135 stories
Bodega Romance | Romance de la Bodega
Late night runs to the corner bodega lead to something sweet when the owner's daughter catches his attention
Cuban Coffee Kisses | Besos de Café Cubano
Every morning she makes his cortadito just right, and every morning he falls a little more in love
The Bakery | La Panadería
A morning pastry habit turns into something sweeter when she keeps coming back for more than the conchas
Market Monday | Lunes de Mercado
A weekly visit to the farmers market becomes a reason to wake up early when a certain vendor catches her eye
Telenovela Nights | Noches de Telenovela
Watching dramatic soap operas with her roommate becomes their own passionate drama when fiction inspires reality
Bath Waters
At the Roman Baths spa, massage therapist Celeste offers a visiting professor treatments that go far beyond the professional package.
Belfast Troubles
Tour guide Mary shows visitors the city's divided past. When English journalist Tom wants to understand, she takes him deeper than the murals—into her own history.
Bristol Bass
At a Stokes Croft record shop, vinyl collector Simone introduces shy newcomer to the city's legendary sound system culture—and her own legendary curves.
Cambridge Punt
For thirty years, punt guide Rose has shown tourists the backs of Cambridge's colleges. When physics professor Alexander wants a private tour, she gives him one he'll never forget.
Camden Tattoo
Tattoo artist Zara has inked thousands of bodies. But when grieving widower Simon wants a memorial piece, she ends up touching more than skin.
Canterbury Pilgrim
Walking the Pilgrim's Way for the tenth time, author Joan meets fellow traveler Michael—and discovers the real pilgrimage was waiting for company.
Cardiff Bay
Welsh assembly researcher Rhiannon finds herself working late with a charming journalist. Their debate about devolution becomes something more personal.
Channel Islands
On Jersey's secluded coast, marine biologist Marguerite studies tidal pools. When a documentary filmmaker arrives, their collaboration makes waves.
Cotswold Wool
Rare breed shepherd Margaret tends Cotswold sheep on historic common land. When knitwear designer James needs authentic fleece, she gives him more than wool.
Cotswolds Honey
At a honey farm in the Cotswolds, beekeeper Margaret introduces a stressed city exec to the sweetness of slowing down—in every sense.
Derbyshire Well
Every summer, Tissington dresses its wells with flower pictures. Tradition keeper Dorothy shows visiting photographer Tom that some beauties last longer than petals.
Devon Cream
At a Devon dairy farm, stressed food critic Marcus discovers that farmer's daughter Jess has talents beyond award-winning clotted cream.
Dorset Button
Traditional Dorset button maker Dorothy revives an almost-lost craft. When costume designer James needs authentic Georgian fasteners, she threads something unexpected.
Dorset Coast
Fossil hunter Gwen has spent decades walking the Jurassic Coast. When a paleontology student joins her expedition, they unearth more than ancient bones.
Dundee Design
At the V&A Dundee, exhibition designer Fiona creates experiences that transform visitors. When architect James collaborates on a show, she transforms him too.
Durham Scholar
In the ancient university city, rare books librarian Margaret discovers that the visiting American professor wants more than access to manuscripts.
Exeter Cathedral
Cathedral choir director Eleanor has trained voices for forty years. When composer David arrives to premiere a new work, she shows him what sacred music truly demands.
Gloucester Cheese
On her farm near Gloucester, traditional cheesemaker Mary creates wheels that win awards. When American foodie James seeks authentic English cheese, he finds something richer than curds.
Hampshire Vineyard
English wine was supposed to be a joke, but vineyard owner Helena takes her craft seriously—as seriously as she takes the sommelier who came to criticize.
Hebrides Weaver
On the remote Isle of Harris, traditional weaver Morag creates cloth that carries centuries. When London fashion designer arrives seeking authenticity, she weaves him into her life.
Islington Gallery
Art dealer Victoria represents the most challenging artists in London. When sculptor Marcus needs representation, she discovers his most compelling work is his attention.
Kent Orchard
During apple harvest, cider maker Patricia takes on a volunteer worker who's running from London—and discovers he has unexpected talents.
Lake Windermere
Steam yacht captain Elizabeth has sailed Windermere for decades. When widow Jonathan books a private charter, she navigates more than the lake.
Lancashire Mill
At a heritage cotton mill, weaving demonstrator Janet keeps Victorian machines running. When industrial historian David studies the past, they spin something new.
Lessons in Love
At 40, Rukhsana finally decides to learn to drive. Her instructor Naveed is patient, handsome, and makes her nervous in ways that have nothing to do with parallel parking.
Lincoln Cathedral
Bell-ringer Martha has called the faithful to Lincoln Cathedral for forty years. When architect James surveys the tower, she shows him what the bells have been teaching all along.
Lincolnshire Farm
When London investment banker Tom inherits a fenland farm, he finds guidance from neighbor Sarah—whose agricultural expertise leads to unexpected cultivation.
London Underground
Tube driver Sandra sees thousands of faces daily. When one keeps appearing, she realizes London's transport system has delivered something unexpected.
Manchester Rain
Football physio Keisha has magic hands that fix players. When injured Sunday league striker Jake needs treatment, the session runs into overtime.
Norfolk Broad
On a houseboat holiday gone wrong, stranded businessman finds rescue from an unlikely captain—a woman whose broads knowledge is exceeded only by her curves.
Northumberland Castle
At a ruined border fortress, English Heritage warden Margaret guards eight centuries of history. When archaeologist David uncovers new secrets, she reveals some of her own.
Norwich Mustard
At the Colman's factory museum, heritage specialist Dorothy gives tours that burn with passion. When food historian Graham seeks expertise, he gets more than expected.
Nottingham Lace
At her grandmother's lace workshop, textile artist Bea repairs more than antique fabrics when a museum curator needs emergency restoration.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Wildlife photographer Rhian has documented Welsh coastline for decades. When nature writer Tom joins her expedition, they capture more than images.
Portobello Market
Antique dealer Penelope appraises more than furniture when a American collector shows interest in her rarest piece—herself.
Portsmouth Navy
Naval museum curator Helen preserves Britain's maritime history. When retired admiral James visits, she discovers some histories are best explored together.
Salisbury Cathedral
Cathedral stone mason Eleanor has spent decades preserving sacred architecture. When historian David researches the medieval builders, he discovers the modern one is equally remarkable.
Scilly Isles
On the remote island, flower farmer Morwenna grows blooms that ship to the mainland. When burned-out exec David arrives for retreat, she helps him bloom too.
Scottish Highlands
When his car breaks down in the Highlands, stranded traveler finds warmth with innkeeper Fiona, whose hospitality goes far beyond room service.
Scottish Tweed
In the Borders, master weaver Morag maintains tweed traditions that once clothed aristocracy. When Savile Row tailor James needs authentic cloth, she weaves something unexpected.
Shetland Knitting
On the remote island, traditional knitter Jean creates Fair Isle patterns passed through generations. When fashion designer Lucas seeks authentic techniques, she unravels more than wool.
Stratford Stage
RSC costume designer Viola finds herself fitting more than just doublets when the new Hamlet arrives for his first measurements.
Suffolk Coast
On the eroding coast near Aldeburgh, erosion researcher Christine studies what the sea takes. When journalist Tom investigates climate change, she gives him more than data.
Suffolk Wool
Sheep farmer and spinner Diana maintains rare breed flocks in Suffolk. When textile designer Simon needs sustainable wool, he finds more than fiber.
Surrey Bookshop
Independent bookshop owner Audrey has survived Amazon and chains. When author Nathan does a reading, she discovers his books aren't the only thing worth keeping.
Surrey Stable
Dressage instructor Victoria takes on a nervous new student. What starts as riding lessons becomes something neither expected to saddle up for.
Thames Barge
Last of the Thames barge skippers, Margaret sails the estuary on her restored vessel. When maritime historian James joins a voyage, she charts more than the river.
The Bookshop Encounter
Nadia runs a struggling Urdu bookshop in Manchester. When handsome literature professor Imran starts coming in regularly, she discovers his interest extends beyond the books.
The Gym Partner
Hadia joins a women's-only gym to lose weight for her sister's wedding, but trainer Usman—hired for a special mixed-class—makes her heart race faster than any treadmill.
The Pharmacist's Prescription
Maryam runs the local pharmacy where everyone brings their problems, not just their prescriptions. When new GP Dr. Aamir starts referring difficult cases to her, their collaboration becomes complicated.
The Pharmacy Prescription
Dr. Elaine has been filling Marcus's prescriptions for years. When she finally asks about the man behind the medications, she gets more than she bargained for.
