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A review by withlivjones
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
4.25
Wow! I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the romance!
First, on the representation front. We have gays, we have lesbians, we have bisexuals, pansexuals, asexuals, demisexuals, enbies, basically the entire alphabet mafia is here and queer! There are a few characters who either come to terms with their sexuality within the book or open up about their past self-discovery, and each of these stories are treated with such compassion, which made me so happy to read. This book also has some of the best mental health rep I’ve seen, with Charlie struggling with OCD and anxiety and Dev suffering from depression, and it affects their characters and the story in a way that doesn’t feel forced. I also really appreciated how this book showed that getting into a relationship doesn’t automatically fix all your problems, and Dev and Charlie end up putting in the work so that both they themselves and their relationship can be as healthy as possible.
Speaking of their relationship… it is just. so sweet. They have real “opposites attract” energy which isn’t usually my favourite trope but it works so well here. I loved both of their character arcs and the fact that they were each able to nudge the other onto the path towards healing.
The reality TV plot was really exciting, and I loved the little editing notes at the end of each chapter that give some insight into the shady stuff that goes on behind the scenes from planning the activities in advance of filming to even when the cameras have finished rolling. Daphne has my entire heart and I am so glad she was able to accept herself!
My only criticism is that I would have loved to have seen Dev’s Indian heritage explored in a bit more depth, considering, but overall, a wonderful, heartwarming read!
First, on the representation front. We have gays, we have lesbians, we have bisexuals, pansexuals, asexuals, demisexuals, enbies, basically the entire alphabet mafia is here and queer! There are a few characters who either come to terms with their sexuality within the book or open up about their past self-discovery, and each of these stories are treated with such compassion, which made me so happy to read. This book also has some of the best mental health rep I’ve seen, with Charlie struggling with OCD and anxiety and Dev suffering from depression, and it affects their characters and the story in a way that doesn’t feel forced. I also really appreciated how this book showed that getting into a relationship doesn’t automatically fix all your problems, and Dev and Charlie end up putting in the work so that both they themselves and their relationship can be as healthy as possible.
Speaking of their relationship… it is just. so sweet. They have real “opposites attract” energy which isn’t usually my favourite trope but it works so well here. I loved both of their character arcs and the fact that they were each able to nudge the other onto the path towards healing.
The reality TV plot was really exciting, and I loved the little editing notes at the end of each chapter that give some insight into the shady stuff that goes on behind the scenes from planning the activities in advance of filming to even when the cameras have finished rolling. Daphne has my entire heart and I am so glad she was able to accept herself!
My only criticism is that I would have loved to have seen Dev’s Indian heritage explored in a bit more depth, considering, but overall, a wonderful, heartwarming read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Vomit
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content