“I’m not looking for a boyfriend. I’m looking for someone to pretend to be my boyfriend.”
— Hadley's initial pitch to Asher for their fake relationship.
Archivist's Choice
The Upside of Falling
Alex Light (2020)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
288 min
Key Themes
See below
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A cynical bookworm and a focused football captain fake a relationship to solve their individual problems, only to discover that their pretend romance might be the most genuine connection they've ever known.
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Becca Hart, jaded by past heartbreak, impulsively lies to her former best friend, claiming she has a secret boyfriend. Football captain Brett Wells, burdened by his own pressures and a lack of interest in dating, overhears Becca's lie and proposes a fake relationship. They establish ground rules for their charade, including public appearances as a couple. They navigate the complexities of pretending to be in love while barely knowing each other. As they spend more time together, they discover unexpected commonalities and a genuine connection begins to form. Becca, still healing from past trauma, and Brett, struggling with his own family and future expectations, find solace and understanding in their fabricated romance. The line between their fake relationship and real feelings blurs, leading to a significant first kiss and a dramatic prom night revelation. After the truth comes out, Becca and Brett must confront their true feelings and decide if their initially fake romance can evolve into a real and lasting relationship.
Reading time
288 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Sweet, Romantic, Heartwarming, Lighthearted
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy a lighthearted, sweet YA romance with a 'fake dating' trope and a focus on character development.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike predictable romance plots or prefer more complex, high-stakes narratives.
Plot Summary
The Impulsive Lie
Seventeen-year-old Becca Hart, a self-proclaimed cynic about love after her parents' divorce, is confronted by her former best friend, Chloe, at a party. Chloe, now dating Becca's ex-boyfriend, teases Becca about her lack of a love life. Feeling cornered, Becca impulsively lies, claiming she has a secret boyfriend whom she's been seeing for months. Unbeknownst to Becca, Brett Wells, the popular football captain, overhears her story. Brett, who is constantly hounded by his friends and mother about dating and his future, sees an opportunity in Becca's predicament. He believes a fake relationship could benefit them both.
The Proposition
The day after the party, Brett approaches Becca in the school hallway, surprising her. He reveals that he overheard her conversation with Chloe and offers to be her fake boyfriend. Becca is initially shocked and skeptical, questioning his motives and the practicality of such a charade. Brett explains that he needs to deflect pressure from his friends and family regarding his non-existent dating life, especially with prom approaching. He assures her it would be a temporary, mutually beneficial arrangement with clear boundaries. After some thought, and realizing the difficulty of maintaining her lie alone, Becca reluctantly agrees to the fake relationship.
Establishing the Rules
Becca and Brett meet to establish the 'rules' of their fake relationship. They decide on a public display of affection limit (holding hands only, no kissing), agree to communicate before any public appearances, and commit to ending the charade after prom. Becca, still wary, emphasizes the importance of keeping their feelings out of it, a sentiment Brett readily agrees to. They also create a backstory for their 'secret' relationship, fabricating details about how they supposedly met and fell for each other to make their story believable to their classmates and friends. This initial meeting shows their contrasting personalities, with Becca's cautiousness clashing with Brett's more practical approach.
Public Debut
Their first public appearance as a couple is at a school football game. Becca feels awkward and self-conscious, especially under the watchful eyes of Chloe and her friends. Brett, however, plays the part effortlessly, holding Becca's hand and engaging in light, playful banter. The news of their 'secret' relationship quickly spreads through the school, surprising many, as Becca and Brett were not previously known to be close. Chloe is visibly annoyed, which gives Becca a sense of satisfaction, but also makes her realize the added pressure of maintaining the illusion, particularly when Brett's friends start questioning him about the details of their 'romance'.
Unexpected Connections
As they spend more time together, going on 'dates' to maintain their facade, Becca and Brett start to genuinely get to know each other. They discover shared interests beyond the superficial, such as their love for books and their respective anxieties about their futures. Becca learns about Brett's intense pressure to excel in football and academics to secure a scholarship. Brett learns about Becca's passion for writing and her lingering hurt from her parents' divorce, which deeply impacted her view of love. These conversations, initially part of the act, begin to feel increasingly real, blurring the lines of their agreement and creating an unexpected connection between them.
Cracks in the Facade
Becca finds herself increasingly drawn to Brett's genuine kindness, intelligence, and vulnerability, aspects she hadn't anticipated. She starts to notice the subtle ways he cares for her, like remembering her favorite coffee order or offering her encouragement. This growing affection causes her internal conflict, as it directly contradicts her initial cynicism and their agreement to keep things strictly platonic. She fears getting hurt again, especially given her past experiences with love. The proximity and intimacy of their fake relationship make it difficult for her to deny her burgeoning feelings, leading to moments of awkwardness and self-doubt about the true nature of their connection.
