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The Geek Life #1
The Crafting Con
Ex-childhood friends Ava and Declan are thrown together for a last minute, prop-making
emergency that will totally not end with either one of them falling in love.
Ready for your next 5-star contemporary romance read!?
--
Ava Aimes idolizes her nerdtastic father, but when he ditches her mom for his soulmate—a move that turns her mother into the walking dead—she vows to give up the geek life forever.
She won’t let anything remind them of what they’ve lost, even if it means saying goodbye to her best friend, Declan. Their memories are tied too closely to her traitor dad.
Five years later, that vow begins to chafe as Ava moves toward the end of junior year. Pep club? Check. Potential Greek god prom date? Reluctant check. Gaze fixed firmly away from where her ex-bestie sits on the other side of the room? Not-so-check. The urge to be at his side is strong, but is it worth risking her mom’s newfound happiness for a chance at her own?
Declan Greene is so over his childhood crush. He barely even registers Ava’s existence tucked in the center of the popular crowd. His sole focus is on the workshop he’s running at the upcoming anime convention. If all goes well, it could lead to a high-profile collab with the area’s leading prop-maker, an opportunity he’ll do anything to secure.
But when his crafting partner backs out three weeks before the con, and Ava shows up as his replacement, Declan will either have to accept her help or chance losing the workshop altogether. He needs it to succeed, but will spending time together rekindle the feelings he’s spent years putting to rest?
emergency that will totally not end with either one of them falling in love.
Ready for your next 5-star contemporary romance read!?
--
Ava Aimes idolizes her nerdtastic father, but when he ditches her mom for his soulmate—a move that turns her mother into the walking dead—she vows to give up the geek life forever.
She won’t let anything remind them of what they’ve lost, even if it means saying goodbye to her best friend, Declan. Their memories are tied too closely to her traitor dad.
Five years later, that vow begins to chafe as Ava moves toward the end of junior year. Pep club? Check. Potential Greek god prom date? Reluctant check. Gaze fixed firmly away from where her ex-bestie sits on the other side of the room? Not-so-check. The urge to be at his side is strong, but is it worth risking her mom’s newfound happiness for a chance at her own?
Declan Greene is so over his childhood crush. He barely even registers Ava’s existence tucked in the center of the popular crowd. His sole focus is on the workshop he’s running at the upcoming anime convention. If all goes well, it could lead to a high-profile collab with the area’s leading prop-maker, an opportunity he’ll do anything to secure.
But when his crafting partner backs out three weeks before the con, and Ava shows up as his replacement, Declan will either have to accept her help or chance losing the workshop altogether. He needs it to succeed, but will spending time together rekindle the feelings he’s spent years putting to rest?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 4, 2026
Such a fun read! Perfect for vacation and hits allllll the nerd vibes!
Read
May 1, 2026THE CRAFTING CON is officially LIVE!
October 2, 2026
Um... wow. Let me start by saying that I have read every single book E.P. Stavs has ever published. Every. Single. One.
But this? The Crafting Con... it's my absolute FAVORITE! Like, for real. It is everything. Declan is the sweetest and I loved him the moment I met him. And Ava is wonderful. I LOVE everything about this book. The nerdy references, the whole plot (and play on con in the title, that was fun!) but mostly I adored Ava and Declan. They had SUCH chemistry and PINING. Oh boy do I love a guy who pines and Declan had that! YEARS of it. And Ava grew so much throughout the course of the book.
Side note, I loved Tyler. I really thought maybe he was too good to be true. Like he was a secret jerk and it was going to come out at any second. But he surprised me. And I hope he gets his happily ever after, too!
The only sad thing is now it's over and I still want more Declan and Ava. Good thing Book 2 is in the works!!
READ THIS BOOK!! That's really all I can say!!
But this? The Crafting Con... it's my absolute FAVORITE! Like, for real. It is everything. Declan is the sweetest and I loved him the moment I met him. And Ava is wonderful. I LOVE everything about this book. The nerdy references, the whole plot (and play on con in the title, that was fun!) but mostly I adored Ava and Declan. They had SUCH chemistry and PINING. Oh boy do I love a guy who pines and Declan had that! YEARS of it. And Ava grew so much throughout the course of the book.
Side note, I loved Tyler. I really thought maybe he was too good to be true. Like he was a secret jerk and it was going to come out at any second. But he surprised me. And I hope he gets his happily ever after, too!
The only sad thing is now it's over and I still want more Declan and Ava. Good thing Book 2 is in the works!!
READ THIS BOOK!! That's really all I can say!!
September 14, 2026
The 5 nerdiest of stars!!!
This book is so good!! It has humor and angsty teens and great friendships and young love and second chances and all the funnest of nerdy things!!! Ava and Declan are precious. That boy is so gone for her! The pining was top notch. But as someone who loves being in this fun world of anime and cosplay and video games, I had such a great time relating to these kids.
I need more in this series!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Erin and Whimsical Publishing for the advanced copy. These are my honest thoughts!
This book is so good!! It has humor and angsty teens and great friendships and young love and second chances and all the funnest of nerdy things!!! Ava and Declan are precious. That boy is so gone for her! The pining was top notch. But as someone who loves being in this fun world of anime and cosplay and video games, I had such a great time relating to these kids.
I need more in this series!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Erin and Whimsical Publishing for the advanced copy. These are my honest thoughts!
October 5, 2026
A cleverly written YA romance with wholesome, well-developed characters. It was really fun to read (as are all of EP Stavs' books)!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cute read! One of my favorite things about it was how it flipped the typical romance stereotypes on their head. Early on, the MMC's best friend points out that the FMC is basically your classic romance heroine, but the MMC definitely isn't your stereotypical leading man. He's a total nerd, while the guy who asks her to prom is much closer to the "traditional" romance hero. I loved the reminder that love isn't about fitting some perfect mold. Sometimes the nerd gets the girl, and honestly... that's exactly how it should be. ❤️
I also had so much fun with all the cosplay, manga, and anime elements. I'm not personally part of those fandoms, but I loved getting a glimpse into that world. The passion, creativity, and sense of community really shine through and add so much charm to the story.
Even though this is a sweet, cutesy high school romance, it doesn't shy away from heavier topics. The story thoughtfully explores alcoholism, abandonment, and panic attacks, giving the characters depth without taking away from the hopeful tone.
