A bold new chapter for romance readers is coming to the Midlands this Valentine’s Day, as The Spicy Librarian, Europe’s largest dedicated romance bookshop, opens its doors in Leamington Spa.

Created as an unapologetically inclusive, adult-only space for romance lovers, The Spicy Librarian celebrates love stories in all their forms — from swoony contemporary romance and spicy romantasy to darker romance — while placing community, connection and inclusivity at its heart.

At a time when romance and fantasy are among the fastest-growing genres in UK publishing, the shop offers something rarely seen on the high street: a space that doesn’t sideline romance, but puts it centre stage.

“Romance is one of the most-read genres in the world, yet readers are often expected to enjoy it quietly or with embarrassment,” says D, the founder of The Spicy Librarian. “This shop exists to change that. It’s a place where romance readers can feel seen, celebrated and completely at home.”

More than a bookshop

The Spicy Librarian is designed as a social and cultural hub, not just a retail space. Alongside carefully curated shelves, the bookshop features a coffee bar by day and a wine and cocktail bar by night, encouraging visitors to linger, connect and discover new stories together.

The space is strictly 18+, reflecting the adult themes explored in many of the books, and offers a welcoming, inclusive environment that actively celebrates LGBTQIA+ readers, authors and stories.

Regular programming will include:

• A monthly in-store book club
• An indie author subscription book club
• Author signings, previews and launch events
• Themed community nights and reader meet-ups
• A weekly podcast sharing book recommendations and genre deep-dives

Inspired by global trends, rooted in the Midlands

The idea for The Spicy Librarian was sparked after the founder encountered romance-only bookstores while travelling in the US — vibrant, busy spaces that treated romance as something to be proud of rather than hidden away. Returning home, the absence of anything similar in the UK, particularly in the Midlands, felt stark.

Launching in Leamington Spa, the shop aims to draw readers from across the region and beyond, positioning the town as a destination for romance and romantasy fans while contributing to the revival of the high street.

“Independent bookshops are where discovery, risk-taking and community happen,” the founder adds. “This isn’t about competing with big retailers — it’s about offering depth, connection and a space that truly understands its readers.”

A Valentine’s Day launch with purpose

Opening on 14 February 2026, The Spicy Librarian reframes Valentine’s Day as a celebration not just of romantic partners, but of self-love, storytelling and shared joy — a sentiment that resonates strongly with Gen Z and millennial readers who have helped fuel the genre’s resurgence through platforms like BookTok.

As romance continues to dominate reading charts and online conversation, The Spicy Librarian offers a physical space to match that passion — proving that what starts online can thrive on the high street.

Contact Ali Maynard James for any press enquiries press@thespicylibrarian.co.uk