The Ripped Bodice
NYC's only romance-only bookstore, a woman-owned haven with a vast selection and enchanting book-covered decor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
The Ripped Bodice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's only romance-only bookstore, a woman-owned haven with a vast selection and enchanting book-covered decor.
"A romance reader's dream come true, this bookstore is a must-visit for its incredible selection and magical ambiance."
🎯 Romance Lover's Dream
This is NYC's only romance-only bookstore! Prepare for an extensive selection of all romance subgenres.
✨ Instagrammable Decor
The walls and ceilings are covered in books! Perfect for photos and soaking in the romantic vibe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Romance Novel Paradise
Entire store
An unparalleled selection of romance fiction, from spicy to sweet, LGBTQ+ to romantasy. Heaven for romance readers!
Charming Decor
Walls and ceilings
Books adorning walls and ceilings create a magical, immersive atmosphere. A true visual delight!
Signed Editions & New Releases
Dedicated sections
Discover signed copies from beloved authors and the latest must-read romance titles. Get them before they're gone!
Blind Date Books
Special display
Intriguing 'blind date' books wrapped with genre clues. A fun way to discover your next favorite read!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Romance
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Romance Lover's Dream
This is NYC's only romance-only bookstore! Prepare for an extensive selection of all romance subgenres. 
✨ Instagrammable Decor
The walls and ceilings are covered in books! Perfect for photos and soaking in the romantic vibe.
📚 Discover New Reads
Explore 'blind date' books wrapped with clues for a fun surprise. Great for finding unexpected gems!
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are known for being helpful and offering great book recommendations. Don't hesitate to ask!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Romance Lover's Dream
This is NYC's only romance-only bookstore! Prepare for an extensive selection of all romance subgenres.
✨ Instagrammable Decor
The walls and ceilings are covered in books! Perfect for photos and soaking in the romantic vibe.
📚 Discover New Reads
Explore 'blind date' books wrapped with clues for a fun surprise. Great for finding unexpected gems!
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are known for being helpful and offering great book recommendations. Don't hesitate to ask!
🎁 Unique Gifts
Beyond books, find charming merchandise and gifts from local small businesses.
🗓️ Check for Events
They host monthly book events and author signings. Keep an eye on their social media!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Ripped Bodice, calling it a 'romance lover's dream' and 'heaven' due to its phenomenal selection and LGBTQ+ titles. The charming, book-covered decor is a major highlight, creating a magical atmosphere. While most praise the friendly and helpful staff, a few reviewers noted instances of less attentive service during checkout.
"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!!"
Jas Explores
"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."
The Kelms
"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!"
Katherine Hubbard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ripped Bodice is located at 218 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215. It's easily accessible via public transportation. The nearest subway stations include the F, G, and R trains to the 7th Avenue station, which is a short walk away.
Street parking in Park Slope can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services for the most convenient experience.
The Ripped Bodice has two locations: one in Los Angeles and a newer, popular location in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.
If you're coming from Manhattan, taking the subway is highly recommended. It's efficient and drops you close to the bookstore.
Yes, Park Slope is a vibrant neighborhood with Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and numerous shops and restaurants, making it a great area for a day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to enter The Ripped Bodice. It's an independent bookstore open to the public.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the bookstore is open daily. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter The Ripped Bodice. You can browse the shelves and enjoy the atmosphere freely.
While not explicitly stated, many independent bookstores offer private event bookings. It's advisable to contact The Ripped Bodice directly to inquire about their event policies.
No special entry requirements are needed. The Ripped Bodice is a welcoming space for all romance readers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Ripped Bodice specializes exclusively in romance novels. You'll find a vast selection including contemporary romance, romantasy, LGBTQ+ romance, erotica, and new releases.
Absolutely! The Ripped Bodice has an extensive collection of LGBTQ+ titles, making it a fantastic resource for queer romance readers.
The atmosphere is often described as charming, magical, and incredibly cozy. The unique decor, with books covering the walls and ceilings, creates an immersive and delightful experience.
