trope
Fake Girlfriend/Boyfriend for the Holidays
The protagonist recruits a paid or willing stand-in to pose as their romantic partner for family gatherings, office parties, or seasonal events, with the ruse inevitably collapsing into real feelings.
Why readers love it
Readers love the delicious tension of a lie that must be maintained in front of nosy relatives and old flames, plus the slow burn of two people pretending to be in love until they can't pretend anymore.
Also called
Fake fiancé
rent-a-date
fake relationship contract
holiday hookup cover
plus-one for the wedding
Want the full breakdown?
Fake girlfriend/boyfriend for the holidays explained: the hired date trope, why the pretend romance always turns real, and the best books to read.
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