Birthday Lingerie and Lost Hopes

Rach, a hopeful and self-deprecating assistant, wakes up on her birthday in her ex-boyfriend JD's apartment, convinced his gift of lingerie is a sign they'll get back together. Her optimism is quickly shattered when she discovers JD with another woman—who reveals the lingerie was hers. Homeless and humiliated, Rach clings to her belief in signs and horoscopes, determined to find a silver lining. At work, she volunteers for a notoriously difficult client, James St. Clair, hoping this new assignment will change her luck and prove her worth.

The Ball, The Stranger, The Lie

Sent to deliver a dress at a high-profile charity ball, Rach is mistaken for a guest and is let in by a striking, mysterious man named Pres. They share witty banter and a cigarette outside, both pretending to be people they're not. Rach, playing the part of a glamorous guest, and Pres, hiding his true identity, connect over their shared sense of not belonging. Their chemistry is palpable, but the moment is interrupted before it can become more. Rach leaves, believing she'll never see him again, but the encounter lingers in her mind.

The Penthouse and the Ghost

Rach starts her new job as James St. Clair's assistant, only to find his penthouse cold and impersonal, with no sign of life. She juggles his impossible demands and her own messy life, still crashing at JD's place. Her optimism is tested by St. Clair's relentless emails and her ex's insensitivity. A series of mishaps culminates in Rach accidentally walking in on Pres—her ball stranger—during a live video interview, naked and fresh from his shower. The world sees everything, and Rach realizes her new boss is the man she almost kissed.

Boobgate: Viral and Fired

Rach's accidental naked appearance on national TV goes viral as "Boobgate." Pres, under pressure, claims she's his girlfriend to save face. Rach is mortified but can't help laughing at the absurdity. Pres wants to fire her, but the optics are too messy. Instead, he proposes they fake a relationship for a set period to let the scandal die down. Rach, desperate for stability, agrees, and the two set ground rules for their new arrangement, both hiding their vulnerabilities behind sarcasm and professionalism.

Maps, Mothers, and Mold

Rach reflects on her mother's belief in signs and optimism, contrasting it with her own struggles to belong. Her mother's failed ventures and eventual imprisonment for fraud haunt Rach, shaping her sense of worth and her fear of being "too much." Despite her insecurities, Rach throws herself into her work, determined to prove herself to Pres and to herself. She faces skepticism from her ex and colleagues, but clings to the hope that she can change her story.

Pancakes, Polls, and Prickly Pears

Pres' team struggles with his unlikable reputation, and Rach is roped into helping at a community pancake breakfast. Her warmth and humor win over the crowd, while Pres fumbles through small talk and forced smiles. Rach's relatability boosts Pres' public image, and their staged coupledom becomes a hit. The team proposes they continue the fake relationship for PR, and Rach negotiates for job security and a future reference. Pres, ever the strategist, agrees, and their partnership deepens.

The Fake Dating Deal

Rach and Pres set strict rules for their fake relationship: public displays only, no real feelings, and clear exit strategies. As they attend events together, their chemistry grows, blurring the lines between pretense and reality. Pres' need for control clashes with Rach's spontaneity, but they find common ground in their shared loneliness. Their banter becomes more intimate, and both begin to rely on each other in ways they hadn't expected.

Faking It in Public

At public events, Rach is often sidelined, made to feel invisible by Pres' team. She challenges Pres on his inability to connect with regular people, sparking their first real argument. The confrontation forces both to confront their own insecurities—Pres' fear of being unlikable and Rach's fear of never being enough. The tension between them simmers, and they begin to see each other's true selves beneath the roles they play.

Honest Arguments and Home Truths

Pres shows up at Rach's apartment, determined to learn who she really is. They spend the day together, sharing mundane routines and personal stories. Pres analyzes Rach's life with his usual precision, but she challenges him to be more open and less judgmental. Their honesty leads to a new level of intimacy, and they agree to practice physical affection for the sake of their ruse. The boundaries between fake and real continue to blur.

Grocery Store Confessions

A trip to the grocery store becomes a window into their differences—Pres' need for order and Rach's improvisational survival skills. They tease each other about relationships, exes, and personal quirks, growing more comfortable together. Rach's belief in signs and Pres' skepticism clash, but they begin to appreciate each other's perspectives. The mundane becomes meaningful as they navigate the world as a team.

Practice Makes Perfect

Rach and Pres develop a game called "Truth Chicken," daring each other to answer personal questions. Through playful competition, they reveal childhood traumas, family secrets, and hidden dreams. Pres admits his drive to be mayor is rooted in a desire to be different from his father, while Rach confesses her longing to be a guidance counselor. Their emotional intimacy grows, and they begin to see each other as more than just partners in a scheme.

Pancake Points and Public Perception

At another community event, Rach's authenticity shines, and Pres learns to let go of his need for perfection. Together, they win over skeptics and build genuine connections. Rach's ability to translate Pres' policy wonkiness into relatable stories makes him more likable, and their teamwork becomes the heart of his campaign. Their fake relationship starts to feel real, and both struggle with what that means.

