Breakup, Makeup
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
In this sweet and stylish romance, two lovers turned cosplay rivals go head-to-head for a chance at their dream school . . . and maybe a second chance at love.
Eli Peterson is a self-taught, up-and-coming makeup artist in the cosplay scene who is barely making ends meet. While they might be slaying it with their breathtaking looks, they’re also trying to save enough money for top surgery and convince their parents that their artistic dream is worthwhile. During a convention, Eli hears about Makeup Wars, a competition that could change everything . . .
The grand prize? A scholarship to Beyond, the best SFX school on the West Coast. The problem? Going head-to-head with the most talented up-and-coming makeup artists in the scene—including rival influencer Zachary Miller, their ex-boyfriend. Eli will have to juggle their makeup brushes, their rekindled feelings for Zach, and their self-doubt in order to win everything they’ve ever wanted: a chance to chase their dream and a second chance at love.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Anthony's layered debut follows 19-year-old transgender nonbinary Eli Peterson as they compete against their ex-boyfriend to win a scholarship to Beyond, an elite special effects and costume design school. The competition, Makeup Wars, requires participants to showcase their makeup skills and cosplaying talent in accordance with varying themes; Eli hopes to use the win to turn their status as a megapopular beauty influencer into a career as an SFX artist. When they learn that their ex-boyfriend, Zachary Miller, will also be participating, longing for Zach—compounded by Eli's belief that the two weren't compatible due to their disparate financial situations—prompts feelings of self-doubt. While managing their lingering love for Zach, Eli also stresses about saving money for top surgery. As the competition grows more heated, Eli must confront their insecurities if they hope to win. Luckily, a cast of intersectionally inclusive friends and rivals support Eli as they work toward overcoming their trauma-informed belief that they have to be "their own safety net" to survive. Anthony's organic descriptions of makeup, cosplay, and convention culture add texture to this inspiring story about self-acceptance and second chances. Most characters cue as white. Ages 13–up.
