When I read my first romance book that contained the ‘fake dating’ trope, I became obsessed. I immediately wanted to read more books with that trope.
After reading a few books I loved with that trope – I ended up reading two books in a row that completely let me down with the ‘fake dating’ in them. That made me realize how easily this trope can be messed up.
If I’m reading a ‘fake dating’ book, I want there to be plenty of fake dating. What is the point of a ‘fake dating’ trope if the fake dating doesn’t last that long. I need a ‘slow burn-fake dating’ book. It doesn’t need to be 3/4 of the book, but close to half the book makes it way more fun!
Here are the books that I feel did ‘fake dating’ RIGHT:
This is one of my all time favorite romance books in general regardless of the trope. It was so much fun! The book references both Pretty Woman and Beauty and the Beast – and the book fits both of these vibes. Huxley, the MMC (male main character), gave me Christian Grey vibes too though, without the S&M. Huxley is gruff and a billionaire (hence the Christian Grey vibes) and Lottie is not happy that Huxley propositions her into pretending to be his fiance like she’s Vivian Ward from Pretty Woman. Obviously she ends up agreeing to go along with it though and you can guess how it ends.
This fake dating is a little different because the main characters were engaged, but called it off. However, their mutual friends are still planning their annual trip to Maine and they haven’t told their friends that they called off their engagement. They decide to act like they are still engaged to make it through this trip since they haven’t even told their family of the break up yet.
Another billionaire MMC? Yes, please! This book took plenty of time with the fake dating making it fun and built the tension well! Plus, a new favorite pet name was unlocked for me: butterfly. I loved this Twisted series overall, but loved that this last book of the series ended with a perfect fake dating trope!
4. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
This is another one that is one of my overall favorite romance books. Bri’s brother needed a kidney donor and Jacob steps up, so in return Jacob needs Bri to be his fake date to a few family events where he has to be around his ex-fiance. I love how Abby tackles anxiety in this book. Bri and Jacob’s story was put together really well and made you feel like you were on their journey with them!
5. Just for Summer by Abby Jimenez
This book is actually the 3rd book in Abby’s “Part of Your World” series with Yours Truly being the 2nd book. In this book, the MMC has a curse where after each girl he dates, they end up finding their soulmate right afterwards. But then he finds the FMC that has the same curse. They decide to fake date in hopes of breaking their curses so they can both finally find their happily ever afters!
Here are the books that got the ‘fake dating’ WRONG (in my opinion):
I want to start off by saying, I do still really like both of these books. I was just disappointed with how they did the ‘fake dating’ trope. And I will explain why!
Right Move is the second book in the Windy City series, which I am loving this series (about to finish it up). This book was cute and I enjoyed it. Overall, it’s not my favorite in the series and as I said, not my favorite ‘fake dating.’ At first, I was loving the fake dating between Ryan and his sister’s best friend who also ends up being his temporary roommate. Indie, the FMC, loves to read romance books. When they agreed to fake date, she tried to teach Ryan how to act like her book boyfriends and that had me cracking up! It was pure gold, but I wanted more of that. I felt like the fake dating ended too soon where I would have enjoyed more of these types of “scenes” prior to the ‘fake’ ending.
This is the final book in the Chestnut Springs series. As I was listening to it and realized ‘fake dating’ was involved, I automatically told myself it was going to be my first or second favorite in the series. But I was let down. I felt like this ‘fake dating’ didn’t have any fun or cute elements. I found it to be on the boring side to be honest. It ended up being one of my least favorite in the series unfortunately.
Have you read any of these? Do you agree? Do you have any ‘fake dating’ books to recommend? Let me know in the comments!
