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Cosplay Worthy

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Can a professional really love his fangirl?

Blerdy (Black + nerdy) fangirl Layla Bennett is excited to meet her favorite comic book writer. She's looking forward to getting his autograph, shaking his hand, and getting a photo with him while dressed in cosplay. At least that's how she felt before meeting him and turning to mush under the gaze of his sexy blue eyes. Comic book writer and New York Times best selling author Vic Williams is as sexy as the superheroes he writes about. His affable charm has Layla under his spell, at least until the end of the weekend.

After their convention meet cute Layla goes home with a fun story about meeting her idol, knowing nothing will come from her fangirl blubbering. When Vic connects with Layla online, their friendship quickly evolves into a long distance relationship, complete with anime, ramen, and with comic book store trips with a comic book writer.

Layla is smitten with her real life superhero, but much like comic book lore things aren't always what they seem. Under the bright lights of the comic con floor hidden truths come to the surface. Through the harsh reality of the fandom world can Layla and Vic find their way back together?

This is a complete standalone romance with a HEA!

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2022

36 people are currently reading
240 people want to read

About the author

Quiana Glide

3 books42 followers

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5 stars
50 (28%)
4 stars
67 (38%)
3 stars
42 (24%)
2 stars
9 (5%)
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6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Quiana Glide.
Author 3 books42 followers
February 3, 2022
Cosplay Worthy was my first romance book baby.
I started writing it before I became a Mom. A shelved it around the time my daughter turned one. But seeing it sit unread on my computer made me sad. So here it is. It's not perfect but it is in the world.
I pulled from all my experiences in going to conventions and cosplaying to write this book.
Both Layla and Vic are two damaged people who use their work (him) and fandom (her) to hide their feelings. Layla is shades of myself, seeing the world pass you by, wanting to do more and having no idea where to start.

Layla lacks confidence and finds strength in dressing up like characters. Dressed up as Diablo from her favorite comic book 'So Red The Rose' Layla is excited to meet Vic Williams her idol. She's read everything he's written and is excited to have his autograph. That is until she meets him and sees how handsome he is.
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Vic Williams is a 40 something best selling writer. He's based on a mix of writers who have charmed me out of my pants at conventions. (LOL) But beyond that he's a deep man with a bit of baggage he thinks he's already worked through. He's broken too.
Both him and Layla need each other. They make each other better despite all their pushing and pulling. They build each other up. Also even though she carries her insecurities, Vic loves Layla as she is. He doesn't want to change her. And once the ahh wears off Layla loves Vic for who he is too.
Cosplay Worthy is a book about fandom, cosplay and being a nerd. But it's also a love, acceptance, and finding yourself.
I hope readers like this book!
Also it's steamy! I like writing smut!
2 reviews
February 19, 2022
Review by our daughter (advance proofs provided for an honest review, and also five minutes of sitting still).

"Is Mom's book. Wow. Abadada. It's hearts! Aooow, wow, bada. The moon! A bow, bah da bow, wow! It snowed!"

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Profile Image for Kelsey McKnight.
Author 21 books184 followers
March 7, 2022
Layla Bennet loves the nerd scene. She can make cosplay costumes out of anything and knows all there is to know about her top super heroes. When she has the chance to meet her all time favorite comic author at a convention, she’s ready to let her fan girl side fly. Although it flies a little too high, and when face to face with famous writer Vic Williams, it’s hard to concentrate on anything more than her own excitement.

When she bumps into Vic later at the hotel bar, all embarrassment is forgotten as they bond over cosplay and her dreams to be a comic book artist. A chance encounter turns into Facebook friend requests and midnight texts when the weekend’s over. Soon the long distance friends become lovers and learn how to navigate their dreams, jobs, and the expectations of those around them. Until the stress of it all becomes a little too much to bear.

I loved Layla, and the fact that she was from Philly made me love her all the more as a South Jersey girl. She’s creative and bubbly, even if a bit awkward. She’s embodies the best the nerd fandom has to offer and really knows how to have fun. While she sometimes felt like she didn’t deserve a star like Vic, I was rooting for her to get the man and more.

For a debut novel, it was fantastic. Funny and steamy, it was an easily enjoyable book I was glad I had the chance to read. It did slow a bit in the middle, but sometimes some low bits make the book more lifelike. Glide should be commended for her first foray into publishing.