The Podcast Partner
Aliya and Daniyal co-host a popular podcast about Pakistani British culture. Their on-air chemistry has listeners convinced they're a couple. They're not—yet.
The Taxi Tale
Amina takes the same taxi every Friday night to visit her mother. When driver Imran starts recognizing her route, their weekly conversations become the highlight of both their weeks.
Warwickshire Roses
At her heritage rose nursery, botanical expert Grace preserves varieties that gardens have forgotten. When American collector James seeks rare blooms, she cultivates something unexpected.
Weymouth Harbour
Harbourmaster Brenda has managed Weymouth's waterfront for thirty years. When sailing school owner Marcus proposes partnership, the waters get deep fast.
Wiltshire Chalk
Landscape archaeologist Diana studies the white horse hill figures. When documentary maker James films her work, the ancient mystery reveals something modern.
Worcester Porcelain
Fourth-generation porcelain painter Helen creates pieces that sell for thousands. When collector David commissions a set, she discovers his appreciation extends beyond ceramics.
York History
Ghost tour guide Barbara has told the same stories for thirty years. When American historian Tom wants the real history, she shows him what isn't in the books.
Yorkshire Dale
In the heart of the Dales, dry stone waller Jean maintains boundaries that have stood for centuries. When photographer Michael captures her work, she captures something too.
Yorkshire Hearts
When Farah inherits a cottage in Yorkshire, she finds it comes with Asad—a tenant with a lease and a past connected to her grandmother.
Yorkshire Moors
Hiking the Brontë Way, a lost writer stumbles upon a cottage and its owner—a woman whose story is better than any he could imagine.
Midnight Resolution
When the ball drops, his curvy landlady makes a confession she's been holding back all year. Some resolutions are meant to be broken.
Christmas Blizzard
A blizzard traps him at his landlady's place on Christmas Eve, with only one way to stay warm. Some storms are meant to bring people together.
Deep End
With their parents on a cruise, he's stuck at home with his curvy stepsister and a backyard pool. The heat wave makes everything harder to resist.
The Money Transfer Girl
He sends money to his family in Hargeisa every month. She's the girl behind the counter at the Somali hawala. They've been flirting through bulletproof glass for a year. When the shop closes and she's counting cash, he's still there.
The Night Bus Confession
He takes the N29 every night from his shift at the hospital. She gets on at Wood Green, same time, same seat. Three months of silent bus rides until the night he finally speaks—and she finally breaks.
Geordie Boss's Daughter
Call centre job in Newcastle. The owner's daughter visits from uni for the summer. She's bored, privileged, and very interested in the lad who doesn't treat her like a princess.
Geordie Neighbor's Wife
New build estate outside Newcastle. Her husband works offshore—two weeks on, two weeks off. She gets lonely. He starts helping out.
Geordie Ex's Sister
Bumps into his ex's older sister at the Bigg Market. She always liked him more than her sister did. Now she's single too.
Geordie Mate's Mam
House party at his mate's in Newcastle. Everyone leaves. His mate passes out. Her mam's still up, and she's been giving him looks all night.
Gym Bird
Late night at PureGym, same time every night. She's always on the squat rack when he arrives. They've never spoken. Until the gym's empty and she asks for a spot.
Driving Lesson
He's failed his test twice. She's his new instructor. The lessons get longer. The parking practice gets more intimate.
The Hairdresser
Cheap haircuts, fit hairdresser. He keeps coming back even though she's not that good. Eventually she offers a cut after hours.
The Eid Prayer
She sees him every Eid at the prayer in Victoria Park—the tall Somali man who always stands in the same row. Five years of glances. This Eid, she finally speaks. What happens after prayer isn't religious, but it feels like worship.
Football Mum
He coaches her son's Sunday league team. She's at every match, every practice. Season ends. She invites him for a drink to say thanks.
The Nail Tech
His girlfriend sends him to pick up her nails. The tech is fit. He keeps finding reasons to come back. Eventually she asks if he wants a private appointment.
Warehouse Night Shift
She's his supervisor at the Amazon warehouse. He's new, trying to make rate. Break room chats become something more over the long night shifts.
The Security Guard's Watch
She works late at the Canary Wharf office tower. He's the Somali security guard who walks her to her car every night. When the lift breaks down with both of them inside, twenty floors of darkness reveal what they've been hiding.
