Smashing stereotypes and centering pleasure—this bookstore is changing how we read romance.
For decades, romance novels have been unfairly relegated to the cultural sidelines—mocked as fluff, dismissed as lowbrow, and read in secret by those afraid to be seen with a cover featuring a shirtless man on a horse. But Lovestruck Books, a new Harvard Square bookstore dedicated entirely to romance, is flipping the script. Founded by former educator and lifelong romance devotee Rachel Kanter, Lovestruck is more than just a dreamy destination for fans of spicy paperbacks—it’s a full-blown rebellion against the shame, stigma, and sexist snobbery that has long plagued the genre and its readers.
Rachel Kanter is no stranger to changing the narrative. A graduate of both Yale and Harvard, she spent years working in education and nonprofit development before embracing her own next chapter: opening an unapologetically romantic bookstore that centers joy, community, and inclusivity. After raising three kids in five years (a feat deserving its own novel), she found herself ready to re-enter the workforce—and instead of returning to someone else’s dream, she built her own. Lovestruck is her real-life happy ending, and a love letter to the genre that helped shape her.
With plush velvet seating, curated titles by women, queer, and BIPOC authors, a built-in café (and soon-to-come wine bar), and a jam-packed event calendar, Lovestruck Books isn’t just a store—it’s a haven. And Kanter’s mission is clear: to make romance reading feel not only welcome, but celebrated. We caught up with her to talk favorite tropes, feminist plotlines, and how she’s helping readers fall in love—out loud.
Lovestruck Books Owner & Founder Rachel Kanter- Photo Credit Reagan Byrne
Romance novels are often underestimated—what do you think people are missing about their appeal?
Romance novels provide much-needed escapism from daily life. Romance novels are also hopeful and comforting—you know you’re going to get a guaranteed happy-ever-after (or at least, a happy-for-now). Readers often find the predictability of a story’s ending to be reassuring, especially in times of tumult and upset in the real world.
The stereotype of the “typical romance reader” is pretty narrow—how does the reality differ?
Romance novels are for everyone! Not only are romance novels hyperspecific, allowing readers to find books tailored to their interests (for example, alien lovers in space), but they are also incredibly instructive. I know cis-gender men who read romance novels to learn how to relate to and satisfy their female partners. Romance is also extremely inclusive—the genre is so expansive that a reader is guaranteed to find a novel that includes characters that represent their particular preferences and/or identities (for example, queer polyamorous couples; later in life romance; ace romance; women in STEM romance; nerdy gamers romance—the list goes on and on).
Lovestruck Books Signature Red Wall Photo Credit Reagan Byrne
How did your lifelong love affair with romance novels begin?
From a very young age I was reading romance. My parents didn’t necessarily realize what I was reading; they were just happy to see me absorbed in books. I remember reading Anne Bishop’s The Dark Jewels trilogy when I was in middle school, and after that I was hooked. Throughout high school I bought trade paperback titles at the drugstore, and then increasingly I was able to find romance novels in traditional general-interest bookstores.
What are some of your most beloved romance reads—and yes, we know choosing just one is cruel.
This is like asking me to choose my favorite child (which is, of course, impossible), but I have favorites within each subcategory.
Contemporary: Emily Henry, Book Lovers
Rom-Com: Tessa Bailey, It Happened One Summer
Dark Romance: Katee Robert, Neon Gods
Paranormal: Ali Hazelwood, Bride
Western: Lyla Sage, Done and Dusted
Romantasy: Saara El-Arifi, Faebound
Witch fic: Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Unhinged romance: Anything by Chuck Tingle
Novella: Anything published by 831 Stories
What tropes completely destroy you—in the best, most deliciously unhinged way possible?
Enemies to lovers! He falls first!
Romance novels have been called trash, fluff, and not “serious” fiction—are they actually secretly feminist as hell?
Yes! Romance novels predominantly center female main characters, celebrate female pleasure, and showcase women having happy, fulfilling lives and partnerships. What could be more feminist than that?
What do you wish more people understood about the depth and value of romance writing?
That romance novels are not lowbrow or not to be taken seriously as literature. Some of the best writing I’ve read has come from romance novels (I’m including Jane Austen in that). Like any genre, there’s good writing and bad writing, and there are books that grapple with difficult subjects and lighter fare, but there is excellent writing in romance, and serious topics are addressed.
Romance has clearly gone mainstream—would you say it’s officially having a moment?
Absolutely—the numbers speak for themselves. Romance is the most popular fiction genre, and week over week romance novels top the New York Times bestsellers list. Bookstores have expanded their romance sections, and there are now over 20 romance-specific bookstores in the country! The genre is increasingly appealing to younger readers—Gen Zers and Millennials—with an ever-widening readership.
For readers who feel shy about diving into romance, how can they start exploring—and find the trope that totally wrecks them (in the best way)?
Come to Lovestruck—we’ll help you out 🙂 Another great way to explore is to look online for authors’ suggested books. Romance authors are often the best advocates for other writers.
Is there a line from a romance novel you’ve read recently that hit you right in the heart—and has stayed with you ever since?
“Love requires courage. And trust. And the ability to stand in the light, unashamed, when all you’ve known is darkness.” Kennedy Ryan, Before I Let Go
Main Image Lovestruck Books Exterior Signage Photo Credit Reagan Byrne
