Be Dazzled

by Ryan La Sala

When I see him, I see us. How we came together, what we created, what we ruined. 

The only way to understand how we fell apart is to understand what we were made of in the first place.

Raffy can make anything. He can bedazzle, sew, stitch, drape, and turn the most ordinary objects into fabulous costumes. This year he is determined to win the biggest cosplay competition in Boston. There's only one small problem… Raffy's ex-boyfriend, Luca, is his main competition.

Last year Luca and Raffy made the perfect team after serendipitously meeting in the rhinestone aisle at the local craft store―or at least Raffy thought they did. But Luca's fear of coming out to his family and Raffy's insistence on perfection when it came to their art, caused their relationship to crash and burn. And Raffy has finally picked up the pieces and is determined to have the major comeback he knows he deserves. 

But when Raffy ends up partnering 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 self-doubt as he works to get everything he's ever wanted…and maybe the boy too.

Praise for Be Dazzled:

"A sequin-filled romance that's also a love letter to the craft and creativity of cosplay."―Publishers Weekly (STARRED REVIEW)

"A charming, geeky love story filled with all the con drama readers could wish for."―Kirkus Reviews

"A crafty queer romance about self-acceptance, and a delightful addition to YA collections."―School Library Journal

"Heartfelt and hilarious, Be Dazzled is an artfully crafted ode to teen ambition and first love. From the book's charming cast to Raffy's quick-witted voice, La Sala's contemporary debut simply dazzles."―Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Queer, Fiction, Audiobook

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2021

About the author

Ryan La Sala is a bestselling and award-winning author known for his genre defying, queer-centered horror and fantasy.

Ryan is the author behind the bestselling cottagecore horror, The Honeys, which is in development to become a major motion picture with Anonymous Content. He is also the author of Beholder, Reverie and Be Dazzled. He has been featured in The New York Times Book Review, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, and more. He writes to you from New York, overseen by his cat, Haunted Little Girl.

Reviews

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Some kids do drugs. Some kids start fires. I embroider in the dead of night, for the attention of strangers."

Be Dazzled is adorable, soul warming , plain old fun, relatable, down to earth, a fun peak into a different world with right amount of geekiness.

Be dazzled alternates between two timeline , present where Raffy (a cosplay artist) and her friend May(a webcomic artist) are participating in a Cosplay contest, where he meet his ex boyfriend Luca who is also a participant with their common friend Inaya. In the past timeline we see how Luca and Raffy met and what happened afterwards.

"And the only way to understand how we fell apart is to understand what made us 'us' in the first place."

Moving on to the characters-

🎭 Raffy

"Maybe free is what I am, but I don’t feel free right now. I just feel alone."

A seventeen-year-old stress ball, anxious, single minded in his pursuit of his goal, self-deprecating at times but stuffed with a good dose determination and pure talent. Cosplay is his passion , like it's something he is most confident about. Raffy is secure in himself, but he doesn't leave much room for other people. I personally admired him so much and I connected with him on spiritual level , like we are same person if you take out that cosplaying part.


🎭 Luca

Luca Vitale is a soccer player, carefree, laid back , extremely gorgeous , a sweetheart at his core, warm and genuine, supportive of Raffy and in awe of his ability to be entirely himself. The moments that show his judgemental side and insecurities make him real, even when the narrative has you thinking you should dislike, it’s hard to do so.

🎭 Parenting

We get to see two distant types of parenting , first Raffy's mom Evie who is hardly ever around and is emotionally distant with Raffy, constantly rebukes him for his work and crafting and is generally mean. On other hand we have Luca's overprotective mom who wants him to hang with 'THE GUYS' and wants him to more manly because she fears his bisexuality.

But we get a happy ending on both the front since both the parents realize there mistake but I really appreciate the representation which was somewhat required I guess.

🎭 Friendships

I also liked that there is a lot about friendship and what that means, whether it’s setting boundaries or hiding an entire party for someone when their mum gets home. May, who steps in when Raffy needs a partner for two-person cosplays. She doesn’t get dumped for Luca, and in fact inserts herself happily into the narrative at the end. She understands and manages Raffy's anxiety quite well, but she also knows how to draw the line between making him feel secure and protecting her own wants and desires. A true and healthy friendship where people understand each other and are not just someone you are forced to be with. ( That was personal )

🎭 Relationship

"It’s like we exist in a loop, a reverie, a world that is created when our hands connect and disappears when we break apart."

