Main
Character
Books
Read for pleasure.
Find romance novels, snacks, and book clubs. Fall in love with your new community.
Go on, add to your TBR.
Find us for great novels, bookish gifts, community events, and much more at our flagship store.
Spitalfields Market
30 Spital Square
London E1 6DX, UK
Hours
M: 11:00–18:00
T–Sa: 11:00–19:00
Su: 12:00–17:00
Find amazing reads online on our Bookshop.org page — your bookshelf will thank you!
Listen to swoony stories and support the shop with Libro.fm audiobooks!
Celebrate books at our community events!
Reese Witherspoon says of Into the Blue by Emma Brodie: “I was so drawn to the way it explores fate versus choice.” Join us as we celebrate this NYT Bestseller — and get your copy signed!
3 September, 2026
✨19:00………………Event doors
✨19:30………………Author Discussion and Q&A
✨20:15-21:00…..…Book signing, shopping, chat!
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for ADMISSION to the event. If you also want the novel, please add it separately and you’ll get a discount on the admission price at checkout. Books may also be purchased at the event.
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“The truth is there’s no such thing as a normal life. There’s just the time you get and how you spend it.”
In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for Saturday Night Live; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her small Massachusetts town. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond, first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.
Seven years later, in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.
Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry and yearning, and profound emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
“An achingly romantic, compulsively readable love story—with chemistry that burns up every page. Emma Brodie has rendered an intoxicating portrayal of the power and intensity of human connection.”—Taylor Jenkins Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Atmosphere
“The perfect blend of sexy, angsty and gut-wrenching . . . Tragically compelling and deliciously poignant.”—NPR
“Into the Blue is a deeply moving story that spans time (and space!) to test the limits of love and identity . . . An intense and rewarding novel.”—Kevin Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Nothing to See Here
“Into the Blue is intoxicating and heart-wrenching, a romance packed with tension.”—USA Today
Join us for an informal evening of chat and book signing with author Emily Varga!
We’ll have themed cocktails and mocktails available for purchase as we
🌟 29 July, 2026, 17:30–19:00
🌟 Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
Admission to this event is free but your RSVP is appreciated! Refreshments and books available for purchase at the event.
PRAISE FOR THE RIVER SHE BECAME:
“The River She Became is a thrilling exploration of what it takes to fight for freedom, replete with a swoon-worthy love story and a protagonist who refuses to give up.” – Vaishnavi Patel, NYT bestselling author of Ten Incarnations of Rebellion
“A brilliantly plotted adventure full of twists and turns, breathtaking magic, and a sizzling romance, The River She Became will sweep readers off their feet.” – Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestseller of Divine Rivals
“This book is so new and different from anything I’ve ever read, Emily Varga has taken this genre and made it her own.” – Lauren Roberts, #1 NYT bestselling author of Powerless
“Romantic, adventurous, magical, and twisty. No one writes page turning stories and strong heroines like Emily Varga.” – Kristin Dwyer, author of In Time With You
“With fast-paced writing and a unique, complex world The River She Became will keep you in its thrall up until its explosive ending.” -Kristen Ciccarelli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heartless Hunter
“Relentlessly thrilling and achingly hopeful. I was utterly enthralled by Varga’s storytelling.” -Amanda Helander, author of the Divine Mortals duology
Start your engines to help launch Crash Into You, the new F1 romance novel from Simone Soltani! Join us on publication day to hear from the author about her newest update to the hugely popular Lights Out series, and have your copy signed!
✨19:00: Event doors
✨19:30: Author talk, Q&A
✨20:15: Book signing, chats with friends, party!
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A forbidden love forces a shift in gears in the next sizzling Formula 1 romance from the USA Today-bestselling author of Cross the Line.
Formula 1 driver Zaid Yousef is back—though he’s not sure he wants to be. After a crash last season left the seven-time world champion with two broken wrists and a hesitance to get back behind the wheel, his future in the sport is nothing short of uncertain. Saddled with an unfinished contract and expectations to win a record-shattering title, the only choice is for him to return . . . right?
The press turned Ava Farahani’s life upside down in the last few years, forcing her to leave her job in marketing and the world of F1 she grew up in. She knows she should stay far away from the track, but the draw of the sport she loves is too strong to resist. A preseason event brings the two together for one hot, reckless night, and weeks later, results in a positive pregnancy test. Ava desperately wants to be a mother, and the baby gives Zaid a newfound drive to survive the season and break the world record.
