Announcing…a Minnesota Romance Book Fair! Coming from Honey and Jalapeno Book Fairs, May 17, 2026, from noon to 6 pm at the Big Wood Brewery in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota! Book Tastes from hot and spicy to sweet romance, the full array of romance! There will be multiple subgenres of romance represented, including diverse character books. There will be 60 authors/vendors, all local romance authors and bookish vendors. The authors will be at the event themselves signing and selling books in person, answering questions about their books, and having fun discussions. There will also be author panels and an interactive step and repeat art table. The Big Wood Brewery will have food and beverages available for purchase. There will also be bookish merchandise vendors present at the bookfair selling fun bookish merch. Scroll down to learn more!
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Honey and Jalapeno Book Fairs, May 17, 2026 at the Big Wood Brewery in Vadnais Heights, MN
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The rundown:
Local Minnesota Authors Selling and Signing Books at a Minnesota Book Fair
List of authors:
Attendee List
Authors: the lineup!
Ruan Willow/R.U. Ann/Ruin Willow
Julie Hoag
Cozy DuBois
Dean Robert Holmes
J.E. Joyce
Spencer Spears
Stacey Lynn Hafner
Anja Barrons
Susan Stradiotto
Anna Worth
Sophia-Rose Johnson
Mallory Glass
Gia Stevens
Emma Pathy
Cassandra Medcalf
Starr Z Davies
MZ Rylan
Sarah Jaeger/Jaeger Rose
Evi James
Amy Nevills
Farrah Jane
Anthony Scott
Cait Carlson
Gabriel Hargrave
A.G. Mayes
Britton Ashley
A.S. Green
Sam Evans
V.M. Nelson
Ann Schreiber
Alexandria Swanson
K.L. Andersen
Adeline Bryant
Imogen Knowed
Megan M Franey
Beebe Evans
Jayde Seraphine and Kurai Akuma
Jess Turner
Kate Dornfeld
Sierra Christenson/S.L. Greyback
Leah Bliss
A.L. Wilder
Rowan Eira
Charli Nile
Lindsey Rockey
Emma Kathleen
A.R. Stern
Michelle Romano
More Information on Attending Authors!
Ruan Willow
Ruan Willow is a multi-pen name author who writes in spicy HEA romance subgenres, spicy romcom, alternative lifestyle (Ruin Willow), both queer and heterosexual, and open door Romantasy/magical/paranormal/dark romance (R.U. Ann). Her writing ranges across various levels of heat—but don’t pen her in a box! Writing about love and relationships, especially open door, are her jam. She writes about empowered women seeking pleasure with their partners for mutual satiation, no needs ignored and mutual enjoyment a must. Her characters love to explore their sexuality and pleasure in unrestricted consensual ways. She’s also a podcaster at Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow, and an audiobook narrator, for her own books, and other authors as well. She also writes on her blog ruanwillowauthor.
Cozy DuBois
Sweet and spicy romance for radical dreamers and queer disasters.
Dean Robert Holmes
Romance Subgenre: Contemporary Queer/Trans Romance Bio: Dean Robert Holmes is an aegosexual, transmasculine author and artist who uses creativity to manage schizoaffective disorder. Through his stories, he explores psychological themes and the power of queer love. As someone who is autistic, fat, and disabled, he makes a point to represent those communities and believes in the healing potential of kink. Recently, he self-published his first collection of short stories, “Unlocked: Seven Titillating Tales of Gay Trans Love and Lust,” and his debut novel, “Treading Water,” will soon be released. Currently, he lives on stolen Dakota/Anishinaabe land (St. Paul, MN) and enjoys spending time with his lovely partner, Mae.
J.E. Joyce
Spicy Queer Hallmark
Spencer Spears
Spencer Spears writes LGBTQ+ stories that are snarky, steamy, and break your heart in all the best ways. They believe we all deserve to write our own happy endings. When not pecking away at the computer, you can find Spencer gardening, knitting, or curled up with a good book.
Stacey Lynn Hafner
“I write spicy romantic suspense and contemporary romance. I currently have three series – Vanished Tattoos, Dark Angels, and The Abbotts.”
