12 Romance Books With Mistaken Identity Plots
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as mistaken identity in a romance novel. One mix-up, one misunderstood encounter, and suddenly hearts are tangled in a web of secrets and intrigue. These stories deliver sizzling chemistry, unexpected twists, and that delightful moment when the truth finally comes out. Buckle up for a wild ride through 12 unforgettable romance books where mistaken identity takes center stage!
1. Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
💫 A secret identity, a famous father, and a love rekindled.
Tate Jones thought Sam Brandis was her soulmate until he betrayed her biggest secret: she’s the hidden daughter of a Hollywood icon. Years later, fate brings them back together on a movie set. But Sam isn’t exactly who she thought he was.
💭 Why it hooks you: The second-chance romance and tension between past betrayal and rekindled passion are impossible to put down.
2. To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
🎩 A Regency romp with delicious misunderstandings.
Diana and Jeremy are the quintessential frenemies. When a wager turns their teasing relationship into a fiery affair, secrets and mistaken assumptions threaten to ruin their newfound happiness.
💭 Why it’s irresistible: Witty banter, charming characters, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments make this Regency delight unforgettable.
3. The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
🏈 A fake dating scheme with unexpected feelings.
When personal trainer Taylor Powell pretends to be the girlfriend of NFL star Jamar Dixon, neither expects to fall for each other. But when secrets about their arrangement threaten their bond, will love win out?
💭 Why it scores: The chemistry is sizzling, and the stakes are high. This story will have you cheering for their happily ever after.
4. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
🧪 Fake relationships, mistaken intentions, and scientific sparks.
Olive Smith, a PhD candidate, ropes grumpy professor Adam Carlsen into a fake relationship to convince her friends she’s dating. But things get messy when real feelings (and academic chaos) ensue.
💭 Why it’s a must-read: Hazelwood’s brilliant mix of nerdy charm and heartfelt romance is as addictive as it is endearing.
5. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
👑 A masquerade ball, a mistaken identity, and forbidden love.
Anthony Bridgerton has sworn off love, but his engagement to one woman leads him straight into the arms of her fiery older sister, Kate Sheffield. Mistaken assumptions and hidden identities set the stage for drama and undeniable passion.
💭 Why it sizzles: Regency romance at its finest with swoon-worthy moments and witty repartee.
6. Act Like It by Lucy Parker
🎭 A fake romance on stage and a real one off it.
West End actress Lainie Graham and bad-boy co-star Richard Troy fake a relationship to improve Richard’s public image. But as they navigate paparazzi and staged interviews, real feelings sneak in.
💭 Why it captivates: The enemies-to-lovers trope, witty dialogue, and electric chemistry make this one unforgettable.
7. The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert
👑 A royal scandal with mistaken intentions.
When journalist Cherry Neita is caught in a compromising photo with Prince Ruben of Helgmøre, they’re forced into a fake engagement to save his reputation. But Ruben’s dark secrets and Cherry’s fiery personality complicate their sham relationship.
💭 Why it enchants: Hibbert’s writing is bold, sexy, and utterly addictive. The mistaken identity adds a juicy layer to the drama.
8. Roomies by Christina Lauren
🎸 A marriage of convenience with hidden truths.
Holland Bakker marries subway musician Calvin McLoughlin to secure his green card — but she quickly realizes there’s more to her enigmatic new husband than she ever imagined.
💭 Why it resonates: The slow-burn romance and Calvin’s irresistible charm make this a heartwarming (and heart-throbbing) read.
9. Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
🏜️ A treasure hunt, a lost love, and mistaken assumptions.
Lily Wilder leads adventure tours using old maps left by her outlaw father. When her ex, Leo, shows up for one of the trips, tensions rise, and secrets come to light.
💭 Why it thrills: Mistaken identity and hidden intentions lead to an unforgettable second-chance romance in the heart of the Utah wilderness.
10. The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
💍 Enemies with mistaken assumptions about each other.
Maddie and Theo are convinced they can’t stand each other. But when they’re paired up for their best friend’s wedding, sparks fly — and they quickly discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye.
💭 Why it’s delightful: Guillory’s sharp humor and lovable characters make this a joy from start to finish.
11. The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson
🎩 A Russian countess in disguise and an unexpected romance.
Anna, a displaced Russian countess, takes a job as a servant in an English household to survive. Her noble bearing catches the attention of the dashing Rupert, but misunderstandings and secrets abound.
💭 Why it’s timeless: The blend of historical charm, mistaken identity, and heartfelt romance makes this a classic.
12. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
💋 A dating arrangement with unexpected twists.
Stella Lane, a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, hires Michael Phan to teach her the art of dating. What starts as a business transaction quickly turns into something much more complicated.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Hoang’s exploration of love, identity, and neurodiversity makes this romance both deeply emotional and wildly swoon-worthy.
What’s Your Favorite Mistaken Identity Romance? 💖
From hidden identities to fake relationships gone wonderfully wrong, these books deliver all the heart-racing thrills of mistaken identity plots. Have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Drop your recommendations — let’s keep the love (and the surprises) going! 📚✨