Raffy and Luca are wonderfully individual, neither of them having any sort of wild cliché extremes that would take away from their realism. I really love how their relationship progressed and taught each boy different lessons that morphed and changed along with their status. I also loved that Luca got to come into his own so much as the book progressed. And it looks towards the end that Luca has grown and learned, so we can feel hopeful about at least their friendship moving forward.

And not to forget all the anime and manga references , you got me there , I can't help but agree with everything Raffy said like "I will need money for food and Crunchyroll dot com." and especially “The subtitles are wrong. Golems are from Jewish lore. Read the manga, Luca.”

Shout out to one of the most savage comeback -

“Why is it that all straight boys think they are undeniably attractive to gays? Do they think we’re all just waiting around, desperate for their attention? Do straight guys think they’re the only people with access to porn?”

Bottom line :- A cute geeky story about two messy boys trying to work things out and constantly screwing up. A book that cheers, that celebrates being your own person, and that also celebrates hard work and ingenuity as well as attractiveness and creativity.

[Ryan Sala · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I tried really hard and I think I did a good job.

[Kai Spellmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Dazzled is an outrageously gay romance novel with an exorbitant dash of humour that goes unprecedented in artistic thottery and wit. Ryan La Sala has created a utopia for the crafty, the geeky and those suffering through an unrequited crush on the supposedly straight soccer jock . A queer triumph.

[Victoria Schwab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a total delight.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a big romance reader. I’ve been known to completely skip over the genre all-together, so I’m not totally sure why I was so hyped to read Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala. It might be because this book is YA contemporary, and if I’m going to do a romance, it’ll probably be that sub-genre. It also might be that I’m already a fan of Ryan (despite this being the only book of his I read whoops) after watching a couple of interviews he’s given & videos he’s posted. I went into this hopeful that some of the energy he brings to social media would carry over into his work.

And I’m happy to say it did! Be Dazzled exists in the exciting world of competitive cosplay, set during the convention known as Controverse. Raphael ‘Raffy’ Odom is the son of a famous artist, Evie Odom, and has to deal with her exacting creative expectations, as well as the pressure he puts on himself. The story begins right before this final competition, but is interwoven with flashbacks where Raffy first meets his future boyfriend-turned-rival, Luca. Having the sweet and heartwarming moments the two of them shared broken up by their current estranged relationship is as saddening as it is captivating. I was speeding through this book trying to find out what could have happened to blow up what seemed to be a promising love story between Raffy and Luca.

Raffy is such a strong and compelling main character. He’s funny and easy to root for, and in a story about a high-stakes cosplay competition, that’s an important attribute! I loved how La Sala walked us through his designing and planning process for each different project Raffy was working on. It really helped the reader be able to visualize not just the end product, but how each component went into creating the entire look. Raffy’s social media presence and live-streaming was also a realistic course for this type of character and setting.

Another thing I liked in this book was that there never ended up being a ‘true villain’. Yes there are characters who make mistakes or act poorly, but there is not really a ‘bad guy’ at the end. Everyone is just responding to the hand they’re dealt, and sometimes natural conflicts arise as a result. (And for any romance readers wondering, yes, there is a HEA.)

This was such a fun read, especially considering it’s not the usual thing I gravitate to. You don’t have to be an expert on cosplay or Comic-Con or art & design at all to appreciate the accomplishments of these characters and get invested in what they’re doing. I could totally see this being a Netflix movie or something, the perfect feel-good rom-com for younger millennials and zoomers. Be Dazzled is a witty, charming and all-together endearing novel that will be sure to delight its readers!

*Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire, Dreamscape Media & Netgalley for an advance copy!

[Alfredo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next in Fashion goes to Comic Con in this dazzling romance by Ryan La Sala!

Raffy is a master of cosplay. Luca is a talented soccer player. They start to get involved little by little and build a beautiful relationship. But that relationship ended. Now, a big cosplay event is coming up. and they will compete against each other.

