Forbidden Chapters was created from a love of stories — What started as a  passion for romance in all its forms has grown into a vibrant, inclusive community for readers who crave connection, emotion, and a little bit of magic between the lines.

Founded by Mariah McGregor — wife, mother of two, and special needs mom — Forbidden Chapters was built to be more than a bookstore. It’s a safe, judgment-free space for romance readers of every kind. Whether you gravitate toward rom-coms, romantasy, contemporary love stories, or the darker side of romance, you belong here.

We believe books are powerful. They heal. They comfort. They challenge. They create escape when we need it most. 

That belief is woven into everything we do — from our carefully curated book selection to our exclusive merchandise, community events, pop-up markets, and our growing storefront space designed with intention. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, our storefront will include a sensory room, ensuring that neurodivergent readers have a welcoming space to decompress and feel at ease.

Forbidden Chapters is about more than selling books.

It’s about building community.

It’s about celebrating stories that make us feel.

It’s about creating a space where every reader feels seen.

Welcome to your next chapter.

Our Mission:

At Forbidden Chapters, our mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive space where romance readers feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

We are committed to curating stories that spark emotion, encourage connection, and honour every kind of love — from lighthearted rom-coms to dark, immersive worlds. Beyond books, we strive to build a community rooted in kindness, accessibility, and belonging.
Through thoughtfully selected titles, exclusive merchandise, local events, and a sensory-friendly storefront experience, we are building more than a bookstore — we are building a space where everyone has a place.

Every story matters.

Every reader belongs.

 A Founder’s Note from Mariah:

Forbidden Chapters was born during a season of my life when books were more than entertainment — they were survival.

As a wife, a mother of two, and a special needs mom, life can be beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, and magical all at once. There were nights when the only quiet I could find lived between the pages of a story. Romance reminded me that softness exists in hard seasons. That hope can bloom in dark places. That love — in all its messy, complicated, passionate forms — is powerful.

I didn’t just want to sell books. I wanted to create the kind of space I needed. A space where readers never feel judged for what they love. A space where neurodivergent individuals feel safe and considered. A space where community feels real, warm, and intentional.

That’s why we’re building a storefront that includes a sensory room. That’s why we host events. That’s why we obsess over curating stories that make you feel something. Forbidden Chapters is my heart in physical form.
And if you’re here, you’re part of that story now.

Thank you for being here.

Truly.

— Mariah 🖤