I took a break from reading my holiday stories to sneak in a story of reality TV, cosplay, fake relationships and friends-to-lovers. Quite the break from holiday romance! This was my first cosplay story, and I was curious to to see where it would go.

He’s cosplaying as her boyfriend but their feelings for each other are real in this romantic comedy from Seressia Glass.

Sometimes Kenya Davenport believes she was switched at the hospital–how else could a lover of anime, gaming, and cosplay come from STEM parents? Still, Kenya dreams of being able to turn her creative hobby into a career. She finally has a chance to make it big when she joins the reality show competition Cosplay or No Way.

There’s just one catch: the challenge for the final round is all about iconic pairs, and the judges want the contestants’ significant others to participate. Unfortunately, Kenya is as single as can be at the moment. Luckily her best friend, Cameron Lassiter, agrees to be her fake boyfriend for the show.
Roleplaying a couple in love will force them to explore what they’re hiding under the mask of friendship. Can Kenya and Cam fake it until she makes it, or will she be real about her feelings, knowing it could cost her the best friend she’s ever had? 

I am a sucker for “I’m on a reality TV show” stories. The Charm Offensive was one of the best reality TV rom-coms I read this year! While reading the portions of the story that were either taking place on the show, or were being filmed for it, I was riveted. The parts where the producers would try to stir up drama had me turning pages as well. What can I say – I am a Housewives fan and can’t help myself.

The parts where Kenya and Cam would be in their apartment and we would be knee deep in their thoughts became a little repetitive and boring for me. There are only so many times I can read that Kenya owes Cam, or how Cam owes Kenya. There’s also only so many times I could read their assumptions about how each other felt. It’s so frustrating to read parts of the story that can be resolved with a simple 2 minute conversation.

All in all, I give this read 3 out of 5 stars! This book is out now.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.