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!
Join us at our community events!
Join us for a deep dive into your favourite classic author, Jane Austen! We'll visit Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion. With the new adaptation coming to theatres, why not get in on the conversation! Join us for discussion, games, and community on Tuesday evenings in our shop in E1 Spitalfields Market.
15 September 2026: Sense and Sensibility
20 October 2026: Pride and Prejudice
17 November 2026 : Emma
15 December 2026: Persuasion
Refreshments available at Main Character Books. Welcome and chat starts at 18:30, club activity from 19:00–20:00, and mingling until 20:30.
Membership options include attendance to the club only. Discount will apply automatically in your cart when you purchase one of our gorgeous hardback editions to add to your collection.
Note that we are unable to provide refunds for events. If you are unable to attend, feel free to pass the ticket along to a friend!
Don’t miss Under the Iron Sky, the debut novel from A.T. Emerald! Hear from the author about her novel and have your copy signed, two days before its release date!
6 October, 2026
✨19:00………………Event doors
✨19:30………………Author talk and Q&A
✨20:15-21:00…..…Book signing, shopping, chat!
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for ADMISSION to the event. If you also want the novel, please add it separately at checkout. Books may also be purchased at the event.
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A fallen empire. A warrior determined to protect her people. And the masked soldier who captures her behind enemy lines. The first novel in a dark, seductive, and all-consuming trilogy where hope is fickle but the fight is never over.
Vordell was beautiful once. Its people lived in harmony, and their civilization flourished as they learned to harness and control the power of Light.
Then the darkness came.
The Iron Sky unfolded dark clouds across the land, thick enough to choke out the light of the suns. The ground cracked, releasing vicious creatures that looked like humanity’s oldest fears. The Dar’rak—an enemy long believed to be buried and forgotten—returned to claim the world above.
Soraya Tollmere has spent most of her life on the front lines of the brutal war that followed. Now a high-ranking commander, she knows loss better than anyone.
By day, she leads troops across ruined landscapes and guides covert teams through enemy territory. By night, she meets with a Dar’rak defector who has kept humanity alive with his steady stream of secrets.
On a mission to investigate his latest lead—one that could turn the tide of the war—Soraya is captured by The Demon, the Dar’rak’s most feared soldier, his true identity unknown.
His orders are break the human commander, uncover where the humans are keeping a weapon that could win them the war, and bring it to the Dar’rak. But as he gets to know the fierce warrior, the lines between interrogator and enemy, prisoner and ally, begin to blur.
As devastating truths surface and loyalties shatter, Soraya must decide who to trust in a world where light is dying—and where her greatest enemy may be her only salvation.
Praise for the novel:
“Riveting. Unique. Exquisite. I loved every word of this story and cannot wait for more. Bravo, A. T. Emerald!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Devney Perry
“Under the Iron Sky is a masterclass in dystopian worldbuilding, with characters and mystery that kept me glued to the pages. A. T. Emerald executes this enemies-to-lovers story flawlessly, and I’m counting down the seconds until the next book!”—Nicole Holleman, co-host of the Fantasy Fangirls Podcast and author of Oath of the Chosen
“An absolute masterpiece of a debut. A gripping, gut-wrenching, gritty fantasy packed full of twists, turns and emotional damage. A must-read for dark fantasy fans.”—Hazel McBride, internationally bestselling author of A Fate Forged in Fire
“Wildly fun, gasp-worthy, and sure to hit the sweet spot for anyone looking for a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep them turning the pages all night.”—Lynn D Jung, author of Mothsblood
“An incredibly unique and masterful take on a fantasy dystopia. A.T. Emerald is a genius, and this is a debut novel that everyone is going to want on their bookshelves.”—Jordan Rose, author of Library of Stars
Join us for an evening of conversation and community with two of the buzziest names in romance! Joss Richard and Kate Stayman-London will join moderator Ana Pinto to talk about their newest novels, their top reads, and the art of writing romance. Don’t miss out!
5 October 2026
✨18:30………………Event doors
✨19:00………………Author Panel Discussion
✨19:45-20:30…..…Book signing, shopping, chat!