Yes, they offer 'blind date' books, where novels are wrapped with clues about their genre and content, offering a fun surprise for readers. They also often have signed copies available.
Many visitors find themselves happily lost for 1-2 hours, or even longer, due to the extensive selection and captivating atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Ripped Bodice is primarily a bookstore and does not have an in-house cafe or food service. However, the Park Slope neighborhood offers numerous dining options nearby.
Yes, Park Slope is known for its diverse culinary scene. You can find everything from casual cafes to upscale dining within walking distance of the bookstore.
It's generally best practice to avoid bringing outside food and drinks into bookstores to protect the books. You can enjoy refreshments before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially given the store's unique and aesthetically pleasing decor. Many visitors love to capture the book-covered walls.
The walls and ceilings adorned with books are the most iconic photo spots. The 'blind date' book display and the general ambiance also make for great shots.
While generally permitted, it's always polite to be mindful of other shoppers and avoid blocking aisles or taking intrusive photos.
Yes, you can photograph specific books or displays. If you're featuring a particular book, tagging the store is a nice gesture.
Popular hashtags include #TheRippedBodice, #Bookstore, #RomanceBookstore, #BookTok, #NYCBookstores, and #BookishAesthetic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the content is exclusively romance, so parents should be aware of the themes and potential spiciness depending on the books chosen. However, the store is generally welcoming, and the staff can help guide you to more age-appropriate selections if needed. Consider it a unique cultural stop in Brooklyn that celebrates a specific literary genre.
💸 Budget Travelers
+1If you're looking to buy, consider exploring the 'blind date' books, which can sometimes be a more affordable way to discover new reads. Also, keep an eye out for any sales or special promotions they might offer. The merchandise, while lovely, might be a higher price point, so focus on the books for a more budget-friendly souvenir.
💖 Couples
The romantic ambiance of the store, with its book-covered walls, creates a charming backdrop for a date. You can spend quality time discussing your favorite tropes, authors, and characters. Afterwards, the surrounding Park Slope neighborhood offers plenty of romantic dining options to continue your outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ripped Bodice: A Romance Reader's Sanctuary
+1The store's commitment to romance is evident in every aspect, from the carefully chosen titles to the vibrant community events they host. They cater to a wide spectrum of romance subgenres, ensuring that every reader, whether they prefer spicy encounters, heartwarming tales, or epic fantasy romances, can find something to love. This dedication has earned them accolades, including the Romantic Bookseller of the Year award, solidifying their status as a premier destination for romance fiction.
Beyond the books, The Ripped Bodice also champions local artists and small businesses by featuring their merchandise, adding another layer of charm and community support to the shopping experience. It’s a testament to their belief in fostering a supportive ecosystem for creatives and readers alike.
Navigating the Romance Aisles: Selection and Discovery
A unique and highly recommended feature is their 'blind date' books. These are novels wrapped in paper, with only a few descriptive keywords to hint at the story within. It’s a delightful way to step outside your usual reading habits and discover authors or tropes you might not have otherwise encountered. This element of surprise adds an extra layer of fun to the browsing experience.
Furthermore, The Ripped Bodice often stocks signed copies of books by popular and emerging romance authors. This offers a special opportunity for fans to own a piece of literary history. Their dedication to showcasing new releases ensures that you'll always find the most current and talked-about titles in the genre.
The Aesthetic Appeal: Decor and Ambiance
+1This distinctive decor makes The Ripped Bodice a popular spot for photos, with many visitors eager to capture the magical ambiance. The visual storytelling extends beyond the books themselves, creating a space that is as delightful to behold as it is to browse. It’s a testament to the thoughtful curation that goes into every aspect of the customer experience.
The overall vibe is cozy, inviting, and distinctly feminine, reflecting its status as a woman-owned business. It’s a place where you can comfortably spend hours, getting lost in the pages and the picturesque surroundings.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit