Milwaukee’s About to Get a Lot Steamier: Thirst Books Grand Opening May 24

Milwaukee, WI — April 25, 2025 — Milwaukee’s book lovers are in for a swoon-worthy surprise. Thirst Books, Wisconsin’s first-ever romance-focused brick-and-mortar bookstore, is making its debut with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. From slow-burn love stories to spicy page-turners, Thirst Books is ready to turn up the heat—and the heart—in the heart of the city.

Founded by local entrepreneur Kerrie Berg, Thirst Books is proudly woman-owned and LGBTQIA+ affirming, with a mission to uplift stories of love. The shelves are packed with romance across every romance subgenre: contemporary, fantasy, historical, LGBTQIA+, sports romance, and more. The shop also highlights celebrated local Wisconsin authors, creating a literary space that’s both personal and powerful.

“Romance is for everyone,” says Berg, owner of Thirst Books. “We are in a Golden Age of romance writing–never has it been more exciting or more inclusive. Current romance writing celebrates all races, backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, body shapes and abilities, as well as neuro-divergencies—and places them firmly in the story as all equally being deserving love and to be the main characters for romance stories. We’re creating more than just a bookstore—we are participating in a beautiful, inclusive
community.”

The Grand Opening event on May 24 will feature:
• Raffle prizes and exciting giveaways
• Exclusive Thirst Books merchandise available for the first time
• Local vendors, including a build-your-own flower bar, tarot card readings, and permanent jewelry pop-ups
• Complimentary refreshments and light bites

With a bold, inclusive vibe and a whole lot of heart, Thirst Books is here to celebrate love stories, support community, and champion joy on every page. Everyone is invited to stop in, say hello, and discover their next great book obsession.

Thirst Books is located at 5209 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI. Regular store hours begin immediately after the grand opening event.

Follow @thirstbooks on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, or visit thirstbooks.com to learn more—and don’t forget to read more romance.

About Thirst Books
Thirst Books is Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s first romance-exclusive brick-and-mortar bookstore, proudly woman-owned and LGBTQIA+-affirming. From sweet love stories to high-heat favorites, Thirst offers an expansive, inclusive selection for every kind of romance reader. Celebrating love, uplifting community, and making space for joy—one book at a time.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.