This book was written by the FANTASTIC author of Reverie, Ryan La Sala. It will come out in January 2021, and I received an ARC by NetGalley. Here are a few reasons why you can't miss it:

1. Expectations exceeded

I had high expectations for Be Dazzled, and yet they were exceeded. Starting with the characters: Raffy and Luca are complex, well developed, and have real fears and dreams. I was able to identify with anxiety attacks, family dynamics, and other issues.

2. Passion in every page

There is nothing more exciting than someone talking about their passions. I was not so interested in cosplay and sewing, but I was delighted with the possibilities after that book. Everything is stunning: from the descriptions of clothes and materials to the assembly of the pieces.

3. Surprises every time!

Each chapter in this book is exquisite. At all times I was surprised and impacted. I got so attached to the characters that I suffered and celebrated with them. Some scenes are very delicate, and the author always brings a message of hope and comfort.

4. The real message

Being Dazzled is a book about fighting for your dreams, even if your family doesn't believe you. It's about being around the right people, the people who love and support you. It's about celebrating your victories with the one you love too. It's about meeting someone and realizing that everything in your life has changed.

I stayed up late to finish reading Be Dazzled. Ryan La Sala used the right materials to sew my new favorite book, and the result was... well... dazzling.

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan La Sala's newest book, Be Dazzled , is an utterly adorable rom-com that looks at doing what you love and being with whom you love, no matter what anyone says. Plus sequins. Lots of sequins.

Raffy is a tremendously talented artist. But unlike his artist-turned-gallery-owner mother, he doesn’t view art as valuable only if it’s elitist. His talent lies in design—costume design, more specifically—and he’s found his sweet spot in designing costumes for cosplay conventions. This isn't something his mother approves of, so he must hide everything from her and work only when she isn't home.

He literally runs into Luca, a handsome boy from his school, in the sequins aisle of a craft store. Luca has actually followed Raffy’s popular videos on a YouTube-like channel, so he’s mesmerized by Raffy’s talent. Clearly smitten with one another, they decide to create a costume for the two of them to compete at the next cosplay convention.

But the pressures of creating the perfect costumes and having to hide this side of him from his mother take their toll on Raffy and his relationship with Luca. It doesn’t help that Luca has his own anxieties about fully coming out to his own family and embracing the side of him that loves cosplay, and these anxieties ultimately doom their relationship.

Devastated and angry, Raffy is still determined to create the winning costumes for the biggest cosplay convention, in hopes he might get offers of sponsorship or even jobs. But when Luca shows up with a former friend of theirs to compete as well, it opens wounds that aren't even close to healing and ignites Raffy’s competitive spirit. Can he get everything he wants, or will he have to sacrifice something to be happy?

Although I have zero artistic ability I am fascinated by art supplies and the creative process, so I couldn’t get enough of this book. Raffy and Luca are an adorable if dysfunctional couple, and even though I wanted to shake them sometimes, I rooted for their love to win in the end.

Be Dazzled was a fun story with real emotional components as well, because it hurts when you can’t share the things or the people you love with those closest to you. La Sala shows he’s just as talented at rom-coms as he is creating fantastical situations, like he did in his last book, Reverie .

This book charmed me completely!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.

Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the cutest romantic comedies that I've ever read. I alternated between the audiobook and a physical copy, and it was a nice distraction from the world of lockdowns and pandemics. Ryan La Sala's Be Dazzled differs greatly than his debut novel Reverie, but I urge you to read both. Ryan La Sala's stories create a world in which I hope we can emulate.

[rachel, x · Rating 4 out of 5]

my new lockdown comfort show is next in fashion & this is making me watch to rewatch it for the tenth time

➸ Trigger warnings for coming out themes, outing, bimisia mentioned, and shitty parenting.

▷ Representation: Raffy (mc) gay & anxiety; Luca (li) bi.

Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is dazzling! Dual timelines, two lovely boys, one out, one not, fast-paced, many witty and cute moments and serious ones in between. So, it won’t be a surprise that I loved Be dazzled!

I started reading and didn’t want to quit. This is a story you crave to read in one sitting and need to slow down at the same time because you want to enjoy it as long as you can.