Truth Chicken and Real Games

Their game of Truth Chicken becomes a safe space for vulnerability. Pres reveals the pain of losing his best friend in a car accident and the pressure of living up to his family name. Rach admits her mother's imprisonment and her fear of repeating the same mistakes. They comfort each other, and their emotional connection deepens. The line between fake and real is nearly erased as they share a passionate kiss, both terrified and exhilarated by what they feel.

The Photo, The Fallout

A candid photo of Rach and Pres laughing together is posted online without Pres' approval, leading to a crisis. Pres' instinct is to fire the staffer responsible, but Rach intervenes, advocating for compassion. The incident exposes the cracks in Pres' armor and his struggle to balance control with vulnerability. Rach's empathy and courage earn her the respect of the team, but also make her realize how much she cares for Pres.

Exes, Trivia, and Truths

Rach's ex JD reappears, challenging the authenticity of her relationship with Pres. A double date turns into a battle of wits, culminating in a trivia contest where Pres passionately defends Rach's intelligence and worth. Their victory is sealed with a kiss, witnessed by JD and the world. The moment is both triumphant and terrifying, as Rach realizes how much she stands to lose.

Migraine Days and Midnight Pizza

Pres suffers a migraine and sprained ankle, forcing him to rely on Rach for help. Their enforced proximity leads to confessions, comfort, and a new level of intimacy. They share pizza, watch TV, and let their guards down. The night ends with a passionate encounter, both acknowledging it as a "one-time thing" but knowing it means much more. Their relationship is now undeniably real.

One-Time Things and New Rules

Unable to resist each other, Rach and Pres embark on a secret physical relationship, sneaking moments of passion between work and public appearances. Their connection grows deeper, but both are haunted by the knowledge that their time is limited. They struggle to define what they are to each other, torn between duty and desire, truth and pretense.

The Realest Kind of Love

As Pres' campaign gains momentum, the pressure mounts. Rach's past comes to light, threatening to derail everything. Pres' team urges him to cut ties, and Rach, determined not to be his downfall, resigns. Their breakup is painful and messy, both lashing out in hurt and fear. Rach is left adrift, questioning her worth and her future, while Pres buries himself in work, unable to move on.

Aftermaths, Applications, and Amends

Rach is approached by Pres' father, who offers her a deal: help him undermine Pres' campaign in exchange for a better life. Tempted but ultimately unwilling to betray Pres, Rach faces a televised interview designed to destroy her. Instead, she tells her truth, refusing to be defined by her mother's crimes or her own mistakes. Pres crashes the interview, publicly declaring his love and choosing Rach over politics. Their reunion is messy, honest, and cathartic, as they finally accept each other—and themselves—fully.

Birthday Surprises and Sprinkles

Pres and Rach navigate the aftermath of their public reunion, learning to trust and support each other. They celebrate Pres' (fake) birthday with friends and colleagues, surrounded by laughter, cake, and the people who matter most. Rach begins to believe she deserves happiness, and Pres learns to let go of control. Together, they build a life rooted in honesty, love, and mutual respect.

The Senator's Offer

Pres' father tries to manipulate Rach into betraying Pres, offering her everything she's ever wanted in exchange for a damaging interview. Rach is tempted but ultimately refuses to sell out the man she loves. She realizes that true happiness can't be bought or bargained for, and that her worth isn't defined by her past or her mistakes.

The Interview and the Truth

Rach faces a televised ambush, but instead of playing the victim or the villain, she claims her narrative. She defends Pres, owns her flaws, and refuses to let others define her. Pres crashes the interview, shirtless and furious, and publicly declares his love. Their messy, heartfelt reunion is broadcast to the world, and they finally embrace the truth of their love.

Reunion, Redemption, and Real Love

Pres and Rach rebuild their relationship, learning to communicate, forgive, and support each other. Rach reconnects with her mother, applies to university, and finds purpose in helping others. Pres wins the mayoral race, but more importantly, he wins Rach's heart. Together, they create a life filled with laughter, love, and the knowledge that they are enough—just as they are.

Characters

Rach Montgomery

Rach is a tall, quirky assistant with a history of bad luck and a deep-seated fear of not belonging. Raised by a mother who believed in signs and silver linings, Rach learned to look for hope in the smallest things, even as her mother's choices led to prison and public shame. Rach's optimism is both her armor and her Achilles' heel, making her vulnerable to disappointment but also fiercely resilient. Her journey is one of self-acceptance—learning that she is not defined by her past, her mother's mistakes, or the opinions of others. Through her relationship with Pres, she discovers her own worth, her capacity for love, and the power of telling her truth.

James Prescott "Pres" St. Clair IV

Pres is a political scion, brilliant strategist, and notorious for being unlikable. Raised in the shadow of his powerful father, he learned to value control, precision, and results above all else. His cold exterior hides deep wounds—grief over a lost friend, the pressure of legacy, and a fear of never being enough. Pres is drawn to Rach's warmth and authenticity, even as he struggles to let go of his need for order. Their relationship challenges him to be vulnerable, to embrace imperfection, and to fight for what he truly wants. Pres' arc is one of transformation—from a man defined by polls and public image to someone who chooses love and truth, even at great personal cost.

