The Charm Offensive

Rating: 4.5/5
Rounded down to 4 stars

This book... is wonderful and is so needed. Could it have been a better representation of Indian culture and characters? Yes, completely. Were all the women in the show carbon copies of one another and forgettable? Yes (although that definitely seems to be the point).

Mental health awareness and representation was fantastic. The natural and awkward cuteness of both Charlie and Dev. I loved that their initial sexual interaction wasn't forced. It felt entirely natural and good. Everything started slow and there was fear and worry involved (one of my complaints of other MM romance books–oh, I've never done anything with guys before... first time, let me do every gay thing there is to do!)

Charlie and Dev are adorable. Charlie is adorable and I think he deserves the world. I'm so happy that Dev did leave and choose himself for a couple months. I just really enjoyed this one. I loved that a major theme was being seen for who you really are, being wanted and chosen, and being someone that always, always reaches out to the other person.

My only complaints: I am tired of every single guy in romance novels being absolutely chiseled and perfectly muscled. Sure, it's attractive, I get it. But there is so much toxicity in the gay community and in everyday life, that it just doesn't feel like I can see myself–a gay, average dude–in these characters. I want this. I want the adorable moments with someone. I wish I could find a book that I can see myself in. I did enjoy that Dev mentioned that he doesn't usually like muscle dudes, but still, I just wish that I didn't feel like I had to have muscles upon muscles just to find love. I know that's not what the author is saying, but it definitely feels that way a lot.

Additionally, I would have liked more description of the sex scenes. Cause those are always hot. :) .