4.5 stars! How is this a debut?! I loved this book so much. I made sure to read it at a snail pace to take it all in. The characters were absolutely amazing, some of my all time faves! I loved the storyline and wish a “certain reality TV show” would take tips from this book. I also loved the mental health representation. I absolutely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read this author’s next book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

𝙲𝙰𝙽 𝚆𝙴 𝙿𝙻𝙴𝙰𝚂𝙴 𝙶𝙴𝚃 𝙼𝙾𝚁𝙴 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺𝚂 𝙻𝙸𝙺𝙴 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂!!

“𝑶𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝑱𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒋𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕? 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝑱𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒋𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕? 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔.”

This book is the book that your heart never knew it needed ❤️ I adored the mental health representation in this book. The way this book describes depression and anxiety is exactly how I’ve felt and have had a hard time putting into words. Learning to love yourself, to be vulnerable, and to work on being healthy, mentally and physically for yourself first and foremost were represented so well in this book.

I’ve fallen in love with Dev and Charlie, the struggles they have overcome and the love they have for each other is tender and beautiful ❤️

This book is about recognizing mental health, valuing yourself, taking care of your body, surrounding yourself with good people, and standing up for what’s right.


And thank you to @atriabooks for my advanced copy and to @alisoncochrun for writing such a beautiful and charming book ❤️

This book!! So good!! I am not much of a reality tv show, especially the dating ones, but this one almost made me want to watch one. The asexual/aromantic discussions were so open and honest and of course the mental health representation was so honest and beautiful to read. Definitely cried a few times. This couple might be one of the best I have ever read, I want nothing but their happiness after they have struggled with themselves for so long!

Loved loved loved this book! I have a soft spot for any Bachelor influenced book. This book was funny, charming, romantic, cute, diverse. I loved it. Loved the diversity (of race + sexuality), and the honest conversations on mental health. I like how the reader was in the passenger's seat as Charlie discovers his sexuality (not even just 'am I gay'? but exploring asexuality and demi-sexuality).

Charlie and Dev are one of the better rom com couples I've read lately.

If anything, I felt this book was a tinsy bit too long, but otherwise, fantastic!

I loved this book so much! This book is beautiful, charming and so well written! I honestly loved it from start to finish. Quite honestly, it was perfection!

A little about the book: Charlie is cast as the new Prince Charming on a reality dating show called Ever After (think The Bachelor/Bachelorette) He is on the show to try to salvage his reputation after losing his job at his own tech company and being labeled difficult to work with. Dev is his handler on the show. He has been working there for quite some time and truly believes in romance and happily ever afters and so he vows to Charlie that he can help him find love. Even though Charlie is on the show to find a woman to marry, it is with Dev that he feels the deepest connection and like he is truly able to be himself for the first time.

This book's got it all! A cute plot line, great conversation, some humour, a sweet romance with some pretty solid steam and a fun cast of characters!

Charlie and Dev were such likeable characters. No, scratch that, they were totally loveable! I loved watching their deepening connection and being able to see the relationship grow. I felt like this book, while sweet and cute, handled the deeper topics extremely well. There were many different conversations throughout the book about questioning ones sexuality and labels as a queen person as well as acceptance. As a reader, I genuinely feel like I learned a lot.

I also really liked the way the author handled the topics surrounding mental health. This story tackled a lot of issues including OCD, depression, anxiety and the stigma around receiving therapy.

In my opinion, Alison Cochrun totally nailed it! This was such an excellent book from start to finish. You will fall in love with Dev and Charlie! I didn't want this one to end. Everyone should read this book! High recommend and if there was a way to give this one more than 5 stars, I would!

I had heard of The Charm Offensive, Alison Cochrun's debut novel, well before it published on September 7. I thought it looked like fun but then I heard a lot of fellow bloggers and bookstagrammers absolutely buzzing about it. I wanted in! And, good news, I enjoyed it just as much as everyone else has. It had everything I look for in a rom com!

