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n_asyikin_'s review against another edition
challenging
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
3.5
A contemporary romance set in a background of a reality show where reality really catches up with our cast of characters.
I think it's important how the story depicted mental health issues especially in terms of the pervasiveness of ableism in our society. Being that it is a current default in society that often shaped internalized ableism, having the effects of ableism being portrayed set as a reminder of its cruelty.
Charlie's discovery of being in the ace spectrum spoke volume to me, personally. I think that compassion & acceptance seen between Dev & Charlie was necessary; the concept of being accepted for who you are consistent throughout this story.
That being said, there were certain aspects of the story that irked the pragmatics in me.Although Charlie was blacklisted in his industry, he was still a millionaire; I found the helplessness surrounding his situation, the dismissal over the power his wealth should bring as unbelievable really.
Although Cochrun did point out later on that 'love doesn't always provide miraculous cure', I thought that it was still a running theme in the story - which can be problematic. I get that Dev & Charlie were the stars of the story, but Dev's seeming magical ability to manage Charlie's anxiety and Charlie for Dev's depression implied that romantic partner should have innate ability to know-it-all which improve one's mental state. I personally found this idealism reductive of the efforts that go into managing chronic mental disorders. But perhaps I'm being pedantic.
I adored the analogies used by Cochrun, rather beautiful for a sweeping romance like this. Furthermore, I quite enjoy reading about the friendships shared between the characters; strong friendship is always a plus for me!
If you enjoy the drama & chaos that surrounds reality TV, you'll likely enjoy this book. The Charm Offensive was witty with a swoon-worthy romance set in the backdrop of self-discovery & self-acceptance.
I think it's important how the story depicted mental health issues especially in terms of the pervasiveness of ableism in our society. Being that it is a current default in society that often shaped internalized ableism, having the effects of ableism being portrayed set as a reminder of its cruelty.
Charlie's discovery of being in the ace spectrum spoke volume to me, personally. I think that compassion & acceptance seen between Dev & Charlie was necessary; the concept of being accepted for who you are consistent throughout this story.
That being said, there were certain aspects of the story that irked the pragmatics in me.
Although Cochrun did point out later on that 'love doesn't always provide miraculous cure', I thought that it was still a running theme in the story - which can be problematic. I get that Dev & Charlie were the stars of the story, but Dev's seeming magical ability to manage Charlie's anxiety and Charlie for Dev's depression implied that romantic partner should have innate ability to know-it-all which improve one's mental state.
I adored the analogies used by Cochrun, rather beautiful for a sweeping romance like this. Furthermore, I quite enjoy reading about the friendships shared between the characters; strong friendship is always a plus for me!
If you enjoy the drama & chaos that surrounds reality TV, you'll likely enjoy this book. The Charm Offensive was witty with a swoon-worthy romance set in the backdrop of self-discovery & self-acceptance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Vomit
nicdoeswords's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.75
Big romance, genuine well-done character development, pictures of wellness that feel grounded and real, and messy complicated relationships underscored by intimacy and vulnerability. I particularly loved Charlie discussing and being accepted in his lack of sexual experience in his late 20s—you don't see that a lot in fiction and I appreciated the take on it and on the asexuality spectrum in general. Also, that ENDING! I love it when you see something coming but watching it unfold still has your heart sitting hopeful in your throat. Wonderful. . Also, I read this entire book in one day. I haven't done that in years.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Ableism and Homophobia
darnays's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Biphobia
Minor: Ableism and Toxic friendship
los_books's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Biphobia, and Homophobia
mandaraffe's review against another edition
adventurous
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Ableism, Alcohol, Biphobia, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
ourxstorybegins's review against another edition
5.0
These stories with a Bachelor-type reality show as the setting have absolutely RUINED the actual show for me.
We have a neurodivergent demisexual (not that he was aware of this until later in the book but it is very much what's happening) lead who is awful at interacting with new people. His producer is a gay man who is BUBBLY AS HECK (but also has depression because you can be both! Take note, other writers!) and is working to get the guy out of his shell.And of course, they both end up falling for each other and it is one of the sweetest romances that I've read this year
The way that mental health (specifically anxiety and depression) were addressed in this book was so lovely and real. I'm not a person who does much rereading, but I absolutely see myself going back to this one over and over.
We have a neurodivergent demisexual (not that he was aware of this until later in the book but it is very much what's happening) lead who is awful at interacting with new people. His producer is a gay man who is BUBBLY AS HECK (but also has depression because you can be both! Take note, other writers!) and is working to get the guy out of his shell.
The way that mental health (specifically anxiety and depression) were addressed in this book was so lovely and real. I'm not a person who does much rereading, but I absolutely see myself going back to this one over and over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, and Homophobia
casey_sunshine'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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Biphobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Ableism, Vomit, and Sexual content
yvonne_cl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Ableism, Biphobia, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Vomit
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism
guinofear's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Homophobia
meganpbennett's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Charm Offensive is an interesting book. It's not at all what I expected, as it's not the lighthearted reality tv romance novel I thought it would be. Mental illness is a major part of the book, and the storyline is much more serious than it first seemed.
Charlie is trying to get his life back on track after something happened at his company, and Dev is the best handler Ever After has. So when Charlie doesn't respond to the usual handler, Dev is forced to step up, and live with Charlie until the show is filmed.
One of the reasons the book isn't as lighthearted as it originally appeared is because Dev and Charlie have to sneak around, which is not really fun, and not good for either of their mental health. There's also a subplot where it seems that someone is out to get Charlie and make him look bad, given how often he's scheduled for something that is explicitly in his contract as a no-go (the wool suit, a "date" that involves massages, etc).
Charlie is trying to get his life back on track after something happened at his company, and Dev is the best handler Ever After has. So when Charlie doesn't respond to the usual handler, Dev is forced to step up, and live with Charlie until the show is filmed.
One of the reasons the book isn't as lighthearted as it originally appeared is because Dev and Charlie have to sneak around, which is not really fun, and not good for either of their mental health. There's also a subplot where it seems that someone is out to get Charlie and make him look bad, given how often he's scheduled for something that is explicitly in his contract as a no-go (the wool suit, a "date" that involves massages, etc).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Sexual content, Vomit, Ableism, and Bullying