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Faking It by Cora Carmack, book cover

Faking It Summary

by Cora Carmack

3.72 Goodreads · 881 ratingsRomance325 pages15-min summary

A rebellious college student with a hidden life enlists a struggling actor to play her wholesome boyfriend for her conservative parents, only to find their fake romance blossoming into a very real love story.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished February 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Mackenzie "Max" Miller's carefully constructed lies are about to unravel when her conservative parents announce a surprise visit. They expect to see their wholesome daughter with a respectable boyfriend, not the tattooed, pierced Max who is dating a rock musician named Mace. In a panic, Max recruits struggling actor Cade to play her perfect boyfriend. Cade, eager for any acting gig and looking to escape his own past in Texas, agrees to the charade. As Max and Cade navigate their fake relationship, they find themselves falling into a convincing performance that blurs the lines between pretense and reality. Mace's jealousy and Max's growing feelings for Cade complicate matters, especially after a kiss. When Cade's past comes to light and Max's parents depart, Max must confront her true feelings and confess the truth, leading to a real beginning with Cade and the end of her relationship with Mace.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Humorous, Romantic, Lighthearted, Sweet
Read it if
You enjoy contemporary romance with a 'fake relationship' trope, witty banter, and characters navigating family expectations.
Skip it if
You dislike romance novels where characters initially lie to their families or prefer low-stakes, conflict-free plots.

Faking It Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. The Parental Panic and the Plea

    Mackenzie "Max" Miller is a college student in Philadelphia, living a life far removed from the conservative expectations of her Texan parents. She has dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, and her actual boyfriend is Mace, a tattooed musician. Her carefully constructed facade shatters when her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, announce an unexpected visit. Panicked, Max realizes she needs to hide her true self and, more importantly, produce a wholesome, respectable boyfriend to avoid their disapproval and potential disownment. She frantically searches for a suitable candidate to play the part, knowing Mace would be entirely unacceptable.

  2. Cade's Coffee Shop Opportunity

    While at a coffee shop, Max spots Cade, a handsome stranger, and impulsively decides he fits the bill for her fake boyfriend. Cade, an aspiring actor, moved to Philadelphia from Texas to escape a troubled past and pursue his dreams, but he is currently struggling financially and professionally. Max approaches him with her outlandish proposal: pretend to be her boyfriend for the duration of her parents' visit. Intrigued by the desperation and the potential for some quick cash, Cade, seeing an opportunity to hone his acting skills and earn money, agrees to the charade.

  3. The First Impression and Improv

    Cade meets Mr. and Mrs. Miller, fully committing to his role as Max's perfect, wholesome boyfriend. He adopts a charming, respectful demeanor, discussing his acting aspirations and making all the right impressions. Max is initially relieved but quickly finds herself flustered by Cade's convincing performance, which includes impromptu displays of affection that feel surprisingly real. Her parents are utterly charmed, believing Cade to be a wonderful, upstanding young man, completely unaware of the elaborate deception being played out before them. This initial success means the ruse must continue.

  4. Navigating the Fake Relationship

    As Max's parents extend their stay, Max and Cade are forced to spend increasing amounts of time together, maintaining the illusion of a genuine relationship. They go on fake dates, share meals with the Millers, and even have to share a bed (platonically, at first). During these interactions, they begin to learn about each other's true personalities, pasts, and vulnerabilities. Max sees beyond Cade's charming facade to the thoughtful, complex man beneath, and Cade witnesses Max's genuine warmth and intelligence, which she often hides behind her rebellious exterior. The proximity and shared secret begin to forge a real connection.

  5. Mace's Jealousy and Max's Conflict

    Max's actual boyfriend, Mace, becomes increasingly suspicious and jealous of the time she's spending with Cade, especially as the fake relationship appears more and more convincing to outsiders. He confronts Max, sensing a growing emotional intimacy between her and Cade. This forces Max to acknowledge the confusing feelings she's developing for Cade, realizing that her relationship with Mace is shallow in comparison. Max is torn between her established, comfortable relationship with Mace and the unexpected, deeper connection she's forming with Cade.

