Ashley Poston

Ashley Poston is an American author known for writing young adult and adult contemporary romance novels that frequently incorporate elements of pop culture, fandom, and fairy tale retellings. Her work gained significant attention with her Once Upon a Con series, which reimagines classic fairy tales in modern convention settings. Poston began her career writing young adult fiction, with her debut novel "The Sound of Us" published in 2016. She has since expanded into adult romance with books like "The Dead Romantics," a contemporary romance involving a ghost writer who can see ghosts. Her writing often features protagonists who are deeply involved in fan communities, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth through the lens of popular media and fandom culture. Notable works include "Geekerella," "Heart of Iron," and "Among the Beasts & Briars." Poston's novels have been translated into multiple languages and have appeared on various bestseller lists. She resides in South Carolina, where she continues to write stories that blend contemporary settings with elements of fantasy and romance.

Readers consistently highlight Poston's ability to capture authentic fan culture and create relatable characters obsessed with fictional worlds. The romance plots receive praise for their sweet, low-angst approach. Liked: - Fresh takes on familiar fairy tales - Authentic depiction of fandom communities - Humor and pop culture references - Clean romance suitable for teens - Fast-paced, easy reading style Disliked: - Some find the plots predictable - Character development can feel rushed - References may date quickly - Romance sometimes overshadows plot - Some dialogue criticized as unrealistic Average Ratings: Goodreads: - Geekerella: 4.1/5 (80,000+ ratings) - The Dead Romantics: 4.0/5 (65,000+ ratings) - Heart of Iron: 3.7/5 (6,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Geekerella: 4.5/5 - The Dead Romantics: 4.4/5 Reader Quote: "Perfect for anyone who's ever felt like they belong more in their fandom than real life" - Goodreads reviewer Criticism Quote: "Too many forced pop culture references that detract from the story" - Amazon reviewer

Among the Beasts & Briars (2020) A fantasy novel about a royal gardener's daughter who must venture into a cursed forest to save her kingdom.

The Dead Romantics (2022) A contemporary romance following a ghostwriter who returns to her hometown and falls in love with a ghost.

The Seven Percent of Ro Larsen (2023) A contemporary romance about a data scientist who creates an algorithm to predict romantic compatibility.

Soul of the Sun (2013) A young adult sci-fi novel where a girl discovers she has celestial powers linked to the sun.

Heart of Iron (2018) A sci-fi retelling of Anastasia featuring an android named Ana searching for her origins.

Soul of Stars (2019) The sequel to Heart of Iron, continuing Ana's journey through space.

Geekerella (2017) A contemporary retelling of Cinderella set in the world of fan conventions and cosplay.

The Princess and the Fangirl (2019) A young adult novel about mistaken identity at a fan convention, inspired by The Prince and the Pauper.

Bookish and the Beast (2020) A Beauty and the Beast retelling set in contemporary times featuring a Hollywood bad boy and a bookworm.

Rainbow Rowell writes contemporary and fantasy romance featuring awkward characters finding their place in the world. Her books blend geek culture and fandom elements with romantic storylines, similar to Poston's incorporation of pop culture references.

Jen DeLuca creates romance stories centered around Renaissance Faire settings and communities. Her characters navigate real-world relationships while participating in historical reenactment culture, comparable to how Poston's characters interact within fan conventions.

Casey McQuiston focuses on queer romance plots with characters who are involved in contemporary subcultures and fandoms. Their stories incorporate social media elements and modern cultural touchstones while building relationships between characters.

Emma Lord writes romance novels featuring young protagonists discovering themselves through online communities and shared interests. Her books explore themes of identity and belonging within digital spaces and real-world connections.

Olivia Dade creates romance stories about characters involved in fandom and geek culture, particularly focusing on fan fiction communities. Her work includes plus-size representation and examines relationships that develop through shared interests in media and pop culture.