There’s just one little problem: Ava is a team principal’s daughter . . . and Zaid is their biggest rival.
“Simone is at her best with this gorgeous, tender and effortlessly romantic installment to her series. I laughed, I giggled and I most definitely cried. She’s already in the hall of fame for romance writers for me, but Crash Into You will remind readers of exactly why she’s one of the greats!”
—Soraya Bouazzaoui, international bestselling author of Aicha
SUNDAY 26 JULY, 11:00–12:00
Join us at our second Sunday Book Swap! 📚🔄
Bring up to 5 of your gently-used romance novels to rehome to a new owner and find new-to-you love stories to take home. Admission includes a pastry and a coffee or tea — and a great chance to trade novels with other Romance readers!
Please note we are unable to offer refunds on event tickets.
Don’t miss Under the Iron Sky, the debut novel from A.T. Emerald! Hear from the author about her novel and have your copy signed, two days before its release date!
6 October, 2026
✨19:00………………Event doors
✨19:30………………Author talk and Q&A
✨20:15-21:00…..…Book signing, shopping, chat!
Main Character Books, Spitalfields Market, E1 6DX
This ticket is for ADMISSION to the event. If you also want the novel, please add it separately and you’ll get a discount on the admission price at checkout. Books may also be purchased at the event.
Please note we cannot provide refunds on event tickets; if you’re unable to attend, we are happy to save any books and extras for pickup during store hours.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A fallen empire. A warrior determined to protect her people. And the masked soldier who captures her behind enemy lines. The first novel in a dark, seductive, and all-consuming trilogy where hope is fickle but the fight is never over.
Vordell was beautiful once. Its people lived in harmony, and their civilization flourished as they learned to harness and control the power of Light.
Then the darkness came.
The Iron Sky unfolded dark clouds across the land, thick enough to choke out the light of the suns. The ground cracked, releasing vicious creatures that looked like humanity’s oldest fears. The Dar’rak—an enemy long believed to be buried and forgotten—returned to claim the world above.
Soraya Tollmere has spent most of her life on the front lines of the brutal war that followed. Now a high-ranking commander, she knows loss better than anyone.
By day, she leads troops across ruined landscapes and guides covert teams through enemy territory. By night, she meets with a Dar’rak defector who has kept humanity alive with his steady stream of secrets.
On a mission to investigate his latest lead—one that could turn the tide of the war—Soraya is captured by The Demon, the Dar’rak’s most feared soldier, his true identity unknown.
His orders are break the human commander, uncover where the humans are keeping a weapon that could win them the war, and bring it to the Dar’rak. But as he gets to know the fierce warrior, the lines between interrogator and enemy, prisoner and ally, begin to blur.
As devastating truths surface and loyalties shatter, Soraya must decide who to trust in a world where light is dying—and where her greatest enemy may be her only salvation.
Praise for the novel:
“Riveting. Unique. Exquisite. I loved every word of this story and cannot wait for more. Bravo, A. T. Emerald!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Devney Perry
“Under the Iron Sky is a masterclass in dystopian worldbuilding, with characters and mystery that kept me glued to the pages. A. T. Emerald executes this enemies-to-lovers story flawlessly, and I’m counting down the seconds until the next book!”—Nicole Holleman, co-host of the Fantasy Fangirls Podcast and author of Oath of the Chosen
“An absolute masterpiece of a debut. A gripping, gut-wrenching, gritty fantasy packed full of twists, turns and emotional damage. A must-read for dark fantasy fans.”—Hazel McBride, internationally bestselling author of A Fate Forged in Fire
“Wildly fun, gasp-worthy, and sure to hit the sweet spot for anyone looking for a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep them turning the pages all night.”—Lynn D Jung, author of Mothsblood
“An incredibly unique and masterful take on a fantasy dystopia. A.T. Emerald is a genius, and this is a debut novel that everyone is going to want on their bookshelves.”—Jordan Rose, author of Library of Stars
Show off your passion.
From contemporary to romantasy to that spicy one with the dragons, we’re here with a shared love for the genre. We’re building out our online offerings, but treat yourself to a little merch while you’re here!
