This is not my tale to tell…read more... -But I'm going to give you MY version of the story- And just like a Fantasy Romance Novel.... There will be a little spice, a touch of word play, some intense trope enemy-to-lover conflict, a dash of magic and of course.... A Happy Ending! So, Where do I begin? It all began about a year and a half ago when my wife started back up reading, but this time around..... She picked up her 1st Fantasy-Romance Novel, never put it down and now, the rest is all history. The Backstory: Let me break it down for you.... But first, let's meet the Main Characters: The Ladies... Feyre, Nesta & Elain Archeron & The Gentlemen... Rhysand, Tamlin, Lucien, & Cassian ---(Just to name a few)--- And suddenly, ACOTAR has entered the chat! Yeah, I'm talking about A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas; maybe you've heard of it? ;) So during g a road trip in late 2024, my wife was super excited about her new book series she had started reading and was like, "Can I tell you about it?" In my head I was like, sure, we've got 5 hours to kill... give it your best shot. And just like an Audiobook, she basically gave me the run down, the play by play, the almost word for word enactment of how ACOTAR was going down as was playing out thus far... I could immediately tell: She Absolutely Loved it! Fast forward to present day.... Her love for reading these Adult Romantasy books is more than just a hobby... It's a way of life! Book clubs, late night reading sessions, and a 6ft tall book shelf in our bedroom that's already filled from top to bottom with F.R. Novels. Let's just say, in our bedroom.... Tamlin is Out, you can Call me Rhys and my wife is the High Lady of the Night Court! But those books on her bookshelf are not just any 'ol books with those plain, old boring edges... Oh No, No, No... They are Fantasy Romance Novels, highly sought after literature with Beautiful, Stunning and even Mystical Painted Edges that are now her prized possessions. Yeah, it's come to the point that whatever town, city, or place we visit... She's already mapped out the local bookstore to visit. And in November 2025, Spare Time Books in Paso Robles met their match! The match: My Wife! Yeah, like a kid in a candy store, she was in her happy place. And while I perused the Classics.... You know: Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Dickens, Tolstoy & Twain... My wife was on the hunt for First Editions, Special Versions and of course those cool looking painted edges by... Maas, Yarros, Armentrout, Palphreyman, and Sarah A. Parker. Yes, this quaint, cute little bookstore has a charm that only Bibliophiles, Book Dragons, & Ink Drinkers will appreciate. So, if you too are a book lover.... I dare you to you to step into this enchanted library of stories, tales, fables and literary magic at Spare Time books where the message on their front window says it best.... "So Many Books So Little Time"

Super cute local bookstore with lots of comfy seating for browsing. Used and new books here, as…read morewell as cute accessories made by local artists like metal bookmarks and a cool little tool you can use to hold a book open more easily with one hand. Reasonable prices and the secondhand books are in good shape. If only we lived closer, I'd be coming here all the time.

Small bookstore with a large selection of books, neatly organized. The most enchanting thing about…read morethis place is the Garden Chapel out the back door.

Morro Bay has so many cool small shops and this was one of them. Nostalgic and filled to the brim…read morewith books, I love the variety they have in stock from travel, SLO dedicated guides, fiction, classics, non fiction, children's and more. On top of that, did you know this bookstore has a wedding chapel in the back!?!?! Built in the 1900's, this place is such a treat to visit. The staff are super kind and even help officiate weddings. I love how they decorated the interior with photos of past weddings and have a stunning sky roof in the center. Whether you are looking for the perfect read or looking for a unique venue, this place brings bookworms and lovers together in the cutest way.

The store has a lot to offer - so many used books. However, I found the signage hard to read to be…read morea to find genres on my own. Also, the staff really keeps to themselves in conversation making it harder to ask for help. The books were priced well and I left with a 1948 copy of This Side of Paradise and 8 Nancy Drew Books.

This is a cute little bookstore in a fun street of SLO! I can't believe it's the only one around…read morethat sells used books! I was looking for one particular book and luckily they had it and for cheap too! The guy that was there was super helpful in finding it!

I was in Paso for a girls weekend and always look for bookstores to check out in the city we visit…read more We got here after they'd closed but a helpful librarian came to help us with our purchase. The books are extremely well priced.

