Lovers of romance literature will soon have a charming new space to rendezvous in Audubon Park’s Garden District — Orlando’s first romance-only book store is set to open later this year.
The New Romantics, a Latina-owned shop, will offer a diverse array of romance genres and authors. The store is set to sweep readers off their feet starting Dec. 7 in the former location of Joybird Books on Corrine Drive, nestled in the heart of Orlando.
“We are passionate about creating a welcoming space for fellow enthusiasts to explore and indulge in the captivating realms of love, passion and adventure,” founder Jane Rodriguez said in a release.
The bookstore aims to be a haven for romance readers to discover new authors they’ll fall for at first read, rekindle their love for cherished stories and cultivate a caring community with fellow readers. The space will also host various community events, including author signings, book release parties, and literature-oriented workshops and classes.
While this is its first brick-and-mortar location, The New Romantics concept has existed as an online community, business and pop-up shop. It has previously hosted events like virtual author chats and in-person silent book club meetings at local businesses in Orlando.
Love-themed literature has gone from being tucked away in the back shelves of bookstores to displayed at front tables near the entrance, and now romance-only bookstores are starting to bloom in a number of communities.
“We are the dreamers, the romance readers and the positive forces in our communities,” Rodriguez said. “And we hope to instill that energy here.”
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This article appears in Oct 9-15, 2024.