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dusksolace's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Mental illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content
atomicbritt's review against another edition
funny
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Ableism, and Biphobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Racism
cheye13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Mental illness
Moderate: Biphobia, Alcohol, Racism, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic friendship
readinglikesappho's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
full transparency i went into this book just expecting a one-off simple romcom but it ended up being so much more than that and I loved it so much.
all cringe aside, this book is the embodiment of the 'we accept the love we think we deserve' quote.
this book made me want to watch a reality dating tv show, but only until I remembered that they all suck and are full of ugly straight people.
the way this book talks about and portrays mental health was one of the best I've read in a while. the way that Charlies OCD & anxiety and Devs depression are talked about and shown to us was so well done. the way that the severity and the dark ugly side of them are normalized and how the focus on therapy and taking care of yourself are emphasized?!?!?!? i cried.
also the way that we see comphet played out and described was so genuine and realistic i related to it so heavily.
Also was a huge fan of the way that Charlie decides he wants to exist outside a label but also being sure in his place on the ace spectrum. I think that people often think ace characters have to be sex-repulsed and timid and forget that asexuality exists on a spectrum so it was really refreshing to see Charlie express his feelings.
i related to Charlie on so many levels that it was genuinely concerning and I'm going to repress some stuff for a little while now but its okay!
even with the heavy themes this book is so much fun and its so cheesy and i loved it and if you're looking for a queer romcom with substance that tugs on your heartstrings in the right way while also giving you the right amount of yanking ur hair out in frustration; i highly HIGHLY recommend checking this book out.
tw// depictions of panic attacks, ableist language surrounding mental health, vomiting, sexism, racism & homophobia (in the context of Hollywood and reality television), heavy discussions about mental health (specifically OCD, anxiety & depression), slightly graphic sexual content, mentions and attempts of sexual assault (minor but still relevant).
all cringe aside, this book is the embodiment of the 'we accept the love we think we deserve' quote.
this book made me want to watch a reality dating tv show, but only until I remembered that they all suck and are full of ugly straight people.
the way this book talks about and portrays mental health was one of the best I've read in a while. the way that Charlies OCD & anxiety and Devs depression are talked about and shown to us was so well done. the way that the severity and the dark ugly side of them are normalized and how the focus on therapy and taking care of yourself are emphasized?!?!?!? i cried.
also the way that we see comphet played out and described was so genuine and realistic i related to it so heavily.
Also was a huge fan of the way that Charlie decides he wants to exist outside a label but also being sure in his place on the ace spectrum. I think that people often think ace characters have to be sex-repulsed and timid and forget that asexuality exists on a spectrum so it was really refreshing to see Charlie express his feelings.
i related to Charlie on so many levels that it was genuinely concerning and I'm going to repress some stuff for a little while now but its okay!
even with the heavy themes this book is so much fun and its so cheesy and i loved it and if you're looking for a queer romcom with substance that tugs on your heartstrings in the right way while also giving you the right amount of yanking ur hair out in frustration; i highly HIGHLY recommend checking this book out.
tw// depictions of panic attacks, ableist language surrounding mental health, vomiting, sexism, racism & homophobia (in the context of Hollywood and reality television), heavy discussions about mental health (specifically OCD, anxiety & depression), slightly graphic sexual content, mentions and attempts of sexual assault (minor but still relevant).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Ableism, Mental illness, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual assault
thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
4.0
Ugh, this book was too cute! I love that Charlie found people who would accept him, not try to make him conform. And Dev, you hopeless romantic!
A+ for all the conversations around asexuality. This is one of the few books I've read (so far) that is so open about discussion and I adore it.
A+ for all the conversations around asexuality. This is one of the few books I've read (so far) that is so open about discussion and I adore it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Vomit, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, and Alcohol
Minor: Racism
flyingryndeer's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Homophobia
e_flah's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I really wanted to love The Charm Offensive but something was just missing for me. The story was entertaining enough though I was never fully emotionally invested, which was disappointing.
To start with what I did enjoy, Charlie's questioning of his sexuality was so generously and kindly portrayed in the story. No one pressures Charlie to label his sexuality. I don't think I've ever read a portrayal of questioning like this, particularly not one where every character responds with understanding. This was so lovely to see on the page and was one of my favorite things about The Charm Offensive.
I think the biggest thing about this book that didn't quite click for me was Dev's character development. His character seems largely defined by a few things -- particularly his belief in Ever After as a show that helps people find love and his depression. I kept hoping we'd get more character development to round out Dev but even though he's a main POV character, I felt like I didn't really know who he was. I've also seen some Indian reviewers critiquing the portrayal of Dev's Indian identity, which further emphasizes the lackluster character development of Dev.
To start with what I did enjoy, Charlie's questioning of his sexuality was so generously and kindly portrayed in the story. No one pressures Charlie to label his sexuality. I don't think I've ever read a portrayal of questioning like this, particularly not one where every character responds with understanding. This was so lovely to see on the page and was one of my favorite things about The Charm Offensive.
