KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It’s no secret that romance novels are on the rise.

Just ask BookTok. (Or Kansas City romance bookshop Under the Cover, for that matter. It opened in late 2023.)

But for the first time in KC, steamy titles are coming directly to readers. A romance book-mobile called Smitten Booktique is now rolling around the metro.

Owners Kara and Damien Bowersock have been quietly testing their concept since September but officially “launched” the book trailer in May.

It’s been a hit at each event they’ve visited, like a romantasy event at ReRoll Tavern in the Northland or Spring Fling at Junque Drawer in Olathe.

“Everywhere we go, people are really interested in bringing this to the next thing, because it’s a really interesting concept,” Damien said.

According to him, initial reactions from customers usually go as follows:

“This is adorable.”

“It’s so cute.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this. I didn’t even know mobile bookstores existed.”

The easiest way for fans to track where Smitten will park is by looking at its Instagram page. The Bowersocks post all their upcoming events for the next month or two.

Inside the Bowersocks’ trailer, they carry new books from all the usual suspects: Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry and Rebecca Yarros. Plus, they have a few local authors on their shelves.

They have around 500 to 600 titles. Some romance books are sweet, others are spicier.

“Kara tries to stay really in touch with the community as far as romance books,” Damien said. (Thanks, BookTok.) “Half of the content is like a Barnes & Noble, and the other half is something you wouldn’t find … a little more niche to the romance community.”

Their shelves also hold small banned book section, as well titles on health and wellness. Damien emphasized a passion for inclusivity behind the novels they carry.

“We try to provide something for everybody,” he said.

Kara, an avid reader, had long wanted to open a bookstore. So she started with a space inside multi-vendor boutique Painted Tree two years ago. (They’re still there, at 8500 W. 135th St. in Overland Park.)

But when the couple started looking for a brick and mortar, nothing quite felt right. They desired something that would reach the entire book community in the metro without encroaching on any other bookseller’s territory.

They looked to successful mobile bookstores across the country for inspiration. There aren’t a surplus, but there are ones in Knoxville, Dallas, Phoenix and elsewhere.

So, the two began converting a 160-square-foot cargo trailer into a bookshop: tearing down the walls, replacing the roof, installing windows and shelves.

Today, it’s a cozy space with light blue walls — and some hot pink accents for added spice.

The outside is built to look like a storefront, with wreaths on the outside, a welcome mat, even a lawn chair.

“A lot of people want to find a chair and curl up and read inside all day,” Damien said.

It’s been fun mingling with customers and learning what books they love, plus what they want to see more of.

Ultimately, the couple wants to grow the love of books in the metro while connecting fellow romance readers.

“I think the biggest highlight is getting to know our customers … and finding that common ground and expressing the joy of reading,” Damien said. “It’s not something that a lot of people talk about a lot.”

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