The Girl They’re Calling Geekerella

~Geekerella~
Once Upon A Con
Book 1
By Ashley Poston
Amazon ~ Powell's

Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale. Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.

Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.


I came across this one while scanning the Quirk back-catalog, and then saw that it's the first in a series with a 3rd book recently released. Pop culture, con culture, romance, and a fairytale retelling? Yes, please!

I Have An In At Verona

~Verona Comics~
By Jennifer Dugan
Amazon ~ Powell's

Jubilee has it all together. She's an elite cellist, and when she's not working in her stepmom's indie comic shop, she's prepping for the biggest audition of her life.

Ridley is barely holding it together. His parents own the biggest comic-store chain in the country, and Ridley can't stop disappointing them--that is, when they're even paying attention.

They meet one fateful night at a comic convention prom, and the two can't help falling for each other. Too bad their parents are at each other's throats every chance they get, making a relationship between them nearly impossible . . . unless they manage to keep it a secret.

Then again, the feud between their families may be the least of their problems. As Ridley's anxiety spirals, Jubilee tries to help but finds her focus torn between her fast-approaching audition and their intensifying relationship. What if love can't conquer all? What if each of them needs more than the other can give?


I got a 2-chapter preview at the end of the author's last book, Hot Dog Girl, and knew I had to get ahold of this one. Cosplay, conventions, music, comics, LGBT+ couples, social anxiety, split POV, and teen romance? Yes, please. Now, please.

LeakyCon 2013 ~ A Not-So-Very Potter Review

Harry Potter is 15 years old (16 if you're in the UK). It's touched millions of people, created millions of fans, and will probably go down in history as one of the biggest pieces of pop culture (and/or literature) from the beginning of the third millennium. And, much like the Trekkies and Ringers from previous generations, Harry Potter fans have sought brotherhood among their own kind in gatherings and conventions.

Most notable among these conventions in the US is LeakyCon, organized by founders of The-Leaky-Cauldron website. The site has been one of the biggest HP news sites ever since its start in 2000, and has since held interviews with J.K. Rowling, published predictive books, and hosted the renowned PotterCast podcast. They are considered one of the premiere sources of HP knowledge, resources, crafts, etc. on the web.

It only follows that attending one of their conventions would be a once in a lifetime experience, right?