Fake Dating Books
Fake dating books are always some of my favorite romance books to read. I love that over the past few years, so much of the stigma that surrounded reading romances has been removed. After all, who does not love a happy ending?
The fake dating trope is one in which two individuals have to fake a relationship for one reason or another and inevitably fall in love. Pretty Woman is an absolutely iconic movie for a reason!
The fake dating romance books below are our favorite examples from the genres but are by no means all of them. If you want to see a complete list of romance lists, we have something for every romance book lover.
*Fake Dating Trope Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!
Fake Dating Romance Books
Romance Book Lists
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New Fake Dating Books
Plot
A Hanukkah fake dating romance? You had me at Hanukkah. Abby is charged with putting together her Vermont town’s first Hanukkah festival. It is difficult because the people in her town do not understand putting blue lights on a Christmas tree does not make it a part of the Hanukkah story.
When Abby goes on a dating app to find someone Jewish nearby to help her, she find Seth, who has been coming to Abby’s cafe every day. She had no idea he was Jewish. He offers to introduce her to all the vendors she needs to make her festival successful if she comes home to New York City with him and pretends to be his girlfriend.
Why Jackie loves it
Along the way, Abby finds herself and her connection to her Judasim. We learn a lot about Abby and I loved seeing her character development. The story was sweet without being sappy. While this is not a trigger warning, Abby’s parents display disturbing behaviors that may be upsetting.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / October 2024 Book Releases / Best Holiday Books
My Vampire Plus-One
Author: Jenna Levine
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info:
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Amelia is sick and tired of the barrage of questions she always gets from her family about her dating life. When she receives an invitation to another family wedding, she decides to ask Reginald Cleaves to be her date.
For Reggie, being a fake boyfriend is a perfect way to practice being human because vampires are looking for him and they would rather see him dead.
Trigger Warnings
Graphic sexual content, blood
Why Jackie loves it
I love that Reggie is a little more than he seems to be at the beginning. He is loyal and wants the best for Amelia. This was such a fun quick read and it is on the steamier side as well.
Find this book in: September 2024 Book Releases / Fake Dating Books
Fake Dating Romance Books
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Catalina is a fiercely independent woman who ran away from her past but now she has to face it at her sister’s wedding where her former fiance is the best man.
She needs a fake boyfriend – and fast! Enter Aaron her annoying and grumpy co-worker who offers to help her with her ruse. As they put their differences aside to help each other out, their love begins to grow. This is the fake dating trope at its best.
While I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers romance in this book, at over 500 pages this office romance novel was just a bit too long.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Olive Smith is a Ph.D. student who does not believe in her ability to be in love. When her best friend develops a crush on someone she dated briefly, she decides to kiss the first man she sees to prove she is over him.
That one kiss happens to be with THE Adam Carlsen, an academic genius, who is also very standoffish. The two decide to fake-date and what starts as pretend, becomes something more- for Olive.
I loved this fake dating book/office romance novel that is also a perfect example of the grumpy sunshine trope. It has a well-earned spot on its list of the best romance novels of all time.
If you love this book as much as we did, check out our post: Books Like the Love Hypothesis to Obsess Over
Fake It Till You Bake It
Author: Jamie Wesley
Year: 22
Genre: Romance
More info: Sugar Blitz #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Donovan is an NFL player who also owns a struggling cupcake bakery with a few of his friends. Jada is internet famous, and not in a good way. She rejected a proposal on a bachelor-like TV show and now she’s got haters all over!
After taking a job at Donovan’s store, she lies to a reporter and says she was still thinking of Donovan when she rejected the proposal.
So now she is fake-dating Donovan and helping the cupcake store in the process. But can they turn this fake relationship into something more?
Why Kirsten likes it
Um yes, and with SIZZLING chemistry to boot! This is a fake dating book at its steamiest.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Fake Dating / Romance Sports Books
The Deal
Author: Elle Kennedy
Year: 2015
Genre: Romance
More info: Off-Campus #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The first in a series of books set in college about hockey players is also the series that got me hooked on the college romance books sub-genre! This one features a bunch of bachelor hockey players who are the campus hotshots.
To get the attention of the man she really wants, Hannah convinces the cocky captain to go on a pretend date with her in exchange for her tutoring services. Garrett is desperate to get his GPA up so that he can stay on the hockey team and play professionally when he graduates.
But when one kiss leads to a STEAMY hook-up, Hannah needs to reevaluate which man she wants.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s very similar to the How to Date a Douchebag series, but it has a bit more heart and a little less humor. This is one of the steamy fake dating books EVER but I loved it.
Adaptation Information
The Off-Campus series is now going to be adapted for TV on Amazon Prime Video. Louise Levy, Wick Godfrey, and Marty Bowen will be producing it. Each book in the series will be one season.
Find this book in: College Romances / Sports Romances / Fake Dating Romances / Books Set in College / Books About Sports
Plot
Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent (a bodyguard) who looks more like a Kindergarten teacher. When she is given her next assignment to protect Jack Stapleton, a movie star with a stalker, she is less than pleased. After all, this is not how to best use her talents.
