Listen to our virtual program from 2/29/25 exploring the journey of the romance genre throughout the years. Romance has evolved into one of the most diverse, boundary pushing narratives in storytelling today. Readers are falling in love with love and lust.

Our panel will discuss how societal shifts, culture, and changing reader tastes have shaped the romance genre. Whether you’re a romance fan, or new to the genre, this conversation is sure to be enlightening.

Featured panelists:

Katherine Zofrea, General Manager, The Ripped Bodice
Katherine is a Southern Californian girl who recently moved to New York to help open The Ripped Bodice BK. Before working for the Ripped Bodice, she performed at the Disneyland Resort and received her degree in theatre from The University of California, Irvine. While she reads widely across the romance genre she is known as the resident monster romance expert. When she’s not reading she can normally be found watching Broadway shows, exploring museums, or haunting her local cemetery.

Vi-An Nguyen, Art Director, Penguin Random House

Vi-An is an art director at Penguin creating book covers of all kinds, a freelance illustrator, and an editorial cartoonist.