Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Be Dazzled
Author: Ryan La Sala
Release Date: January 5, 2021


Synopsis: 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.

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Review: This book is wonderful. If you're looking for a feel-good contemporary YA with a gay protagonist, go no further. Or rather start with this one and then move on to the other wonderfully queer books because there are more and more coming out every week!

This story is told through two different timelines, before and after the break-up. The way the chapters intertwine is done so well. At the end of every chapter I didn't want to put down the book. This is a fun and quick read. 

There are so many relatable queer moments in this book. I wish this book had been around for me as a teen. I highly recommend this book to queer teens into cosplay and other nerdy things. There's a lot of fun geeky references. I give this book a 5/5. Ryan La Sala is quickly becoming an automatic pre-order.

--PAUL