[Skye’s Review:] Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

Be Dazzled
by Ryan La Sala
Pages: 384
Published by Sourcebooks
Release Date: January 5th 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC

Who's ready to sparkle??

Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic queer love story about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

Raffy has a passion for bedazzling. Not just bedazzling, but sewing, stitching, draping, pattern making--for creation. He's always chosen his art over everything--and everyone--else and is determined to make his mark at this year's biggest cosplay competition. If he can wow there, it could lead to sponsorship, then art school, and finally earning real respect for his work. There's only one small problem... Raffy's ex-boyfriend, Luca, is his main competition.

Raffy tried to make it work with Luca. They almost made the perfect team last year after serendipitously meeting in the rhinestone aisle at the local craft store--or at least Raffy thought they did. But Luca's insecurities and Raffy's insistence on crafting perfection caused their relationship to crash and burn. Now, Raffy is after the perfect comeback, one that Luca can't ruin.

But when Raffy is forced to partner with Luca on his most ambitious build yet, he'll have to juggle unresolved feelings for the boy who broke his heart, and his own intense self-doubt, to get everything he's ever wanted: choosing his art, his way.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

If you are looking for a book that will make you smile and laugh, you should read Be Dazzled. Be Dazzled is one of the most fun and cute books I’ve read in awhile. Raffy, our main character, is nothing short of spectacular. His cosplay skills are INCREDIBLE. I loved learning about his process for creating his costumes. His passion for cosplay was evident from the first page. He made me want to be a cosplayer! That’s how contagious his love is for cosplay!

If that’s not enough to convince you to read this book, then let me say one word that should: romance. Oh yes. The romance in this book is adorable! Raffy and Luca are so freaking cute together. Their relationship melted my heart. Their relationship also broke my heart at times. This book alternates from one chapter in the present, when Raffy and Luca are broken up, to one chapter in the past, where we see how their relationship started! Telling a story this way is tricky. Sometimes it isn’t executed very well. However, that’s not the case with Be Dazzled! I think Ryan La Sala did a phenomenal job.

Honestly, everyone should pick up this book. This book was just what I needed. It was a lighthearted escape from reality–which we all need after this year. Check out this book! You won’t regret it.