Be Dazzled

From the bestselling author Ryan La Sala, Be Dazzled is a heartwarming and glittering tale of love, creativity, and the fierce competition that can both mend and break hearts.

Raffy is a costume-crafting prodigy who can bedazzle, sew, stitch, drape, and transform the most mundane objects into eye-catching works of art. This year, he is determined to clinch the top prize at the biggest cosplay competition in Boston. However, there's one significant obstacle standing in his way—his ex-boyfriend Luca is his main competitor.

Raffy and Luca first met by chance in the rhinestone aisle at a local craft store, and quickly became an unstoppable team. At least, that's what Raffy thought. Luca's reluctance to come out to his family and Raffy's relentless pursuit of perfection in their projects caused their relationship to implode. Heartbroken but resilient, Raffy is now ready to stage a major comeback.

Unexpectedly, fate (and the competitive world of cosplay) pushes Raffy and Luca to collaborate on Raffy's most ambitious creation yet. Amid the elaborate world of sequins, glue guns, and cutthroat showdowns, Raffy must grapple with unresolved feelings for Luca and confront his own insecurities if he wants to achieve his dreams—and perhaps even rekindle his first love.

Praise for Be Dazzled:

"A sequin-filled romance that's also a love letter to the craft and creativity of cosplay." - Publishers Weekly (STARRED REVIEW)

"A charming, geeky love story filled with all the con drama readers could wish for." - Kirkus Reviews

"A crafty queer romance about self-acceptance, and a delightful addition to YA collections." - School Library Journal

"Heartfelt and hilarious, Be Dazzled is an artfully crafted ode to teen ambition and first love. From the book's charming cast to Raffy's quick-witted voice, La Sala's contemporary debut simply dazzles." - Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us