Location: Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for ADMISSION to the event. If you also want the novels, please add them separately and you’ll get a discount on the admission price at checkout. Books may also be purchased at the event!
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
Let’s get crafty! Join author ELLE McNICOLL & Main Character Books for an evening of crafting, drinks, and chat as we celebrate the release of Yearning Difficulties. We’re going to be making bookish autumnal wreaths - perfect to get you in the cosy mood! Come ready to craft!
✨18:30: Event start. Crafting supplies and instructions provided!
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for admission and crafting supplies. If you also want the novel, please add it to your cart below and you’ll get a discount on the admission price at checkout! Books may also be purchased at the event.
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
ABOUT THE NOVEL
It's autumn in Lake Pristine! Get ready to fall in love Yearning Difficulties, the fake-dating romance from Elle McNicoll, award-winning author of Wish You Were Her.
Zella is co-hosting the student radio show which would be great if she didn’t have to share it with her horrible ex, Dave. Her classmate Killian is brash, opinionated and his mother happens to run the writing seminar of Zella’s dreams.
When Zella suggests he help her out by fake dating her, Killian sees an opportunity. He has his own reasons for getting close to Zella . . .
But when he starts to trip up on his own lies and their friendship begins to fracture, Zella might have to open her heart to the possibility that what she’s looking for has been there the whole time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning novelist and screenwriter. Her debut, A Kind of Spark, won the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, as well as Blackwell’s Book of 2020. She is a four time Carnegie nominated author, and was shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Awards 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Branford Boase Award 2020 and The Little Rebels Award 2020 and 2021. She was also honoured in the US with the Schneider Award, 2022. Her second novel, Show Us Who You Are, was Blackwell’s Book of the Month and one of The Bookseller’s Best Books of 2021. Her first fantasy middle grade, Like a Charm, was nominated for Best Children’s Book for Older Readers in the first ever Week Junior Book Awards, and was highly praised in the New York Times. Her debut novel, A Kind of Spark, has also been adapted for television, is Emmy nominated and won Best Children’s Programme at the Broadcast Awards and a Royal Television Society Award. She is twice nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the winner of the 2025 Books Are My Bag Young Adult Readers Award for Wish You Were Her. Her adult debut, Unapologetic Love Story, published in 2026.
Meet A.T. Emerald and have your Indie exclusive edition of Under the Iron Sky signed and dedicated!
Tuesday 6 October, 17:00-18:00pm
Join us for a book signing with A.T. Emerald celebrating her debut romantasy, Under the Iron Sky, two days before publication!
Your ticket includes the Indie version (with sprayed edges!) of Under the Iron Sky gets you free admission in the queue.
To be sure every guest has an opportunity to meet A.T. Emerald, she will be limited to signing copies bought through Main Character Books
The queue may be outside and under an awning, so please prepare for the weather accordingly!
Our store will be open until 6:30pm for other shopping, when we will close for the pre-release event.
We cannot provide refunds on event tickets, but will save any books and extras for pickup after the event.
ABOUT UNDER THE IRON SKY
A fallen empire. A warrior determined to protect her people. And the masked soldier who captures her behind enemy lines. The first novel in a dark, seductive, and all-consuming trilogy where hope is fickle but the fight is never over.
Vordell was beautiful once. Its people lived in harmony, and their civilization flourished as they learned to harness and control the power of Light.
Then the darkness came.
The Iron Sky unfolded dark clouds across the land, thick enough to choke out the light of the suns. The ground cracked, releasing vicious creatures that looked like humanity’s oldest fears. The Dar’rak—an enemy long believed to be buried and forgotten—returned to claim the world above.
Soraya Tollmere has spent most of her life on the front lines of the brutal war that followed. Now a high-ranking commander, she knows loss better than anyone.
By day, she leads troops across ruined landscapes and guides covert teams through enemy territory. By night, she meets with a Dar’rak defector who has kept humanity alive with his steady stream of secrets.
On a mission to investigate his latest lead—one that could turn the tide of the war—Soraya is captured by The Demon, the Dar’rak’s most feared soldier, his true identity unknown.
His orders are break the human commander, uncover where the humans are keeping a weapon that could win them the war, and bring it to the Dar’rak. But as he gets to know the fierce warrior, the lines between interrogator and enemy, prisoner and ally, begin to blur.
