🏷️ Fake Dating
164 entries tagged with this trope
The Love Hypothesis
Ali Hazelwood · 2021
Olive panic-kisses a hot, grumpy professor to prove a point. He agrees to fake-date her. Started as Reylo fanfic and you can FEEL it. The 'he's only soft for her' energy is off the charts.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago. Nobody knows. Now they're stuck at their annual friends' trip pretending to still be together. Every fake touch, every shared bed, every almost-confession is agony.
Funny Story
Emily Henry · 2024
Daphne's fiancé left her for his best friend. Miles's girlfriend left him for Daphne's ex. So they become roommates and pretend to date to make their exes jealous. What could possibly go wrong.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a date to her sister's wedding in Spain. Aaron Blackford — the most infuriating man alive — volunteers. He's tall, gorgeous, and she can't stand him. Obviously they fall in love in Spain.
The Deal
Elle Kennedy · 2015
Hannah needs help with her grades. Garrett needs a fake girlfriend. They make a deal. He's cocky, she's unimpressed, and the banter is elite. THE new adult romance that started a whole subgenre.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Mariana Zapata · 2016
Vanessa quit her job as an NFL player's assistant. Aiden crawls back and asks her to marry him — for a green card. The slowest of slow burns. 600 pages of tension before a single kiss. Worth every page.
Terms and Conditions
Lauren Asher · 2022
Declan proposes a fake marriage to his assistant to secure his inheritance. He's cold to everyone. EVERYONE. Except slowly, painfully, her. The contract-to-love pipeline hits different.
Bride
Ali Hazelwood · 2024
Vampires and werewolves are at war. Misery is a vampire bride married off to the werewolf Alpha for peace. He's massive, grumpy, and way too observant. She's hiding things. Supernatural enemies-to-lovers with BITE.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Mariana Zapata · 2016
Van quits as personal assistant to NFL player Aiden Graves. He shows up at her door asking her to marry him — for a green card. The QUEEN of slow burn wrote her masterpiece. 600 pages of delicious tension.
The Duke and I
Julia Quinn · 2000
Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings fake a courtship. You know how this goes. The book that launched a Netflix empire. Lighter than the show in some ways, spicier in others.
Bring Him to His Knees
Msmerlin · 2017
Hermione bets she can make Draco Malfoy fall in love with her. It starts as manipulation and becomes something terrifyingly real. The premise sounds tropey but the execution is surprisingly emotional.
A Week to Be Wicked
Tessa Dare · 2012
Minerva needs to get to Edinburgh for a geology conference. Colin needs to escape a scandal. Fake engagement + road trip in Regency England. Widely considered the best Tessa Dare book and one of the best historical romances ever written.
Twisted Lies
Ana Huang · 2022
Christian Harper is a CEO with a dark side. Stella is a fashion blogger who needs protection. Their fake relationship becomes very real. The most thriller-paced Twisted book with the most morally grey hero.
Just for the Summer
Abby Jimenez · 2024
Justin and Emma have a curse: everyone they date finds their soulmate right after. They team up to break it by dating each other. The premise is pure rom-com but Jimenez sneaks in real emotional depth.
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez · 2023
Dr. Briana Ortiz needs a fake boyfriend. Dr. Jacob Maddox needs a kidney donor for his brother. They write letters. It's the most epistolary-romance thing since You've Got Mail and it works perfectly.
Electric Idol
Katee Robert · 2022
Eros is ordered to kill Psyche. Instead, he marries her. A fake marriage to a man who was supposed to murder you — peak Dark Olympus chaos. Katee Robert makes Greek myth deliciously modern.
Foul Lady Fortune
Chloe Gong · 2022
1930s Shanghai. Rosalind is an immortal spy posing as a newlywed with her cold partner Orion. Espionage, political intrigue, and a slow burn that makes you want to scream. Chloe Gong does historical fantasy like nobody else.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Jenny Han · 2014
Lara Jean Song Covey wrote love letters to every boy she ever loved — five in total — and hid them in a hatbox. She never intended for those letters to be mailed. But mailed they were.
