Fake-Dating Double Feature: Heart-Stopping Romance
If you’re into romance novels with a fun, fake-dating twist, you’re in the right place! Here, I dive into two books that mix chemistry, humor, and unique elements—The Boyfriend Candidate and The Fake Mate. Whether you’re looking for a slow-burn political romance or a spicy paranormal romp, you’ll find something to enjoy. Deception and Identity in Fake Dating play pivotal roles in these stories, adding depth and intrigue to the characters’ journeys. Keep reading for all the juicy details and insights on these captivating reads.
Two Fake-Dating Romances That Changed My Mind
I’ll admit it: I’m not usually a big fan of fake dating in romance novels. A while ago, I even reviewed Christina Lauren’s The Paradise Problem, which made me question my feelings about this trope. However, here I am, having read not just one, but two books that dive right into the heart of it. I began with The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead, a book that blends her thrilling style with romance. As someone who loves her twisty thrillers like Midnight Is the Darkest Hour and In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, this was an interesting detour for me. The political brouhaha happening in real life right now made it feel like the story came at just the right time. Although, I had to laugh—no lewd acts with a couch here, just plenty of cheeky fun and misunderstandings.
Then there’s The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson, which I had been avoiding for months for two reasons. First, it’s super popular on Booktok and smuttok, and let’s just say that sometimes the internet hivemind’s opinion on spicy books doesn’t quite match my own. Second, I’ve dabbled in the world of monster romance before, but the whole omegaverse thing always felt a bit intimidating. Still, there’s something oddly compelling about the genre, and after a few recommendations, I decided to give it a shot. What I’ve learned from these two books is that even if I’m not sold on the fake-dating trope, there’s a lot of fun to be had with these romance novels that know how to mix humor, heat, and heart.
The Boyfriend Candidate: A Fake-Dating Romance with a Twist
In The Boyfriend Candidate, Alexis, a children’s librarian, is reeling from being dumped by a philandering POS and decides to shake things up by seeking her first one-night stand at a fancy hotel bar. There, she meets handsome, foul-mouthed Logan, and they share a heated encounter. However, their moment is interrupted when the hotel catches fire, and photos of them fleeing quickly go viral. To her surprise, Logan is actually a hotshot gubernatorial candidate, and Alexis is thrust into a situation where she has to pose as his fake girlfriend to help save his campaign. The story unfolds with a mix of political maneuvering, romance, and high-stakes public image management, as they navigate their fake relationship to keep the campaign afloat. With twists and turns, it’s a unique take on the fake-dating trope that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Thoughts on The Boyfriend Candidate: Romance with a Few Drawbacks
If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance and books with great chemistry, The Boyfriend Candidate is a must-read. The banter between the two main characters is on point from the start, and the couple really works well together. Logan quickly becomes a top-tier book boyfriend, and I found myself ripping through the book so fast. However, I did have a few reservations. As a former journalist, I couldn’t help but feel the book was a bit too anti-journalist at times, which was a small issue for me. Another thing that bothered me was the lack of fleshing out certain scenes that could have added more depth to the romantic development. For example, a sexual tension moment at a big event goes unresolved, and key moments like Alexis’ outfit at a fancy black tie political gala are completely skipped. Despite these issues, I still loved the book’s chemistry, and it definitely kept me hooked, though I feel it needed a few more drawn-out descriptions and an extra chapter here and there to really flesh out the relationship.
The Boyfriend Candidate: Chemistry, Tension, and Frustrating Moments
The Boyfriend Candidate offers a mix of chemistry, tension, and bursts of heat, especially with Winstead’s skill at crafting those moments. However, be warned—it’s a full-on slow burn. While there’s a fateful make-out at the start that sets the plot in motion, you won’t get any spicy scenes until much later in the book. On top of that, the third-act breakup is beyond frustrating, making you wonder about some of Alexis’ choices as the main character. It reminded me of a scene from The Bear, where Marcus made a poor choice with donuts. I enjoyed Alexis for most of the story, but her decisions at the end were disappointing. The slow burn is a bit drawn-out for some readers, and there’s just not enough heat or tension in the middle to keep you on the edge of your seat. Still, if you’re patient with the pacing, the story’s romantic tension builds up nicely towards the end.
The Fake Mate: A Spicy Paranormal Romance
The Fake Mate offers a thrilling romantic comedy with a twist—two doctors, Mackenzie and Noah, who also happen to be wolf shifters. The two decide to pretend to be fake mates to get their families and the hospital off their backs about being permanently single, but what starts as a ruse turns into something real and hot. While the book has its cheesy moments, like Mackenzie’s obsession with soup, it’s still fast-paced and filled with raunchy humor. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the paranormal element adds a fun twist to their romantic journey. If you’re looking for something different with a blend of spicy moments and a paranormal backdrop, this book is definitely worth the read.
However, the third-act breakup left me feeling frustrated, as it felt unnecessary and avoidable—similar to the one in The Boyfriend Candidate. Despite this, The Fake Mate delivers plenty of spicy and explicit moments, making it a must-read if you’re into raunchy romantic comedies with a supernatural edge. The characters’ chemistry is strong, and if you’re a fan of paranormal romantic tales, this one will definitely keep you hooked, though you might want to keep it to yourself while reading those explicit scenes!
