Last week I was reviewing the fabulous first book in the Bridgerton series, The Duke And I by Julia Quinn. This got me thinking about the core romance trope in that book, the fake relationship trope, so as part of my series diving into the biggest romance tropes, I figured this one’s time had come.
The fake relationship is a popular and enduring element in romance literature and media, characterised by two characters who enter into a pretend relationship for various pragmatic or social reasons, only to develop genuine feelings for each other over the course of the story. This trope appeals to readers and viewers by exploring themes of love, deception, and transformation within the confines of a constructed relationship that ultimately becomes real.
The Appeal Of A Fake Relationship
The fake relationship can start for various reasons—be it to make someone jealous, to secure a financial or social advantage, or to fulfil a familial expectation. For instance, in Melanie Harlow’s If You Were Mine, the protagonist hires a man to pose as her boyfriend at a wedding to avoid social stigma, showcasing the trope’s utility in addressing personal insecurities and societal pressures.
Another example is The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas, where the protagonist needs a date to her sister’s wedding to fend off family scrutiny and prove her stability to her ex and his fiancée. This scenario not only spices up the office and enemies-to-lovers subplots but also intensifies the emotional stakes.
Variations On The Fake Relationship Trope
The trope taps into the fantasy of love emerging from unexpected circumstances, providing a narrative framework where characters can explore intimacy and connection without the initial risks typically involved in genuine romantic entanglements. This allows for a focus on emotional development and the gradual unveiling of the characters’ true feelings.
It differs from the much-loved enemies to lovers trope in that the two characters involved are often entering into the fake relationship to help each other out. They may be friends, or simply acquaintances, but often there is a mutual gain to be had. In the case of The Duke And I, for example, Daphne and Simon enter into a fake relationship in order to relieve the societal pressure Simon is feeling to get engaged, while making Daphne seem more appealing to other men of the ton, and allow her time to find a genuine love match.
That said, the fake relationship is often combined with either enemies to lovers or friends to lovers, as the couple can either be forced to fake a relationship despite hating each other, or opt to do so because they are such good friends and want to help each other out. In a similar way you’ll often find the stuck together trope popping up alongside a fake relationship, as the fact the couple are faking the relationship forces them to spend time together.
Fun fact, my debut novel (currently in editing), Bane, combined enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a fake relationship. So there really is a lot of fun to be had with this one!
Why We Love It
Over time, the fake relationship trope has evolved to reflect changing social norms and values. Early instances might have focused more on economic or social gains, while contemporary examples often delve deeper into personal growth and self-discovery. This evolution reflects broader societal shifts towards individualism and authenticity in romantic relationships.
The trope’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its dynamic tension and the built-in narrative arc of pretence versus reality, which naturally leads to a satisfying culmination when the relationship turns real. It’s a plot mechanism that effectively sets the stage for various dramatic situations and emotional revelations, making it a beloved formula in romance writing.
Overall, the fake relationship trope serves as a versatile and engaging framework within the romance genre, providing entertainment and emotional resonance through the interplay of deception and genuine connection.
Books Featuring The Fake Relationship Trope
There are a lot of books that feature this trope and variations on it, here are some of my favourites…
The Duke And I by Julia Quinn
Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, concoct a fake engagement to fend off match-making mothers and increase Daphne’s marriage prospects. As they play the part of an infatuated couple, genuine feelings develop between them, complicating their agreement in this witty Regency romance.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Olive, a Ph.D. candidate, fakes a relationship with the notoriously stern professor, Dr. Adam Carlsen, to convince her best friend that she’s dating again. Their agreement is purely scientific: Olive will keep her friend off her back, and Adam can secure grant funding with a stable personal life. However, as their charade continues, the line between what’s real and what’s experimental blurs, leading to unexpected romantic developments.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella, an econometrician with Asperger’s, hires Michael, an escort, to help her become more comfortable with dating and intimacy. Initially just a professional arrangement, their connection deepens unexpectedly, challenging both to confront their preconceptions about love and relationships. As they navigate their agreement’s complexities, they discover that love doesn’t always adhere to a formula.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Lou, a witch, and Reid, a witch hunter, are forced into a fake marriage, with each hiding their true identities under dire circumstances. As they navigate the dangers of their entwined lives in a society that condemns witches, the initial animosity and distrust between them slowly morph into a complex relationship marked by growing trust and affection. Their union, born from necessity, evolves into a heartfelt alliance against a backdrop of escalating conflict and looming threats.
Liars Like Us by J.T. Geissinger
In this spicy romance we meet Emery, a struggling business owner, faced with the threat of her bookstore going under due to competition from a national chain. She enters a marriage of convenience with an enigmatic stranger, sparked by his offer to help her save her business, weaving a tale of dark romance and mysterious intentions.
If You Were Mine by Melanie Harlow
Claire hires Theo as a fake boyfriend for a wedding, but their one-night arrangement starts to feel all too real as they continue seeing each other, blending flaws with undeniable chemistry.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Catalina needs a date for her sister’s wedding in Spain and ends up asking her aggravating colleague, Aaron, to step in. What starts as a practical arrangement slowly morphs into something deeper.
Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score
Marley returns to her small hometown and enters a fake relationship with Jake, the former bad boy, to learn how to coach soccer while teaching him about relationships. This story mixes humour with a touch of second-chance romance.
Blind Side by Kandi Steiner
Clay, a star wide receiver, and Giana, the PR coordinator, pretend to date to make their respective ex and crush jealous, only to genuinely fall for each other.
Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Darcy and Elle pretend to date through the holidays after a disastrous blind date, finding unexpected compatibility despite their initial differences.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Dani and Zafir’s fake relationship starts from a viral heroic rescue and evolves as they navigate their contrasting personalities and romantic inclinations.
Doctor Scandalous by J. Saman
Amilia pretends to be engaged to Boston’s most eligible bachelor at a high school reunion, leading to scandalous and comedic situations.
Faking Ms. Right by Claire Kingsley
Everly, struggling with dating, pretends to be her boss’s girlfriend, complicating their professional and personal dynamics.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive and Ethan, complete opposites, pretend to be newlyweds on an all-expenses-paid honeymoon after their siblings fall ill, discovering an unexpected connection.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Lara Jean’s life turns chaotic when her secret love letters are mailed out, leading her to start a fake relationship with Peter to salvage her social life.
Each of these books captures the essence of the fake relationship trope, exploring how simulated affections can lead to genuine connections, often in humorous and heartwarming ways.
