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jenny_librarian's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
This is what One to Watch tried to achieve, with way more diversity at every level, and so much better done!
I loved absolutely everything about this book except one thing: the miscommunication. I know this is how this kind of book is supposed to go, but I just hate when conflict stems from the fact that the main characters won't just sit down and talk. And that's saying a lot, considering a lot of the time Charlie and Dev spend together is them talking...
But apart from that, the sheer amount of diversity in this book was so refreshing for this kind of romcom. We got multiple queer identities (including a whooping TWO characters under the asexual umbrella!!!), neurodivergence and mental health issues being discussed, characters of colour in the forefront of the story... It just felt so good to read!
I have to say, however, that the trigger warnings for OCD, anxiety/panic attacks and depression are major in this book. If this is triggering, better skip it altogether. They hit quick and they hit hard. One of Charlie's panic attack almost caused me to have one. Good writing, but very much triggering.
Everyone else, though: READ. THIS. BOOK!
I loved absolutely everything about this book except one thing: the miscommunication. I know this is how this kind of book is supposed to go, but I just hate when conflict stems from the fact that the main characters won't just sit down and talk. And that's saying a lot, considering a lot of the time Charlie and Dev spend together is them talking...
But apart from that, the sheer amount of diversity in this book was so refreshing for this kind of romcom. We got multiple queer identities (including a whooping TWO characters under the asexual umbrella!!!), neurodivergence and mental health issues being discussed, characters of colour in the forefront of the story... It just felt so good to read!
I have to say, however, that the trigger warnings for OCD, anxiety/panic attacks and depression are major in this book. If this is triggering, better skip it altogether. They hit quick and they hit hard. One of Charlie's panic attack almost caused me to have one. Good writing, but very much triggering.
Everyone else, though: READ. THIS. BOOK!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, Vomit, Outing, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Acephobia/Arophobia, Biphobia, and Bullying
Minor: Cursing, Dysphoria, Sexual content, Body shaming, Alcohol, and Sexual assault
karina_dreamsinwords's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"If happily ever after is something you choose, then Dev decides to choose it for himself."
Chosen as the next Prince Charming, Charlie stars in this season of the hit reality dating show Ever After, reminiscent of The Bachelor, to find his one true love. Dev is a producer on the show and is assigned to be Charlie's "handler" and personal coach, ensuring Charlie is always camera ready. Over the course of filming, Dev offers to take Charlie on practice dates to get the nerves out and lower his anxiety. We see Charlie develop & ultimately blossom into his true self as he grows closer to Dev. Maybe, just maybe, his happily ever after looks a bit different than he imagined.
As a reality show binge watcher, I had a feeling I was going to love this based off of the premise alone. I’m very happy to say that I absolutely adored this book!
At the beginning of The Charm Offensive we see Charlie struggle with his sexuality. Being a workaholic with no time for relationships, Charlie didn’t have the opportunity to explore or develop an attraction to anyone in his past. Watching Charlie’s journey to self acceptance and self love was honest, raw and beautiful to see unfold.
There are discussions of mental health regarding both of our main characters— Dev struggles through depression, while Charlie has OCD, severe anxiety, and experiences panic attacks. I don’t believe I have seen mental health represented in both mc’s before. We also see Dev also seek professional help from a therapist which was also refreshing to see on page. Throughout the book, Cochrun expresses the delicate & important way a partner cares for you while experiencing an episode. I could cry at the instances we see this take place between Charlie & Dev! Incredibly beautiful moments.
This book is hilarious, charming, swoony, heartfelt and truly a delightful read. If you are in need of a mood lifter— I highly suggest picking this one up.
p.s. if I had to describe The Charm Offensive in one emoji, it would be 💖💖💖
Chosen as the next Prince Charming, Charlie stars in this season of the hit reality dating show Ever After, reminiscent of The Bachelor, to find his one true love. Dev is a producer on the show and is assigned to be Charlie's "handler" and personal coach, ensuring Charlie is always camera ready. Over the course of filming, Dev offers to take Charlie on practice dates to get the nerves out and lower his anxiety. We see Charlie develop & ultimately blossom into his true self as he grows closer to Dev. Maybe, just maybe, his happily ever after looks a bit different than he imagined.
As a reality show binge watcher, I had a feeling I was going to love this based off of the premise alone. I’m very happy to say that I absolutely adored this book!
At the beginning of The Charm Offensive we see Charlie struggle with his sexuality. Being a workaholic with no time for relationships, Charlie didn’t have the opportunity to explore or develop an attraction to anyone in his past. Watching Charlie’s journey to self acceptance and self love was honest, raw and beautiful to see unfold.
There are discussions of mental health regarding both of our main characters— Dev struggles through depression, while Charlie has OCD, severe anxiety, and experiences panic attacks. I don’t believe I have seen mental health represented in both mc’s before. We also see Dev also seek professional help from a therapist which was also refreshing to see on page. Throughout the book, Cochrun expresses the delicate & important way a partner cares for you while experiencing an episode. I could cry at the instances we see this take place between Charlie & Dev! Incredibly beautiful moments.
