All concepts 
Narrative · Trope

Fake Relationship

A plot device where characters feign a romantic bond for social or personal gain, forcing them to navigate the blurry boundary between public performance and real intimacy.

The thrill of watching a fake romance blossom into genuine feelings as characters navigate the tension between their performance and their developing intimacy. It's the slow burn of proximity and shared secrets.

Books

Red QueenVictoria Aveyard
The Shadows Between UsTricia Levenseller
The Kiss of DeceptionMary E. Pearson
Chain of IronCassandra Clare
The Towers of SunsetL. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Winter's OrbitEverina Maxwell
Unravel the DuskElizabeth Lim
Serpent & DoveShelby Mahurin
WitchmarkC. L. Polk
Ocean's EchoEverina Maxwell
The beautiful onesSilvia Moreno-Garcia
StarflightMelissa Landers
MirageSomaiya Daud
SpellmakerCharlie N. Holmberg
Painted DevilsMargaret Owen
The Red Scholar's WakeAliette de Bodard
The Radiant SeasCatherine Asaro
Metal from HeavenAugust Clarke
Promised landCynthia Felice
The Witch KingH. E. Edgmon
The Jane Austen ProjectKathleen A. Flynn
Extra WitchyAnn Aguirre
FirebrandA. J. Hartley
Chaos ReigningJessie Mihalik
SargassaSophie Burnham
Queen's huntBeth Bernobich
The Thorn QueenSasha Peyton Smith
Game of LiesPippa DaCosta
SilvercloakL. K. Steven
RevisionAndrea Phillips
The Light YearsR. W. W. Greene
All Men of GeniusLev A. C. Rosen
The Blighted StarsMegan E. O'Keefe
The Mars HouseNatasha Pulley
A Forgery of FateElizabeth Lim
The Oblivion BrideCaitlin Starling
Happy EndingsPaul Cornell
All Hail ChaosSarah Rees Brennan
Any Other NameEmma Newman
Ten Thousand StitchesOlivia Atwater
SwordcrossedFreya Marske
CrosstalkConnie Willis

Related

The BetrayalTruth & DeceptionEnemies to LoversParasitismFish Out of WaterMentor's SacrificePower vs IntegrityReincarnationReality vs SimulationFound Family