Represent your favourite trope with this Beechfield EarthAware® organic cord baseball cap. Available in multiple colours, medium profile, and adjustable.
Our products are made to order, and can take up to 5 business days to ship (plus two days for shipping). We thank you for your patience!
Obsessed with magic, dragons, and far-away lands? Us too.
Represent your favourite genre with this Beechfield EarthAware® organic cord baseball cap. Available in multiple colours, medium profile, adjustable back.
Our products are made to order, and can take up to 5 business days to ship (plus two days for shipping). We thank you for your patience!
Large tote for all your book (and non-book) shops. EarthAware® large shopper made from 100% organic cotton canvas. Available in multiple colours with white embroidery, size 52 x 38.5 x 16cm.
Our products are made to order, and can take up to 5 business days to ship (plus two days for shipping). We thank you for your patience!
Let’s talk books.
Stay in touch to hear more about our opening, book clubs, and events.
Contact Main Character
FAQs about MC
The shop
Spitalfields Market
30 Spital Square
London E1 6DX, UK
Find us on the North side of Spitalfields Market, near the elephants!
Hours
M: 11:00–18:00
T–Sa: 11:00–19:00
Su: 12:00–17:00
Main Character is the brainchild of Owner/Founder Cassie and Comms Director Allie, who found comfort and community in a romance book club during COVID. Since then, we’ve had children, moved countries, changed jobs, and worn too many (romance) hats. Main Character is a love letter to the community of romance-book loving people who have seen and supported us through it all.
We are lady-owned and embrace diversity and love in all its forms. We believe that books should be fun and enjoyable: if you like it, it’s the book for you! We don’t yuck someone else’s yum and think that everyone should read for pleasure.
Contact us at hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk!
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Yes! We have ramps that allow access the store. Inside, there are wide enough aisles through which one may use a wheelchair, pram, etc. If you need more room or assistance with reaching the books, feel free to let our books sellers know (all our displays are movable and we have to use step stools). Seating with either stools or chairs with backs is available both during shop hours and for events. Public toilets are available nearby in Old Spitalfields Market which has an accessible toilet. If you need a different accommodation for your visit, please let us know at hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk and we will do our best to find a solutioN!
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No, Generative Allie! Award-winning art director Allie taught herself Photoshop to make graphics for an Orlando Bloom fansite during the Legolas era and SHE ISN’T STOPPING NOW. Give her a shout if something needs fixing: allie@maincharacterbooks.co.uk
We believe in the human touch and do not stock books made with AI. (As far as we can reasonably ascertain!) Main Character does not and has never used AI to create our merch, graphics, posts, recommendations, website, or other creative materials. If there’s a mistake, we cannot blame the bots.
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We adore indie books but sadly do not have the capacity to manage all the contracts! If you are available on Gardners, we have the potential to stock you.
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We are lucky to be centrally located so lots of authors stop by for signings. We don't have control over author schedules, but you can check our events and socials to see which authors we've had in store!
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If you're in the UK, the easiest way to support us while getting great novels delivered is to order from our bookshop.org!
If you are planning on visiting the shop and want certain books, please reach out to hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk at least a week prior to your visit. We will need the title, author, and edition of the book(s) you're looking for and we can see about availability.
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Yes! Our space was purposely designed for events. We can seat 32 at tables, 50 seated for talks, and 70 standing for cocktails. Please email hello@maincharacterbooks.co.uk with your vision for the event and we will follow-up with pricing and availability.
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Main Character is brand new so we’re still getting our footing as a company. From our accountants to our design team, we try to partner with women-led, family-owned, and local businesses. Sustainability, inclusivity, and progressive values are important to us, and we look for the same values in those in our team.
We are proud to serve cakes from Luminary Bakery, a local social enterprise that empowers women who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse, violence, or sexual exploitation. When you treat yourself in our cafe, you’re helping support their great work!
In our personal lives, we volunteer time in our local communities. Prior to spending all her time in the shop, Cassie used her courtroom knowledge by supporting victims and witnesses of crimes at her local magistrate court. Allie uses her past comms career by supporting community organisations around progressive candidates.
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We sell books — with lots of paper — so it is important to us to conserve resources as much as we can! For damaged and remaindered books, we have a clearance cart in store. You get a great novel and the book avoids pulping at the publisher — win-win! We also hold monthly book swaps where we add to the pile, so you may score a new book.

