Superficial

by Diane Billas

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea's friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Genres: Young Adult, Queer, Contemporary

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Diane Billas is an award-winning author of the YA sapphic contemporary romance novel DOES LOVE ALWAYS WIN?, featured in Parents Magazine, and the YA superhero novel SUPERFICIAL, both with Creative James Media. Her sapphic short stories are featured in Wild Ink Publishing’s PROM PERFECT anthology and Of the Publishing Persuasion’s JINGLE THESE BELLS spicy holiday anthology.

Diane Billas lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son. When she’s not writing she can be found reading multiple books at once, performing the French horn and piano, or dreaming of the next country she’s going to visit. Diane can be found at dianebillas.com, on Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @dianebillas, and on Instagram/Threads @dianebillaswrites.

Praise for SUPERFICIAL

"Diane Billas creates a believable, engrossing story that creates strong characters and their special interests before delving into a folklore and fantasy-based quest for justice and survival." -Mid-West Review

"With a bit of romance and humor thrown in to sweeten the deal, and LGBTQ themes, this is a real edge-of-your-seat page-turner that you won't put down until you reach the end." -Reader's Favorite


Praise for DOES LOVE ALWAYS WIN?

"Diane Billas infuses a lot of humor and heart in this absorbing love story bound to resonate with young adult readers. Does Love Always Win? is the perfect blend of romance and coming-of-age rolled into one. With lively and vibrant characters, the narrative pulls you in and captivates you." - Reader's Favorite

"This book was an absolute delight to read, and I enjoyed every second of it. If you love books with relationship drama, this is certainly the one for you!" -Candlelight Reading

Reviews

[Diane Billas]

Hi, I'm the author of this book!

I had so much fun at a comic-con convention in Philadelphia, I decided to write a book based at a similar event. Also, I have a huge love of superheroes so I wanted to try my hand at writing my own superhero novel.

The one main character, Lea, identifies as pansexual and demisexual, like myself. There is also non-binary and lesbian rep in this book. For trigger warnings there is mild graphic violence, teen cursing, and parental abandonment. I hope you enjoy!

[Sierra Nathans Lightner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the premise of this book, and found many of the scenes captivating and enjoyable. But it felt extremely… juvenile. From the writing style to the characters’ personalities to even the name of the main superhero (The Amazing Boy). I unfortunately found myself getting the ick quite a bit and a lot of the chapters/scenes didn’t connect or didn’t make sense for some reason. If I can find an example I’ll add it in later. But I do love that there is both pansexual and demisexual representation and that the MMC is so accepting and willing to wait until the FMC is comfortable to make a move. Overall, I think this book was okay, but I do not think that I was the correct audience. I think this book will be fantastic for younger readers that like comic books and superheroes, and/or are figuring out their sexuality/want more pan and demi representation in books.

[Mariah Stillbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're on the look out for a fun, fast-paced, superhero driven treasure hunt, then search no further! Who expects to go to a Comic Con and actually find themselves in an elevator with a real superhero? Furthermore, who would ever believe that after that they'd end up tagging along with the superhero all over the city to search for artifacts that will lead them to the villain? Never mind that there's a pretty good twist at the end waiting for you.

I loved this page turner of a book. The characters were relatable, the action was packed, and the diversity was on point. I've always been a fan of superhero movies but this was the first superhero book I've read; now I'm hoping it won't be the last!

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of Superficial, Diane Billas' sophomore YA novel. I started it and finished it on vacation and found myself getting annoyed every time I was interrupted to do something fun.

This read is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are delightful, very relatable and, once again, diverse, something that the author does well -- from sexual preference to race/ethnicity and interests. There's something here for everyone.

I am not pansexual or demisexual and I am not a comic con fan, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. Having grown up in the Philadelphia suburbs, it was wonderful to see historic landmarks mentioned, and even the setting for some of the best action scenes.

I loved how the author separated some of the chapters into first person, birds-eye-views of what the main characters were thinking and feeling. While that format can be jarring to some because it tends to jump around, it helped me understand the backstory for Jake and Lea by seeing certain chapters from their sole points of view.

If you are looking for a good romantic, action-packed, mystery/superhero book, definitely give this one a try!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superficial is a fun, YA superhero romance. It starts off with Lea and Jake’s accidental encounter in the elevator, and grows into solving a mystery and saving Philadelphia from a pirate supervillan and his crew. And oh my god, one of the twists in the end was incredible (I wasn’t expecting that at all!).