Raffy is super energetic, almost hysterical sometimes, and always working to achieve his goals, getting anxious when he fears he’s not good enough, which is almost always! His mom is more absent than not and doesn’t acknowledge his wish to go to an art school, and doesn’t want him to make all those beautiful costumes.

Luca is a soccer player, bisexual, enthusiastic, short-focused, and likes to joke. He is a dazzling guy who can be comfortable anywhere, but his parents cannot know he’s into cosplay, and he is not really out yet. And he is so sweet!

The boys are quite different but have a lot in common, too; they both like anime and games. However, they have to be careful; as Raffy calls them: ‘We are two balancing acts’.

I loved the dual timelines; the pacing in the ‘now’ is incredibly fast while the flashbacks give an inside into the boys’ past. I adore these kinds of books, funny, romantic but also dealing with important issues. Wonderfully done, Ryan la Salle!!

4.5 stars, such a shame Goodreads doesn’t do half stars ...

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read La Sala before but this one is super cute! It brings you into the fun world of cosplay costume design and competitions that take place at a crossover between Comic Con and a drag race. We have our main character Raffy who is super passionate about this. His artist mom doesn’t support his passion for crafting and costume design and I really liked hearing about the strained relationship between him and his mom. I thought the romance was cute and fluffy too - a perfect escape. The chapters alternate between after the break up with Luca and how they began dating and what ended them. I’m not into cosplay/comic con but it doesn’t take away from the story, however, I do think if it’s a passion for someone reading this story they would most likely enjoy it a lot more. It also does deal with coming out, being outed, trying to find a place for yourself, and touches a little bit on friendship. Overall, this was a cute and easy read.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for a copy of the advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Ben Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be Dazzled is told in alternating timelines, past and present. In the past we get to see Raffy and Luca meet and the development of their relationship up until their breakup. In the present we follow Raffy, dealing with the aftermath of the break up, while also having to see his ex as they have both enter into a cosplay competition.

I really enjoyed the way this story was told. In the past sections you get all the cute moments of a relationship blossoming; from the meet-cute to the first kiss. All the while there is a bit of an ominous feeling hovering over everything, as the reader knows there's going to be a breakup, and you end up looking out for any signs.

The cosplay aspect was really interesting. It was so cool to watch Raffy's process in making his outfits both on his stream and for the convention in the present section.

This is a second chance romance. As we are learning why their relationship broke down, we are also getting to see it rekindle in the present time. Raffy and Luca have to work through what kept them apart in the first place. Seeing them work together in the final contest was so rewarding. They make such a great couple; adorable!

Family also plays a large role in the story. Raffy and Luca's family are both not supportive. Raffy's snobbish mother looks down on cosplay and doesn't view it as real art. This causes Raffy a lot of anguish because it's what he loves to do and he's forced to hide it from her. On the other hand, Luca has to hide his love for nerdy things as his parents wouldn't understand. He also has to deal with the fear that his parents wouldn't accept his bisexuality. He had come out to his mother before but she never talks about it and said not to tell his dad.

I really enjoyed the romance and the cosplay in Be Dazzled. The point where I felt it was a bit of let down was the conclusion with Raffy and Luca's family, I wish it got a few more pages to flesh it out. It felt a bit abrupt as it was.

[Mónica BQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm having such a hard time trying to review this book.
I devoured it. Loved it with a passion. Felt all the feelings possible. So let that be clear.

But, Be Dazzled was way more serious than I was expecting. Raffy is a ball of stress and anxiety and emotions. His relationship with his mother repelent, but so real. The struggles of liking and befriending and loving a good guy, that is nonetheless not out; and thus becoming his secret was hurtful to read. The realness to friendships that aren't really supportive, and the hardships of trying to conserve the ones that are loving, were portrayed with great nuance and detail. And the absolute explosion of respect and care shown to cosplay and fandoms was out of this world.

So if anyone is looking for a light, fun, quirky, queer read this ain't it. Not for me at least. It is a very raw book. With a very intricate and complex story of two teenagers with complicated families. And what good their attraction to each other brings to their lifes no matter how extra difficult some situations may become. The book is marvellous.

This book speaks a lot to me for the authenticity on which eveything about Raffy Odom is written about. Be Dazzled was a treat that I wasn't expecting. It caught me by total surprise.

[Adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

CWs: Instances of parental neglect, explorations of mourning a break-up, mentions of being closeted and coming out (from a secondary character), descriptions of anxiety and anxiety attacks

"I used to think I always knew what came next. I used to think that my plans were as good as destiny, but that’s never been true. I’ve just always been determined, and lucky, and determined to be lucky. But you can’t design a future and expect it to just happen. Like art, you can only start with intent. Your hands build the rest."

Ryan La Sala has done it again. He has proven himself as someone who can traverse genre and voice and pretty much do whatever he wants, because he can pull it off. Whether he's writing about interdimensional collapse or fashion reality show drama, you are guaranteed a phenomenal and effervescent story.

Be Dazzled is pitched as Project Runways meets Comic-Con and that's exactly what it is. It's about Raffy, who’s poised to take the crown at the season’s biggest cosplay competition—until he realizes that he’ll be competing against Luca, his ex-boyfriend and former cosplay partner. Throw in the fact that his elitist mother doesn't see cosplay as "real art" and the fact that winning this competition could open a ton of doors to sponsorship and art school and you have a high-stakes story about Raffy desperately trying to prove himself in the world of crafting.

This book is exuberant, exciting, joyful, and (pun intended) wonderfully crafted. The pages practically turn themselves as you get deeper into this cosplay competition and as the zany design challenges get harder and harder. Not only that, but the emotional stakes get more and more complex the more you learn about Raffy and his relationship with his ex, Luca.

I thought Raffy's perfectionist personality and anxiety was really well-explored and portrayed. When his thoughts are spiraling and he begins to feel like he's losing control, you really feel that alongside him. The narration does such a good job of mimicking how the world funnels itself into a microscopic lens that prevents you from seeing anything but your own short-comings and failings up close. At the same time, while you feel for Raffy, the people around him are definitely challenging him on his self-centeredness and his tendency to assume the worst of himself and others when his anxiety kicks in. Part of it is that he needs to learn how to manage it better, but also that he can't use that as an excuse to hurt people. I really appreciated that self-awareness he slowly grows into by the end.

And that's also a big part of what led to the end of his relationship with Luca—how he was so singularly-focused on his creativity while not affording enough grace to their difference in skill level. To further emphasize that divide, the story is told in alternating dual timelines. One half of the story is hurtling through this intense series of cosplay challenges and the other half is a series of flashbacks showing Raffy and Luca slowly but surely edging closer to their breaking point. So as you see their relationship falling apart, you also get to see it evolving and being rebuilt in the present. There’s such a beautiful symmetry to the story that not only heightens the emotional stakes, but also really drives home Raffy’s character growth in a visceral way.

Be Dazzled is a story that's flamboyant, fun, glitzy, and dramatic, but it's also heartfelt. I think it's a story that has a lot to say about how the value of what we create is not defined by *how* we create, and how our dreams and the relationships in our lives are also things that we build for ourselves. This is a story that celebrates creativity, authenticity, and fearlessness, especially when those things are hard-won in a world that often demands our conformity or compliance. It's a story that says the things that matter to us will always have value, and I love it so much for that.

In case it wasn't clear, I highly recommend Be Dazzled for fans of queer contemporary stories with second chance romances. (I also highly recommend Reverie, for the record.) There is so much to love in this book, and I can't wait to see what other stories Ryan has in store for us!

[Toya (thereadingchemist) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be Dazzled is a funny and whimsical coming of age story that is unapologetically queer. Touted as Project Runway goes to Comic Con, I was a bit apprehensive as to what to expect with this story since my knowledge of both fashion and Comic Con is basic to say that least. That being said, no real knowledge of either is needed to enjoy this absolute gem of a story.

Raphael ‘Raffy’ Odom thrives on competitive cosplay. He even has his own streaming channel to give intimate insight into his costume builds. What Raffy doesn’t have is a mother who support him, so he resorts to creating in secret. Raffy refuses to let his mom get him down and has his eyes set on winning Controverse. The only problem? The boy who broke his heart is competing as well. AWKWARD.

I absolutely loved Raffy as a character. He’s hilarious and so confident in himself and his abilities even when faced with dissenting opinions from those who care about him. Raffy’s passion for cosplay and building his constructions was infectious. The author did a really fantastic job immersing us until this world.