JD

JD is Rach's ex-boyfriend, a chef who represents her old patterns of seeking validation from those who don't value her. He is self-absorbed, quick to belittle Rach, and unable to see her worth. His reappearance in Rach's life serves as a catalyst for her growth, forcing her to confront her fears and choose herself over old habits. JD's inability to appreciate Rach highlights the contrast between her past and her future with Pres.

Sable

Sable is Pres' PR manager, a master of spin and crisis management. She is both a mentor and a friend to Rach, offering tough love and practical advice. Sable's own experiences with fake dating and political games give her a unique perspective on Rach and Pres' relationship. She is instrumental in helping them navigate public scrutiny, and her loyalty is unwavering—even when things get messy.

Ethan

Ethan is Pres' campaign manager, obsessed with winning and maintaining control. He is suspicious of Rach from the start, viewing her as a liability. Ethan's relentless pursuit of opposition research and his willingness to betray Rach for the sake of the campaign make him a formidable antagonist. His actions force Pres and Rach to confront the realities of politics and the cost of honesty.

Olivia

Olivia is a junior staffer on Pres' team, often overwhelmed by the high-stakes environment. She looks up to Rach and is inspired by her kindness and resilience. Olivia's loyalty and willingness to stand up for Rach in moments of crisis demonstrate the power of quiet courage and friendship.

Jamar

Jamar is Pres' campaign treasurer, responsible for the numbers and logistics. He is initially skeptical of Rach but comes to respect her abilities and her impact on Pres. Jamar's practical approach balances the team's more emotional dynamics, and his support is crucial in moments of upheaval.

James St. Clair III (The Senator)

Pres' father is a master politician, charming and ruthless in equal measure. He represents the legacy and expectations that Pres struggles to escape. The senator's attempt to manipulate Rach into betraying Pres is a pivotal moment, forcing her to choose integrity over easy solutions. His presence looms over the narrative, a constant reminder of the cost of ambition.

Rach's Mother

Rach's mother is a dreamer whose optimism leads her to make desperate choices. Her imprisonment for fraud is a source of shame and fear for Rach, but also a lesson in the dangers of self-delusion. Despite her mistakes, she remains a loving presence in Rach's life, and their eventual reconciliation is a testament to forgiveness and growth.

Penelope Rose

Penelope is the reporter who interviews Rach in the climactic confrontation. Her probing questions and willingness to challenge the narrative force Rach to claim her story and speak her truth. Penelope represents the power of the media to shape—and sometimes distort—reality.

Plot Devices

Fake Relationship as Emotional Catalyst

The central device is the fake dating arrangement between Rach and Pres, initially a solution to a PR crisis. What begins as a calculated performance becomes a crucible for vulnerability, honesty, and growth. The pretense allows both characters to lower their defenses, explore their desires, and confront their fears. The gradual blurring of lines between fake and real love is both a source of tension and the engine of their transformation.

Public vs. Private Self

Both Rach and Pres struggle with the gap between how they are seen and who they truly are. The narrative uses public events, viral moments, and media scrutiny to force the characters to confront their own masks. The motif of "faking it" recurs in their professional and personal lives, culminating in the realization that true happiness requires embracing imperfection and telling the truth.

Games and Challenges

Games—both literal and metaphorical—are woven throughout the story. From Truth Chicken to trivia nights, these challenges create safe spaces for vulnerability and intimacy. The competitive dynamic between Rach and Pres mirrors their emotional journey, as they learn to trust, support, and challenge each other.

Foreshadowing and Circular Structure

The story is rich with foreshadowing—Rach's belief in signs, her mother's warnings, and the recurring motif of "one-time things" all hint at the eventual resolution. The narrative is circular, with Rach returning to her old job, old fears, and old patterns before breaking free. The ending echoes the beginning, but with the characters transformed by their experiences.

Public Scandal as Crucible

Public humiliation and scandal are used to strip away pretense and force the characters to confront their deepest fears. The viral moment of Boobgate, the televised ambush, and the threat of exposure all serve as crucibles, burning away what is false and leaving only what is real. The story asks what it means to be seen, to be known, and to be loved in spite of—and because of—our flaws.

Analysis

Honestly, I'm Totally Faking It is a contemporary romantic comedy that uses the trope of a fake relationship to explore deeper themes of authenticity, self-worth, and the courage to claim one's truth. At its heart, the novel is about two people who have spent their lives performing for others—Rach, the perennial optimist hiding her pain, and Pres, the controlled strategist afraid of being unlikable. Their journey from pretense to vulnerability is both hilarious and poignant, filled with sharp banter, awkward mishaps, and moments of genuine connection. The book interrogates the pressures of public image, the legacy of family, and the ways we internalize shame and self-doubt. Through Rach's voice, the narrative champions the messy, imperfect process of becoming oneself, refusing to let the past or others' expectations define the future. The ultimate lesson is that love—real, lasting love—requires honesty, forgiveness, and the willingness to be seen, flaws and all. In a world obsessed with appearances and performance, the story is a joyful, defiant celebration of being "enough" just as you are.

Last updated: January 20, 2026