I really liked this book. Although I love superhero movies, Superficial is the first book I’ve read of the genre and I really liked it. Lea and Jake each have their strengths and weaknesses, and a lot of their thoughts are very relatable. I know I would’ve been very shocked if I was in Lea’s position 😅. Superficial is packed with action, a giant mystery, and so many twists and turns that it isn’t until the last few pages that everything clears up. However, I felt like some parts of the book were not explained properly, and that some scenes or interactions between the characters (especially Lea and Jake) were cringy or underdeveloped. Overall though, Superficial is a fantastic read! It’s got such rich world building and an interesting storyline that will keep you hooked!

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Diane Billas for the ARC.

Plot 4/5
Characters 3.75/5

Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4/5

Overall 3.75/5

-The premise of this book is very solid. I love the idea that superheroes are real and that people take advantage of their missions to create movies out of them. I was so intrigued by this storyline. Although, the book itself didn’t really meet my expectations on different levels. It was still a very enjoyable, fun and quick read to get through but it sometimes felt like the book was meant for quite a young audience and not just as a YA superhero book.

-I overall liked the two main characters. There were some elements which I didn’t particularly like but they were both solid enough for me to enjoy following their story. Another aspect I didn’t really like was that Jake kept saying not to trust anyone but Lea kept telling people and they ended up working with two civilians and they just sort of accepted it which I found weird. Right after they had been deceived. I also really didn’t like the storyline with Jess. It felt a bit unnecessary.

-The ending was sweet. In a way, it felt a bit too easy to solve every problem. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them but as a reader, the issues could have been solved in more original ways. The plot twist was interesting, it wasn’t jaw dropping but still great. I also really liked that neither the entire story, nor the ending focused on the romantic elements.

[Morgan Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. It was written well the characters were well developed. Im not really into super heros. If you enjoy super heros, this is a good read for you

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

Lea from Superficial is demisexual!

https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...

[Carmen DaVinleam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun sweet read. Following the characters through what every Comic-Con fan would love to have happen to them was a lot of fun.
Diane has a way of making you root for characters and love them
Such a fun read

[Olly Krueger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of parts didn’t make sense, but I like the premise. The love triangle got resolved in a way that didn’t feel satisfying. Almost all the plot twists came out of no where and really didn’t make sense. However, the chemistry between the two main characters was amazing! The LGBTQ representation was very enjoyable.

[Kira McArdle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an eARC of this book from the author. really liked the concept of the story but it just missed the mark for me personally. I found the plot and characters to be a bit childish and surface level. I don’t think it was a bad book but I think it might be more successful for and better suited to a younger audience :)

[Roger Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review by R.M. Campbell 📚 Book: SUPERFICIAL
Author: Diane Billas
Genre: YA, Superheroes, Queer, Contemporary Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#bookloungereviewteam

It all starts innocently enough. A young girl, Lea, is attending a comic-con convention with her friends, finds herself alone, stuck in an elevator with a mysterious stranger. When the two manage to climb out of the elevator, they find that the whole convention center has been frozen in time. How, why, and who is responsible is a mystery, but how to get the convention center back to normal is the quest that Lea and the mysterious stranger must figure out. Lea soon learns that the mysterious stranger is a comic superstar, Jake, known as The Amazing Boy, with real supernatural abilities. Lea feels betrayed by her girlfriend, who has dumped Lea for another girl, and is afraid of trusting anyone, and is cautious of trusting Jake. When ancient artifacts start disappearing from various locations throughout the city, Lea and Jake must team up to determine if there is a connection between the two occurrences and who is behind them. Trust, loyalty, emotions, betrayal, friendships, and the obligation for justice all play a part in the journey that Jake and Lea must undertake.
I enjoyed reading Superficial and found the characters fascinating. The inter-character relationships were somewhat comical at times, but the author did a fabulous job weaving a story that was both relatable and exciting, with plenty of action, emotion, and suspense that kept me turning pages. The bonding of the two main characters was exceptional, and the romance was intriguing on many levels. This was a page-turner, and the unexpected twists at the end were fabulous. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy this genre and want to read a fun and entertaining book.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being stuck in an elevator at a comic-con convention with a grumpy movie star. Well, they say imagining it would be preferable. But what if the actor that played a superhero in the movies turns out to be an actual real-life superhero? Suddenly, Lea is thrust into a mission to save a museum artifact and hunt down a super villain. Little did she know that this was actually real and NOT a movie. Well, what do you know…superheroes were real after all.

I was naturally drawn to this fun adventure! I enjoyed the witty and funny narrative. This was a very cool and unique read! It was surprising how Jake’s powers didn’t always work in real time and were always exaggerated in the movies. A superhero without powers? Now there’s a first. This read was like being in your own very own geeky superhero movie. Way cool!

