Be Dazzled
Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic queer love story from the author of Reverie 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.
Praise for Reverie:
B&N's YA Book Club Pick * Walmart Buzz Pick * Indie Next Pick * Book of the Month Club YA Box
"This outstanding debut novel will light readers' imaginations on fire...Imaginative, bold, and full of queer representation, this is a must-purchase for YA collections."--School Library Journal *STARRED REVIEW*
"This fantasy offers readers something wonderfully new and engaging...a gem of a novel that is as affirming as it is entertaining."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The story's many LGBTQ characters are prominently represented and powerfully nuanced."--Publishers Weekly
"A darkly imagined, riveting fantasy... thrilling."--Shelf Awareness
"Joyously, riotously queer... The themes of creating one's own reality and fighting against the rules imposed by the world you're born into will ring powerfully true for many young readers."--Kirkus Reviews
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Community Reviews
The setting was so much fun. I love the world of cosplay and miss being able to attend cons to see all the creativity that people put into their costumes. I would definitely go see Raffy and Luca compete! I thought the addition of Raffy's social media presence was great for the story as well and thought their meet cute was the best!
I enjoyed the switch between past and present and being able to see how their relationship evolved and got through all the bumps in the road. I thought the story was well developed and really shed light on how each person within the LGBTQA+ community has a different story and that all are valid.
The family dynamic between Raffy and his mother was very strained and he always felt that his creativity would never live up to what she see's as "Art". Their relationship was the toughest for me because she is not a very affectionate or supportive of him in ways I believe she should be. On the other hand, Luca's family is more affectionate and supportive toward Luca except when it comes to their beliefs regarding sexuality. They are a religious family which makes it difficult for them to really accept that their son may be part of the LGBTQA community. I thought that having these two different family dynamics makes this story relatable.
If you're looking for a great YA Contemporary than I would definitely recommend this to you. The audio was well done and I definitely recommend it on this format. It really brings the characters to life! Especially when it comes to the well done banter between Raffy and Luca!
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