The Ripped Bodice is an independent brick-and-mortar bookstore devoted to the celebration of romance novels. The store is proudly Woman and Queer Owned. Sisters and owners Leah and Bea Koch opened TRB on March 4, 2016 following a successful Kickstarter campaign to bring their dream of a romance-only bookstore to life.The Ripped Bodice features a vast and diverse selection of romance fiction. In addition to books, the store has a wide selection of gift items with a focus on supporting independent, woman owned businesses.The store and its owners undertake several large projects each year including The Ripped Bodice State of Racial Diversity in Romance Report, the Read, Romance, Repeat subscription box and the development of television projects based on romance novels in association with Sony Pictures Television. On June 1, 2023, TRB announced their expansion to Brooklyn, NY with their new store slated to open on August 5. About The OwnersBea and Leah Koch are sisters and the owners of The Ripped Bodice. They grew up in Chicago, IL. Both sisters are lifelong romance readers and feel lucky to spend their days surrounded by books.Bea attended Yale University and NYU, where she wrote a graduate thesis titled Mending the Ripped Bodice. In 2020, she published her first book, Mad & Bad: Real Heroines of the Regency. Her favorite romance subgenre is historicals and her favorite thing to do in the world is hang out with her dogs, Hamilton and Fiona.Leah moved to Los Angeles to attend USC and preferring the eternal sunshine to Chicago winters... never left! Her favorite romance subgenre is contemporary, especially Lesbian romances. When she isn't reading, she enjoys crafts of all kinds, watching women's soccer and the antics of her three cats.
From Google. Shown as written by the reviewers.
Jas Explores
October 2025
As a proud romance reader, The Ripped Bodice is a MUST VISIT for all who come to NYC or live nearby. The selection of romance titles is top-notch, the staff super friendly and helpful with book recommendations, and there are several signed copies available almost all the time. Besides, their monthly book events and merchandise from local small businesses are to die for. Highly recommend this bookshop!!
Katherine Hubbard
November 2025
The ripped bodice was one of the coolest bookstores I’ve been to. I loved that they had a diverse collection. There truly was a book for everyone, even if a reader isn’t a romance reader. The atmosphere was inviting and cozy. I cannot wait to go back one day!
The Kelms
September 2025
Loved the store, but the service could have been better. Visited this bookstore during our last trip to NYC, and the store itself is so cute! They have a huge variety of books and merch inside. Loved all the different displays and everything was organized for each sub genre of romance. They even had blind date books! However, the staff didn’t really acknowledge us or say much as we tried to check out. It felt like us trying to purchase the books was an inconvenience. Was nice for a one-time visit, but wouldn’t make the trip back.
Jennifer Dentel
October 2025
I had such a spectacular time at The Ripped Bodice today! Phenomenal selection of romance novels - with an extensive collection of LGBTQ+ titles, erotica, romantasy, and so many new releases. Absolute heaven! Huge shout-out to Joachris for the amazing recommendations - I left with a stack of books that I’m so excited to curl up with!
Melody
October 2025
Love love love this store! So many romance genres to choose from. They also have a special space for books that have been signed. I enjoy the atmosphere so much, you can spend 1-2 hours in here for sure. Came by to get Ali hazelwood’s newest book that just came out and all the new books were already displayed!
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