If you’re a sucker for romance and a bit of a bookworm, your wildest fantasy has just opened up in Brooklyn: a bookstore entirely devoted to romance novels.
Called The Ripped Bodice, this independent, queer and women-owned bookstore originally started in Los Angeles in 2016. Owners and sisters Leah and Bea Koch have been lifelong romance readers. They had a dream to open a romance-only bookstore, and after a successful Kickstarter campaign, were able to make that dream a reality.
Seven years after being founded, the duo has opened a brand new location in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The Ripped Bodice sells an extensive selection of romantic fiction that is sure to have your heart swelling.
In addition to novels, The Ripped Bodice sells adorable gift items from primarily independent, woman-owned businesses.
The bookstore is known to host a variety of exciting events including author visits and romantic comedy, in addition to undertaking projects like The Ripped Bodice State of Racial Diversity in Romance Report and the Read, Romance, Repeat subscription box.
Where: 218 5th Avenue, Brooklyn
When: Opened Saturday, August 5th, 2023