I recommend this book to all readers who like a little cosplay and a dash of steam with their romance
Profile Image for Alyss.
165 reviews37 followers
March 25, 2022
Enchanting. Exquisite. Elegant.

28 year old Layla has found herself in a dream. She stumbled into comic-con excited to get an autograph from none other than Vic, author of her favorite comic book. A few weeks later she is in a romance that leaves readers hungry for me.

This book was everything I hope for out of a love story. It was cute, spicy, and fun. Even the darker parts of this book were handled with so much love and care. I found myself hooked on every word. Layla is someone I wish I could be friends with! She’s nerdy, loves manga, enjoys a teenager diet, and has such a true heart. Sometimes these types of stories can make a character feel 2-D. However I felt as though I could easily be friends with Vic and Layla. I even found myself whispering advice.

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone ready to get lost in a nerdy fairy tale!
Profile Image for Kelli.
583 reviews19 followers
March 24, 2022
This book is a BWWM romance with an age gap and a "Nerdy" vibe to it. I absolutely love the plot, I love the character development and the fangirl approach to the story. The way the Male Main Character encourages the FMC to follow her dreams and that he would even help her. Her resolve to "make it on her own" and not ride his coat tails was pretty awesome and oh my their chemistry together is flamable. I adore them and was rooting for them the whole time. LOVE LOVE this story.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,257 reviews123 followers
February 19, 2022
This is a romance for everyone, but totally for the nerdy girl looking for her HEA.
This is the story of fan girl Layla, and her crush Vic.
There is so much in this book done well. The author gets the atmosphere and excitement of dressing up and being amongst like people. Also, the anticipation of meeting some of your favorite celebrities.
Layla is quirky and funny. I feel like I know her. She was an easy character to connect with. Her excitement to meet her dream guy and all the happens was so tangible and well done.
Vi is not the perfect persona he portrays on the screen. But he does have some amazing moments that bring all the swoon.
I really enjoyed the story. This book while fun and quirky has a great character arc. The fact that two imperfect people embrace everything about themselves and each other can find their way to an HEA. I really liked that it was not the typical expected fandom culture. This is a debut novel and as expected there are some pacing issues. The story does drag a little, but it does pick up and the ending is worth it. Because of the pacing issues the ending does feel a bit rushed. But overall, it is a very well-done story that I enjoyed a lot.
Profile Image for Bailey.
10 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2022
I was sent this book for an honest review. These words are my own and are not influenced by the author.

This is the perfect story for those looking for a swoon worth romance with a HEA.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, pacing and flow of this book. The characters seemed to come to life off of the pages. They are also realistic and imperfect.

This book has COUNTLESS swoon worth scenes that will warm your heart, along with a couple of scenes that will have you screaming at the characters for what they did.

For me, the difference between a four and a five star book is if I would reread it again because I enjoyed it so much. This one I plan to reread again later this summer. This book (as of March 29th) is my favorite book I have read this year so far, and I have already recommended it to people who don’t usually read books.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,695 reviews122 followers
March 24, 2022
3.5 Stars

Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide is a fun story. My curiosity was immediately piqued at the thought of finding love through a Comic-Con. So, I grabbed a copy and set off to find out what happens.
Layla is excited to attend the Comic-Con and has gone to great lengths to come up with the perfect cosplay costume to wear – as her favourite comic book author will be there and she is beyond excited to meet him. Throw in a meet-cute, some humour, secrets, steam, insecurities, love, acceptance, finding yourself, nerdy fangirl girl meets famous writer, a little drama, and finding love unexpectedly- and we get an entertaining story.
The book was a little slow to get going, and did lag a little at times- but overall, I enjoyed the story and meeting Layla and Vic.
I am interested to see what Ms. Glide has in store for us next!
Happy reading!

Thank you, Quiana Glide!
Profile Image for LeNita V..
573 reviews
July 20, 2022
I give this one 2.5.

I actually liked the story for the most part. It is a unique premise and I think the author carried the story out well. With that being said there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary detail. Some parts seemed to run on endlessly without clearly moving the story along so it was often a little too long and drawn out for me.

Also, there seemed to be a lot of typos and punctuation errors.

However, this is just my opinion and I do believe it was a good first effort!
Profile Image for Bianca Orellana.
Author 2 books23 followers
February 28, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

Layla expects nothing but a good time and some good, nerdy comradery when she attends a comic-con fully decked out as her favorite comic book character, Diablo. But when she meets Vic Williams, Diablo's creator, he's not only impressed by her cosplay, but also impressed by *her*. The friendly relationship that forms turns steamy, fast, and their undeniable attraction to each other starts this story off running, sparks flying from Layla and Vic's first interaction until the very end, in all the ways.