  6. A Kiss That Changes Everything

    During one of their 'dates' or a moment alone, the tension and unspoken attraction between Max and Cade finally erupt. They share a passionate kiss that is far from fake, revealing the depth of their burgeoning feelings for each other. This kiss solidifies for both of them that their relationship has moved beyond mere pretense. It creates a new layer of complication, as they are now not only deceiving Max's parents but also grappling with their own genuine emotions in the midst of the elaborate lie they've constructed.

  7. The Truth About Cade's Past

    As their bond strengthens, Cade eventually opens up to Max about his past in Texas. He reveals that he left home to escape a difficult family situation and a significant personal mistake he made that led to him being estranged from his family. This confession is a vulnerable moment for Cade, showing Max a side of him he rarely exposes. It allows Max to understand the weight he carries and the reasons behind his guarded nature, further solidifying their emotional connection and trust, and making her feelings for him even stronger.

  8. The Parents' Departure and the Aftermath

    Eventually, Max's parents conclude their visit and return to Texas, completely oblivious to the truth. While Max is relieved the charade is over, she's left with the emotional aftermath of her fake relationship with Cade. The intense proximity and shared deception have irrevocably changed their dynamic. They can no longer pretend their feelings aren't real, but the transition from a fake relationship to a potentially real one is fraught with uncertainty and the lingering question of whether what developed between them can truly exist outside the confines of the lie.

  9. Max's Confession and Mace's End

    After her parents leave, Max knows she can no longer ignore her feelings for Cade or continue her relationship with Mace. She confronts Mace, confessing that she has developed feelings for someone else and ending their relationship. This is a difficult but necessary step for Max, as it signifies her commitment to being true to her own heart, even if it means stepping into the unknown with Cade. This breakup clears the path for a potential real relationship with Cade, free from the constraints of her previous commitments.

  10. The Real Beginning

    With the deception behind them and Max's previous relationship ended, Max and Cade finally acknowledge their true feelings for each other. They decide to move forward and explore a genuine relationship, accepting that what started as a lie has blossomed into something real and meaningful. They are both a little scared but hopeful, ready to navigate the complexities of a real romance after their unconventional beginning. The story concludes with them embarking on this new chapter, ready to face the challenges and joys of a true partnership.

Principal Figures

Mackenzie "Max" Miller

Protagonist

A college student living a double life to appease her conservative parents.

Max is a vibrant and artistic college student who embraces tattoos, piercings, and dyed hair, a stark contrast to the wholesome image her conservative Texan parents expect. She's intelligent and kind but struggles with assertiveness, especially when it comes to confronting her parents' expectations. Her desire for their approval leads her to create an elaborate lie, exposing her vulnerability and her deep-seated need for acceptance. She's initially resistant to her feelings for Cade but ultimately follows her heart.

Relationships: Cade (Fake boyfriend turned real love interest; initially a stranger, they develop deep emotional and romantic connection.); Mace (Her actual, casual boyfriend; their relationship is shallow and ends as her feelings for Cade grow.); Mr. and Mrs. Miller (Her conservative parents; she deeply desires their approval, leading to the central deception.)

Cade

Protagonist

A struggling actor with a troubled past who agrees to be Max's fake boyfriend.

Cade is a charming, talented aspiring actor who moved to Philadelphia to escape a difficult past in Texas. He's initially guarded and cynical, using his acting skills as a defense mechanism and a means to survive. Despite his initial detachment, he possesses a deep capacity for empathy and loyalty. He's observant and quickly sees the real Max beneath her rebellious exterior. His agreement to the fake relationship is born out of financial need, but he unexpectedly finds genuine connection and love.

Relationships: Mackenzie "Max" Miller (Fake girlfriend turned real love interest; he initially sees her as a job, but they form a profound emotional and romantic bond.)

Mace

Supporting

Max's actual boyfriend, a musician who becomes jealous of Cade.

Mace is Max's actual boyfriend at the start of the story. He's a musician with a neck tattoo, fitting the rebellious image Max cultivates, but their relationship lacks depth and true emotional connection. He represents the life Max lives when her parents aren't around. Mace becomes increasingly jealous and suspicious as Max spends more time with Cade, eventually being the catalyst for Max to confront her feelings and end their relationship.

