The Romantics Archive: A new hub for book lovers on Historic 25th Street
NEWS | REVIEW
Inside The Romantics Archive and events (last two photos: book club and book signing). Photos provided by Nicole Trahan
Ogden bookworms, rejoice! Nicole Trahan opened The Romantics Archive, a new bookstore, on Historic 25th Street in Ogden on Nov. 1, 2025.
The store offers a large number of romance novels, from “Romantasy” to contemporary fiction. Literary merchandise to celebrate your favorite series, or your love of reading in general, is also available. Romance not your thing? Other genres include science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and a section for Utah authors.
Not sure what to read? Try a “blind date with a book.” The space, which is available for book-related events, offers a large conference table, a little nook with comfortable couches, and a lovely courtyard.
Trahan, the store’s founder, is from Clinton but has Ogden roots, where she was married and spent most of her 20s on 25th Street. She knew Ogden was the only place to open her book store. “There’s something about having a book unfold with mystery, vintage vibes of the past, and it just all kind of fits exactly what 25th Street is to me.”
The process was quick. Trahan got her license in April 2025 and was a vendor at summer festivals. After building a following, she decided to open a brick and mortar store. She shared her plans with friends and customers before they were final, knowing there was a need.
Trahan was surprised by the grand opening turnout. “I didn’t get a chance to see it, but I heard there was a line down the road, she said. “I think that to me was the most shocking part because I didn’t realize how many other people there were like me that needed this, too.”
The store focuses on supporting local, offering merchandise from local artists and vendors, and a commitment to local writers and the community. This includes hosting events like crafting nights, author signings, and book clubs.
Trahan also works full-time in aviation software and is raising a child. What drives a person to take on more?
A love of reading, especially fantasy, is a factor, but she also wanted a space to combine her passion for business and event planning. Though romance-focused, she said, “We have a little bit of everything. I wanted to make sure to include as many different genres as possible because I am not one-sided, and not all readers are. I would love to encourage readers to read other genres, too.”
If a book is unavailable, special orders are processed through Libro and bookshop.org, ensuring customers can still shop local. Trahan is a member of the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and has plans to celebrate indie book store day, the last Saturday in April.
For reading recommendations, she suggests “Throne of Glass” by Sara J Maas, “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown, among others by local authors. There is no better season than the 365 days after New Year’s to find a new book and enjoy reading. As Groucho Marx once said, “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.”
