Falling for the Fake. My First Adventure into the World of Fake Dating Romance!

Hey everyone!

I’m absolutely thrilled to finally share something I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into: my brand new novel, “The Inheritance Clause”! And what makes this release extra special for me? It’s my very first dive into one of my absolute favorite romance tropes (and I know many of you love it too!): Fake Dating!

There’s just something irresistible about two people pretending to be a couple, isn’t there? The delicious tension, the stolen glances, the moments where the act starts to feel a little too real, and the inevitable question of when (not if!) those fake feelings will blossom into something wonderfully, undeniably genuine. I’ve always been a sucker for these stories, and getting to write my own has been an incredible journey.

So, what’s “The Inheritance Clause” all about?

Imagine inheriting millions, with the power to save everything you hold dear. Sounds amazing, right? But what if there’s a catch? A huge, life-altering, utterly outrageous catch?

That’s exactly where our heroine, Naomi Zhang, finds herself. She’s passionate, dedicated, and her community center is her entire world. When her estranged, billionaire grandfather leaves her a fortune, it seems like all her problems are solved. The only condition? To inherit, she must be in a “stable, committed, and publicly verifiable romantic relationship” for one whole year. For Naomi, whose love life is currently a barren wasteland, this is less a condition and more a cruel joke.

Enter Jackson Reid, a sharp, ambitious, and impeccably tailored lawyer connected to the estate. He’s everything Naomi isn’t – coolly logical, meticulously organized, and a man whose ambition seems to have no ceiling. He sees the clause as a problem to be solved, and he has his own reasons for wanting the estate settled. His solution? They fake it.

What follows is a rollercoaster ride as Naomi and Jackson are forced to navigate clashing lifestyles under one roof, endure intense scrutiny from a skeptical estate executor, and maintain their charade in front of friends, family, and colleagues. From disastrously awkward first “dates” to surprisingly effective teamwork, they start to build a connection that neither of them bargained for. Add in secret letters from beyond the grave, unexpected community crises, and the ever-present pressure of being found out, and you have a recipe for sparks, misunderstandings, and maybe, just maybe, a love that’s more real than anything they could have ever pretended.

What can you expect?

• The delicious tension of the fake dating trope (of course!).
• Opposites attract chemistry that will have you rooting for them (even when they’re driving each other crazy).
• Forced proximity leading to some… interesting and intimate situations.
• Witty banter and moments that will hopefully make you laugh out loud.
• A heartfelt emotional journey as Naomi and Jackson confront their pasts, their fears, and what they truly want out of life (and love).
• A story that’s not just about the romance; it’s about community, legacy, found family, and the courage to choose what truly matters.

Writing Naomi and Jackson’s story has been a true labor of love. I wanted to explore what happens when two people, bound by an outlandish circumstance, start to see beyond the pretense to the vulnerable, real person underneath. It’s about the masks we wear and the courage it takes to finally let them drop.

If you love stories with high stakes, characters who feel real, a romance that builds from witty sparring to deep connection, and a healthy dose of “will they or won’t they?” (spoiler: they will, but the journey is everything!), then I have a feeling you’re going to adore “The Inheritance Clause.”

It’s available now on Amazon KDP.

I can’t wait for you to meet Naomi and Jackson and join them on their wonderfully complicated, emotionally messy, and ultimately heartwarming journey.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite fake dating moments in books or movies? What do you love most about this trope? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy reading!

Warmly,

Celeste