London now has a new bookshop totally dedicated to romance novels
Now London has its first ever bookshop dedicated entirely to these kinds of romance books, as Saucy Books in Notting Hill officially opened at the end of last month.
While these kinds of books are often called 'smut' or 'fairy porn' (many of them are packed full of NSFW scenes), they are extremely popular, particularly among young women. According to data gathered from 7,000 British booksellers, in 2024 there were record sales of 'romance and sagas' books, making up to £69 million. Sales of these 'romantasy' books even pushed UK fiction revenue above £1 billion for the first time.
'The popularity of the store speaks for itself,' Sarah Maxwell, the founder of Saucy Books, told the Guardian. 'We even had to ticket our first week and give time slots to customers.'
Saucy books even has a corner of the store dedicated entirely to erotic fiction, which Maxwell calls the 'smut hut'.
Maxwell told the Guardian that she thinks sexism, as well as 'snobbery and bias', is stopping these books, that are mainly read by women, from being as respected as they should be.
'I think there's an inherent misogyny around it. A lot of the time, the sorts of things that women like across arts and culture tends to get discounted. These books are about the female perspective and female gaze when most media is through the male gaze,' Maxwell said.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Saucy Books (@saucybooks)
Saucy Books is open at 232 Westbourne Park Road, W11 1EP now.
Yungblud is opening a new music venue in central London.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Netflix viewers rush to watch 'compelling' reboot of classic Scottish crime series
The recent reboot of the famous Rebus has been added to Netflix as viewers are just discovering the world of Detective Inspector John Rebus and they can't get enough A modern retelling of a legendary Scottish crime drama has quickly become a hit on Netflix, with viewers calling it "absorbing" and "compelling" as it climbs the streaming platform's top TV show charts. The revamped Rebus series originally premiered on the BBC last year and is inspired by Ian Rankin's long-running Inspector Rebus novels. The first book, Knots and Crosses, hit shelves in 1987 launching a franchise that has since grown to include 24 titles. With most of the stories set in Edinburgh, the series follows the investigations of the complex and gritty Detective Inspector John Rebus and has made a massive impact on the British crime fiction scene - accounting for around 10% of the UK's crime novel sales and consistently selling over 500,000 copies per release. Back in 2000 Rebus was first adapted for television, with John Hannah taking on the title role. The show continued until 2007, with Ken Stott leading the cast in later seasons. The new version introduces Richard Rankin, known for his roles in Outlander and Burnistoun, as a younger Rebus bringing a fresh energy to the character while maintaining the dark tone that fans love. The synopsis reads: "The story follows Detective John Rebus as he deals with an infamous Edinburgh gangster, at the same time dealing with the aftermath of his divorce and a changing workplace." Critics were quick to praise the reboot, branding it as "terrific" and describing Rankin's performance as "alluring." Similar fans have praised the reboot, with many taking to Rotten Tomatoes to review the series, with Rebus having an impressive 100% rating on the review site. One fan wrote: "This is a very good series. Richard Raskin is much different from Ken Stott, but he's great in the role. I also liked Rebus' partner and ex-wife, too. This series reminded me of Crime, starring Dougray Scott." Another viewer simply stated: "Very good series with a likable lead." While one viewer praised the casting, saying it had him hooked, as they said: "The casting was great. Rankin is a sympathetic and handsome lead. I like the fact that none of the main characters are without fault and all have their vices. I was sucked into the story and watched the whole season over a number of days." Speaking to the BBC about his role as Rebus, Raskin said: "Rebus is an iconic character in Scottish literature and television. It already has such a huge following. That aside, it was within the first ten pages of episode one that had me absolutely hooked." "I could tell Greggory Burke [the show's screenwriter] was doing something new and exciting with this. It felt real, it felt dark, and it felt charged." He added that the series was a "dark, cinematic and gritty character drama." The show's debut episode drew an impressive 6.3 million viewers across all BBC platforms and later went on to win three RTS Scotland Awards. Now that the series has landed on Netflix, a new wave of viewers are discovering (or rediscovering) the world of Rebus. Fans will be pleased to hear that a second season has already been confirmed. According to the BBC, the upcoming storyline will see the detective "uncover the links between the violent world of the Edinburgh drug trade and the city's law and finance sectors."