Boyfriend Material
Alexis Hall · 2020
Luc O'Donnell is a hot mess. When a tabloid scandal threatens his career, he needs a fake boyfriend — fast. Enter Oliver Blackwood, the most respectable man in England.
I Think They Love You
Julian Winters · 2025
A queer second-chance romance where Denz must prove he's responsible enough to take over the family business. His fake boyfriend? The man who broke his heart. Funny, flirty, and full of heart.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown
Talia Hibbert · 2020
Dani is a PhD student who doesn't do relationships. Zaf is a rugby player and secret romance reader. A viral rescue video makes them fake-date.
Written in the Stars
Alexandria Bellefleur · 2020
An uptight actuary fake-dates her brother's astrologer best friend to get her family off her back. Sapphic Bridget Jones energy.
Radiant Sin
Katee Robert · 2022
Apollo needs a fake date to a party. Cassandra needs access. Their arrangement is supposed to be simple. Apollo is NOT simple.
The Proposal
Jasmine Guillory · 2018
A spontaneous proposal rescue leads to fake dating and real feelings. Nikole's life gets turned upside down when she helps a stranger out of an awkward public proposal, and suddenly she's fake-dating a charming baseball player.
The Wedding Date
Jasmine Guillory · 2018
Alexa needs a wedding date, Drew needs a distraction from his ex. What starts as a favor becomes something real over a long weekend in California.
Roomies
Christina Lauren · 2017
Holland needs to marry her Irish musician roommate so he can get a visa. What starts as paperwork becomes complicated when feelings get involved.
The Duke and I
Julia Quinn · 2000
Daphne needs a husband, Simon needs to avoid marriage. Their fake courtship seems perfect—until real feelings complicate everything.
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren · 2019
Olive and Ethan hate each other but end up on a free honeymoon in Hawaii together. Fake marriage, real attraction, and lots of complications.
Fix Her Up
Tessa Bailey · 2019
Georgie asks her brother's best friend Travis to help her get more confident with men. What starts as practice becomes the real thing.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a date to her sister's wedding in Spain. Her academic rival Aaron volunteers to help. Their fake relationship feels increasingly real during a week in Spain.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang · 2018
Stella has Asperger's and wants to improve her dating skills. She hires escort Michael to teach her, but their arrangement becomes complicated when feelings develop.
The Soulmate Equation
Christina Lauren · 2021
Single mom Jess takes a DNA test for soulmates and matches perfectly with scientist River—the man she had a terrible one-night stand with years ago.
Act Like It
Lucy Parker · 2015
Theatre actress Lainie needs to fix her bad reputation. Fake dating her difficult co-star Richard seems like the perfect solution—until real feelings develop.
The Proposal
Jasmine Guillory · 2018
When a stadium proposal goes wrong, Nikole rescues Drew from public humiliation. Their fake relationship quickly becomes complicated by real attraction.
The Dating Plan
Sara Desai · 2021
Daisy needs a fake boyfriend to avoid her family's matchmaking. Her childhood friend Liam agrees to help, but their pretend relationship becomes surprisingly real.
Boyfriend Material
Alexis Hall · 2020
Luc needs a fake boyfriend to repair his reputation. Oliver volunteers for fake dating duties. Their pretend relationship becomes surprisingly real and complicated.
The Charm Offensive
Alison Cochrun · 2021
Charlie is the star of a Bachelor-style show, but he's more interested in his producer Dev than any of the contestants. A sweet story about finding yourself on reality TV.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Mariana Zapata · 2016
She quits working for the NFL's most stoic player. He shows up at her door asking her to marry him — for a green card. The slowest of slow burns but SO worth it.
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez · 2023
She hates the new doctor competing for her promotion. Then he writes her a letter and she realizes the quiet, anxious man might be the kindest person she's ever met.