What really made this book stand out to me, though, was how refreshing the relationships were. The main conflict isn't centered around unnecessary relationship drama. Instead, most of the tension comes from the FMC's internal struggles and her complicated relationship with her parents. Even when there *is* a misunderstanding between the main characters, they actually talk about it and resolve it pretty quickly. Imagine that... communication! 😂
I also loved how the book handled Tyler, the "other guy." From the moment we meet him, it feels like the story is setting him up to be the stereotypical jerk. Declan accidentally hits him with a piece of food that was meant for someone else, and I was bracing myself for the usual high school confrontation. Instead, Tyler just laughs it off. Throughout the rest of the book, he continues to be genuinely kind and respectful, even after the FMC tells him she only wants to be friends. He accepts the rejection with maturity and grace. It was so refreshing to see a love triangle where no one had to be cruel or toxic, especially since we're experiencing the story from the perspective of the nerdy MMC. The book proves that you don't have to tear one character down to build another one up.
Overall, this was an adorable YA romance with heart, healthy communication, lovable nerdy vibes, and characters you can't help but root for.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I also had so much fun with all the cosplay, manga, and anime elements. I'm not personally part of those fandoms, but I loved getting a glimpse into that world. The passion, creativity, and sense of community really shine through and add so much charm to the story.
Even though this is a sweet, cutesy high school romance, it doesn't shy away from heavier topics. The story thoughtfully explores alcoholism, abandonment, and panic attacks, giving the characters depth without taking away from the hopeful tone.
What really made this book stand out to me, though, was how refreshing the relationships were. The main conflict isn't centered around unnecessary relationship drama. Instead, most of the tension comes from the FMC's internal struggles and her complicated relationship with her parents. Even when there *is* a misunderstanding between the main characters, they actually talk about it and resolve it pretty quickly. Imagine that... communication! 😂
I also loved how the book handled Tyler, the "other guy." From the moment we meet him, it feels like the story is setting him up to be the stereotypical jerk. Declan accidentally hits him with a piece of food that was meant for someone else, and I was bracing myself for the usual high school confrontation. Instead, Tyler just laughs it off. Throughout the rest of the book, he continues to be genuinely kind and respectful, even after the FMC tells him she only wants to be friends. He accepts the rejection with maturity and grace. It was so refreshing to see a love triangle where no one had to be cruel or toxic, especially since we're experiencing the story from the perspective of the nerdy MMC. The book proves that you don't have to tear one character down to build another one up.
Overall, this was an adorable YA romance with heart, healthy communication, lovable nerdy vibes, and characters you can't help but root for.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dream story for every geeky booklover! The Crafting Con shows the struggles between navigating your love for fan culture and high school drama, added with an emotional layer of family relationships.
Shifting from Ava's pov and Declan's pov, the story hooked me from the very first chapter, wherein we're introduced to Ava's rage for her father's betrayal. It felt genuine and raw, even for those who haven't experienced such a parental divorce. It is still unimaginable how your idol of a father can just fall out of love. While the story doesn't go into that much detail, it thoroughly explores its effects on others. Stavs perfectly balances between a comic con-focused trope and a coming-of-age. On the one hand, she presents the hard work and effort that goes into comic con preparations, and on the other hand, she moves the reader by writing such strong relationships and characters.
The book was hard to put down, with Ava struggling to find her own identity, sharing them with others, and facing her hurtful past. Sure, she makes some mistakes, but she shows that you're allowed to do that and be both 'popular' and geeky.
Declan was just the epitome of a yearner! Boy, that guy, he was doomed from the start. His love for comic con props is admirable and insightful for those who think that cosplaying is just about dressing up. NO WRONG, it's hard work to create a costume + props😭.
I also loved Declan's and Ava's friends (Stasia, Hiro, Tyler)! They're the best supporters and schemers, who deserve at least a trophy for that. 🙌 I loved their silly jokes and awkward miscommunications. They also really interact with each other instead of being some loose side characters who only support specific characters.
While the story is set in a high school area, with proms, parties, and a sports field, giving it a light-hearted touch, Stavs also manages to go deeper by touching upon alcoholism, a form of depression, parental abandonment, and a consequent serious anxiety of desertion. This mix creates an emotional read that truly pulls on your heartstrings.
Finally, it's evident that the author knows what she's writing about. Her love and passion produced a wonderful, affectionate story that deserves all the stars!
Shifting from Ava's pov and Declan's pov, the story hooked me from the very first chapter, wherein we're introduced to Ava's rage for her father's betrayal. It felt genuine and raw, even for those who haven't experienced such a parental divorce. It is still unimaginable how your idol of a father can just fall out of love. While the story doesn't go into that much detail, it thoroughly explores its effects on others. Stavs perfectly balances between a comic con-focused trope and a coming-of-age. On the one hand, she presents the hard work and effort that goes into comic con preparations, and on the other hand, she moves the reader by writing such strong relationships and characters.
The book was hard to put down, with Ava struggling to find her own identity, sharing them with others, and facing her hurtful past. Sure, she makes some mistakes, but she shows that you're allowed to do that and be both 'popular' and geeky.
Declan was just the epitome of a yearner! Boy, that guy, he was doomed from the start. His love for comic con props is admirable and insightful for those who think that cosplaying is just about dressing up. NO WRONG, it's hard work to create a costume + props😭.
I also loved Declan's and Ava's friends (Stasia, Hiro, Tyler)! They're the best supporters and schemers, who deserve at least a trophy for that. 🙌 I loved their silly jokes and awkward miscommunications. They also really interact with each other instead of being some loose side characters who only support specific characters.
While the story is set in a high school area, with proms, parties, and a sports field, giving it a light-hearted touch, Stavs also manages to go deeper by touching upon alcoholism, a form of depression, parental abandonment, and a consequent serious anxiety of desertion. This mix creates an emotional read that truly pulls on your heartstrings.
Finally, it's evident that the author knows what she's writing about. Her love and passion produced a wonderful, affectionate story that deserves all the stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read: July 6th - July 10th
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Welcome to another example of a book I think people would enjoy if they like Disney-channel type movies! A bit more mature, though, since it's tackling themes such as infidelity of a parent, then worries of alcoholism with the parent. Both are tackled in a light-ish manner, but are still more mature subjects than you'd see on Disney Channel.
I think I would have been willing to bump this book up to a 4 star if it had been nerdier, honestly. The kids are nerdy for sure, and there's a lot of anime nerdy stuff discussed, but for something with 'con' in the title, we got VERY little actual con experience. Which isn't a bad thing, but without that extra oomph, it fell into 3-star-enjoyable-not-super-memorable space of my brain.
Even without the hard commit to the nerdiness, though, I genuinely enjoyed it. The Crafting Con subverts a lot of typical teen romance tropes that make me cringe and roll my eyes. There was a perfect chance for miscommunication 3rd act break-up, and it didn't happen. These high school teens had the maturity to go "There's probably a reason, I want to talk to the other party first." They still had their struggles and anxieties, but they kept those open minds, and I was just SO HAPPY.