Here's the book's description:
Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So it’s no wonder then that he’s spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. As the most successful producer in the franchise’s history, Dev always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants, even as his own love life crashes and burns. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star.
Charlie is far from the romantic Prince Charming Ever After expects. He doesn’t believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he’s a stiff, anxious mess with no idea how to date twenty women on national television. Behind the scenes, he’s cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off.
As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants on a whirlwind, worldwide tour, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and in order to find to happily ever after, they’ll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.
I think my happiness with this book was helped by the fact that I was in the mood for this kind of story when I read it. I needed something that was funny but also had a romance at the centre. Plus, this had a lot of depth to it that made for a really well balanced rom com read.

This is the second rom com I've read in the last few months that has played on The Bachelor(ette) TV show and created their own dating reality show. Both novels (the other was If the Shoe Fits which I also adored. Review here.) treat the shows in a similar way. It's not really about finding true love. It's now about making a name for yourself and promoting your own brand or furthering a business agenda. There are some people, like Dev, who want to fall for the over the top romance of it all - the elaborate dates and so on - and it's hard for them to realize that the show is not real life and no one is as invested in the love story as they are. The book pokes a bit of fun at the people who watch the show but also acknowledges that shows like that are an entertaining escape for some people and there's not really anything too wrong with that. (Full disclosure: I used to watch The Bachelor and The Bachelorette but I gave it up many years ago for all the reasons you'd assume but if people still want to watch it, it doesn't bother me any.)

Reading as Charlie opened up to Dev was wonderful. You can tell that it is extremely difficult for him and also that there's A Reason Charlie decides to do so with Dev. He's closed off from so many people but there's something about Dev that he trusts. He doesn't realize it at first but we, the reader of the rom com (emphasis on rom) knows that it's more than a friendship connection there. And it's not just Charlie who's opening up and discovering some Major Things about himself. Dev is forced to realize some hard truths as well - things that he's been avoiding thinking about or doing anything about because it was too hard. So, yes, I suppose you could say that Charlie and Dev made each other better. But I think a more accurate way to put it is they were able to be more honest and more of their true selves with each other. And isn't that the best thing to ask for in a partner?

This book is funny, too! There were so many laugh out loud moments and I thought Cochrun started the book perfectly by setting up the reality TV dating scene and giving the reader a number of hilarious moments right off the bat. I loved how clever and quirky both Dev and Charlie were and their banter - when Charlie allowed himself to let loose - was great.

The Charm Offensive is a book to read for all rom com lovers. Especially if you like reading about couples that we haven't seen nearly enough of in mainstream fiction. Alison Cochrun's novel is an absolute delight and I hope many, many others discover that for themselves soon!

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

This book was just delightful and delivered so much more than just a 'rom com'. In The Charm Offensive, we meet Dev, a producer on a hit reality dating TV show (think The Bachelor) and Charlie, the most awkward and unassuming bachelor to ever be on the show. And if you're at all a fan of The Bachelor, then you too will appreciate the look at what goes on behind scenes when filming such a show and how much manipulation is at play. When Dev is reassigned to be Charlie's handler, the two end up spending almost every waking moment together when they aren't filming, because Charlie, who isn't your typical Bachelor, needs a lot of hand holding and coaching. And Dev, well Dev quickly realizes that there's so much more to Charlie than his rigid exterior, and soon, Charlie realizes that it's Dev he enjoys spending time with the most, over all the female contestants on the show. But when contracts have been signed and a reality show must have an expected outcome, which love story is more important and gets to be told?

This book is steamy (so fair warning!), but it never crossed the line for me. It was just so damn cute and I was so invested in Dev and Charlie and how their story would play out. But I also really loved that mental illness was a big part of this book. Because it's a big part of so many people's lives. It just made all of the characters so much more real and relatable. So while on one hand we have this adorable love story unfolding, we also have real life issues (mental illness, sexual identify and low self-esteem) the characters, both main and supporting are dealing with, and I think that's why I'm still thinking about this book even though I finished it a few weeks ago. I really didn't want the book to end. I didn't want to say goodbye, but it was a fulfilling ending without being ridiculously over the top. I laughed, I cried. It was a good ride!

Anyway, I highly recommend this book! Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Ca and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This is a "The Bachelor" type story featuring queer characters. The story centres around reality TV and behind-the-scenes of the show. I grew to enjoy all of the characters who grow and develop during the story. What I liked about this story is the reference to mental health issues - and the way in which the characters deal with it.
The novel was written with empathy (especially in relation to mental health issues); as well as with humour.

