Review of The Charlie Method (Campus Diaries, #3) by Elle Kennedy
When I first picked up The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy, I was filled with excitement—brought into the world of the Campus Diaries with high expectations due to its reputation for intimacy and character-driven plots. Having skipped the earlier installments, I was curious to see how this new entry would stand on its own. Diving in, I was ready to be swept away; however, the experience turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag.
At its heart, The Charlie Method follows Charlotte, a 21-year-old navigating the tumultuous waters of her personal life and expectations from family and society. She’s an intriguing character, embodying a classic struggle between her polished exterior and the free spirit inside—one that craves excitement, fast cars, and, yes, a vibrant sexual life that her ex dramatically labeled as “sex addiction.” Enter Charlie—her alter ego, who capitalizes on the thrill after matching with two hunky Brair U hockey players, Will and Beckett. The story is brimming with potential, especially with the hidden identity trope, but therein lies a significant wobble; the momentum just didn’t sustain.
Up until about the halfway mark, I was convinced I’d be handing out four or even five stars. The pacing felt good and Charlotte’s conflicting personas added depth, making her struggles relatable. However, around that 40% mark, the narrative veered off course, introducing random spicy elements that felt more like distraction than substance. As Charlotte juggled her issues with inner turmoil and familial expectations, I found myself wishing the emotional depth explored in her relationship with her parents could carry over to her romantic entanglements. There’s a touching dinner scene toward the end that provided a genuine glimpse into family dynamics, but much of the novel feels like a missed opportunity for character exploration.
The love triangle between Charlotte, Will, and Beckett had all the elements for something compelling, but instead, it devolved into a repetitive cycle of hot encounters that lacked emotional dialogue. I had hoped for poignant moments of vulnerability where they unpacked their baggage, but instead, the focus drifted toward “let’s just have sex” scenes. Disappointment washed over me, as the central dynamic slowed to mere physicality rather than emotional intimacy.
And let’s talk about Will—how I adored him! He was the sweetest character with potential for so much more. I savored every moment when he was on the page, lamenting that his depth didn’t get equal representation throughout the story. All three characters deserved a nuanced exploration of their dynamics, especially given the context of a polyamorous relationship.
Moreover, the narrative struggled with some dated tropes. A violent confrontation between Will and Beckett just felt unnecessary and jarring, reminding me that it’s 2023—not every moment in a male-male dynamic needs to resort to punches. These plot choices kept pulling me out of the story rather than immersing me in it.
Despite the many critiques, I genuinely enjoyed many aspects of this book. We had hilarious moments—shout out to the coach, whose relationship with his wife added layers of humor and warmth that felt refreshingly real. With the promise of future stories focusing on other characters, like Diana, I found solace in knowing this universe isn’t closing its doors just yet.
In conclusion, while The Charlie Method had the ingredients for a fantastic read, it left me craving depth and emotional authenticity. If you enjoy steamy, light reads with dramatic twists and a touch of humor, you might find value in this book. For me, it served as a reminder of the potential that sometimes remains just out of reach. Happy reading!
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