9 Books With Fake-dating Romance
Ah, fake-dating romance—the perfect blend of delicious tension, secret longing, and the inevitable question: “What if pretending turns into something real?” It’s a trope that never goes out of style because watching two people cross the line from staged affection to undeniable love is just chef’s kiss.
1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
📖 Plot: Olive Smith, a brilliant yet socially awkward Ph.D. candidate, kisses a brooding professor to convince her friends she’s in a relationship. Suddenly, they’re in a full-blown fake dating arrangement.
💭 Why it’s captivating: The witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and Olive’s hilarious internal monologues make this a delightful read. And let’s be real—Professor Adam Carlsen is everything.
2. To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
📖 Plot: Lord Jeremy Overington proposes a fake affair with his sparring partner, Lady Diana Templeton, to silence rumors and test their romantic compatibility.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Set against the backdrop of a glittering Regency-era society, this enemies-to-lovers tale is brimming with wit, sensual tension, and opulent charm.
3. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
📖 Plot: Dani Brown agrees to a staged romance with security guard Zafir Ansari after a viral video paints them as the internet’s new favorite couple.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Dani is confident, ambitious, and refreshingly unapologetic, while Zaf is a swoon-worthy cinnamon roll. Their slow-burning chemistry is irresistible.
4. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
📖 Plot: Stella Lane, a brilliant but socially inexperienced woman, hires a handsome escort, Michael Phan, to teach her the ins and outs of romance. Their arrangement turns unexpectedly real.
💭 Why it’s captivating: With heartfelt exploration of love, vulnerability, and steamy moments, this book beautifully flips gender norms while tugging at your heartstrings.
5. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
📖 Plot: Alexa Monroe agrees to be Drew Nichols’ last-minute date to a wedding where his ex will be in attendance. What starts as a fake weekend date spirals into something much more complicated.
💭 Why it’s captivating: The chemistry between Alexa and Drew practically leaps off the page, and their relatable relationship challenges will keep you hooked.
6. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
📖 Plot: Shay Goldstein and Dominic Yun, colleagues at a Seattle public radio station, fake being exes for a hit relationship advice show.
💭 Why it’s captivating: The premise is fresh, the banter is razor-sharp, and the tension between Shay and Dominic makes every page sizzle.
7. Faking It by Jennifer Crusie
📖 Plot: Art forger Tilda Goodnight and con man Davy Dempsey find themselves in a hilarious scheme involving fake identities, romantic sparks, and a high-stakes art heist.
💭 Why it’s captivating: With its quirky characters and laugh-out-loud moments, this book is a delightful blend of comedy and steamy romance.
8. 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
📖 Plot: Darcy Barrett agrees to a fake engagement with her childhood crush, Tom Valeska, to help him keep nosy neighbors at bay while they renovate her late grandmother’s house.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Tom is swoon-worthy perfection, and Darcy’s bold, unapologetic personality makes their dynamic electric.
9. The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
📖 Plot: Professional football player Jamar Dixon fakes a relationship with personal trainer Taylor Powell to keep nosy reporters off his back.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Their journey from staged gym selfies to genuine, heart-thudding romance is filled with humor, friendship, and undeniable passion.
Which Fake Romance Felt Real to You?
Fake dating stories remind us that love often blooms in the most unexpected places. Did any of these books capture your heart, or do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Drop your recommendations—because we can never have too much love (fake or not)! 💕📚