Relationships: Mackenzie "Max" Miller (Her boyfriend at the start; their relationship is casual and lacks the depth Max finds with Cade.)

Mr. Miller

Supporting

Max's conservative father, whose approval Max desperately seeks.

Mr. Miller is Max's father, a traditional and somewhat stern man from Texas. He has very specific expectations for his daughter's life, including her appearance and choice of partner. He represents the societal and familial pressures Max feels to conform. He is easily charmed by Cade's performance, completely unaware of the deception, and his presence is the primary catalyst for the entire fake relationship plot.

Relationships: Mackenzie "Max" Miller (His daughter; he holds traditional expectations for her.); Mrs. Miller (His wife.)

Mrs. Miller

Supporting

Max's conservative mother, who visits unexpectedly.

Mrs. Miller is Max's mother, sharing her husband's conservative views and expectations for Max. She is perhaps slightly more outwardly warm than Mr. Miller but is equally invested in Max presenting a 'proper' image. Her unexpected visit with Mr. Miller throws Max's life into chaos and sets the entire plot in motion. Like her husband, she is completely taken in by Cade's performance and is charmed by him, reinforcing Max's need to maintain the lie.

Relationships: Mackenzie "Max" Miller (Her daughter; she holds traditional expectations for her.); Mr. Miller (Her husband.)

Themes & Insights

Authenticity vs. Deception

The central theme is Max's struggle to live authentically versus maintaining a deceptive facade for her parents' approval. Max constantly hides her true self, her tattoos, piercings, and even her real boyfriend, to conform to her parents' conservative expectations. The entire plot is built on the deception of her fake relationship with Cade. As the story progresses, the fake relationship ironically forces Max to confront her true feelings and ultimately choose authenticity, both in her personal life and in her relationships, as seen when she breaks up with Mace to pursue Cade.

“I was so good at faking it, I almost forgot who I was.”
Mackenzie "Max" Miller (internal monologue)

The Nature of Love and Connection

The novel explores how love can blossom in unexpected circumstances, even from a foundation of lies. What begins as a transactional, fake relationship between Max and Cade gradually evolves into a deep, genuine emotional and romantic connection. Their shared secret and the intimate moments they are forced to share create a bond that surpasses the superficiality of Max's relationship with Mace. This theme highlights that true connection is built on shared vulnerability, understanding, and emotional intimacy, regardless of the initial premise of the relationship, as evidenced by their passionate kiss and subsequent decision to pursue a real relationship.

“Sometimes the best lies are the ones that lead you to the truth.”
Narrator

Family Expectations and Independence

Max's journey is heavily influenced by the weight of her parents' expectations and her struggle for independence. Her parents' conservative values clash with her desire to express herself through her appearance and lifestyle. The entire fake boyfriend charade is a desperate attempt to avoid their disapproval. Throughout the story, Max grapples with her desire for their love versus her need to live her own life. Her ultimate decision to pursue a real relationship with Cade, despite the potential disapproval, signifies her move towards emotional independence and self-acceptance.

“I wanted them to love me, but I also wanted to be me. And those two things felt like they were constantly at war.”
Mackenzie "Max" Miller (internal monologue)

Second Chances and Escaping the Past

Cade's character arc embodies the theme of second chances and the desire to escape a troubled past. He moves to Philadelphia to leave behind personal mistakes and a difficult family situation in Texas, hoping to start anew and pursue acting. The fake relationship with Max, initially just a job, unexpectedly provides him with an opportunity for emotional healing and a genuine connection. His willingness to open up to Max about his past signifies his readiness to confront his demons and embrace a future where he can be truly seen and loved, rather than just acting a part.

“Everyone deserves a second chance, especially when they’re willing to fight for it.”
Cade

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Fake Relationship Trope

A classic romance trope where two characters pretend to be a couple.

