A review by hmatt
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

emotional hopeful 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

5.0

By the time this came up in my library holds, I had forgotten the context for why it was on my "to-read" list, besides the fact that it was a queer romance. I've been struggling to finish any books this month and snapped it up because I figured it would be a warm, fuzzy, fast read.

Well, it was. But also - it does such an incredible job of juggling all the things I want in a solid romance read:
  • reads like an adult novel, not YA
  • realistic dialogue
  • integrates intersectional issues without it feeling forced
  • incorporates a diverse range of lovable/complex characters
  • doesn't make anyone "the" villain!!!

Sure, it has a pretty cheesy premise that is not-quite realistic, but it was close enough given its other major sell (for me): I have literally never read a character whose queer identity/experience I can basically fully relate to. Full-stop, I've never seen myself in a fictional character in that way before Charlie. I really, really, appreciate the writing that is being done in YA, nonfiction, and fantasy (primarily) with regard to asexual representation, but I find that the most commonly repped aces are sex-repulsed and/or also aromantic, and I don't identify with either of those things. I've also never(? in memory) experienced a character express their discomfort with/preference not to use specific labels for their sexuality, so that was very cool.
I have some mixed feelings on Charlie's "What if I were gay?" scene, but I'm going to go ahead and headcanon that as an oversimplification for the sake of the drama.


I can see how this won't hit the spot for a 5-star with everyone, as it is suuuuper trope-y. I think it may not have made it that far with me if not for some of the nuanced dialogue (the sexuality stuff but also the recurring discussions of mental health issues). The comparison to Red, White & Royal Blue is apt, IMO, and not just because of the genres lining up. It really had the same kind of feel to the storytelling. 
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