I was surprised this cute little FOL shop didn't have any reviews! I was looking for used books and…read morepuzzles and although they didn't have any puzzles, the volunteer recommended a shop nearby. They had used magazines for 0.25 so I bought a huge stack of birding magazines to look through. I also found a couple of used books. On a second trip, they had some used puzzles! This is a well-organized shop with a great selection of gifts and used books. It was very helpful during the 3 months we stayed in the Paso area.

Everything a bookstore should be! Fun and wide ranging selections and an absolutely darling…read moreatmosphere. And best of all, an owner and staff who are into it. They love reading and recommending books. And anything you are looking for that isn't on the shelf, they will gladly order just for you. P.S. make sure to keep an eye out for the murder mystery Annual game. SO much fun!

Cute bookstore after a trip to the coffee shop nearby. They had nice book accessories and other…read morepotential gift items. Yesterday was their fourth year anniversary, which also happened to be Indie Bookstore Day. Service is great and support local businesses when you can.

Small bookstore with a good selection of books amongst other eclectic items. They have a small…read moreselection of poetry books by local writers. Sweetest staff.

I really like coming to this book and gift shop. The employees are all welcoming, friendly and…read morehelpful. I love getting my incense, intention candles, books, and greeting cards here.

A to Z books is an adorable little quaint local used book store in Arroyo Grande! Most of the books…read moreare half off the price listed on the back of the book (or even lower) which is great! I snagged four books I was looking for - two of the Outlander books and the first two books of the Red Sparrow trilogy. They were in great condition and in total I only paid $21 for all four! They have a good selection for not being a huge store, I was impressed! The woman helping me was great and we briefly chatted about the book she is currently reading! Can't wait to come back here again soon and pick up some more books! Highly recommend!!!

Just recently discovered this used bookstore and love it! Selections are plentiful. Owner is very…read moreknowledgeable, can make recommendations based on interest and can easily search inventory. My new go-to place when in Pismo area.

If you know me, you know I love books so when I knew there was a book shop in town, I had to stop…read moreby. Unfortunately, the shop is closing so everything was 50% off and everything must go. So a good price for what you want. The shop had multiple rooms filled with books. Each genre is labeled on each shelf but the books are stacked different ways so a little hard to read everything. Not much walking room since books are stacked on ground, too. There is a huge selection of mystery and thriller. Also, a huge selection of John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and other top authors. Lady at register did not speak English and was watching YouTube so didn't really ask if we needed anything. But it's okay, it was good to be able to browse around.

A wonderful surprise when we stopped for gas. I'm so sad to hear they're closing at the end of…read moreApril, though. Everything is 1/2 off right now which was nice, but I'm still sad. Especially good if you're looking for more "vintage" books (versus new bestsellers). Prepare to spend a good bit of time as it's like a book warren in there. Joan is knowledgeable if you're looking for certain topics or genres. I've had bookshops close where I live, so to see another fold somewhere else is a damn shame. Enjoy while you can!

I absolutely love going to Barnes and Noble to peruse new titles, look at the beautiful journals,…read morecheck out the games, and more. You can find local interest items as well. There is a great variety in prices, so if you are looking for a gift or something for a set price, this is an easy source to utilize. The only downside is the customer service at Barnes and Noble. It may be that I always visit when they are busy, but the staff never go out of their way to help, don't seek to care if you find what you are looking for, I have stood at the "customer service" desk several times and had the person at the desk completely ignore me. They didn't even offer an, "I'll be right with you." One even walked away to do something while I was standing there. Wow. All in all, I will still visit for my book needs, but I never expect good servic

I've been to Book Stores ALL my life. Naturally born book worm. Ive frequented SO many B & Ns I…read moreshould get compensation. jk but I really wanted to say SLO Barnes & Noble? Is where it's at!! Nestled in the beautiful heart of downtown SLO only a stones throw from other thriving businesses, beautiful architecture, great restaurants/eateries and right there next to ALL of the awesomeness? Barnes & Noble SLO. Love this bookstore! Feels like stepping into an exclusive hidden world of awesome stationary, music, books, and just about anything you can imagine for the wee ones. Should you be traveling? & need to grab some slime, or a lego kit, cards to play. Something for everyone here. Including the book worm sig other who mayn't be that into just books. Love this little nook of magic!