This book is absolutely adorable. Once I started, I simply could not put it down. I thought Geekerella was the epitome of cuteness, but Poston has really outdone herself with this companion novel. The characters are quirky, adorable, and relatable. The romance is cute and funny, and you will find yourself cheering for these characters (and cringing alongside them) for the entirety of this book. 

One of the main characters, Jess, can be a bit difficult to like at times, especially if you consider yourself a fangirl. However, the character does a lot of growing throughout the book and you find yourself cheering her on.

Imogen, our other main character, can be pretty thick-headed at times, but you'll find yourself warming up to her as she warms up to others in this book as well.

Toxic masculinity (fanboy culture) is called out in this book in epic ways. This is huge, and I so appreciated this storyline, since it isn't always brought up in geeky books, but it is so important to address!

Also, this book is super gay. LOVE.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital review copy. 

It was a great read. I loved getting back into the Geekerella/Starfield world again. Loved all the geek/nerd references. I will definitely buy a physical copy of this book once it's out so it can join Geekerella on my bookshelf!

Geekerella was by far one of my favorite contemporary "con" type romances, so I was stoked to realize that there was a sequel. 
I requested an ARC of it, and received one, and got even more excited. I knew I wanted to save it for when I was in a slump of sorts, and I'm glad I did.
This book didn't have quite the same amount of charm as its predecessor, but it had it's own kind of charm. 
The book was pretty much predictable, but it was such a nice, fun read I didn't mind.
I loved it, and anyone who loved Geekerella will probably love it as well!

Loved this return to the Geekerella universe. Reading the first book isn't essential, although having read it beforehand will be rewarded with little nods and mentions in this new book. I loved both Jess and Mo - both very different yet equally believable characters. Few authors capture syfy random as well as Ashley Poston; I can't wait for the next in the series!

If you've ever been part of a fandom, The Princess and The Fangirl is a book that will remind you of the good times and the bad, for while it feels as if the novel is ultimately a love letter to fandom and what it means for so many people, it doesn't shy away from highlighting the growing issues within the online communities and hopefully serves as a reminder that it is not acceptable to use the internet as a space to target others with negative comments simply because there's the anonymity provided by lack of face to face communication. I absolutely loved The Princess and The Fangirl for a huge range of reasons, but the main one has to be because it so accurately captures the fandom and con experience without at any point making it seem as if being a geek is something that you should be ashamed of. Yes, there are facets of fandom that are toxic and social media has a lot to answer for as regards making it easier for people to air their unkind commentary not only to the community, but to content creators and actors themselves, but the book also wonderfully highlights the friendships made through the love of television, books and other media and doesn't make them seem any less real for having started online.

And that is why The Princess and the Fangirl is a wonderfully inclusive book. It not only features a beautifully wide range of relationships, but fandoms and interests and reasons for becoming involved with them. It isn't here to shame fandom in the ways that other books that address some of the same ideas seem to - it isn't a matter of taking a 'geek' and making them 'normal' or highlighting just how different a character is because they love a film/TV show/game/book so much: it's about embracing what you love and enjoying it with others. It is unashamedly nerdy. I think anyone who has been to a con or been part of a fandom will recognise elements of their own experiences somewhere in the narrative, hopefully in ways that will make them smile as much as I did while reading, but also in the ways that it addresses sexism and objectification and that these things continue to impact a community that so often claims to be inclusive and non-judgemental.

I love retellings of other tales, and while there are elements employed to make this work that do require a little will to believe, that the book is a joy to read makes it so easy to want to believe. Of the two point of view characters, perhaps the reader gets to know Jess a bit better, but this may well be deliberate, owing to a need to address the impact that fandom can have upon the lives of actors (in that it may be too easy to forget that they are real people, not characters, and not unfeeling objects because they are seen on the television), and also to help those who haven't experienced fandom to learn about why characters and media can play such key roles in people's lives. To many who might pick up The Princess and The Fangirl, Imogen is the more familiar figure and mindset, while Jess' journey is less so, her introduction one that doesn't make her immediately sympathetic in her views, yet her stresses are the ones that people often fail to consider when posting online. Ultimately, it seems that Jess learns the most about herself and the world that she's found herself in, the time spent with her making it most easy to sympathise with her struggles, and while Imogen also learns from her experiences in Jess' shoes, it feels that Jess' world is the one that is broadened the most, her heart in a better place for herself by the novel's conclusion. It is Jess' transformation to a girl with hope for a future in which she is happy that is perhaps the most uplifting and pleasing of the novel's threads.

There are lovely references to the Geekerella story, characters from the first novel in this universe making appearances in The Princess and The Fangirl, and I hope that this isn't the last book that Poston writes in it. I would love to see Jess and Imogen again in another story! Of all the books that I've read this year, Geekerella and The Princess and the Fangirl are perhaps the two that I've enjoyed and identified with the most. They are certainly the two that have had me smiling the most!

I received a free copy from The Galley in exchange for an honest review. The Princess and the fangirl is a second book in the series after geekerella. I really enjoy geekerella and I was really looking forward to reading this when I realized it was another one in the same universe. The Princess and the fangirl takes on the classic Prince and pauper strangers look like each other to switch places trope. I don't usually like this because it's overdone I feel like at this point but this was very well done. Jessica Stone has played the lead in the movie as Amara and has received hate from the fandom and therefore is happy that she will not be returning for the sequel or so she hopes. When a script is leaked Jessica decides to switch places with imogen who looks exactly like Jessica in order for Jessica to have a time to find the script that she threw away. I like the story and I love Jessica Arc in the story going from someone who didn't understand why people were so obsessed with the movie in her role to understanding what the meaning of fandom really is. On the other hand I feel like Imogene's character is not really as well developed. Overall I think this is a great fun read and I couldn't put it down.

OMG, this book is soo freakin good. I've been anticipating this ever since I heard about it and knowing the author, I knew it was going to be a good read. It did not disappoint at all.  I could not put this book down at all and the romance was just so swoon-worthy, I loved it!

This was all sorts of geeky fluffy cuteness...which is just what I was hoping for! I loved Geekerella and this one fits in as a companion novel: same world and reoccurring characters, but different protagonists from Geekerella. You probably could read it as a solo? But there'd be a lot of confusing references. Also *raises hand* I was still, um,,,,confused I confess because I read Geekerella so long ago (and don't own it to reread sob). And I know you shouldn't compare books to their older sisters but...yeT. I didn't connect to this one as much as I'd hoped.

It's set at a con! So the nERD IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE. Like literally, the love (and wariness) of nerdom culture is just everywhere here. The slang is so Gen Z it's just amazing lmao, and they quote movies and are in fandoms and the term "he's a burnt Hufflepuff" is in here so like what more can I say. This book LOVES fandoms. But....it still pays attention to the toxic side. Which, like holy heck, it gets worse every year. Since our two protagonists (Jess the movie star and Imogen the fangirl) are on opposite sides of whether they love/hate this life -- we get to see BOTH sides. Also at one stage the book says "it's impossible to have a nuanced conversation on twitter" and like...LMAO SOMEONE SAID IT.

Yes to the genderbent Prince and Pauper vibe! Imogen and Jess swap places and it is FUN. I'm always dubious about this trope being pulled off, but it worked well here. Anyway, I very much enjoyed reading the girls! Imogen is all squishy and heartfelt and brash. Jess is very closed off and guarded and snipey but so so desperate to be soft but scared to be?! (Ya I have a favourite haha.)

And there is romance of course! There's an f/f romance, but it's not between the two protagonists...and it's very small and slow because like the book takes place over 4 days so ya. I did think both romances were cute! Although they didn't have enough time for me to get very invested.

Ok so quick confession...I didn't connect to the book like I'd hoped so it was fun but the stakes weren't so high and I am not super into any fandoms myself rn. And people who absolutely pledge their entire lives/thoughts to stanning fictional characters...like I don't get it. lmao. I also found the girls' voices so so similar, and both in 1st, so it was a bit hard to remember whose chapter I was in.


So this is definitely for the passionate fangirls and nerds out there! It's fun and squishy and there are lots of adorkable moments too!

Even though the story was very predictable it was a fun enjoyable read. I haven't found a retelling I didn't enjoy yet. Being predictable is part of what makes it a retelling the setting and characters are what sets it apart from the original. The nerdy setting and issues made the book original in its own ways and sets it apart from other fan-fiction type novels. The author has found a way to engage the reader to a classic story by making it relevant to today's culture. We have all seen or read similar plots but this story was different and the same but above all fun. It was a fun read that kept me wanting to read more and anticipating the next in this collection of retellings by the author. 
This book continues a popular trend in YA with retellings of classic story. This storied is a fresh contemporary version of the Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. It is relevant to today's young adults and clever for adults as well. The story takes place at the same ExcelsiCon as the author's first Geekerella, but different characters. Of course Darian and Elle are characters in this story but the story is centered around the famous Jessica Stone who plays Princess Amara and Imogen Lovelace a fangirl of the movie series. Jessica is desperately wanting to break away from this popular sci-fi movie serious to land roles in Oscer worthy roles. The in the latest movie Princess Amara dies and she is hoping the next film will keep her dead so she can move on with her career. However some of her fans, including Imogen, want to bring back her character. Imogen has started the #saveamara petition for the writers to bring her back. Imogen has a booth at this year's con with her online friend Harper passing out #saveamara pins and promoting her initiative. Jessica is booked with photo ops and interviews thorughout the convention but learns someone has leaked the script to the next film through Twitter. Some think that she is leaking the script to write herself off because she has been outspoken about wanting to move on from the franchise, which has caused serious issues with trolls on social media. Imogen unexpectedly finds herself on a question panel with all of the famous actors of the series because she is mistaken for Jessica when she isn't on time. Imogen plays her part well in answering the questions and avoids almost certian disaster for Jessica. However this comes in handy when Jessica needs to find the script she lost before she is accuse of being the leak of the script and never gets another acting job in her life. The two switch places for the remainder of the convention and it all seems to good to be true. Imogen gets the attention and admiration she has always wanted and Jessica gets away from the paparazzi and glamour of her life. The two unexpectedly fall in love under false impressions but works out as expected.This book is expected to be released in April 2019. I look forward to adding to our collection in the library. 

All of the opinions expressed are my own and not affiliated with anyone else. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Geekerella was one of my absolute favorite books from last year. I live for fandom based books. They are my lifeblood. So when this book was announced, and it sounded super gay, I was sooo excited! This book follows Jess, Darian's costar from the first book. And Imogen, a new character who has grown up around Excelsicon. They switch places and chaos ensues. 

Jess is a lesbian, which was well hinted at in the first book. Her romance is with a black fan artist. Jess is hard to like at times, but she has a lot of growth throughout the book. She's only ever seen the bad side of fandoms. Think Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran. 

Imogen's romance is hate to love which is my shizzzz, okay? I just loved everything about this. 

I love how the toxicity of fanboy culture is called out in this. And I love happy endings. We also got to see all our faves from the first book! I can't wait until this is out in the world so I can squee with everyone about it. 

Also, Imogen's brother is adorable and I loved their relationship a lot. And his relationship with his boyfriend was too friggin cute. Wouldn't mind following them in a book next. :D

This was a fun book that all geeks and comic con goers will love. Smattered with pop culture references, readers will feel a real connection to the characters and setting. I enjoyed it even more than the first book!

I accidentally submitted a review for a totally different book here, sorry! I'll edit this and add my review for The Princess and the Fangirl when I've read it.

After finishing Geekerella earlier this year, I was completely satisfied and in love with the book... except I wanted more Jessica Stone! Jess' story was left hanging, in my opinion, and now I see why. The Princess and the Fangirl is a combination of geeky goodness and The Parent Trap if Emma Roberts played the main role(s). This book was so fun, and both lead characters, Jess and Imogen, are so lovable. I also think it's an extremely relevent read, as Jessica Stone's situation in this novel is very similar to ones like Kelly Marie Tran's. I can't recommend this book enough, especially if you enjoyed Geekerella, as there are many "ah-ha!" references to the original novel in this. My only "complaints" are that Imogen did annoy me a handful of times, and I wish the plot twist near the end had some more clarification behind it. But those are such small things to point out! Go read this one, guys! 5/5 stars!

Having read Geekerella I was really excited to read this companion novel. It was everything I loved about geekerella; quirky, relatable, funny and heartwarming. I would implore anyone to read it if they loved geekerella.

