A few weeks ago, Holly, Tracy, Kat and I went to The Ripped Bodice because when you’re in L.A. and are booknerds like us, that’s just what you do.
The store itself was gorgeous and perfect for book lovers. There were lounges and comfy chairs set up all around the store so that you can get your book talk on if you were so inclined (which we totally did and I’ll never be the same again, let me tell you). They had romances in every genre you could think of on their shelves. It truly is quite the experience. If you’re in town, you should definitely make the time to check it out for yourself.
The thing that we were oohing and ahhing over were their romance starter kits. They had starter kits for contemporary romance, historical romance, erotica romance, all of the romances and we all took turns really loving the idea but because books are so subjective, we were also swapping out titles and putting our spin on these starter kits so we’re here today to share our starter kit ideas with you guys.
Starter kits are for the new to romance readers. They’re a stack of books that will get you started on your romance reading journey and here are our suggestions for what you should read first.
Contemporary Romance
Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Easy by Tammara Webber
Historical Romance
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long
Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
Paranormal Romance
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh
Demon Angel by Meljean Brook
Urban Fantasy
Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Fantasy & Steampunk
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
The Kraken King by Meljean Brook
Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson
Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
Bet Me! Devil in Winter! Moon Called & Magic Strikes! Yaaaaaaas.
I’m right there with you with Bet Me but Devil in Winter? Haha, just kidding. It was good but not my favorite. I haven’t read the others. Those were the other girls choices.
It wasn’t easy choosing, but I’m happy with the end result.
I love this post!! So many awesome books! Even as a romance book blogger there are some on here I haven’t read yet!
Really? Spill…which ones haven’t you read?
I haven’t read any of those historical romance picks or any of the urban fantasy! I tend to read PNR and Contemporary so I will have to check out these other ones!
I only just started reading UF in the last couple years. Patricia Briggs is a great place to start. Her world-building is on point.
I can’t believe you haven’t read any of the historicals. Please say you’re going to?
Oh I am totally going to grab all those historicals! I used to love HR but then stopped reading it for years. Then I picked up a Sarah Maclean book and was hooked again! So, I have been looking for more HR to add to my list.
I will add Patricia Briggs to my TBR as well!!
Holy cow, you’ve read none of the historicals? I’m kind of jealous that you will be reading those for the first time. You have much to look forward to!
I have read all of the books above except for the three Meljean Brook titles. Those are some pretty stellar choices. But you need a romantic suspense category ….
Oh damn, how could we forget a Romantic Suspense category?
I am shocked and appalled you didn’t do a romantic suspense collection! 😉 Gotta have a Brockman of course, and a Linda Howard (my heart says Heart of Fire maybe). Then one of Laura Griffin’s Tracers books. Hmm, I’m not sure what else! There are so many choices!
I know! Shame on us. I blame Casee since, of all of us, she reads the most RS.
I’d add Karen Rose to the list.
OMG, Heart of Fire…how could we forget??/!!!
Why haven’t you read the Meljean Brook novels? You really must.
I’m so jealous! I’ve heard so many awesome things about that store. Glad you guys had a great time!
If you’re ever in the L.A. area, The Ripped Bodice should be a definite stop. It’s a great bookish place. I loved it!
I must say, we have nothing like that in the UK. I only consolation is I have read all the books in the Paranormal and urban fantasy . The steampunk with Meljean Brooks and C L Wilson are some of my favourites.
Then you must come to Southern California and stop by the shop if you ever get the chance. It’s a must! The Psy/Changelings series is probably my favorite series right now of any genre. I freaking love it!!
I love the starter kit idea. Very fun!
So many amazing romantic books are there for read but I only read one of the them “The Deal” that’s a great story ever now on this weekend I will read more from this list.
Helpful article shared! Thanks for sharing it.
They’ve really done their groundwork. People want an experience when they visit a store. The starter kits are a good tool as well.
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