Anja Barrons
Anja Barrons is a dark MC romantic suspense author who specializes in dark and gritty realism, complex characters, and emotional depth. Anja is a lifelong fan of motorcycle culture and has spent countless hours researching the history and subculture of motorcycle clubs. She brings this to her writing, creating stories that are chocked full of suspense. Subgenres Anja writes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Romantic Suspense
- Dark Romance
- Alpha Male Romance
- Motorcycle Club Romance
Susan Stradiotto
Susan Stradiotto is a USA Today Bestselling Author who crafts fantasy and Gothic fiction featuring diverse characters and deep emotional arcs. With worlds that immerse readers in unique cultures and traditions not commonly explored in today’s fantasy genre, her work invites readers to embark on journeys that are as rich in emotion as they are in lore. Susan draws inspiration from some of her favorite authors, including Jacqueline Carey, J.R. Ward, and Tasmyn Muir, whose bold storytelling and intricate character development influence her own writing. In addition to her writing, Susan is a professional editor, certified by the University of Chicago, with a passion for perfecting the craft of storytelling. She hails from Minnesota but often dreams of warmer climates, where the sun is always shining. Whether she’s creating complex epic fantasies or gritty urban worlds, Susan’s stories are built to captivate, transport, and challenge readers at every turn. Subgenres Susan writes: Epic Romantic Fantasy Urban Fantasy Romance PNR Gothic Romance
Anna Worth
Writing small town romance with heat, banter, and community. (aka Spicy Small Town Romance)
Sophia-Rose Johnson
Romance subgenres: sapphic, dark romantasy, erotic horror
Mallory Glass
Mallory Glass likes to create worlds within worlds for her characters to explore. She writes for those who love to embrace a temporary escape from reality. She spends her time writing, stargazing, and reading. Her novella, Stone Heart, was released March 2025 by Sloth & Envy Press. Mallory’s work has appeared in Toad Shade Zine and Humour Me Magazine UK and the Dread Mondays workplace horror anthology. Find her on Bluesky as @mglaz.bsky.social or email mglass@slothandenvy.com She lives in the Twin Cities, MN. College/New Adult romance, fantasy romance, horror
Gia Stevens
Gia Stevens writes fun, flirty, and a little-bit-spicy romantic comedies full of witty banter, quirky characters, and swoony happily-ever-afters. She lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and cat, counting down to summer while surviving long winters with coffee, blankets, and rom-coms. Expect her books to deliver laughs, swoons, and plenty of LOLs every time.
Cassandra Medcalf
Cassandra Medcalf is a romantasy author who combines Mythology with the Midwest! With a catalogue spanning everything from small town sports rom coms to Kraken smut, you’re sure to find a book of hers you love.
Jacklyn Parker
Local Minnesota Author. Dark Romance & Erotica
Starr Z Davies
STARR Z. DAVIES is an award-winning author of over 20 tales that span dystopian realms, epic fantasies, and echoes of forgotten histories. Dubbed the “Character Assassin,” she weaves stories where heroes are tested by fire—both emotional and physical. From her woodland home in northern Wisconsin, she crafts worlds while surrounded by her greatest allies: a supportive husband, two imaginative children, and a curious menagerie of robotic pets. When not conjuring new adventures, she dabbles in home enchantments, swims like a siren, battles through video game quests, and devours books like ancient tomes of power. Genres: Epic fantasy romance, historical Mongolian romance, dark fantasy romance, YA dystopian fantasy romance.
MZ Rylan
Mz Rylan is an award-winning author of dark, emotionally intense romance where fierce women take control—and keep it. Her debut novel, Bound by Her, won the Bronze and Silver Medal in the 2025 IPPY and Readers favorite Awards for Romance sizzle, marking her arrival as a bold new voice in independent publishing. Mz writes stories where power and vulnerability collide, and where strong, unapologetic heroines dismantle the systems built to contain them. Her characters don’t wait to be saved—they take what they want, even when it costs them everything.
Sarah Jaeger
Sarah Jaeger, also writing dark romance under pen name Jaeger Rose, is a paranormal romance author whose works feature strong themes of found family and self discovery. If you like: wolf shifters, snacks, age gaps, men who fall first, and touch her and die you might have found your next favorite read.
Evi James
Paranormal & Contemporary Romance
Amy Nevills
Paranormal Romance writer, Amy Nevills originally hails from the great flat state of Illinois. Most of her childhood was spent reading about more exotic locations and dreaming of adventures. During her time in the Illinois National Guard, she met her true love and has now celebrated nearly 30 years together. Together they have circled around the Midwest, living in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and most recently Minnesota. They share four children and two spirited granddaughters. When not spending time with her clan or escaping in a book, Amy enjoys traveling anywhere the wind might take her.
Farrah Jane
Sylvie D. Harlowe
Sylvie D. Harlowe writes spicy romances that explore the fiery intersection of society, psychology, and unapologetic desire. With a lifelong fascination for ancient and hidden worlds, a keen insight into the human heart, and a love for sprawling landscapes and placid bodies of water, she crafts tales of fierce heroines who defy convention and heroes who are both supportive and utterly devastating (in all the best ways). Sylvie’s writing delves into themes of reclaiming agency, examining complex trauma, the universal power of passion, and the enduring quest for a “happily-ever-after”, no matter the era or obstacle. When she’s not unearthing ancient secrets or plotting her next adventure across varying times and locales, Sylvie might be found admiring ancient coins, spending time with her family, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. CONNECT WITH SYLVIE Follow @sylvie.d.harlowe on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms.
Anthony Scott
Anthony Scott is an accomplished author with over a decade of experience crafting high-stakes fictional narratives that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. His work is dedicated to challenging stereotypes and unveiling the complexities of human experience. Through intricately woven plots and richly developed characters, Scott encourages readers to confront their inner biases and reconsider preconceived notions about diverse individuals and communities. His stories are not just entertainment; they serve as a mirror reflecting society’s challenges and triumphs, urging audiences to engage in thoughtful reflection and dialogue.
