2.84k reviews for:

The Charlie Method

Elle Kennedy

3.65 AVERAGE

greenvoyce's review

4.75
emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing 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: Complicated

Okay, let’s be real—the Off Campus series is still one of my all-time favorites. So when I heard Elle Kennedy was writing a series about the kids of those iconic characters? I was basically doing cartwheels.

The first two books in the Campus Diaries? Loved them. They gave me all the nostalgic Off Campus vibes with fresh energy. But this third book… whew. I’m a little heartbroken that this is how the series wraps up.

Now don’t get me wrong—the character development? Chef’s kiss. Elle knows how to build a compelling arc. But the Why Choose trope? Yeah… turns out it’s just not my jam. I was so pumped for Will and Beckett’s story, especially after how much I adored them in the earlier books. But this twist wasn’t what I was hoping for.

That said—let’s talk spice. 🔥 This is hands down the spiciest Elle Kennedy book I’ve ever read. Like, wow. If steam is your thing, buckle up.

 
emotional lighthearted 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

goldfishandstars's review

3.75
emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional funny 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
adventurous informative lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
livsreads22's profile picture

livsreads22's review

3.0
funny tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I love Elle Kennedy as an author, and I think she generally does a fabulous job weaving in real-life emotional events into wonderful romances. I had very high hopes for this book, but it just fell a little flat compared to the rest of the books she has written in the Briar universe. There were far too many subplots happening, and it felt a little distracting. I love a HEA, but I almost feel like this one shouldn’t have happened. Other than that, I related-to and appreciated Charlie’s character, and I loved hearing more about Will and Beckett’s relationship. 

When I started my Elle Kennedy era, I was probably most curious about this book, her latest release. I’d never read a poly romance novel before.

Beckett struck me as free-spirited and laid back, while Will seemed more reserved. However, both of them seemed like they preferred to go with the flow. They worked so well together, but I also liked the people they were individually.

Charlie’s double life, good schoolgirl by day and risk-taker by night, felt a little cliche, but I can’t deny it worked well. She was exploring herself as a person, not just sexually, but also her background, and I thought it was all fleshed out nicely and made her a more interesting character.

In the beginning, it focused too much on the sexual aspect. Which I wouldn’t say is a fault, just that it wasn’t really my thing, so I mostly skimmed those parts. I got bored here and there, which isn’t usually a thing that happens with this author. It didn’t help that this book was lengthy and could’ve been trimmed. I wasn’t as invested in the story because of that.

But I felt like they established somewhat of a connection outside of sex as well. Will and Beckett were there to talk to Charlie, provide companionship, and reassure her when she needed it.

How can I forget Mike Hollis? It was nice to see him again. I missed his craziness.

I hope there’s more to come in this series. While this one wasn’t my favorite Elle Kennedy book, I can still anything she writes.

TW: sl*t shaming, grief
emotional funny inspiring 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

Fantastic read!

This book had all the things I look for in a good book. It had spice, way more than I thought it was going to have. It had a great plot and character development. The top of being adopted and finding your biological family was a great add on. The little twist at the end had me upset but the HEA made it all better.