Meet Nigel, Flame & Fable’s book-loving dragon mascot.
For almost exactly one year, Flame & Fable has cultivated not just a genre-focused bookstore, but a community of readers across both romance and fantasy titles. This Saturday, the woman-owned bookstore has lined up six Cleveland authors for book signings and more to celebrate its first birthday.
“I always wanted some place that I could go to and look at books that I really enjoyed reading,” owner Nickie Lui said.
After leaving a job in publishing, Lui realized that she really just wanted to spend the rest of her life reading and recommending books. Specifically, romance or fantasy, or “romantasy” for short when the genres are combined.
Flame & Fable is the only bookshop dedicated to romance and fantasy in Greater Cleveland.
Inspired by similar-themed bookstores in other cities such as The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Lui rolled up her sleeves to figure out how to start something similar in Cleveland.
“It just made sense to do fantasy and romance, because it’s what I love,” Lui said. She has also curated the shop’s website to include “tropes” such as “friends to lovers” or “slow burn.” (For example, HBO’s Heated Rivalry – based on a book – is considered a “slow burn.” While the shop specializes in romance, it also sells “romanceless fantasy,” too.
Don’t consider yourself a fan of romance or fantasy? Lui is used to getting customers who are new to the genre or sometimes even embarrassed to ask questions. Even with the success of Heated Rivalry, she said customers still come in nervous to ask for similar titles featuring “boys kissing.”
“If you tell me the books you love, I can find something that’s similar.”
On Saturday, Flame & Fable is throwing its biggest event yet featuring six Cleveland romance and fantasy authors: Allison Kennedy, B.B. Aspen, Bre Bartell, Chelle Sloan, Ciara Hartford and Emma Foxx.
“I knew Cleveland had authors, but I did not realize how many romance authors Cleveland had,” Lui said. “I’m really thankful for all the support and the opportunity we’ve had. I’m a little fish in a big pond.”
The shop is also home to several bookclubs, including Spicy Grapes and Feral Gremlins.
The event is free, but books will be available for purchase. You can also shop from two local vendors, Bookishly Bailey and Kiwi’s Bakery. Flame & Fable’s anniversary event is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 15207 Detroit Ave in Lakewood.