I was first introduced to Cathy Yardley through Geek Actually, the ongoing serial I review once a week. From there, I went on to read her first Fandom Hearts novel, Level Up. Level Up is a geeky and adorable read so I just knew I had to dive right into One True Pairing. I am SO GLAD I did because it’s geeky and sexy and just so much fun. Plus I loved the characters!
It’s no secret that Mystics is similar to Supernatural. Cathy is a con attendee and clearly understands the fandom world, making it easy for me to submerse my fangirl heart in. I am so invested in Hailey and her sisters, including the plight of keeping their indie bookstore (and home!) afloat.
Jake was the perfect fake boyfriend – and by fake I mean not at all. Come on, this is a romance novel ;). He’s completely down to earth and clearly loves his job, while not trying to let the stars in his eyes take over what will matter down the road.
If you’re a fan of steamy, geeky romances, I highly recommend this and Level Up! Check out our interview with Cathy below!
Interview with Cathy Yardley
We loved Level Up and the world/characters you’ve created! For those who are new to the series, what five adjectives would you use to describe your world and characters?
The adjectives I’d use to describe the world and characters of Fandom Hearts: diverse, intersectional, geeky, fandom, and fun. 🙂
If there was a version of One True Pairing featuring you, which IRL actor would you want in the role of Jake Reese?
Strangely enough, I have an IRL actor I’d pictured as Jake: Scott Eastwood. Not just because he’s gorgeous, but because he’s the son of a famous movie mogul.
What books/movies/TV shows would you pair with One True Pairing?
OTP started out as an homage to Supernatural and their fandom. The relationships between the main characters on MYSTICS, the show that’s featured in OTP, is definitely influenced by Supernatural’s cast of characters and their interactions with both each other and the fans. I have participated in Misha Collin’s GISHWES (dressed as a French Maid and went to Seattle to help get the world record for, well, most people dressed as French Maids), and I’ve watched tons of YouTube interviews with the guys — Jared, Jensen, Misha, and the rest. Love the whole vibe and the sense of community.
We know you love cons – especially SDCC! Any special memories you can share with us?
I love cons! I remember my first SDCC, feeling both so at home and so overwhelmed because it was so HUGE. I had my picture taken with a guy dressed as a box of Pocky! Most recently, I took my ten year old son to the Emerald City ComicCon, here in Seattle. As we were wandering around, he saw a guy cosplaying, and he said “Mom! That guy’s got Righteous Authority from Fallout 4!” The guy was impressed that my son could identify the laser musket he’d built. I’ve never been so geekishly proud in my life. Gamer parenting FTW!
Will we see books featuring the other characters, perhaps Hailey’s sisters?
You will absolutely see books featuring Hailey’s sisters, and the friends who hangout at the bookstore. The next book is going to feature Kyla, the sunny, positive auto mechanic who does their cosplay. That one’s going to be an homage to Game of Thrones, and will be out in January. I am loving this series so much!
ONE TRUE PAIRING
by Cathy Yardley
Published: July 25th 2017
Publisher: Swerve
Source: Audible
They couldn’t be more opposite, the Hollywood actor and the hometown girl, but all they need is a little convention magic to become the perfect ship in Cathy Yardley’s One True Pairing.
Jake Reese needs a decoy girlfriend. Fast. The lead actor of the popular TV show, Mystics, is tired of losing his shirt to overeager fans. Literally. Which is why a chance meeting with gothabilly bookworm-slash-barista Hailey Frost seems almost too perfect to be true. Hailey is not impressed with his TV fame and is desperate to save her family’s bookstore. It’s a match made in Hollywood, but as the two pretend to date, fan fiction becomes reality. Can this OTP become canon?