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michellechien930's review against another edition
3.0
"The Charm Offensive" was such a cute book! I've been really wanting to read some cute and fluffy LGBTQ romance reads recently, and "The Charm Offensive" had such a nice story! The main characters Dev and Charlie are very adorable, and their attraction to one another is written in a very cute, natural way. It also tackles mental health issues, social anxiety, etc. However, the book was a bit too long, the central conflict being that they were dating in secret on a romance reality show, and later even broke up near the end to create some of that cheap third-act drama. Another gripe is the Asian representation, it's great to have an Indian male protagonist, but not so great when there are literally zero Indian things about him (apart from his last name). Still, the romance and characters were really sweet, really liked the book!
naomitl's review against another edition
5.0
Oh this story! Pretty much finished it in a day. You'll just want to keep on reading. And the characters! They're all so incredibly lovely and this just has to be a movie!!
alyssadavis's review against another edition
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
3.0
Dev is like a human bonfire walking around generously warming everyone with his presence. But burning that bright and that fiercely must be exhausting. Charlie wishes he could tell Dev it’s okay to flicker out sometimes. It’s okay to tend to his own flame, to keep himself warm.
storybrooke13's review against another edition
4.0
this book really had me thinking about Red White & Royal Blue simply because I think Charlie reminds me of the presidents son in that book because they go on a similar journey sort of? I did like this book better though LOL
the idea of the producer falling in love with the star of the dating show is so fun and I loved a gay twist on it
Also reminds me of the show Unreal a little bit, but thank god the work environment wasn’t as toxic as theirs
the ending is so AHSHHHHH in a good way and makes me happy that good can exist in a world since it doesn’t seem like it does in the current one we live in (is that too far?)
the idea of the producer falling in love with the star of the dating show is so fun and I loved a gay twist on it
Also reminds me of the show Unreal a little bit, but thank god the work environment wasn’t as toxic as theirs
the ending is so AHSHHHHH in a good way and makes me happy that good can exist in a world since it doesn’t seem like it does in the current one we live in (is that too far?)
rainbowthani's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
quillyreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This sounded promising based on the premise, a contestant on a reality dating show having a forbidden romance with a showrunner.
Sadly, it just wasn’t for me. 🫠
There were some nice elements, but a lot I couldn’t forgive. Porticularly the portrayals of Charlie’s anxiety and panic disorders, and Dev’s depression. I know these are complex, varied conditions. But to me, it felt stereotyped and unrealistic. But, it was good to see some representation for two guys that struggle with mental health conditions, support each other, and eventually seek the help they need to start recovery.
It just feels a shame that so much of the plot relies on miscommunication (or complete lack of communication), and there is little character development until the close. 🤕
Felt like a bit of a slog tbh!
Sadly, it just wasn’t for me. 🫠
There were some nice elements, but a lot I couldn’t forgive. Porticularly the portrayals of Charlie’s anxiety and panic disorders, and Dev’s depression. I know these are complex, varied conditions. But to me, it felt stereotyped and unrealistic. But, it was good to see some representation for two guys that struggle with mental health conditions, support each other, and eventually seek the help they need to start recovery.
It just feels a shame that so much of the plot relies on miscommunication (or complete lack of communication), and there is little character development until the close. 🤕
Felt like a bit of a slog tbh!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Vomit, Ableism, and Cursing
Minor: Blood, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual content
mactimickey's review against another edition
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
This is book is so cute, it really gave me everything I want out of a romance and it had a fun spin on the fake dating trope! It did fall into the third act breakup thing that a lot of romance books have, but I think it was done very well and honestly, it was needed in this case.
emdap's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
courtsport's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.75
Devoured this adorable queer romance filled with all the tropes. You can see the plot coming from a mile away and I was HERE for it. Everyone was gay, plus a full serving of ace rep, and three (3) they/thems. We love to see diversity within queer experiences the intersectionality of race and mental illness. Highly recommend to anyone who wants The Bachelor to be hella gay. Spiciness level: 3/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Vomit, Alcohol, and Bullying