Passionate Pages Will Steal Your Heart

PHOTOS BY JAY LATTERMAN

If you like Fourth Wing, A Court of Thrones and Roses, Heated Rivalry, or anything romantic in your reading choices, Passionate Pages serves up a happy ending worthy of any best-selling blockbuster.

Pittsburgh’s first romance-exclusive bookstore, Passionate Pages in Lawrenceville celebrated its first chapter with a grand opening on Jan. 31.

Located at 4304 Butler Street, the whimsical bookseller combines romance literature with novel-related retail, such as candles, mugs and vintage clothing. Shelved on the pink-painted walls are an array of books embracing fan-favorite romance tropes, among them hot-and-spicy romantasy, romantasy with vampires, young adult romance, graphic novels, LGBTQ+ relationships, historical romance and sports-related love stories.

“It’s one of the only places you can really get a true dose of romance literature, and I think people are going to come out for that. A niche bookstore really makes it easier to find what you’re looking for,” says owner Joedda McClain.

McClain has been reading romantasy for over 30 years and is an avid bibliophile, consuming several books a week. With a background in retail and as a community facilitator, McClain says opening a romance-only bookshop was a next natural step for her.

“I was obsessed, and when I saw romantasy catching on in New York and L.A, I kept thinking that someone needs to do this in Pittsburgh. It’s such a significant turn in the market, so I kept waiting and no one did it … I researched the market and got as much information as I could,” McClain says. “I eventually thought, ‘I’m not going to wait for someone to do it; I’m just going to do it.’”

Along with an enthusiasm for romantic literature, McClain and Passionate Pages co-owners Jay Latterman and Cathy Raphael share a desire to create a welcoming environment where like-minded readers can come together, discuss and discover new books.

“We really want to do a lot of community events. We want to do collabs with book clubs and other businesses in the city. We’re also very open and receptive to creating a romance environment,” McClain adds.

Passionate Pages is open every day except Monday and Tuesday. The bookstore will also be hosting three Valentine’s Day events. Join fellow romance lovers from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb.12 and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 14 for a variety of cupid-worthy holiday celebrations and activities.

“I hope that people will be inspired to make the trip this winter. I hope that everyone is looking for a little more love and light and romance in their life,” McClain says. “And I hope they’ll find it at Passionate Pages.”