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
All the Aldi Specialbuys hitting stores this weekend including bargain beer and kids toys starting at 89p
SHOPPERS are set for another rush to Aldi's middle aisle as the latest round of Specialbuys hit stores this weekend — with prices starting from just 89p. Among the top picks this week are the Lychee & Passion Fruit Bubble Tea and the Peach & Strawberry Bubble Tea, both 320ml and just £1.25 each. Little ones are in for a treat too, with the Kids Light Assortment at £2.99 and the Animal Hopper for £8.99. Also making a splash is the CRANE Bean Bag Toss at £19.99 — ideal for summer fun in the garden — and fidget toy cases for just £4.99. From Saturday, July 27, shoppers across the UK can pick up sizzling deals on everything from BBQ meats and beachwear to toys and kitchen must-haves — but they'll need to move fast, as everything is available only while stocks last. Holidaymakers and beach-lovers can grab Aldi's CRANE Surfing Long Wetsuit for £29.99. There's a child's version too, the Surfing Short Wetsuit, for only £9.99, making it affordable for the whole family to hit the water. Also returning to shelves are summer favourites like the Swimming Noodle (£2.49), Pool Sports Ball (£3.49), and Neoprene Ball (£3.99). Outdoorsy types will want to snap up the Pull Along Picnic Cooler from CROFTON, priced at just £14.99. It's perfect for keeping drinks chilled on days out. Staying hydrated is easy too, thanks to the Water Tracker Bottle for £2.79. Over in the meat aisle, Aldi's BBQ-friendly range is bigger and better. Highlights include Ashfield's British Chicken Drumsticks, £3.79 for a 2kg pack, and premium cuts like the XXL Sirloin Steak for £15.99 and XXL Rump SteaKfor £12.99). If you fancy something with flavour, pick up the Sweet Chilli Koftas (£4.29) or the Asia specialities pork belly slices in either Salt & Pepper or Sweet & Sour styles, both just £3.49. For an easy dinner with a twist, the Ready, Set…Cook! Crispy Aromatic Spatchcock Duck with Pancakes (£10.99). Youngsters will also love Aldi's creative bits, like the Blowpens & Plusterpens set at £1.49, which is great for keeping kids entertained over the holidays. The little town Animal Hopper priced at £8.99 is likely to be a fast-seller for active play indoors or out. For those who enjoy garden games, the CRANE Bean Bag Toss costing £19.99 is a brilliant addition to any family gathering. And the Kids Light Assortment, at just £2.99, is a fun and affordable way to brighten up little ones' bedrooms. More Aldi middle aisle buys IF it's middle aisle buys that you're looking here, some of the new items you won't want to miss. Shoppers recently went wild for Aldi's new 'pregnancy and menopause essential' - and it's only £6.99. Garden enthusiasts raced to nab a £6.99 buy that will add style to any garden in an instant. A £12.99 garden find left shoppers open-mouthed - but you'll need to sprint to nab it. If you're looking to light up your garden this summer, you won't want to miss this £8.99 solar light. 6
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Marcus Rashford back with ex-fiancee Lucia Loi two years after split as childhood sweetheart joins him in Barcelona
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARCUS Rashford has rekindled his relationship with former fiancée Lucia Loi — and she was with him when he signed for FC Barcelona, The Sun can reveal. The Three Lions ace, 27, and childhood sweetheart Lucia, 26, were together during a photoshoot before he was unveiled as the Catalan giants' latest signing at the Camp Nou stadium. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Marcus Rashford being unveiled as Barcelona's latest signing at the Camp Nou stadium Credit: Getty 7 The footie ace has rekindled his relationship with former fiancée Lucia Loi Credit: Getty 7 Rashford had proposed to Lucia after a romantic meal at celebrity restaurant Catch LA in 2022 She took his photo, then moved behind him to take another and seemingly checked his shirt before the Man United exile posed beside a traditional red British phone box. Rashford was later seen emerging from the kiosk in a post on FC Barcelona's social media, captioned: 'Hello? Barca? For sure, I'm coming.' The striker has signed a year-long deal with Barcelona, who have an option to buy him next summer for around £26million. Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim has made it clear he will not play for United while he is in charge. Rashford has been given the No14 shirt previously worn by big names including Johan Cruyff, Thierry Henry and Ronald Koeman. The Sun understands that Rashford has asked calming influence Lucia, who works in PR, to help him settle in to life in Spain so he can focus on his football. But they were not seen together until they were unwittingly snapped preparing for his phone box stunt. A source said the pair have stayed close, despite their 2022 engagement fizzling out, and have grown close again of late. They added: 'Marcus knows that some of the best moments in his career have occurred when Lucia has been at his side. 'They got together when they were very young and have had ups and downs, but a friendship has always remained. Barcelona announce loan signing of Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford 'He knows that she is good for him and she is one of the few people in the world he knows has got his best interests at heart. She is very sensible and helps keep him grounded.' Rashford said of his move: 'I'm very excited. It's a club where dreams come true. 'It feels like I'm at home and it's a big factor in my choice to come here. It's a family club and people are comfortable here.' Rashford, who flew out yesterday with his new teammates for his new club's Far East pre-season tour, and Lucia have been friends for at least a decade. They met at Ashton on Mersey School in Manchester where both were pupils. He was sent there as a teenage United academy player. They were dating when he made his first team debut in February 2016 in a UEFA Europa League match against FC Midtjylland. 7 Lucia takes snap of her man during photoshoot at the Camp Nou Credit: x 7 Lucia lends Marcus a hand by checking his shirt 7 Rashford during Barca's phone box stunt Credit: Facebook. He scored twice in the 5-1 victory at Old Trafford. They split in 2021 after Covid put a strain on their relationship but reconciled the following year. In February 2022, they were seen at the world premiere of Amazon Prime documentary 'Rooney' at HOME cinema in Manchester. Three months later, he proposed to Lucia after a romantic meal at celebrity restaurant Catch LA in West Hollywood, California. He got down on one knee and handed her a £250,000 engagement ring, posting a picture on Instagram of them kissing. Behind them was a large heart made from white flowers. Beneath the picture was the date and a love heart emoji. Lucia, who graduated with first class honours in Advertising and Brand Management, was a regular in the stands at Old Trafford. But in June 2023, sources said Rashford and the former Manchester Metropolitan University student had split after he was seen with a model outside a hotel in Miami. 7 Sources said Rashford and Lucia had split in June 2023 Credit: Getty She was later identified as personal trainer Courtney Caldwell. In November 2023, Rashford and Lucia were seen having dinner at a restaurant in Manchester. He was briefly linked to model and former Love Island contestant Grace Jackson last year, but the relationship ended in December. Back in Spain, meanwhile, Rashford is expected to be on 15 per cent less than the £315,000-a-week he was paid at Man United. He spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa after Amorim made it plain he would not be part of his plans for United's future. Barcelona almost signed Rashford in January, a move the star said he wanted to go through. After the deal was finally signed on Wednesday, club president Joan Laporta said: 'We are very happy because a player of great quality is coming, at a great age. 'We have him as strong as a rock. He came in very motivated.'
