Main
Character
Books
Read for pleasure.
Find romance novels, snacks, and book clubs. Fall in love with your new community.
Go on, add to your TBR.
Find us for great novels, bookish gifts, community events, and much more at our flagship store.
Spitalfields Market
30 Spital Square
London E1 6DX, UK
Hours
M: 11:00–18:00
T–Sa: 11:00–19:00
Su: 12:00–17:00
Find amazing reads online on our Bookshop.org page — your bookshelf will thank you!
Listen to swoony stories and support the shop with Libro.fm audiobooks!
Happy Pride!
Join us this month as we celebrate love stories, in all colours.
Our in-store tote is now online to celebrate the rich diversity of all the pleasure reads.
The tote is 220 gsm midweight canvas made from 100% recycled open-end cotton. Inside you'll find a fabric pocket — perfect for smaller essentials!
Our products are made to order, and can take up to 5 business days to ship (plus two days for shipping). We thank you for your patience!
Celebrate books at our community events!
FRIDAY 12 JUNE, 19:00–21:00 👄🎤🔥🥵🍆🍑📖
Join us for the third round of Main Character Books’ SMUT CLUB Open Mic Night!
Bring your favourite spicy novel and join us for drinks and laughs as we narrate our favourite (and most sensational!) passages from romance books — all in 2-minute readings! We’ve had readings from ACOTAR, Unhinged (the door book!), the Bible, and many, many more. Whether it’s Morning Glory Milking Farm, your favourite contemporary, or the paranormal shifter book you’ve been dying to talk about, bookmark the spiciest section and join us for community, prizes, games, and after-hours shopping!
Your ticket includes admission, first drink, and snacks. There is no need to throw your name in the hat to read; feel free to come and listen… and perhaps leave with new friends!
*This event is for those ages 18+ only; if you look young, bring an ID!
SUNDAY 12 JUNE, 11:00–12:00
Join us at our FIRST ever Sunday Book Swap! 📚🔄
Bring up to 5 of your gently-used romance novels to rehome to a new owner and find new-to-you love stories to take home. Admission includes a pastry and a coffee or tea — and a great chance to trade novels with other Romance readers!
Please note we are unable to offer refunds on event tickets.
BOOK RELEASE PARTY: Tempting Venom by Rina Kent
30 June, 2026
19:00–20:30
Are you tempted yet? Rina Kent’s best-selling dark romance Vipers series has a new novel — and YOU’RE invited to the release party! Rina Kent writes under a pen name, so this event is authorless (we’re sure she’ll be there in spirit).
Your ticket includes a copy of Tempting Venom on release day, along with a signed bookplate, exclusive bookmarks, stickers, and keyring and publisher giveaways! We’ll have drinks, snacks, Rina-themed games, bookmark crafting, and more! Join us and let’s party!
Tempting Venom is a male x male college hockey romance. While this book can be read on its own, for a better understanding of the world, it's recommended to read Beautiful Venom & Sweet Venom first.
Your ticket is non-refundable. If you can’t make the party, we will hold your book and goodies for pickup.
Show off your passion.
From contemporary to romantasy to that spicy one with the dragons, we’re here with a shared love for the genre. We’re building out our online offerings, but treat yourself to a little merch while you’re here!
Represent your favourite trope with this Beechfield EarthAware® organic cord baseball cap. Available in multiple colours, medium profile, and adjustable.
Our products are made to order, and can take up to 5 business days to ship (plus two days for shipping). We thank you for your patience!
Obsessed with magic, dragons, and far-away lands? Us too.
Represent your favourite genre with this Beechfield EarthAware® organic cord baseball cap. Available in multiple colours, medium profile, adjustable back.
Our products are made to order, and can take up to 5 business days to ship (plus two days for shipping). We thank you for your patience!
Large tote for all your book (and non-book) shops. EarthAware® large shopper made from 100% organic cotton canvas. Available in multiple colours with white embroidery, size 52 x 38.5 x 16cm.
Our products are made to order, and can take up to 5 business days to ship (plus two days for shipping). We thank you for your patience!
Let’s talk books.
Stay in touch to hear more about our opening, book clubs, and events.
Contact Main Character
The shop
Spitalfields Market
30 Spital Square
London E1 6DX, UK
Find us on the North side of Spitalfields Market, near the elephants!
Hours
M: 11:00–18:00
T–Sa: 11:00–19:00
Su: 12:00–17:00
Main Character is the brainchild of Owner/Founder Cassie and Comms Director Allie, who found comfort and community in a romance book club during COVID. Since then, we’ve had children, moved countries, changed jobs, and worn too many (romance) hats. Main Character is a love letter to the community of romance-book loving people who have seen and supported us through it all.
We are lady-owned and embrace diversity and love in all its forms. We believe that books should be fun and enjoyable: if you like it, it’s the book for you! We don’t yuck someone else’s yum and think that everyone should read for pleasure.
Contact us at hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk!
