Trope Tuesday: Fake Dating — 8 Favorite Picks

genredpodcast
Sep 16
2 min read

Sometimes love starts with a lie. Fake Dating is one of the most irresistible tropes—two characters pretend to be together for convenience, survival, or saving face. But the act always comes with sparks, banter, and the slow realization that nothing about it feels fake anymore.

Quick definition:

Fake Dating — A relationship staged for appearances, strategy, or protection. They’re just pretending… until they’re not. Think awkward hand-holding, “we have to kiss for the cover story,” and that one moment when fake feelings turn undeniably real.

Our favorites (with vibes)

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before — Jenny Han

Vibes: high school scheme, letters gone wrong, fake boyfriend turns real.

Why we love it: Lara Jean and Peter’s contract relationship is pure YA magic—playful, sweet, and iconic.

The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins

Vibes: survival strategy, star-crossed lovers, staged for the cameras.

Why we love it: Katniss and Peeta’s “performance” blurs the line between necessity and genuine devotion—one of the most high-stakes fake dating stories ever told.

The Love Hypothesis — Ali Hazelwood

Vibes: lab coats, grumpy/sunshine, a kiss that starts it all.

Why we love it: Olive and Adam prove that fake relationships are the best breeding ground for real chemistry.

These Hollow Vows — Lexi Ryan

Vibes: fae bargains, court intrigue, survival by pretending.

Why we love it: When magic and betrayal are in play, a staged alliance is as dangerous as falling in love.

The Kiss Quotient — Helen Hoang

Vibes: arrangement, practice dates, hired-to-fake-it love.

Why we love it: Stella and Michael’s deal grows into something tender, genuine, and unforgettable.

The Right Move — Liz Tomforde

Vibes: forced proximity, sports romance, fake turns slow burn.

Why we love it: The banter, tension, and swoony build-up make this a quintessential fake dating gem.

Hopeless — Elsie Silver

Vibes: small town, complicated emotions, secrets under the surface.

Why we love it: Pretending is easy in Chestnut Springs—until feelings get in the way.

Twisted Lies — Ana Huang

Vibes: billionaire, social media cover story, morally grey protector.

Why we love it: A steamy, high-stakes take on the trope where a fake relationship becomes a dangerous entanglement.

Join the conversation

What’s your favorite fake dating moment—the awkward first kiss, the public “just for show” hand-holding, or the moment when one falls first? Drop it in the comments.