When Jack’s mom gets sick, he needs to go home to visit and he must bring Hannah with him. But he doesn’t want to worry his mother. The solution? Hannah has to pretend to be his girlfriend for the duration of the visit- enter the fake dating trope.
Trigger Warnings
Car accident, death of a parent, stalking
Why Jackie loves it
Katherine Center never fails to deliver a great book. This adorable celebrity romance put a smile on my face.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romances / Fake Dating Novels
Books With The Fake Dating Trope
How to Fake It in Hollywood
Author: Ava Wilder
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Grey Brooks wants to stay relevant in Hollywood after her sitcom was canceled. Ethan Atkins is an A-level celebrity who needs to rehab his image. So when their publicist suggests they start fake dating, the duo decides it might be just the ticket.
Why Kirsten loves it
But we all know where the fake-dating trope is gonna lead to real dating and then a break-up and make-up. BUT IT WAS SO CUTE! This is a predictable but adorable celebrity romance novel.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romances / Fake Dating
When It’s Real by Erin Watt
A regular girl plus a bad-boy pop star who needs to reform his image equals the perfect getaway from reality. Erin Watt never fails to deliver a great story.
This fake dating novel is predictable which is what makes it perfect for a list of fluffy books. Erin Watt’s Paper Princess Series is a great fluff read that was on our first list.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
I love every one of the books about the Brown sisters. This is a very spicy fake dating romance book that also touches on some more difficult topics like anxiety and loss as well.
Danika Brown is a Ph.D. student who knows what she wants: professional success and a friend with benefits since she does not have time for relationships. Zafir Ansari is a security guard who is also an ex-rugby player who also runs a sports program to teach boys how to be in touch with their emotions.
When Zafir rescues Dani during a drill, it is caught in video and goes viral. The two begin to fake date in order to bring attention to his charity. This is fake dating at its absolute best.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I was definitely not prepared for this book. Reader beware that it is the Rosie Project with a sprinkle of Pretty Woman and a whole lot of 50 Shades.
I did not realize that some of the scenes would be graphic in this pick from reverse grumpy sunshine romance books. Stella decided to hire an escort to teach her how to have intimacy with other people. This is the fake dating trope at its absolute finest.
It is a great romance with a neurodiverse main character and I loved it. This contemporary romance is definitely on its way to classic status and has a well-earned place on our list of best romance novels of all time and was an easy pick for a list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Year: 2000
Genre: Romance
More info: Bridgerton #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
There is something about Daphne and Simon that I adore. This book is a perfect historical romance. The Netflix book adaption smashed records and caused a boom in book sales.
Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight children and is beginning her first season in the ton. As young women of marrying age search for a husband, Daphne is not quite like other girls.
When the eligible Simon Bassett suggests they begin fake dating to allow them both a chance to breathe. However, things do not always go as planned. To make matters more complicated, Lady Whistledown always seems to know the truth and the information ready for everyone to read. This is one of our fake dating books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
I watched the show and LOVED it so much. I previously read some of the others in the series but I really wanted to read this first book in the Bridgerton book series and I have to say, it was my favorite.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a great historical romance and this one had everything I was looking for – great characters, a steamy romance, and a happy ending.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Bridgerton Books in Order / Best Netflix Adaptations of 2023 / Best British Books / Best Historical Romance Novels
The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) by Jasmine Guillory
This was such a fun read- it was perfect to take with me for a weekend away. When Alexa gets stuck in an elevator with Drew, she makes the crazy choice to accompany him as a fake wedding date to a wedding the next day. If you love fake dating books, this is one of the books like The Love Hypothesis you must read.
What she didn’t account for was the fact that there might be some real attraction between them. She is a good girl and he is a commitment-phoebe. Can they make it work? We think you’ll love this wedding book.
Happy Place
Author: Emily Henry
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Emily Henry is an author who is always consistent with her romances. She may be the queen of romantic comedy books. Nothing says “summer reads” like Emily Henry.
Harriet and Wyn have been together for years until they broke up 5 months ago. The only problem is that they still haven’t told their best friends and now they will be sharing a room during their yearly vacation with their friends.
How hard can it be to keep up the facade of a happy couple? If you love fake dating books, this is one of the best. And if you are hoping these two will have a second chance at love, you will not be disappointed.
There is something special in every one of Emily Henry’s romances and this newest book is no exception. It is one of the best books of 2023!
Why Jackie loves it
Emily Henry finds a way to write books that are so readable with characters that are so loveable. I was rooting for these two the find their way back to each other.
Find this book in: Emily Henry Books / Second Chance Romance / Romantic Comedy Books / Fake Dating Books
The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
I picked up The Ex-Talk because I wanted to read a romance by a Jewish author. I loved that this one featured a biracial, interfaith couple.
The concept was cute – two radio show hosts fake a relationship to try to get ratings. Except they are pretending they already dated and broke up… which eventually leads to them dating.
This fake dating book was a cute, easy read. This is an office romance novel that is perfect for books like The Love Hypothesis.
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
This is the second fake dating book I read this month but this one hit all the right notes. This was such an adorable LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 romance.