The Love Wager
Lynn Painter · 2023
After a disastrous breakup, she bets her neighbor she can get a boyfriend before he gets a girlfriend. The fact that they keep 'practicing' dates with each other? Totally irrelevant.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Lina needs a date to her sister's wedding in Spain. Aaron — the coworker she can't stand — volunteers. Locked in close quarters across the Atlantic, the hate starts cracking.
The Deal
Elle Kennedy · 2015
Hannah needs help with her music grade. Garrett needs her to tutor him. They strike a deal. He's the hockey captain everyone wants; she couldn't care less. That's exactly why he's obsessed.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang · 2018
Stella, an autistic econometrician, hires escort Michael to teach her about intimacy. He's supposed to keep it professional. He fails spectacularly. Own-voices autism rep done beautifully.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang · 2018
Stella Lane is autistic, brilliant, and terrible at dating. She hires escort Michael Phan to teach her. He wasn't supposed to catch feelings. Neurodiverse rep done beautifully.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Lina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain. Aaron Blackford — the coworker she hates — volunteers. He's tall, infuriating, and suspiciously perfect at playing boyfriend. Started as Wattpad fanfic energy and it shows (compliment).
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Mariana Zapata · 2016
Vanessa quits her job as assistant to NFL player Aiden Graves. Then he shows up at her door asking her to marry him — for a green card. The SLOWEST burn in romance. Worth every page.
The Boyfriend Effect
Nisha Sharma · 2022
Lina is a doctor who needs a fake boyfriend for family events. Enter Benjamin, her colleague who's been quietly in love with her forever. South Asian rep that feels real and joyful.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago. Nobody knows. Now they're stuck at their annual friend group vacation pretending everything's fine. Emily Henry weaponizing nostalgia and heartbreak again.
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez · 2023
Dr. Briana hates the new ER doctor. Then he writes her a letter. Then another. The pen pal romance you didn't know you needed. Jacob is the sweetest cinnamon roll in contemporary romance.
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren · 2019
The entire wedding party gets food poisoning except Olive and Ethan — who hate each other. Free honeymoon trip to Hawaii. One bed. The vibes write themselves.
Bride
Ali Hazelwood · 2024
Misery is a Vampyre sent to marry the Alpha of the Weres as a political pawn. Lowe is huge, grumpy, and annoyingly protective. Ali Hazelwood does paranormal romance and it's exactly what you'd expect — Reylo energy with fangs.
Funny Story
Emily Henry · 2024
Daphne's fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. She ends up living with Miles — her ex's ex's best friend. The revenge-dating energy is immaculate. Emily Henry keeps winning.
Just for the Summer
Abby Jimenez · 2024
Justin and Emma are both cursed — every person they date finds their soulmate right after. They team up to break the curse by dating each other. The premise is chef's kiss.
The Paradise Problem
Christina Lauren · 2024
Anna and Liam got married for his trust fund, then never spoke again. Now his family wants to meet his wife. One tropical island, one week, one bed. The fake marriage trope done perfectly.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Lina needs a fake date for a wedding in Spain. Aaron volunteers. He's the coworker she can't stand. He's also been in love with her the whole time. The slow reveal of his feelings is DEVASTATING.
Love, Theoretically
Ali Hazelwood · 2023
Elsie is a theoretical physicist who moonlights as a fake girlfriend. Jack is the one man she can't fake around. The STEM banter is immaculate and the 'he knows she's pretending with everyone else but him' energy is chef's kiss.
The Commoner's Guide to Bedding a Royal
olivieblake · 2019
Modern AU where Draco is a prince and Hermione is a commoner journalist. Olivie Blake (Atlas Six author) wrote this before she was famous.
The Deadline
Lena Phoria · 2021
When Hermione needs a fake boyfriend for her high school reunion, she never expected Draco Malfoy to volunteer. What could possibly go wrong?
Tea and No Sympathy
who_la_hoop · 2018
Harry needs a fake boyfriend for a work event. Draco volunteers out of spite. Neither expected to actually enjoy it.
