The Spicy Librarian – Visit Europe’s Biggest Indie Romance Bookshop

Reading lovers, did you know that the UK is home to Europe’s Biggest Independent Romance Bookstore?

It’s called The Spicy Librarian, home to over 2,500 steamy dark romance and romantasy titles. 

It’s a peaceful book haven with cosy book nooks, and even a luxe bar serving coffees and cocktails. 

It instantly went viral on social media, and everyone’s yapping about it lately.

So, my book-obsessed friend Tilly and I stopped by to catch up and buy our next spicy read. 

What is The Spicy Librarian?

The Spicy Librarian is a reader’s oasis and book trove in the UK filled with romantasy and dark romance titles. 

They have over 2,500 books in their collection, making them Europe’s Largest independent Romance Bookshop. 

Romance is the most read genre of all time, yet we’re often made to feel embarrassed or ashamed for enjoying it.

What is written off as smut or erotica is literary talent worth recognition, and I’m tired of it being labelled otherwise. 

The Spicy Librarian helps to break this stigma and provides a safe space for readers who love a steamy read.   

Judging by the queues that often loop around the street to go inside this bookstore. It’s an instant triumph. 

Arriving at Europe’s Biggest Indie Romance Bookshop

I had seen The Spicy Librarian all over my social media feeds for weeks after they opened, so I was so excited to finally visit.

The bookshop is hard to miss on Warwick Street, with the black facade, large sign and bookish artwork painted on the windows. 

I couldn’t wait to step inside this literary paradise and buy some sizzling books for my collection.

Inside The Spicy Librarian

As soon as I stepped inside The Spicy Librarian, I loved how cosy the space was. 

Every corner of this bookstore is luxurious, with plush rugs, tassel lamps, sparkling chandeliers, and foliage. There was even a book tree. 

You’ll find several snugs as reading spaces or tables to gather and have a natter. 

Of course, it’s also a labyrinth of dark green book towers filled with thousands of inviting romance books. 

What books do they sell?

The Spicy Librarian has over 2,500 steamy romance titles on their shelves. They sell every type of romance book you could think of. 

You’ll find traditionally published romance books as well as independents. It’s a great range of renowned works as well as TikTok viral sensations. 

They have organised it into sections like romantasy, dark romance, and monster/alien romance. 

As a regular partaker of paranormal romance, I felt seen. It’s so rare to see these types of books out in the wild.

There’s even a section for even darker taboo romances toward the back, which I was obsessed with.

You could also find oodles of special edition copies and books with stunning sprayed edges.

As well as books, there is a range of reader merchandise on offer like tote bags, pens, umbrellas and bookmarks to take home.

The only thing to note is that there are no prices on the shelves or book covers. So, you could quickly spend a small fortune without knowing.

Spicy Bar & Lounge 

Something I absolutely loved about The Spicy Librarian was their luxe interiors with a range of cosy reading nooks and tables.

They are the perfect place to read or catch up with a friend on your latest book obsession. 

They have a fully stocked bar at the back that serves a range of coffees or stronger potions throughout the day. 

Tilly and I treated ourselves to some coffees to catch up and discuss our book hauls.

It was such a lovely setting surrounded by my favourite romantasy titles. If I lived locally, I’d be here all the time.

Spicy Events

As well as a book seller, The Spicy Librarian has a full calendar of reader events happening throughout the year.

They host regular Dark Romance and Contemporary Romance Book Clubs. 

You can attend quiz nights, midnight release parties, and in-store author signings too. 

My friend and I are attending their The Court of Spice: MAASquerade Ball in October to celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6. I can’t wait!

Is The Spicy Librarian worth visiting?

Yes, my friend Tilly and I couldn’t stop raving about this wonderful bookstore long after we’d left.

We kept saying that we wished we lived closer, so we could visit regularly and attend some of their special events. 

The Spicy Librarian really is a safe harbour for like-minded readers who have a passion for steamy romance reads. 

You must add this luxurious literary oasis to your bookshop bucket list. 

How to visit The Spicy Librarian UK

The Spicy Librarian is located in Royal Leamington Spa in the United Kingdom, a large town in the heart of the British Midlands. 

The closest major city is Birmingham, which is a 40-minute train journey away. Or, Coventry is just 20 minutes by train. 

If you’re driving, the closest parking area is Chandos Street. I parked in the Covent Garden car park, which was just around the corner. 

Opening hours

The Spicy Librarian’s opening hours vary throughout the week:

• Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 am – 7 pm
• Thursday & Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm 

I love that it’s open so late; it’s the perfect place to plan a bookish night out with a few cocktails. 

Spicy Subscription Box

As well as Spicy events, The Spicy Librarian have an indie monthly Spicy book subscription.

Each month, their team select a stand-out book title and makes an exclusive special edition copy sent straight to your door. 

Many of these include a unique bonus chapter or fan art. It’s £24.99 a month including postage.

My friend subscribes to this, and she really rates the books she receives.

Tune into the Spicy Librarian Podcast

If you can’t wait to visit the bookstore, why not tune into the Spicy Librarian Podcast?

Every Thursday, Dee and Katie sit and discuss all things dark romance and romantasy.

It’s honest conversations with no filter and a good yap about recent reads, or books on their TBR.

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