#I've used this one for a grovel cosplay and I still love looking at it!!

[blobbei-art]

Not specifically art...but have I ever uploaded a picture of my self-made time gear here? I’m very proud of it and got commissioned for two custom-made ones at comic con last year. 

[willmarstudios]

Bookworm Will Review #5

Title: "Be Dazzled" Author: Ryan La Sala Rating: 4/5 Review: (MILD SPOILERS) This book was a HUGE wave of nostalgia for me as a retired cosplayer and the added romance was so perfect!

I was recommending this to all of my cosplay friends because it just that wholesome. What really left an impact on me was the character discovery that we got to witness from Raphael, Raffy, as the story progressed. At first I wasn't sure how much of a fan I was going to be of the alternating timelines between past and present, but it really helped give the reader insight on Raffy's and Luca's relationship.

To me the best part was the internal struggle between Raffy trying to learn exactly how he wants his relationship to look. I don't mean that physically, but here is where I can see it varying from person to person; Raffy's ambition to be the best helps him dedicate himself to his work because he obviously has big dreams and wants to achieve them. For himself because that who is he, but ALSO to get his mother approval. That mentality of 'once I make it big, I'll be enough and then everyone whoever doubted me will see as who I really am!' is motivating, but so toxic at the same time.

Once Luca got in the picture, we got to see that shift in Raffy's perspective of still wanting to be the best, but unable to figure out how to let others into this life he is so determined to be apart of. Raffy's ambition clearly started to impact his relationship, not just with Luca, but with his friends as well. That mentality really connected with me because as a creative, it can be so difficult to 'make it big' so being all determined about that 'grind life' can really show an ugly side to people.

I went to college with @derpkind @moonmilkii @skelelock and the students had a self appointed saying, "Sleep Comes After Death", that used the university's initials (IYKYK). While funny as a freshman, you slowly start to learn how unfunny it was. For me, and I feel Raffy's case, it was a consuming ego of being unrecognized the way that you wanted to be. Some times it was to be the best of the class, other times it was to be acknowledged for having talent during critiques, overall it leaves you viewing the world around you differently (especially other creatives).

When Luca confronted Raffy about his behavior and the notable shifts as they worked on cosplay together, it was such a reflective moment for the plot and for me as the reader. Luca was struggling with wanting to be helpful, even though he wasn't the best craftsman, but saw that Raffy was able to get SO MUCH more work done without him there as a distraction. I can relate as being someone who is very type A, I usually prefer to work alone, but after finally asking Luca why he wasn't attending one of their hangout sessions did we finally get to see the climax of Raffy's character development. To Raffy, the competition was to fulfill his dream while to Luca, it was to spend time with each other so it could be their thing as a couple.

Did Raffy want Luca in his dream?

That hit such a relatable nerve with me because (TMI incoming), I've had to face this with my own relationship. I work a full time job and then spend most of my free time fulfilling creative work for my portfolio which has caused me to neglect my partner. My partner and Luca both share the love language of quality time together, but when that quality time gets in the way of someone's dream or end goal, it can be messy. To myself and Raffy, it looks like we are trying to make it big as creatives to BENEFIT our relationships: at least thats how it seems to us.

The main takeaway that I took is to let go of that ego, let go of those competitive feelings until you can separate it from everything else. Healthy competition is possible and more fun that groveling over a loss. The moments where Luca was with Raffy in their studio working, Raffy kept phrasing certain things Luca did as a distraction which yes, can be truly frustrating if you are trying to achieve a goal, but I believe Luca was trying to teach Raffy the importance of breaks.

We all should allow ourselves a break. We need to take time to be ourselves and really ENJOY our passions and hobbies. You never know what someone is going through and projecting your stress on others is never ideal, especially when it comes to a hobby like cosplay.

When they were together watching anime or just embracing each other inbetween crafting sessions were moments that made me feel so warm and fuzzy.

(Forgive the long ass tangent)

Long story short, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it! I did wish we could explore more side characters like Evie and May and even Luca's family, but overall such a fun read!