Ashley Poston is a beloved author known for her engaging and heartwarming stories, often blending elements of romance, contemporary issues, and fantasy. Her books have won a wide readership, thanks to their relatable characters, vibrant worlds, and her knack for storytelling. You may have heard her name through “BookTok” videos or friends’ recommendations.
If you're interested in diving into her work but aren't sure where to start, here’s a comprehensive reading guide to help you navigate Ashley Poston’s books!
Ashley Poston books in publication order:
- Geekarella (2017)
- Heart of Iron (2018)
- The Princess and the Fangirl (2019)
- Soul of Stars (2019)
- Bookish and the Beast (2020)
- Among the Beasts and Briars (2020)
- The Dead Romantics (2022)
- The Seven Year Slip (2023)
- Bewitching Hour (2023)
- Hawkeye: Bishop Takes the King (2023)
- A Novel Love Story (2024)
- Sound Like Love (upcoming 2025)
Are all of Ashley Poston’s books connected?
Ashley Poston has written both standalone books and series.
What series has Ashley Poston written?
Ashley Poston has written two series for young adults: the Heart of Iron series, which contains 2 books, and the Once Upon a Con series, which contains 3 books. Read on to learn more about these series!
What books are in the Once Upon a Con series?
- Geekerella (2017) - Geekerella is a Cinderella retelling featuring Elle Wittimer, a devoted fan of the sci-fi show Starfield. When a cosplay contest offers her a chance to meet the show's dreamy lead, her life begins to mirror the fairy tale.
- The Princess and the Fangirl (2019) - This second installment is a modern twist on The Prince and the Pauper. It follows two girls, one a famous actress and the other a fan, as they swap places at a convention.
- Bookish and the Beast (2020) - The third book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It focuses on Rosie, a bookworm, and Vance, a misunderstood actor, who are thrown together in a quaint small-town library.
Should I read the Once Upon a Con series in order?
Each book in this series is a standalone story that reimagines a classic fairy tale in a modern setting with unique characters. However, they’re interconnected through recurring locations, side characters, and the fandom of a fictional sci-fi show called Starfield, making it fun to read them in order. If you're a fan of recurring themes, Easter eggs, and subtle character cameos, reading the Once Upon a Con series in order can be a rewarding experience!
What books are in the Heart of Iron series?
- Heart of Iron (2018) - In this space adventure inspired by Anastasia, seventeen-year-old Ana, a notorious outlaw, races to find coordinates to a lost ship that might save her glitching android friend, D09.
- Soul of Stars (2019) - Ana, now presumed dead by the galaxy, seeks to rescue Di from the HIVE’s control and reclaim her kingdom in this work. With her crew facing immense danger and an ancient threat looming, Ana and her misfit friends must risk everything to prevent a world-ending disaster.
Should I read the Heart of Iron series in order?
Yes. Soul of Stars is a direct follow-up to Heart of Iron, and we recommend reading them in order.
What are Ashley Poston's YA standalone books?
- Among the Beasts and Briars (2020) - In a story about courage and self-discovery, Cerys, a young gardener, sets off into a dark and twisted forest to find a way to save her kingdom.
- Bewitching Hour: A Tara Prequel (2023) - In this Buffy the Vampire Slayer prequel, Tara Maclay, grieving her mother and struggling to hide her magic, hopes to survive her senior year in the eerie town of Hellborne. When students start dying and her crush turns out to be a witch-hunter, Tara must embrace her powers to save the town—even if it risks her newfound romance.
- Hawkeye: Bishop Takes the King (2023) - Young Hawkeye Kate Bishop celebrates solving a minor crime, only to find herself entangled in a dangerous mystery when a mix-up leaves her with a bag containing a powerful book sought by the Kingpin. Now on the run, Kate must track down Milo, the cute stranger she saved, and uncover the book's secrets before she becomes the next target.
What are Ashley Poston's adult standalone books?
- The Dead Romantics (2022) - This story follows Florence, a romance ghostwriter who has stopped believing in love—until she meets the ghost of her recently deceased editor.
- The Seven Year Slip (2023) - Clementine, a grieving book publicist, unexpectedly encounters a man from seven years in the past while staying in her late aunt’s apartment. As their connection deepens, she must grapple with the impossible nature of their romance, knowing that their timelines are forever misaligned.
- A Novel Love Story (2024) - In this play on a small-town romance, Eileen Merriweather finds herself magically transported to the fictional town of her favorite romance series, where everything feels like a storybook—except for one stubborn bookstore owner. As she tries to help the town reach its happy ending, she begins to realize her own might be tied to this mysterious, infuriating character.
Are Ashley Poston’s romance books spicy?
While Ashley Poston’s adult romances contain an occasional steamy scene, the spice level is overall low. We’d say 1-2 chilis on the 5 chili spiciness scale.
What is the best Ashley Poston book to read first?
Regarding Ashley Poston’s books, we recommend following your interests and desired age level - there’s no bad choice! But if you need a nudge in one direction or another, we’ve got you!
If you’re a fan of fandom, geekiness, romance, and fairytale retellings, and enjoy books written in the YA category, we recommend starting with Geekerella! As the first book in the Once Upon a Con series, Geekerella is lighthearted and engaging introduction to Poston's style. If you love Geekerella, then you’ve set! You’ve got the rest of the Once Upon a Con series to enjoy.
If you’re more in the mood for an adult standalone with a bit of supernatural flair, The Dead Romantics is a fantastic option. It’s a romantic comedy with a ghostly twist and dives into themes of grief and love in a beautifully humorous way. This book has a bit of everything, and if you’re unsure about the idea of a ghost romcom, you’ll be a believer by the end of this book!
Both of these are excellent starting points, depending on what type of story you're craving.
What other authors are similar to Ashley Poston?
If you love Ashley Poston's books, you probably love heartwarming books that feel like hugs, and books that makes you smile and cry at the same time. Here are some other authors you may enjoy:
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