Dean Winchester is Not Afraid of Commitment
Annie D · 2012
Dean and Cas pretend to be engaged to get Sam off Dean's back about commitment. The fake part gets increasingly difficult to maintain.
Something Borrowed, Someone Blue
KeriArentikai · 2017
Marinette and Adrien fake-date to get their friends off their backs. If only they knew they're already in love with each other in masks.
Performance in a Leading Role
Mad_Lori · 2014
Actor AU where Sherlock is a famous actor and John is a doctor-turned-actor. They have to fake a relationship for publicity. The slow realization of real feelings is perfect.
The Commoner's Guide to Bedding a Royal
olivieblake · 2018
Modern royalty AU where Draco is a literal prince and Hermione accidentally becomes his fake girlfriend. olivieblake (yes, THAT olivieblake from Atlas Six) wrote this gem.
The Proposal
Reylomami · 2019
Modern AU based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Ben Solo is the demanding boss, Rey is the assistant he fake-proposes to. The romcom vibes are immaculate.
The Jasmine Dragon
Lisht · 2020
Modern coffee shop AU but make it Zutara. Katara needs a fake boyfriend, Zuko needs to not be awkward. Iroh is the best wingman. Cozy perfection.
Grounds for Divorce
Tessa Crowley · 2016
Harry and Draco accidentally get magically married. They need to stay married for a year before they can divorce. Enemies-to-spouses-to-lovers done with charm and genuine hilarity.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2018
Based on the movie. Ben is the demanding boss. Rey is the assistant. Green card marriage needed. You know how this goes and you love every second of it. Perfect romcom energy.
Barrel Bride
troubledpancakes · 2017
Kaz needs a wife for a con. Inej is the obvious choice. The fake dating trope with two people who can barely touch each other is TENSION of the highest order.
Grounds for Divorce
Queenie_Mab · 2020
Harry and Draco fake-marry for legal reasons. The Ministry bureaucracy means they're stuck together. Naturally, real feelings complicate everything. Sharp, funny, and surprisingly tender.
The Proposal
Savvy_Sav · 2019
The Proposal movie AU. Ben is the horrible boss. Rey is his assistant. He needs to marry her to avoid deportation. Sandra Bullock/Ryan Reynolds energy translated perfectly to Reylo.
The Request
redhead414 · 2012
Draco asks Hermione to pretend to be his girlfriend. Classic premise, flawless execution. The banter is top-tier. A feel-good Dramione that delivers all the tropes without being predictable.
The Proposal
Postedbygaslight · 2019
Modern AU based on The Proposal movie. Ben Solo is the nightmare boss. Rey is his assistant. He needs a fake fiancée for immigration reasons. The movie AU Reylo needed and deserved.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2017
Modern AU based on the movie. Ben Solo needs a fake fiancée to avoid deportation. Rey needs a promotion. Sandra Bullock energy meets Reylo tension. Pure serotonin.
A Proposal by Any Other Name
AquaWolfGirl · 2018
Modern AU. Ben needs a fake fiancée for a family event. Rey needs money. The bickering is phenomenal. If you loved The Love Hypothesis (literally born from Reylo fic), you'll devour this.
The Commoner's Guide to Bedding a Royal
olivieblake · 2018
Modern royalty AU. Prince Draco needs a fake girlfriend. Hermione needs the money. olivieblake's signature razor-sharp dialogue plus royal drama equals perfection. Light, funny, and devastatingly romantic.
The Proposal
Sage_McMae · 2018
Modern AU. Ben is Rey's nightmare boss. He's about to be deported. Solution: fake engagement. Yes, it's the Sandra Bullock movie but make it Reylo. The office enemies energy is immaculate.