Brett's Pressures
Brett's life outside the fake relationship is also full of pressure. His father, a former football star, pushes him relentlessly to secure a football scholarship, often dismissing Brett's own academic ambitions. His mother, while supportive, is also keen on him finding a girlfriend. The fake relationship with Becca, while initially a solution, adds another layer of complexity as he tries to balance his football commitments, his studies, and maintaining the illusion. He finds himself confiding in Becca about these pressures, revealing a vulnerability that he rarely shows to others, further deepening their bond and making their interactions feel more authentic than pretend.
The First Kiss
During a study session at Becca's house, they share a moment of vulnerability as they discuss their fears and dreams. The atmosphere becomes charged with unspoken emotions. Brett, sensing Becca's unease but also her growing affection, leans in and kisses her. The kiss is unexpected, breaking one of their established rules, and leaves both of them flustered and confused. It confirms the undeniable chemistry and emotional connection that has been developing between them, making it harder to distinguish between their fake roles and their true feelings. This event marks a significant turning point, forcing them to confront the blurring lines of their arrangement.
Prom Night Revelation
Prom night arrives, the supposed end of their fake relationship. Becca and Brett attend as a couple, and the night is filled with mixed emotions. While dancing, Chloe confronts Becca, expressing her suspicion about the authenticity of Becca and Brett's relationship. The tension escalates, and a near-exposure of their lie forces Brett to openly defend Becca, further blurring the lines of their pretense. Later, in a quiet moment, Becca, unable to hold back any longer, confesses her genuine feelings for Brett. Brett, in turn, admits that his feelings for her are also real, transcending their initial agreement. The fake relationship has evolved into something undeniably authentic.
The Aftermath and Real Relationship
After prom, Becca and Brett acknowledge their true feelings for each other and decide to pursue a real relationship. They discuss the implications of this, including the reactions of their friends and family, and the challenges they will face as a genuine couple. Becca, still dealing with her past trust issues, finds herself opening up to the possibility of love again. Brett navigates his family pressures with Becca's support. They realize that their fake romance, born out of convenience, became the catalyst for something deeply real and meaningful. Their journey continues as they learn to be an authentic couple.
Principal Figures
Becca Hart
The Protagonist
Becca starts as a love cynic, using a fake relationship to cope with past hurt, but through her connection with Brett, she learns to trust and embrace the possibility of real love again.
Brett Wells
The Protagonist
Brett begins as a driven individual focused solely on his future and escaping family pressure, but through his fake relationship with Becca, he discovers the importance of emotional connection and learns to prioritize his own desires.
Chloe
The Supporting
Chloe remains largely static, serving as a foil to Becca and a catalyst for plot points.
Becca's Parents
The Mentioned
Their past actions are a static influence on Becca's character.
Brett's Father
The Supporting
His character remains a consistent source of external pressure for Brett, driving some of Brett's motivations.
Brett's Mother
The Supporting
Her character provides a more subtle form of pressure on Brett, influencing his decision to seek a fake girlfriend.
Themes & Insights
The Blurring Lines Between Fake and Real
This theme explores how a relationship, initially conceived as a pretense, can become genuine. Becca and Brett's agreement to fake a relationship for convenience slowly gives way to authentic emotions and connection. Their shared vulnerability, unexpected discoveries of common interests, and the growing emotional intimacy during their 'fake dates' show how actions, even if initially performed for show, can create real feelings. The first kiss, breaking their established rules, is a moment where the line truly blurs, forcing them to confront their developing affection.
“Maybe the best relationships were the ones that started out fake. Maybe the realest thing in either of their lives was this pretend romance.”
Healing from Past Trauma and Cynicism
Becca's character arc is deeply rooted in her past trauma from her parents' divorce, which made her cynical about love. The fake relationship with Brett, ironically, helps her confront and heal from this hurt. As she experiences genuine care and understanding from Brett, her guarded exterior begins to crack. His consistent kindness and the unexpected depth of their connection challenge her ideas about love, allowing her to slowly trust again and open herself up to the possibility of a real, healthy relationship, despite her initial fears of getting hurt.
“She'd built walls around her heart so high, she hadn't thought anyone could ever climb them. But Brett, somehow, was scaling them one thoughtful gesture at a time.”
The Pressure of Expectations vs. Personal Desire
Both Becca and Brett deal with external pressures that conflict with their personal desires. Brett faces immense pressure from his father to pursue a football scholarship, overshadowing his own academic ambitions. Similarly, Becca's initial lie is fueled by the social pressure to have a boyfriend and her desire to prove her ex-best friend wrong. The story shows how these external forces can drive individuals to make choices that are not authentic to themselves. As their relationship deepens, they find support in each other to confront these pressures and pursue what truly makes them happy, rather than what is expected of them.
