The rise of BookTok-fueled romance fandoms is revealing a shift in how young women seek emotional connection – and it may signal a new audience opportunity for dating platforms. As communities flock to events like Aces Wild, a romance author and reader convention set for June 13–15 in Atlantic City, the message is clear: many women are finding their fulfillment in fiction.
Hosted by Cuffed in Chicago, Aces Wild brings over 80 romance and erotica authors together with fans who’ve embraced TikTok-driven trends in romantic fiction. The event’s popularity reflects a broader cultural shift: romance novels, particularly those blending fantasy with intimacy, are now seen not just as entertainment, but as an alternative to the swiping fatigue that continues to plague many online dating platforms.
Experts suggest this trend is rooted in something deeper. “It’s a ride that activates our brain’s pleasure and reward centers,” said clinical psychologist Isabelle Morley, comparing the emotional experience of reading Bridgerton-style fiction to the highs once associated with dating apps – but with a guaranteed defined end. They also provide a controlled environment, which – according to Pew Research – provides relief from unwanted messages.
While this trend has meant that some users have turned away from dating platforms entirely, it also creates an entire new set of opportunities. With romance fandoms building real-world communities and online subcultures – even down to some specific series of books having their own fandoms – the opportunity is ripe for dating apps to meet users on the same level and find a way to recapture that audience by giving them the kind of romance experience they’re craving.
