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cady_sass's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Absolute perfection. Chefs kiss. Change nothing. The representation?! Immaculate. Multiple types of neurodivergence across multiple characters, people across the entire spectrum of sexuality across multiple characters, racial diversity throughout and a mixed race couple at the forefront? Oh, and of course a heart melting queer romance to boot. This is unREAL (rest in peace 🙏🏼) if it was remotely heartwarming and had any happy storylines. I can’t ask for more. 1000 stars.
I will actually fight someone over this book, don’t you dare come over here with your slander 🤣
I will actually fight someone over this book, don’t you dare come over here with your slander 🤣
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Alcohol, Biphobia, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Bullying, Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Homophobia, and Vomit
justjaqueline's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.5
I went into this book somehow forgetting I don't like reality tv, like, at all. I kinda hate it, to be honest. I thought I'd be fine, but I had some difficulty while reading; note to self, stop doing this.
Good news, tho: the lovable characters more than make-up for this!! I fell in love with Charlie faster than Dev and I found the mental health rep very refreshing. I don't have OCD, so I'd rather you get your opinions from other sources, but the author seems to at least have done enough research about it to talk about it with the nuance and care it deserves.
All in all, I basically inhaled this books, so I'd recommend it!!
Good news, tho: the lovable characters more than make-up for this!! I fell in love with Charlie faster than Dev and I found the mental health rep very refreshing. I don't have OCD, so I'd rather you get your opinions from other sources, but the author seems to at least have done enough research about it to talk about it with the nuance and care it deserves.
All in all, I basically inhaled this books, so I'd recommend it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Biphobia
samarakroeger's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.5
this was everything I wanted Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble to be. the two books have so many similar elements but The Charm Offensive was just executed better on every front. This also featured my preferred romance narrative style - close third person from both parties (maybe it’s because it feels most like how you see a romcom?).
I totally called the wlw subplot (and would totally read a book about Daphne!) and all the delightful queer rep was so joyful. the minute the main characters were introduced I immediately knew they were not neurotypical without anything being mentioned (just ND things) and the mental health rep in here was very solid.
yes I did tear up at work while reading :)
I think there are some very valid criticisms to be made about the fact that not much effort was put into driving home Dev’s Indian heritage, but I would like to add that we don’t see that many details about Charlie’s old life/family/culture either. I don’t think where the characters come from/how they grew up was really meant to be a big part of the plot here and that’s fine. Clearly the focus was put on mental health and sexuality, which were both handled very well.
I totally called the wlw subplot (and would totally read a book about Daphne!) and all the delightful queer rep was so joyful. the minute the main characters were introduced I immediately knew they were not neurotypical without anything being mentioned (just ND things) and the mental health rep in here was very solid.
yes I did tear up at work while reading :)
I think there are some very valid criticisms to be made about the fact that not much effort was put into driving home Dev’s Indian heritage, but I would like to add that we don’t see that many details about Charlie’s old life/family/culture either. I don’t think where the characters come from/how they grew up was really meant to be a big part of the plot here and that’s fine. Clearly the focus was put on mental health and sexuality, which were both handled very well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Biphobia, Homophobia, and Vomit
samixox's review against another edition
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Ableism
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Biphobia
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Cursing
ronniethereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, and Biphobia
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Vomit
thecatconstellation's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
This is unbearably cute and very tender.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Alcohol, Vomit, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Biphobia, and Cursing
plumsickle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
This book is so cathartic to read.
I could really relate to a LOT of Charlie, and his story was extremely satisfying. I'm on the aroace spectrum just like him, and I will gleefully gobble any story with a aro/demi/ace/etc protagonist.
The challenges of the two main characters didn't stem from Miscommunication or jealousy or anything like that. Instead the challenges were real, and realistically unhealthy. Having them work together and independently through issues brought up in the book was great. Did it sometimes feel like the narrative was breaking the 4th wall to say "Hey kids, this is X mental illness or X sexuality and the characteristics. And we do NOT tolerate putting people down because of these characteristics"? Yes. But I give it a pass. Exploring those concepts, especially if you may be introducing those to a readership, is tough.
Anyways. This is my first 5 stars of the year. I'd read it again.
I could really relate to a LOT of Charlie, and his story was extremely satisfying. I'm on the aroace spectrum just like him, and I will gleefully gobble any story with a aro/demi/ace/etc protagonist.
The challenges of the two main characters didn't stem from Miscommunication or jealousy or anything like that. Instead the challenges were real, and realistically unhealthy. Having them work together and independently through issues brought up in the book was great. Did it sometimes feel like the narrative was breaking the 4th wall to say "Hey kids, this is X mental illness or X sexuality and the characteristics. And we do NOT tolerate putting people down because of these characteristics"? Yes. But I give it a pass. Exploring those concepts, especially if you may be introducing those to a readership, is tough.
Anyways. This is my first 5 stars of the year. I'd read it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Biphobia
Minor: Alcoholism
lolalovesromance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
I adored this read! The sweet MCs who both thought they were undeserving of love. The honest mental health rep. The hilarious side characters. I didn’t want it to end! And speaking of the ending, I really wasn’t sure the MCs were going to get an HEA for a bit there. I won’t ruin anything but The Charm Offensive is definitely worth the read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Homophobia and Biphobia
averycutecupcake's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Biphobia and Homophobia
maddiee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Homophobia and Biphobia