Reviews

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

hidingincorners's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars - I read this in a day. It was a stressful experience. It really triggered my anxiety. Too much stress to be a romcom. I think it is well-written and the characters are well-developed. I think Raffy's relationship with his mom was an excellent portrayal of how even parents who are progressive can be abusive or controlling of their children.

The structure flipping between the past and present made it difficult for me to root for Luca and Raffy's romance because it kept switching between sweet and stressful. I think I would have enjoyed this more, and been more joyous about the payoff, if the past bits had been sandwiched in one section between the present. Or if they had been done in larger chunks. I especially think Raffy's mom's relenting would have landed better with more present-time emotional build up.

If I had known the dynamics with both boys' parents going in, I don't know if I would have read this book. I thought it would be a cute, emotional lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers story. It was a lot heavier. A good book, but one I was not prepared for.

kirstie_eloise's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was exactly what I needed as a pallette cleanser and change of pace from the multiple fantasy series that I'm currently in the middle of. 

Be Dazzled is just so fun and cute! And yet, it still has just enough drama to keep things interesting, and enough depth and character development to feel like it's a quality read without being overbearing or heavy. I fell in love with Ryan La Sala's writing in The Honeys, and I'd say that this still has a lot of great moments without feeling quite as literary as The Honeys. Which, I think, is just the perfect balance for this book.

I really liked the use of the dual timelines going back and forth between what happened in the past and the current present story throughout probably 90-95% of the book. For some reason, this technique just didn't quite hit right towards the very end for me. I also felt that a few of the resolutions towards the end were a bit rushed and not as fully developed as I had expected them to be for a few of the interpersonal conflicts between various characters. I appreciated the resolutions that occurred, but they still left me thinking, "Why and how did this change when it had been such a big deal before?"

Overall, I really did love this book. If the idea of Project Runway meets Comic-Con in a YA-contemporary-queer-romance sounds like something you'd be interested in, then I 100% recommend Be Dazzled!

twowheelsaway's review against another edition

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4.0

I adored “Be Dazzled”- it takes place in such a rich, vibrant space, and the whole book feels like the kind of dream I might have while I have the flu and be deeply upset to wake up from. The characters are all distinct, unique beings buzzing with neuroses and excitements— especially Raffy, who I was unable to visualize as anything other than smaller version of the author Ryan La Sala (as portrayed through the Celebrity Book Club podcast, mostly).

My one kvetch is the tidiness of the ending- I don’t mind a tidy ending, necessarily, but some of the changes in characters at the end of the book felt out-of-step with everything up to that point. I can’t say too much without spoilers, but it in no way detracts from the book being a WILD ride that will drag you along.

ameserole's review against another edition

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4.0

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Be Dazzled was all kinds of cute. I've never been to a Comic Con.. or even a Book con.. and after reading about this.. I feel like I'm missing out?!?! I don't know who I would dress up as but I mean.. you can go and look at people who dress up right? Lmao.. I don't know the rules of con's.

In it, you will meet Raffy and Luca. They were both really adorable and it wasn't hard at all to like them instantly. I just know that something was going to happen but I didn't know when it was all going to go down. Once the drama did unfold though.. it was still very interesting to get to know both characters throughout the book.

Out of the two.. I feel like Raffy was my guy. He was hilarious and just realistic to me. I mean the whole book felt realistic because people were making mistakes left and right. Not all dumb ones but mistakes are mistakes.

In the end, this was really cute and now I need to go to a Con! Whenever COVID disappears...

lahariel's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ashish_ras's review against another edition

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5.0

Dazzling

This is high drama from the first words. You feel the rush in the first chapter as Raffy drags May. The story is a cos player's dream come true.
This is only the second book I have read with alternating chapters between the past and present. The 'Then' and 'Now' concept works well, but after a point, the 'now' has become so intriguing that as a reader, you want to move fast to know what comes next. I will be frank; I skipped some of the 'Then' chapters.

bryanhoardsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars, actually. This was fun and fast-paced, and you will never get tired of how it was written. Plus the Sailor Moon reference? That sent me to the moon! I'll write a complete review soon, but please pick this up!

soyogi's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.75

a fun little read with a Golden Retriever + Black Cat dynamic between the main couple. the story wanted to neatly close off the issues both boys had with their mothers, however both those relationships and the relationship between Luca and Raffy were developed in a hurry.

salmashesh's review against another edition

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4.0

Definitely one of my top favorites

haydemoone's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75