The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

Book Review

After seeing so many glowing reviews of this one - and the comparisons to Red, White & Royal Blue, which I loved - I decided to give it a go, despite not being much of a romance reader. Spoiler alert: I loved it. 💓

If you’re a fan of The Bachelor or any other reality dating shows - this one’s for you! The book begins on the set of Ever After, which is clearly a reimagining of The Bachelor. Dev, a longtime producer, is tasked with managing the leading man, Charles Winshaw, who is a socially awkward - yet ridiculously handsome - millionaire intent on revamping his image after losing his high-profile tech job. Despite not being there “for the right reasons,” Dev is determined to help Charlie fall in love (on national television). However, things take an unexpected turn when Dev and Charlie begin to develop feelings for each other.

This sweet and fast read is both heart-warming and informative as it discusses love, mental health and sexual identity. The author did a fantastic job of illustrating the spectrum of sexuality through her diverse characters and their enlightening dialogue. I also loved how the author took the time to really dive into both Charlie and Dev’s mental health struggles… in doing so, the book helps to normalize therapy and prioritizing mental health in both work and relationships.

Sure there were a few cheesy moments, but overall I enjoyed this one far more than I expected.

If you’re looking for a romance with LGBTQIA+ representation or just need a quick and fun read, look no further!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5