Welcome to Romancing the Midwest
A Bookish Event Built on Love, Stories, and Community
Who We Are
A Bookish Event Built on Love, Stories, and Community
Where romance authors and readers come together—page by page, heart by heart.
Romancing the Midwest was created to celebrate everything romance readers adore: unforgettable stories, meaningful connections, and the thrill of finding a book that lingers long after the final chapter. Whether you love enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, age gap, forbidden love, all of the above, or more, if you’re looking for it, you’ll find it here.
This bookish event brings readers face-to-face with romance authors through local author signings, panels, and conversations that feel personal and inviting. It’s a place to meet new authors, reconnect with favorites, and bond over shared tropes, beloved characters, and unforgettable fictional couples.
Proudly women-led and inclusive, Romancing the Midwest centers LGBTQ+ voices and welcomes readers and authors from all backgrounds. Held April 30 – May 1, 2027, at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin, the event combines storytelling, community, and celebration into a weekend designed for readers who believe every love story deserves its place in the spotlight.
Meet the Owner, Mz Rylan
Meet the Woman Behind Romancing the Midwest
Mz Rylan is a Midwest dark romance author who understands this community from the inside out. She’s doing so much more than just planning an event. She’s building something she personally wants to attend.
With a degree in Project Management and hands-on experience running large-scale events, Mz Rylan brings clarity, organization, and thoughtful planning to Romancing the Midwest. Throughout 2025, she also hosted and supported smaller book-focused gatherings, gaining firsthand insight into what romance authors and readers value most at bookish events.
Her approach is rooted in respect for authors, enthusiasm for readers, and a genuine love for romance storytelling. From local author signings to opportunities for readers to meet new authors, her goal is simple: create a space where romance authors feel supported, and readers feel right at home.
Follow Us on Social
Help spread the word, one post at a time
One of the best ways to tell other readers about Romancing the Midwest is to scream it from the rooftops, and by rooftops, we mean social media.
Start by following us on Instagram and posting if you plan to attend. Every share, tag, and comment helps spread the word to fellow romance readers who don’t want to miss this bookish event in Madison, WI.
We’ll be posting on Instagram regularly to build excitement along the way, from sneak peeks at planned activities to spotlights on the romance authors joining us. If you love talking books online, this is where the countdown, conversations, and community really come to life.
Be a Part of Romancing the Midwest
Let’s Create Something Special—Together
Romancing the Midwest is built on collaboration. We work closely with romance authors, publishers, vendors, and book-loving partners who want to connect with readers in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re a romance author interested in local author signings, a creator hoping to reach an engaged audience, or a partner who believes in supporting inclusive literary spaces, there’s a place for you here. Our focus is on thoughtful programming, clear communication, and opportunities that feel purposeful for everyone involved.
This is going to be so much more than a two-day weekend event. It’s going to be a shared celebration of romance, storytelling, and the people who keep these stories alive. If you’re ready to be part of a bookish event where connection comes first, we’d love to hear from you.
Tickets go on sale May 2026
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Have a question or concern? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
News or media outlets, Businesses interested in working with RTM, please see our media kit page.
Media Kit and Sponsorship