As devastating truths surface and loyalties shatter, Soraya must decide who to trust in a world where light is dying—and where her greatest enemy may be her only salvation.
Praise for the novel:
“Riveting. Unique. Exquisite. I loved every word of this story and cannot wait for more. Bravo, A. T. Emerald!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Devney Perry
“Under the Iron Sky is a masterclass in dystopian worldbuilding, with characters and mystery that kept me glued to the pages. A. T. Emerald executes this enemies-to-lovers story flawlessly, and I’m counting down the seconds until the next book!”—Nicole Holleman, co-host of the Fantasy Fangirls Podcast and author of Oath of the Chosen
“An absolute masterpiece of a debut. A gripping, gut-wrenching, gritty fantasy packed full of twists, turns and emotional damage. A must-read for dark fantasy fans.”—Hazel McBride, internationally bestselling author of A Fate Forged in Fire
“Wildly fun, gasp-worthy, and sure to hit the sweet spot for anyone looking for a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep them turning the pages all night.”—Lynn D Jung, author of Mothsblood
“An incredibly unique and masterful take on a fantasy dystopia. A.T. Emerald is a genius, and this is a debut novel that everyone is going to want on their bookshelves.”—Jordan Rose, author of Library of Stars
Join us for an evening of conversation of steamy romances through the ages! Sophia Benoit and Bolu Babalola will join moderator Rufaro Faith Mazarura to chat about reforming rakes (or second chances), courting (or swiping), and writing romance - no matter the decade.
Historical romance has never been so relevant and you won’t want to miss out!
7 October 2026
✨18:30………………Event doors
✨19:00………………Author Panel Discussion
✨20:15-21:00…..…Book signing, shopping, chat!
Location: Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for ADMISSION to the event. If you also want the novels, please add them separately and you’ll get a discount on the admission price at checkout. Books may also be purchased at the event!
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
Sophia Benoit is the author of The Very Definition of Love….
Bolu Babalola is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling and Waterstones Book of the year shortlisted collection, Love in Colour and the Reese’s Book Club Pick and TikTok Book of the Year novel Honey & Spice. Her latest novel is Sweet Heat. She is a London based writer of books, scripts, culture pieces and retorts, specialising in stories of dynamic women with distinct voices who love and are loved audaciously.
Rufaro Faith Mazarura is the author of Skate It Till You Make It and Let the Games Begin. She is a British Zimbabwean writer who grew up in Birmingham and studied English and creating writing at the University of Surrey. She brings stories to life through audio as a podcast producer and has written and produced podcasts for the BBC, iHeartRadio, and Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books.
Meet Taylor J. LaRue and have your Indie exclusive edition signed!
Sunday 25 October, 15:00-17:00pm, in timed slots
Join us for a book signing with Taylor J. LaRue celebrating her debut romantasy, Steelborn, which topped the charts on the #1 UK Sunday Times Bestseller List.
Your free ticket gets you admission in the queue. If you'd like to reserve the Indie edition of Steelborn, use the linked product and chose pick up in store!
To be sure every guest has an opportunity to meet Taylor, she will be limited to two signatures! (Bring your own novel or purchase one with us!)
Tickets are timed to ensure a moderate queue. Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your allotted time.
The queue may be outside and under an awning, so please prepare for the weather accordingly!
Our store will be open from 12-5pm for other shopping.
ABOUT THE NOVEL
Enter a world ruled by tyrants and thieves, where magic is outlawed, revolution brews, desire is dangerous, and an impossible cure may prove deadlier than the curse.
Never run. Never bow. Never die.
Reya Connery became the Crimson Dagger, the most notorious thief in Rhiterra, by following a strict set of rules. One: There is no honour among thieves. Two: A good blade is key to any negotiation. Three: Only the dead keep secrets. And Reya has a secret that must be kept at all costs. But when a heist goes wrong on the eve of paying off her debt to a ruthless crime lord, Reya may need a new set of rules. And a lot of coin. Fast.
