{"title":"Series: Once Upon A Con","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the enchanting world of the \u003cem\u003eOnce Upon a Con\u003c\/em\u003e series, where fairy tales and fandoms collide in delightful harmony. Perfect for young adult readers, this collection by author Ashley Poston transforms classic storybook elements into contemporary adventures that captivate the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDive into a universe where the magic of conventions meets the timeless allure of princesses and heroes. In books like \u003cem\u003eThe Princess and the Fangirl\u003c\/em\u003e, you'll explore stories that are not only filled with romance and humour but also with poignant reflections on identity and fandom culture. Each entry in the series is a standalone story, yet they are all connected through the vibrant backdrop of the ExcelsiCon—a setting where dreams come to life and cherished tales receive a modern twist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eOnce Upon a Con\u003c\/em\u003e series is a charming blend of wit, heart, and clever nods to beloved fairy tales, reimagined for today's audience. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the world of conventions, these books offer a perfect escape into a whimsical domain where anything is possible.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bookish-and-the-beast-by-ashley-poston-9781683692645","title":"Bookish and the Beast","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tale as old as time is made new in Ashley Poston's fresh, geeky retelling of \u003ci\u003eBeauty and the Beast\u003c\/i\u003e—now with a bonus Starfield story!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRosie Thorne is feeling stuck—on her college application essays, in her small town, and on that mysterious General Sond cosplayer she met at ExcelsiCon. Most of all, she’s stuck in her grief over her mother's death. Her only solace was her late mother's library of rare Starfield novels, but even that disappeared when they sold it to pay off hospital bills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, Vance Reigns has been Hollywood royalty for as long as he can remember—with all the privilege and scrutiny that entails. When a tabloid scandal catches up to him, he’s forced to hide out somewhere the paparazzi would never expect to find him—Small Town USA. At least there’s a library in the house. Too bad he doesn’t read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Vance’s and Rosie’s paths collide, sparks do not fly. But as they begrudgingly get to know each other, their careful masks come off—and they may just find that there’s more risk in shutting each other out than in opening their hearts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46497734689004,"sku":"9781683692645","price":42.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12629723482787.jpg?v=1748523564"},{"product_id":"geekerella-by-ashley-poston-9781683690436","title":"Geekerella","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCinderella\u003c\/em\u003e goes to the con in this fandom-fuelled twist on the classic fairy tale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, \u003cem\u003eGeekerella\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes \u003cem\u003eStarfield\u003c\/em\u003e, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new \u003cem\u003eStarfield\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTeen 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 \u003cem\u003eStarfield\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46500875665644,"sku":"9781683690436","price":21.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12607633482787.jpg?v=1748585184"},{"product_id":"geekerella-by-ashley-poston-9781594749933","title":"Geekerella","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCinderella\u003c\/em\u003e goes to the con in this fandom-fuelled twist on the classic fairy tale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn enchanting YA romance from the New York Times best-selling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Dead Romantics\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCinderella\u003c\/em\u003e goes to the con in this fandom-fuelled twist on the classic fairy tale romance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, \u003cem\u003eGeekerella\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGeek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes \u003cem\u003eStarfield\u003c\/em\u003e, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new \u003cem\u003eStarfield\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTeen 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 \u003cem\u003eStarfield\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46500877205740,"sku":"9781594749933","price":50.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/21947883482755.jpg?v=1748585229"},{"product_id":"the-princess-and-the-fangirl-by-ashley-poston-9781683691105","title":"The Princess and the Fangirl","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the acclaimed author of \u003cem\u003eGeekerella\u003c\/em\u003e, this spin on \u003cem\u003eThe Prince and the Pauper\u003c\/em\u003e is a perfect story for geek girls of every fandom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn enchanting YA romance from the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e best-selling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Dead Romantics\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Prince and the Pauper\u003c\/em\u003e gets a \u003cem\u003eGeekerella\u003c\/em\u003e-style makeover in this witty and heartfelt novel for those who believe in the magic of fandom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eImogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission—to save her favourite Starfield character, Princess Amara, from being killed off. On the other hand, the actress who plays Amara wouldn't mind being axed. Jessica Stone doesn't even like being part of the Starfield franchise—and she's desperate to leave the intense scrutiny of fandom behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThough Imogen and Jess have nothing in common, they do look strangely similar to one another—and a case of mistaken identity at ExcelsiCon sets off a chain of events that will change both of their lives. When the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, with all signs pointing to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. The deal: Imogen will play Jess at her signings and panels, and Jess will help Imogen's best friend run their booth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut as these \"princesses\" race to find the script leaker—in each other's shoes—they're up against more than they bargained for. From the darker side of fandom to unexpected crushes, Imogen and Jess must find a way to rescue themselves from their own expectations...and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46504856355052,"sku":"9781683691105","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12614323482787.jpg?v=1748657505"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/series-once-upon-a-con.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}