Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Be Dazzled

This book was a fun, sweet look into cosplay creation and culture. I enjoyed the chapters alternating between past and present because it added an element of mystery to the cause of the breakup. I liked the gay and bisexual representation, especially the bisexual representation because I tend to see it less often. I loved the ending.

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erin_362's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m not someone who cosplays but I enjoyed this anyway. I listened to it on the eight hour bus ride we took for a band trip and was glad it was somewhat short because I finished it before we got there. It was really cute and funny, but the angst was there too and I loved it. The competition aspect was cool and the whole cosplay thing was too, and I liked all the references (even though I only understood a couple of them haha). The ending was nice and I liked the closure but I would love to see what happens with these guys next :)

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alyshkalia's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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cheesepuppy's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Such a cute story. I loved listening to the past and present parts of the story. Of thought that really helped build up their relationship

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yeojinqueen's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

At times this story frustrated me but in the end i walked away pleased with the story and it’s ending

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danielghurst's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Be Dazzled tells the story of a crafty cosplayer who desperately wants to win a competition to show up his ex-boyfriend and finally prove himself to his artist mother. I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Ryan La Sala in audiobook form, as narrated by Pete Cross. The dual timelines in this book are expertly woven together to build suspense and maintain narrative drive. The story is gripping from the start. The characters feel believable and likable with all their flaws. It's a win all around!

While the cosplaying, crafting, and convention culture aspects of the story might be a turn-off to some, I hope people will give this book a chance. At every moment, we're given just enough information to understand what's happening in that world but never bogged own with detail. The costumes worn throughout the story are similarly described using the most vivid details to bring them to life without becoming overindulgent. Factor in the emotional stakes of Raffy managing his ambitions, anxieties, and personal relationships, and the story soars.

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