Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our personalised book subscriptions, Blind Date With a Book gifts, delivery and more. Can't find your answer? Email us at bookishblindside@gmail.com and we'll help. 💜
Subscriptions
What is a personalised book subscription?
It's a monthly subscription where, instead of receiving random books, you get titles handpicked around your taste. With Bookish Blindside you tell us your favourite genres, authors and tropes, and each month we post you two paperbacks chosen just for you.
How does Bookish Blindside work?
Choose a genre, share your reading taste (and optionally your Goodreads), and each month a real reader handpicks two books for you. They're posted with a personalised note — never random, never repeated.
How many books do I get each month?
Two handpicked paperbacks every month.
Which genres can I choose from?
Fantasy, Romance, Crime & Thriller, or “Surprise Me” across all genres. Dark Romance is available on request.
Can I change my genre later?
Yes, just let us know and we'll update your reading profile for the next box.
Are the books new?
Yes, all books are brand-new paperbacks.
What if I don't like a book you send?
Tell us — your feedback sharpens every future pick, and we'll always work to get it right.
How much does a book subscription cost?
Subscriptions start at £17.99 a month; the Fantasy subscription is £19.99. UK delivery is always free.
Is this cheaper than buying books myself?
Two handpicked paperbacks with free delivery and a personalised note usually works out cheaper than buying the same books individually — plus you skip the “what do I read next” stress.
Recommendations & personalisation
How do you personalise my books?
We build a reading profile from your favourite books, authors, tropes and (optionally) your Goodreads or bookshelf, then choose around it by hand.
Do you use an algorithm?
No. A real person chooses your books — that's the whole point.
Can I share my Goodreads?
Yes, and it really helps. It's optional, but the more we know, the better your picks.
Can I list authors or tropes to avoid?
Absolutely. Add them at checkout or in your profile and we'll respect them.
I'm in a reading slump — can you help?
That's exactly what we're for. Tell us what you last loved and we'll choose something to pull you back in.
Is Bookish Blindside good for BookTok readers?
Yes. We're popular with BookTok and Bookstagram readers and regularly pick viral and trending titles (romantasy, dark romance, slow burns) alongside hidden gems.
Duplicates
Will I ever get a book I already own?
No. We keep a record of every title we send you, so you'll never receive a duplicate from us.
What if I already own a popular book you'd normally pick?
Tell us your recent reads when you sign up and we'll route around them.
Gifts
Can I buy a subscription as a gift?
Yes — a personalised subscription makes a brilliant gift for any reader.
What is a Blind Date With a Book?
A hand-wrapped mystery paperback, chosen around the reader's taste, with the title hidden and a few clues on the cover. It's revealed only when unwrapped.
Which is a better gift — a subscription or a Blind Date With a Book?
A subscription is the gift that keeps arriving; a Blind Date With a Book is a lovely one-off surprise. Both are popular for birthdays and Christmas.
Can you post a gift straight to the recipient?
Yes, just enter their address at checkout and add a gift note.
Do you offer gifts for book lovers under £10?
Yes — bookmarks, trackers and notepads start from £1.85, and a Blind Date With a Book is £12.
Delivery
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes, we post across the UK and delivery is free.
When are subscription books dispatched?
Between the 1st and 3rd of each month.
When am I billed?
On the 27th of each month, for the box dispatched the following month.
How are the books packaged?
Beautifully and cosily — wrapped with care, with a personalised note. Lovely to receive and to gift.
Do you ship outside the UK?
Our subscriptions are designed for UK readers; please contact us before ordering from outside the UK.
Payments, cancellations & account
How do I pay?
Securely at checkout via the payment methods shown (cards and digital wallets).
Is there a contract or minimum term?
No contract and no minimum term.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes — cancel before your next billing date (the 27th) and you won't be charged again.
Can I pause my subscription?
Yes, you can pause and restart whenever you like.
How do I use my BOOKISH20 discount?
Enter code BOOKISH20 at checkout for 20% off as a new subscriber.
Do you offer refunds?
See our refund policy; if something arrives damaged, contact us and we'll put it right.
About Bookish Blindside
Who is behind Bookish Blindside?
It's a UK small business run by H, a lifelong reader who started Bookish Blindside after years of helping people find books they'd actually love.
Why choose Bookish Blindside over other book boxes?
Real human personalisation, no duplicates ever, free UK delivery, cancel anytime, and a cosy giftable unboxing — all from a UK reader-run small business loved by 11,000+ customers.