My name is Starlin, and I have Sarah J Maas to thank for my spiral into the Romantasy genre a few years ago. A friend recommended the book to me after she saw a video about it on TikTok, and when I started reading, I couldn't stop!

I have read over 150 Romantasy books since then and have fallen in love with the genre. But I realised when going book shopping, that I couldn't find many special editions, or get specific recommendations when I went to my local bookshops in Oxford. A couple years ago, the only bookshop in Oxford that stocked Sarah J. Maas was the comic book store! How could one of the world's great literary cities not properly celebrate a trail-blazing author who has sold more than 75 million books?

Romantasy is still too often dismissed as inappropriate, unserious or somehow less worthy than other kinds of fiction. I want that to change, and I believe this genre deserves an entire shop of its own, where people can enjoy the books they love without shame or embarrassment.

I created Bad Girl Books to embrace the spice, the "naughty" reputation and everything else that comes with the genre. There is nothing wrong with enjoying 'bad girl' books - and we exist to embrace how much joy these books can bring, and take power in it. The spicier the book, the better! Monster smut? We've got it. YA or no-smut romance with enough yearning to make you giggle and kick your feet? We've got that too.

But the shop is about much more than selling books. We stock loads of independently published authors from around the world and make a point of giving queer, POC and disabled authors the same space and attention as well-known mainstream books. You'll also find gorgeous special editions, sprayed edges and so many hidden gem books you may never have discovered otherwise. My TBR has never been longer!

Bad Girl Books also serves the micro community, by being a place locals can shop ethically for gifts, whether it's a hand painted mug, a luxury candle, or bookish accessories. There is something for everyone, even non-readers, and I wanted to create a gift shop that represented joy and colour, while supporting other small businesses and independent makers.

The goal for BGB has always been to create a genuine community too. Bad Girl Books brings readers and locals together through regular book clubs, author events, craft workshops, social events and anyhting people ask for honestly!

It has been a whirlwind bringing Bad Girl Books to life, from our first weekend pop-up in London in September 2025 to opening our permanent home in central Oxford. Seeing the community grow and feel like such a positive and wholesome place has been the most exciting part of all, so thank you for your engagement and continued support! 

I am genuinely so excited to keep bringing people together, to talk about our favourite book boyfriends, discover new authors, support incredible small businesses and celebrate everything that makes Romantasy so much fun! 💕