A review by theespressoedition
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

emotional funny 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

THIS FREAKING BOOK. IS. SO. GOOD! (This review is not OwnVoices for the queer rep, but is for the anxiety/depression).

I was about to write "I don't know what took me so long," but then I realized that the book itself hasn't been out for an exorbitant amount of time. However, it still feels like it took too long for me to get to this because it was everything I wanted and needed in a romcom. I loved every second of it.

Yes, it's cheesy as heck. It's trope-y and a bit cringy at times, but in the best way possible. I loved every single one of the characters, the representation (both for the LGBTQ community and for mental health) was fantastic, and I even found myself tearing up a time or two.

Two quotes that stood out to me:

“I don’t know if the specific label is important to me.” “It doesn’t have to be,” she says, “and you’re not obligated to figure it out, or come out, or explain yourself to anyone, ever. But also”—she drops her hands from their spectrum and tucks an arm around his shoulder—“labels can be nice sometimes. They can give us a language to understand ourselves and our hearts better. And they can help us find a community and develop a sense of belonging.

that’s not how his depression works. It’s not logical or reasonable. It doesn’t need some catastrophic tragedy to turn the chemicals of his brain against him. Tiny tragedies are more than enough.

I feel as though those two quotes give a good idea of what the book feels like as far as the "heavier" topics go. It has a lot to do with Charlie figuring out his sexuality and Dev understanding his struggle with depression. But on top of those more tricky elements, there was also a ton of sweetness and, yes, charm.

The minute I closed the book, I wanted to start it all over again. And that's saying something when it comes to a romcom. I don't even like reality tv, but this book made me love the vibes (and I obviously appreciated the "calling out" of the problematic side of this kind of television).

Do yourself a favor and read this book!
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