Book Lovers Bookshop – Visit the UK’s First Romance Bookshop in Edinburgh!
⋆˙⟡♡︎ This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Thanks for your support ⋆˙⟡♡︎
If you’re a fan of romance novels, then you have to add Book Lovers Bookshop to your literary bucket list.
It’s the UK’s first brick-and-mortar romance-only bookshop, and it sells every type of romance book you could think of.
As a lover of all things Romantasy, I knew I just had to visit the next time I was in Scotland.
Here’s why you must visit Book Lovers Bookshop, the UK’s first romance bookshop in Edinburgh!
Introducing Book Lovers Bookshop
Book Lovers Bookshop opened in 2024 and was founded by Caden Armstrong, an American romance author of Truthfully, Yours.
Originally from Los Angeles, Caden travelled to Scotland to pursue a post-graduate degree in publishing.
They then met their partner in Edinburgh and decided to settle here long-term.
Eventually, the Book Lovers Bookshop was born, inspired by shops like the Ripped Bodice in New York.
It quickly grew to fame and made national headlines as it was to be the first purpose-built romance-only bookshop in the UK.
The first brick-and-mortar romance bookshop in the UK
As romance is one of the best-selling book genres of all time, I’m surprised that the UK hasn’t had a purpose-built romance bookshop before this.
But romance and smut have always been criticised as not being ‘proper literature’ in academic circles since the dawn of time. Hello, misogyny.
In recent years, there has been a rise in women choosing independence over mediocre relationships.
An article in Vogue recently stated that having a boyfriend is embarrassing, as making a man your whole life drains your ambition, resources, time, and spirit.
There is a male loneliness epidemic, but you could easily call this a male consequences epidemic, as women are waking up to ill treatment.
In short, women are tired of real men in their failed marriage, toxic relationship or being in the trenches of dating apps.
So, they are craving fictional ones, whether they be human, fae, pirate, monster, werewolf or vampire.
Why? Because it’s safe and the men in these novels actually like women and treat them well. More than well. In fact, they worship them.
In part, it’s due to this that the rise in romance readers, especially Romantasy readers, has grown exponentially in the last few years.
In anticipation of ‘whataboutism’, you may not relate to any of the above. You may just like romance novels, because you like them, and that’s okay.
Regardless of the reason, you cannot deny that romance reading is more popular than ever before.
Picking up a smutty book is no longer a dirty secret or something to be ashamed of.
People are now proud romance readers, which is only a good thing, and I believe shows the world is healing.
I wouldn’t be surprised if more romance bookshops like this open in the near future.
Why visit Book Lovers Bookshop
If you’re a book lover in Edinburgh, then you must plan a visit to the UK’s first romance-only bookshop.
It’s queer and disabled owned safe space for the romance community.
I visited RARE Edinburgh last year, a Romance Author and Reader Event, and tickets sold out in a matter of minutes.
Book Lovers Bookshop planned their opening around the same time as this conference, and it was so busy that queues were down the street!
I didn’t get to visit at the time, so I decided to go this year. I’m happy to say this niche store is still just as popular.
What books do they sell?
They sell any romance book you could think of. Every bookshelf is crammed full of romance books. It’s a dream come true.
Classic, Regency, monster, paranormal, dark, Romantasy, vampire. Faerie smut, or spicy reads; it’s there for you to purchase.
And that’s not to say that the romance novels are exclusive to heterosexual and monogamous relationships either.
This bookshop is LGBTQ+ friendly, plus it sells a wide range of Harem/Reverse Harem too.
Love is love, and there is a romance book inside this store for everyone.
What to expect on your visit
I was brimming with excitement to enter this bookshop and absolutely loved that it was painted in a bright shade of pink.
The staff were super friendly when they welcomed me inside, and it felt so cosy with all the pink and purple decor.
The romance books are organised into different genres, and I instantly gravitated to the fantasy shelves, which is my favourite.
I also loved their dark romance section, which had lots of my favourite reads plus some new ones I was introduced to.
They have a wide range of signed and special edition copies to purchase. Or, you can have a Blind Date with a book if you want a surprise.
As well as novels, they also have lots of bookish merch to buy, including exclusive stickers, apparel, trinkets, pin badges and tote bags.
I was the first customer of the day on a weekday, but it quickly got busy inside.
It was great to meet so many like-minded readers, and I had a lovely time. It’s well worth visiting if you’re ever in Edinburgh!
Top tip: It’s a small bookshop that can get very busy on weekends, so make sure to get here early so you don’t have to queue.
Bookish events
Book Lovers Bookshop also runs exciting literary events that you can attend throughout the year.
They frequently invite romance authors for talks, readings and book signings.
Plus, they also have some fun book launch events and parties. It’s worth checking their website to see what’s on during your visit.
Honestly, if this bookshop were my local one, I’d be here all the time!
How to visit Book Lovers Bookshop in Edinburgh
Book Lovers Bookshop is located in Melville Terrace in Edinburgh, which is a little further out from the Old Town attractions.
It’s a twenty-minute walk from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, and a thirty-minute walk from Princes Street.
If you don’t want to walk or can’t, Edinburgh does have several buses that will take you there.
If you’re driving, there is a limited number of off-road parking spaces next to the bookshop that charge per hour.
Their opening times are:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm
- Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED
The address is 6 Melville Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1ND. Click here for a Google Pin!
Are you looking for more Edinburgh bookshops?
Edinburgh is one of the top literary destinations in the UK, and many famous writers have connections to the city.
They also host a huge International Book Festival every year. So, you can expect to find some incredible bookshops dotted around.
One of my favourite independent bookshops is Topping & Company.
Here, you can browse for books, use their library ladders and have free tea and biscuits!
Nearby, you can visit McNaughtan’s Books and Typewriter Books on Haddington Place.
They are right next door to one another. McNaughtan’s is a secondhand bookshop, and Typewronger sells new books and typewriters.
One of my all-time favourite bookshops in Edinburgh has to be Armchair Books, which is just inches away from The Vennel.
It’s crammed full of books on the shelves and is decorated with Persian rugs. It’s so cosy.
You should add Edinburgh Books, Golden Hare Books, Transreal Fiction (awesome for Fantasy), Gently Mad and Lighthouse Books to your list too.
Although not independent, I particularly loved the Waterstones on Princes Street.
The views of Edinburgh Castle from their café windows are unmatched.
Recommended Travel Resources
–
Read more of my Edinburgh guides
The ultimate list of experiences in Edinburgh
Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh
How to visit Circus Lane in Edinburgh
Visiting the quaint Dean village
My complete photography guide to Edinburgh
Secrets of Queen Mary’s Bath House
A complete list of Outlander film sites in Edinburgh
Why you must visit Bakehouse Close
A complete guide to the Vennel
The hidden gem of Tweeddale Court
Why Craigmillar Castle has to be on your list
Afternoon Tea? The Colonnades & The Balmoral are the best!
Discover Liberton Kirk in Autumn
How to visit the Ross Fountain
Discover Scotland
Save Book Lovers Bookshop in Edinburgh for later!