I think the biggest thing about this book that didn't quite click for me was Dev's character development. His character seems largely defined by a few things -- particularly his belief in Ever After as a show that helps people find love and his depression. I kept hoping we'd get more character development to round out Dev but even though he's a main POV character, I felt like I didn't really know who he was. I've also seen some Indian reviewers critiquing the portrayal of Dev's Indian identity, which further emphasizes the lackluster character development of Dev.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Ableism, Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
bedtimesandbooks's review
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcohol, Biphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Homophobia, Mental illness, Vomit, Sexual content, Racism, and Panic attacks/disorders
vael's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of the best books I have ever read. I’m glad I finally get to read an ace rep <3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Racism
sarahmreads's review
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
My lovely friend Sam has been pushing this book onto me since they got it for me on my birthday. I finally got around to reading it and honestly I'm so glad I did.
Dev is a production assistant for the reality show Ever After, where lucky men and women go to try and find love. He's loved the show since he was a kid, and now has to be the handler for the new bachelor, Charlie. Charlie, however, doesn't think he's ready in the slightest. He has anxiety and panic disorders, so combine that with a reality show and you get a recipe for disaster. Dev helps Charlie slowly start to come out of his shell, but what happens when they can't get their hands off of each other?
I want to start this off by saying that the LGBTQ+ rep was OFF THE CHARTS GOOD! We have gay, lesbian, bisexual, demisexual, pansexual, even non-binary individuals even though they played mostly minor roles. We always see some perspective into someone's experience with their sexual identity and it was SO WELL DONE! For example, at the beginning of the story the head producer suggests having a bisexual woman to add drama, and one of the bisexual side characters actually speaks up against having her sexuality weaponized, as it tends to be the case on many reality shows or even in media portrayal. There were also a lot of important discussions about not having to identify one's self if they feel they don't need to, coming out, how to handle it, etc. I felt so seen through this representation and characters coming to terms with who they are because I feel like it mirrored my own experience.
Now character wise, everyone was amazing! I related so much to Charlie. Although his anxiety and panic and OCD moments are more frequent than mine, I can definitely relate to how exactly he spirals. How one single moment can send me spiraling to a point where my breathing becomes labored and I start freaking out. I can't tell you the last time I've seen myself represented in such a manner, on top of the fact that Charlie comes out as demisexual. Just... I will die for this man.
Dev was also a huge favorite. Not only did his aspect of having to put on a face and not letting people in get to me, but also his whole experience with depression and how to properly navigate it. Parisha was also a favorite, just because she was quirky and fun but also caring. Even some characters that are first portrayed in a negative light get some time to shine and show they're likeable, which I greatly appreciated.
The plot was slightly predictable, but I was expecting more of a slowburn. This was more of a medium burn, and the ramifications actually were different than what I expected.
The Charm Offensive is one of the best romances I've read this year and is perfect for any queer reader who wants to see themselves represented in media while also confronting serious issues with all forms of discrimination.
Dev is a production assistant for the reality show Ever After, where lucky men and women go to try and find love. He's loved the show since he was a kid, and now has to be the handler for the new bachelor, Charlie. Charlie, however, doesn't think he's ready in the slightest. He has anxiety and panic disorders, so combine that with a reality show and you get a recipe for disaster. Dev helps Charlie slowly start to come out of his shell, but what happens when they can't get their hands off of each other?
I want to start this off by saying that the LGBTQ+ rep was OFF THE CHARTS GOOD! We have gay, lesbian, bisexual, demisexual, pansexual, even non-binary individuals even though they played mostly minor roles. We always see some perspective into someone's experience with their sexual identity and it was SO WELL DONE! For example, at the beginning of the story the head producer suggests having a bisexual woman to add drama, and one of the bisexual side characters actually speaks up against having her sexuality weaponized, as it tends to be the case on many reality shows or even in media portrayal. There were also a lot of important discussions about not having to identify one's self if they feel they don't need to, coming out, how to handle it, etc. I felt so seen through this representation and characters coming to terms with who they are because I feel like it mirrored my own experience.
Now character wise, everyone was amazing! I related so much to Charlie. Although his anxiety and panic and OCD moments are more frequent than mine, I can definitely relate to how exactly he spirals. How one single moment can send me spiraling to a point where my breathing becomes labored and I start freaking out. I can't tell you the last time I've seen myself represented in such a manner, on top of the fact that Charlie comes out as demisexual. Just... I will die for this man.
Dev was also a huge favorite. Not only did his aspect of having to put on a face and not letting people in get to me, but also his whole experience with depression and how to properly navigate it. Parisha was also a favorite, just because she was quirky and fun but also caring. Even some characters that are first portrayed in a negative light get some time to shine and show they're likeable, which I greatly appreciated.
The plot was slightly predictable, but I was expecting more of a slowburn. This was more of a medium burn, and the ramifications actually were different than what I expected.
The Charm Offensive is one of the best romances I've read this year and is perfect for any queer reader who wants to see themselves represented in media while also confronting serious issues with all forms of discrimination.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Racism
Minor: Vomit