Enter Caelan Halcyon, an immortal warrior whose magic makes him a valuable target – if the curse inching closer to his heart doesn’t kill him first. There’s just one person who might be desperate enough to try and get their hands on the fabled cure in time to save his life, someone whose legend claims they can steal anything: the Crimson Dagger. A male of honour, Caelan loathes everything the beautiful, cocky thief represents, yet knows that Reya is his last hope for survival.
Their search takes them to the edge of the known world, where Reya discovers that there is far more at stake than her and Caelan’s own lives. Now, Reya must confront deadly foes, her growing attraction to the immortal who is as lethal as his jawline is perfect, and the rage she’s spent a lifetime trying to bury. This time, her daggers aren’t going to cut it, and the fate of all magic-born hangs in the balance.
Introducing an epic, slow burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy novel about a heroine forged in steel and rage, and the cursed immortal who might turn out to be as much her salvation as she is his, perfect for fans of Danielle L. Jensen and Callie Hart.
Join us for an evening of conversation with authors Lauren Okie and EJ Blaise, chaired by Georgia Stone! We’ll touch on tropes and trends in contemporary romance, and so much more.
15 October, 2026
✨19:00: Event doors
✨19:30: Author panel discussion and Q&A
✨20:15: Book signing, shopping, and chat!
Location: Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for ADMISSION to the event. If you also want the novels, please add them separately and you’ll get a discount on the admission price at checkout. Books may also be purchased at the event!
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
Lauren Okie studied English and American Literature at New York University. When she’s not mining old traumas or blocking sex scenes on the backs of grocery lists, Lauren works as a copywriter. Originally from Miami, she lives with her husband and daughter in the Los Angeles area. Her latest is Tropesick, a slow-burn romance about two childhood neighbours that unexpectedly reunite to ghostwrite a love story for a reclusive author.
EJ Blaise is an Irish author of all things romance. When she's not creating unrealistically perfect men, she can be found travelling, reading, and dreaming of running a bookstore café. Her latest is Better than Revenge, a swimmingly sexy sports romance with fake dating.
Georgia Stone is a London-based author of contemporary romance. She writes love stories that she hopes make people laugh out loud and clutch at their hearts in equal measure. After dabbling in fan fiction as a teen growing up in rural Switzerland, she didn't write her own stories for years, until one fateful day, she had the idea that sparked her debut novel. She fell back in love with writing and now very much appreciates that being a fiction author is essentially just a socially acceptable way of having imaginary friends. Her latest is The Roommate Rule, a witty forced proximity romance with only one cabin.
Come find new joy in a beloved tale — ahead of its release! Celebrated author Phoenicia Rogerson breathes new life into Tristan and Isolde with her feminist retelling, set in Camelot. Rogerson will be in conversation with author Bea Fitzgerald as they discuss old myths, new books, and love stories that last the ages.
Save half-price on your admission when you purchase the novel in advance!
11 NOV 2026
✨ 19:00: Event doors
✨ 19:30pm: author discussion and Q&A
✨ 20:15–21:30: author signing, drinks, chats!
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for admission to the event. If you also want Isolde, please add it separately to your cart and you’ll get a 50% discount on the admission price at checkout! Novels will also be available for purchase at the event.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Isolde, Queen of Cornwall, is on the run.
She didn’t mean to drink a love potion with the king’s nephew, but that little accident has made her scandalously famous. Luckily, she and Tristan find refuge in Camelot, the legendary court of King Arthur. This ought to be her happy ending.
Only it isn’t. She discovers that Camelot is full of chivalrous knights who aren’t sure how to speak to a woman, and while it houses the greatest wizard of all time, he might just be responsible for crimes against humanity. And one more thing, the love potion has worn off…
Now Isolde will have to work out what sort of life a woman can carve out for herself when the songs about her have already been written.
A tale of battered reputations, Isolde introduces an unforgettable heroine finding her way through myth, love and a world of magic.
'Funny, fresh and full of heart, even when it's breaking yours' —Cari Thomas
'Effortlessly balances humour with heartbreak for a truly unforgettable story’ —Naomi Kelsey
‘A love story that’s hilarious and touching surrounded by an adventure that will make you rethink everything you think you know about Arthur, Guinevere and Camelot. A literary voice that is utterly unique and delightfully refreshing’ —Ian Doescher
‘Takes two of literature’s most legendary love stories — Tristan and Isolde, Guinevere and Lancelot — and weaves them together with wit and with clever, sparkling dialogue, mining the depths of love and longing with a lightness of touch’ —Rachel Hochhauser
Join us to celebrate the release of Sunday Times bestselling author, Kate Dylan's adult romantasy debut, Soul Sworn, on publication eve!