The scenes with Raffy and Luca together were adorable. I loved their meet-cute in the hobby store. The two of them really balanced each other out in terms of personality and creative differences. One thing that I want to highlight is that the fear of Luca coming out as bisexual to his family is addressed and that these scenes may be potentially triggering.

The actual competition surrounding Controverse was really fascinating. I always enjoyed the turned up drama and theatrics.

One last thing, I hated Raffy’s mom. Ugh. You’d think that one creative would support another, especially when it is your child, but her pretentious behavior and actions constantly got under my skin.

Overall, if you’re looking for a story that just wraps you up in a hug…this is it!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

[Rafaella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I really enjoyed this, especially the way the author described certain things like kissing. It was magical. The chapters interchange between the present and the past. I normally don’t like going back in time because you’re usually left in a place where you want to see what’ll happen in the now, but I surprisingly enjoyed it in this case. I liked all the characters as they all had layers to them and found May’s argument with Raffy so real. My only criticism would be that I think that Luca’s mother acceptance of his bisexuality was too “easy” in the sense that she was entirely against it before so her sudden and complete turn of character was perplexing to me, despite the other variables. All in all, a great read!

[maryam |✿| · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ＢＥ ＤＡＺＺＬＥＤ✨

You have no idea how happy I was when I was approved to read this. I have been dreaming of reading this book and heck did my fanatics come true. This book is a calling to all dweebs, nerds and artists with dreams. To those who feel neglected by their peers and loved ones. To those who are confident in their things they do and love, and will not stop to prove themselves. THIS was absolutely spectacular and I was in tears from the pure joy it gave me. It was wholesome, downright adorable, and absolutely exactly what i wanted.



I loved Raffy, with his love for crafts and cataclysmic creativity, and how he was utterly prepared to prove to his snobby mother, to knock her hideous socks off with his talent, and yet she always found a way to criticize him for his unique art . I hated her from the first page.

I could relate so much with Raff, especially with his anxiety and constant need to be working at all times, as if he would fall apart if he wasn't doing something productive, and hell did that resonate with me on a whole other level.

To be honest, i sometimes felt conflicted over the dynamic of the relationship in the book, even though it was ADORABLE, but i could understand why Luc, the love interest, was so hesitant at times. I really came to adore him as the chapters progressed and as I got a better insight on his character, his relentless enthusiasm, his insecurities and fears. They were absolutely perfect for each other, two complete opposite balancing each other.

I really appreciated the whole cosplay aspect to the book and how much it meant to so many people, much like our bookish community, a place where you felt understood, a place where you belonged, instead of being ridiculed for your obsessions.

I urge everyone to read it and i hope you come to love it as much as i did. This was wholesome, downright adorable, and absolutely exactly what i wanted.

[E-GALLEY RECEIVED FROM NETGALLEY AND PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW]





IM CRYING. EVERYONE READ THIS BOOK NOW. THAT IS ALL
RTC, once i stop being a sobbing mess.


UPDATE: AHHH, my prayers have been answered. I CAN FINALLY READ IT!!! This has been my saving grace from this horrible week-to-come of endless studying



AHHHH I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE. how much longer must i suffer? 😢

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Be Dazzled was all kinds of cute. I've never been to a Comic Con.. or even a Book con.. and after reading about this.. I feel like I'm missing out?!?! I don't know who I would dress up as but I mean.. you can go and look at people who dress up right? Lmao.. I don't know the rules of con's.

In it, you will meet Raffy and Luca. They were both really adorable and it wasn't hard at all to like them instantly. I just know that something was going to happen but I didn't know when it was all going to go down. Once the drama did unfold though.. it was still very interesting to get to know both characters throughout the book.

Out of the two.. I feel like Raffy was my guy. He was hilarious and just realistic to me. I mean the whole book felt realistic because people were making mistakes left and right. Not all dumb ones but mistakes are mistakes.

In the end, this was really cute and now I need to go to a Con! Whenever COVID disappears...

[tappkalina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason this won't get a 4 star is because it takes place in a really short period of time, and even though they were already together in the past, they got together too fast in my opinion.