Piano Lessons
At 32, Derek decides to finally learn piano. His instructor is a voluptuous widow who teaches him far more than scales.
The Seamstress
James needs a suit for his brother's wedding. The tailor his mother recommended is a thick, gorgeous woman who takes very thorough measurements.
The Cake Decorator
When Marcus needs a custom cake for his mother's birthday, he discovers his childhood neighbor has become much more than the shy girl next door.
The Insurance Claim
He's the insurance adjuster handling her car accident claim. She's the Somali woman who keeps calling with questions—always polite, always the last call of his day. When he finally meets her in person for the assessment, the claim isn't the only thing he adjusts.
The Ramadan Neighbor
She shares iftar with her new neighbor every night during Ramadan—a Somali man who just moved into the flat across the hall. By the twenty-seventh night, they're sharing more than food. The holiest nights lead to the most human confessions.
Bunk Beds
When the families merge, there's only one spare bedroom. She gets the top bunk. The touches start accidental. They don't stay that way.
Jury Duty
Sequestered for a trial that drags on. No phones, no contact with the outside world. By day three, two strangers are sneaking to each other's rooms.
The Bridesmaid
His daughter's maid of honor needs a ride home from the bachelorette party. She's drunk. She's gorgeous. And she's been 'like a second daughter' for far too long.
Night Owl
He can't sleep. Neither can she. Every night at 2 AM, they meet in the kitchen. Every night, the conversation goes a little further. Every night, they get a little closer to something they can't take back.
The Host With The Most
She rents out her spare room on Airbnb. He's the Somali businessman who books for a week but stays for a month. The house rules get broken one by one until the only rule left is: don't fall for your guest.
Maintenance Request
His apartment always has something that needs fixing. She always answers the door. She always offers to let her husband know. She never does.
Wedding Strangers
Destination wedding. Neither knows anyone else. They keep ending up at the same table, same bar, same balcony. By the after-party, they're done pretending.
The Blackout
City-wide power outage traps them in the same apartment building stairwell. Hours in the dark with a stranger. Learning each other through voice and accidental touch.
The Carpool
He's a young teacher. She's on every committee, at every event. Her kids adore him. She tells herself that's why she's there so often.
Code Violations
He's renovating the old Victorian he inherited. The building inspector keeps finding problems. Each failed inspection means another visit. He suspects she's failing him on purpose. He's right.
Corner Office
She stops by the office to bring her husband lunch. Starts talking to the new hire. Keeps finding reasons to come back.
Rehearsal Dinner
His fiancee's mother has always been flirtatious, but he assumed it was harmless. During the week leading up to the wedding, stolen glances become stolen moments. By the rehearsal dinner, he's questioning everything.
Recipe for Love
She teaches traditional Somali cooking classes in Tottenham. He signs up to learn his mother's recipes—says he wants to cook for his kids someday. Week after week, the spices get hotter and so does everything else.
Transference
He's in therapy for sexual issues he can't name. She's the professional who's supposed to help. But when his fantasies start describing her exactly, the fifty-minute hour becomes something neither of them can stop.
Extended Stay
His roommate's mother visits for a few days after her surgery. Weeks pass. Gratitude becomes comfort becomes something neither of them expected.
The Breakdown
His car dies on a rural highway. She's the only one who stops. Her farmhouse is closer than any mechanic. Dinner, wine, a guest room he never makes it to.
Study Partners
She's struggling with organic chemistry at UCL. He's the Somali PhD student who tutors undergrads for extra cash. Their study sessions run late, their notes get mixed up, and somewhere between benzene rings and late-night coffee, they find something they didn't expect.
Sold
She's an estate agent specializing in East London properties—helping Somali families find homes in the diaspora maze. He's the client looking for his first flat who keeps finding excuses to view more properties. House hunting becomes heart hunting.
Cracked Screens and Open Hearts
She drops her phone at Oxford Circus and the screen shatters. He's the Somali guy at the repair kiosk who says he can fix it in an hour. She waits. They talk. By the time her phone is ready, she doesn't want to leave.
Thin Walls
The new neighbor in 4B hears everything through the walls. Every argument. Every silence. Every night he spends alone. She starts leaving notes. He starts leaving them back. Some conversations don't need words.