This is the central plot device of the novel. Max hires Cade to pretend to be her boyfriend to appease her conservative parents. The device provides the initial conflict and the comedic situations, but more importantly, it forces the two protagonists into close proximity and intimate scenarios. This artificial setup ironically becomes the catalyst for their genuine emotional connection, as they are compelled to act out romantic gestures and learn about each other's personalities, blurring the lines between their 'roles' and their true selves. It's a common device used to explore the development of love from an unexpected beginning.

Fish Out of Water

A character is placed in an unfamiliar environment or situation.

This device is applied to Max's parents. They are conservative Texans visiting their daughter in a vibrant, more liberal city like Philadelphia, creating a cultural clash that highlights Max's double life. Their presence in an unfamiliar setting, combined with their traditional values, emphasizes Max's need to maintain her facade. The parents' 'fish out of water' status makes them more susceptible to Cade's charming performance, as they are less likely to question what they perceive as a wholesome, polite young man in a city they might already view with some suspicion.

The Secret Past

A character has a hidden history that impacts their present actions.

Cade carries a secret past from Texas, involving family issues and personal mistakes, which he left behind to start anew in Philadelphia. This device adds depth to his character, explaining his initial guardedness and his drive to succeed as an actor. The gradual revelation of his past to Max builds trust and intimacy between them, allowing Max to understand his motivations and vulnerabilities. It also creates a sense of stakes for Cade, as he is not just playing a role for Max, but also trying to outrun or atone for his history.

Faking It Quotes

“Every time I think I'm over him, he does something to remind me that he's still the one. He's always been the one.”
Max struggles with her feelings for Cade after their complicated history.
“Sometimes, the biggest lie you tell is the one you tell yourself.”
Max reflects on her own self-deception regarding her feelings and past.
“I didn't want a fake boyfriend. I wanted him. The real him. The one who made my heart race and my stomach flip.”
Max realizes her arrangement with Cade is not what she truly desires.
“It's funny how you can spend so much time trying to forget someone, only to realize they're the only one you ever truly remembered.”
Max's internal monologue about Cade and their shared past.
“Being brave isn't about not being scared. It's about being scared and doing it anyway.”
Max contemplates taking a risk with her heart, despite her fears.
“You can't fake chemistry. It's either there or it's not.”
Max and Cade experience undeniable attraction despite their initial 'fake' relationship.
“Love isn't always perfect. Sometimes it's messy and complicated and makes you want to pull your hair out. But it's real.”
A reflection on the complexities of their relationship.
“I never knew how much I missed something until it was right in front of me again.”
Max's feelings about Cade's return to her life.
“Sometimes you have to break a few rules to find your way back to yourself.”
Max makes choices that challenge her usual behavior.
“He wasn't just a boy from my past. He was the future I didn't know I was still waiting for.”
Max's evolving understanding of Cade's role in her life.
“The greatest risks often lead to the greatest rewards.”
Max considers taking a chance on love again, despite the potential for heartbreak.
“You don't just fall in love once. You fall in love over and over again with the same person, in new ways, every single day.”
A romantic sentiment about enduring love.
“It was impossible to fake indifference when every fiber of my being screamed his name.”
Max tries to act unaffected by Cade, but her true feelings betray her.
“Some people are just meant to be. No matter how many detours you take, you always end up back where you started, with them.”
A reflection on the idea of soulmates and fate.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is Max's main concern about her parents' surprise visit?

    1. They will find out she quit her job.
    2. They will see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings.
    3. They will discover she is failing her classes.
    4. They will disapprove of her apartment.
    Show answer

    B. They will see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings. Max is worried her parents will disapprove of her appearance, specifically her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, which she has hidden from them.

  2. Question 2

    What kind of boyfriend do Max's parents expect her to have?

    1. A musician in a rock band.
    2. A nice, wholesome boyfriend.
    3. Someone from her hometown.
    4. A successful businessman.
    Show answer

    B. A nice, wholesome boyfriend. Her parents are expecting to meet a 'nice, wholesome boyfriend,' which is the opposite of her actual friend, Mace.

  3. Question 3

    What is the name of Max's actual friend who plays in a band and has a neck tattoo?

