miscommunication trope i fucking hate it

This is such a cute, lighthearted story, I really enjoyed it! The graphics were really pretty and I loved the vibrancy of the colors, as well as the contrast in scenes that were more serious than others.

Bebe is a sweetheart. The novel shows her struggle with speaking up for herself and learning when to say no because she doesn’t want the label of “that trans girl”. Her growth is beautiful to see.

Annie is the opposite. She’s very opinionated, has no problem speaking out and shutting people down, but her delivery methods usually make her come off as aggressive and mean. I really loved her character and the fact that she took the time to listen to Bebe, so she didn’t overstep on boundaries.

Their relationship was so adorable. Ugh I’m a sucker for fluff. 

Cons: 
Some of these aren’t too big, but just stood out for me.

Bebe and Annie’s progress from friends to lovers was a little fast, but the novel is pretty short so that was understandable.

The lack of resolution with the transphobic comments made by some of the cheerleaders. I felt it should’ve at least been addressed in some way.

Bebe’s father suddenly being really understanding, which like yeah good for Bebe, but I think it conflicted with the way he was originally characterized. Do I think development was necessary? Yeah absolutely. But I just think it happened too fast.

Overall, I really did love this. I think it’s the perfect sapphic romance for anyone who needs a pick me up. I’ll definitely be recommending this to friends!

Final Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for the ARC.

Rep: trans, wlw
 

Started off slow, but once it picks up, flew through the entire book. 

As soon as I read the description, I knew it was a story I had to read, and boy oh boy, it did not disappoint. I am absolutely in love with everything about this book. 

The Charm Offensive is a heartwarming, queer love story that follows Dev and Charlie as they attempt to navigate a supremely heterosexual environment, while being unapologetically in love with each other.

I don’t think I’ve ever connected with characters as much as I have with them. Charlie is neurodivergent, and Dev struggles with depression. The book captures their struggle with mental health as Charlie learns to accept that there’s nothing wrong with him, and Dev learns that it’s okay to trust others and accept help when he needs it. Their love for each other was so pure, and I wish I could experience it all over again for the first time.

This is a must-read! I will be recommending this book to everyone until they get sick of me. I’ve already preordered it. Seriously, I don’t have the vocabulary to explain the euphoria I have after finishing it. It’s just that good.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me with this ARC. 

Final Rating: 5 ⭐️

CW:
major: mental health issues, depression, OCD, anxiety, depressive episode
moderate: sexual content
minor: homophobia, biphobia, racist comments 

Rep: 
- Dev: Indian, Gay
- Charlie: Unconfirmed, mlm relationship 
- Other: lesbian, bisexual, biromantic, asexual, nonbinary, pansexual