Fans of Geekerella should definitely pick up this companion novel, set in the same Starfield-loving universe. While Geekerella was a Cinderella retelling. The Princess and the Fangirl is a Prince & the Pauper re-telling. In this modern version, our Prince is Jessica Stone, a famous actress set on moving on from portraying the famous Amara in the Starfield reboot, partly because of the intense, sexist hate she receives online for her portrayal. Our Pauper is Imogen Lovelace, a fangirl set on reviving Stone's character from death, a campaign she feels is the only thing she can say she's been somewhat successful at. When the two girls meet at a comic con, their lives intertwine and both learn about each other, and how to live their own lives for themselves. Features girl/girl relationship.

Another fantastic book by Ashley Poston! I couldn't put it down. I give it 5 out of 5 Margaritas. This is the book to read this summer and I very highly recommend it.

Just as cute and nerdy as Poston first book, but maybe even better? Oh nerds, you make my heart go wild.
Cons are great and sci-fi series are amazing. Please give me more Poston!

ust over two years ago, I fell in love with a little geeky book named Geekerella and promptly went about yelling at everyone to read it. It became a new obsession, and honestly, not much has changed. I still yell at everyone to read it. So I was SUPER EXCITED when I found out there would be a second book set in the Geekerella world, but instead of a direct sequel (honestly, Elle & Darien have their happily ever after so why bother them?), this new story is a companion that focuses on Darien's costar, jaded Hollywood darling Jess Stone. I don't know about you guys, but I'm all about companions so it's all good for me!

A huge part of the charm of Geekerella is that it's a love letter to fandom from someone who intimately knows and loves fandom. Ash Poston is a fangirl after my own heart. She's someone who truly understands both the fandom life and the con experience, and it's beautifully reflected in this series. But for all the fangirling and squeeing and fanmade products and the overall joyous side of fandom, there's also a darkness, a sludgy toxic awfulness that pervades even the happiest of fandoms. This is the #GamerGate side. The Star Wars and Ghostbusters purists who ran Kelly Marie Tran, Daisy Ridley, and Leslie Jones off social media. The butthurt Marvel fans who tried to torpedo Captain Marvel on Rotten Tomatoes. Geekerella gave a few glimpses of this, but it is in The Princess and the Fangirl that the readers witness just how stressful it can be to experience hate from fans. TP&TF is an unflinching look at the abuse and harassment that can stem from loving a fictional universe too hard. It's one thing to be picky about details (in this series: the color of Darien's jacket in the movie is not blue enough to match David Singh's jacket from the original Starfield series. Real life example: Hermione's dress being pink instead of periwinkle in Goblet of Fire), but it's another to be outright racist and sexist, both of which are shown in TP&TF.

I'm so glad Ash showed this. Fandom is a beautiful part of my life, but I've witnessed a lot of ugliness over the years in different fandoms. I've refused to become an active member of certain communities as I've seen that toxicity from the outside, and I also see it in communities in which I AM an active participant (*cough*BookTwitter*cough). I think TP&TF does a fantastic job of examining harmful behaviors and their consequences, and I'm grateful for it. If members of a community don't recognize their words and actions can be anywhere from hurtful to outright harassment, there's no way to fix it.

And Ash very adeptly connects how small behaviors have the ability to become outright harassment. In this case, Imogen is determined to #SaveAmara, and readers witness how that affects Jess's life. Imogen had the purest of intentions; she just wanted to see her favorite character redeemed. Imogen's story is seeing the fandom from Jess's point of view, and her arc throughout the book is growing to see the dark sides. In contrast, Jess gets to see Starfield and the con experience through Imogen's pov, and after only seeing the darkness, she's surprised by the sweet sincerity of much of the fandom.

I'm probably making TP&TF sound all dark and depressing since it's about exploring the negative aspects of fandom. But have no fear! This is an Ash Poston book, after all! TP&TF also has a LOT of sweetness and fluff, just like Geekerella. There are two romances, one f/f (I believe Jess is demisexual, but I can't confirm) and one m/f, that will have you looking like the heart eyes emoji.

There's stargazing at a con party (look: con parties are a hell of a good time!) and hate-to-love (my drug!) and teenage shenanigans and fully dressed people flirting in a pool a la Miss Congeniality. There is a mystery to be solved, and Darien being a full-on nerd, like we know and love him to be. There are easter eggs for fans of all kinds of franchises (I may or may not have teared up every time the good good boys of The Adventure Zone were referenced), and a lovely character who is a touching homage to Carrie Fisher, the first lady of fandom.

The Princess and the Fangirl is so much fun to read, but it also made me examine my own relationship to fandom. It's thought-provoking AND it's sweet and fluffy. YES! THESE BOOKS EXIST! Books can BE fluffy and also full of substance! It's about being honest. It's about anxiety and how most of us struggle with not feeling like we're enough. It's about trying new things and trusting people and putting yourself out there. It's about learning to be confident. It's about love and friendship and family, and it's about being delightfully, unabashedly nerdy and not apologizing for it.

I absolutely adore this series, and I'm so grateful that it exists. I think The Princess and the Fangirl is the perfect companion to Geekerella, and I hope you love it too. Which is why I'm giving away a signed copy! Scroll down for details!

Given how much I enjoyed Geekerella, I was very excited to receive an advance copy of #ThePrincessAndTheFangirl from #Netgalley. I thought I'd love it too. But alas, I did not love it. In fact, I struggled to get through it, and took far longer to finish it than I should have. There were aspects of the story that I really appreciated, but the book was really dragged down for me by what I didn't appreciate. Mostly an inability to connect with the main characters.
So, what did I like? I LOVED the diversity! both love interests are POC, and one of the romances is LGBTQ+. Many of the supporting characters, if not most, are LGBTQ+ as well. Imogene has two (loving and supportive) moms, and a handsome, overachieving gay brother. The diversity felt effortless and beautiful and we need more writing like this. I also loved that this was a retelling of the Prince and the Pauper. That story rarely gets retellings, perhaps because it's difficult to imagine this happening in our social media-saturated culture, but this story retold it in a sort-of believable manner. I liked that this story examined the dark side of fandoms as well as the good side. Jessica's experiences mirror much of what real-life actresses in fantasy/ sci-fi movies have endured. And the story was a good reminder that the celebrities who are so easy to trash online are real people too, who feel pain at the kind of treatments they often receive. I also liked Harper, who was fun and creative and beautiful and open, and I liked Ethan, who was responsible and guarded and neat and tidy and loyal and geeky.
Frankly, every character was geeky in some way. There was so much geekery in this story that it was almost too much. Representation is great, but if I heard a character exclaim "Starflame!" one more time... So yes, the geek aspect got laid on even heavier in this book than it did in Geekerella, and sometimes it was a little too much, perhaps a bit forced and cheesy. Even for a book set at a con, starring characters within the orbit of the Starfield film. In general, this book, like Imogene, is a bit, well, TOO MUCH. the character's choices are often impractical/ unrealistic/ over-the-top. The ending felt even more frantic and rushed than the end of Geekerella (and that ending was my least favorite part of that story), and wrapped everything up a bit too neatly at the end.
But the biggest detractor for me for this book was...Jess and Imogene. Imogene is a straight up hot mess who seems addicted to bad life choices, and Jess, while she's got some understandable issues given what she's going through, was really unlikable for most of the story. I could not connect to either character, and that made me really struggle to want to pick the book up. As Jess opened up as the story progressed, I could see how she could be more likable, and even lovable for her special someone...but I never really figured out what would attract someone to Imogene. I mean, her family loved her, of course, but she seemed exhausting to be around otherwise. Maybe it's just a teenage thing that I am not getting because I'm out of the target demographic now? Perhaps.
I will say that the author captures beautifully the diverse and frenetic nature of geeky cons. And it was mostly nice to see the two couples from the last story pop up throughout the story (if a little sappy at times). But that wasn't enough to carry this book. I hope it's just me, not the book, and thatothers enjoy it more than I did, because it seems to be an earnest love letter to teen geek life. As it is, I'm not sure I'll bother reading the third book in the series.

First off, I will forever be amazed by the number of nerd references that are within these 316 pages. The amount of knowledge that one needs to write this is incredible, and I want to give the author a standing ovation for this.

Now, let’s get into this review. The Princess and the Fangirl pick up right after the first novel, Geekerella. While they don’t have to be read in order, there are references to the first novel, so I recommend reading Geekerella first. With that, this book follows the same convention, but the following year. Readers follow Imogen Lovelace, a convention lover and nerd all around, and Jessica Stone, famous actress for the Starfield movies.

Done in true Princess and the Pauper style, these girls switch places and live each other lives in order to accomplish their goal (but that will remain a secret…).

“I have a princess to save. I don’t need some hunk-a hunk-a-burnin’ love clouding my head—.”

I absolutely loved both of these girls. Imogen, or Mo, is kick-butt and smart with comebacks, but also loving to her brother and her mothers (YES!). Not to mention, the banter between Mo and Ethan is adorable, being that the amount of tv show references from them are some of the best conversations ever. Jessica is a whole other story, being stuck in a job she hates until she meets the right person…

“The horizon is wide, and I have a girl to kiss.”

There is romance in this novel, the perfect hate-to-love kind, but there is also major girl power, which I LOVE!

I am fully looking forward to the next book since this series is the perfect combination fo nerd references and YA writing.

Ugh, so stinking cute!! I know that if I had been in high school I would have eaten this up with a spoon. I love the look at fandom, the good, the bad, the inbetween. Ashley Poston has clearly been to her share of cons and it shows.

I wanted to adore this book, since I loved Geekerella so much, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. The main problem was the development of the story: it took place in a less than a week and the relationship between the two main characters was flat and pretty much insta-lovey... and I hate insta-love stories. So, nope... Huge flop for me.

What an adorable follow up to Ashley’s last book. I was so happy to return to this world and see these two characters together. It was fun, sweet and oh so endearing. My geeking heart was full of feels and it made me long to attwnd comic-con again.

The Princess and the Fangirl is an amazingly awesome. This book will be book-talked and put on display every time it comes into the library. I am already planning on having my teen book group read it. This book has everything - romance, friendship, geeking out over fandoms. This is the best!

Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book! I appreciate the kindness. <3

HOW ADORABLE WAS THIS PRINCE AND THE PAUPER RETELLING?! I absolutely LOVED it! I did not read Geekarella, I will admit, but I found that I didn't really need to in order to enjoy the book.

The book revolves around Imogen and Jess. AND JESS IS QUEER! Can I just scream that to the top of the world please?! It always warms my heart when I can TRULY relate to a character in the book. The plot is the typical P&P plot, the girls swap places, hilarity and chaos ensures (in my best Kristen Stewart voice).

The heartfelt fandom moments, the connection between the characters and the truth that Poston puts in her novels are what make them so special.

This novel had the dual POV and while (as i have mentioned in past reviews) this usually annoys me, I've found lately that it has been well done, especially in this novel. We get to see the uncomfortable moments each have while living as the other.

Over all, this tale was wonderfully delicious. I enjoyed so many things about this book it's hard to be able to sum it up shortly. I will just say this: If you love sci-fi, queerness, fandoms, retellings and just all around awesomeness, READ THE PRINCESS AND THE FANGIRL, OKAY?!
4/5 stars!

I really liked the first book in this series. I thought it was cute and geeky and fun. I am not sure I am sold on this one though. This book will appeal to people who love the con scene and appreciate pop culture references. I feel as though it was very similar to other things that I have watched and read in the past. Predictable the whole way through but it was a quick read and a nice journey to go on.

After 'Geekerella' I couldn't imagine that Ashley Poston coul do it again, but she did. 'The Princess and the Fanggirl' is a wonderful heartwarming, geeky, feminist book about the love for a fandom and the people who make it come alive.

On the background of Excelscon whe meet Imogen and Jessica two people at different ends of the Starfield Fandom. Imogen loved the Starfield series as long as she remembers and after the devastating end of the first re-make movie she started a petotion to bring the beloved character princess amara back to the screen life.
A person who couldn't care less about Amara is Jessica, the actress playing the female lead belong side Darrien Freeman, who we already meet in 'Geekerella' as the handsom Prince Carmindor.

Jessica doesn't see any potential in the role of a sci-fi princess when she was already nominated for an oscar. She would love to take on more challenging roles and is frustrated with the contract that binds her to Princess Amara for a pontential other movie. She wants to move her careen up and is hugely annoyed by the passionate fandom.

It happens that Imogen and Jessica cross paths and discover that they look alike. As Jessicas script for the next Starfield movie gets stolen she takes the chance and trades places with Imogen. Disguised as Imogen she can roam the floors of the convention freely and hopefully find the script thieve before he leaks some major plot points of the script.
Imogen is in for the deal because she sees it as a chance to work towards her goal to restore the dead Princess Amara as speaking out about her in Jessicas place.

Of course not everything is going well beyond the trade of places and both Jessica and Imogen need to understand the other persons perspective in order to maintain their secret.
I loved this book because it explored the love for fandoms deeper and shows different sides of it through the Actress and the Fangirl. It is hugely feministic and funny, a wonderful trip to fandom-land for a few hours.
As I learned to mention ist also has a f/f relationship which I loved and my beloved haters-to-lovers trope.

This book is about coming to terms at who Jessica and Imogen are, to accept themselves how they are and trusting other people with their real self.

