Stylized floral arrangement with pink, red, and cream-colored flowers and green leaves. Overlay text reads 'Romancing the Midwest' in bold and elegant fonts. 
Who We Are
A close-up of a peach-colored flower with multiple blossoms on a single stem, isolated on a black background.

Midwest bold and happily ever afters.

Romancing the Midwest was created to bring Romance authors and avid readers together to share a love of storytelling, a love of reading, and a love of community.

We are an inclusive, women-led event that proudly centers LGBTQ+ voices. Built for readers. Backing authors. Always happily ever after.

A close-up of a green plant with elongated leaves growing along a stem.
A close-up of a pink flower stem with multiple blossoms and buds against a black background.
Close-up of a red and purple chrysanthemum flower with a green stem.
An ornate, gold-colored picture frame with intricate, swirling decorative details.

On April 30-May 1 2027

We will be hosted in Maddison WI at Monona Terrace

A slender, dark-colored plant stem with small pink and white buds and flowers along its length, isolated on a black background.
Learn more
Modern building with curved architectural features alongside a body of water during sunset.

Follow us on social

Instagram
A close-up of a maroon and pink hydrangea flower with small white stamens.
Close-up of a large red and yellow dahlia flower with densely packed petals.
The image features a music-themed graphic with the title 'Romancing the Midwest' at the top. It shows a CD titled 'Roadtrip Playlist for Romancing the Midwest' with a list of song titles and artists, a pair of white earphones, and a photo of pink roses and a person wearing pink. There are also musical notes and stars decorating the background.
A close-up of a red chrysanthemum flower with water droplets on its petals.
A close-up photograph of a deep red flower with multiple layered petals and small yellow-green centers.
A branch with elongated, oval-shaped leaves that are green with dark purple undersides and purple stems.
Decorative sign with the text "Romancing the Midwest," featuring handwritten notes, polaroid photos, and floral illustrations, emphasizing themes of love and planning trips in the Midwest.
A close-up of a light pink ranunculus flower with layered petals and green stem on a plain background.
Close-up of a deep red, layered dahlia flower with small yellow-green center buds.
A floral arrangement with pink roses, peach-colored flowers, dark red and beige dahlias, and green leaves arranged in a corner with an empty space in the center.
Close-up of a large, red and yellow dahlia flower with layered petals.
A branch with seven green leaves of varying sizes and shapes against a transparent background.
A decorative greeting card with fall leaves, stars, and a plaid background. The message reads 'Happy day of thanks from Romancing the Midwest' with additional text about enjoying good food, cozy weather, and a five-star read.
A decorative blackboard with a gold ornate frame, asking for submissions of favorite queer romances or authors, with the initials 'RM' and pink flowers at the bottom left.
Ornate gold decorative picture frame with intricate floral and scroll design.

Meet the Owner

Pink and purple flowers on tall, slender stems with green and brown leaves.

Romancing the Midwest is currently undergoing a change in management. Rest assured, Chelsea Jean, RTM’s founder, remains dedicated to ensuring this book fair receives the care and attention it deserves. That commitment includes finding an individual who can not only make this event amazing, but who is also deeply passionate about the romance genre and the community within it.

Please check back soon for an official announcement.

A horizontal border of various colorful flowers including roses, dahlias, carnations, and greenery with a black background.

We're not here to follow trends—we're here to build something timeless. With a blend of creativity, strategy, and heart, we help stories come to life.

Work With Us
Decorative graphic of the letters 'RM' with pink flowers and green leaves entwined.
A bouquet of pink and red roses, pink ranunculus, red and purple chrysanthemum, and other flowers and greenery arranged together.

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
Get Started