There are a lot of different tropes in the world of romance. Some I like, some I don’t. But one of my faves is what I’m calling “Fake it till you make it.’” Pretend to be someone’s girlfriend to further a career? Check. Pretend to fake date to get your friends off your back? Sure, why not? I am here for any and all fictional dating situations. These are some favorites that have come across my desk lately. 

I had this one for my maximum checkout period because other books kept bumping it off my reading pile. So the day or so before its due, I started reading it just to see if it was worth taking time for. I almost finished it that same day — Not quite, but man, was it good from the jump! Actress Grey gets set up with superstar Ethan by their shared manager as a business deal to boost both their careers. Fake relationship = good press = more work. What they didn’t count on was falling for each other. But they both have some demons to deal with before falling in love. I loved both of these characters right away and the story was captivating. Um…yes please.

As soon as I started reading this one, I fell in love. Jamie and Bea have what they call a “meet-distaster” (as opposed to a meet-cute), when Bea literally bumps into Jamie at a party and ends up spilling alcohol on him twice in the same night. Because it’s obvious that their friends are trying to set them up, the duo agree to fake date and then revenge break up to stick it to all their nosy friends and family. Both Bea and Jamie have challenges being around people — Bea with autism, and Jamie suffers from a high level of anxiety. I loved them and want to be friends with them. This is the best kind of fake relationship, because you know you are so getting an HEA when all is said and done. There is a second one in this series coming, called Better Hate Than Never and I can’t wait for it to come out.

I actually saw this one on a display in our Popular Materials department (thanks library staff!), and I snapped it up. Brinkley is working for an undercover company to help get payback for wronged women. Boss being a jerk? Hire H4H. Boyfriend cheat on you? Hire H4H. Coworker steal your research at work? Hire H4H. But when Brinkley falls for a mark (actually named Mark), what’s she to do? I thought this was an interesting concept — pretending to be someone you’re not in order to get revenge. Not sure I would do that, but it was fun to read about. Also, I really enjoyed Brinkley and Mark together. They were a cute couple. Even though I saw the print version first, I actually ended up listening to the audio. Either way, this is sure to be an enjoyable checkout. 

Sometimes you need to fake being someone’s significant other. Other times, like this, you need to fake being a socialite in order to fit into high society. Can’t say I’ve ever wanted to do that, but even if I tried, I would stick out like a sore thumb. But Samantha Song, you know, of the Singapore Songs, has wanted to write for a fancy magazine her whole life. Unfortunately, a nobody like her can’t even get an interview. So when her only high-class friend introduces her to another high-class friend, she has an idea and The Fraud Squad is born. Sam will pretend to be a socialite for a few months in order to convince the right people that she can cut it. I enjoyed this audiobook. The story was a little predictable, but the characters were great. If you like Crazy Rich Asians but felt like you’d never fit in, this one is for you.

I hope you know that I’m not trying to fake you out when I tell you how much I enjoyed these. Whether you check out the print version or the audio download, any of these books will be worth the effort.

Happy Faking It…or Making It…

:) Amanda