[Vicky Again]

I will admit that I had a lot of difficulty getting into La Sala's debut, Reverie, but Be Dazzled drew me fast enough that it was impossible to escape its sway.

I'm 99% sure that something is Raffy himself. Raffy is just such a passionate protagonist who's an underdog you can't help but root for. We see him face so many obstacles--his mom's disapproval of cosplay, issues with his initial relationship with Luca, and his own fears. But through it all, you're rooting Raffy on and hoping he will be triumphant.

Raffy has such a unique voice and the story is imbued with a perfect balance of character (Raffy!), voice (relatable!), and plot (con struggles!). This intense connection the reader feels with Raffy is shaped by the way he tells his story in such a passionate way.

The Now/Then format might be a little frustrating for readers--especially once you get the gist of how the "Then" plotline will end, and become invested in seeing how the "Now" plotline turns out--but it still serves its purpose in showing us really formative moments for Raffy. Both his current cosplay competition, and his past relationship with Luca that is the source for a lot of the present-day tension. So even though the format was probably my least favorite part of Be Dazzled, the rest of the story shines so brightly, it's hard to mind much.

There's crafting shenanigans and friendship tension and oodles of parental tension (Raffy's mom is an art snob, and is super isolating about his passion for cosplay). There's a con that is playing up the drama and a lot of obstacles in the path between Raffy and art school, which he desperately wants to attend despite his mom's discouragement.

In the end, Be Dazzled is heartwarming and beloved in the way that you just have to hope for the best for Raffy and his future. Definitely one to recommend to fans of Ashley Poston's Once Upon a Con series, Anna Priemaza's books, or Jen Wilde's Queens of Geek.

Content Warnings: parent that is maybe abusive (in the way that Raffy considers labeling it as abusive, but ultimately never makes a judgement), homophobia, accidental outing, relationship with someone who isn't out about their sexuality

[Tiash . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where The Henna Wars meets Only Mostly Devastated!


OMFG! What a pleasant reading experience it was. I finished reading it in one sitting, It's that addictive.

Raff and Luca are swoon worthy. Over the top whole cosplay thing made it interesting. Plot structure is also interesting . Two timeline was shown simultaneously telling us what happened, how happened and the aftermath of it at a same time which was very delicately executed.

But author at some points made cosplay and costume designing the main focus. After learning a bit more about the author, I know where that came from, but I'm reading a book not watching a craft tutorial. That was kinda overboard and could have done better.

So overall It's cute heartwarming story of second chance, following dream and finding ownself, finding the true meaning of happiness and love. I enjoyed it. On a scale of 5 It gets 4.25 or 4.5(!)


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[⛅ Sunny (sunnysidereviews) ⛅]

DNF

Be Dazzled is really witty and unique! However, the writing is a bit over to the top. At times, it tried too much to be funny. Nevertheless, I’m sure others will enjoy this one more than I did.

[kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* This was an absolute freaking delight. A true breath of fresh air from start to finish. It made me smile, laugh and caused my heart to both squee and break on countless occasions. I loved being thrown into Raffy's world of cosplay and comic-con. His artistry came to life through Ryan La Sala's words in a way that truly transported me. Raffy's story, character and relationships were an utter joy to follow and I completely fell for him within a matter of pages. This book perfectly balanced humour and heartache with depth and some wonderfully strong and moving messages about family, friendship, love, mental health and creativity and I adored every moment of it.

[Claudio Rodrigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

APRIL 6 2021 REVIEW: 4/5 stars

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing a copy of the advanced reader audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Most of my points from my previous review remain the same though this time the book was consumed through audiobook, which was executed well enough. I unfortunately am decreasing my rating as I sort of fallen out of love for this book. It's definitely something I'd reccomend but it just reminded me of the protagonist's annoying self centered voice. It's not like he's any better than his elitist mother. We still stan Luca Vitale though, our soccer king!


JULY 10 2020 REVIEW: 5/5 fucking stars

Thank you so so so so so so much to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this e-arc.

