Lovestruck Books soft launched on December 17th, welcoming romance readers into its Cambridge space. The bookstore is located on Brattle Street and is the brainchild of founder Rachel Kanter. 

“It just felt like the fates were aligned for this to happen,” Kanter said.

Kanter dives into the indie book sphere from education. She has taught in a wide variety of schools and grades.

“The through line for me was always literature – getting kids excited about reading and exposing them to new writers, ideas, genres that they hadn’t experienced before.”

Lovestruck Books is designed for readers and writers of all ages. It entices patrons with colorful silk flowers hanging over the entrance. The front section of the 5,000 square foot space includes tote bags, drinking classes, and other tchotkes of literary indulgence. Pink and red and black shelves hold stories from all romance sub-genres. Another ten shelves hold fiction and nonfiction titles. In the back of the store stands a children’s section where young readers can build their confidence on the page.

On one side of the store is a banner with the Lovestruck Books logo. This space will transform into the George Howell coffee spot and wine bar. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of January.

Kanter’s decision to open Lovestruck Books began with the closing of the Curious George Store in Harvard Square. She was devastated by the loss of a beloved bookstore and wanted to foster the literary community.

“I was really excited about this idea of being part of this literary community, maybe bringing a bookstore to life.”

Kanter’s idea took off after The Ripped Bodice, a romance bookstore based in Los Angeles, opened its second location in Brooklyn last year.

“Clearly, there is a demand for romance,” Kanter said, “This is not going anywhere.”

Kanter got to work learning about the indie book industry. She spoke with local bookshop owners and toured stores. Lovestruck Books officially opens on January 17th and has a packed events calendar that weekend. Activities include a Polaroid station and appearances by authors such as Jasmine Guillory and Chloe Gong.

For more information, visit https://lovestruckbooks.com/