Thank you so much for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good! I loved it. I’m a fan of the bachelor franchise and I loved reading Cochrun’s take on this dating show trope. The characters were really lovable and it was so great to see them grow and develop throughout the novel. I only wish there was a little less miscommunication in the conflict and that it was resolved very quickly.

I loved reading this one and can’t wait to read more from Cochrun!

a really funny, charming, and downright adorable story, I love Charlie!! I loved how much of an emphasis was put on the mental health aspect. I really connected with the story. It is an inspiring story that reminds you your story is worth telling too.

Amazing book! It's the book that outlines what one wishes a certain reality tv series would actually be. The characters are so loveable and you truly want them to succeed.

This was such a cute and witty read! I’ve really enjoyed diversifying my reading choices lately and this one did not disappoint!

It was such a fun LGBTQ RomCom that all reality tv junkies will absolutely adore! I always love a book where it feels like I’m getting a behind the scenes look and being a huge fan of The Bachelor & Bachelorette shows made this one extremely entertaining!

Although light and funny at times, Cochurn did not shy away from addressing some super important topics of mental health, sexism and sexuality. I also applaud her for including all the steam with this one.

I promise that you’ll instantly fall in love with these characters and it certainly lives up to all the hype I’ve seen!!

Thank you to @netgalley @simonschusterca @atriabooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
.
My thoughts…
Charming. Just like the title, this book was full of charm. I don’t watch any reality tv, I’ve never gotten into them. So, I didn’t enjoy “The Bachelor” type setting in this book. But, I enjoyed Dev and Charlie a lot. The last quarter of the book and the ending were the most enjoyable for me. I appreciated how the author wove mental health issues and the struggles of mental health in this romcom. The ending was cute.

3.5 ⭐️

4.5 Stars

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun was one of my most anticipated reads since I love the chaos of reality TV, and I am always on the lookout for a fresh takes on the rom-com genre. Following the star of a dating show who falls for a producer instead, this original and uplifting read contains its fair share of drama and two lovable main characters. What I especially enjoyed is the way the author calls out some of the harmful aspects of dating shows, specifically their disregard for mental health. This is a moving and unexpectedly powerful book that fans of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch will love.

As a big believer in happily-ever-afters, Dev has earned his position as the most successful producer in reality dating show Ever After‘s history. However, when tech genius Charlie is cast as the next Prince Charming in a final opportunity to fix his image, Dev finds himself with a lot on his plate. Once the cameras start rolling, Charlie gets anxious and has no idea how to interact with the women competing for his heart. In order to save the show, Dev becomes Charlie’s handler, coaching him through his interactions with the contestants and out of his shell. The more time they spend together, however, the closer they become, and Charlie starts to realize that he is more interested in spending time with Dev than any of the show’s contestants.

❀ WELL-WRITTEN CHARACTERS

Dev and Charlie are both well-written characters, and they each grow throughout the book. I loved reading about every moment they share, from the joyful experiences in the show’s gorgeous filming locations to the heavier, more vulnerable conversations. Their connection is so heartwarming, and I was really rooting for them. Both Charlie and Dev also face their own struggles with mental health–Charlie has OCD and anxiety, and Dev has depression–and I appreciated how the story never takes the direction of love being a “cure.” Instead, the book explores the importance of taking care of yourself first, resulting in a nuanced read that will make readers both laugh and cry.

❀ POWERFUL COMMENTARY

One of my favourite parts about this book is its commentary on some of the ongoing issues in reality TV in a way that feels genuine. Mental health never had a presence on dating shows, and the story exposes the way these programs only ever portray straight, neurotypical people as the ones capable of finding love. As Cochrun takes us behind the scenes of Ever After, she brings this problem to the foreground, and the way the story provides queer representation in a dating show while destigmatzing mental health is so powerful.

❀ A COMPLEX ROM-COM

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrunis a complex rom-com that revises the reality dating show genre in an impressive and much-needed way. I loved the concept of the lead of a dating show falling for a producer instead, and I was really rooting for the main characters. This book also tackles heavier topics like mental illness meaningfully, and I am sure that many will fall in love with it just like I did.

