There are days when I get caught up in my own spiral of made-up situations, especially the romantic ones. And I am lost in my thoughts, this brings a slight smile to my face. And I am sure I am not the only one. But since I cannot always be dreaming, I go pick up romance novels that serve laughter, butterflies, and just the right dose of drama.
It is like living in a rom-com storyline, where you get a meet-cute situation, and experience some made-up romantic scenes. And that’s why I can never resist fake dating romance books. Hear me out, when I say fake dating romance, I don’t mean there need not be a happy ending, that is definitely an icing on the cake.
Here is my list of recommendations revolving around the themes that include contract dating schemes. This is my round-up of cute romance novels that bring on all the grins. Whether you love reading contemporary romantic comedy books or just want some comforting romance novels to sink into, this list is for you.
The 13 Best Fake Dating Romance Books
Before we dive in, let me just state some real facts. Fake dating trope books are the literary equivalent of a rom-com binge enjoyed with your friends. The time spent gives you feel-good moments, lots of romantic banter and the kind of – “he loves her, he loves her not” tension that keeps you turning pages long after midnight.
Here are my absolute favorite fake dating books, each with its own twist on the pretend relationship we all secretly root for, I said it!
1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
This one is one of the most spoken-about books on social media. The Love Hypothesis is an academic slow burn. I have never fallen for a fictional pair so hard as that for Olive and Adam. The grumpy-softie hero – Adam, oh my God! He will make your heart melt.
They are thrown together in a fake relationship that starts as a simple favor but spirals into real sparks. Enter, the most awaited – banter! Talk about the science nerd jokes or the feel good finish, this book is one of the most heartwarming romance books.
2. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
The books involve three major pillars – a fake boyfriend, a wedding abroad, and the simmering enemies turning into lovers’ energy. When you are on a spree of reading one chapter to another it feels like a delightful contract dating daydream.
The tension is a slow build, you need to grab a fan, as the heat will take it on. But let me tell you, the payoff is so worth it. You can expect spicy chemistry, grand gestures, and plenty of real “aww” moments. Plus, it’s packed with all the best romcom touches. A complete family drama, the steamy slow burns, did I just repeat this? and a list of characters that feel like friends.
3. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
I will not lie, I read the book after the show came out. Since I found the show so interesting, I wondered how awesome the book would be? Well, I wasn’t wrong. This book is for the days when you feel a fake dating story that’s downright sweet, this is it.
Jenny Han’s coming-of-age romcom nails that high school the “what if?” feeling. This then turns a box of secret love letters into the cutest, most unpredictable fake relationship trope ever..
4. A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
This one felt like a classic screwball comedy. It is surprising to find out how an accidental run-in can lead to a wildly amusing contract dating arrangement. With this book you should expect nothing but sassy, snappy dialogues and instant chemistry between the pair.
It’s a lighthearted romance novel that’ll have you laughing out loud and swooning at the same time.
5. How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder
I love it when the fake dating theme is topped with the glitz of celebrity! An actress and a movie star strike a deal for a staged romance, but the pressure (and paparazzi!) make things deliciously complicated.
The story is a complete ride that also shows you what goes into creating news in the glamour world. However, the story balances the Hollywood glam with down-to-earth emotions perfectly. This book is here to offer both fun and genuinely touching moments. This one is a quick read that you will love!
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6. The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
I’m forever a fan of Kasie West’s high-school sweetheart stories. This is a story about a girl who appoints a total stranger to play her fake boyfriend at prom? In the beginning, the plot feels a little cliché but it is pure and wholesome gold. Yes, it is a predictable storyline but you enjoy your reading journey throughout.
It might seem awkward at first, but it’s adorable by the end, and perfect for when you want a feel-good read.
7. Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
How about I recommend you a half Shakespearean comedy and a half modern romcom? Yes, this novel gives you the best of both worlds. The book gives a fresh spin on the fake relationship trope. When the leading character starts to “fake date” for mutual gain you see the real feelings to creep in. The book is in equal parts both charming and hilarious.
You’ll love the romantic banter sparkles, and the self-aware tone makes it a standout contemporary romantic comedy book.
8. This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
This is yet another enemy turning into a lovers story. So, if you, like me, love reading this genre, you’ll want to read this one. What makes This May End Badly so much fun is the full-on prank war between Doe and her group of Weston girls versus the boys of Winfield Academy, which is a rivalry that’s been raging for years.
So, now you know there are two rival students who strike up a fake romance for the most chaotic reasons. In the story, what follows is a hilarious tangle of forced closeness, a bit of competition, and undeniable attraction. I dare you not to root for them!
9. The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
The Upside of falling is a slightly different book on this list. It is a story of a couple who pretend to be a couple, why you ask? Well, it is to avoid high school gossip, simple! Now you tell me that this isn’t a recipe for adorable disaster.
Nothing here is too dramatic. It’s mostly heartwarming, light, and sweet. This is the perfect pick for anyone who wants a light read with uplifting, and totally relatable take on the fake relationship trope.
10. Love Spells Trouble by Nia Davenport
I love romance novels with a dash of magic! This one’s for my romance readers who should not be missing out. This is a little underrated book on the list, but definitely a book you should not miss. Fake dating in the world of witches and spells makes for plenty of funny situations and genuine tension.
It’s a clever blend of romantic comedy and paranormal nooks, which is utterly charming and completely original.
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11. Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
I am calling it a sweet food of romance. Family competition, a baking contest, and a reluctant fake date. The chemistry between the characters gives me all the bubbles in my heart. Sher Lee mixes all my favorite feel-good reads’ ingredients into one adorable package.
The romcom setup is classic, but the cultural details and the shocking mishaps give it an extra-special twist. Also, you will not miss the detailed food descriptions in the story, which will definitely make you hungry for mooncakes and romance.
12. The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee
What I loved most about this book was the competitive banter. When reading a book based on fake dating, I’d want the debates, banter, and conversation to be as real as possible. This adds to the relatability. A fake relationship that starts as a strategy to outdo a rival but turns unexpectedly sweet.
The story will give you a lot of hilarious and fast-paced twists, so be ready to expect a laughter riot. As the two leads challenge each other to keep up the charade, the ending is a little twisted. It’s lighthearted, funny, and hits all the best romantic comedy notes.
13. She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Last but definitely not least recommendation on the list – She drives me crazy. The classic basketball rivals, strong enemies, and a staged romance. The staged romance, though, quickly gets hilariously out of hand.
I love how the witty back-and-forth and the slow transformation turn mockery to trust, and the authentic way the characters open up to each other. For fans of enemies to lovers books and fake dating trope books, this should not be missed.
Conclusion
Call it a guilty pleasure or a cringe read, I think fake dating romance books are the ultimate comfort food. You know what’s coming, you know you’ll get hilarious and sweet moments, but you can’t help devouring every page.
Well, the best part is even when the stories are a little predictable, they’re always enjoyable and they leave you in the best mood. So the next time you need a lighthearted romance novel, grab one of these books and fall head over heels into meet-cutes, romantic banter, and happy endings.
