5 Slightly Unrealistic But Totally Cute Fake Dating Novels
If you have read any romance novel, odds are high that you’ve come across the fake dating trope. Character A is in some urgent familial, financial, or public crisis, and the only way to fix it is by dating Character B. These romances are often born of outlandish circumstances, and somehow always manage to produce true love. It may sound crazy, because this trope usually is, but we’re not here for realism. We’re here for LOVE. This is such a popular trope in romance literature, so I’ve compiled a list of the best I’ve read.
The Stand-In by Lily Chu
This super cute romance novel is more of a fake identity than a fake dating novel. However, the false identity comes with a fake friend/boyfriend so I’m counting it in this list. The novel follows Gracie Reed, stuck in a job she hates, trying to earn enough to get her mother into the best nursing home. When she’s offered the paid opportunity to pretend to be Chinese cinematic royalty, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. Her identical resemblance to movie star Wei Fangli makes it almost easy to keep up the charade. If only resisting Fangli’s costar and close friend, Sam, was as simple.
This is such a fun romantic comedy about a regular girl who gets immersed in the land of fame and fortune. There’s glamor, movie magic, humor and heart. Lily Chu has written well rounded characters with depth and emotional complexity that will have you instantly connecting with their individual struggles. Gracie is a love-able heroine that will have you laughing with her, crying with her, and cheering so hard for her HEA.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Olive Smith is in the third year of her Ph. D and is well on her way to helping end pancreatic cancer. The last thing on her mind is romance. When her BFF starts asking too many questions about her love life, Olive is forced to improvise by kissing icy science wunderkind, Dr. Adam Carlsen. Surprisingly, he agrees to be Olive’s fake boyfriend, and it isn’t long before the feelings start to get real.
Odds are you’ve seen this all over BookTok. And while I’m normally extremely hesitant to read a book with this much fanfare, I have to admit, this one is worth the hype. This is my favorite of Ali Hazelwood’s novels. It’s such a cute, quick, read, perfect for those who love grumpy/sunshine and of course, fake dating! *Readers should note this one is Rated R*
Code Name Charming by Lucy Parker
This is such a cute story that follows two polar opposite palace employees thrown into a fake relationship to mend their employer’s reputation. When the press wrongly accuses personal assistant Petunia of having an affair with her married boss, the palace suggests she “date” gruff security guard, Matthias. All they have to do is pose together on a few fake dates, just until the scandal blows over. Naturally, feelings start to grow and it isn’t long before the fake relationship starts feeling real.
If you loved The Love Hypothesis, you will love Codename Charming. This was another super cute and quick read perfect for lovers of grumpy/sunshine, body guard romance, and fake dating. This is the second book in Lucy Parker’s Palace Insider’s series, but you don’t need to have read book one to follow the plot of this one! *Readers should note this one is Rated R*
Roomies by Christina Lauren
Roomies by Christina Lauren is technically a marriage of convenience romance, but all marriages of convenience are by default fake relationships right?
This novel takes place in New York City where protagonist Holland Bakker has been seriously crushing on the street musician at her local subway stop. After he rescues her from an attack on the platform, she seeks to repay him in the form of an audition with her uncle, a Broadway legend. When Calvin’s expired visa complicates his Broadway debut, Holland decides to marry him. It isn’t long before lines get crossed and the marriage starts feeling real.
This is a cute, if predictable, marriage of convenience romance perfect for those who love the trope, or for those simply looking for a cute rom-com. *Readers should note this one is Rated R*
With You Forever by Chloe Liese
With You Forever is another marriage of convenience romance, and is a part of Chloe Liese’s Bergman Brothers series. This novel follows Rooney Sullivan who has long had a secret crush on grumpy artist, Axel Bergman. When the Bergman family’s beloved A-Frame is in serious need of repair, Rooney volunteers to marry Axel so he can access the money needed to restore the home. Naturally, as they spend more time together, the lines between what’s fake and what’s real start to blur.
This book is such a sweet story of finding home, self-discovery/acceptance, and love. Chloe Liese writes her characters with such depth and complexity that you are sure to become invested in the lives of each of the Bergman brothers. *Readers should note this one is rated R*
Happy Reading!
Xx, M