Some things did make me roll my eyes a bit, but they were also understandable from a frightened teenager's perspective. Entirely realistic with the lengths gone? Maybe not. But not so out there that it killed any chance of enjoyment/immersion. And even if I wanted more of it, I did genuinely enjoy the nerdiness we saw within the pages of this book. I adore nerdy romances, and I'm so happy to see more and more popping up in the world. #NerdsRule
The Crafting Con overall is an enjoyable book, and although it didn't reach what I was wanting in a few areas, it went above what I expected in others.
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Welcome to another example of a book I think people would enjoy if they like Disney-channel type movies! A bit more mature, though, since it's tackling themes such as infidelity of a parent, then worries of alcoholism with the parent. Both are tackled in a light-ish manner, but are still more mature subjects than you'd see on Disney Channel.
I think I would have been willing to bump this book up to a 4 star if it had been nerdier, honestly. The kids are nerdy for sure, and there's a lot of anime nerdy stuff discussed, but for something with 'con' in the title, we got VERY little actual con experience. Which isn't a bad thing, but without that extra oomph, it fell into 3-star-enjoyable-not-super-memorable space of my brain.
Even without the hard commit to the nerdiness, though, I genuinely enjoyed it. The Crafting Con subverts a lot of typical teen romance tropes that make me cringe and roll my eyes. There was a perfect chance for miscommunication 3rd act break-up, and it didn't happen. These high school teens had the maturity to go "There's probably a reason, I want to talk to the other party first." They still had their struggles and anxieties, but they kept those open minds, and I was just SO HAPPY.
Some things did make me roll my eyes a bit, but they were also understandable from a frightened teenager's perspective. Entirely realistic with the lengths gone? Maybe not. But not so out there that it killed any chance of enjoyment/immersion. And even if I wanted more of it, I did genuinely enjoy the nerdiness we saw within the pages of this book. I adore nerdy romances, and I'm so happy to see more and more popping up in the world. #NerdsRule
The Crafting Con overall is an enjoyable book, and although it didn't reach what I was wanting in a few areas, it went above what I expected in others.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Crafting Con
Author: E.P. Stavs
Series: The Geek Life #1
Goodreads rating: 4.59 ⭐️
My rating: 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded to 4 ⭐️ on Goodreads)
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
First and foremost, despite the 3.5 stars, I enjoyed this book. It was refreshing, and I quite literally read it in less than 48 hours. It was fun, and lovely to see how it all unfolded. I truly enjoyed the mending of the broken friendship between Ava and Declan. The storyline was solid, and so was the plot.
But somewhere along the line, it hit a snag, and I still can't define exactly what it was.
In my opinion, I think we should have gotten more of the history between the two than what we already got, because the excitement for the con was truly palpable, yet I somehow felt the roots of it were tell, don't show.
Also, I missed more moments between Ava and Declan making props and planning the workshop at the con. There is never too much nerd talk (at least in my opinion). I love when people go off about things they love (I'm one of them, I feel like I have swallowed a tape once I get going about a favorite topic).
Last, but not least, the ending felt rushed. Like, don't get me wrong, I wanted more in certain situations, but the pacing was going well, and then everything was resolved in mere pages. Talk about climax that wasn't exactly satisfying (or as satisfying as it would have been if it had been a few more pages long, maybe even another chapter to go with the angst of that one last hurrah before the book ended).
However, I am excited to see more in this series, and I will be (im)patiently waiting for the next installments.
P.S. Imagining a very young Colin Donnell as the face of Declan.
P.P.S. The Princess Bride reference was chef's kiss. Haven't watched the movie, but my bestie has (multiple times) and I got some knowledge from her by osmosis.
Author: E.P. Stavs
Series: The Geek Life #1
Goodreads rating: 4.59 ⭐️
My rating: 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded to 4 ⭐️ on Goodreads)
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
First and foremost, despite the 3.5 stars, I enjoyed this book. It was refreshing, and I quite literally read it in less than 48 hours. It was fun, and lovely to see how it all unfolded. I truly enjoyed the mending of the broken friendship between Ava and Declan. The storyline was solid, and so was the plot.
But somewhere along the line, it hit a snag, and I still can't define exactly what it was.
In my opinion, I think we should have gotten more of the history between the two than what we already got, because the excitement for the con was truly palpable, yet I somehow felt the roots of it were tell, don't show.
Also, I missed more moments between Ava and Declan making props and planning the workshop at the con. There is never too much nerd talk (at least in my opinion). I love when people go off about things they love (I'm one of them, I feel like I have swallowed a tape once I get going about a favorite topic).
Last, but not least, the ending felt rushed. Like, don't get me wrong, I wanted more in certain situations, but the pacing was going well, and then everything was resolved in mere pages. Talk about climax that wasn't exactly satisfying (or as satisfying as it would have been if it had been a few more pages long, maybe even another chapter to go with the angst of that one last hurrah before the book ended).
However, I am excited to see more in this series, and I will be (im)patiently waiting for the next installments.
P.S. Imagining a very young Colin Donnell as the face of Declan.
P.P.S. The Princess Bride reference was chef's kiss. Haven't watched the movie, but my bestie has (multiple times) and I got some knowledge from her by osmosis.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For full disclosure, I've been attending anime conventions for the past 20+ years who's a fan of geeky romance along the lines of the manga Drama Con.
A childhood friends to enemies to a second chance. Our two main characters started their cosplay and convention lives as the cute kids in costume being paraded around by their parents. When our FMC's voice actor father leaves her mother for a cosplayer, the friendship between her and her childhood friend is fractured. And now, in present day and present time, they are destined to work together for a local convention's programming by running a workshop.
I love how the author really had these characters grow apart from childhood to being a part of their own world in their high school days. Our FMC is doing her own thing and has abandoned the anime and cosplay hobby whereas our MMC, has continued his love of the craft. The side characters are fun too - Hiro is one of my fav's.
But with prom around the corner and the convention on the same weekend, which will our FMC choose? Also, do our MMC and FMC have a second shot at friendship? I love the lead into these two becoming friends again. I love how the author also captures high school expectations and milestones and geek life.
As a cosplayer and longtime convention goer, this was a cute love story. While my critiques are minor in portraying con culture, they didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. I hope we do see more geeky romance from the author. She is definitely part of this world and portrays it so much better and realistic than its anime contemporaries (ie: My Dress Up Darling).
Highly recommend if you're within any proximity to cosplay and convention culture. This is a story that will make you go Awwww.