A Court of Frost and Flowers
acotartrash · 2017
Modern AU. Feyre is an art student. Rhysand is the infuriating CEO next door. The ACOTAR gang in a contemporary setting with coffee shops, gallery openings, and the same devastating chemistry. Pure comfort reading.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a date to her sister's Spanish wedding. Aaron Blackford — the colleague she hates — volunteers. The 'I've been in love with you this whole time' reveal will end you.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago but haven't told their friends. Now they're trapped at the annual group vacation pretending everything's fine. The 'we're pretending we're still together' angst is exquisite.
A Proposal by Any Other Name
Reylocalligraphy · 2019
Modern AU. Ben Solo needs a fake fiancée. Rey needs money. The Pride and Prejudice energy is strong. The slow realization that the fake feelings became real feelings is exquisitely done.
The Golden Rule
Damn_Reincarnation · 2019
Modern AU. Rey is a kindergarten teacher. Ben is the scary dad of one of her students. The parent-teacher conference tension is unreal. He's soft for his daughter and then he's soft for Rey and it's OVER.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago but nobody knows. Now they're stuck pretending at their annual friend group vacation. The tension is excruciating in the best way.
Funny Story
Emily Henry · 2024
Daphne's fiancé left her for his childhood best friend. Now she's roommates with the other ex. Revenge-dating your roommate to make your exes jealous? Chaotic and brilliant.
Just for the Summer
Abby Jimenez · 2024
Justin and Emma are both cursed — their exes always find their soulmate right after dating them. They date to break the curse. It works for everyone except them.
The Proposal
AquaWolfGirl · 2018
Modern AU based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Ben is the demanding editor. Rey is his assistant. He needs a fake fiancée. The bickering-to-yearning pipeline is *immaculate*.
The Annabeth Chase Project
dreamcloud · 2020
College AU. Annabeth needs a fake boyfriend. Percy volunteers because he's an idiot (his words). The friend group dynamics are hilarious and the 'oh no I have REAL feelings' moment is *perfect*.
The Great Pretender
LoversAntiquities · 2020
Human AU. Dean needs a fake boyfriend for a wedding. Cas is available. The 'performing relationship that becomes real' pipeline has never been done better. Warm, funny, and deeply romantic.
Just for the Summer
Abby Jimenez · 2024
Justin and Emma are both cursed — every person they date finds their soulmate right after. They team up to break the curse by dating each other. The foster care subplot will wreck you.
Love, Theoretically
Ali Hazelwood · 2023
Elsie moonlights as a fake girlfriend. Her newest client's brother is Jack — the theoretical physicist who hates her research. The academic rivalry to romance pipeline is *chef's kiss*.
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez · 2023
Briana needs a kidney donor for her brother. Jacob writes her the most beautiful letter. They fake date to help each other but Jacob's quiet devotion is the real thing from the start.
Simply Irresistible
bookwormhermione · 2019
Draco and Hermione are forced to work together at the Ministry. She can't stand him. He's devastatingly charming and totally unbothered by her hostility. The banter is elite.
At Your Service
Faith Wood · 2011
Draco needs an escort to family events. Harry needs money. The arrangement is purely business. Naturally, it stays completely professional. (It does not.)
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2018
The Proposal movie AU. Ben Solo is the demanding boss, Rey is his assistant, and he needs a green card. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds energy with Force-user chemistry.
Funny Story
Emily Henry · 2024
Daphne's fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. She ends up roommates with the other woman's ex. The petty revenge-turned-real-feelings pipeline is elite.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a fake boyfriend for a wedding in Spain. Aaron, the coworker she can't stand, volunteers. This has massive Reylo fanfic energy and I mean that as a compliment.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago but haven't told their friends. Now they're stuck at their annual group vacation pretending everything's fine. The angst is exquisite.
The Deal
Elle Kennedy · 2015
Hannah needs a music tutor. Garrett needs her to date him so his crush gets jealous. College hockey romance that launched a thousand trope obsessions.
Simply Irresistible
bookworm1993 · 2010
Draco and Hermione have to pretend to date for a Ministry event. The pretending gets very real very fast. Classic FFN-era Dramione with razor banter and delicious tension.
