We’re joined this week by Bea Koch of The Ripped Bodice. The Ripped Bodice is the only exclusively romance bookstore in America–and a truly wonderful place.

We talk about Bea’s fascinating graduate degree in fashion history, her love of Early Modern British history, and passive aggressive embroidery.  We discuss why romance is unquestionably feminist and some of the challenges she faces as the owner of a romance only bookstore.

Listen on iTunes! Or click below.

Two of my favorite Bea quotes from this episode:

“Elizabeth I is the Beyonce of her time.”

“Are you scared I’m going to cut your dick off? I would never do that, I don’t like blood.”

You can follow The Ripped Bodice on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. You can also follow Fitzwillian Waffles, the roguishly charming dog, on Instagram.

*Books mentioned in this episode:

Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning

Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce

A Lady’s Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran (passive aggressive embroidery)

Harlots the TV show on Hulu

Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

*The above links will take you to The Ripped Bodice website where you have the option to purchase the print books from the only exclusively romance bookstore in the US. We love them–please consider showing your support to such a wonderful small business! If you’re in the LA area, definitely go and visit the store–it’s magical!

Special thanks to our Editor, Chris Willett.