Charm Offensive

by Alison Cochrun

Genres: Multicultural & Interracial Romance; Romantic Comedy

Synopsis

In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch —an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer. 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.

Release date: September 7, 2021

Publisher: Atria Books

Print pages: 320

Sample

1. The First Night of Filming
Story notes for editors:

Season 37, Episode 1

Story producer:

Dev Deshpande

Air date:

Monday, September 13, 2021

Executive producer:

Maureen Scott

Scene: Opening montage of contestant confessionals about Charles Winshaw

Location: Shot pre-carriage exits at the Beverly Hilton’s ballroom

Lauren L., 25, Dallas, professional cat cuddler: When I heard Charles Winshaw was going to be the next Ever After prince, I knew I had to audition to be a contestant. He is literally everything I’ve been looking for in a man. I mean, he’s strong, but you can tell he’s also sensitive.

Megan, 24, Tampa, spray-tan technician: Why did I come on this show? I’ll give you eight reasons, and all of them are Charles Winshaw’s abs.

Delilah, 26, Los Angeles, software engineer: Charles Winshaw is a legend in the tech world. This will be like dating the Michael Jordan of app design. You know, if Michael Jordan were notoriously private and mysterious. My friends are going to be so jealous.

Lauren S., 23, Little Rock, former student: I’ve had my heart broken in the past, but I’m older and wiser now. I’m ready to find love again. I’m ready to be a wife. I’m ready to be a mom.

Whitney, 31, Kansas City, pediatric nurse: Did I think I’d already be married at thirty-one? I mean, yeah. But it’s given me extra time to get to know myself. I’ve spent years taking care of sick babies. Now I’m ready to take care of a man.

Sabrina, 27, Seattle, travel blogger: My life is pretty rad, honestly. I’m just looking for a partner to make it even radder.

Daphne, 25, Atlanta, social worker: Why did I come on this show? Gosh, um, you know, the same reason as everyone else. I’m here for love—the kind of love you see in movies and hear about in songs. Love that changes you, love that conquers all. Everyone talks about that kind of love, so it must be real, right?

Maureen’s note to editors: Please create the bio chyron for each contestant based on the provided details.