Fake Dating Romance Books: A Trend on the Rise
From To All the Boys Ive Loved Before to The Proposal, the fake dating trope has been popular in romance novels and movies for quite some time. This storyline, where two people pretend to be in a relationship for some reason or another, often leads to an unexpected romance.
But what is it about fake dating that makes it so appealing to readers?
The Appeal of Fake Dating Trope
For starters, the fake dating trope offers a unique twist on the classic opposites attract storyline. Two characters who would normally never consider each other romantically are thrown into a situation where they have to act like a couple. This often leads to them getting to know each other on a deeper level and realizing they have more in common than they thought.
Additionally, the fake dating trope creates built-in tension and conflict. Both characters have their own reasons for agreeing to the fake relationship, and as they navigate the charade, they often find themselves developing real feelings for each other. This can lead to some heart-wrenching moments as they struggle with whether or not to reveal their true feelings.
The Rise of Fake Dating Romance Books
Fake dating is not a new trope by any means, but it has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. One reason for this could be the success of Netflixs To All the Boys Ive Loved Before movie adaptation, which was based on the book by Jenny Han. The movie was a hit with audiences and sparked renewed interest in the fake dating trope.
Another reason for the popularity of fake dating romance books is the escapism they provide. In todays world, where dating can be difficult and stressful, reading about two people falling in love under unusual circumstances can be a welcome distraction.
The Best Fake Dating Romance Books
There are countless romance novels that use the fake dating trope, but here are a few of the best:
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
After Olives sisters wedding is decimated by food poisoning, Olive finds herself forced to go on her sisters honeymoon with her new brother-in-law Ethan, who she despises. To make matters worse, they have to pretend to be newlyweds to avoid wasting the free trip. As they spend time together, Olive and Ethan start to realize their initial animosity may have been a cover for deeper feelings.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Hannah is desperate to get into law school, but she needs a good grade in a philosophy class to do so. Enter Garrett, the star hockey player who aced the class last semester. Hannah asks him to tutor her, but he has a condition: she has to pretend to be his girlfriend to make his ex jealous. As they fake their way through dates and public displays of affection, Hannah and Garrett start to question whether their relationship is just for show or if it could be something real.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella Lane is successful in every area of her life except one: relationships. As an autistic woman, social interactions can be overwhelming for her. Hoping to improve her skills, Stella hires Michael, an escort, to teach her about sex and romance. But as they spend more time together, they start to develop feelings for each other. The only problem? Stella still hasnt told Michael that their relationship started as a professional arrangement.
The Future of Fake Dating Romance Books
Its clear that fake dating is a trend thats here to stay in the world of romance novels. As readers continue to seek out stories that provide escapism and unique twists on classic tropes, authors will likely continue to explore this storyline.
Whether youre a die-hard fan of fake dating romance books or youre just starting to dip your toes into the genre, theres no denying that these stories are full of heartwarming moments and irresistible chemistry.
