Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Conner.
Hi Dawn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My daughter Darci and I first bonded over our shared love of Twilight when she was younger, and years later our passion for romance novels was reignited when she introduced me to the ACOTAR series. After spending five years as a teacher, Darci was ready for a new chapter and came to me with the idea of opening a romance-only bookstore with a bar. Excited by the chance to work together and pursue a dream of my own, we started small by participating in local markets as a pop-up bookstore.
My daughter-in-law, who was working full-time as a daycare manager, joined us whenever she could. She created handcrafted items like bookmarks and stickers and helped curate the titles we would carry. My mom also spent weekends helping us set up at markets, and along the way she discovered a new love of reading herself. After only a few short weeks, we realized we were ready to take the leap into a permanent space. Our search led us to our current home on the Downtown Denton Square where all four of us work together.
For nearly two months, we poured ourselves into transforming the space. My husband was instrumental in providing the muscle along with some of the wonderful bookish friends we met along the way who helped build bookshelves and paint the walls. We brought in professionals for the plumbing, murals, bar installation, and countertops, but every finishing touch was done by us. We truly put our hearts and souls into creating a warm, inviting space for readers to gather.
From the very beginning, and still today, our focus has been community. We strive to connect readers with like-minded book lovers in a place where stories are shared, drinks are perfectly paired, and local authors and creators are celebrated. We partner with larger venues to host bestselling authors so even more of our book community can come together beyond the walls of our cozy shop. In our lounge, we host six of our own book clubs, crafting nights, and provide a welcoming space where friends can meet, relax, and create lasting memories together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“Smooth” is probably not the word I would use, but it has absolutely been rewarding. From the moment we found our location, we felt like we were exactly where we were meant to be. Like any small family ran business, we’ve faced challenges and learned some hard lessons along the way, from navigating the realities of opening a business to balancing the many moving parts that come with fast growth. But every obstacle has helped us learn, adapt, and grow stronger as a team. Looking back, we’ve accomplished goals we never imagined possible, and that has made every challenge worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At The Plot Twist®, our name was created to reflect exactly who we are, a romance bookstore with a bar. The “twist” is the unexpected pairing of books, cocktails, and community all in one space. While romance is our focus, we believe these stories are about so much more than just love. They’re about the journeys we take to find connection, with other people, with ourselves, and with our passions.
Sometimes that journey is lighthearted and fun, like falling for your brother’s best friend. Other times, it’s emotional and deeply healing, exploring love after trauma or hardship. At The Plot Twist®, we celebrate every version of love and every kind of story. We’re proud to offer a wide variety of books where readers from all walks of life can see themselves reflected on the page.
One thing that truly sets us apart is our commitment to indie authors and unique titles that often aren’t found in traditional big-box bookstores. Our goal has always been to give readers access to the books they genuinely want to read, not just the titles trending on mainstream social media. We love helping readers discover hidden gems, new favorite authors, and stories they may never have found otherwise.
More than anything, we’re proud of the community we’ve built. The Plot Twist® is more than a bookstore or a bar, it’s a welcoming space where readers can gather, connect, and feel at home.
How do you think about happiness?
One of my favorite parts of the store is walking through the lounge and seeing people connecting. Whether it’s friends meeting to enjoy a drink from the bar, someone comfortable on a couch, deep into reading a new book or a group gathered around one of our boardgames laughing and spending time with each other. I love boardgames with the family so this addition in our lounge has been a favorite of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theplottwistbookbar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplottwistbookbar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theplottwistbookbar/
