Rachel: Lovestruck Books
“Romance is being taken seriously now and rightly so.”
Meet the Booklover Behind Lovestruck Books: An Interview with Rachel Kanter
Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lovestruck Books is more than just a bookstore, it’s a love letter to the romance genre and a vibrant celebration of diverse stories and community. We had the joy of speaking with Rachel Kanter, the passionate founder of Lovestruck Books, to learn about her journey from high school English teacher to independent bookseller, and what it takes to bring a bookstore dream to life.
A Passion Project Turned Reality
The seed for Lovestruck Books was planted a few years ago when Rachel began noticing a rise in specialty bookstores focused on romance. This trend sparked a realization that the appetite for love stories, in all their forms, was not only real but growing. With a background in teaching, a lifelong love of literature, and a desire to bring something joyful and meaningful to her community, Rachel began her journey to bookselling.
After returning to Cambridge from Washington D.C., she was disheartened by the closure of the beloved Curious George store and the dwindling number of independent shops in Harvard Square. But when a long-vacant storefront became available, Rachel knew it was time to act. “Signing that lease was the moment it became real,” she recalls.
To prepare, she enrolled in a “bookstore bootcamp” with Paz & Associates, a Florida-based husband-and-wife team specializing in helping first-time bookstore owners navigate everything from inventory to finances. Local support also came from the Harvard Square Business Association and Cambridge Small Business Associations, walking her through the unfamiliar territory of business creation.
Behind the Shelves: Curating with Heart
What sets Lovestruck Books apart is its carefully curated collection, with over 10,000 titles and a mission to ensure every reader feels seen. From well-loved tropes like “enemies to lovers” and “he falls first” to an expansive collection of books by queer and BIPOC authors, Rachel’s selections are as thoughtful as they are inclusive.
The curation process began months before opening, combining recommendations from major publishing houses, small presses, and personal favorites. Rachel and her team filled in the gaps with books they adored and voices they felt needed more visibility. “When someone finds a book they didn’t expect to see and they feel seen. It’s magical!” she says.
And it’s not just books. From gift items to local artisan goods (including, yes, the iconic Australian Firefighters Calendar), Lovestruck Books is designed as a space for discovery and delight.
The Romance of Community
Opening during the bustling holiday season meant 12-hour days spent carrying boxes, shelving books, and greeting curious readers. Despite the exhaustion, Rachel describes the experience as exhilarating. “I’m so grateful that people are excited about the store,” she says. “There’s real joy in watching someone light up when they find something unexpected.”
The bookstore also serves as a meeting ground for local authors, readers, and artists. Rachel’s outreach has created a space where both established and emerging voices in romance are welcomed and celebrated. In the coming months, the space will evolve further with the addition of a café and wine bar, offering cozy corners for sipping, reading, and connecting.
Romance Isn’t Just a Genre—It’s a Movement
Rachel believes that the popularity of romance will only continue to grow. Once relegated to the margins, the genre now boasts mainstream acclaim and a fiercely loyal community. With social media driving conversations and publishers expanding their representation, Rachel sees the tide turning: “Romance is being taken seriously now and rightly so.”
For readers looking to fall in love with reading again, or for the first time, Lovestruck Books is a place to start.
Advice for Aspiring Bookshop Owners
For those dreaming of starting their own bookstore, Rachel has this advice:
Find a partner who complements your strengths.
Decide early whether your shop will be specialized or general.
Take the time to plan your inventory with intention.
Consider taking a course, like the one from Paz & Associates.
Most importantly, be ready to learn as you go. As Rachel puts it, “It’s a lot of learning on the job.”
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Follow Lovestruck Books on Instagram and stay tuned for book recomendation & local author events.
