Local bookstores across State 48 are pulling out all the stops for the 7th annual Bookstore Romance Day. Here’s your guide to all things love stories!
PHOENIX — Romance readers, rejoice! Bookstore Romance Day, an annual day designed to give independent bookshops an opportunity to celebrate love stories, is almost here.
Many indie bookshops across Arizona are participating in Bookstore Romance Day on Aug. 9. Whether by hosting events, author signings, or offering readers exclusive deals and merchandise, bookstores in State 48 are showing their love for romance.
Looking for a way to celebrate? 12News has you covered. Here’s your guide to Bookstore Romance Day.
Stacks Book Club
The Oro Valley bookstore and coffee bar is truly bringing love to readers: their Bookstore Romance Day celebration includes a lineup of local authors, on-theme drink menu, giveaways, a love letter writing station, and more.Â
The attending authors are:
Authors will be in the store from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is free, and you can RSVP online at the Stacks Book Club website.
Stardust Books
The indie bookstore in Clarkdale is combining two of many readers’ favorite things: coffee and books! To celebrate Romance Bookstore Day, the shop will have a special deal for customers: buy one, get one 20% off all romantic novels and love poems, and readers can even snag a free advanced reader copy of a book with every purchase!
There will be drink specials and baked goods as well, from Copper Cactus Coffee. The store will be open until 10 p.m. on Aug. 9, giving you plenty of time to browse before making your purchase.
The Bookish Shop
For fans of romance in the East Valley, chances are you’ve been to the Bookish Shop. The new romance bookstore opened in Gilbert this spring and has been hosting author events, curating selections of their Bookish Box goodies, and featuring lots of merch for all of the tropes readers know and love.
On Bookstore Romance Day, the Bookish Shop has a lineup of deals you won’t want to miss: free tote with the purchase of two or more books (while supplies last), buy-one-get-one-free drink menu, free Bookstore Romance Day stickers, and more.Â
The Poisoned Pen
While the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale isn’t known for romance, readers who frequent the store know they have an impressive collection of love stories among their thrillers, mysteries, and suspense novels. And Bookstore Romance Day is no exception!
The store hosts a variety of author events and is pulling out all the stops for Saturday with a four-author live program. Here’s  the lineup:
In addition to the panel at 2 p.m., there will be deals on romance titles and giveaways of reading copies.Â
Changing Hands
What’s better than deals on romance books?
Some would say themed drinks to go with your book haul! Changing Hands is hosting Bookstore Romance Day fun at both their Tempe and Phoenix locations, including 15% off the romance section and select titles, blind date with a book, themed bracelet-making stations, a “spice bracelet” trading hour, romance-themed drinks at the First Draft Book Bar, limited edition merch, and more.
The celebration continues on Sunday, too, just in case you can’t make day one.Â
Wijaya HouseÂ
Wijaya House in southern Tempe has a challenge for readers on Bookstore Romance Day: a scavenger hunt! In addition to discounts on merch, a free flower wrap with a purchase of $50 or more, and exclusive romance blind dates with a book, the store is also hiding hearts among the shelves for lucky winners to find.
But don’t wait too long—the deals are only while supplies last.
Mostly Books
If you’re in Tucson and looking for a way to spend Bookstore Romance Day, check out Mostly Books Arizona. You can stop by and celebrate love stories with special deals.Â
Plus, for fans of local Tucson romance author, Jen DeLuca, Mostly Books has a special pre-order sale that you can take advantage of.Â
Peregrine Book Company
Prescott’s largest independent bookstore is ready for Bookstore Romance Day! The store will be celebrating by getting crafty. Readers can decorate a bookmark, chat about their favorite tropes, and even be entered into a raffle for a $40 giftcard to the shop.
For every romance book you buy, you are entered into the raffle. The gift card can be used toward any store purchase.Â
Books on 7th
A hidden gem in Phoenix, this local indie bookstore is also participating in Bookstore Romance Day. When you stop by, you may see their newest team member and fall in love: Dorian the kitten!Â
Stop by and watch your step. Dorian is just a little guy, the shop says.
Bright Side Bookshop
If you’re in Flagstaff, stop by Bright Side Bookshop to celebrate Bookstore Romance Day! You can snag a free blind date with a book with every purchase, get 10% off all romance books, and even try your hand at book bedazzling.
To join in on the book bedazzling at 5 p.m., head to the Bright Side Bookshop website to snag tickets.
If there’s a bookstore not on this list celebrating Bookstore Romance Day, let us know at koconnor@12news.com.
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