Reviews

Charming Like Us by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

eloisearchangelobooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

As usual, twin authors Becca and Krista Ritchie put out an amazing book. I don't think I've read one of their books yet that I haven't liked in some respect.

I was hesitant going into this one because where all the other books in the Like Us series focus on the famous families- this book shifted more to the bodyguard side of things. But I shouldn't have felt nervous because this book delivered.

But it also left me wanting. Now more than ever I just want to read a Charlie book. He's such an interesting character to me.

As for Charming Like Us, I have no real complaints about it. I loved how Charlie schemed to get them together in the way that he did and I loved reading about the intricate family dynamics in both Oscars family and Jacks.

I think these authors really excel at showcasing family dynamics. They're good romance authors, but their stories feel very human and relatable in a way that leaves you just wanting to always hear more.

I also really enjoyed getting an even better feel for the dynamic between security bodyguard people. It's always so interesting to see them interact with one another.

I 10/10 do recommend this book.

caseadiaa's review

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

dania_m's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

only reason it got three stars was for charlie.

kait_kosub's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I think my favourite part of this book was seeing more of Charlie! I’m so excited for when he gets a book! This was overall cute though, I just more happened I feel like there wasn’t enough tension or action and it got a little flat in the middle for me.

hsecen's review

Go to review page

5.0

April 2023 reread:
Our genuine feel-good love.
It's worthy of the spotlight. He's not background. Neither am I. And we should be the favorite ship online. Fans should be making cupcakes with our mother-effing names and hoisting up posters that say,
Oscar & Jack for All Time.
All time.
Not for a short time, not a long time. But for all fucking time.


July 2022 reread:
These two characters are like literal sunshine, and I love when my reread of this book falls sometime in the summer, because I adore all the summer vibes of this book.

October 2021 reread:
This book never fails to make me smile. There are definitely some more serious moments, but overall this book is sunshine in word form! I adore the way Jack and Oscar's relationship evolves and becomes more. They're so supportive of each other, and the sweetness is enough to give someone a toothache (but not me, I have a sweet tooth!) And on top of the romance, there are some wonderful brother bonds. I get all teary eyed towards the end as we learn more about Quinn and Oscar's relationship and why there's been tension between them for seven books. And of course, thanks to Oscar being his bodyguard, we get an even deeper reveal on Charlie Cobalt and what could possibly be going on in his head. I adore every bit of this book.

I can’t believe I’m here writing the review for Charming Like Us! This has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2020 and after finishing, it did not disappoint. I spent most of the book with this goofy, happy grin on my face because that’s what Oscar and Jack’s romance brought out. CLU is set in the summer, released in the summer, and absolutely has a summery vibe. It was upbeat, funny, genuine – just so many happy things.
Being in Oscar’s head was great – he has such a challenging job being the bodyguard to Charlie. I figured since he’s stuck it out in that role, that he must be pretty intelligent and savvy so I’ve been curious to hear his inner dialogue. And my heart! It was clear from the beginning that all Oscar really wants is someone to love him the way his friends have found love. He thought he saw potential in Jack and after the rejected kiss in Headstrong Like Us – I felt that embarrassment. Oof. But his hope in a future relationship with Jack. That I also felt. My heart was bursting because when you’re in Oscar’s head, you could absolutely tell how much he liked and cared for Jack.
Also Jack! Oh sweet, sweet Jack. He is such a kind soul – watching him grapple with his sexuality and his feelings for Oscar just got to me. I loved how confident his character was, that he wasn’t timid or super hesitant to try a relationship with Oscar. Even though he was still confused with his sexual identity, his feelings for Oscar were so genuine and authentic and he just went for it and I loved every bit of that. I can’t tell you how many times I had my hands to face saying “oooohhhhh Jaccckkkk” with hearts in my eyes.
And Oscar and Jack together was so, so perfect. After what they went through in the first six books of the series, when they finally wound up together, they were so happy and excited – and you could feel that excitement. They had these small milestone moments in a relationship, but it was so clear how important and special those moments were to both Oscar and Jack. So many moments to point to and say “yes, these two are soulmates, they’re perfect for each other!”
In typical Krista and Becca writing fashion, there is more to this story than just the romance. With Jack’s perspective, we get to learn so much more about the production side for the famous families. Being in Oscar’s POV made it pretty clear that we were going to see more of Charlie in this book. Charlie. Keating. Cobalt. He’s definitely been a contentious character in this series and I’m so happy that this book was able to shed some light on who he really is when he’s not being antagonistic towards his older cousin. I came away with a different outlook on who Charlie really is. And Jack and Oscar are both close with their families and so we get to see those relationships and how they’ve developed and grown (and continue to grow). It gives the world so much more depth, which is always a plus in my book. And I loved reading about the platonic relationships just as much as romantic relationships. Oscar and Quinn in particular have had a rocky vibe to them and it is addressed. I definitely had tears in my eyes during that exchange. Also this series has so many side characters and future stories to tell and I thought Krista and Becca did a great job throwing out the little hints and guiding the narrative towards those new stories.
I loved this book so much. It made me happy reading it, and not just because I love the series. You truly could feel Jack and Oscar’s happiness radiating off the page and it was so infectious. Their romance was wonderful and deserves all the stars! Highly recommend.