Intermission
Politicalmamaduck · 2019
Broadway AU where Rey and Ben are rival theater directors forced to collaborate. The theatrical setting is perfect for their dramatic dynamic. Banter-heavy and delightful.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2018
Based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Ben forces his assistant Rey to pretend they're engaged so he doesn't get deported. The movie plot + Reylo energy = perfection.
Just for the Summer
Abby Jimenez · 2024
Justin and Emma are both cursed — every person they date goes on to find their soulmate next. They team up to break the curse by dating each other. The found family subplot will wreck you.
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez · 2023
Briana is a tough ER doctor with a crumbling personal life. Jacob is the quiet new doctor she hates on sight. Then he writes her a letter. The pen-pal-to-fake-dating pipeline is perfection.
The Duke and I
Julia Quinn · 2000
Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings fake a courtship to solve each other's problems. Regency romance done right — the banter crackles and the longing is exquisite.
The Right Thing to Do
LoveBitca8 · 2017
A marriage law forces Hermione and Draco together. He's determined to do the right thing. She's determined to hate him. The slow thaw is gorgeous and the payoff is everything.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2018
Based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Ben is the tyrannical boss. Rey is his assistant. He needs a green card marriage. You know exactly where this goes and you'll love every second.
Funny Story
Emily Henry · 2024
Daphne's fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. So she moves in with her ex's ex and they hatch a plot to make their exes jealous. Emily Henry doing what she does best — razor banter and real feelings.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago. No one knows. Now they're trapped at a group vacation pretending everything's fine. The tension of faking it while being devastated? Chef's kiss.
The Commoner's Guide to Bedding a Royal
olivieblake · 2016
Modern AU. Draco is a prince. Hermione is a journalist who hates the monarchy. A fake dating scheme for a royal wedding spirals into something real. The banter is Olympic-level.
The Proposal
Postedbygaslight · 2018
Modern AU based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Ben is the demanding boss. Rey is the assistant he needs to fake-marry for visa purposes. The movie premise translated perfectly to Reylo.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago but haven't told their friend group. Now they're sharing a bedroom at the annual vacation. Pretending everything is fine has never been this painful or this swoony.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Lina needs a fake date for a wedding in Spain. Aaron — her annoying coworker — volunteers. The 'I've been in love with you this whole time' reveal is devastating in the best way.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang · 2018
Stella, who has Asperger's, hires an escort to teach her about intimacy. Michael is Vietnamese-Swedish and way too beautiful. What starts as practice becomes devastatingly real.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2018
Modern AU based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Ben is Rey's nightmare boss. He's also about to be deported. Cue fake engagement. The Reylo fandom's answer to every fake-dating romance novel.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang · 2018
Stella Lane is a brilliant econometrician with Asperger's who hires escort Michael Phan to teach her about intimacy. What starts as lessons becomes something neither of them expected.
The Love Hypothesis
Ali Hazelwood · 2021
Olive Smith, a PhD candidate, fake-dates brooding professor Adam Carlsen to convince her best friend she's moved on. He's not supposed to be this perfect for real.
The Proposal
AQuinton · 2018
Modern AU inspired by the Sandra Bullock movie. Rey's tyrannical boss Ben Solo needs a fake fiancée. She needs a green card. The banter is electric. The family scenes are comedy gold.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain. Aaron Blackford—her infuriating coworker—volunteers. The forced proximity and cultural backdrop make the slow burn absolutely delicious.
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez · 2023
Briana is competing for a promotion with Dr. Jacob Maddox. Then he writes her a letter. The enemies-to-pen-pals-to-lovers pipeline is REAL. Also tackles anxiety and chronic illness beautifully.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago but haven't told their friends. Now they're sharing a cottage for their annual group trip. Pretending to still be together. What could go wrong?
