Ripped & Ravished: A Bodice Ripper Book Club

Some romances are comfort reads. Some romances are chaos reads. And then there are vintage bodice rippers, the books that make you feel like you need to take notes, clutch your pearls, and occasionally stare into the middle distance asking, was this really published like this?

Welcome to Ripped & Ravished, a bodice ripper book club for problematic vintage romance. This is not a nostalgia-only situation. We’re reading these books with curiosity, context, and modern eyes. The goal is not to cancel the past or pretend the past was perfect. The goal is to actually talk about what’s on the page, why it worked for readers at the time, the impact the books had on the genre and what it looks like when you read it now.

This is a slow, intentional readalong. One book every two months. Enough time to read, recover, and come back for more.

Want to join this book club without keeping track of dates and posts? Join the Ripped & Ravished email track. Every two months you’ll get the next pick, the discussion link of the previous book when it drops, and a little context to read with modern eyes and go deeper into the rabbit hole if you choose to.

This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

What is Ripped & Ravished?

Ripped & Ravished is a limited series book club tied to the Reading Under the Covers podcast. Every two months, we pick one vintage romance that fits the bodice ripper description and we do a full discussion episode with reactions, context, and a critical breakdown that does not hand-wave the messy parts.

Some picks will be iconic. Some will be infamous. Most will be both.

You can participate at whatever level works for you. Read the book and listen to the episode. Listen to the episode even if you did not read the book. Or use this as a curated excuse to finally try a classic you’ve been side-eyeing for years.

How this book club works

Every two months, we’ll post the new pick on this page and share it across our channels. Reading starts as soon as the pick is announced, and the podcast discussion drops the following month so you have time to actually find the book and read it.

This is not a sprint. It’s not a completionist challenge. It’s a small, contained reading project for readers who like romance history, big feelings, and thoughtful conversation, even when the conversation is, okay but why would he do that.

As new picks are announced, this post will be updated so you can always find the current schedule in one place.

Who this is for

This bodice ripper book club is for you if you’ve ever wanted to read a vintage romance but felt overwhelmed by the baggage. It’s also for you if you’ve already read some of these books and you want to revisit them with more context and fewer illusions.

It’s not about hate-reading. We don’t support that. It’s about reading honestly. Sometimes that means praising what still works. Sometimes that means naming what does not. Usually it means both in the same chapter.

Content notes and expectations

Vintage romance often comes with elements that modern romance readers do not want in their escapism, and that’s valid. We’re going to handle this in a clear, respectful way.

For each pick, we’ll include content notes when we can and we’ll talk openly in the podcast discussion about consent, power dynamics, and any themes that feel especially dated or harmful. If a book is not for you, you can skip it and still follow along with the series as a whole. No guilt. No gold stars for pushing through something that makes you uncomfortable.

First pick: The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Our first Ripped & Ravished pick is The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.

Reading can start in January, and we’ll be discussing it on the podcast in February. If you want to read along in real time, January is your month to grab a copy and go in with open eyes and a highlighter.

This is one of those classic vintage romances that shaped the genre’s reputation for high drama, intense power dynamics, and heroine-in-peril storytelling. Whether you’re rereading or trying it for the first time, it’s a strong “welcome to the project” choice because it gives us a lot to talk about.

When the podcast episode is live, it will be linked here.

But in the meantime, if you want more historical context on the role of this book in the genre evolution, check out the 1970s romance novels era.

Get Ripped & Ravished by email

Want to do this as a guided series instead of keeping track yourself? We’re here to bring you everything so you don’t miss a pick. Join the Ripped & Ravished email track. Every two months you’ll get the discussion link, the next pick, and a little extra context so you’re not reading in a vacuum. Join the bodice ripper book club email readalong.

How to follow along without spoilers

Because we’re all reading at different speeds, and because older books get discussed differently online, we’re keeping this book club more podcast-centered than discussion-centered.

If you want to share that you’re participating, keep it simple. Post the book you’re reading, your progress, and your overall vibe using the hashtag #RippedAndRavished. If you want to share specific plot details, label your spoilers clearly.

The best way to participate is honestly the easiest: read the book, listen to the episode, and decide what you think. You do not need to perform your reading in public for it to count.

Schedule and upcoming picks

Ripped & Ravished runs on a one book every two months cadence. This page will be updated with the full lineup as picks are announced. If you want to make sure you never miss a new selection, the safest move is to bookmark this page and check back when the next pick drops. Or subscribe to the email.

Protect your peace, protect your library holds, and do not wait until the last minute if the book is older and harder to find.

Ready to Start?

If you’re joining us for Ripped & Ravished, I’m genuinely excited you’re here. This is one of those reading projects that’s way more fun when you know other readers are out there doing the same slow, chaotic, very historical journey at roughly the same time.

And if you decide halfway through that vintage romance is not your lane, you are still welcome. Skipping a pick is allowed. Coming back for the next one is encouraged.

Want more ways to read with us? You can find all our romance book clubs and readalongs here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pin It for Later