helloitsjo's review

Go to review page

lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I have to be honest and say that I skipped the previous two books before this bc I am SICK of the marrow propaganda and frankly I don't care about jane and thatcher, but half the shit mentioned in this book references things that happened in those books even though, from what I can tell, these events barely had anything to do with the main characters but ok. 

Best part of this book was charlie, I love him and I get the feeling that charlie haters are just on the marrow bandwagon and blindly follow whatever the authors make maximoff say or think but w/e.

Jack and Oscar are a fine pairing tbh, I felt like it was 0 to 100 in like 5 pages but that's often how it is with these authors so I'm not surprised. They have good chemistry and tbh it's nice to see a M/M relationship in these books that doesn't rely solely on "sarcastic banter" bc that shit gets old sooooo fast.

Plot was nonexistent but again, nothing new there. It annoyed me when there was as much time spent talking about how marrow are basically the pinnacle of romance to everyone in these books, bc..... why????? They're stupidly boring and overhyped both in universe and by the authors that so clearly favour them, I just wanna go through one book where they aren't mentioned every other chapter for being the poster children for gay love like WE GET IT.

Other than that, surprisingly enjoyable for the most part, Highveira have a good dynamic and the people in their circles are interesting to read about as well, just wish there was more time dedicated to Oscar's family life and siblings (especially his relationship with Quinn).

Oh and the random ass drop that Jack is rich? Fucking weird but ofc we have to have a cinderella moment for the story to be good right? RIGHT???

ALMOST FORGOT about the fucking marriage plotline AHAHAHAH so fucking random like they've been together 2 seconds maybe just calm down?????? especially given the fact that they hadn't even really discussed marriage with each other prior to it happening??? like sure get matching rings if you want but ffs slow down!

averyfenn's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

awe

illyanadallas222's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

If I were to give a superlative to this novel... i'd give it a metal for...
'The novel you didn't know you needed, but when read cry, laugh and have the time of your life!!!' .

Oh and in case that's not enough of a reason (weirdo) do it for...
More.
Charlie.
Cobalt.
Content.

wolfscout's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I just finished this book in a day and half cuz it was that good, I've been waiting for it for a whole year and honestly it was totally worth the wait, everything was good, how we had a small glimpse of Charlie's life and feelings and now how we need a book about him and only him.
It was really well written and all the people that gave bad credit to the book cuz it's not about the kids but the bodyguards, u guys missed out on one hell of a book.
5 STARS AND MORE
And that sneak peak about banks, akara and Sullivan is really not cool cuz we wont have the book till November and that's like ages from now and I cant wait

shes_book_obsessed's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Charming Like Us
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My babies<333

I’ve come to the dreadful realization that I cannot stand social displays of love. I want to crawl under the carpet and poke my eyes out with a spoon.

Love love LOVE how kbr writes their characters because they are all so different and they all stand out in their own way. I also love how their characters express emotions, it’s so beautiful and I love them.

The singing. Stop.

The cringe closing statements at the end of every chapter. Stop.