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A review by sarahmreads
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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