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.

Raffy's ex-boyfriend, Luca, is his main competition. If he can wow there, it could lead to sponsorship, then art school, and finally earning real respect for his work. 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. Not just bedazzling, but sewing, stitching, draping, pattern making-for creation.

#ATBR2021 Review: And Now She's Gone by Rachel How.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.

'an epic, queer love story about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.' Doesn't it sound delightful? ❤ I truly hope that one day we can live in a La Sala book. With the events that happened yesterday at the Capitol, I find myself grateful for books like these that will keep me from letting my dark thoughts get pulled into a spiral. It's not overdone though so you never feel out of the loop with too much detail while still getting a strong sense of just how much effort is put into these amazing looks we all see whether we attend an event or see photos. 😈 And while I appreciate the processes of their craft build, I did find myself going a little glossy eyed. I've never really been into cosplay or Cons but I do occasionally like dressing up.

Some of their banter really had me cracking up! 😉 The author magically shows us insight into Raffy's crazy world where he hides his skills and accomplishments from his famous mother and also gives us Luca in a way that while we're not in his head, can feel his struggles. I love the back and forth where we see how they started to where they are now. And I would absolutely recommend this beauty! Contemporary YA is becoming one of my favorite genres to pick up. YA doesn't get enough credit for amazing reads, imo. We could use a levity right about now and Be Dazzled let me disassociate from the real world for a few hours and launched me into a world I wish existed for everyone in terms of acceptance and being one's true self.

'Measure twice, cut once, give up never!'

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala