What could go wrong when two people pretend to be in love?
The fake dating trope in the romance genre is when two characters pretend to be in a romantic relationship for a specific reason, like impressing family, getting an ex jealous, or solving a problem. They agree it’s not real, but along the way, real feelings start to develop, leading to unexpected love. It’s like watching a pretend act turn into a heartfelt reality, with all the fun, tension, and romantic drama along the way!
Top 5 Fake Dating Books on Galatea
If you’re a fan of fake dating stories, Galatea’s collection is a treasure trove you don’t want to miss! These books take the classic “pretend to be in love” trope and mix it with unexpected twists, heartfelt romance, and tons of drama. Whether it’s fake relationships turning into real love, hilarious misunderstandings, or steamy chemistry, these stories have it all.
Journey’s End by S.L. Adams
This book is an absolute must-read! Viola’s story had me hooked from the very beginning.
Picture this: she’s desperate to escape her abusive ex and ends up being whisked away onto a spaceship (yes, a spaceship!) to take part in a magical challenge where she has to make a cursed prince fall in love with her.
Intrigued yet? Trust me, it only gets better.
The fake dating trope is at the heart of this story, but with a twist—Viola isn’t just pretending to date someone; she’s part of a mission to save an entire kingdom. The stakes are high, the tension is electric, and the chemistry between Viola and Apollo is absolutely chef’s kiss. Watching their relationship evolve from suspicion and pretense to something real and raw was so satisfying.
His Nerd by Sir Ellious
And if you love fake dating stories with a twist, you have to check out this book!
Ava’s life is already tough—she’s grieving her dad, dealing with her mom’s demanding job, and trying to survive the bullying at school. Then comes Hunter Black, one of the school’s infamous “Three Musketeers,” with an offer she can’t ignore: fake-date him to keep the bullies at bay.
Sounds like a simple plan, right? Trust me, it’s anything but.
What I loved most about this story is how much heart it has behind the drama. Sure, there’s the fun of the fake dating trope—awkward moments, school gossip, and plenty of jealousy from Hunter’s ex, Jessica—but there’s also a deeper layer. Ava and Hunter are both carrying heavy emotional baggage, and watching them peel back each other’s walls was so satisfying.
My Fake Girlfriend by Jane Martana
This book is a fun, fiery ride! Athena, a chef, gets fired by her high school friend Ares, only for him to make a wild offer: fake-date him for six months, and she’ll get her dream restaurant.
As they navigate their pretend relationship, sparks fly, his family adores her, and Ares starts falling for the woman he underestimated. But when Athena uncovers the real reason behind his offer, everything’s at risk.
Will their fake romance turn into real love, or will the truth ruin it all? A perfect mix of humor, heat, and heart!
Not Another Office Romance by Aly
Now this book is an absolute gem—and here’s why! It’s got everything we love about the trope, but with a twist: instead of just dating, it’s a full-on marriage of convenience.
Emerald, a hardworking assistant, finds herself agreeing to a fake engagement with her boss, Tate King, so he can inherit his family’s company.
The setup alone is so much fun, but what really makes this story shine is how their relationship evolves. Watching their fake engagement turn into real feelings is everything you’d want—sweet moments, steamy chemistry, and plenty of drama. And the stakes? They’re high. From scheming family members to public scandals, and even a kidnapping (!), this story keeps you hooked with every twist.
How (Not) To Date Your Neighbor by Megan Blake
It’s everything we adore about the trope, but with so much more heart, humor, and drama. Noelle and Jake’s fake relationship starts off as a simple misunderstanding to please his Aunt Shelly, but it quickly turns into something real. Watching them navigate the awkwardness of pretending, like attending a wedding as a couple, is both hilarious and adorable.
What really makes this story special is how it dives deeper.
Noelle and Jake share vulnerable moments, face intense challenges—like a hostage situation!—and ultimately show just how far they’re willing to go for love. Jake even gives up his career for Noelle, which is such a swoon-worthy gesture.
Typical Reasons Characters Have to Fake Date in Romance Genre
Fake dating happens in romance stories for all kinds of fun and dramatic reasons. Sometimes, it’s to impress family or friends—like bringing a pretend partner to a wedding or holiday dinner to dodge those awkward “Why are you still single?” questions.
Other times, it’s about saving face, like when someone needs a date for their high school reunion or wants to prove to their ex they’ve moved on.
- For career reasons
Sometimes, pretending to be in a relationship helps with a job or a deal, especially if the boss or a client has certain “expectations.”
- To shake off an ex or an admirer
If someone won’t take a hint, having a “partner” is the perfect way to get them off your back.
- To make a deal
A classic “I’ll help you if you help me” situation. It’s practical… until it gets personal.
- For public appearances
Celebs and royals love this one. Fake dating makes headlines go away or improves their public image.
- For money or convenience
Sometimes, there’s a will with a weird condition, or someone needs to keep their apartment. Cue the fake relationship.
- To make someone jealous
This one’s pure chaos—and we love it. Whether it’s an ex or a crush, they’re pulling all the stops to grab attention.
- To protect each other
Maybe there’s danger lurking, or one of them is in trouble. Pretending to date keeps people off their trail.
Classic Elements of Fake Dating Books
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The Agreement with a Twist
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The usual “we’ll pretend to be together” deal often comes with an added layer of sexual tension. The characters might set boundaries, but the chemistry bubbling between them makes those boundaries hard to stick to.
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Forced Intimacy
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Whether it’s sharing a bed during a weekend getaway or having to convincingly kiss in public, situations that require close physical proximity naturally amp up the erotic undertones.
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Unspoken Desires
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While they pretend to date, their private thoughts and subtle actions betray growing attraction. This creates delicious tension as both try to keep their feelings and desires under wraps.
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Steamy Moments Under the Guise of Pretend
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Passionate moments often occur because “we have to make this look real,” but the line between acting and genuine desire gets blurrier with each touch.
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Slow-Building Tension
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The push and pull of fake affection turning real builds a smoldering connection. Lingering glances, accidental touches, and flirty banter all lead to explosive chemistry.
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The Breaking Point
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The characters inevitably reach a moment where the pretense slips, and they give in to their desires. This could be a heated argument or a vulnerable confession that leads to a steamy encounter.
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External Pressure with Erotic Undertones
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Outside forces, like nosy family members or jealous exes, push the couple to showcase their “relationship,” leading to high-stakes situations filled with passion and tension.
So, let’s be real—the fake dating trope will always have a special place in our hearts. It’s got everything: the laughs, the tension, the “oh no, are they actually falling for each other?” moments we can’t get enough of.
It’s the perfect mix of fun and feels, and it never fails to remind us that love has a funny way of sneaking up on you.
