Latest news with #romanceNovels
New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Jasmine Guillory's Favorite Fake Dating Romance Novels
Fake dating was one of the first romance novel tropes I fell in love with — so much so that I've included it in two of my own books (my first, 'The Wedding Date,' and again in 'While We Were Dating'). The premise is admittedly a bit ridiculous. Is there a good, genuine reason two people would pretend they're in a relationship? In most cases, no (but a great writer can make me buy it). Does it have much basis in reality? Probably not — unless there are people pretending to date all around us and we're none the wiser! But this trope has always resonated with me in part because human beings are so bad at communication — especially when a repeated, difficult conversation is involved ('When is it going to be your turn?' is a question every unmarried bridesmaid has fielded multiple times) — and because I've always loved playing pretend. As a romantic plot device, fake dating enables you to quickly delve into the psyches of the main characters. From the jump, we find out what matters to them, how they want to be perceived, what they're afraid of and what their friends and family think of them. Everyone in my immediate family besides me is a psychologist, so of course this is what I care about the most when it comes to romance novels — both as a reader and as a writer. The best fake dating novels are funny, joyful and deeply romantic, and delve into all of the ways it's difficult and wonderful to be a human being. Here are some of my favorites. (I'm on the record already as loving several of them, which I have blurbed or recommended on NBC's 'Today' show, but my love remains undimmed.) Act Like It Set on London's West End, 'Act Like It' pairs Lainie, a charming rising star, with Richard, the theater world's jaded bad boy. They reluctantly agree to fake a relationship at the suggestion of management, who are hoping to boost ticket sales for their new show, rehabilitate Richard's public image and help Lainie regain her mojo after being publicly cheated on by her co-star ex-boyfriend. Despite (or maybe because of) their initial dislike for each other, the two have immediate chemistry, but the actual romance develops slowly and believably, with a deeply satisfying climax. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Footy star turned reality TV bachelor and TikTok sensation reveals he was too embarrassed to tell his teammates about his secret obsession
One-time NRL star Luke Bateman has revealed that he was too embarrassed to let his teammates know about his obsession with fantasy novels while he was playing rugby league. Bateman, 30, has become an online sensation after revealing his interest in risqué romance and fantasy novels in a series of videos. The former Canberra Raiders lock - who also appeared on The Bachelor in 2023 - has amassed 178,000 TikTok followers at the time of writing. Last month, Bateman made international headlines after signing a a two-book deal with Atria Books Australia. The former footy star has revealed that his love of books was something he used to hide from his ex-teammates. 'I grew up playing a lot of sport, and I remember whenever you go away for a camp or a weekend away for a game or something, I used to get my books and pack them at the bottom of my bag or somewhere,' he said in a TikTok video. 'I would put all my clothes on top of them to hide them so no one knew I was taking books with me, and whenever I got a spare moment to read I would go and find a cubicle and lock myself in there, just because I was so embarrassed about it and didn't want anyone to know. 'It means the world to me to know there are so many other people out there that share the same passion I do.' Although Bateman has exploded in popularity of late, many of his female fans turned on him after he landed a book deal which sparked a debate about equity in the publishing industry. 'A white man getting a book deal without having written anything? My jaw stayed right where it was,' replied one user, with the comment getting more than 5000 likes. 'This opportunity is the intersection of white privilege, male privilege, and pretty privilege. Not a reflection of worth,' posted another. 'Well good to see that publishing is still a colossal joke,' replied a third. Bateman has addressed the flood of criticism, insisting he understands the anger that's been levelled at him. 'I wholeheartedly understand how angry and resentful these things would make people,' he told Chattr. 'I obviously have advantages that other people don't. How do I capitalise on those to help lift everyone up? Because I feel like dragging people down leaves everyone at the bottom, whereas a rising tide lifts all ships. 'And if I can use my platform and my voice and my privilege and position in society to help uplift others, I say, that is what books are about.' Bateman, who has lots of female admirers, is believed to be single following his split from Ellie Rolfe last year. The pair met on The Bachelor and connected - but eventually went their separate ways. 'Ellie and I would like to keep our relationship private,' Bateman said at the time. 'She has a soul that lights up every room she walks into and I will sorely miss it in my life.' On the footy field, Bateman chalked up 71 appearances for the Raiders between 2015 and 2019. A knee injury ended his career - and before his NRL debut, Bateman in 2014 publicly had to confirm he wasn't gay. It followed an on-field slur from current Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses, who was playing for NSW against the Maroons in an under-20s match. 'I'm not gay,' Bateman said. 'I've had plenty of people from the gay community write to me or contact me on Twitter giving messages of support. 'I said thanks I'm really not (gay).'