This book is hilarious, charming, swoony, heartfelt and truly a delightful read. If you are in need of a mood lifter— I highly suggest picking this one up.
p.s. if I had to describe The Charm Offensive in one emoji, it would be 💖💖💖
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual assault, Vomit, and Biphobia
xompeii's review
adventurous
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
5.0
I am in love with this book. I'm so happy to have read it. It's the Asexual Love story I didn't realize I needed. It filled me with so much joy and didn't have any of the outing tropes I absolutely hate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Mental illness, and Biphobia
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual assault
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
charleshasalibrary's review
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Biphobia, Bullying, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Cursing
Moderate: Addiction, Vomit, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Infidelity, and Homophobia
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Outing, and Misogyny
mayakinsley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Ableism
Moderate: Sexual assault
emfass's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Perhaps I will come back later to leave a longer review, but for now: this book made me cry multiple times, more than any other romance has, but in the best way: for mental health rep, for aspec + queer rep, for allowing people to be with us in our darkest and messiest moments and helping us realize we deserve love then too, for the idea that every kind of love/orientation deserves to be recognized as valid and is worthy of being represented widely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcohol, Biphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Vomit
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Minor: Religious bigotry
foreverinastory's review against another edition
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
This was so damn fun!!
Rep: white questioning demisexual gay male MC with OCD and anxiety, Desi gay male MC with depression, pansexual hijabi female side character, side WLW couple, nonbinary side character, queer Chinese female side character.
CWs: Alcohol consumption, homophobia/homomisia, mental illness (OCD, anxiety, depression), panic attacks, vomit. Moderate: blood, grief, racism, violence, past mentions of child abuse. Minor: Acephobia/Acemisia.
Rep: white questioning demisexual gay male MC with OCD and anxiety, Desi gay male MC with depression, pansexual hijabi female side character, side WLW couple, nonbinary side character, queer Chinese female side character.
CWs: Alcohol consumption, homophobia/homomisia, mental illness (OCD, anxiety, depression), panic attacks, vomit. Moderate: blood, grief, racism, violence, past mentions of child abuse. Minor: Acephobia/Acemisia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Vomit
Moderate: Grief, Blood, Child abuse, Racism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia
akswhy's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Come for the off-brand Bachelor drama, stay for the in-depth discussions of sexuality discovery and the importance of prioritizing mental healthcare.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Homophobia
Minor: Sexual assault
decklededgess's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Trigger warnings: depression/depressive episode, OCD triggers, anxiety and panic attacks, harassment and manipulation, homophobia, racist microaggressions, sexual content, alcohol, sexual harassment
My opinion of this book treads a fine line. As a Bachelor franchise fan, I was thoroughly entertained by the producer manipulation exposé this book was attempting to be. Not to mention, I'm guessing this was likely inspired by Colton Underwood's season and what it could have been had he been given the chance to explore his own sexuality instead of a pre-written hetero fantasy. Since one of the producers was a romantic lead, I felt this book was a bit more sympathetic to the producer side of things. In the show, it's evident that the producers err on the side of abusive and manipulative instead of listening ears and while that's evident, the more toxic producers aren't even given a name. Instead the cast of characters are all queer folks who get a bit of a redemption arc. So overall, the Bachelor behind the scenes aspect is a bit more rose coloured glasses than I would expect but otherwise it's not too shabby.
As for the romance, I wasn't a big fan? It's pretty bland in the line of most romances. The author was balancing a forbidden romance, mental health issues, and critique of a reality tv show so it was perhaps too many eggs for this one basket.
I wasn't a big fan of Dev's characterization even if I did like his character overall. He's South Asian but there's no context for his identity save one paragraph about his parents' immigration to USA. And while South Asian folks can vary in their attachment to identity, I found that in Dev's case it was more a side effect of the white author writing a Desi character for the sake of having a non white lead.
The author's attention to mental health was probably the most successful aspect of this book. Charlie's OCD was written well and with respect, Dev's depression was also addressed appropriately. I'm not personally familiar with the nuances of these mental illnesses but I found at times that Charlie teetered the line of autistic and Dev was showing more signs of bipolar disorder than just depression alone. From a place of rudimentary familiarity with all four those were my observations.
Overall, fine.
My opinion of this book treads a fine line. As a Bachelor franchise fan, I was thoroughly entertained by the producer manipulation exposé this book was attempting to be. Not to mention, I'm guessing this was likely inspired by Colton Underwood's season and what it could have been had he been given the chance to explore his own sexuality instead of a pre-written hetero fantasy. Since one of the producers was a romantic lead, I felt this book was a bit more sympathetic to the producer side of things. In the show, it's evident that the producers err on the side of abusive and manipulative instead of listening ears and while that's evident, the more toxic producers aren't even given a name. Instead the cast of characters are all queer folks who get a bit of a redemption arc. So overall, the Bachelor behind the scenes aspect is a bit more rose coloured glasses than I would expect but otherwise it's not too shabby.
As for the romance, I wasn't a big fan? It's pretty bland in the line of most romances. The author was balancing a forbidden romance, mental health issues, and critique of a reality tv show so it was perhaps too many eggs for this one basket.
I wasn't a big fan of Dev's characterization even if I did like his character overall. He's South Asian but there's no context for his identity save one paragraph about his parents' immigration to USA. And while South Asian folks can vary in their attachment to identity, I found that in Dev's case it was more a side effect of the white author writing a Desi character for the sake of having a non white lead.
The author's attention to mental health was probably the most successful aspect of this book. Charlie's OCD was written well and with respect, Dev's depression was also addressed appropriately. I'm not personally familiar with the nuances of these mental illnesses but I found at times that Charlie teetered the line of autistic and Dev was showing more signs of bipolar disorder than just depression alone. From a place of rudimentary familiarity with all four those were my observations.
Overall, fine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Racism, and Emotional abuse
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