The Deal
Elle Kennedy · 2015
Hannah needs a tutor. Garrett needs her to date him to make another girl jealous. Neither expects what happens next. The OG college sports romance that launched a thousand tropes.
Funny Story
Emily Henry · 2024
Daphne's fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. She becomes roommates with said best friend's ex. A revenge fake-dating situation that's peak Emily Henry.
The Lip-Gloss Lie
Perse · 2020
Draco agrees to pretend-date Harry to make someone jealous. The fake dating is supremely unconvincing and incredibly entertaining. Light, funny, and the chemistry crackles.
The Proposal
Reylomami · 2019
Based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Ben Kylo Solo forces his assistant Rey to pretend to be his fiancée. The power dynamic flip when they visit her family is *chef's kiss*.
A Court of Frost and Moonlight
writingforhugs · 2020
Modern AU. Feyre is an art student, Rhysand is the annoyingly charming guy she can't stand. Coffee shops, banter, and all the ACOTAR dynamics in a contemporary setting.
The Love Hypothesis
Ali Hazelwood · 2021
A PhD candidate kisses a brooding professor to convince her friend she's moved on. He agrees to fake-date her. The internet lost its mind over Adam Carlsen for good reason.
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren · 2019
When the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, the maid of honor and best man—who hate each other—inherit the honeymoon trip to Hawaii. Hijinks ensue.
The Arrangement
Mithrigil · 2012
John and Sherlock fake a relationship for a case. Sherlock is surprisingly good at it. Too good. The UST is agonizing.
A Study in Winning
fayjay · 2011
Modern AU where Merlin is a university student and Arthur is a professional tennis player. The most beloved Merthur AU. Funny, sweet, and satisfying.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a fake date for her sister's wedding in Spain. Aaron Blackford, the colleague she can't stand, volunteers. What could possibly go wrong? Everything.
The Deal
Elle Kennedy · 2015
Hannah needs help with music theory. Garrett needs a date. They strike a deal. The OG college romance that launched a thousand tropes.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2018
Based on the movie. Ben Solo, publishing CEO, forces his assistant Rey to pretend to be his fiancée. The Reylo version of the Sandra Bullock classic we deserved.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang · 2018
Stella Lane hires an escort to teach her about intimacy. Michael is way more than she bargained for. Autistic heroine rep done beautifully.
The Soulmate Equation
Christina Lauren · 2021
A geneticist discovers she's a 98% match with the annoyingly hot founder of a DNA matchmaking company. Science says they're soulmates. She says absolutely not.
Bring Him to His Knees
RZZMG · 2015
There's a bet: Hermione has to make Draco fall to his knees for her. What starts as a game turns dangerously real. Spicy, funny, and surprisingly emotional.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2019
Based on the movie. Rey is Ben's assistant. He needs a fake fiancée to avoid deportation. She has conditions. The Reylo fake-dating AU that launched a subgenre.
To Have and to Hold
marshmiillow · 2017
Kaz and Inej have to pretend to be married for a job. Kaz is terrible at pretending. Inej is worse at pretending it's pretend. The Crows' commentary is gold.
Dirty Laundry
Gibslythe · 2016
Lance brings Keith home as his fake boyfriend to one-up his family. Keith has never experienced a big, loud, loving family before. The culture shock is adorable. THE Klance fic.
The Ex Talk
Rachel Lynn Solomon · 2021
Shay and Dominic can't stand each other at their public radio station. Then they're forced to co-host a show about relationship advice — as fake exes. The tension is unbearable.
Apple of My Eye
senlinyu · 2020
Draco needs a fake girlfriend for a family event. Hermione needs a date to make Ron jealous. What could go wrong? Everything. Delightfully.
The Proposal
Huttslayer · 2018
Based on the Sandra Bullock movie. Rey's boss Kylo needs a fake fiancée to avoid deportation. She hates him. Obviously. The modern AU that converts non-Reylo readers.