Trim
Same chair, same woman, every month for three years. She knows about his job, his mother's illness, his failed engagement. Today she asks if he wants to stay after close—she'll give him a proper shave.
What She Left Behind
The breakup was mutual. But when he returns her daughter's things, she invites him in for coffee. Then dinner. Then something neither of them expected.
Spin Cycle
She does laundry at the same laundromat every Sunday night—it's quieter than her flat and the machines actually work. He's always there too, same time, same machine. Six months of silence before he finally asks what she's reading.
Study Break
She's staying with his family while attending the same university. Late-night study sessions in his room become increasingly distracted. The taboo makes it wrong, but the chemistry makes it inevitable.
Market Value
She sells traditional Somali spices at Borough Market—the only East African stall among the artisan cheese and organic bread. He's the chef who keeps buying everything she has. Professional interest becomes personal obsession.
The Other Brother
His brother has everything—the career, the house, the wife. But when he visits for a weekend and finds her alone, he discovers that having everything means nothing if you never come home.
The Plus One
His coworker asks him to keep her company at the office Christmas party. By the third dance, they both know this is trouble. By the fourth, they don't care.
Deep Tissue
Weekly appointments for his back pain. She's always professional. But when he books a late session and she's the only one left in the spa, her hands wander somewhere new.
Home Visit
He's fighting for custody of his sister. The social worker assigned to his case is thorough—multiple visits, detailed questions. Each visit lasts longer. She starts coming after hours.
Open Invitation
She's hosted him for dinners since high school. Now he's back from college and she's newly divorced. The guest room has never felt so charged.
Player Two
His roommate's girlfriend keeps coming over for game nights. She keeps staying later. She keeps sitting closer. Some games are meant to be played with two.
Night Shift
She drives a black cab through London—late nights, drunk passengers, survival. He's the regular fare who requests her specifically every Friday. When he admits why, the meter keeps running on something neither expected.
The New Neighbor
She moves in next door with boxes and a smile. He helps carry them up. Borrowed sugar becomes borrowed evenings, until one night neither of them goes home.
Second Chances
After his father's sudden passing, he returns home to settle the estate. His young stepmother, barely older than him, needs help navigating grief and paperwork. Late nights sorting through memories blur the lines between comfort and something more.
Can You Hear Me Now
She calls tech support for her internet problem. He's the Somali man on the other end of the line—patient, helpful, and clearly flirting. Three calls later, they finally meet in person. The connection is better than broadband.
Between the Lines
She runs a Somali women's book club—reading diaspora authors, discussing identity over tea. He's the brother who keeps dropping off his sister and staying for the discussions. Literary analysis becomes something more when they start reading each other.
Dark Roast
She opens a specialty coffee shop in Brixton—Somali coffee traditions meets London hipster culture. He's the customer who comes every morning and knows more about beans than she expects. Their shared passion for coffee becomes passion for each other.
Hot Mic
She runs a Somali diaspora podcast—stories of identity, belonging, and what home means. He's the guest who came to talk about his refugee parents and ended up talking about everything else. Including how he feels about her.
Room With A View
She's looking for a flatmate. He's the only applicant who doesn't seem creepy. When he moves in, they establish boundaries—no romance, no drama. Three months later, every boundary is broken.
Still Life
She guards art at the National Gallery—stands still for hours while masterpieces hang around her. He's the artist who keeps sketching her during his visits. When he finally shows her the drawings, she realizes she's been his masterpiece all along.
Best Kept Secret
She caught him looking when he was sixteen. Now he's grown, and she's done pretending she didn't like it.
Screen Time
She tutors Somali kids online—GCSE maths for diaspora families across the UK. He's the single dad who books her for his daughter and keeps finding excuses to join the sessions. The pixels become real when they finally meet.
Corner Shop Romance
His family runs the corner shop where she buys her groceries. He's the son who works night shifts, always there when she stops by after work. Between the milk and the bread, they build something unexpected.
Overflow
A wounded runner wakes up on her table. The payment plan is going to take a while.
The Evaluation
She's evaluated hundreds of graduates. But this one she raised—and he's not going to make it easy.
Spring Visit
He crashes at his aunt's place during spring break and finds her recently divorced and eager for company. Some wounds need a specific kind of healing.
No Valentines
Both alone on the most romantic night of the year, he and his voluptuous neighbor decide to be each other's date. Some holidays are better spent with strangers.