Scan barcode
A review by sophiesometimesreads
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
“I don’t think happily ever after is something that happens to you, Dev. I think it’s something you choose to do for yourself.”
I give this book ALL THE STARS because it gave me ALL THE FEELS.
The representation? Amazing. The romance? Beautiful. The ending? Heartwarming.
I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this book and, honestly, picked it up as I’d heard it was good demisexual representation and it did not disappoint. I resonated with Charlie’s journey and I loved how the discussion around sexuality was explicit, with the terms asexual and demisexual used as well as explained, as often times these are implied and not explicitly described. I also loved how some characters were just described as they were, no explanations, like they/them pronouns being used for Jules and Alex causally. There was a nice balance between self-exploration with some characters and self-assurance and knowledge in who they are with others.
The mental illness representation was also great. I loved how there was so much focus on loving people for everything about them, mental illness included, not aside from their flaws. It also really shone a light into how mental health plays into expectations of other people and ourselves.
I also loved the subtle shade thrown at relatively television, particularly dating shows. I wasn’t sure how into the book I’d be, given I’m not a fan of dating shows, but I really enjoyed how it explored the behind-the-scenes of these types of shows.
This book was relatively fade to black, which I personally enjoy more, but it’s something to keep in mind if you do enjoy a bit of spice.
Overall, I loved the characters, the story and the romance and will definitely be re-reading in the future.
I also want to start a petition for a sequel focused on my queen Daphne Reynolds, who’s with me?!
I give this book ALL THE STARS because it gave me ALL THE FEELS.
The representation? Amazing. The romance? Beautiful. The ending? Heartwarming.
I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this book and, honestly, picked it up as I’d heard it was good demisexual representation and it did not disappoint. I resonated with Charlie’s journey and I loved how the discussion around sexuality was explicit, with the terms asexual and demisexual used as well as explained, as often times these are implied and not explicitly described. I also loved how some characters were just described as they were, no explanations, like they/them pronouns being used for Jules and Alex causally. There was a nice balance between self-exploration with some characters and self-assurance and knowledge in who they are with others.
The mental illness representation was also great. I loved how there was so much focus on loving people for everything about them, mental illness included, not aside from their flaws. It also really shone a light into how mental health plays into expectations of other people and ourselves.
I also loved the subtle shade thrown at relatively television, particularly dating shows. I wasn’t sure how into the book I’d be, given I’m not a fan of dating shows, but I really enjoyed how it explored the behind-the-scenes of these types of shows.
This book was relatively fade to black, which I personally enjoy more, but it’s something to keep in mind if you do enjoy a bit of spice.
Overall, I loved the characters, the story and the romance and will definitely be re-reading in the future.
I also want to start a petition for a sequel focused on my queen Daphne Reynolds, who’s with me?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Homophobia