When Luc, the son of two rock stars, needs a boyfriend who is respectable in order to keep his job, he is willing to fake a relationship. Oliver Blackwood is a barrister who needs a boyfriend to bring home to his family. The two could not be any more different.
It is a perfect situation until fake starts to feel real. Despite the fact that the two men could not be more different, they just might be the perfect Ying and Yang. This LGBTQ book is one of the enemies-to-lovers books that helped to take my mind off reality and it made me smile throughout the whole book. This is also a great fake dating book. I am always shocked by how many books are enemies to lovers and fake dating…who knew?
Faux Engagement Books
Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar
Meghan is a theatre teacher and aspiring playwright who has just been invited to her best friend/ex-boyfriend/crush’s wedding. To add some salt to the fresh wound, he also asks her to be the best man.
Karthik is allowing his mother to set him up with girls in an attempt to arrange a marriage even though he has absolutely no intention of marrying anyone, ever.
When Meghan and Karthik allow their parents to introduce them, a fake engagement seems like the perfect solution. He can get his mother to stop bugging him and she will have a date for the wedding.
Why I Love It: I read this book in a day and loved it. There is character development and an adorable love story that will have you grinning from ear to ear. #gifted
Find This Book In: Fake Dating Books
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive and Ami are twins. While Ami seems to be lucky in everything, Olive knows that if it can happen, it will happen to her. So when everyone gets food poisoning at Ami’s wedding except Olive and her nemesis Ethan, she can’t decide if her luck has changed. This is the fake dating trope to the extreme- fake marriage.
As the two head out on the free, all-inclusive honeymoon that was supposed to be Ami and her new husband, Olive hopes they can call a truce long enough to enjoy the trip.
Why I Love it: I loved this hilarious romance as soon as I read it. It is the perfect romantic comedy book.
Find this book in Romance Tropes / Rom-Com Books / Fake Dating Books / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Seaside Books
To Woo and to Wed: A Novel (Regency Vows #5) by Martha Waters
This book is the fifth and final installment in the Regency Vows series. As much as I enjoyed the familiarity with the other characters in the book, it is not necessary to have read any of the other books in the series for you to love this fake engagement romance.
Sophia, Lady Fitzwilliam Bridewell was once engaged to West, the Marques of Weston. After an accident, West’s father interfered with their relationship, and their engagement was called off. Now, Sophie’s recently widowed younger sister, Alexandra, has another chance at happiness but will not act on it unless Sophie is happily married. Sophie does the only thing she can think of, announce a fake engagement to West.
Why I Like It: Each one of the books in this series made me laugh out loud and this was no exception. The antics are hilarious and in Regency Era, are even more amusing.
Find this Book in Fake Dating Romance Books
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
It’s a fake dating romance from the queens of romance themselves, Christina Lauren! Anna thought that she had divorced West after they graduated from UCLA. Now, three years later, West needs to contact his not-so-ex-wife and convince her to pretend they are still happily married. Why? To receive a huge inheritance of course!
Anna, desperate for the money to pay for her dad’s medical bills, agrees to jet off to a tropical paradise to spend a week with West’s toxic family at his sister’s week-long wedding celebration. The over-the-top shenanigans reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians in the best way!
Why I Loved it: I was cheering Anna on as she took on West’s snooty family with her pink hair and bohemian spirit. The chemistry between them was crackling, but it was how they looked after each other that made my heart swoon.
Find this book in Fake Dating Books / Wedding Novels / Beach Reads 2024 / Romance Seaside Books
Young Adult Fake Dating Books
10 Things I Hate About Pinky
Author: Sandhya Menon
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Romance
More info: When Dimple Met Rishi #3
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Samir and Pinky are complete opposites. Pinky is a wild child who is tired of her family thinking the worst of her. Samir is the type of guy that all parents love. When his internship at a law firm falls through and Pinky lies to her family and tells them she has a new boyfriend, a scheme is hatched.
Samir comes to stay with Pinky’s family for the summer at their Cape Cod house and Samir does not have to go home to his over-protective mother. Of course, with the forced proximity, they both start to develop real feelings in their fake relationship.
Why Jackie likes it
This fake dating book was a fun read that didn’t quite have the same chemistry as Dimple and Rishi. It may be that I related less because Samir and Pinky are high school students.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Forced Proximity Trope Books / Fake Dating Books / Fun Books for Teens
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake —- or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Books About Sisters / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.
Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister from the certain death of the games. This sci-fi book has everything but at its heart, it is a perfect pick for books about sisters. This young adult fantasy book has heart while making you turn the pages!
And while this is not strictly a fake dating book, the pretend relationship between Katniss and Peta is pivotal to this book!
If you love The Hunger Games, check out these 24 books just like it!
Ultimate List of Romances
If you love all things romance, then this is the list for you! This is carefully divided by sub-genres like second-chance romance books, romcoms, and more.
What is your favorite fake dating book?
The Complete List of Romance Tropes: Our 12 Favorites
Looking for more romances categorized by trope? Here are all my favorites.
