Be Dazzled
Books | Young Adult Fiction / LGBTQ
4.1
(74)
Ryan La Sala
Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic queer love story from the author of Reverie 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 making—for creation. He's always chosen his art over everything—and everyone— else and is determined to make his mark at this year's biggest cosplay competition. If he can wow there, it could lead to sponsorship, then art school, and finally earning real respect for his work. There's only one small problem... Raffy's 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 store—or at least Raffy thought they did. But Luca's insecurities and Raffy's insistence on crafting perfection caused their relationship to crash and burn. Now, Raffy is after the perfect comeback, one that Luca can't ruin.But when Raffy is forced to partner with Luca on his most ambitious build yet, he'll have to juggle unresolved feelings for the boy who broke his heart, and his own intense self-doubt, to get everything he's ever wanted: choosing his art, his way.Praise for Reverie:B&N's YA Book Club Pick * Walmart Buzz Pick * Indie Next Pick * Book of the Month Club YA Box"This outstanding debut novel will light readers' imaginations on fire...Imaginative, bold, and full of queer representation, this is a must-purchase for YA collections."—School Library Journal *STARRED REVIEW*"This fantasy offers readers something wonderfully new and engaging...a gem of a novel that is as affirming as it is entertaining."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"The story's many LGBTQ characters are prominently represented and powerfully nuanced."—Publishers Weekly"A darkly imagined, riveting fantasy... thrilling."—Shelf Awareness"Joyously, riotously queer... The themes of creating one's own reality and fighting against the rules imposed by the world you're born into will ring powerfully true for many young readers."—Kirkus Reviews
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More Details:
Author
Ryan La Sala
Pages
336
Publisher
Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published Date
2021-01-05
ISBN
1492682705 9781492682707
Community ReviewsSee all
"I loved, loved, loved this book. I don't know what to say other than it CURED something in my soul. I was giddy, and giggling, and swooning. This book just genuinely made me happy. Simple as that. I definitely recommend reading it if you want to just feel good. And the humor was on point."
Serena
"First book finished in 2024, and I loved this unique queer romance. Loved the use of the "second chance" trope, and the dual timelines really added to it (although it's sad knowing that the book will end not only with the characters getting back together but also with their breakup😭) And also this is like the third or fourth queer book in a row that I've read that contains terrible parents😭 Just accept your kid's identity and personalities! Also,the fashions described in this book would look absolutely amazing IRL✨ Highly recommend this for anyone looking for new queer reads."
Isabella Quinn
"I’m not someone who cosplays but I enjoyed this anyway :)<br/>I listened to it on the eight hour bus ride we took for a band trip and was glad it was somewhat short because I finished it before we got there. It was really cute and funny, but the angst was there too and I loved it. The competition aspect was cool and the whole cosplay thing was too, and I liked all the references (even though I only understood a couple of them haha). The ending was nice and I liked the closure but I would love to see what happens with these guys next :)<br/><br/>CWs: toxic relationship, panic attacks/disorders, emotional abuse, biphobia, cursing, homophobia, sexual content"
Erin 💫
