChange: (() => void) | null = null
@@ -38,6 +46,8 @@ function buildThemeConfig() {
 }
 
 function scheduleSave(pageNumber: number, totalPages: number) {
+  currentPageNumber.value = pageNumber
+  totalPageCount.value = totalPages
   if (saveTimer) clearTimeout(saveTimer)
   saveTimer = setTimeout(() => {
     progress.pageNumber.value = pageNumber
@@ -48,6 +58,8 @@ function scheduleSave(pageNumber: number, totalPages: number) {
 
 const configReady = ref(false)
 const viewerConfig = ref<PDFViewerConfig>({})
+const currentPageNumber = ref<number | null>(null)
+const totalPageCount = ref<number | null>(null)
 
 onMounted(async () => {
   await bookSettings.load()
@@ -116,6 +128,8 @@ async function setupProgressTracking(registry: PluginRegistry) {
   unsubLayoutReady = scroll.onLayoutReady(({ isInitial, totalPages }) => {
     if (!isInitial) return
     const initialPage = progress.pageNumber.value ?? 1
+    currentPageNumber.value = initialPage
+    totalPageCount.value = totalPages
     if (initialPage > 1 && initialPage <= totalPages) {
       scroll.scrollToPage({ pageNumber: initialPage })
     }
@@ -152,6 +166,19 @@ function setupThemeSync() {
   })
 }
 
+async function startTrackedReading() {
+  const query = { ...route.query }
+  delete query.mode
+  await router.replace({ name: 'reader', params: route.params, query })
+  await nextTick()
+  if (currentPageNumber.value !== null) {
+    progress.pageNumber.value = currentPageNumber.value
+    progress.percentage.value = totalPageCount.value ? (currentPageNumber.value / totalPageCount.value) * 100 : progress.percentage.value
+  }
+  await progress.save()
+  onActivity()
+}
+
 onUnmounted(() => {
   unsubPageChange?.()
   unsubLayoutReady?.()
@@ -162,6 +189,17 @@ onUnmounted(() => {
 
 <template>
   <div class="fixed inset-0 flex flex-col">
+    <div v-if="props.peekMode" class="pointer-events-none absolute left-0 right-0 top-3 z-50 flex justify-center">
+      <div class="pointer-events-auto flex h-8 items-center gap-2 rounded-md border border-primary/30 bg-background/95 px-2 text-primary shadow-sm">
+        <span class="text-xs font-medium">Peeking</span>
+        <button
+          class="h-6 rounded-sm bg-primary px-2 text-[11px] font-semibold text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90"
+          @click="startTrackedReading"
+        >
+          Start reading
+        </button>
+      </div>
+    </div>
     <PDFViewer v-if="configReady" :config="viewerConfig" style="flex: 1; min-height: 0" @init="handleInit" @ready="handleReady" />
   </div>
 </template>
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReaderProgress.spec.ts b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReaderProgress.spec.ts
index a91d27916..6226b9a27 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReaderProgress.spec.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReaderProgress.spec.ts
@@ -193,4 +193,20 @@ describe('useReaderProgress', () => {
 
     vi.useRealTimers()
   })
+
+  it('keeps relocate state in memory without loading or saving when tracking is disabled', async () => {
+    vi.useFakeTimers()
+    const trackingEnabled = ref(false)
+    const progress = useReaderProgress(1, 1, elapsedMinutes, 0, { trackingEnabled })
+
+    await progress.load()
+    progress.onRelocate(makeDetail({ fraction: 0.42 }))
+    await progress.save()
+    await vi.advanceTimersByTimeAsync(2500)
+
+    expect(progress.percentage.value).toBe(42)
+    expect(apiMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+
+    vi.useRealTimers()
+  })
 })
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReadingSession.spec.ts b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReadingSession.spec.ts
index 0b102004b..6f3a0fca0 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReadingSession.spec.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/__tests__/useReadingSession.spec.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { describe, expect, it, vi, beforeEach, afterEach } from 'vitest'
+import { ref } from 'vue'
 import { useReadingSession } from '../useReadingSession'
 
 const apiMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn<(...args: unknown[]) => Promise<unknown>>())
@@ -94,4 +95,16 @@ describe('useReadingSession - elapsedMinutes', () => {
     onActivity()
     expect(elapsedMinutes.value).toBe(0)
   })
+
+  it('does not track elapsed time or save sessions when tracking is disabled', async () => {
+    const trackingEnabled = ref(false)
+    const { onActivity, elapsedMinutes, endSession } = useReadingSession(1, () => ({ percentage: 10 }), { trackingEnabled })
+
+    onActivity()
+    await vi.advanceTimersByTimeAsync(2 * 60 * 1000)
+    endSession()
+
+    expect(elapsedMinutes.value).toBe(0)
+    expect(apiMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
 })
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReaderProgress.ts b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReaderProgress.ts
index d39ac0c65..f9f05e3c3 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReaderProgress.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReaderProgress.ts
@@ -1,9 +1,13 @@
-import { onUnmounted, ref, type Ref } from 'vue'
+import { onUnmounted, ref, unref, type MaybeRef, type Ref } from 'vue'
 import { api } from '@/lib/api'
 import type { FoliateRenderer, RelocateDetail } from '../../epub/composables/useFoliate'
 
 export type FooterDisplayMode = 0 | 1 | 2
 
+export interface ReaderProgressOptions {
+  trackingEnabled?: MaybeRef<boolean>
+}
+
 export function formatTimeRemaining(minutes: number): string {
   if (!Number.isFinite(minutes) || minutes < 0) return ''
   if (minutes < 1) return '< 1 min'
@@ -14,7 +18,13 @@ export function formatTimeRemaining(minutes: number): string {
   return `${hours} hr ${remainder} min`
 }
 
