Under the Cover is a romance bookshop in Kansas City, Missouri. It's the city's first store dedicated to romance novels, and it's an independent, woman-owned business run by Carley Morton. You'll find it at 607 E 31st St, in the Union Hill neighborhood, inside the historic House of Flowers building. The store is open Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so if you're planning a visit this week, Wednesday is the first day it's open. You can call 816-794-8244 or email info@underthecoverkc.com if you have questions.
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The shelves cover romance from timeless classics to newer releases, and the shop carries both indie and traditionally published titles. The staff have put together several themed lists. Carley's Favorites includes books like Throne of Glass, Salt Kiss and Puck, while Jessica's Favorites features Faebound and The Devil She Knows. There's also a Banned Books (Missouri School Districts Edition) list with titles such as 1984: The Graphic Novel and Milk and Honey, and a Book Club Picks list that includes This Gilded Abyss and House of Deceit. The store also supports local authors. Sierra Simone's series A Merry Little Meet Cute features characters from Kansas City, and the shop sells an exclusive Julie & Sierra x UTC BRD Shirt for $25.00.
Pre-orders are a big part of what the store does. Its products page lists upcoming releases, with prices in USD. Some examples are Christmas Staycation by Meghan Quinn, out October 20 for $19.99 (the deluxe edition includes character art), Match Me if You Can on November 9 for $17.99, and Cardinal Rule by Liz Tomforde, due March 2, 2027, for $19.99. The shop also hosts release events. A double release event for Sweet as Sin and On The Fakeaway, with authors Laurela Matthews and Piper Hale, is set for November 19, and a Potions & Prejudice release event with Tee Harlowe is scheduled for January 27. Both events are listed at $25.00. Pickup orders have 14 days from the release day to be collected. Books not picked up in that window are shelved without a refund. Shipped orders are not covered for transit damage, and no refunds are issued.
The store has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Google Maps, based on 223 reviews. Customers describe it as whimsical, fun, charming, romantic and inclusive, and they mention the plants, the friendly staff and the mix of books on the shelves. Carley Morton has said that a portion of the proceeds from the grand opening goes to Literacy KC, a nonprofit at 300 E. 39th St. that helps adults earn their GED and improve their literacy skills. More details, including the full pre-order list, are on the store's website at underthecoverkc.com.
Published Date
13 October 2026