Cosplay Worthy touches on all the insecurities and trepidations of falling in love, especially as an adult. Layla is Black and has never quite fit in with her peers due to her love of art, anime, and cosplay. Vic is a white, well-known public figure who is older and more experienced than her... in more ways than one. Though these two could not be any more different on the outside, their dynamic feels real and honest, all the sweet awkwardness included. Layla feels like someone you would know; or, for readers like me, she feels like someone I *am*. Every character -- not just Layla and Vic -- is multi-faceted and well-developed. The trials Layla and Vic face are true-to-life and will have you rooting for them until the very last page.

And speaking of rooting for a character, you'll love Layla's journey from quiet, frustrated, unsure fangirl to a self-actualized woman who stands up for herself, gains the courage to forge her own path, and takes a chance on love.

Cosplay Worthy is relatable, funny, empowering, full of "awwwww" moments, and a damn sexy read. I thoroughly enjoyed!
Profile Image for Tddynamite.
2 reviews
February 28, 2022
Cute and sweet cosplay love story

Who wouldn't want to meet and fall in love with their celebrity crush? Layla, a self-proclaimed cosplaying blerd, gets her chance when she attends a comic book convention and wows her favorite writer, Vic with her costume. Nerdy sparks fly from the moment they meet and soon they're exchanging flirty calls and texts. Layla and Vic are such a sweet couple and I liked that they were always mindful of each other's thoughts and feelings. But, of course, it's not all smooth sailing. Layla's insecurities and secrets from Vic's past rear their ugly heads to try and tear them apart.

I'll admit, I did give Vic the side-eye after his reaction to a particular situation that was entirely his fault. And with Layla's easy-going nature, it took a while for her to advocate for herself. But perfect characters don't make for a good story. If you're looking for a light-hearted romance with fun characters and nerds in love, this one's for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Frances Phillips.
211 reviews15 followers
March 8, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Single 1st Person (Layla)
M/F
Stand Alone? Yes

This debut author shows a lot of potential and this story has a lot of potential. I feel like it could do with some cuts in some areas and a few additions in others but overall it was a cute read. It went a bit off at about 40% with some details that didn’t add to the story and seemed to detract from it but it got back on track around 60%.

The first part of the book and the last part of the book were absolutely phenomenal and (for me personally) made the slow middle worth getting through. I want to stress that I did NOT find this to be a bad book. I enjoyed the story line and the writing style at the beginning and end. It got three stars instead of four because of the 20% in the middle that seemed unnecessary. Layla was a fun character to get to know and I loved her quirky nerdiness. I liked the supporting characters. I enjoyed the premise of the story VERY much. I loved the authors clear understanding of the cosplay world. Overall I am glad I read it.
Profile Image for Tali Cargill.
148 reviews
February 7, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. So often comic book fans are shown only as white guys and this book does a nice job flipping the script. Around the middle the story drags for a while, but it picks back up and gets back on track. The very last chapters do come across as somewhat rushed in comparison. All around a cute read for those familiar with fandom culture!
Profile Image for Cass Scotka.
Author 6 books259 followers
February 26, 2022
I loved reading COSPLAY WORTHY!! Layla and Vic start with such sweet awkward attraction that morphs into sizzling hot chemistry together! The love story pops with fun and flirting and doesn't let you go. The two main characters are well developed and keep readers invested in not putting this book down to find out how they get their HEA. Watching Layla grow through her character arc is inspiring and Vic's journey shows a man who has fallen down often, but knows how to get back and up learn to make the right choices. Quiana Glide is a wonderful author, with vivid detail and ability to write characters real enough to leap off the page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,057 reviews21 followers
March 2, 2022
This story was neat for a lot of reasons but mostly because the author reminds us by choice of main characters that we are all more similar than different. I liked Layla and Vic because their portrayal is of real people who even in their imperfections find their way. A solid debut novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
9 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this love story between fangirl Layla, and her hot crush turned lover, Vic! I've personally never been to any kind of conventions, but I liked how this author described the atmosphere and excitement of dressing up and meeting your favorite celebrities.
Character wise, the author does a great job of making Layla stand out as quirky. I felt the excitement and disbelief of falling for your dream guy (and having him fall in turn!), and could definitely relate to how she could get stuck in her own head at times.
The romance was very satisfying. This is ultimately a story about two imperfect people embracing who they are on their way to love, and Quiana does a good job of showing their positive and negative traits. I was smiling from ear to ear at one part where Vic does something so sweet for an unsuspecting Layla <3
I'm glad to have found a new author and will definitely pick up her next book!

