Charmed & Bound is a romance-focused bookstore built on the belief that love stories are for everyone—and everyone deserves a space where they feel seen, celebrated, and truly welcome.
What began as a conversation between two moms—Stefanie and Kelsey—quickly blossomed into something more. After meeting through our kids and quickly bonding over a shared love of reading, we wanted to create a place where readers could come together to connect, unwind, and fall in love with stories again and again.
We’re currently working toward our ultimate dream: opening a brick-and-mortar location in Flemington, NJ, that brings the magic of romance to life. Not only will our future space feature the books & gifts we hope you learn to love and expect from Charmed & Bound, but it will also be the ultimate gathering space for everything from author meet-and-greets and themed book clubs to swoon-worthy events like trope nights and book themed crafting parties—creating an inclusive, joyful hub for romance readers of all kinds.
Rooted in friendship and fueled by passion, Charmed & Bound is more than a bookstore—it’s a haven for romantics, a celebration of diverse love stories, and a cozy community space where everyone is invited to swoon, sigh, and stay a while.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. At Charmed & Bound, we’re just getting started—and we’re so glad you’re with us.
Welcome to our story.
Hi! I’m Stefanie—wife, mom to three amazing kids (one boy and two girls), lifelong reader, and co-founder of Charmed & Bound.
Books have been my escape for as long as I can remember. I was that kid who’d set an alarm for 5am on Harry Potter release days just to race to the door when the delivery man arrived—then disappear into my room until I turned the last page. I grew up idolizing authors like Jodi Picoult, who showed me that stories can be both emotionally powerful and beautifully told.
Romance books, especially the darker, edgier stories in our "Bound" category, have always felt like a rebellious kind of self-care to me. As women, we’re often made to feel ashamed of indulging in things that bring us joy, whether that’s a steamy book or a Real Housewives binge. I say—we deserve it all.
After the isolation of the pandemic, I started longing for real connection again. Charmed & Bound is more than a bookstore to me—it’s a way to rebuild that sense of community through a shared love of romance. I also want my kids—especially my daughters—to see their mom building something meaningful and unapologetically hers.
When I’m not reading or working on the shop, you can usually find me deep in a house project, refinishing furniture, or just doing something hands-on. I love the satisfaction of creating something from scratch—whether it’s a bookshelf or a business.
I’m so excited you’re here and can’t wait to share the magic of stories with you.
Hi! I’m Kelsey— wife, mom to two spirited little girls, lifelong bookworm, and co-founder of Charmed & Bound.
Books have been a constant in my life since the time I learned to read. Even as a little girl, you could always find me with a story in hand—curled up in a chair, lost in a world of love, magic, history, or mischief. I've always loved how books can transport you to places and times you might never experience otherwise, offering insight into others' lives while revealing truths about your own.
These days, I still can’t get enough of a good contemporary romance (I'm looking at you Emily Henry!), but I’m a total sucker for romantasy (Fourth Wing, anyone?) as well. In addition to my love of all things romance novels, I have a passion for history & historical fiction. Throw in a WWII backdrop, star-crossed lovers, and a fight to beat the odds—and I’m in my happy place.
Outside of books, I have a not-so-secret addiction to oversized sweatshirts and cute cups—if I spot one, it’s coming home with me. Every time. Despite running out of room in my closet and my cabinets. When I am not working at Charmed & Bound, I spend every minute I can with my girls doing everything from going to the park to coloring to playing Disney princesses. They are the reason I do everything I do. I want to show them, not just tell them, how important it is to follow your passions & to dream big.
Charmed & Bound is my love letter to the stories that shaped me, and to the readers who believe—like I do—that stories have the ability to change us and transport us in ways that defy even the greatest depths of our imagination. I’m so glad you’re here.
