#BOOKS: TIFA ANNOUNCE “EVER AFTER” ROMANCE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY RAKUTEN KOBO

Media are invited to turn up the heat as the temperatures dip, with Ever After presented by Rakuten Kobo, the Toronto International Festival of Authors’ (TIFA) inaugural romance festival taking place in Toronto November 21-23, 2025 at the Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel.

Escape for a weekend filled with romance, high tea, engaging panel discussions, intimate book signings, inspiring interactive workshops and a themed costume ball. From steamy contemporary love affairs to queer romance and romantasy, Ever After offers something to quicken every heartbeat.

The inaugural festival will feature a wide range of events with signature experiences including:

The Ever After Ball: Guests are invited to don their finest Romantasy or Regency fashion and dance the night away. Expect live performances, dance lessons, magical corners, a touch of mystery, and well-deserved recognition for debut authors.

High Tea: Sit down with beloved authors Cecelia Ahern (PS I Love You, Paper Hearts), Bailey Hannah (Wells Ranch series) and Marissa Stapley (pen name Julia McKay, bestselling author of Lucky, the first Canadian Reese’s Book Club Pick) for an afternoon of engaging storytelling. Guests can expect a banquet-style set-up, and will be served classic High Tea fixings such as scones, cream & preserves, finger sandwiches, fruit tartlets, coffee & tea.

Blind Date with a Book: Guests are invited to discover their next great love story – shrouded in mystery. Sponsored by Harlequin, this playful experience sets readers up on the perfect blind date with a complimentary (secret!) book. Guests will peruse wrapped books tagged with romance tropes such as Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Second Chance Romance & More!

Tarot Workshops: Led by author Lori Dyan, these sessions explore intuition, inspiration, and the intersection of destiny and storytelling.

Meet the brilliant storytellers who capture every heartbeat, heartbreak, and happily-ever-after:

Cecellia Ahern, explores the tender fragility of love in Paper Heart and the timeless classic PS I Love You.

Kelley Armstrong, turns desire and danger into irresistible tension in Writing Mr. Wrong.

Bailey Hannah, brings rugged charm and second chances to life in the Wells Ranch Series.

Briar Boleyn, ignites fantasy and passion in The Bond That Burns from her Bloodwing Academy Series.

Jenny Colgan, wraps romance in cozy magic with The Secret Christmas Library.

Nisha J. Tuli, blends heat and high stakes in Not Safe for Work.

Amy James, explores love in motion in Crash Test.

Uzma Jalaluddin, spins modern wit and heart into Much Ado About Nada.

Event Information:

Ever After Ball:

Sat. Nov 22 • 7:00pm-11:00PM • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

Blind Date with a Book:

Sat. Nov 22 • 4:30pm • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

High Tea & Paper Hearts with Cecelia Ahern

Fri. Nov 21 • 4:30pm • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

High Tea at the Ranch with Bailey Hannah and Julia McKay

Sun. Nov 23 • 5:30pm • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

Follow along on social:

Facebook: facebook.com/FestofAuthors/

Instagram: instagram.com/festofauthors/

YouTube: youtube.com/user/AuthorsatHC

About TIFA:

The Toronto International Festival of Authors has been inspiring readers and celebrating books and storytelling for 50 years. The charitable organization presents its flagship literary Festival each fall, while offering year-round programming including the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival, the TIFA Romance Festival, the TIFA Presents series of high-profile author talks, Toronto Lit Up book launches, and the International Visitors Program. Since 1974, TIFA has welcomed thousands of authors from more than 100 countries, including 22 Nobel Laureates and countless award winners. The organization is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Literary Festivals (CALF) and the Global Alliance of Literary Festivals (GaoLF).

TIFA gratefully acknowledges our Season Supporter, the Weston Foundations; Presenting Sponsor, Rakuten Kobo; Supporting Sponsor, Harlequin; and our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support. We’d also like to thank the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Toronto Arts Council, the Work In Culture Catalyst and Transformation Fund, the Centre for Creativity at Victoria University, and TIFA’s generous donors and supporters who understand that great literature is worth investing in.