A bookshop has opened in Wales that sells nothing but romance novels. As well as being unique, avid readers have said it can be described as nothing other than “beautiful”
In Wales it’s fair to say you can find beauty around every corner, and another gorgeous spot has emerged in the form of a new bookshop. Love Stories Bookshop opened just months ago, and it’s already captivated the thousands of people who’ve visited so far.
You’ll find it nestled in Cardiff‘s Castle Arcade and it’s fair to say it’s a total romance lover’s dream, as it sells nothing but books that tell love stories. While it may be Valentine’s Day on February 14, it seems that love can be celebrated every day of the year if you’re willing to explore the pages of a new book.
It’s not the only independent bookshop to have opened in Wales in recent years either. Following the pandemic, another team also decided to take the plunge and set up shop.
Love Stories Bookshop runs under the watchful eyes of Aimee Cummings, 31, and Charlie Seddon, 33. The couple suddenly decided to open the bookshop back last year, and people are already falling in love with it.
When asked what it’s been like since the shop opened its doors, Aimee said: “It’s fantastic. It’s been amazing. We couldn’t have asked for better. The whole response to the shop has been fantastic.
“I have always been a romance book lover. Even before I realised I absolutely loved them, I was always reading love stories.
“People have been so kind. We don’t have many independent bookshops in Cardiff.”
Aimee explained it all stemmed from a trip to New York back in 2024. At the time, the couple visited a romance bookshop and fell in love with it, even though they didn’t think too much of it at the time.
“It got to the start of 2025, and I was just finishing my PhD,” added Aimee. “I was searching for jobs, and nothing stood out to me.
“I just said to my partner ‘we should open a bookshop’, as just one of those things people say. Charlie said ‘we should do that’, and that’s how it happened.”
They then visited a shop called Book Lovers Bookshop in Edinburgh to get some advice from the staff there. Aimee admitted the team were “fantastic”, and answered all their questions.
Eight months later, and they were opening their own shop in the heart of Wales, and they couldn’t be more pleased with their decision. Aimee said they even had one customer recently who came in as a treat for her birthday, which was “lovely”.
She said: “The love of bookshops it still there. People like to come in and talk about their favourite books.
“You can come in, and chat to me about your favourite books. If we are able to offer that service, that makes us so happy.”
Based on the comments on the shop’s Instagram page, it’s clear to see customers are more than thrilled with the shop. In fact, dozens have reached out to say just how much they adore it.
One person said: “A gorgeous bookshop! Congratulations on opening, and I can’t wait to make many return trips.”
Another added: “Such a beautiful bookstore. I can’t wait to visit again.” A third replied: “This makes me so happy! Congratulations on your first day. I can’t wait to visit!”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Yes please! More independent bookshops in Cardiff!” Someone else also chimed in with: “Such a lovely shop! I can’t wait to come back already.”