There's been a huge increase in the opening of romance bookstores. It makes sense. I've been to many indie bookstores that turn their nose up at romance, and therefore a voracious subset of readers. Friends To Lovers opened in 2024 and hit the ground running.

So I'd heard of a romance bookstore opening in DC. But they'd really popped up on my radar when I'd heard about the store burning three days after their grand opening. I felt so sorry for them and couldn't imagine how devastating that would be.

They've since moved to a new location and it's adorable. If you love romance, or romance adjacent stories, you'll have to add this shop to your list.

It was nice to see so many different sub-genres of romance along with plenty of diversity.

Always appreciate seeing Beverly Jenkins. I hand sold her Rebel to a reader who wanted historical romance, because she's one of the best. Rebel is one of my favorites that she's written. Whenever I visit a bookstore, particularly if they have romance, I always check for her books.

There were stickers and merch.

I kept walking around, checking out the displays

along with the cases of books.

I loved the Stevie Nicks artwork behind the counter.

Jelaina and I ended the visit with a picture of me.