As you read on, you find that this villain was not just stealing one artifact, but several. And for what? That was the mystery to find out. Jake and Lea made a wonderful duo. And, in the midst of this mission, they still manage to chat freely and get to know each other, sparking genuine romantic interest.

Light, witty, and full of adventure, this read was easy and quick to get into. An exciting, high-flyin’ adventure you can’t wait to sink into! Great for superhero fans. The ending was certainly not what you’d expect.

[Brandee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superficial by Diane Billas is a fun superhero read full of friendships, broken hearts, and healing adventure. Billas starts off with a wonderful snapshot of comic book convention life: the prepping and nerves, the chances of running into stars in mundane places like the elevator, and the awkwardness of attending with exes and/or frenemies who were much closer to you when you first purchased the non-refundable tickets.

Lea is already stressed out from attending the event with her ex, Jess, and her ex-friend, Olive to celebrate their recent high school graduation. Then she runs into Jake, an actor who is known for The Amazing Boy. Antagonistic at first when trapped in an elevator together, Lea and Jake work through their differences as the plot twists and turns into an unforgettable adventure. Lea and Jake join forces to save the day by fighting villains and having fun.

Billas has provided an inclusive YA novel that is exciting for adults to read as well. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane Billas knocked it out of the park with her sophomore novel.

Superficial follows Lea and Jake through the streets of Philadelphia, visiting tourist spots both on and off the beaten path as they chase a villain who is stealing artifacts. Lea is quickly forced to accept the reality that Superheroes (and therefore their evil counterparts) actually exist, as the pair forges a partnership to combat a crime in progress. Jake usually works alone, and has to quickly determine how to include another person (and-gasp-a civilian!) into his plans.

There are plot twists I never saw coming, the characters are incredibly likable, and I could not put this book down. (literally... I started it on a Tuesday and couldn't go to sleep until I finished the Epilogue).

YA is not my usual genre, but I really enjoyed this book. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Bruce Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lea is a normal young woman with normal problems. She recently had a painful breakup with her girlfriend, Jess. But Lea is still committed to attending a comic book convention with her ex and her former friend, Olive. What should be a fun time is shaping up to be a downer.

Except Lea has a chance encounter with Hollywood star Jake Johnson, star of the Amazing Boy movies. The two don’t exactly hit it off at first…but that’s when things get really exciting! It turns out that Jake doesn’t just play a superhero in the movies—he’s one in real life.

From there, Lea gets pulled into Jake’s world of supervillains, secret plots, and life-or-death adventures. Author Diane Billas does a great job of keeping the plot moving and the readers guessing what will happen next.

Superficial has some great cliffhangers and plot twists as well. I won’t spoil any of them, but they will keep your fingers turning pages! If you like superheroes, or just enjoy a good YA rom-com, this is one you’ll want to add to your collection.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lea, Jess and Olive are at Wizcon together, and it should be a great time... except Jess just dumped Lea for Olive.

And not in a good way... Jess cheated on Lea just before they set out for the con. And Lea got non-refundable plane tickets, so she's stuck .

A accident puts Lea in contact with actor Jake Johnson, who plays Amazing Boy in films, and they end up stuck together when things go weird at the con.

And then the supervillains show up.

Good YA book, though there's a lot that's not really explained. Why do some folks have powers? Powers seem to be genetic, but hard to say. And why does magic work?

I also felt the Jess/Olive and Lea thing was resolved a bit quickly.
But overall a fun book, 4/5 stars.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I count myself among those who have become somewhat fatigued by all things superhero and Marvel. It was hard to imagine reading something that would avoid and defy the typical superhero tropes and cliches we’ve all become accustomed too. That said, Superficial, by Diane Billas, consistently surprised me, capturing and keeping my attention throughout its course. From its relatable protagonists to its quirky villains, there’s something here for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the book’s setting in Philadelphia which presented itself as a real, lived-in world. This is a great read for anyone who finds themself enjoying real world settings, captivating scavenger hunts/heists, likable characters that leap off the page, and for all the superhero fans out there looking for another adventure.

[Amanda Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure how I feel about this book. On the one hand, I really like the premise of the book. Superstar/Superhero meets a “regular person” and the adventure they embark on changes everything. However, much of the inner dialogue (and sometimes, the actual dialogue) feels forced or unrealistic, things that would never be said or thought in books; rather, just inferred. As an adult, I felt too much was trying to be explained to me, but perhaps it would work for a younger reader. I appreciate the inclusivity of the book by having a main character who represents the LBGQT community; however, the fact that an entire romance develops in less than 8 hours seems a little much. Overall, it was a fun story and the lighthearted mix of Marvel and National Treasure would appeal to many.

