Romance Novels

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

**Overview** New year, fresh start! Try beginner square dancing in — fun, low-pressure, and no experience needed. **Try Something Fun.** Ever thought *“I want to try something new this year”*? Square dancing in Maryland is social, active, and surprisingly easy — even if you’ve never danced before. Join **Village Swingers** for **our beginner series** and see if it clicks. Note: This event is cross posted and open to the public. Admission is $10. Please visit EventBrite to purchase tickets. There is no need to RSVP on Meetup. [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982984391696?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982984391696?aff=oddtdtcreator) 🕺 **What to Expect** · Beginner-friendly instruction — **no experience needed** · Gentle, fun movement that keeps your brain and body engaged · Friendly, welcoming group — no partner required · Plenty of laughs and small victories · Dancing to a variety of familiar music styles · Meet new friends — people from all walks of life come to dance. 👥 **Who This Is Perfect For** · Absolute beginners curious about square dancing · Anyone seeking a social, low-pressure activity · People looking for a fresh, fun hobby · Solo attendees — most people come alone 🤍 **For Nervous First-Timers** You **don’t need to be coordinated or confident**. The first night is low-pressure, paced for beginners, and designed to be fun from the start. Many who felt nervous walked out smiling — ready for the next week. 💬 **What First-Timers Say** *"I thought I’d feel awkward, but I laughed the whole time and actually learned something!"* *"I came alone, but everyone was so friendly — I can’t wait for the next week."* 📅 **Event Details** · **Date:** Wednesday, Feb 18 2026 · **Time:** 7:00–8:30 PM · **Location:** Chevy Chase Christian Church · **Cost:** $10 for the night ⚠️ **Spots are Limited, Register NOW!** 💡 **About the Full Series** · **12-additional weekly lessons** if you decide to continue, otherwise just $10 for this event. · **Total cost:** $130 (payable in 3 installments including the fee of $10 for this event) 🎯 **Why Start Now?** New year motivation fades fast, and spots fill quickly. Try the first night before life gets busy. 👉 **Reserve your spot now!**

Come join your **DTs friends** for Thursday Night Happy Hour at **Breakers Sky Lounge**. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or coming solo and meeting new ones, this is an easy, welcoming way to unwind. We gather in the **spacious, open lounge near the entrance**, with plenty of seating and room to mingle. It’s relaxed, comfortable, and perfect for conversation. Breakers offers a **full bar with table service** and a **casual menu** of snacks and favorites. ✨ **No RSVP needed. Optional dinner afterward, as usual.** On occasion, Happy Hour plans may need to change. We’ll share updates as soon as we’re able. Come relax, connect, and **find your tribe** with DTs. 💙🍸

Join Neurodivergent District for a night of camaraderie over karaoke. We are excited to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of our members and hosts, Patrick R. We have a 6:30 reservation with limited seating. If you arrive later, you may not have a seat. We're still happy to have you come and join us. This venue can be **loud and overstimulating** for some, so please feel free to bring supports that help (earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, taking breaks outside, etc.). And no pressure to sing — you’re welcome to cheer others on and/or just come to socialize. **Please note:** you’re responsible for any food/drink charges you accrue. We look forward to seeing you.

Hey all! My name is Sarah, I'm a romance girlie in my twenties, and welcome to the Mostly Romance Book Club! I am a big mood reader so assigned books at book clubs don't really do it for me. I wanted to create a space where anyone can come with whatever book they want, meet new friends, and chat about what they've been reading. When: First and third Thursday of every month, starting in February. 7-8:30 pm. Schedule: First 30 minutes: Introductions and chat about all things books Next 45 minutes: Silently read your personal physical book, ebook, or audiobook (yes audiobooks count :)) Last 15 minutes: Chat some more and wrap up the meeting Check the home page for zoom links. Up to 100 attendees so still join the zoom even if you can't sign up for the event.

**NOTE: This is *NOT* a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** **CONTENT WARNING: Disease, mutilation, abortion.** **This film contains extreme body horror and prolonged depictions of illness and bodily decay. It also includes references to pregnancy loss and a graphic act involving the removal of a fetus from a woman’s body. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.** Please read the original manga ahead of the dicussion: https://mangadex.org/chapter/bf397fc1-17bc-4fa1-8cd7-2cfd35f8170c Hideshi Hino's *Mermaid in a Manhole* is body horror stripped of bravado. When a lonely artist encounters a dying mermaid trapped in an underground sewer, he attempts to care for her — documenting her condition as her body deteriorates in disturbing and intimate ways. What begins as a strange act of compassion transforms into a bleak meditation on decay, obsession, and environmental collapse. Blending body horror with tragic romance, the film replaces shock-for-shock’s-sake with an atmosphere of sickness and inevitability that seeps into every frame.

Please join us for the February Romance Book Discussion Club! Location is at my apartment in Dupont. Address and details will be provided to attendees closer to the meeting. Also, please update your RSVP by 6pm the day before, if you're unable to come. That will allow people on the waitlist to have enough time to consider coming, as well. Looking forward to discussing romance books with you all! **Information for New Members:** Each month we will vote on a subgenre and trope to guide our reading choices. There will be a voting link shared in the discussion board with 1 week to vote on your top choices. I'll then post the votes for that month and people can share recommendations. These are just for inspiration and as general themes. There is no set book - you're welcome to read whatever you like, although many members find it fun to explore new subgenres or tropes and see what you may like or hate. This is a book club for mood readers :) You're welcome to read whatever you fancy and come discuss it. Hopefully you'll leave with some new recommendations - or books you know are not your cup of tea. Please feel free to post below or message me with any questions.

Bring your friends or come meet Some new ones!? and join in the fun! One of our most popular dances of the year! The Hula Monsters band! Dance lesson at 8pm, band break desserts, totally fun silent auction, dance demos, 50/50 raffle and much more! Wear your fav red or pink attire and come help us to raise money for two incredible charities. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, and Honor Flight Network for vets. Haveahearthop .net for details Gottaswing.com for discounted advance tickets perfect for couples and singles! No partner needed!

Let's talk about it!

Join fellow book club members for an evening out at Travinia, 1605 Village Market Blvd., SE, #104, Leesburg. Each person is responsible for any food and drinks selected. If you sign up and need to cancel, you need to notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Let's kick things off with a meeting to introduce ourselves and discuss what we're going to read over the next several months. Bring suggestions and your sweet tooth, because I'm bringing chocolate chip cookies!

**Did you know that female friendships are critical for every woman's well-being and longevity? Scientifically proven fact!** *Ladies, join me for a special gathering, let's celebrate the power of female friendships* *and* *empower each other through sharing our stories 💕* As a host & [Life and Relationship Coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/), I will be there to create a safe, fun space to truly connect and have conversations about life & love. Please[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982403723903?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982403723903?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **When**: Feb 28th at 3:00 pm. **Location:** Ted's Bulletin - Front Bar Area reserved for us. Send me a direct message (571-315-1469) if you are running late and please only RSVP if you are coming. I look forward to seeing you there. \~ Irena

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.