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The Ripped Bodice

4.7 (150 reviews)
InexpensiveBookstores
Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Keesha P.

I discovered The Ripped Bodice at The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Really cute Merch and great setup. So I decided to Pre-Order The Heart You Kept by TL Swan from there because they had an incentive (small gift). I thought, this is perfect, they're local to me so I can pick the book up and avoid shipping charges. When the book was released I was not notified that my order was ready. So I called them 5 days later and they said I could pick it up the next day. A day later I pick it up but there was no incentive. I was told the publisher didn't send enough for all the books. I am unsure of the logistics between publisher and bookstore but you would think when a Pre-Order is based on an incentive you would make sure there are enough for all the books (Some mention while supplies last). I understand mistakes happen, it's just disappointing it happened on my order when it's my first time visiting the store. The staff did inform me that whoever manages orders will reach out with an alternative to compensate for the missing item.

Nevin A.

The Ripped Bodice is a cute independent book store. The store has very cozy vibes. It is specialized in Romance genres. They also carry a varieties of historical romance,fantasy romance and other subgenre. The staff were very friendly and professional. They shared with me their love of many books they read. I liked the cute tote that came with my purchase. They also gave me a lovely sticker for book lovers. My goal is to support small and independent businesses. I will be back for more books

Outside sign
Paulene L.

I am a huge romance book lover. TikTok and Instagram convinced me that I needed to go to this bookstore because it is curated for readers like me. Because I am a big yelper, i saw nothing but good reviews. I was very excited to finally get a chance to visit this location. The selection is immense. There were so many books I have never seen or heard of before. The pricing is very standard, not too expensive for a book. There are many available signed copies of books available. There are also bookmarks and stickers, which I was a lot of. Though this bookstore looks like a romantic book lovers dream, I do not think I will come back. When I walked in, my boyfriend and I were not acknowledged. The workers didn't even say excuse me when they were walking by me nor asked if I needed any help. They only conversation I had with them was when I was leaving to pay and then I didn't even have get a thank you. I was very disappointed.

Enrique M.

I love bringing my wife and daughter. They love to read and there is something for everyone to enjoy here. The book store is beautiful and the focus on romance genres is nice.

yes i drove all the way to culver city from la habra for this
Shar ..

i saw alex aster here and i can die happy. also missed my chance to see kate golden but the ripped bodice crew is so lovely and straight forward. adore the fact that they hold onto your copy full of goodies for when you're ready to pick up in person!

Melrose Y.

I love love love independent bookstores! Don't get me started on ROMANCE indie bookstores, it's a double win!! The layout is incredibly cute and creative. It's perfect for those who adore romance books like me. They have most of whatever romance you may be looking for. The only tricky thing about going here is the parking. It can be a hit or miss, but that's just what LA is unfortunately. Luckily the times I've been here, I found metered street parking. The workers are incredibly kind and helpful. I wish I can buy so much more merch (stickers, bookmarks, and of course the tote bags). I can't wait to go back again.

Nice quote in front right when you enter
Camille W.

Ooo do I love this bookstore! An inclusive in every sense of the word bookstore that focuses on the romance genre. This is an excellent place for gifts particularly for the bookworm in your life. I particularly love their book clubs. Haven't been in a hot minute but I definitely want to come back. They are free to attend and you can sign up for them on their website. One of their book clubs actually made me excited about attending future book clubs because of how entertaining the discussions were.

The front of the store.
Lisa W.

I recently went on a book crawl and The Ripped Bodice was one of the stops. I have been hearing about this place so I was happy to finally stop in. This is an independent bookstore that specializes in romance novels. It's very cutesy and such fun to browse and walk through. You can easily get lost browsing through all the colorful books and looking the fun decor and other merchandise. I typically don't read a lot of romance novels but it's hard to not buy something when you're there! I ended up buying one book and the girls working at the counter were very nice and knowledgable about the author. Definitely stop by The Ripped Bodice the next time you're in that part of Culver City. There are lots of places to eat or get coffee/tea nearby and pick up your next favorite read.

Blind date with books
Charlotte V.

This cozy little bookstore seems to specialize in romance novels, which gives it a really fun and niche vibe. Beyond the books, they offer a delightful selection of gifts like stickers, postcards, and other cute finds. One of my favorite touches was the "blind date with a book" display--such a creative and fun idea! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

The entry
Patricia H.

If you enjoy a cozy book to read with a little romance this store is for you. They do have a small selection of other genre but this place does cater more in Rom-Com category. Sadly I didn't purchase anything but definitely coming back to get a few things.

Liana B.

This is such a cute bookstore! I came here while waiting for my appointment for the Museum of Jurassic Technology nearby. This store's selection spans from romances in period pieces, fantasy, lgbtq+, poc focused, and so on. Their staff are so friendly and it's fun to hear how much they love the books they have in stock. This store feels so inclusive and female friendly! It's hard finding space where you feel so cozy and safe while also aesthetically so cute and pink! I highly recommend anyone to check this place out and help support small businesses .