    1. Cade
    2. Mace
    3. Jake
    4. Trace
    Show answer

    B. Mace Max's friend who fits this description is named Mace, and he is unsuitable to meet her parents.

  4. Question 4

    What is Cade's profession or aspiration in Philadelphia?

    1. Musician
    2. Writer
    3. Actor
    4. Chef
    Show answer

    C. Actor Cade moved to Philadelphia to act, hoping to leave his problems behind and take the stage.

  5. Question 5

    Where does Max first approach Cade with her crazy request?

    1. At a bar
    2. In a park
    3. At a coffee shop
    4. At a bookstore
    Show answer

    C. At a coffee shop The synopsis states that Max approaches Cade in a coffee shop to ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend.

  6. Question 6

    Why does Cade agree to pretend to be Max's boyfriend?

    1. He is immediately attracted to her and wants a real relationship.
    2. He sees it as an opportunity to practice his acting skills.
    3. He needs money and she offers to pay him.
    4. He is lonely and looking for companionship.
    Show answer

    B. He sees it as an opportunity to practice his acting skills. Cade, an aspiring actor, agrees to play the part when Max approaches him, suggesting he views it as an acting opportunity.

  7. Question 7

    What is the primary reason Cade moved to Philadelphia?

    1. To be closer to family.
    2. To pursue acting and leave problems behind in Texas.
    3. To start a new business venture.
    4. To escape a bad relationship.
    Show answer

    B. To pursue acting and leave problems behind in Texas. Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and specifically to leave his problems behind in Texas.

  8. Question 8

    What is the central irony or conflict that drives the plot forward after Cade agrees to the ruse?

    1. Max's parents quickly discover the truth, forcing them to break up.
    2. Cade struggles to act convincingly, making the ruse fall apart.
    3. The more they fake the relationship, the more real their feelings become.
    4. Max realizes she loves Mace, not Cade, despite the fake relationship.
    Show answer

    C. The more they fake the relationship, the more real their feelings become. The core conflict is that 'when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.'

  9. Question 9

    What specific detail about Mace makes him unsuitable to meet Max's parents, according to her?

    1. He is unemployed.
    2. He has a neck tattoo and plays in a band.
    3. He has a criminal record.
    4. He is much older than Max.
    Show answer

    B. He has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. Max considers Mace unsuitable because he has a neck tattoo and plays in a band, which goes against her parents' expectation of a 'nice, wholesome boyfriend.'

  10. Question 10

    Which of the following best describes the central theme of 'Faking It'?

    1. The importance of honesty in family relationships.
    2. The blurred lines between pretense and reality in love.
    3. Overcoming past mistakes to achieve personal goals.
    4. The challenges of pursuing an acting career.
    Show answer

    B. The blurred lines between pretense and reality in love. The synopsis highlights that 'the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel,' directly addressing the theme of how a pretended relationship can lead to genuine feelings, blurring the lines between what's fake and what's real.

Faking It FAQ

What is the central premise of 'Faking It' by Cora Carmack?

The book centers on Mackenzie “Max” Miller, who enlists aspiring actor Cade to pose as her wholesome boyfriend for her conservative parents. This elaborate deception is designed to conceal her true, more rebellious persona—complete with dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings—and avoid their disapproval.

Why is Max so desperate to hide her true self from her parents?

Max fears her parents will disown her if they discover her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, as well as her actual boyfriend, Mace, who is a musician with a neck tattoo. Her parents expect her to be a 'nice, wholesome' girl, and her current lifestyle directly contradicts that expectation.

What is Cade's background and why does he agree to Max's unusual request?

Cade moved to Philadelphia from Texas to pursue acting and escape past problems. He agrees to play Max's fake boyfriend because he's struggling to find acting opportunities and needs a distraction, viewing it as a chance to hone his craft and perhaps earn some money.

How does the 'fake relationship' trope evolve in 'Faking It'?

Initially, Cade and Max's relationship is purely an act for her parents, but as they spend more time together perfecting the ruse, genuine feelings begin to develop. The lines between their pretend affection and real attraction blur, leading to an authentic romantic connection.

