Wander through a curated marketplace of indie authors, bookish artists, and literary-inspired treasures.

They’re dangerous, complicated, and impossible to resist..so why do we love them so much? This fan-favorite panel dives into the rise of morally grey characters in romantasy, unpacking the traits, tropes, and emotional depth that make them unforgettable. From villains with redemption arcs to shadowy protectors with questionable morals, join us as we explore what keeps readers coming back for more.

Meet some of today’s most celebrated voices in fantasy and romance at our featured author signings. This highly anticipated experience offers attendees the opportunity to connect with renowned authors, have books signed, and engage with the stories and creators shaping the genre.

This panel explores how fantasy stories are often driven by power: who holds it, who seeks it, and what they’re willing to do to keep it. From court intrigue and shifting alliances to large-scale conflict, the discussion dives into the political and strategic layers of storytelling and how these dynamics shape stakes, tension, and immersive worlds.

Step into an evening of enchantment at the Lore & Luster Masquerade Ball. Don your finest attire and mask as fantasy comes to life—an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and decadent atmosphere awaits.

Wander through a curated marketplace of indie authors, bookish artists, and literary-inspired treasures.

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners and best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The #1 international bestselling coauthor duo has produced twenty New York Times bestselling novels and are published in over 30 languages. They are the authors of Love and Other Words, The Unhoneymooners, Autoboyography, The True Love Experiment and many more. Christina Lauren’s latest novels The Paradise Problem and Tangled Up In You are on-sale now. Their newest book is The Romance Revival (2026), which is an unforgettable novel in which one fateful accident erases a troubled marriage from memory—and love gets one extraordinary do-over.

Romance readers love a complicated man..but where do we draw the line? This high-energy, audience-interactive panel dives into the behaviors, choices, and emotional baggage of our favorite fictional men. From jealousy and possessiveness to secrecy and sacrifice, we’re putting it all on the table and asking the ultimate question: is it a red flag, a trauma response… or are we letting it slide because he’s fictional? Panelists will react in real time to a mix of trope-based scenarios and character “case files,” sharing their perspectives on why these traits work (or don’t) in romance. The audience will vote throughout, creating a lively, often chaotic, and always entertaining conversation.

Tessonja Odette is an newly trad published fantasy romance author known for weaving dark magic, lush worldbuilding, and emotionally charged character arcs into stories that linger long after the final page. Her work often explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of desire, anchored by strong heroines and morally complex love interests.

Reader communities are more powerful than ever, and they’re changing the publishing landscape in real time. From viral BookTok sensations to indie authors hitting bestseller lists, this panel explores how reader-driven platforms are influencing what gets published, what gets popular, and what stories rise to the top. Join authors and industry voices as they dive into the impact of tropes, aesthetics, and online engagement, and how direct reader feedback is reshaping storytelling across genres - especially in romance and romantasy. Whether you’re an author, aspiring writer, or passionate reader, this conversation offers insight into the evolving relationship between readers and the books they love.