Note: I am part of the ARC team.
A childhood friends to enemies to a second chance. Our two main characters started their cosplay and convention lives as the cute kids in costume being paraded around by their parents. When our FMC's voice actor father leaves her mother for a cosplayer, the friendship between her and her childhood friend is fractured. And now, in present day and present time, they are destined to work together for a local convention's programming by running a workshop.
I love how the author really had these characters grow apart from childhood to being a part of their own world in their high school days. Our FMC is doing her own thing and has abandoned the anime and cosplay hobby whereas our MMC, has continued his love of the craft. The side characters are fun too - Hiro is one of my fav's.
But with prom around the corner and the convention on the same weekend, which will our FMC choose? Also, do our MMC and FMC have a second shot at friendship? I love the lead into these two becoming friends again. I love how the author also captures high school expectations and milestones and geek life.
As a cosplayer and longtime convention goer, this was a cute love story. While my critiques are minor in portraying con culture, they didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. I hope we do see more geeky romance from the author. She is definitely part of this world and portrays it so much better and realistic than its anime contemporaries (ie: My Dress Up Darling).
Highly recommend if you're within any proximity to cosplay and convention culture. This is a story that will make you go Awwww.
Note: I am part of the ARC team.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Crafting Con completely won me over! It was the perfect blend of geeky joy, heartfelt emotion, and adorable romance. As someone who loves fandom culture, I had so much fun with all the references sprinkled throughout the story. The nods to The Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, and even KPOP Demon Hunters (especially the Golden reference!) made me smile every time—they felt like little gifts for fellow fans rather than forced pop culture mentions.
Ava and Declan were such lovable, authentic characters. Their shared history, insecurities, and slow journey back to each other made me root for them from the very beginning. I especially appreciated that they were allowed to be messy, make mistakes, and grow. Their love of crafting and cosplay wasn’t just a fun backdrop—it was such an important part of who they were, and it was clear the author truly understands and celebrates fandom communities.
The friendships were another highlight. Stasia, Hiro, and Tyler brought so much warmth, humor, and heart to the story. Their banter felt natural, and they genuinely cared about one another, making the whole friend group feel like people I’d happily hang out with at a convention.
While the book is full of fun convention prep and fandom excitement, it also explores heavier topics like family changes, abandonment, and finding your identity with a lot of compassion. It never lost its hopeful heart, and I found myself laughing one chapter and getting emotional the next.
If you’ve ever found your people through fandom, spent hours making something you’re passionate about, or simply love a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with plenty of heart, this book is for you. I finished it with a huge smile and already wish I could read it again.
The Crafting Con completely won me over! It was the perfect blend of geeky joy, heartfelt emotion, and adorable romance. As someone who loves fandom culture, I had so much fun with all the references sprinkled throughout the story. The nods to The Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, and even KPOP Demon Hunters (especially the Golden reference!) made me smile every time—they felt like little gifts for fellow fans rather than forced pop culture mentions.
Ava and Declan were such lovable, authentic characters. Their shared history, insecurities, and slow journey back to each other made me root for them from the very beginning. I especially appreciated that they were allowed to be messy, make mistakes, and grow. Their love of crafting and cosplay wasn’t just a fun backdrop—it was such an important part of who they were, and it was clear the author truly understands and celebrates fandom communities.
The friendships were another highlight. Stasia, Hiro, and Tyler brought so much warmth, humor, and heart to the story. Their banter felt natural, and they genuinely cared about one another, making the whole friend group feel like people I’d happily hang out with at a convention.
While the book is full of fun convention prep and fandom excitement, it also explores heavier topics like family changes, abandonment, and finding your identity with a lot of compassion. It never lost its hopeful heart, and I found myself laughing one chapter and getting emotional the next.
If you’ve ever found your people through fandom, spent hours making something you’re passionate about, or simply love a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with plenty of heart, this book is for you. I finished it with a huge smile and already wish I could read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As someone who's part of the cosplay and convention community, The Crafting Con immediately caught my attention—and it didn't disappoint. Reading a book that understands this hobby instead of treating it like a quirky side interest was honestly refreshing.
The convention scenes felt authentic. I loved seeing the amount of preparation that goes into hosting a workshop and how much time, patience, and trial-and-error crafting actually takes. Watching Ava and Declan work together on their projects made those moments even more enjoyable, and it really highlighted the passion behind creating something by hand.
I also really liked Ava as a character. Her complicated relationship with her dad was written in a way that felt believable, and her love for her mom added a softer, emotional layer to the story. Those family dynamics gave the book more depth without making it feel overly heavy.
The romance between Ava and Declan was another highlight for me. Their connection felt natural from the beginning, and I found myself rooting for them almost immediately. Sometimes you just know two characters belong together, and that's exactly how they felt.
If I had one wish, it would be for even more convention content. That's what drew me to the book in the first place, and I could have happily read another hundred pages about the convention itself. I also thought the ending came together a little too quickly, and I would have loved a bit more time with the characters before saying goodbye.
Overall, The Crafting Con is a fun, heartfelt story that celebrates creativity, fandom, and the people you meet along the way. If cosplay, conventions, and character-driven YA stories are your thing, this one is definitely worth checking out.
The convention scenes felt authentic. I loved seeing the amount of preparation that goes into hosting a workshop and how much time, patience, and trial-and-error crafting actually takes. Watching Ava and Declan work together on their projects made those moments even more enjoyable, and it really highlighted the passion behind creating something by hand.
I also really liked Ava as a character. Her complicated relationship with her dad was written in a way that felt believable, and her love for her mom added a softer, emotional layer to the story. Those family dynamics gave the book more depth without making it feel overly heavy.
The romance between Ava and Declan was another highlight for me. Their connection felt natural from the beginning, and I found myself rooting for them almost immediately. Sometimes you just know two characters belong together, and that's exactly how they felt.
If I had one wish, it would be for even more convention content. That's what drew me to the book in the first place, and I could have happily read another hundred pages about the convention itself. I also thought the ending came together a little too quickly, and I would have loved a bit more time with the characters before saying goodbye.
Overall, The Crafting Con is a fun, heartfelt story that celebrates creativity, fandom, and the people you meet along the way. If cosplay, conventions, and character-driven YA stories are your thing, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I expected The Crafting Con to be a cute geeky YA romance, and it was that, but there was much more emotional depth in it than I expected.
I absolutely loved the whole geek and fandom atmosphere. Anime, manga, cosplay, crafting, conventions and all the little pop culture references made this book so much fun for me. Honestly, I could probably read twice as many pages of them just talking about their hobbies and preparing for the con.
