A romance bookstore called the Spicy Librarian is opening in Denver, Colo., later this month, the Denver Gazette reported.
Located at 3040 Blake St., in Denver's River North Arts District, the bookstore will carry a wide variety of romance subgenres. The space previously housed an office, and store owner Sydney Ivey has given some of the most popular subgenres, such as romantasy, their own rooms. There is also a space called "the Vault," which is located behind a hidden bookshelf and contains intimate wellness products for women.
Ivey, who previously had a career in education, was inspired by the Ripped Bodice, as well as the ongoing trend of romance bookstores opening nationwide, to open her own store. She told the Gazette her idea "was to help create a space that is very female positive, that creates no shame around women's pleasure and passions, whatever they may be."
The space features ample seating, and Ivey's plans for events include book clubs and author events as well as talks with sex therapists. Ivey is one of the organizers of the local chapter of the Silent Book Club, and she plans to host that in-store.
Opening day is scheduled for January 18. The first 100 customers will receive a free gift, and on January 20, Ivey will be giving away a special-edition copy of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. (The book is being released at midnight Eastern or 10 p.m., Monday night, in Denver.) On January 22, Ivey will host paranormal romance author Holly Roberts for a book signing.