What a gem! The Charm Offensive is romance but so much more. It addresses mental health, morality, self-acceptance, and identity in such a warmhearted way. I loved every bit of it! The Charm Offensive is Dev and Charlie’s fairy tale, somewhat like The Bachelor, with a reality show backdrop called Ever After. It didn’t start out as their love story, though. Dev is the producer of the show, and he’s the one pushing Charlie to open up and find love with the contestants. Little did he know they would fall in love. This one is receiving well-deserved raves. It pulled out every emotion from me, and I loved that. It’s about so much more than the love between Dev and Charlie, though that was beyond fun to watch develop. Alison Cochrun is one to watch, and The Charm Offensive is one to read, savor, and hug!

Charlie Winshaw is selected as this season’s Prince on the reality TV show Ever After (a “Bachelor” type show). But what people don’t know is that Charlie is a shy awkward, anxious, neurodivergent guy who has been pushed out of his own tech company. With the help of Dev Deshpande, a handler on the show, Charlie starts to break out of his comfort zone, but the only problem is that Charlie starts falling for the wrong person.

Okay. This book was cute. It had great queer representation, mental health awareness, and extremely likeable characters. You were rooting for the characters the whole time. I liked that there were little episode summaries at the end of each chapter as it helps create the feeling that you were on set on the show. The dialogue between characters was sassy and funny, but it was an emotional book as well. I also like that the author addressed some really important issues, and I can definitely see this book being a movie – I would totally watch it if that ever happens. If you are looking for a heart warming romantic comedy book that also covers some important subjects, The Charm Offensive might be perfect for you.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This was an amazing story that brought to light the toxicity behind the camera on a bachelor-style television show, featured an amazing cast of characters, and shone a light on mental health and the importance that staying healthy and talking things out plays in our everyday life. That love isn't always what you expect it to be.

However, it was also a cute, fun, and well-paced story that left me smiling throughout as Dev and Charlie's relationship blossomed. It definitely followed a pretty predictable bachelor-type format, but I didn't mind - it was still a great read.

Hi, if you need me, Ill be over here singing the praises of this book and telling everyone I meet to read it! I read a lot of contemporary romance books and this is by far one of my favourites that I've read this year, or ever. I don't think Ive read a sweeter love story in fact. The main characters are quirky and absolutely adorable and the slow burn of their love story is intense. This book also so thoroughly and compassionately delves into mental health (anxiety, ocd and depression) and sexual identity and I appreciate a book that takes on the hard topics and does it so well. It's also all set to the background of a bachelor style reality show which is fun. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC of this book. All opinions remain my own as always. I'll now be off to buy myself a copy because this book needs to be in my physical collection.

OMG I LOVED THIS. This has become one of my new favorite romances.

I simply LOVED the dynamic between our two protagonists. Opposites attract is one of my favorite tropes, and this one was so well-done. Charlie is a precious cinnamon roll that needs to be protected at all costs. But then you also have Dev, who is all bubbly and fun on the outside, but who also struggles with his depression.

I think the author did a great job with the representation. You don't often see romance books where mental health is at the forefront, and I really appreciated how the author tackled the topic.

I'm starting to realize that I love books with Bachelor-like premises. I don't watch TV reality shows, but I enjoy them so much in books! I really enjoyed the direction this one took, in part because we got to see what goes on behind the scenes. As Dev works on the crew, this gave us a different perspective on how things work in this universe. I also liked all the different destinations the participants got to visit throughout the show. The change of scenery added a fun element to the plot.

I couldn't put this book down and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who's looking for a fun, character-driven romance!

A charming and nuanced look at inclusive representation in media! Sweet and quirky and so well done!! Loved this one! Definitely lived up to the hype!
5⭐️

Rep: on-page mental health conversations / main character with depression, neurodivergent love interest (OCD, anxiety, panic disorder), gay Indian-American main character, and a full spectrum of queer identities (aspec, lesbian, pan, bi) and on-page conversations about labels and the fluidity of gender and sexuality identity, as well as Chinese American, Black, and Muslim side characters.