Ahoy there me mateys! The crew has been talking about this forever as being cute and worth reading. I don’t really do YA romance but I have been curious about this book for quite some time due to the Cinderella at the con twist on the original tale. So when I found meself wanting something light and fluffy, I thought I would take a chance on this contemporary.
And I thought that overall this was in fact cute and worth reading. It fit the reading mood I was in. I am not really a member of any fandoms meself but I do have friends that cosplay and go to cons. Too many people for me. But the book did seem to capture the spirit of what cons seem like from this outside observer at least.
I enjoyed the version of Elle in this story and her life with her obnoxious stepMOMster. The stepmom and twins seemed very stereotypical in their evilness but that was okay. I thought the love interest Darien was decent and somewhat enjoyed his take on stardom. I am very aware that fame on A-listers level is not all happy. But there are perks and Darien didn’t seem to appreciate any of them which was a little annoying at times. Both characters were a little too woe is me without actively fighting back. I would have liked more spunk from both of them.
That said, I loved the details about the con-twist. I adored the cosplay ball in particular. Oh and how Elle got her costume in the end. I also loved the food truck pumpkin, the best friend Sage, and Frank the Tank. Sage in particular gave me the spunk that Elle was missing. I wouldn’t mind having a friend like that.
Even though I enjoyed this one, I thought the plot was a bit over-the-top and had some ridiculous moments. The ending in particular was kinda dumb about the movie opening and relationship angst. I would not read this again but I have no regrets.
Side note: For a fun murder mystery series that deals with fandom and cons check out the books about Dahlia Moss. Arrrr!
Goodreads has this to say about the novel (edited for spoilers and added emphasis in italics mine):
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 . . .
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 [Elle especially] 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.
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Captain's Quarters 
I agree with your critique. I thought it was cute, fun, and quick too and loved the con ball but agree some things were a bit over the top. I don’t think I’ll read the second book either. YA romance isn’t my thing at all.
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Thanks for reading (and agreeing with me). I have to admit that I would love me some YA that has no romance at all. How about excellent friendships instead?
x The Captain
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I’m embarrassed to say how long this one has sat, unread, on my shelf.
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Let’s talk about this book. It was pure fun for me, and left me happy. There were some OTT times, but I was having such a good time, it didn’t matter. And, yeah! I never see anyone talk about Dahlia Moss and I loved her!
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Yer comment was in spam jail. Okay I be a behind-the-times dork. What be OTT. So glad to hear there be another Dahlia Moss fan! I read all the books and was sad when the series ended.
x The Captain
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OTT – over the top. I got the first Dahlia Moss book at BEA, and need to get the others (since my library never will), but it sounds like the series held up, which makes me happy.
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I gave this one a pass on the cheese factor because it is a retelling of Cinderella and as such can get away with a lot in my eyes. (Fairy tales themselves are a little ridiculous, so I allow their retellings to be ridiculous to a degree, too.) Sage was a really awesome character, though, and I’d love to see more of her!
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It really was a great pick-me-up kinda book. I wouldn’t mind a book all about Sage.
x The Captain
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I would love a book all about Sage! Or even a short story!
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Aye, a short story would be good too.
x The Captain
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I’ve only read the second book, but I was completely surprised at how much I loved it. I bought a copy of Geekerella right after so I can read this at some point😁
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Glad you enjoyed it overall. I had issues with the way the book ended as far as how she finally met him. I wanted it to go another way, but the way the author wrote it is good too of course. 😉 Excellent review!
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Thanks matey! What was yer way?
x The Captain
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I just wanted them to meet ‘normally’ and instead they were annoyed by other basically. I didn’t hate the ending, but it’s just not what I wanted haha. 😂 Are you going to read the second book?
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*each other
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I don’t think I am going to read the second one at the point. I enjoyed it but was in a weird book mood. If I am in that kinda mood I could pick up the second. It’s not like I be opposed to it.
x The Captain
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Exactly how I feel too. 😉
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