millhousethecat 's review for:

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

4.75

challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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

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Dev believes in fairy tale romance, which is why he’s spent the past six years working on a reality dating show, Ever After. And Dev is good at his job, coaxing performances, crafting swoon worthy moments, and handling difficult situations.

Which is a good thing because the next prince needs a guiding hand.

Charlie is a disgraced tech wizard coming on the show in an attempt to revamp his image. But he’s anxious and stiff, awkward with the women with whom he’s supposed to find love. Charlie doesn’t like to be touched, likes warnings before changes, and doesn’t do well with unexpected things. With OCD and anxiety diagnoses, he’s got a lot working against him in this setting that is fraught with all the things Charlie can’t manage.

But Dev can do this.

Somehow in his desperation to make things work, Dev’s kindness and patience calm Charlie, make him comfortable, ease him into awkward situations.

Except Dev might be falling for Charlie, and Charlie, who never thought he’d find - much less deserve - love, might just be falling, too.

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Oh my. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a more charming, gentle book.

The metal health rep, the neurodivergent rep - these things are handled with such gentle kindness and respect - elevating the characters because of their differences and needs instead of in spite of them. Our two leads were incredibly intentional in their interactions with one another. You could feel the love blossoming between them.

Ultimately, this is a book that reminds us that every person is valid and deserves love and to be loved. 

I ate this up. All the stars. Charlie is perfect and Dev is a dream.