“He was tired of living up to everyone else's dreams for him. He just wanted to find his own.”
Authenticity and Vulnerability
The theme of authenticity is central to the story, as Becca and Brett initially present a false front to the world. However, it is through their vulnerability with each other – sharing their fears, anxieties, and true aspirations – that their relationship transitions from fake to real. Becca's ability to open up about her past hurt and Brett's willingness to confide in her about his family pressures are important moments of authenticity. These acts of vulnerability create a deep emotional connection that goes beyond the superficiality of their initial agreement, proving that true intimacy comes from being honest about who you are.
“It was easier to pretend to be in love than to admit how messy and terrifying real feelings could be.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Fake Relationship Trope
Two characters pretend to be a couple for mutual benefit, only to fall in love.
This is the central plot device of the novel. Becca and Brett agree to a fake relationship to solve their individual problems: Becca needs to save face with her ex-best friend, and Brett needs to deflect pressure about dating. The device allows for forced proximity and intimate interactions under the guise of pretense, which inevitably leads to genuine feelings developing between the characters. It creates a framework for exploring themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the unexpected nature of love, as the characters navigate the challenges of maintaining their facade while their true emotions grow.
Opposites Attract
Two characters with contrasting personalities are drawn to each other.
Becca, the cynical, introverted writer, and Brett, the popular, athletic football captain, initially appear to be polar opposites. This device highlights how their contrasting personalities complement each other and create a dynamic balance. Becca's guardedness is softened by Brett's warmth, while Brett's focused ambition is broadened by Becca's introspection. Their differences create initial friction and humor but ultimately lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other's unique qualities, proving that sometimes, what seems like a mismatch can be the perfect fit.
Secret/Hidden Feelings
Characters conceal their true emotions, creating internal and external conflict.
Throughout the story, both Becca and Brett hide their developing genuine feelings for each other. Initially, this is part of their agreement to keep the relationship fake. However, as their connection deepens, their hidden feelings become a source of internal conflict, as they struggle with the fear of vulnerability and the potential for heartbreak. This device builds tension and anticipation, leading to pivotal moments of confession and emotional release, particularly during the first kiss and the prom night revelations, where their true affections can no longer be contained.
Past Trauma as Motivation
A character's past painful experience drives their present actions and beliefs.
Becca's parents' divorce serves as a significant past trauma that shapes her cynical view of love and her reluctance to engage in real romantic relationships. This device provides a deep-seated motivation for her initial agreement to a fake relationship, as it allows her to avoid the perceived risks of true emotional investment. Her journey throughout the book involves confronting this past trauma and learning to overcome its lingering effects, demonstrating how past experiences can profoundly influence present behavior and how healing is a gradual process that can be facilitated by new, positive relationships.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“It’s funny how easy it is to fall in love with someone when you’re not even trying.”
— Hadley reflecting on her feelings for Asher as their fake relationship deepens.
“Sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them.”
— A general theme throughout the book, as Hadley finds love unexpectedly.
“Maybe pretending isn't so bad when you're pretending to be something real.”
— Hadley's internal thought about the blurring lines between her fake and real feelings.
“You can’t control who you fall for, no matter how much you try.”
— Asher's realization about his growing feelings for Hadley.
“Being brave isn’t about not being scared. It’s about being scared and doing it anyway.”
— Hadley's internal monologue when facing a difficult decision or fear.
“Sometimes the biggest risks lead to the biggest rewards.”
— Hadley considering taking a leap of faith in her relationship or life.
“It’s hard to remember what life was like before you.”
— A tender moment between Hadley and Asher, expressing their deep connection.
“I didn't know I was looking for you until I found you.”
— Hadley's realization that Asher filled a void she didn't know she had.
“The best kind of relationships are the ones you never saw coming.”
— A reflection on the unexpected nature of Hadley and Asher's romance.
“You don't have to be perfect for me. Just be you.”
— Asher reassuring Hadley that he accepts her for who she is.
“Falling isn't always about hitting the ground. Sometimes, it's about flying.”
— A metaphorical quote about the positive side of falling in love and taking chances.
“He makes me feel like I can be myself, all the messy, complicated parts included.”
— Hadley's internal thought about the comfort and acceptance she finds with Asher.
“Our fake relationship felt more real than any real one I'd ever had.”
— Hadley's reflection on the depth of her connection with Asher, despite its origins.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The story revolves around Becca Hart, who, after being mocked by her former best friend, impulsively invents a secret boyfriend. Brett Wells, the popular football captain, overhears her lie and offers to pretend to be her boyfriend, creating a fake relationship that becomes increasingly real.
About the author
Alex Light is a fiction author celebrated for her young adult novel, 'The Upside of Falling.' Her work often explores themes of romance and personal growth, resonating with a contemporary audience. Light's engaging storytelling style has quickly established her as a notable voice in modern fiction.