*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
202 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2022
I loved this book! If you’re a nerd, you will love this book. Even if you aren’t, you will love this book! Layla is the main character and it is written from her point of view. She is such a relatable character. She’s funny and witty, but so awkward and out of place all of the time. Alex is her best friend who is, of course, the opposite. She’s fun and exciting, adventurous and very outgoing. She’s Layla’s counterpart perfectly. This book is a love story, but it also speaks out for nerds everywhere. Our characters go to conventions and comic book signings, and everybody loves those. Vic is a comic book writer, well known, and great at what he does. However, the comic book industry is, like many industries, male dominant. This is not only a love story, or a nerdy story, but it is about raising that glass ceiling for women everywhere trying to break through and be seen as equal and capable in a male dominant career. I love this book and I know everybody will.
Profile Image for Caralee.
663 reviews6 followers
March 23, 2022
I just love finding new authors. This is the first book from this author I have read and oh man I just loved it. The characters are so down to earth and realistic and well hey I am just as much a comic geek and I love cosplay. This book was just a breath of fresh air from my norm.

I like how there is drama and romance and it is well balanced. I like how the storyline is not overly done and is very unique. I also like how the drama is not all straight forward and predictable. I will definitely read more from this author.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
797 reviews23 followers
March 24, 2022
This story was an interesting read. It was this authors debut novel and I can see good things in the future based off this book. It is slow to start but it picks up eventually. We dive into the world of comic cons and my inner geek was happy. This story was fun and I thought it was an interesting book to spend my evening reading. I'll be looking for other reads like this in the future.
Happy Reading!
38 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2022
What a fun read! I finished it in a day, I couldn't put it down. I loved all the insight into the cosplay community and the love of all things geek. I only took a star off because the ending is a bit abrupt and I would have loved to get more of the story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,386 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2022
This book is a sweet corky romance . What happens when you meet your idol and fall in love . Well that's what happen to Layla when she saw her idol and comic book writer Vic . This book is a sweet romance and the characters are very likeable and this book is a good page turner .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alison.
36 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2022
I thought this book was incredibly sweet. I loved all the fandom talk throughout, and I loved Layla as a character. This was a super fun read and I greatly enjoyed it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CLorraine.
1,786 reviews21 followers
January 23, 2025
Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide is a fresh and unique story with an emotional resonance and perceptive depiction of sensitive issues related to sexuality. Layla Bennett, nerdy fangirl, has been enamored with comics for as long as she can remember. Heading to a convention, she is going to finally meet comic book writer and New York Times bestselling author Vic Williams. Layla is totally surprised when she and Vic make a connection and continue to communicate long after the convention is over. Vic is an established professional writer and several years older than Layla, while Layla would like to someday illustrate professionally. However, these two slightly damaged souls find solace and love together. Unfortunately, Vic has some heavy baggage he is carrying and allows said baggage to interfere with his feelings for Layla. Ms. Glide has created a lovely, delicately written story with likable and relatable characters. I would have loved to see some of the action from Vic’s eyes also but found Layla’s account to be riveting. I also enjoyed the secondary characters (Layla’s best friend Alex, her boss Max and even the bully from high school); they added great color to the story. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Glide has in store for us next!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
September 6, 2023
Cosplay Worthy, by Quiana Glide, is at its heart an about interracial romance within a White Male dominated industry that often blurs the line between what is professional and what is fun. Set on the backdrop of Me Too, Cosplay Worthy explores the challenges of navigating a career as a creative in the Male led industry of Comic book writing.
What develops is a honest romance between Layla, the main character who is a Black Woman trying to break into the Comic industry, and Vic, an established and famous figure in the world of Nerd culture. Themes of power dynamics in the professional world, sexual harassment, misogyny, entitlement, race, and manipulation come into play without compromising the main characters or the romance they have for each other. I think this is a key point in making the book successful. Vic is often arrogant, entitled, ignorant, but never unredeemable like other characters.
Layla is often lost in fantasy, despite the themes of the book so heavily rooted in reality. She builds a romantic image of Vic through his Fantasy writing, only to have that image shattered when faced with reality. Layla and her dual identities as a Black Woman are often at odds with the reality of Vic, and the White Male Nerd culture that he symbolizes.
Cosplay Worthy is a very worthy read. It is a steamy, modern, sex positive romance that constantly leaves you wanting more. That is really the only thing I can say about it. I wanted to see more. More of Layla being lost in Vic's fantasy stories. More of Layla's dreams coming true as a Comic book writer. More of Vic coming to terms with his actions and lifting Layla as a creative talent. So rarely is something written from the gaze of the Nerdy Black Girl. So when you open the book and the first words you read are, "To nerdy Black girls everywhere!", you know instantly that you are reading something special.
Profile Image for Darla Yocom.
152 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2022
I was immediately hooked when I read the title and synopsis of this book. I’m a huge fan of comics, cosplay, sketching/drawing and writing so once I had the chance to read this book, I was all in.