Soul Sworn is a dark, addictive romantasy is filled with assassins, blood magic, and a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance that will leave you breathless. Join Kate Dylan and bestselling author Saara El-Arifi for an evening of conversation and community, and have your copies of their books signed.
Save half-price on your admission when you purchase the novel!
16 NOV 2026
✨18:30: Event doors
✨19:00: Author talk, Q&A, in conversation with author Saara El-Arifi
✨19:45: Book signing, drinks and chat
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for admission to the event. If you also want Soul Sworn, please add it separately to your cart and you’ll get a 50% discount on the admission price at checkout. Novels will also be available for purchase at the event.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two ruthless assassins. One deadly romance.
Talia Atwater is a reaper, an elite assassin who uses her looks, her charms, and her rare ability to sense lies to rid clients of their sworn enemy: the person destined to kill their soulmate. For Talia, love is just another way to die.
Cain Hawthorne was raised to be a weapon. Bound to a powerful religious order, he hunts rogue reapers in the name of the Gods. Duty is everything. Love is forbidden. All that matters is protecting their fated ties.
So when Talia takes a job that threatens fate, Cain is sent to stop her.
But in a world where every soul is marked — for love and death — the line between mission and desire begins to blur.
As secrets unravel and attraction ignites, Talia and Cain are pulled into a dangerous game of seduction, secrets, and lies. And the closer they get to the truth, the clearer it becomes:
They were never meant to fall in love. They were meant to destroy each other.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
“Truly seductive and sharp as a knife, Soul Sworn is a blade beneath silk. This is the assassins-to-lovers romantasy you’ve been waiting for.” —Tasha Suri
“Soul Sworn is a cut of the knife and a wrench of the heart… Smart, sultry, and absolutely twisted… I was utterly absorbed from beginning to end.” —Hannah Kaner
“Addictive, sexy, and electrifying from the first page, Soul Sworn had my heart in my throat the entire way through. Kate Dylan writes a slow burn so deliciously, gloriously stressful that I couldn’t put it down—or calm down. I loved every torturous second.”—Dhonielle Clayton
“Sexy, gripping, and wickedly fun, Soul Sworn is an absolute riot of a ride. [The] smoldering romance sears through every page to its unstoppable conclusion. Prepare to burn the midnight oil because you won’t be able to put this down.”—Georgia Summer
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
RELEASE DAY EXCLUSIVE!
Reserve your copy of Cassandra Clare’s hotly anticipated novel, The Last King of Faerie, and join us for a pickup party!
Your ticket includes the hardback novel with free exclusive bookmark, enamel pin, and tote. We will also be book bedazzling, playing games, and winning prizes! Themed drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
Come meet other Cassandra Clare fans and celebrate her latest novel!
🧚Pickup Party
💫3 November, 17:30–19:00
📍Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market E1 6DX
This is an authorless release party. If you cannot make the event, books may be picked up at any time after opening on 3 November, not just during the pickup party.
ABOUT THE NOVEL
Welcome to a world of demon-hunting, betrayal, secrets and forbidden love.
The highly anticipated first book of The Wicked Powers, the final Shadowhunters trilogy! #1 New York Times bestselling author Cassandra Clare brings the global phenomenon that began with The Mortal Instruments to a stunning conclusion.
It’s Drusilla Blackthorn's third year at Shadowhunter Academy when a chance encounter at a nightclub turns into a kidnapping. Dru finds herself held prisoner by Prince Ash Morgenstern in the land of Faerie, a place that proves just as dangerous as it is beautiful. Despite herself, Dru is drawn to Ash and the darkness that seems to surround him – but one false move could cost her life.
Meanwhile, a shocking disappearance rocks the foundations of the Shadowhunter world. Kit Herondale and Ty Blackthorn must set aside the bitterness that lingers between them and join forces on a perilous quest to save everything they cherish.