Ava and Declan were a big reason why this worked so well for me. They were childhood best friends, then basically strangers, and now they have to somehow find their way back to each other. There is hurt between them, but also this familiarity that never completely disappeared. I really enjoyed watching them slowly reconnect.
And THANK YOU for characters who actually communicate. There were several moments where I was already preparing myself for the classic YA misunderstanding that would take another 100 pages to solve. And then... they talked. Like normal people. What a concept. 😭
But surprisingly, the part that stayed with me the most wasn't even the romance. It was Ava's family situation.
Her relationship with both of her parents is complicated in completely different ways. Her father's choices affected her deeply, but I found her relationship with her mother maybe even more interesting. Ava gave up so much of herself because she felt responsible for her. She walked away from things she loved, from an important friendship and basically from a whole part of herself because she was trying to protect and take care of her mom.
The book deals with alcoholism, abandonment, infidelity and panic attacks, and I appreciated that these topics weren't there just for some dramatic backstory. They actually shaped Ava and her decisions. At the same time, the story could still be funny, nerdy and sweet without making these heavier parts feel unimportant.
I went into this expecting a fun romance about cosplay and conventions and ended up caring much more about Ava and everything she was going through than I thought I would.
Definitely a 5-star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved the whole geek and fandom atmosphere. Anime, manga, cosplay, crafting, conventions and all the little pop culture references made this book so much fun for me. Honestly, I could probably read twice as many pages of them just talking about their hobbies and preparing for the con.
Ava and Declan were a big reason why this worked so well for me. They were childhood best friends, then basically strangers, and now they have to somehow find their way back to each other. There is hurt between them, but also this familiarity that never completely disappeared. I really enjoyed watching them slowly reconnect.
And THANK YOU for characters who actually communicate. There were several moments where I was already preparing myself for the classic YA misunderstanding that would take another 100 pages to solve. And then... they talked. Like normal people. What a concept. 😭
But surprisingly, the part that stayed with me the most wasn't even the romance. It was Ava's family situation.
Her relationship with both of her parents is complicated in completely different ways. Her father's choices affected her deeply, but I found her relationship with her mother maybe even more interesting. Ava gave up so much of herself because she felt responsible for her. She walked away from things she loved, from an important friendship and basically from a whole part of herself because she was trying to protect and take care of her mom.
The book deals with alcoholism, abandonment, infidelity and panic attacks, and I appreciated that these topics weren't there just for some dramatic backstory. They actually shaped Ava and her decisions. At the same time, the story could still be funny, nerdy and sweet without making these heavier parts feel unimportant.
I went into this expecting a fun romance about cosplay and conventions and ended up caring much more about Ava and everything she was going through than I thought I would.
Definitely a 5-star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
-I received this book from NetGalley-
This was such a wonderful book. It pulled at my heartstrings in that uniquely nostalgic way that only a great high school rom-com can. With the added elements of nerd culture and all the fun references, it made for a fantastic story that took me right back to my own high school days of conventions, prom, and finding the things you love.
One of the things I appreciated most was how fresh and authentic this book felt. From the classic high school party (without the usual focus on alcohol), to the handsome jock who actually knows his way around nerd culture, to the idea of loving your craft even when you don’t have a million YouTube followers, so much of the story felt refreshingly real. It captured high school in a way that felt much closer to reality than the exaggerated version we often see on television.
I have to admit that, being closer in age to the parents in this book, I found myself incredibly frustrated with them at times. But honestly, some people are just jerks, and I was so happy that Ava had such a great group of friends in her corner. Her friendships were one of the aspects of the story that I particularly enjoyed.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It was fun, heartfelt, nostalgic, and wonderfully nerdy. Anyone who has spent time at conventions or found a community through the things they love will undoubtedly find something to relate to here. It’s a charming and genuinely enjoyable read, and one I’m very glad I picked up.
This was such a wonderful book. It pulled at my heartstrings in that uniquely nostalgic way that only a great high school rom-com can. With the added elements of nerd culture and all the fun references, it made for a fantastic story that took me right back to my own high school days of conventions, prom, and finding the things you love.
One of the things I appreciated most was how fresh and authentic this book felt. From the classic high school party (without the usual focus on alcohol), to the handsome jock who actually knows his way around nerd culture, to the idea of loving your craft even when you don’t have a million YouTube followers, so much of the story felt refreshingly real. It captured high school in a way that felt much closer to reality than the exaggerated version we often see on television.
I have to admit that, being closer in age to the parents in this book, I found myself incredibly frustrated with them at times. But honestly, some people are just jerks, and I was so happy that Ava had such a great group of friends in her corner. Her friendships were one of the aspects of the story that I particularly enjoyed.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It was fun, heartfelt, nostalgic, and wonderfully nerdy. Anyone who has spent time at conventions or found a community through the things they love will undoubtedly find something to relate to here. It’s a charming and genuinely enjoyable read, and one I’m very glad I picked up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Crafting Con by E.P. Stavs - A heartfelt book about taking care of people around you while being true to yourself. Ava, our high school protagonist, shares a lot of geeky interests with her father, but he turns out to be a rotten human being who blew off his family five years ago. In order to keep her mother from self-destructing, Ava gave up everything geek related and even cut off all contact with her geeky best friend Declan. As the stress slowly tears Ava apart, her friends help her gain insight into what she needs to do to take care of herself.
This story is told against a backdrop of anime conventions and general geekdom, with a fabulous array of movie quotes, dad jokes, video games, and board games, among other things. The romance was sweet and kinda falls under the “second chance” trope, as well as “he fell first” (his inner monologue was so swoony!) The side characters were great, and I loved how everyone was supportive of everyone else. I especially liked how the boy in the other half of the love triangle was such a class act and helped Ava so much. (How were there no Lizzie McGuire references? This was totally high school Lizzie, Ethan, and Gordo!)
This is the first book in a new series called The Geek Life and I’m really excited to see where else the series goes!
Thank you to E.P. Stavs for the Advanced Reader’s Copy!
Notes:
-FM couple
-Low spice
-Alcoholism
This story is told against a backdrop of anime conventions and general geekdom, with a fabulous array of movie quotes, dad jokes, video games, and board games, among other things. The romance was sweet and kinda falls under the “second chance” trope, as well as “he fell first” (his inner monologue was so swoony!) The side characters were great, and I loved how everyone was supportive of everyone else. I especially liked how the boy in the other half of the love triangle was such a class act and helped Ava so much. (How were there no Lizzie McGuire references? This was totally high school Lizzie, Ethan, and Gordo!)
This is the first book in a new series called The Geek Life and I’m really excited to see where else the series goes!
