Read time: 4 minutes
I’m going to confess something that might get me side-eyed by the Romance community.
I have never been a capital R Romance reader. I own exactly three romance novels, two of which were gifts from people who knew nothing about me (I know you’re reading this. Yes, you!!) and one I bought because the cover had a library on it!
So, when Toronto International Festival of Authors announced Ever After, their brand new, three-day romance festival presented by Rakuten Kobo, I almost scrolled past it.
Reader, I’m so glad I didn’t.
Held November 21–23, 2025 at the absolutely stunning Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel, Ever After felt like stepping into the epilogue of every great love story: candlelit ballrooms, champagne flutes, and the faint scent of roses everywhere. From the moment I walked in, it was clear this wasn’t just a festival; it was a celebration.
From panels and readings to interactive workshops and signings, Ever After offered something for every kind of romance fan from westerns to romantasy, holiday romances, and everything in between.
Authors Who Made Me Rethink Everything
I went in curious. I left obsessed.
In no particular order,
- Keeley Armstrong talking about writing Mr. Wrong. This is the same author who also wrote Urban Fantasy, Dark Thriller, and Psychological Mystery. How? I want to know… How???? Unfair talent distribution.
- Jenny Colgan (The Secret Christmas Library) – I got this one signed and I may have done a little happy dance in the signing line. Mystery + romance + a library at Christmas? Inject it directly into my veins.
- Lori Dyan (Big Deck Energy) – Not only is the title an absolute gift to humanity, but Lori hosted a tarot workshop AND I also got an opportunity to get a personal reading that was spooky-accurate. I’m still recovering.
- Uzma Jalaluddin (Much Ado About Nada) – I already adored her Kausar Khan (Detective Aunty) cozy mysteries, so discovering she actually is a superstar in romance blew my tiny mind. Also: Detective Aunty Book 2 is coming. I have this on direct author authority.
- Amy Rosen (Off Menu) – Food + romance = my new favorite equation.
Stellar Hosting and Organization
The festival was hosted by Rakuten Kobo, with a few sessions led by Rakuten CEO Michael Tamblyn. I also had the pleasure of seeing my favorite hosts, Aparita Bhandari and Trevor Campbell, in action. Their versatility across MOTIVE (TIFA’s Mystery & Thriller Festival), the flagship TIFA festival, and now Ever After, is nothing short of inspiring.
Romance Beyond the Stereotypes
And the biggest surprise? The “Blind Date with a Book” table at the end, courtesy Rakuten Kobo. We each got to pick a wrapped mystery book, based on the “tropes” that we relate to, to take home.
Below you can see one example of the “clues” I was given to identify which book would I love. I fell for ‘Christmas movies’, ‘Winter Wonderland vibes’, and most important, ‘second chance’. That gives me hope that everyone always gets another chance to make their lives wonderful.
Only one thing here that I regret is that I didn’t open my package when I was at the event. I kept it to savour it at home. In that process, I missed getting the book signed by Elle Douglas, and I’ll always feel bad about it!!!
That’s when it hit me! I’ve been gatekeeping an entire genre because of stereotypes. Romance isn’t “just” people falling in love. It’s community. It’s joy. It’s clever tropes (who knew “grumpy/sunshine” was a thing?), subgenres, and story structures I’d never considered before. Beyond that, it’s authors writing unapologetically happy endings in a world that desperately needs them.
Reflecting on Ever After 2025
Even two weeks later, I’m still reeling from how incredible this first-ever Ever After festival was. It was a perfect end to the TIFA 2025 season. Now, my calendar is already marked for MOTIVE in June 2026. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Whether you’re a romance aficionado or just curious about the genre, Ever After proved that there’s something for every reader. I walked away with new books, new insights, and a renewed respect for the versatility and depth of romance writing.
Check out more festivals from TIFA on their website here
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Ever After 2025 sounds like pure magic — a celebration that honors romance as art, community, and joy. 💖
Your words make the festival feel alive, intimate, and transformative even for those of us reading along.
I’d love for you to visit my blog too and share your thoughts there — conversations like this keep the sparkle going.
Thank you for your kind words. For sure, I’ll visit your blog.