Former Librarian Launches Ottawa's First Romance-Exclusive Bookstore
Amanda Holmes, a former academic librarian, is bringing a unique literary vision to Ottawa with the opening of Evermore Books, the city's first bookstore dedicated exclusively to romance literature. The store officially opens its doors on Saturday, March 21, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Ottawa's independent bookselling scene.
From Stress Leave to Business Venture
The journey to Evermore Books began in spring 2025 when Holmes took a stress leave from her position as an academic librarian, a role she had held since 2014. "I jokingly told my husband that I was going to quit my job and open a romance-only bookstore," Holmes recalled. What started as a humorous remark evolved into a serious business plan over the following six to seven months.
After resigning from what she describes as the "corporate world," Holmes began working diligently on her bookstore concept around December 1, 2025. Her inspiration traces back to fall 2024 when she first discovered the romantic-fantasy series A Court of Thorns and Roses, which sparked her deep interest in the romance genre.
A Whimsical Space for Romance Readers
Located in Ottawa's Glebe neighborhood, Evermore Books aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for romance enthusiasts. "I wanted folks, when they walk by, to be curious and to indulge in that curiosity," Holmes explained. Her vision includes a bright, open, and airy space designed to be both whimsical and inviting.
The store will become Canada's 27th romance-only bookstore according to online directories tracking such specialty shops. In Ottawa, it represents the eighth independently owned bookstore, following the recent closure of Westboro Books on March 10, 2026.
Challenging Stigmas and Celebrating Diversity
Holmes sees her bookstore as more than just a retail space—it's a statement about the value of romance literature. "I think (it) gets dismissed, and this store is very much reclaiming that," she told the Ottawa Citizen. "Women authors are valued; even if they write sex scenes, it's still valued and valuable."
The store aims to combat what Holmes describes as a deeper stigma that tends to devalue women writing about sex in the romance genre. By creating a dedicated space for these works, she hopes to elevate their cultural standing and provide readers with permission to explore diverse romantic narratives.
Something for Every Romance Reader
Evermore Books promises a wide range of romance titles to cater to diverse tastes. "There's something for everybody here," Holmes emphasized. "There are books that range from clean, closed-door romance to then very unhinged, super spicy (books). I want people to come to find what they want on the shelves."
The store's opening coincides with growing interest in romance literature with Canadian connections. Holmes noted the popularity of Heated Rivalry, a romance series set in the world of hockey that follows the love story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. "A lot of people in the city—and I love this idea—have started saying, 'I'm from Ottawa. Shane Hollander's hometown,'" she observed. "It's a really big cultural and Canadian moment that's been gaining popularity."
With its carefully curated selection and welcoming atmosphere, Evermore Books represents not just a new business venture, but a cultural statement about the importance and diversity of romance literature in Ottawa's literary landscape.