Jake A.

Cute shop with a great curation of books! Brought my wife here as a surprise and she enjoyed perusing! I saw they have book clubs and readings--the shelves have little recommendations by staff which is so cute.

Ashley F.

This bookstore is GORGEOUS, so much fun, and has such a kind and helpful staff! It's full of light, arranged with care, and could have any romance book you're possibly looking for. It was very eclectic, and also had a wide range of stickers, keychains, reading accessories, and merchandise. I loved visiting and can't wait to go again!

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Review Highlights - The Ripped Bodice

This cozy little bookstore seems to specialize in romance novels, which gives it a really fun and niche vibe.

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Village Well Books & Coffee

Village Well Books & Coffee

4.3(259 reviews)
0.3 mi
$$

What a gem of a bookstore…read more Local hangout for Westsiders with tonssss of books, a café, lots of seating, and a children's section. They hold different events as well. I love that they have early hours even on weekends for those of us still up at 7am no matter what. Going in at 8am on a Sunday and seeing others already there? *My people* They have "bar" seating along the windows for working use with bar stools. Laptop/reading seating. They have tables and one BIG table for those enjoying café purchases and for those needing back support *cough cough* me. Village Well is just such a nice place to hangout in if you love books and/or need a place to work instead of home so you don't fall asleep. Anywhere that puts passion into books...is my favorite place.

As a local author, I want to share my experience with Village Well's consignment program so others…read morecan make informed decisions. I placed copies of my books there, including a recent title that had been in the store for less than six months. When I followed up, I was told there had been no recorded sales and that books are subject to removal after a period of time without activity. When I returned to the store, I noticed that much of the "local author" section appeared sparsely stocked, which raised concerns for me about how long books are kept on display and how actively they are supported. To be fair, the store did communicate that: Authors are responsible for following up on sales Shelf space is limited Books may be removed after a certain period However, I think it's important for other local authors to understand that: Placement does not guarantee visibility or promotion You may need to actively check in and market your book yourself Unsold books may be pulled without much notice If you're considering consignment, I recommend having a clear plan to promote your work and staying in regular contact with the store. Just sharing my experience so others go in with clear expectations.

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Village Well Books & Coffee - Tea

Tea

Village Well Books & Coffee - Raspberry cheese pastry, so yummy!

Raspberry cheese pastry, so yummy!

Village Well Books & Coffee - Front View

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Front View

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble

4.2(27 reviews)
4.1 mi
$$

We do go to this location more often than other Barnes locations because it is closer but once…read moreagain, we went in last night and Jasmine was visibly horrible to us. We walked in, she glared at us- I tried not to think much of it, but as she was finishing ringing me up I looked up to thank her and she was literally grimacing at me, and this was after she tried to hurriedly ring me up without even asking if I was a rewards member (I am) or anything else. I keep trying to give her the benefit of the doubt because I also work in retail, but girl just seems miserable. Literally I have NO other issues with any other employee there, everyone else has been so kind so I brought my review up to 4 stars from 3. But if you're going to give me a dirty look Jasmine, wait until I turn around. This is a smaller location but I'll continue to visit, I just really hope Jasmine isn't there- it's always uncomfortable when she is.

Honestly so disappointed in the customer service of this location now…read more This is a long one. I used to go to the previous location and customer service was always on point. Sales associates were friendly, helpful, and always down to talk about books. Now... I feel like I'm a bother for just wanting to buy my books and leave. This experience was the one that kinda left me wondering why do I bother with this location... (It's the closest location to me soo I guess there's that) First waiting 5 mins when multiples registers are open and only one other patron making a purchase for an associate to finally walk back to their register to help us. Young lady ended up being super friendly and all was fine - she's why this gets a redemption of 3 stars - Stardew pin gal you're cool. My family and I walk out I see a bookmark I wanted and u turn back in line. I get helped by a different woman - blond curls (really pretty hair, also I know both your names but don want you in trouble just disappointed) - who seemed completely bothered by helping me. Ok whatever we all have our days. She lets me know my membership is expired...something stardew lady missed. I ask damn ok I wasn't informed can I bring back my books return and repurchase and re up my membership. Now she seemed doubly annoyed and bothered. Come back in a few days she says. I let her know: no no we just walked out with the books they're here. She responds I know just come back in two days..... I look back at the line - empty. Umm so you want me to come back?? Yeah and just talk to whoever is here and explain what you want. Confused I walked out and hear her sigh and when I looked back the three sales associates went back to being huddled and chatting. Double checked policy.... Nope not a policy thing returning books.... TO REPURCHASE WITH MY REUPPED SUB is not against policy. Called a different store they said yeah they should've just done it in the moment. Checked stores hours not close to closing so that's not it. There have been other instances of weird stand off behavior that has left me wondering WTF is going on... Look y'all I'm not gonna tell you how to live your lives or where you should be working, just remember both sides of the counter are human and in a world where being a BIPOC is getting more and more dangerous, a friendlier attitude can go a long way.

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Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble

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The Ripped Bodice - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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