[Abbey Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book so much Lea was perfect it’s also not everyday you see a pansexual protagonist. So that rep was immaculately great to see. Also I loved how fast paced it was. Jess and olive and Lea had a dynamic for the most part. You could see they really cared for each other in their own special ways. Jake was a super well written character and I loved his and Lea’s banter. The plot twist was crazy. But over all I loved the book and would totally recommend it to every single person ever. I also can wait to get my copy in September.

[Vicki-Ann Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of this unique YA adventure and I'm so happy I did. Superficial is unlike any other YA or book I've read. First person works beautifully for this story, giving the reader real insight in to who Lea and Jake really are by hearing their hesitation, yearning, moments of confidence, and so much more. Having raised children who love super heroes and are part of the LGBTQ community, I wish there was a book like this for them when they were young adults.

[Liss B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced superhero story, which is not my usual genre, however I fell into the story very quickly. I found the characters easy to relate to, especially for the ya audience, and there was a decent amount of character development. Although I was left wanting to know more about them, it didnt feel lacking, just left me with a curiousity for another story.

I love the amount of lgbtq+ representation, but that it was done with class, as a normal part of the story and felt completely natural.

Definitely a book I plan to buy for my superhero loving teen on release.

[Sue Fenwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly fun read! I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t see all of the fabulous subplots until I was finished. The author speaks about all the mixed up feelings had by a typical teenager; no one sees me, I’m not special enough, where do I fit in, how do I fit in. The two main characters ride these emotional waves from different perspectives, all while trying to save the world. You don’t need to be a superhero fan or a comic book fan to enjoy this book, because it shows that we are all superheroes in our own way. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it.

[ChasseReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah decided to still attend comic con with her ex Jess and their friend Olive. Leah then finds herself stuck in an elevator with a Hollywood superhero.

Jake is the star of the Amazing Boy movies but he's got a secret. He and Leah don't initially get along but that all changes once his secrets out and Leah has a front row seat.

This is a YA book with superheros, villains, shocking plot twists, secret plans, and searching all over the city for artifacts. This book is well written and keeps the reader engaged and wanting more.

[Michele Hunter-hill]

Billas's writing style is direct, emotionally vivid, and deeply character-driven. She captures the voice of a modern teenager with authenticity, weaving humor, pain, and hope seamlessly through the narrative. This is a book that speaks directly to young adults who feel pressure to present themselves a certain way to fit in or be accepted. It empowers readers to question those pressures and redefine what "Superficial" truly means. It's empowering, relevant, and filled with both heart and punch.

[Christine V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superficial is a fast-paced and entertaining YA adventure that blends superhero action with heartfelt representation. I loved the unique Philadelphia setting, the dual POVs, and the natural way queer identities are woven into the story. The mystery and artifact-hunting kept me hooked, and the characters felt genuine and relatable. That said, some parts leaned a little juvenile and a few plot points wrapped up too neatly, but overall this was a fun, engaging read with refreshing diversity and plenty of twists to enjoy.

Special thanks to the author for providing a copy of their book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Superficial" by Diane Billas, Lea and Jake, aka The Amazing Boy, find themselves in a high-stakes mystery at a superhero fan convention where everyone is frozen in time. Trapped in an elevator together, they must unravel the villainous plot threatening Philadelphia. As secrets unfold and trust is tested, their quest for justice becomes a gripping adventure full of unexpected twists. Diane created a unique and thrilling tale that keeps readers captivated from start to finish.

[Kristina Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superficial is a bit like National Treasure meets Smallville. Set on the backdrop of a superhero convention, Diane Billas takes you on a high speed chase after the villain One Eyed Barnacle. Part mystery, part superhero story, part teenage drama, part Philadelphia tour. The main characters have great chemistry and they are very relatable (plus some laugh out loud inner thoughts). Great lgbtq rep including demisexual. Several twists I did not see coming. It’s a fun read!

[Arien Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read another book like this on the market. The dynamics between characters is unique, the premise is engaging and the plot unfolding will keep you guessing the entire time. She treats LGBTQ dynamics with respect and shows the vulnerability present in break ups very well. The actor playing a super hero with real super powers was such a great concept. This is one of those palate cleanser books to pick up between the heavy dark reads.

[Emma Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Diane for sharing an ARC with me, I thoroughly enjoyed Superficial! The pacing was exciting, I was rooting for the characters and the twists and turns of the plot kept me on my toes. I loved the representation and how the city was depicted as well! This is a great read for fans of comics and super heroes !