Ottawa book lovers have a new reason to stroll down Bank Street this weekend: Evermore Books, the city's first romance-focused bookstore, is officially opening its doors in the Glebe on Saturday.
A Bookstore Built for Romance Readers
Evermore Books is carving out a cozy niche in Ottawa's independent bookstore scene by dedicating its entire shelves to the romance genre, and not just the classic kind. The shop stocks a wide range of sub-genres that have exploded in popularity in recent years, including sports romance, romantasy (that addictive mashup of romance and fantasy), and yes, even monster romance.
If you've been doom-scrolling #BookTok and finally want a physical space to browse the titles everyone's been raving about, Evermore Books might just become your new favourite weekend stop.
Why Romance?
Romance is consistently one of the best-selling fiction categories in North America, yet dedicated romance bookshops remain rare. Most general bookstores relegate the genre to a single shelf tucked in a corner. Evermore Books flips that script entirely, putting romance front and centre and giving the genre, and its passionate, loyal readers, the respect they deserve.
The owner spoke with CBC Ottawa's Rachelle Elsiufi about the vision behind the shop, describing a space that celebrates the full spectrum of what romance fiction can be. Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or a curious newcomer who just finished A Court of Thorns and Roses and needs what comes next, there's something here for you.
The Glebe: A Perfect Fit
For Ottawa residents, the Glebe is already a beloved neighbourhood for independent shopping, dining, and culture. Bank Street's stretch through the area is home to a mix of long-standing local businesses and newer boutiques, making it an ideal landing spot for a specialty bookstore. Evermore Books joins a corridor that rewards foot traffic and discovery, exactly the kind of browsing experience a romance bookstore thrives on.
The shop is well-positioned to become a community hub for Ottawa's romance reading community, a group that already organizes locally through book clubs, library events, and online communities.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a curated selection across the full romance spectrum:
- Sports romance: for readers who want their meet-cutes on the ice or the field
- Romantasy: epic world-building with swoon-worthy love stories
- Monster romance: a growing sub-genre with a devoted fanbase
- Classic contemporary romance and beyond
Evermore Books opens Saturday in the Glebe on Bank Street. Hours and exact address can be confirmed via their social channels or a quick walk down one of Ottawa's most charming shopping strips.
Whether you're treating yourself or hunting for the perfect gift for the romance reader in your life, this weekend is a great excuse to explore the neighbourhood and support a new local business doing something genuinely exciting for Ottawa's literary scene.
Source: CBC Ottawa, reported by Rachelle Elsiufi.
