Our Story
How It All Began
Welcome to Swoon & Suspense Books—an independent online bookstore founded by Bri and Mel.
More than just a place to buy books, we hope to create a space where readers feel inspired, welcomed, and connected. Whether you're searching for your next favorite romance, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, or a thoughtful gift for a fellow book lover, we're so glad you're here.
We've been together for 17 years, and last year we rediscovered our love of reading.
What started as simply picking up books again quickly turned into something much bigger. Every trip we planned suddenly included visits to independent bookstores, each one offering not only incredible stories but unforgettable experiences.
Those bookstores introduced us to an amazing community of passionate readers, talented authors, and dedicated booksellers. The warmth, creativity, and sense of belonging we found inspired us to create a bookstore of our own—one that captures that same feeling no matter where you're shopping from.
Inspired by the Past
One thing we've always shared is a love for another era.
Bri has often joked that she was born in the wrong century, drawn to the charm, elegance, and nostalgia of the 1920s. Mel has always been equally captivated by the romance of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, imagining what life might have been like during those timeless decades.
That shared appreciation became the heart of Swoon & Suspense Books. We wanted to create a vintage-inspired online bookstore where readers could slow down, browse at their own pace, and enjoy an experience that feels warm, cozy, and a little nostalgic.
What You'll Find Here
Our shelves are carefully curated for readers who love unforgettable stories.
You'll discover a growing collection of romance, mystery, and thriller novels, along with favorites from fantasy and contemporary fiction. We're especially passionate about introducing readers to indie and local authors whose stories deserve to be discovered.
Beyond books, we also design bookish 3D-printed accessories and reader gifts that celebrate the joy of reading and make every reading experience a little more special.
More Than a Bookstore
Our goal has always been about more than selling books.
We want to build a welcoming community where readers can exchange recommendations, discover hidden gems, celebrate authors, and connect with others who share the same passion for stories.
We believe some of the best conversations begin with, "What are you reading right now?" and we hope Swoon & Suspense Books becomes a place where those conversations continue every day.
Meet Agnes Cliffhanger
Every great bookstore deserves a memorable mascot, and ours is Agnes Cliffhanger.
Agnes brings a little extra personality, charm, and fun to everything we do. She reminds us that reading should always be an adventure—and that every page has the potential to surprise you.
You'll often find her popping up throughout our store and social media, helping us create a space that feels authentic, engaging, and community-focused.
Because for us, conversations about books are just as important as the books themselves.
Whether you're here to discover your next favorite novel, support independent authors, find the perfect bookish gift, or simply spend time among fellow readers, we're thrilled you've found us.
Thank you for being part of the Swoon & Suspense Books community.
Your next favorite story is waiting.
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