The Deal
Elle Kennedy · 2015
Hannah needs a fake boyfriend to make her crush jealous. Garrett needs a tutor. Their deal is simple — until it isn't. THE college romance that started it all.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a fake boyfriend for her sister's wedding in Spain. Aaron Blackford — her tall, infuriating colleague — volunteers. He is SO in love with her and she has NO idea.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang · 2018
Stella hires an escort to teach her about intimacy. Michael is way more than she bargained for. Autistic rep done beautifully, with a hero who's devastatingly patient and kind.
A Proposal by Candlelight
Ariel_Sojourner · 2018
Modern AU where Rey needs a date for a wedding and Ben Solo reluctantly agrees. He's tall, grumpy, and absolutely terrible at pretending he doesn't care. Fluffy perfection.
The Wedding Date
Jasmine Guillory · 2018
Alexa gets stuck in an elevator with Drew. He asks her to be his wedding date. She says yes. A charming, breezy romance that kicked off one of the best rom-com series.
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren · 2019
When the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, Olive and Ethan — who hate each other — are forced to take the honeymoon trip to Hawaii together. Fake-married in paradise.
The Proposal
ReyloWrites · 2019
The Proposal movie AU. Ben is Rey's nightmare boss. He needs a fake fiancée to avoid deportation. She needs a promotion. You know exactly where this is going and you'll love every second.
To Have and to Hold
kazbrekkxr · 2017
Kaz and Inej have to pretend to be married for a heist. Kaz Brekker playing a loving husband is both hilarious and devastating because you know part of it isn't pretend.
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
A wedding in Spain, a fake boyfriend, and a colleague she can't stand. TikTok's favorite.
The Love Hypothesis
Ali Hazelwood · 2021
A PhD student fake-dates a hot, grumpy professor. Reylo-fic-turned-original, now a phenomenon.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Exes pretend they're still together for one last friend group vacation in Maine.
The Auction
lady_bracknell · 2019
A charity auction gets Hermione a date she doesn't want. Or does she?
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Catalina needs a fake boyfriend for her sister's wedding in Spain. Aaron Blackford is the last man she'd pick. Obviously he volunteers.
The Deal
Elle Kennedy · 2015
Hockey captain needs a tutor. Music student needs a fake boyfriend. The deal is simple. The feelings are not.
The Proposal
Reylocalligraphy · 2019
The Proposal movie retelling. Ben is the demanding boss. Rey is the assistant. Green card marriage. It's as good as it sounds.
Architect of Your Heart
seaweedbraens · 2019
Modern AU. Annabeth needs a fake boyfriend for family events. Percy is willing. They're the last to know they're not faking.
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago but nobody knows. Now they're stuck pretending to be together for one last friend group vacation.
Funny Story
Emily Henry · 2024
Daphne's fiancé left her for his best friend. So she moves in with the best friend's ex. Revenge-posting turns into something real.
Remain Nameless
HeyJude19 · 2020
Draco works at the Ministry. Hermione is his annoying colleague. A fake dating scheme spirals into something devastatingly real.
The Proposal
inthegarden · 2019
Modern AU based on the movie. Ben is the horrible boss. Rey is the assistant. He needs a fake fiancée for immigration. Chemistry ensues.
Dirty Laundry
Gibslythe · 2016
Keith pretends to be Lance's boyfriend for a family visit. THE fake-dating fic of the Voltron fandom. Warm, funny, and sweet.
Boyfriend Material
Alexis Hall · 2020
Luc needs a fake boyfriend to fix his tabloid image. Oliver needs to advance his career. Truly the funniest fake-dating book you'll read this year.
A Wonderful Caricature of Intimacy
Countess_of_Abe · 2013
Hermione and Draco agree to fake-date so Hermione can make Ron jealous. It works too well. Draco feels too much. Everyone can see it except her.
The Annual Fake Dating Disaster
SeaweedBrain_Wise · 2015
Percy needs a date to his family's reunion. Annabeth agrees as a favor. Neither of them planned to catch feelings. Classic mortal AU chaos.