Cait Carlson
I’m writing a series of interconnected, standalone, spicy, small-town, workplace, romances with mental health rep. The workplace setting is a rural hospital. My employment background is in Social Work, so that has influenced the series.
Gabriel Hargrave
Gabriel Hargrave is a genre-blending author living in Minneapolis. Queer and transmasc himself, he loves writing stories about queer people falling in love, having adventures, and healing from trauma. His body of work is super spicy, kink-positive, body-positive, polyam-positive, and chockful of diverse characters you’ll fall in love with.
A.G. Mayes
A.G. Mayes is a writer and retired parking lot striper. She grew up believing in magic and still half-expects someone to show up and tell her she’s part fairy. She writes lighthearted, magical romances full of quirky characters, heartwarming humor, and delicious pie. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, son, and goofy rescue dog.
Britton Ashley
Hi! I’m Britton Ashley, and I write small-town romance. My books are intertwined stand-alone novels. My books are full of neurodivergent, queer, and chronically ill characters that reflect me and the people I love.
A.S. Green
USA Today bestselling author A.S. Green lives in chilly Minnesota and spends the all-too-short summers on Lake Superior, which is the muse for her paranormal and contemporary romances. She writes action-packed plots with romantic suspense, and of course, loads of steamy love scenes.
Sam Evans
Dark romance, Hockey Romance, Romantic thriller, Romantic suspense / Sam Evans has lived all over the US but currently resides in the upper midwest. She’s a software engineer by day, but letting her imagination run wild is her full-time occupation. She lives with her partner, a high-strung border collie, and an insane kelpie. She routinely drinks too much coffee and gets too little sleep.
V. M. Nelson
V. M. Nelson writes upper young adult fantasy romance and new adult romantasy. She currently resides in Minnesota with her partner and three children. She has always been obsessed with myths, legends, and fairytales and will often intertwine those into her books. If asked, she would prefer to live in an alternate universe with vampires and fairies.
Ann Schreiber
Ann Schreiber writes contemporary romance filled with second chances, emotional turning points, and heroines determined to rebuild their lives with heart and grit. Her debut, Emily’s Next Chapter (May 2025), introduces readers to a newly single heroine ready to rewrite her future on her own terms. The story continues in Jessica’s New Beginning (March 2026), where a physical therapist with a complicated past opens herself up to healing—and to a love she didn’t see coming.
The trilogy rounds out with Liz’s Forever After (June 2026), giving the final friend her chance at the kind of romance she once thought was out of reach. Ann is also releasing a spicy standalone novella, The House Always Wins, in June 2026, offering a hotter, fast-paced story for readers who enjoy added sizzle.
When she isn’t writing love stories, Ann can be found reading them, dreaming them up, or cheering on women carving out their own fresh start.
Alexandria Swanson
I write paranormal romances along with horror short stories. I currently have two books published and am working on more. I also make candles that match my characters, have stickers, character art and key chains. Defiance and Balance are a duet about a witch’s fate that is changed forever when a deadly encounter with a wolf shifter makes her an unlikely Alpha. Now she must lead and survive in a world where love and betrayal walk hand in hand.
K.L. Andersen
K.L. ANDERSEN is a multi-genre romance author and avid reader. Whether it’s heart-wrenching or silly, she likes to write and dream up different worlds and the not-so-human men in them. She is a fierce Scorpio who lives in the Northern Midwest with her husband, two kids, two dogs, two cats, a bearded dragon, and the many chickens who roam around her home.
STAY TUNED! MORE TO COME!
Bookish Vendors
The Smutty Book Market
Bee Holden Art
North Wild Co
Jen Bloom Studio
BEE Curios
Hey Darling
Quill & Thistle
Cami the Librarian Art
Deciduous Stitchery
Crafty Bee by Lori
Adorable Wearables
Dragon’s Hoard Bookish Wares
Stone Pedal
More Information on Vendors
The Smutty Book Market
I make all things 3d printed bookish items! Bookmarks, bookends, book counters, signs custom book items!
B. Holden Art
B. is a watercolor illustrator and tabletop creator who enjoys spending their free time rolling dice and spinning love stories around a table with their friends. You can often find them at conventions building fantasy worlds and bringing characters to life.
Wild North Co
Wild North Co is all about the midwest, the great outdoors, and all things bookish. I make stickers, stationery, and gifts (all drawn by me, no AI here!) 5% of all sales are donated to The Minnesota Land Trust who help to restore and protect our most vital wild spaces.
Jen Bloom Studio
“I create laser engraved/cut items for bookshelves. Book shelf divider signs, book reading trackers, bookmarks, and more. I am still working on more designs as I just received my laser cutter about 2 months ago.”
Attending Influencers, find them on Social Media at the following handles:
gadgetgirlbooks
justagirlwithaloveofbooks
stepanie.rosener
booksmarks_and_backbeats
boozy.booksandbrews
spillingbookishtea
book_brew_review
booked_in_minnesots
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