Lovestruck Books & Cafe — Local services in Cambridge

I was really looking forward to visiting LoveStruck Books. The bookstore itself is charming, with a lovely ambiance tucked away in the middle of the city's hustle and bustle. I had been planning this visit for a week, excited by the idea of working from their outdoor patio café while enjoying the rain, having lunch, and browsing for books afterward.

Before coming, I called ahead to check if working with a laptop on the patio was allowed. A friendly staff member informed me that while they don’t have Wi-Fi outside, I could absolutely use my own hotspot and work there. Based on that information, I made the trip — over 25 minutes — with the intention of enjoying a peaceful, productive afternoon.

However, once I arrived, ordered food, and began setting up my work, my server told me that laptops aren’t allowed on the patio due to a store policy. I explained the phone call and the miscommunication, but instead of resolving it or offering any apology, they cleared my table and moved me to a cramped indoor space — which completely changed the experience I had planned for.

To be clear, my server was very kind and did what he could. He even spoke to someone on my behalf. But no one from management came to explain or even acknowledge the situation. The lack of accountability and basic courtesy was disappointing.

Unfortunately, this turned what could have been a great experience into a frustrating one. I won’t be returning, and I’ll be sure to share my experience with others who are considering visiting...

This really sucks for me to write because I had great experiences leading up to this point. I went to the store-launch and I had an magical time.

I visited this store the other day as a way of cheering myself up after a rough day. Cashiers/Store Attendants were friendly and it wasn't too packed. I went to the cafe and the staff was really rude, they acted as if I shouldn't be there. I was overly polite, thanking them, apologizing for taking for long to get my card out from my backpack. I ordered a red velvet latte to have there, they ended up wrapping it to go.

And part of this is my fault. I noticed there were signs saying "Feel free to sit and chat, 1 hour time limit" but I didn't notice the "No screen" details. I was going to work on my novel (romance, funnily enough) on my laptop for a little while. A staff member came over and said "Uhhh... you can't have screens here." I look over and see people on their phones and tablets and I felt super embarrassed and bummed.

I ended up putting my items back (I had a book, a hat and a couple charms I was going to buy) and left the store. It kind of killed my desire to return there or support it in the future. I really hope it was just a bad day (maybe the staff were going through something) but as one of the few "safe spaces" for romance/erotic books, this really...

SO CUUUUUTEEEEEE! An excellent little arrangement of (mostly romantic) books from all over, little trinkets, and decor. I popped in mostly to poke around and waste time, but found a new read that I'm super jazzed about! (Mostly into horror and mystery novels, which they do have a small section for!)

Solid service. It's a seat yourself, and they'll come to you kind of place, but I wasn't waiting long at all, and the servers gave me just enough space to enjoy the book I picked up, but were attentive when I was ready to order/needed more water. Jess, in particular, was a delight. Really made me feel welcome, and was a pleasure to chat with!

Also, mega kudos to the gal working the espresso bar (didn't catch her name), because the Red Velvet/House cappuccino was TO DIE FOR. One of the best cappuccinos I've had in the Boston area. Tastefully chocolatey, but still appealing to the coffee snob in my heart.

All told, 5/5 for sure. I've already been pestering my friends to come with me next time we're in the area, and am evangelizing for y'all to anyone who likes reading or coffee that happens to strike up a conversation with me. Next time I'm by, I'm excited to try the alcoholic beverages, and more of the...