A review by grace_astudentreading
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book delivered so much. It had such a beautiful, wholesome romance, unpacked stigma about mental health, and showed the unrealistic expectations of reality tv. But to start with the characters. Each one felt so nuanced, made up of good and bad decisions, and capable of growth. I loved both Dev and Charlie, and both their points of view. It was easy to fall in love with Dev from the very first page, with his optimism and love of love. But in the end I think I liked Charlie more, with his touch aversion and how certain he was of his feelings despite everything. I also loved Charlie because he was able to see how toxic Ever After was, and called Dev out on how he enabled toxic behavior in the name of a good story. He also encouraged Dev to go to therapy, and overall made Dev a better person. Dev also helped Charlie come out of his shell and be himself. So overall they had such a strong romance, and I loved them together. My one critique was how quickly everything got resolved with the show and Maureen. But overall I loved this book!