Romance Only Bookshops In The UK
Are you looking for your next great love story? Whether you’re a die-hard fan of slow-burn regency, a seeker of steamy contemporary reads, or a follower of the latest BookTok sensations, the UK is currently experiencing a literary revolution.
Romance is officially having its main character moment. From the historic cobblestones of Edinburgh to the trendy, neon-lit streets of London, a new wave of independent romance bookshops is popping up across the country. These aren’t just shops; they are sanctuaries. They are places where “smut” is celebrated without judgment, where “vampire boyfriends” and “grumpy x sunshine” pairings are organized by shelf, and where every reader, regardless of their preferred spice level, is welcomed with open arms.
If you’re ready to trade your digital e-reader for a physical sanctuary of stories, or if you’re planning the ultimate “literary road trip” across Great Britain, you’ve come to the right place. From Wales’ first dedicated romance hub to London’s most aesthetic “smut huts,” we’ve rounded up the top 6 romance bookshops in the UK for you to visit.
1. The Spicy Librarian (Leamington Spa)
Location 📍: 45 Warwick St, Leamington Spa CV32 5JX, United Kingdom
Opening times: MON – WED (10am to 7pm) / THU (10am to 9pm) / FRI – SAT (10am to 11pm) / SUN (10am to 9pm)
The Spicy Librarian is a charming little bookshop tucked away in the heart of Leamington Spa. This shop is perfect for those looking for something a little bit steamier than your average romance read, with a dedicated section to spicy and sensual stories. The shop owner, a passionate romance reader, curates a unique and exciting selection of books, with everything from regency to modern-day. The Spicy Librarian also hosts regular author events and book clubs, making it a wonderful hub for the local romance community.
2. Saucy Books (London)
Location 📍: 236 Westbourne Park Rd, London W11 1EL, United Kingdom
Opening times: MON – TUE (closed) / WED – FRI (12pm to 6.30pm) / SAT (11am to 6pm) / SUN (11am to 5pm)
If you’re looking for a bookshop with a bit of a rebellious edge, Saucy Books in London is the place to be. This shop is all about celebrating the diverse and often-overlooked subgenres of romance, from LGBTQ+ and diverse stories to feminist and historical reads. The books on display are always engaging and thought-provoking, and the shop’s friendly staff is always happy to offer recommendations. Saucy Books is also known for its fantastic zines and art, making it a great place to discover new talent and explore the intersection of romance and pop culture.
3. Book Lovers Bookshop (Edinburgh)
Location 📍: 6 Melville Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1ND, United Kingdom
Opening times: WED – SUN (11am to 6pm)
Book Lovers Bookshop in Edinburgh is a cozy and welcoming spot for all bookworms, but it has a particularly impressive romance section. From classic historical romances to modern-day beach reads, the shop has a vast and varied selection that will leave you spoiled for choice. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to chat about your favorite reads, and the shop’s charming atmosphere is perfect for getting lost in a good book. Book Lovers Bookshop is also a great place to pick up unique gifts for the readers in your life, with a range of charming notebooks and tote bags on display.
4. Love Stories Bookshop (Cardiff)
Location 📍: 36-38 Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BW, United Kingdom
Opening times: WED – SAT (10am to 5pm) / SUN (11am to 4pm)
Love Stories Bookshop in Cardiff is a dedicated romance shop with a heart. The owner’s passion for the genre is evident in every corner of the shop, which is packed with a carefully curated selection of reads. From historical to contemporary, from steamy to sweet, Love Stories has something for every romance reader. The shop also hosts regular events and book clubs, making it a lively and engaging space for the local community. Love Stories is more than just a bookshop – it’s a place where readers can come together to share their love of stories and connect with other like-minded individuals.
5. Happily Ever After Bookshop (Liverpool)
Location 📍: Inside the Red Brick Market at 70 Stanhope St, Liverpool, L8 5RF
Opening times: MON – SAT (10am to 6pm) / SUN (11am to 6pm)
Happily Ever After Bookshop in Liverpool is a haven for romance readers, with a cozy atmosphere and a vast selection of reads. From historical to contemporary, the shop has something for everyone, with a particularly good selection of UK-based authors. The shop’s owner is always happy to offer recommendations and chat about her favorite reads, making Happily Ever After a great place to discover new authors and hidden gems. The shop also hosts regular events, including author signings and book club meetings, making it a lively and welcoming hub for the local community.
6. Of Books and Love (London)
Location 📍: 50 Cross St, London N1 2BA, United Kingdom
Opening times: MON – SAT (10.30am to 6.30pm) / SUN (11am to 5pm)
Of Books and Love is a beautiful and inspiring bookshop in London that celebrates the power of stories and the magic of love. This shop is all about curating a unique and diverse selection of books that explore the themes of love and romance in all their forms. From heartwarming contemporary reads to thought-provoking historical stories, Of Books and Love has something for every reader. The shop’s friendly and welcoming staff is always happy to chat about books and offer recommendations, and the shop’s calm and inviting atmosphere is perfect for getting lost in a good read.
7. The Sinful Spine (Newcastle)
Location 📍: 12 Heaton Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1SD, United Kingdom
The Sinful Spine is a romance only bookshop opening in Newcastle on the 1st August, 2026. This beautiful bookshop will offer a wide variety of romance genres including contemporary, dark romance, and Romantasy! Keep an eye on their social media for the big opening in August 🙂
8. Bad Girl Books (Oxford)
Location 📍: 29 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AA, United Kingdom
Opening times: MON – FRI (12.00pm to 7.00pm) / SUN – SAT (10am to 5pm)
Bad Girl Books is a new romantasy only bookshop which opened its doors on the 4th July, 2026. Besides a wide range of popular romantasy books, this lovely bookshop also has a gift shop with bookish accessories every romantasy readers dreams of.
Ready to Start Your UK Romance Bookshop Crawl?
From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the vibrant arcades of Cardiff, the UK’s romance scene has never been more exciting. These six shops are leading the way in creating inclusive, aesthetic, and unapologetically “spicy” spaces for readers of all kinds. Before you head out, be sure to check their Instagram pages for the latest author signings and book club meetups!
Looking for popular romantasy book recommendations?
Check out my latest video where I rank popular romantasy books:
