Once upon a time, romance novels were dismissed as bodice-ripping fantasies for housewives, eliciting little more than a titter from literary types.
But nowadays, these tomes are getting the last laugh, emerging as one of the highest-grossing fiction categories in the United States. They generated roughly $1 billion in revenue in 2023, according to the New York Times.
This love of love stories led two local moms, Stefanie Mandelberg and Kelsey DiMeglio, to open Charmed & Bound, a Flemington bookshop dedicated exclusively to the cherished genre.
Whether you are looking for contemporary, historical or fantasy tales, you’ll find the duo’s expertly curated shelves filled with choices to fit your mood—or put you in the mood. In-store author readings, craft nights and more fun await, too.
Not near Flemington? Try Romantasy Bookstore in Turnersville or Kiss & Tale in Collingswood.
