Ten years ago, barely any independent bookstores had romance sections. The ones that did were often restricted to a handful of tucked-away shelves or a spinner at the end of an aisle, usually filled with the genre’s most popular titles. Now, most independent bookstores carry at least a few romance novels and the romance reader’s dilemma has changed. You can wander into any independent bookstore and find the latest Emily Henry or Ali Hazelwood but the reader seeking lesser known titles, enthusiastic staff recs, and variety across the romance genre has to seek a little more. Since moving to New York last summer, I’ve been slowly building up my knowledge of NYC bookstores and their romance sections (or lack thereof), as well as their general atmosphere, assorted charms, and nearby attractions.
Before we get to the guide itself, I’m obligated to mention that the Ripped Bodice is opening a Brooklyn location in early August (much to my delight) and that there’s still several bookstores I need to visit in the city. Think of this guide as a living thing—maybe to be updated semi-regularly?—that changes as the bookstores themselves do. It’s deeply unofficial but I’m hoping that makes it all the more fun.
All-around stars
McNally Jackson (Three locations in Manhattan, two locations in Brooklyn): McNally Jackson has books for every mood. One of my favorite things about their stores is that they organize fiction by geography, which means they have a fantastic assortment of international fiction and a wide range of titles that still feels thoughtfully curated. Their Soho location has the biggest romance section and even includes a subsection for queer romance but all of their locations have a dedicated romance section with a good assortment of titles, from the massively popular to the up and coming. If you’re the kind of romance reader who wants to also pick up a classic from another part of the world, a mid-century hidden gem, and a few really good pens, this is the store for you.
Books are Magic (Two locations in Brooklyn): This bookstore owned by author Emma Straub and her husband exudes literary joy every time I visit. Their romance section always showcases a diverse array of voices and genres and I usually spot a book or two that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Books are Magic also happens to be an excellent spot for children’s books, run a stellar series of events, and have some of the best bookstore merch around. (I know that logically, I don’t need another mug but I covet their diner-style mug with a wizard on it anyway.) A must-visit if you happen to be anywhere nearby.
Book Culture (Morningside Heights, Manhattan): Book Culture has two NYC locations very near each other: one on 112th Street, which has more of a focus on textbooks but also a very nice variety of used books mixed in with new titles, and one on Broadway, which does have a romance section. Despite being smaller, the Broadway store has a robust romance section that takes up an entire bookcase and that I’d recommend checking out if you find yourself near Columbia. (I still mourn the closing of their lovely Upper West Side location near the Museum of Natural History.) If your reading life contains multitudes, Book Culture might be for you.
No romance section but a good romance selection
Greenlight Bookstore (Fort Green, Brooklyn): This sunny bookstore is the perfect browsing stop on a walk through Brooklyn and perhaps the platonic ideal of a neighborhood bookstore. The romance titles they carry are mixed into their fiction section but they have a wide selection that includes contemporary, historical, and fantasy titles. On one of my last visits, I picked up Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel, a reimagining of medieval Europe that features a romance between Philip II of France and Richard the Lionheart. I also love perusing their staff picks and visiting Yours Truly, their adorable stationery store next door.
A bookish landmark of its own
The Strand (Union Square, Manhattan): I have a confession to make. I find the Strand overwhelming. There’s tables overflowing with books, shelves that stretch far above my head, and a lot of tourists who have yet to learn the art of navigating NYC crowds. But it’s also a city landmark at this point, especially if you’re visiting NYC for the first time in a while, and I felt like I had to include it here. Their romance section is a bit chaotic but encompasses two very tall shelves overflowing with titles. You can find almost anything at the Strand if you’re willing to go looking for it.
Small but mighty
Book Club Bar (East Village, Manhattan): If you want to sit somewhere with a freshly purchased book and a glass of wine or cup of coffee, look no further. Book Club Bar has a lively, bustling atmosphere, a backyard patio, and monthly literary trivia nights. Although its romance section is only two shelves (for now), they also host a monthly romance book club run by one of their booksellers, with a custom cocktail for each book. Lissa, the book club moderator, is also on a one-woman mission to expand the bookstore’s romance shelves and programming so if you go, I would highly recommend grabbing something from the romance section so it can one day expand to three shelves…or four…or maybe even five. (The mystery section should watch its back.)
Low on romance but otherwise delightful
The Corner Bookstore (Upper East Side, Manhattan): Everyone I’ve brought to this bookstore is charmed by it. It’s light-filled, paneled in warm wood, accessorized with window boxes brimming with flowers, and nestled in among the brownstones of Carnegie Hill. I feel like every book on the shelves here is carefully chosen, including the small number of romance novels they carry. They also have a lovely assortment of children’s books for any young readers in your life and shelves full of NYRB classics if you’ve fallen under the spell of their monochrome spines. While writing this newsletter, I also found out that they curate book baskets for special occasions?! A classic neighborhood bookstore that I love popping by whenever I go to the Met.
Let me know what your favorite NYC bookstore is in the comments!
Currently reading: The Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden. I’m in a strange reading space at the moment where all I want to read is romance and books by British authors written at least forty years ago, so I guess I’m leaning into it?
What’s bringing me joy lately:
Summer movie season. I went to see Mission Impossible and its thrilling set pieces last weekend and am very ready for a Barbenheimer weekend.
Leaving for work early enough in the morning to get my favorite iced chai on the way to the subway and experience the precious stretch of hours where it’s still pleasant outside in NYC.
Finally trying the Magnolia Bakery banana pudding, which is absolutely worth wading through the occasional spot of Magnolia Bakery chaos.
When I lived in NYC I worked at Columbia and would spend many lunch breaks browsing at Book Culture - such a gem in that neighborhood! This whole list is great, though. I miss NYC bookstores!
Thank you, Natalie! I’m headed to NYC this fall. We are taking my mom, who hasn’t been there since she was 16 (and she’s 78!). She is also a reader, and there will be bookstores on the itinerary. (On another topic, I read Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey on your recommendation, and it was the most adorable book I’ve read - maybe ever. Thanks for that too!)