Who is Mace and what is his role in the story?

Mace is Max's real boyfriend at the beginning of the story, characterized by his neck tattoo and band involvement. He represents the lifestyle Max hides from her parents and serves as a complication when Cade steps in, forcing Max to juggle two 'boyfriends.'

Are there any subtle hints about Cade's past 'problems in Texas' early in the book?

Yes, the narrative often includes Cade's internal monologues or fleeting mentions of his desire to leave his past behind, indicating that his move to Philadelphia was not just for acting but also an escape from significant personal issues that will be revealed later.

How do Max's tattoos and piercings play a symbolic role beyond just being 'rebellious'?

Max's tattoos and piercings symbolize her autonomy and self-expression, representing a deliberate break from her parents' expectations and a claim on her own identity. They are outward manifestations of an inner desire to live authentically, even if she hides it from her family.

What specific acting skills does Cade utilize to convince Max's parents?

Cade employs various acting techniques, including improvisation, method acting to embody the 'wholesome boyfriend' persona, and careful observation of Max's family dynamics. He uses his stage presence and ability to project sincerity to make the performance believable.

How does Max's fear of parental disapproval impact her decision-making throughout the story?

Max's deep-seated fear of her parents' disapproval drives her initial decision to hire Cade and fuels her continued deception. This fear often leads her to make choices that prioritize keeping up appearances over her own happiness or honesty.

What psychological journey does Cade undergo as he 'fakes' a relationship with Max?

Cade's journey involves confronting his own emotional detachment and vulnerability. As he pretends to care for Max, he starts to genuinely experience those emotions, forcing him to re-evaluate his reasons for moving to Philadelphia and his capacity for real connection.

In what ways does Max's 'faking it' extend beyond just her relationship with Cade?

Max is 'faking it' in her general life, presenting a false image to her parents while living a different reality. This duality creates internal conflict and suggests she might be 'faking' aspects of her own happiness or certainty in her choices, even with Mace.

How does the pressure of the fake relationship affect Max and Cade's individual identities?

The pressure forces Max to confront the split between her authentic self and the person her parents expect, while Cade grapples with blurring the lines between his acting persona and his true self. Both characters experience identity crises as their roles become more complex.

Is Max's initial relationship with Mace truly fulfilling, or is it also a form of 'faking it'?

While Max's relationship with Mace appears to be her authentic choice, the narrative suggests it might also be a reaction against her parents' expectations. The depth of her commitment to Mace is questioned as her feelings for Cade grow, implying it might not have been her ultimate fulfillment.

Could Max have handled the situation with her parents differently, perhaps through honesty?

Max theoretically could have chosen honesty, but her deep-seated fear of disownment and the potential emotional fallout made it seem impossible to her. The story explores the complexities of family expectations and the difficulty of breaking free from them without immediate confrontation.

What is the significance of Cade being an actor in the context of the fake relationship?

Cade's profession as an actor is highly significant because it provides a plausible, almost meta-narrative reason for him to excel at deception. It highlights the theme of performance in relationships and how easily reality can be blurred when one is skilled at playing a part.

Does the book suggest that lying to loved ones is ever justified, even with good intentions?

The book explores the justification through Max's perspective, showing her desperate need to avoid pain and maintain a semblance of family harmony. While it doesn't explicitly endorse lying, it delves into the emotional complexities that lead characters to choose deception, ultimately showcasing the complications that arise.

How does the setting of Philadelphia contribute to the themes of new beginnings and hidden identities?

Philadelphia serves as a neutral ground where both Max and Cade are trying to forge new identities—Max away from her parents' direct influence, and Cade away from his past in Texas. It's a place where they can experiment with who they are, making it an ideal backdrop for their deceptive romance.

About the author

Cora Carmack

Cora Carmack is a "New York Times" bestselling author known for her "Losing It" series, including "Losing It" and "Faking It." Her contemporary romance novels are celebrated for their humor and relatable characters, often exploring themes of self-discovery and first love. Carmack has a background in literature and has garnered a significant following for her engaging storytelling.

All 2 summaries of Cora Carmack's books →

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