Romance readers in Jacksonville have a new reason to swoon. CandleLit Books, a locally owned (and woman-owned), romance-only bookstore, opened its doors in November 2025. In addition to an array of romance books, CandleLit sets itself apart from other bookstores by offering a beautiful shopping experience and a unique way for readers to discover new love stories.
Designed for any reader who wants to get lost in a literary romance, CandleLit has a wide array of books on its floor-to-ceiling shelves. Yolanda Patterson, the owner of CandleLit, and her team have filled their shelves with stories from various sub-romance categories, including contemporary, romantasy, urban, young adult, and LGBTQIA+. Deepening the variety of plots and characters in each realm, passionate connections also come to life through a range of romance tropes.
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Whether you are new to the genre or are a deeply devoted romance reader, they have something for everyone. And even for the most experienced romance readers, CandleLit’s Blind Date with a Book pairings provide readers with a unique sensual opportunity to immerse themselves in storylines.
While the Blind Date with a Book idea is a craze that’s taken over social media, CandleLit’s take on the trend is personal and engages readers at a sensual level. Each pairing marries a romance novel with a candle that was created to mirror the senses of a specific scene within the book. And these candles aren’t just any candles. Every candle is designed to bring a key scene in the book to life, with names and scents curated by Yolanda and her team. It’s a concept that, with the light of each wick, transports readers from their chosen reading nook into the pages they’re devouring.
Adding to the variety of books available in the store, CandleLit is satisfying even more romance lovers with their book suggestion box and wall. The suggestion box invites readers to share their favorites if they see them missing from the shelves. And the wall behind the box? It’s full of those suggested books, bringing the hearts of Jacksonville’s romance fans into the folds of CandleLit’s offerings.
On top of the books, CandleLit also has a selection of bookish merch and knick-knacks that let shoppers indulge their passion for reading beyond the words on a page. From witty and clever sweatshirts to wrap yourself in while you curl up with your new book, to spicy card decks designed to fan the flames of affection between lovers or friends, there are gifts for everyone.
Something else that Yolanda has begun curating is a physical space for the romance readers of Duval to gather amongst community. Inside the store, there is comfy furniture that invites you to step in and stay a while. There is an intentional flexibility in the setup of the space that allows CandleLit to host groups of people. From book signings and book release parties to book club meetings and mom socials, the space is a perfect place to host your next gathering.
Intrigued and ready for your next affair with a romance book? Consider this your invitation to fall head over heels… one page, one scent, and one love story at a time with CandleLit as the matchmaker. Learn more about CandleLit Books on their website, and follow them on Instagram and TikTok.