-export function useReaderProgress(bookId: number, fileId: number, elapsedMinutes: Ref<number>, initialFooterMode: FooterDisplayMode = 0) {
+export function useReaderProgress(
+  bookId: number,
+  fileId: number,
+  elapsedMinutes: Ref<number>,
+  initialFooterMode: FooterDisplayMode = 0,
+  options: ReaderProgressOptions = {},
+) {
   const cfi = ref<string | null>(null)
   const pageNumber = ref<number | null>(null)
   const percentage = ref(0)
@@ -31,6 +41,7 @@ export function useReaderProgress(bookId: number, fileId: number, elapsedMinutes
   const timeTotal = ref(0)
 
   const footerMode = ref<FooterDisplayMode>(initialFooterMode)
+  const trackingEnabled = options.trackingEnabled ?? true
 
   let saveTimer: ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null = null
 
@@ -39,6 +50,7 @@ export function useReaderProgress(bookId: number, fileId: number, elapsedMinutes
   })
 
   async function load() {
+    if (!unref(trackingEnabled)) return
     const res = await api(`/api/v1/books/files/${fileId}/progress`)
     if (!res.ok) return
     const data = await res.json()
@@ -63,10 +75,12 @@ export function useReaderProgress(bookId: number, fileId: number, elapsedMinutes
     timeTotal.value = detail?.time?.total ?? 0
 
     if (saveTimer) clearTimeout(saveTimer)
+    if (!unref(trackingEnabled)) return
     saveTimer = setTimeout(() => save(), 2000)
   }
 
   async function save() {
+    if (!unref(trackingEnabled)) return
     await api(`/api/v1/books/files/${fileId}/progress`, {
       method: 'POST',
       headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
diff --git a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReadingSession.ts b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReadingSession.ts
index 58ad4bbd6..802228e29 100644
--- a/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReadingSession.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/reader/shared/composables/useReadingSession.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { onUnmounted, ref } from 'vue'
+import { onUnmounted, ref, unref, type MaybeRef } from 'vue'
 import { api } from '@/lib/api'
 
 export interface ProgressSnapshot {
@@ -11,13 +11,17 @@ const IDLE_TIMEOUT_MS = 5 * 60 * 1000
 const MIN_SESSION_MS = 10 * 1000
 const ELAPSED_UPDATE_INTERVAL_MS = 30 * 1000
 
+export interface ReadingSessionOptions {
+  trackingEnabled?: MaybeRef<boolean>
+}
+
 function generateSessionId(): string {
   return typeof crypto !== 'undefined' && typeof crypto.randomUUID === 'function'
     ? crypto.randomUUID()
     : `session-${Date.now()}-${Math.random().toString(36).slice(2, 10)}` // codeql[js/insecure-randomness] - session IDs are non-security deduplication keys
 }
 
-export function useReadingSession(bookFileId: number, getProgress: () => ProgressSnapshot) {
+export function useReadingSession(bookFileId: number, getProgress: () => ProgressSnapshot, options: ReadingSessionOptions = {}) {
   let sessionId = generateSessionId()
   let startedAt: Date | null = null
   let activeMs = 0
@@ -28,6 +32,11 @@ export function useReadingSession(bookFileId: number, getProgress: () => Progres
 
   const elapsedMinutes = ref(0)
   let elapsedInterval: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
+  const trackingEnabled = options.trackingEnabled ?? true
+
+  function canTrack(): boolean {
+    return unref(trackingEnabled)
+  }
 
   function getActiveMs(): number {
     if (activeStart === null) return activeMs
@@ -92,6 +101,7 @@ export function useReadingSession(bookFileId: number, getProgress: () => Progres
   }
 
   function onActivity() {
+    if (!canTrack()) return
     // No active session or previous session ended (e.g. after idle timeout) - start fresh.
     if (!startedAt || ended) {
       sessionId = generateSessionId()
@@ -103,6 +113,16 @@ export function useReadingSession(bookFileId: number, getProgress: () => Progres
   }
 
   function endSession(useBeacon = false) {
+    if (!canTrack()) {
+      clearIdleTimer()
+      stopElapsedInterval()
+      startedAt = null
+      activeStart = null
+      activeMs = 0
+      ended = true
+      elapsedMinutes.value = 0
+      return
+    }
     if (ended || !startedAt) return
     ended = true
     clearIdleTimer()