Sweeter Than Fiction Bookstore

In 2025, Callie Lamb opened Sweeter than fiction bookstore at 204 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina, to celebrate all things romance and Taylor Swift. After all, the store is named after one of the musician’s songs. Want more romance? Follow @sweeterthanfictionbookshop to find out about author signings, book clubs, release parties, bookish outings and more!

Here are Callie’s personal romance must-reads.

“Magnolia Parks”

by Jessa Hastings

This book has my entire heart and, dare I say, is my favorite book series of all time. I’ve reread it multiple times. In a nutshell, it’s “Gossip Girl” set in London. While some might find the story a little toxic, I think the characters and their relationships are not only real, but totally relatable. You will laugh, cry, and probably slam your book shut at certain points—but that’s why I love it. What makes this series truly stand out is its dual female leads, each offering distinct viewpoints that shed new light on the same events. Although the storylines overlap in time, every chapter provides a fresh and compelling perspective. I cannot recommend this book—this entire series—highly enough!

“The Playlist”

by Morgan Elizabeth

What if I told you that this book is a love letter to Taylor Swift fans? As a Swiftie, this book holds a special place in my heart. Every chapter is titled after one of her songs! It also has one of my favorite tropes: best friend’s brother. Also…one bed, anyone? If you know, you know. Our main female character goes on a road trip to check off her ‘Love Story Bucket List’ and along the way, starts her own love story. Morgan Elizabeth has a way with words, and whenever she releases a new book, I’ll be the first in line!

“Lights Out”

by Navessa Allen

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good dark romance—but “Lights Out” stands apart because of the unexpected humor Allen threads through the story. I’m also completely obsessed with a certain side character named Fred… who happens to be a cat. This book delivers everything: romance, suspense, knives! If you walk into the store asking for a dark romance recommendation, this is the first I’ll hand you.

“Consider Me”

by Becka Mack

First off, Carter Beckett was my top-tier book boyfriend of all time… until recently. He did get dethroned this year, but he still holds a very solid second place. This is a hockey romance with a he-falls-first twist—which matters, because he’s a total playboy. But then Olivia Parker shows up, catches his eye, and suddenly, boy is down bad! He breaks all his own rules for her, puts her first, and never hesitates to hype her up—even though he’s the actual celebrity. The first in a series.

“Shield of Sparrows”

by Devney Perry

Devney Perry usually writes romantic suspense, so I was excited to see her take on romantasy. This book is one of the most unique in the genre—different from anything I’ve read, and I don’t want to spoil a thing. I absolutely love the main heroine and am eagerly awaiting the second book. This is always one of my go-to recommendations for anyone browsing our romantasy shelves.