Team Cardiff Life
December 18, 2025
Cardiff Latest

Cardiff’s first romance bookshop Love Stories opens in Castle Arcade

Wales has officially welcomed its first-ever dedicated romance bookstore, as Love Stories Bookshop opened its doors in the heart of the capital on December 13.


Nestled in Cardiff’s historic Castle Arcade, the new independent gem is more than just a retail space; it is a space for fans of the world’s best-selling romance genre. Boasting a curated collection of over 1,000 titles, the shop caters to every variety of “happily ever after,” spanning 14 sub-genres including contemporary, fantasy, historical, LGBTQ+, young adult and sci-fi romance.


The venture is the brainchild of owners Aimee Cummings and Charlie Seddon, whose mission is to champion a genre that is often overlooked by the literary mainstream. “Growing up, I was a voracious reader,” Aimee shared. “My mum eventually started lending me her own books, maybe not the most age-appropriate at the time, but that’s when I fell in love with romance.”


Despite the global dominance of romance in the publishing industry, Aimee notes that the genre still faces an unfair reputation. “With Love Stories, we want to create a space that feels welcoming and inclusive, where readers can browse without judgment and chat enthusiastically about their favourite books, authors, and tropes. And if someone doesn’t know where to start, we’re always happy to recommend something.”


Whether you are a seasoned “BookTok” enthusiast or a newcomer looking for your next great read, Love Stories Bookshop is now open to help you find your perfect match.

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