Not just for book-lovers: Members of Romance Readers Social Club bond off the page too

Emily Lemucchi had a simple suggestion for her friend Megan Davis: Read the “Empyrean” series by Rebecca Yarros, a popular fantasy romance saga set at a war college with dragon riders. Davis, typically a nonfiction reader, gave the novels a try — and couldn’t put them down.

“She loved to talk about it,” Lemucchi said.

That enthusiasm led Lemucchi to suggest starting a monthly book club at Davis’ Washougal food cart pod and taproom, Ashwood Taps and Trucks. The first gathering took place in February 2025, about a month after the release of “Onyx Storm,” the fourth installment in the series.

“At the very first one, we recognized that it was something pretty special,” Davis said. “It became so much more than a book club.”

One year later, Davis and Lemucchi rebranded the group as the Romance Readers Social Club, reflecting its evolution into a broader community gathering.

“We decided to lean into the social aspect because we realized people weren’t just coming for the books,” Lemucchi said.

The monthly meetup now draws women from across Clark County seeking connection as much as conversation, fueled in part by the popularity of romance and “romantasy” novels. Held on the first Wednesday of each month, the gatherings blend optional book discussions with open social time.

Many attendees return less for the reading and more for the sense of belonging.

“It’s a really warm, open atmosphere,” said club member Ashley Battaglia. “Because Emily owns the space, it’s almost like she’s inviting us into her home. It feels really comfortable.”

As part of the rebrand, Davis and Lemucchi are expanding the club’s offerings to include themed monthly gatherings, offsite events, a club logo and merchandise, and a monthly newsletter featuring book recommendations and community highlights.

The club will celebrate its rebranding with a kickoff party May 6 featuring romance-themed bingo, book trivia and prizes, along with an increased focus on social connection, according to a news release.

“I’ve always said you can get to know someone really quickly when you start talking about books in a safe space,” Lemucchi said. “That became clear when we saw how quickly people connected and wanted to keep coming back.”

Over time, the group has naturally evolved into a space where women in similar life stages can connect beyond books. Many members attend even if they haven’t read the selection, Davis said.

The flexible format allows both readers and nonreaders to participate, creating an environment where people can connect regardless of their reading habits.

“The connections are just building on themselves,” Davis said. “What might have started with someone saying, ‘I’m going to be bold and show up to this book club I’ve never been to before,’ is now turning into deeper, lasting friendships.”

Each gathering includes a structured introduction, during which new members can share what they’re reading, helping to lower barriers for people who may find it difficult to meet and socialize with others.

“Being new to the area, it’s been really awesome to be welcomed into a group like this,” said Battaglia, who moved to Camas in 2024. “I thought it would be a great way to meet people with similar interests and make friends. Now we’re branching out, seeing each other outside the club and planning things together.”