Thank you to E.P. Stavs for the Advanced Reader’s Copy!
Notes:
-FM couple
-Low spice
-Alcoholism
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As an anime lover, I was so intrigued when I read the synopsis of this book and it did not disappoint! This was genuinely so much fun.
I loved the way the nerdy elements were woven in and I found myself audibly laughing at quite a few points. It also delved a lot deeper than I expected, covering some heavy themes around the family dynamic. We are thrown right into the story when we meet Ava and her mother, who are left brokenhearted when Ava's dad leaves them and Ava is forced to pick up the pieces and hold her family together in the only way she can think of, by removing anything from her life that could be a reminder of her dad, including her best friend.
It took a second to get into the story and have it feel real but from the 20% mark onwards I pretty much read it in one sitting. I found both of our main characters to be endearing while flawed, the side character plots were interesting enough to build on the story of our main characters but not too much as to be distracting. I really had so much fun with this, all the specific mentions of anime and quotes from movies like star wars got me. And when they mentioned using the playstation to open crunchyroll! Such a small detail but it had me sitting there thinking yessss.
I haven't read a book like this before. I would 100% recommend to anyone who like YA romance and is an anime fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I loved the way the nerdy elements were woven in and I found myself audibly laughing at quite a few points. It also delved a lot deeper than I expected, covering some heavy themes around the family dynamic. We are thrown right into the story when we meet Ava and her mother, who are left brokenhearted when Ava's dad leaves them and Ava is forced to pick up the pieces and hold her family together in the only way she can think of, by removing anything from her life that could be a reminder of her dad, including her best friend.
It took a second to get into the story and have it feel real but from the 20% mark onwards I pretty much read it in one sitting. I found both of our main characters to be endearing while flawed, the side character plots were interesting enough to build on the story of our main characters but not too much as to be distracting. I really had so much fun with this, all the specific mentions of anime and quotes from movies like star wars got me. And when they mentioned using the playstation to open crunchyroll! Such a small detail but it had me sitting there thinking yessss.
I haven't read a book like this before. I would 100% recommend to anyone who like YA romance and is an anime fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 9, 2026
This was a quick, easy read filled with geeky references...many of which I didn't understand since I'm not into anime, but you'd probably love them if you are, and there were still enough other ones I knew to make it fun. It managed to be a fun read, though it dealt with harder issues like infidelity of a parent, divorce, alcoholism, panic attacks, and working through the emotions of all of these as a teen. The premise of the story was cute and enjoyable. It was pretty clean for a young adult romance, with a few things I felt were unnecessary to include (listed below in the content section).
I would recommend this book to anime fans who like young adult contemporary romance, comic cons, and books dealing with harder topics, noting content listed below. I probably won't read this again, but it was fun to read once.
Content: kisses only romance (mildly described), mentions of wanting to kiss, lots noticing and physical attraction, multiple uses of as* and da*n, alcoholism, dealing with infidelity, divorce, one moment where the main characters have classic rom-com falling from a tree and the guy catches her moment where they tumble to the ground - she lands on top of him and it's mentioned her 'backside being pressed against places he is trying hard not to think about'. A character kissed a lot of guys in the past, but is mentioned to have never gone any further.
I would recommend this book to anime fans who like young adult contemporary romance, comic cons, and books dealing with harder topics, noting content listed below. I probably won't read this again, but it was fun to read once.
Content: kisses only romance (mildly described), mentions of wanting to kiss, lots noticing and physical attraction, multiple uses of as* and da*n, alcoholism, dealing with infidelity, divorce, one moment where the main characters have classic rom-com falling from a tree and the guy catches her moment where they tumble to the ground - she lands on top of him and it's mentioned her 'backside being pressed against places he is trying hard not to think about'. A character kissed a lot of guys in the past, but is mentioned to have never gone any further.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Where do I even begin? The way I love this book . . . love isn't even the right word. The characters grabbed me, heart and soul, from the start. From the first page I was utterly invested, staying up late to finish--and I could already read it again! I absolutely need this book on my shelf (and the publisher has a sweeeeet special edition that will look gorgeous on it, which I've already pre-ordered)!
E. P. Stavs has a natural talent when it comes to writing. Her voice, and that of her characters, soars. Ava and Declan are the geeky MCs teenage me would have been best friends with--they felt so real, their struggles and insecurities handled beautifully, their love of all things fandom delightful and refreshing, their romance . . . the SWOON!!! My heart was so happy reading about these childhood friends finding their way back to each other.
I can't forget the other characters in this incredible book, though! Stasia, Hiro, Tyler . . . I love them too. Like, I would devour any more content with any of these characters, and hope we get more someday! More Ava and Declan romance, more side quests with the friend group--all of it!
The Crafting Con is a geeky gem, and I can't wait for people to fall for Ava and Dec the way I have!
E. P. Stavs has a natural talent when it comes to writing. Her voice, and that of her characters, soars. Ava and Declan are the geeky MCs teenage me would have been best friends with--they felt so real, their struggles and insecurities handled beautifully, their love of all things fandom delightful and refreshing, their romance . . . the SWOON!!! My heart was so happy reading about these childhood friends finding their way back to each other.
I can't forget the other characters in this incredible book, though! Stasia, Hiro, Tyler . . . I love them too. Like, I would devour any more content with any of these characters, and hope we get more someday! More Ava and Declan romance, more side quests with the friend group--all of it!
The Crafting Con is a geeky gem, and I can't wait for people to fall for Ava and Dec the way I have!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Crafting-Con was a delightfully swoony second chance YA romance and love letter to all things fandom and cosplay. I adored this book from the very first chapter, and found myself connecting with Ava and her stubborn determination to fight for the people in her life that mattered to her and were still there. The writing is lighthearted at times, and poignant at others, as Ava deals with a father who chose to walk out on his marriage and move across the country, and decides she will burn all her memories of him, even if that means giving up cosplay and the cons she loved so much—and her friend Declan.
I loved the intense first crush chemistry between Declan and Ava. It was so intense on both sides. They team up after five years apart to work on a last minute project that could help Declan get a summer opportunity with a local prop-maker, and this comes just as Ava’s friend group is trying to nudge her towards a potential romance, prom is coming, parties are in the air, along with all the usual high school adventures. And how will she get through her first con in years while avoiding her famous dad? I loved this! 5/5 stars.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author for review purposes.
