10 Romantic Books I Acquired From The Ripped Bodice Bookstore

Final November, on a visit to Los Angeles, I went to a bookstore that was a literal dream come true: The Ripped Bodice. Once I heard concerning the unbiased, sister-owned, completely romance bookstore, I knew I needed to get there sometime. And, readers, it lived as much as my each expectation and extra, from the Mary Shelley quote by the door to the vintage pink sofa to the big minimize outs of Megan Markle and Edward Cullen I may—and did—pose subsequent to for selfies.

And most vital, I acquired to satisfy Leah (one of many sister, co-owners of The Ripped Bodice) and have her give me a pleasant massive stack of new-to-me romance authors she really helpful. I informed her I used to be primarily a fan of up to date and historic romance and that I used to be particularly eager about studying extra various, PoC romance authors. Listed below are the ten books she really helpful.

The Duke I Tempted by Scarlett Peckham

After telling her I liked Sarah MacLean and Tessa Dare, Leah pulled this ebook first…which might be why I began studying it first. The Duke of Westmead wants an inheritor to guard the household property he’s simply rescued from wreck. However he thinks his submissive wishes will maintain him from ever really be accepted and liked. When a scandal arises with the charming botanist, Poppy Cavendish, a wedding of comfort looks as if an answer to each their issues. However what occurs when each suppose they need extra? This advice from Leah was a house run! Extremely suggest for hilarious hijinks and severely steamy love scenes.

The Concept of You by Robinne Lee

Solène Marchand is a 39-year-old single mother who gave up on the thought of real love and romance a very long time in the past. However when she takes her daughter to satisfy August Moon (a One Route–model boy band) and meets 20-year-old band member Hayes Campbell, Solène’s life begins to get very sophisticated. Hayes is humorous, soulful, and so so earnest. However their lives are virtually as totally different as their ages. And their love gained’t simply change Solène’s life, it additionally impacts the individuals she loves most—particularly her daughter. This ebook didn’t learn as strictly a romance novel to me, however I nonetheless loved it. Though the premise is so enjoyable, the tone skews just a little angsty. But it surely was very refreshing to examine an older lady and a youthful man!

Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny by Rebekah Weatherspoon

When Leah requested if I’d learn Rebekah Weatherspoon and I mentioned no, she squealed with delight. Then she requested if I needed one thing severe or just a little tongue in cheek. I selected the latter and was rewarded with this hilarious and surprisingly candy story. Sloan Copeland is a coronary heart surgeon, single mom with cute twin daughters. When she will get right into a childcare jam, Rafe involves the rescue. He’s an skilled nanny who loves youngsters however isn’t positive what to do with the remainder of his life. The attraction between them is simple. The way in which they navigate an interracial relationship and construct a household collectively is each considerate and stuffed with emotion. I shall be studying all of Rebekah Weatherspoon’s again record for positive!

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

When Leah requested me if I favored the 1992 determine skating romcom “The Reducing Edge” after which handed me this ebook, I knew it could be one thing particular. (I answered with an enthusiastic sure, for the document.) Jasmine Santos is a gifted skater, with a harsh status that’s made it unattainable for her to discover a dependable accomplice. Her childhood nemesis, Ivan Lukov, is searching for somebody to exchange his accomplice for a 12 months. She wouldn’t say sure, aside from the very fact he’s the present world champion and he or she has no different choices to make it to the Olympics. A slow-burn enemies to lovers determine skating romance that can have you ever swooning for pages.

A Examine in Scarlet Ladies by Sherry Thomas

This ebook is by a romance writer…however not technically a romance! As a substitute it’s a thriller that gender-bends the Sherlock Holmes canon and asks the query: What if Sherlock Holmes was actually a girl? Charlotte Holmes makes a raffle to win her personal independence and clear her household’s identify of three latest murders, by utilizing her observational skills to masquerade as a male detective named Sherlock. After all, there may be an incredible feminine Watson character ready within the wings to assist. Together with a really good-looking—and, sadly, very married—Lord Ashburton within the story as effectively! The primary within the Woman Sherlock sequence, which can delight thriller and romance lovers alike. I do know I need to maintain studying to seek out out if something ever occurs between Charlotte and Lord Ashburton.

Fairly Face by Lucy Parker

This romance novel brings us to the theater world in London. Luc Savage is a revered however notoriously temperamental director. He initially misjudges cleaning soap opera actress Lily Lamprey, as most individuals do, primarily based on her breathy voice and big boobs. However the producers desire a massive identify to assist with ticket gross sales. Fortunately, she has some severe performing expertise. However a romance between them may jeopardize each of their careers. Following studying this steamy, hilarious story, I instantly purchased two different books from Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities sequence. A brand new favourite romance writer!

Sweatpants Season by Danielle Allen

The title of this ebook and the jacket copy are very tongue in cheek. However the themes explored on this romance novel are vital and severe. Akila Bishara is extra centered on establishing her profession as a photographer and author than discovering a boyfriend. However she will be able to’t ignore her attraction to Carlos when they’re paired up in a images class…particularly when he’s sporting sweatpants. The one downside? Carlos is a part of an extremely sexist podcast that Akila hates. Is that this a misunderstanding or does Akila have to assist her coronary heart get in keeping with what her mind is aware of is flawed for her?

If I Liked You Much less by Tamsen Parker

Jane Austen followers, rejoice! It is a queer surfer Emma retelling set on a tropical island in Hawaii. And it’s precisely nearly as good because it sounds. Theodosia Sullivan loves matchmaking and hates change. She loves residing along with her father, serving to run his well-liked surf store, and annoying Kini, the girl who owns the native bakery who’s principally household. However when a clueless vacationer turns into Theo’s latest matchmaking obsession, her friendship with Kini and status on the island could also be jeopardized.

If the Costume Suits by Carla de Guzman

Numerous solid? Verify. Fats heroine? Verify. Pretend relationship? Verify. Legitimately, what else may you need from a romance novel? Nothing. Particularly as a result of this on is ADORABLE. Martha Aguas is nice with quantity and fewer good at discovering a bra that matches or a boyfriend. This hasn’t bothered her previously. However when her cousin pronounces she’s marrying Martha’s longtime crush, her buddy Max steps in to faux to be her date and save her from nosy, meddling relations on the marriage ceremony.

Love Will All the time Bear in mind by Tracey Livesay

Tracey Livesay is the one writer on this record I *have* learn earlier than, however once I noticed a ebook from her I didn’t find out about, I pounced. And I’m glad I did. It is stuffed with scrumptious romance novel tropes and real character-driven romance. Leighton has amnesia and doesn’t bear in mind the final six years. Jonathan is pretending to be her fiancé as a favor to his estranged brother, her actual fiancé who’s away on a enterprise journey. However when Jonathan and Leighton fall in love for actual…effectively, you may guess. Drama and sparks ensue in equal measures.

The Verdict: The Ripped Bodice is the Bookstore of My Goals

Visiting this romance novel mecca and getting to speak to Leah had been the highlights of my go to. Her solutions had been diversified, particularly tailor-made to me, various, and stuffed with a combination of historically printed and self-published authors. I loved studying each single considered one of these. However for me, Lucy Parker and Rebekah Weatherspoon are the 2 which have grow to be must-buy authors for me!

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