Is it the most profound book? No. But it doesn't need to be. It's fun and lighthearted. I just wish there was a bit more time spent with the characters, and less running around convention centres.

Goodreads - I appreciate all of the details in the Once Upon A Con series...like correct me if I am wrong but Starfield is an amazing universe backstory that Ashley has made. Which is insane. Insanely cool. Not to mention the nerdy, girly, friendship, fairytale, shoe themes that follow through. Sometimes you have to live in someone else's shoes to understand yourself. To see how great your life is. To see what you can do, and do it. I’m not going to say more than that because I don’t want to ruin a book for anyone ever. But if you haven’t already figured it out I loved this book, and am waiting for someone to tell me that Starfield exists so I can watch every episode (in the correct order of course).

Facebook - Sometimes you have to live in someone else's shoes to understand yourself. To see yourself as others do, maybe like what you’ll see, maybe you’ll want to change their minds. This book is very Parent Trap meets Geekerella, a nerdy friendship fairytale. I think the Once Upon A Con series is great and am waiting for someone to tell me that Starfield exists so I can watch every episode (in the correct order of course). The Princess and the Fangirl is set to publish in April 2019, in the meantime you can catch up with Geekerella.

Jessica Stone is not having a good day. She took the role of Princess Amara in order to further her movie career, not to become the queen of the Cons. And yet, here she is. Well, sort of. Because the girl answering questions about being Princess Amara on the Starfield panel is decidedly Not Her.
Imogen Lovelace did not mean to step into Jess Stone's shoes. She just wants to #SavePrincessAmara from death. So when gets the chance to step into the role of Jess Stone, Imogen does the opposite of what the star desires. And that first deception leads to further plans when a script given to Jess is leaked online. Just because she doesn't want to play Amara anymore doesn't mean she wants to commit career suicide.
Told concurrently with Geekerella this is going to delight fans and new readers alike.

Four stars
This book comes out April 2
ARC kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley

Welcome back to the Geekerella universe where fandom reigns supreme. The best of this book isn't the role-swapping story, but the argument for the power of stories and how they inspire people. That is the basis of fandom - what an alternative plotline can do for the person who needs to escape the day to day and be someone else for a while. And so the remake of the Prince and the Pauper is a strong metaphor for Con and all that fandom means to those who embrace the infinite alternate realms that exist alongside reality. A great story to explain fandom to those who just don't get it.

"The Princess and the Fangirl" isn't the first Ashley Poston book I've read in a day, and probably won't be the last either. She captures fandom culture so well, and I loved seeing her take on conventions. It was lovely seeing glimpses of Elle and Darien again. Imogen and Jessica were great characters too and I coudn't help falling in love with them. Jessica's story especially was very poignant, the way in which it touched on the pressures for women in big budget science fiction films. Both love stories took me a little longer to become invested in since we were focused on two different tales instead of just the one, but were still absolutely amazing. I also love the glimpses we get of "Starfield". Amara and Carmindor are fantastic characters and I want to hear more about them. Really hope we get more in this series!

This is my third time reading Ashely Poston (I’ve previously read Geekerella and Heart of Iron), and I have to say that I think this might be my new favourite book of hers.

I was so excited when it was announced that she was going to continue telling modern fairytale retellings within the Geekerella world, and I’m crossing my fingers that Poston continues this series (perhaps a Calvin story arc?).

The Princess and the Fangirl ended up being far more hysterical than I was expecting. It has a slightly lighter plot line than Geekerella did.

So much of Imogen’s narrative had me cackling and barking out loud with laughter. Poston has a gift at writing beautifully sassy nerd girls that are crazy relatable.

What I loved most about this book is how inclusive Poston was at talking about both the positive and the negative side of fandom life. She did a great job at showing how we can come together, but she also showed how toxic it can be, especially on the internet.

I really adored this book.

I thought the first book in this series, Geekerella, was fantastic. This book in comparison seemed disjointed, and the vocabulary assumes a lot about the reader's knowledge of current popular anime, cartoons, and fandoms. Outside of this, I think the book is an adorable meet cute story that features an LGBT protagonist and was very enjoyable.