A new brick-and-mortar romance bookstore opens in Johnson County
Smitten Booktique has been a rolling romance book concept for the past year (and offering books inside a Painted Tree booth for two).
Now it’s parking a brick and mortar space in Leawood’s Park Place at 11531 Ash St., formerly home to children’s boutique Owen and Graham.
The sometimes sweet, sometimes steamy bookshop celebrated its grand opening Saturday, offering tempting titles, gift items and more.
“We looked long and hard for a spot that didn’t encroach on any other book sellers,” said Damien Bowersock, who owns the store with his wife, Kara Bowersock.
While they carry new books from all the usual suspects — Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry and Rebecca Yarros — the Bowersocks also aim to carry titles centered on marginalized identities, banned books, health and wellness materials, and novels from local authors.
It’s still focused on romance, but it carries several children’s books, books for middle-grade readers and beyond.
“We try to provide something for everybody,” Damien said during an interview about his trailer earlier this year. “All the same stories now with a permanent location.”
But don’t worry, Damien assures fans of the mobile version: The book trailer is still available for events.
The Bowersocks’ store shares the same light pink accents, boho-style door hangers and house plants as the on-the-go iteration.
And that’s on purpose.
“That was the whole intention, that if we have another space people will go,’Oh, yeah, this is you,’” he said.
In May, the Bowersocks shared their business’ origin story with The Star. Kara, an avid reader, had long wanted to open a bookshop. Finding a space that didn’t interfere with other local sellers proved tough, so they started with a location inside multi-vendor store Painted Tree at 8500 W. 135th St.
Now that their brick and mortar’s opening is on the horizon, Damien said he’s hearing excitement from customers.
“The buzz is slowly building,” Damien said.
They hope to host book clubs and other community events in the space.
They’ll sell some snack and drink options, too. The couple has applied for a liquor license, so if all goes well, they’ll be able to serve beer and wine inside the store as well.
Smitten will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It will be closed on Mondays.
This story was originally published September 27, 2025 at 2:17 PM.