Let’s celebrate the release of New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok's new thrilling romantasy, Dominion!
Fourth Wing—by way of Chinese mythology—meets The Hunger Games in a perilous world where a young woman with no memory and little magic may hold the key to uniting the Dominions and saving the mortal realm.
Join Jean Kwok and author Sara Jafari for an evening of conversation and community.
Save half-price on your admission when you purchase the novel in advance!
13 OCT 2026
✨ 19:00: Event doors
✨ 19:30pm: author discussion and Q&A
✨ 20:15–21:30: author signing, drinks, chats!
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for admission to the event. If you also want Dominion, please add it separately to your cart and you’ll get a 50% discount on the admission price at checkout. Novels will also be available for purchase at the event.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A woman with no past. A warrior with no future. Their love could save the world-or burn it down.
In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything – and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle-tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire – supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Survival is unthinkable.
But survive she does. Now she’s stuck on Blake’s elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other’s throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past . . . while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption – or her ruin.
Dire Bound and Fourth Wing by way of Chinese mythology, Dominion is the the first book in the sizzling and spellbinding fantasy romance trilogy with magestic tygers at its heart from New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
‘A page turner: tender yet tense, loving yet steamy, dangerous yet darkly humorous. Dominion draws gorgeously on Chinese mythology to create something entirely new’ BRIGITTE KNIGHTLEY
‘A brilliant, captivating, deeply romantic fantasy debut!’ ALI HAZELWOOD
‘A feast for the senses’ AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO
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
FAQs about MC
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!
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Yes! We have ramps that allow access the store. Inside, there are wide enough aisles through which one may use a wheelchair, pram, etc. If you need more room or assistance with reaching the books, feel free to let our books sellers know (all our displays are movable and we have to use step stools). Seating with either stools or chairs with backs is available both during shop hours and for events. Public toilets are available nearby in Old Spitalfields Market which has an accessible toilet. If you need a different accommodation for your visit, please let us know at hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk and we will do our best to find a solutioN!
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No, Generative Allie! Award-winning art director Allie taught herself Photoshop to make graphics for an Orlando Bloom fansite during the Legolas era and SHE ISN’T STOPPING NOW. Give her a shout if something needs fixing: allie@maincharacterbooks.co.uk
We believe in the human touch and do not stock books made with AI. (As far as we can reasonably ascertain!) Main Character does not and has never used AI to create our merch, graphics, posts, recommendations, website, or other creative materials. If there’s a mistake, we cannot blame the bots.
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We adore indie books but sadly do not have the capacity to manage all the contracts! If you are available on Gardners, we have the potential to stock you.
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We are lucky to be centrally located so lots of authors stop by for signings. We don't have control over author schedules, but you can check our events and socials to see which authors we've had in store!
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If you're in the UK, the easiest way to support us while getting great novels delivered is to order from our bookshop.org!
If you are planning on visiting the shop and want certain books, please reach out to hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk at least a week prior to your visit. We will need the title, author, and edition of the book(s) you're looking for and we can see about availability.
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Yes! Our space was purposely designed for events. We can seat 32 at tables, 50 seated for talks, and 70 standing for cocktails. Please email hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk with your vision for the event and we will follow-up with pricing and availability.
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Main Character is brand new so we’re still getting our footing as a company. From our accountants to our design team, we try to partner with women-led, family-owned, and local businesses. Sustainability, inclusivity, and progressive values are important to us, and we look for the same values in those in our team.
We are proud to serve cakes from Luminary Bakery, a local social enterprise that empowers women who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse, violence, or sexual exploitation. When you treat yourself in our cafe, you’re helping support their great work!
In our personal lives, we volunteer time in our local communities. Prior to spending all her time in the shop, Cassie used her courtroom knowledge by supporting victims and witnesses of crimes at her local magistrate court. Allie uses her past comms career by supporting community organisations around progressive candidates.
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We sell books — with lots of paper — so it is important to us to conserve resources as much as we can! For damaged and remaindered books, we have a clearance cart in store. You get a great novel and the book avoids pulping at the publisher — win-win! We also hold monthly book swaps where we add to the pile, so you may score a new book.
