The joy of reading Ryan de Sala's second novel is reinforced by the fact that it is even better than 'Reverie'! I have learned about crafting, Con competition and cosplay than I expected and it was fun. The characters are lively, the scenes new and varied but most importantly; the plot was not predictable (as so many plots are these days.
A really enjoyable and inspiring novel. Be Dazzled
Ryan La Sala ´ 6 characters
Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic queer love story about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.Raffy has a passion for bedazzling. Not just bedazzling, but sewing, stitching, draping, pattern makingfor creation. Hes always chosen his art over everythingand everyoneelse and is determined to make his mark at this years biggest cosplay competition. If he can wow there, it could lead to sponsorship, then art school, and finally earning real respect for his work. Theres only one small problem Raffys ex boyfriend, Luca, is his main competition.Raffy tried to make it work with Luca. They almost made the perfect team last year after serendipitously meeting in the rhinestone aisle at the local craft storeor at least Raffy thought they did. But Lucas insecurities and Raffys insistence on crafting perfection caused their relationship to crash and burn. Now, Raffy is after the perfect comeback, one that Luca cant ruin.But when Raffy is forced to partner with Luca on his most ambitious build yet, hell have to juggle unresolved feelings for the boy who broke his heart, and his own intense self doubt, to get everything hes ever wanted: choosing his art, his way. Be Dazzled
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Raffy is a nerd, a cosplayer, a streamer, and a disappointment to his mother. Because she enjoys some fame in the art world, Raffy's mother looks down at his crafting, and therefore, he must do it in secret. Still, he is ready to meet his moment of truth at Controverse, where he hopes to be crowned the cosplay champion, but will his plan go off the rails when he is reunited for the first time with the boy who broke his heart.
People! This book was so good! It was funny, sweet, and adorable, while also being jam packed with cosplay goodness. I loved the way La Sala wove the design and competition aspects into this story of first love. Alternating between Then and Now allowed me to watch Raffy and Luca's relationship begin, grow, and end in between their unexpected face off at the con.
Five things I adored about Be Dazzled:
1. It was fantastic being immersed in this world. I used to watch Heroes of Cosplay and found all the brainstorming, construction, and competition aspects of cosplay captivating. La Sala did such an incredible job pulling me into it all. I swear! I could see the sparkle of those bedazzled pieces. The love La Sala has for this world came through crystal clear, and his enthusiasm was contagious.
2. Raffy was hilarious! I laughed so much as I read this book. Raffy's observations, his over the top mother, the banter with is friends was very amusing, and I was glad to be a by stander to it all.
3. Raffy and Luca were so flipping cute together. There was a time, in the beginning of the story, where I had my doubts about Luca, but then I got to know him, and I could understand what Raffy loved. I also understood him a bit better and recognized all the pressure he was under. He was in a difficult situation, but I think he eventually rose to the occasion.
4. Friendship was important to Raffy, and I was glad it worked its way into the story. It's subtle but an important part of Raffy's growth.
5. I was happy to see some people finally showed up. I found myself disappointed in characters, left and right, but in the end, they came through. There was even one scene, about 83% of the way through, that had me simultaneously cheering and crying, because I was just so happy.
This book was a romance wrapped in friendship and nerdy goodness, that stole my heart and left me smiling from ear to ear. Be Dazzled 4.5*
I loved Be Dazzled, it was such a delight to read! Ryan La Sala transported me into the world of cosplay, one I wasn't really familiar with at all, and with cons of all kinds being canceled this past year it was fun to attend one in the fictional world.
Raffy was such a darling character. I love how invested and passionate he was about things, especially his fandoms.
I enjoyed the way this story unfolded, through the alternating past and present chapters. I thought it was a great way to get to know Raffy, and Luca, and to see how it all began, and ended, for them, and to see how they'd be able to work through their differences.
Be Dazzled was a sweet and fun second chance romance, coming of age story. There's so much to like about it, and it left me with the biggest smile on my face. Be Dazzled Be Dazzled is glitter they are all very easy to love, even when their flaws arrive on center stage. Each of Ryan La Sala’s characters feels real — from their dialogue to their feelings. I’d easily recommend this book to someone in their teen years because I feel as if these characters would be very easy to relate to. My entire heart grew two sizes when we reach the conclusion, and see each character’s final book form.
Be Dazzled is also a lot of fun. Ryan La Sala’s personality shines throughout the pages. I laughed a lot such a sweet & wonderful teddy bear.
I can definitely recommend the audiobook edition of Be Dazzled. The narrator does a brilliant job bringing Raffy to life. If you’re looking for a fun LGBTQIA+ romance/contemporary & love the convention scene, check this one out! Be Dazzled I really loved this book. It was sweet and funny and had me smiling so much. This book had everything: a cute yet realistic gay romance, fantastical costumes, complex familiar and platonic relationships, and various Cons, which I miss going to. If you like any of those things, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Be Dazzled I LOVED this book. So cute, and fun. Very believable and interesting. Such a colorful story. I love this author and I was really excited for this book! It met every expectation. Be Dazzled