So, where should i start? I'm not the most precise reviewer with the most rigid format and flowery writing but i'll try to word out my love for it more precisely. I love it. The mix of Evie's elitism, the amount of detail when it comes to crafting and the relationship in its whole were just some of my favorite details about this book. And not to mention the love interest being slightly based off of the author's past significant other whom has a somewhat large media following, just adds another layer to Luca Vitale's already wonderful personality. The 2 timelines intersecting was a cute way of keeping you hooked that i really enjoyed. A slight critique of mine would be the fact that a 17 year old would place high in a national convention competition where i presume there would even be foreign visitors who might compete. Again, i love it very much. Can't wait to pre-order when it becomes available in Italy. Oh and i want to also give points to the author for adding such iconic pop/drag culture references. To sum this book up: "I haven't had any complaints"

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh, uplifting, and cute!

Be Dazzled is a heartwarming, amusing tale featuring the hesitant, closeted Luca and the creative, confident, Raffy as they discover through crafting, cosplay, and the highly competitive Controverse that the heart wants who the heart wants and that some things are definitely worth fighting for.

The writing is creative and light. The characters are talented, loyal, and supportive. And the plot using a back-and-forth, past-present style is a passionate, fascinating tale full of familial drama, teenage angst, hard work, goals, dreams, friendship, and first love.

Overall, Be Dazzled is an enjoyable, entertaining, satisfying novel by La Sala with its endearing characters, heartfelt moments, unique storyline, and happy-ever-after ending.

Thank you to Raincoast Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

i can't do it anymore. i cannot force myself to read another page. DNF @60 %

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Be Dazzled is not only a brilliant, geeky gay love story that I love with my entire heart, but a story that hits way too close to it as well. Full RTC.

[RoRo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Character Development: Luca just developed so much

Diversity: Yes! Yes! Yes!

Likes: Most of it! Except for a few parts! I loved May!

Dislikes: I felt like Luca was a little annoying and Raffy was a little underdeveloped

What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Romance, Exciting

Pace: Fast

Likable Characters?: May and Raffy

Characters or Plot?: Definitley Character, some plot though

Overall, I took off .5 stars because I felt that the focus should've been more on Raffy but it ended up being more on Luca.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comic con, cosplay, queerness, and the rise and fall of a first love...you get it all in Be Dazzled! In a voice that is funny, sarcastic, and thoughtful we get this story of two boys falling in love: with each other, and with the joys of competitive cosplay.

Now: Raffy is getting ready to compete in the cosplay competition of his life and prove the worth of what he does to his snooty artiste of a mom. Nevermind that it's with his best friend instead of the boy who broke his heart....

Then: Raffy livestreams his cosplay work and is out and proud in highschool. Luca is a secret admirer and closeted bisexual who plays on the school soccer team. But they fall for each other and try to make things work, despite their differences and family difficulties.

This is a really charming story of first love, being queer, finding joy in fandom, and working through relationship challenges. It's fun and funny, but can also be serious. I am loving Ryan La Sala as a new voice in queer YA fiction and this is a very strong second novel. The audiobook is also performed wonderfully! You really get a feel for the voices of the characters. I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Chandra Claypool (WhereTheReaderGrows) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Measure twice, cut once, give up never!"

We could use a levity right about now and Be Dazzled let me disassociate from the real world for a few hours and launched me into a world I wish existed for everyone in terms of acceptance and being one's true self. YA doesn't get enough credit for amazing reads, imo. Contemporary YA is becoming one of my favorite genres to pick up. And I would absolutely recommend this beauty!

Raffy and Luca are just the cutest. I love the back and forth where we see how they started to where they are now. 😉 The author magically shows us insight into Raffy's crazy world where he hides his skills and accomplishments from his famous mother and also gives us Luca in a way that while we're not in his head, can feel his struggles. Some of their banter really had me cracking up!

I've never really been into cosplay or Cons but I do occasionally like dressing up.... occasionally. 😈 And while I appreciate the processes of their craft build, I did find myself going a little glossy eyed. It's not overdone though so you never feel out of the loop with too much detail while still getting a strong sense of just how much effort is put into these amazing looks we all see whether we attend an event or see photos.

With the events that happened yesterday at the Capitol, I find myself grateful for books like these that will keep me from letting my dark thoughts get pulled into a spiral. I truly hope that one day we can live in a La Sala book.. "an epic, queer love story about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self." Doesn't it sound delightful? ❤