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Fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, second chance—these are just some of the romance tropes authors must defend in Battle of the Tropes. It’s part of the first-ever Love Y’all Book Fest, where hundreds of readers descend upon Decatur’s Courtyard Marriott for romance author panels, signings, keynotes, and even exclusive meet-and-greets from February 16-18.
Atlanta has always had a bookish community with a strong book festival culture. Despite how romance-only book festivals are popping up across the country, like California’s Steamy Lit Con, Atlanta didn’t have its own. “We saw a lack of opportunities for romance writers in Atlanta,” says organizer Vania Stoyanova. “Our desire is to have more space for romance in the Atlanta book scene.” The festival is a collaboration between Stoyanova, the event coordinator at Brave + Kind; Hannah Teachout, a bookseller at Brave and Bookish Atlanta; and bookseller Chapreet Singh of Eagle Eye Book Shop.
The Atlanta community was ready for it. What started off as an event with 10 local authors blossomed into the weekend-long festival with 60-plus authors from all over the U.S and more than 600 ticketed attendees. “The romance community is so passionate,” Stoyanova says. “The dedication they have for their favorite authors and discovering new authors, they really come out and support the community.”
Despite stereotypes of who reads romance, every reader should feel welcome at the festival. Panels highlight stories with neurodiverse, queer, and body diverse characters. But it should be noted though many young adult authors are on panels, the festival is mostly for those 17 and up.
Courtesy of Love Y’all Book Fest
Two keynotes with bestselling authors anchor the event: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, dubbed the “creator of the sports romance,” and Mariana Zapata are in conversation Saturday. Sunday’s closing keynote is from Tia…
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