The author quickly introduces you to the main character, Layla who works a 9-5 in real estate as a personal assistant, which she is not passionate about in any shape or form. Her true passion is in drawing, comic books and cosplay.

In the beginning, you follow Layla’s short trip to a comic convention where she attends wearing her handmade cosplay outfit, representing her favorite female comic book character, Diablo that was created by her favorite writer, Vic Williams. When she meets the comic writer (Vic) and artist (Daisy) face to face, Layla is starstruck. She literally cannot speak besides a few mumbles. Thankfully her bff, Alex comes to the rescue with introductions.

You cannot help but smile when Daisy immediately approves and appreciates Layla’s cosplay costume. Her enthusiasm and genuine kindness is a breath of fresh air.

Vic’ interaction with Layla was sweet and a bit flirtatious. Layla of course was smitten and this starts their journey into friendship and more.

The book successfully keeps you engaged and will easily make you laugh, smile, and possibly cry since the author clearly evokes emotion with her words.

I really enjoyed this book, the characters, the storyline and it’s intent.

Also if you are a fan of romance writing, you may enjoy the author’s writing with the few encounters referenced in the book.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
103 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. From the start, I found Layla to be such a relatable character, from the crafty, clumsy, nerd who's mostly an introvert, to her kind spirit and sassy but loving friendship with her best friend, Alex.

Layla is an artist who pays the bills as a real estate assistant. She creates a cosplay of her favorite comic book character and shows up to a meet and greet at a comic convention to get the autograph of the writer from the series. Fumbling her way through the meet and greet, she's on cloud nine after Vic, the writer, compliments her costume and asks to take a photo with her. The two end up running into each other again, and after she goes home, they end up chatting online and forming a friendship.

While Layla works to break out into the industry through her art, Vic faces some challenges in his own career that threatens to end their budding romantic relationship before it fully develops.

The book covers a lot of serious topics along the way: long distance relationships, workplace harassment, light touches on racism and LGBT dating, women in the geek universe and their discrimination, and seedy behavior from men in power in the entertainment industry toward those holding lower status or clout. I really appreciated seeing that addressed, even while keeping the story mostly light and fun to read.

I fully appreciate a strong female lead who isn't dependent upon a man to come and rescue her, and the author did a great job of offering up a story that delivers the type of heroine who can take care of herself while keeping the reader fully engaged. I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Santana.
406 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2022
This book was so adorkable to read! (yes I know I spelt it wrong) The main character is so cute. Layla is nerdy, introverted and shy. When she gets a chance to meet her favorite comic book writer Vic, she is over the moon. At the comic con, dressed as her favorite character from Vic's comic, she approaches Vic's signing booth with a bundle of nerves. They commented on her cosplay and she was at a loss for words.

Later that evening at a party, she once again comes across Vic. They had a nice evening full of easy conversation. That was the end of that. Or so she thought.

After posting online the images from the comic con, Vic commented on some of them and sent her a friend request. Layla could not believe it. Time goes on and they continue talking online forming a relationship. I really like how the author got the characters to get to know each other before jumping in like a lot of other romance novels.

Everything seems to be against them, they live across the country from each other, there is an age gap, different race, he's famous and she's not. All of this causes Layla to second guess everything especially herself.

Throughout the book, Layla battles with low self esteem. I loved the way the author wrote Layla as a character. She was flawed which made her more real. I also resonated with a lot of Layla's personality traits which made the book that much more interesting to me. Honestly, if the author wrote Layla based on themselves, I could see us being best friends in real life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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