I loved the intense first crush chemistry between Declan and Ava. It was so intense on both sides. They team up after five years apart to work on a last minute project that could help Declan get a summer opportunity with a local prop-maker, and this comes just as Ava’s friend group is trying to nudge her towards a potential romance, prom is coming, parties are in the air, along with all the usual high school adventures. And how will she get through her first con in years while avoiding her famous dad? I loved this! 5/5 stars.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author for review purposes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Adorkable. There is no other word, this book is totally Adorkable. It has all the elements I love - besties to idiots ✅
geeky interests ✅
family drama ✅
someone finally looking out for the FMC who looks out for everyone else ✅
adorably awkward geeky MCs ✅
This was a fast read for me because I could not put it down once I got started. Declan and Ava are characters already dear to me because they reminded me so much of my own social group in high school. I remember our first anime convention when at 19 a group of us drove five hours away to attend the only “local” con and several costumes were still being hand sewn in the car!
As a geeky person and parent my heart went out to Ava and I felt so much empathy for her feeling like she needed to hide her true self to be able to support her mother. I’m really glad quite a few other characters pointed out to Ava that her mother is an adult and needs to take care of her own feelings. It's always hard to see FMCs that have ended up taking on the burdens of others, but its also satisfying when someone else finally puts them first.
Thanks Netgalley and Whimsical Publishing for the ARC.
geeky interests ✅
family drama ✅
someone finally looking out for the FMC who looks out for everyone else ✅
adorably awkward geeky MCs ✅
This was a fast read for me because I could not put it down once I got started. Declan and Ava are characters already dear to me because they reminded me so much of my own social group in high school. I remember our first anime convention when at 19 a group of us drove five hours away to attend the only “local” con and several costumes were still being hand sewn in the car!
As a geeky person and parent my heart went out to Ava and I felt so much empathy for her feeling like she needed to hide her true self to be able to support her mother. I’m really glad quite a few other characters pointed out to Ava that her mother is an adult and needs to take care of her own feelings. It's always hard to see FMCs that have ended up taking on the burdens of others, but its also satisfying when someone else finally puts them first.
Thanks Netgalley and Whimsical Publishing for the ARC.
August 28, 2026
The Crafting Con hooked me from the very beginning and never let up! I enjoyed this story from start to finish.
At its heart, this is a second-chance romance between former childhood best friends Ava Aimes and Declan Greene, but what really made the story stand out for me was the setting. I loved getting a glimpse into the world of anime conventions and cosplays, and seeing a spotlight shone on the fandoms that are sometimes dismissed as “nerdy.” And, in a refreshing twist, the handsome and charming jock doesn’t automatically get the girl!
But beneath all the fun, cosplay, and romance are some heavier themes, including depression, addiction, fears of abandonment, the struggle to trust others, and even be true to yourself. I especially appreciated that these struggles aren’t limited to the teens; the adults are also dealing with their own challenges and baggage.
As the story unfolds, the truth has a way of coming to light—but will the truth set everyone free, or will there be a cost?
Overall, The Crafting Con was an engaging, heartfelt, and refreshingly different romance that had me invested from beginning to end.
Thank you to Whimsical Publishing for the ARC!
At its heart, this is a second-chance romance between former childhood best friends Ava Aimes and Declan Greene, but what really made the story stand out for me was the setting. I loved getting a glimpse into the world of anime conventions and cosplays, and seeing a spotlight shone on the fandoms that are sometimes dismissed as “nerdy.” And, in a refreshing twist, the handsome and charming jock doesn’t automatically get the girl!
But beneath all the fun, cosplay, and romance are some heavier themes, including depression, addiction, fears of abandonment, the struggle to trust others, and even be true to yourself. I especially appreciated that these struggles aren’t limited to the teens; the adults are also dealing with their own challenges and baggage.
As the story unfolds, the truth has a way of coming to light—but will the truth set everyone free, or will there be a cost?
Overall, The Crafting Con was an engaging, heartfelt, and refreshingly different romance that had me invested from beginning to end.
Thank you to Whimsical Publishing for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is the absolute cutest! I adored the characters - every single one of them. I laughed a lot. Like a lot a lot. And then I completely bawled my eyes out. I sat down and read this in one shot because I was so engrossed in the story. And even though it's the sweetest, it also deals with some pretty challenging themes. And watching, especially Ava, work through things was so great and felt realistic and I just really appreciated the strong friend support group she had. Also, I am 100% here for a friends to lovers, they are reuniting after years apart, one of them is trying to deflect and says something bad about the other and then slo-mo turns and the other is there tropes but also *chef's kiss* for not having a real miscommunication trope. All the nerdy references and ah! I just really loved this book. So go pre-order it. And the Whimsical special edition with sprayed edges looks gorgeous.
I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review - thanks so much!
I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review - thanks so much!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a really entertaining and creative read with a fun concept at its core. The “crafting con” idea brings a unique twist to the story, blending humor, scheme-style chaos, and emotional moments in a way that keeps the plot moving and engaging.
What stood out most was how light and clever the tone felt. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it easy to get into, but it still manages to build enough emotional depth to keep you invested in the characters and their journey. The interactions feel playful and sometimes chaotic, which adds to the overall charm of the book.
There’s a nice balance between comedy and heart—moments where everything feels a bit messy or unpredictable, followed by softer scenes that ground the characters and their motivations. It’s the kind of book that feels very bingeable because each chapter pulls you forward.
Overall, this is a fun, quirky read with a strong concept, likable characters, and a satisfying mix of humor and heart. Perfect for readers who enjoy light romance, playful schemes, and feel-good storytelling.
What stood out most was how light and clever the tone felt. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it easy to get into, but it still manages to build enough emotional depth to keep you invested in the characters and their journey. The interactions feel playful and sometimes chaotic, which adds to the overall charm of the book.
There’s a nice balance between comedy and heart—moments where everything feels a bit messy or unpredictable, followed by softer scenes that ground the characters and their motivations. It’s the kind of book that feels very bingeable because each chapter pulls you forward.
Overall, this is a fun, quirky read with a strong concept, likable characters, and a satisfying mix of humor and heart. Perfect for readers who enjoy light romance, playful schemes, and feel-good storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think anyone who's into anime, or cosplaying making would like this book. We start with Ava and Declan years after their friendship ended, and Ava's father left her and her mom for another woman the story goes from there, and then the two of them end up working on a project together. The mention of anime and cosplaying really kept me reading and going along with the story the writing was a little off, stilted, at the beginning, but it got better. Ava and Declan were strong characters they were rightfully flawed and you identified with them. It had enough conflict that kept you reading, the side characters were well developed too they added so much to Ava's and Declan's character, and they felt realistic too I really liked reading this and I had a good time reading it.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for the arc.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed the pace of this, it was the perfect length and didn't have much of any unnecessary filler. In typical YA fashion (and very much Sarah Dessen coded) I always laugh when the teens drink coffee and espresso. I loved the activities they did though and all the movie and game references.
