5 Fake Dating Romance Trope Books

The fake dating romance trope centers on two characters who agree to pretend they're in a relationship, typically to solve a problem or achieve a specific goal, only to develop genuine feelings for each other as their charade continues. This beloved literary device creates delicious tension through the clash between performed intimacy and authentic emotional development, ultimately challenging characters to confront the reality of their growing attachment despite their initial arrangement being "just for show."

In a world where magical ability is prized, Mariel Spark shuns her powerful witch heritage for baking and gardening—until an accidental summoning leaves her stuck with Ozroth the Ruthless, a demon desperate to restore his fearsome reputation through a soul bargain. When Mariel impulsively claims they're dating to avoid her mother's wrath, their fake relationship sparks real feelings, complicating both Ozroth's deadline and the uncomfortable truth that if Mariel gives up her soul, she'll lose her capacity for love forever.

Witch Starla's magical disguise hides a dangerous secret that could make her a captive dragon baby factory, but her biggest problem is Mars—the scorching hot dragon shifter mercenary who's inexplicably drawn to her. When her friend goes missing, Starla has no choice but to accept a fake honeymoon with her worst nightmare, unaware that Mars is determined to extract both the truth and his revenge from his new bride.

Playing pretend with billionaire Gabriel seemed like the perfect solution to appease my traditional Latine family while securing a business deal—until fake feelings turned dangerously real. Now I'm caught between the corporation I've always dreamed of running and the man who makes me forget why I ever wanted anything else. With our relationship's expiration date approaching, I must decide whether to choose my career ambitions or risk everything for a chance at love that was never supposed to be real.

When talented composer Maya reluctantly agrees to fake-date arrogant movie star Ethan Stone to generate publicity for his latest film, she expects nothing but headaches from the former teen heartthrob she once idolized. What begins as a reluctant professional arrangement slowly transforms as she discovers the wounded man behind the celebrity facade. As the boundary between pretense and passion blurs, Maya must decide if she's willing to risk her heart on someone in the industry she's determined to leave behind.

Tired of her brothers meddling in her love life, curvy cowgirl Clementine Brooks impulsively claims she has a boyfriend for her brother's wedding, only to find herself asking her handsome HVAC inspector Tyson Ash to play the part. Little does she know, her fake boyfriend is a smoking hot dragon shifter who's instantly smitten with her, leading to a sizzling summer romance where both must decide if what started as pretend could become their fiery forever.