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A review by rachrreads
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
5.0
Thanks again to the author Alison Cochrun for providing this physical arc via a giveaway!!
Out September 7th, this book is a MUST READ. Go preorder ASAP!!
Dev Deshpande is a producer on the hit reality dating show, Ever After— yes it’s as cliche as it sounds. Dev believes in fairytales and happy endings, but never once did he believe he could have one. Especially after his break up with his boyfriend of six years. He’s just trying to get through the next season and make someone else’s (heteronormative!) dreams come true.
Charlie Winshaw is casted as this seasons Prince, but Charlie has never believed in love. He agreed to the show to help rehabilitate his image after being kicked out of the tech world. Charlie hides his real self from the world, he’s neurodivergent and no one seems to get him.
Dev is assigned as Charlie’s producer for the season and it’s soon realized Charlie has no chemistry with any of the women. When the cameras roll he’s awkward and has no idea how to date. Off camera, Charlie begins to open up to Dev, who is the first person to really get and support him for who he truly is. Soon Charlie realizes he must decide for himself how he wants his love story told.
This book dealt with both mental health and sexuality in such a delicate and truthful way. No one was perfect and each character had their own things to deal with. The Charm Offensive beautifully delved into the characters struggles while also telling a tale of loving all of someone, including their messy parts.
Note- there are mentions of biphobia, slut shaming, calling those dealing with mental health “crazy”, etc. These are by “side” characters and the MC’s refute this. Still be aware if this is something that can be triggering.
Out September 7th, this book is a MUST READ. Go preorder ASAP!!
Dev Deshpande is a producer on the hit reality dating show, Ever After— yes it’s as cliche as it sounds. Dev believes in fairytales and happy endings, but never once did he believe he could have one. Especially after his break up with his boyfriend of six years. He’s just trying to get through the next season and make someone else’s (heteronormative!) dreams come true.
Charlie Winshaw is casted as this seasons Prince, but Charlie has never believed in love. He agreed to the show to help rehabilitate his image after being kicked out of the tech world. Charlie hides his real self from the world, he’s neurodivergent and no one seems to get him.
Dev is assigned as Charlie’s producer for the season and it’s soon realized Charlie has no chemistry with any of the women. When the cameras roll he’s awkward and has no idea how to date. Off camera, Charlie begins to open up to Dev, who is the first person to really get and support him for who he truly is. Soon Charlie realizes he must decide for himself how he wants his love story told.
This book dealt with both mental health and sexuality in such a delicate and truthful way. No one was perfect and each character had their own things to deal with. The Charm Offensive beautifully delved into the characters struggles while also telling a tale of loving all of someone, including their messy parts.
Note- there are mentions of biphobia, slut shaming, calling those dealing with mental health “crazy”, etc. These are by “side” characters and the MC’s refute this. Still be aware if this is something that can be triggering.