I got a bit frustrated with the relationship with mom, I was hoping for a bit more than a "I'll try harder, honey" especially with how serious the situation was for mom and Ava. I think Mom should have taken more responsibility and we should have seen her take those steps instead of just talking about it. I would want that for a younger reader, truthfully. Instead of just accepting a situation like this as a norm.
Overall though, such a cute read. I would absolutely pick up more from E.P.! Thanks for the opportunity to read this one, NetGalley!
I got a bit frustrated with the relationship with mom, I was hoping for a bit more than a "I'll try harder, honey" especially with how serious the situation was for mom and Ava. I think Mom should have taken more responsibility and we should have seen her take those steps instead of just talking about it. I would want that for a younger reader, truthfully. Instead of just accepting a situation like this as a norm.
Overall though, such a cute read. I would absolutely pick up more from E.P.! Thanks for the opportunity to read this one, NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was cute. It explores friendship, love and second chances. At it's core, it's about find your people and learning how to move forward from the past. Be it mistakes, missed chances or heartbreaks.
As a fellow geek and someone who has 300+ steam games, I was extremely excited for a gaming/geek Y/A. Although it was cute, it was also where I struggled the most. While I appreciate seeing the representation of the gaming/anime community, references sometimes felt forced and occasionally broke the world that was being built.
That being said, it's all about personal preference. Fandom culture and character driven romance readers will definitely enjoy this book.
Although it didn't completely work for me, I still found myself smiling as I read.
As a fellow geek and someone who has 300+ steam games, I was extremely excited for a gaming/geek Y/A. Although it was cute, it was also where I struggled the most. While I appreciate seeing the representation of the gaming/anime community, references sometimes felt forced and occasionally broke the world that was being built.
That being said, it's all about personal preference. Fandom culture and character driven romance readers will definitely enjoy this book.
Although it didn't completely work for me, I still found myself smiling as I read.
July 21, 2026
Thank you to Whimsical Publishing and E.P. Stavs for this Kindle eARC!
This was a fun quick read. It’s a “Solid” read. I’m a super dork. So the references to conventions, prop making, and pop culture were fun to read. I loved the banter and all the characters were quite likeable. I especially loved Declan, Hiro, and Tyler. (The world needs more good-natured male characters! 🙌)
But this story wasn’t all cozy and light hearted vibes. This story touched upon trauma as related to the themes of divorce, anxiety, panic attacks, and alcoholism. There was a true sense of realistic tension, healing, miscommunication, choosing happiness, and character growth.
Perfect book for young adults and teens.
This was a fun quick read. It’s a “Solid” read. I’m a super dork. So the references to conventions, prop making, and pop culture were fun to read. I loved the banter and all the characters were quite likeable. I especially loved Declan, Hiro, and Tyler. (The world needs more good-natured male characters! 🙌)
But this story wasn’t all cozy and light hearted vibes. This story touched upon trauma as related to the themes of divorce, anxiety, panic attacks, and alcoholism. There was a true sense of realistic tension, healing, miscommunication, choosing happiness, and character growth.
Perfect book for young adults and teens.
September 11, 2026
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for this ARC .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a 5 star book for me
This is a childhood friends ,second chance, animecon, crafting , divorce themed book that moves fast and keeps the reader interested . The side characters are witty and smart and super cool and most of all they love their besties Declan and Ava and are loyal .. maybe a little too loyal haha . Ava and Declan were childhood friends for so long until Ava’s dad left her family . Ava’s dad is famous in the anime world and she swore she would never go back into that world and that meant never seeing Declan again . This book is not just a cute cover and a fun story it has serious themes and tender moments . You will love Ava and Declan , oh and Tyler too .. the heart throb ( swoon ) ! I can’t wait to get my special edition copy from @whimsical.publishing. Happy Reading
@netgalley #TheCraftCon
@shes.novel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a 5 star book for me
This is a childhood friends ,second chance, animecon, crafting , divorce themed book that moves fast and keeps the reader interested . The side characters are witty and smart and super cool and most of all they love their besties Declan and Ava and are loyal .. maybe a little too loyal haha . Ava and Declan were childhood friends for so long until Ava’s dad left her family . Ava’s dad is famous in the anime world and she swore she would never go back into that world and that meant never seeing Declan again . This book is not just a cute cover and a fun story it has serious themes and tender moments . You will love Ava and Declan , oh and Tyler too .. the heart throb ( swoon ) ! I can’t wait to get my special edition copy from @whimsical.publishing. Happy Reading
@netgalley #TheCraftCon
@shes.novel
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“If you ever need to keep yourself up all night, I highly recommend inviting your ex-best friend slash first crush, whom you haven’t spoken to in years, to hang out.”
I feel like this quote sums up this entire tale! 🤣 Well, not entirely, but these kinds of vibes are throughout, and this tale will make you smile, giggle, and cheer on Declan and Ava as they navigate being conned into reuniting by their best friends.
This romance is based around all things nerdy; crafting (obviously), games, cons, anime, and more! A book written by a nerd, about nerds, for nerds!!!
You’ll love it, I promise!!!
I feel like this quote sums up this entire tale! 🤣 Well, not entirely, but these kinds of vibes are throughout, and this tale will make you smile, giggle, and cheer on Declan and Ava as they navigate being conned into reuniting by their best friends.
This romance is based around all things nerdy; crafting (obviously), games, cons, anime, and more! A book written by a nerd, about nerds, for nerds!!!
You’ll love it, I promise!!!
June 27, 2026
Review of advance reader copy received from NetGalley
This book was literally a roller coaster of emotions. I loved Ava and Declan together. Declan’s yearning was top-notch. I loved the way how Ava rediscovers herself and overcomes the betrayal of her father. The way she cared for others especially her mother was so endearing. She was not perfect. She made mistakes but still at the end was able to resolve them. The friend group was also really supportive and encouraging. And the way Declan stood up for Ava against her Dad even though he might lose an opportunity of a lifetime…..swoon. The ending was so satisfactory.
I give my thanks to the author and to NetGalley for giving this ARC
This book was literally a roller coaster of emotions. I loved Ava and Declan together. Declan’s yearning was top-notch. I loved the way how Ava rediscovers herself and overcomes the betrayal of her father. The way she cared for others especially her mother was so endearing. She was not perfect. She made mistakes but still at the end was able to resolve them. The friend group was also really supportive and encouraging. And the way Declan stood up for Ava against her Dad even though he might lose an opportunity of a lifetime…..swoon. The ending was so satisfactory.
I give my thanks to the author and to NetGalley for giving this ARC
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