In book two of her Once Upon a Con series, Ashley Poston puts a modern, female spin on The Prince and the Pauper featuring Imogen, a diehard comic geek and Jess, a jaded young actress who plays Princess Amara in a movie version of the time-honored Starfield series (with costar Geekerella’s Darien Freeman). In a case of mistaken identity, Imogen takes her place on a panel when Jess pulls a disappearing act and the stage is set for the switch.

Jess is desperate to make Oscar-worthy movies, fears being type-cast, and is on the run from the paparazzi. She also has a compulsive need to check social media despite being vilified and threatened by Amara fanatics who are faithful to the original TV star, Natalia Ford. It’s a cautionary tale about the evils of social media and how trolls can have a negative impact if you let them. This story is a gift to fans of ComicCons, but the overwhelming use of SciFi jargon (nerfherder, Muggle, Starflame, Noxballs, doge) necessitates a glossary for the uninitiated. It features a diverse cast of characters and several charming romantic relationships, including Imogen and Ethan’s love/hate and four LGBTQ pairings. Highly recommended for teen collections.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Quirk Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I LOVE this book! Ashley Poston has done it again! My nerd heart was so excited and I felt like this book was a great companion to Geekerella. There were hints here and there and a ton of fandom! I want to go and reread it right this second!

This was a wonderful addition to the Once Upon A Con series! I loved getting to see old characters from the previous book and how they interacted with the new faces in this novel. I really enjoyed the writing style throughout the book and liked reading from both perspectives.

What I love best about Ashely Poston’s books is that she makes it so easy to fangirl over the characters and plot. Reading Geekerella and The Princess and the Fangirl is like an invitation to be a part of a fandom. They’re essentially love letters to fangirls and fanboys, reminding us that it’s okay to be excited about what you love—whether that’s a video game franchise or an anime series or retro science-fiction TV show.

But The Princess and the Fangirl goes above and beyond welcoming someone to a fandom. It also points out the negative side of fandom: the harsh Internet comments, the unnecessary comparisons, the judgmental inclusiveness, the backlash when something doesn’t happen as the fans originally envisioned. Right now, the Internet is ripe with such hate and negativity, and the way Ashley Poston balances the positive and negative sides of fandom is an inspiring and necessary platform amid the chaos.

The story also highlights the difficulties of an actress in any mainstream role. From sexual assault to impossible standards, The Princess and the Fangirl gives an unfortunate yet honest depiction of what an actress in a lead role may go through on a daily basis. And it also shows that people can change and first impressions aren’t everything.

At its heart, The Princess and the Fangirl is a story about fandom: the good, the bad, and the super ugly. It doesn’t shy away from the hard topics and it doesn’t sugarcoat the experience as only good memories and fun costumes. But it does make you appreciate fandom as it once again seamlessly combines the fangirl experience with the fairy tale plot. Ashley Poston is already working on a third book for “Once Upon a Con” series, (a Beauty and the Beast retelling) and I am ready for more because she doesn’t just write fandom, she knows fandom.

Imogen is a fangirl trying to save her favorite character Princess Amara. Meanwhile Actress Jessica Stone is happy about the idea of her character dying off and has pretty much made it clear. When a case of switched identities happen at a panel of ExcelsiCon Jessica isn't happy about it. But when leaks of the script of Starfield sequel leaks Jessica's career can be on the line if shes blamed. She needs to find the person behind this but with all the panels and shows she'll need a double to take her place. Imogen steps up in helping out and gets to see for a short while into Jessica's world, while Jessica solves the mystery of who is leaking the script.

Love love Loved this book. Almost as much as I liked the book Geekerella. I loved how the author took the basic of Prince and the Pauper and turned it into something amazing with it. This was such a unique take and I loved seeing what the author could do for it. TBH I'm not a fan of prince and pauper which is why it took a bit of time for me to pick this book up, but knowing who wrote this and after loving the previous one I knew I finally had to pick it up. I was not disappointed this book exceeded my expectation. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing how everything turned out in the end. I thought it was interesting seeing how both girls got to see the other side of each other's lives and finding their own HEA. It was a pretty cute book, I enjoyed it.

A super cute addition to the Once Upon a Con universe. This retelling of the princess and the pauper had all the fandom references and overall geekiness which made me fall in love with Geekerella. Jess is dealing with the fame that Starfield brought to her when Imogen steps into her place at ExcelsiCon. This hatches an idea in Jess so she can handle script leaks that might be her fault. Imogen takes her place and neither girl is ready for everything that happens in the following days.