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Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) chats with Jenn Beach, founder of BookishWine.com, about her immersive experience at Romantasy Con LA and she defines romantasy. From fairy wings and trinket trading to author meet-cutes and gargoyle romances, Jenn shares what made the event fantastic. Plus she talks about the Bookish Wine club and the magic behind the book/wine pairings and boxes.

• Join the Bookish Wine club | Follow on IG: @bookishwine
• Get tickets to the Black Romance Book Fest - May 29-31, 2026

Key Takeaways

Romantasy Con LA is pure magic

Held at the historic Biltmore Hotel, the con felt like stepping directly into a romantasy realm — frescoes, ballrooms, fairy wings, and all.
“You feel completely immersed into the romantasy culture… like you walked into romantasy realms.”

🤝 Community is the heart of the genre

From trinket trading to hugging online friends IRL, the con showcased how welcoming, joyful, and supportive the romantasy community truly is.

📚 Indie authors are redefining the genre

Jenn highlights how indie writers are experimenting with older protagonists, fresh tropes, and bold worldbuilding — expanding what romantasy can be.

💘 Tropes, micro‑tropes, and the “Consent King”

Jenn shares her favorite micro‑trope: the fae‑wine‑drunk heroine and the love interest who refuses to kiss her until she’s sober.
“He really wants her… but he’s like, not until you’re sober.”

🍷 Bookish Wine creates immersive romantasy experiences

Jenn’s book + wine club pairs special‑edition romantasy novels with boutique wines, playlists, recipes, and even audiobook codes — a full sensory escape.

📖 Gargoyle romance + Sauvignon Blanc = perfection

The March Bookish Wine pick, Bound by Hearts and Stone, is a slow‑burn gargoyle romantasy paired with a high‑end Rutherford Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

🌍 The romantasy tent is BIG

R.J. and Jenn emphasize that romantasy includes romance‑forward, sci‑fi romance, cozy romantasy, monster romantasy — all of it belongs.

🎉 Upcoming events for Romantasy lovers

Romantasy Con Orlando is sold out, Romantasy Con Edinburgh is coming in 2027, and the Black Romance Book Fest hits Atlanta this May.

Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy