In these books, two characters who may not initially be in love enter into a marriage for practical reasons, only to find that their relationship blossoms into something much more.
Whether it’s to secure an inheritance, obtain citizenship, or escape a difficult situation, the reasons behind these arranged marriages are diverse and always make for an exciting read.
A common romance motif in the historical romance genre is the marriage of convenience.
There is something romantic about a couple meeting, being married on the spot, and then eventually realizing they are in love.
The best marriage of convenience-romance books are those that not only offer a captivating story but also provide a satisfying emotional journey for the characters as they navigate the challenges of falling in love.
These books are full of surprises, humor, and heart, making them a must-read for any romance fan. Keep reading for our list of the top marriage of convenience romance books.
19 Marriage Of Convenience Books
Check out these amazing titles if you’re looking for a page-turner romance that will make you fall in love with the marriage of convenience cliché.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me is a novel by Mariana Zapata, published in 2016. It is a contemporary romance story about a professional football player, Van, and his personal assistant, Rose.
Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, Van and Rose develop a slow-burning relationship as they work together and navigate the challenges that come with Van’s fame and success.
Along the way, they each learn to overcome their own personal obstacles and come to understand the importance of trust, communication, and love in a relationship.
Pros
Well-developed characters, slow-burn romance, and strong character growth.
Cons
With slow pacing, some readers may find the characters unlikable at the beginning.
Themes: Sports romance, slow-burn romance, personal growth, forgiveness, and second chances.
“Marriage for One” is a novel by Ella Maise, published in 2019. It is a contemporary romance story that focuses on a fake marriage arrangement between a wealthy businessman, Xander, and a struggling journalist, Rosie.
The two enter into the arrangement for their own separate reasons but soon find themselves drawn to each other and navigating unexpected emotional challenges as they pretend to be a happily married couple.
Xander and Rosie navigate the ups and downs of their fake marriage, learning about each other and themselves in the process and eventually realizing that their arrangement may not be so fake after all.
Pros
Likable characters, an engaging storyline, and a well-written slow-burn romance.
Cons
Some readers may find the premise of a fake marriage unappealing
Themes: Fake marriage, slow-burn romance, personal growth, family relationships, and second chances.
“Kiss an Angel” is a novel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, published in 1996. It is a contemporary romance story about Daisy, a young woman who has lived a hard life, and Alex, a wealthy and successful businessman.
The two meet by chance and soon find themselves drawn to each other despite their vastly different backgrounds.
Throughout the book, they navigate the challenges of falling in love, including their own personal demons, societal expectations, and external forces that threaten to tear them apart.
Ultimately, Daisy and Alex must learn to trust each other and themselves if they want to build a future together.
The novel is known for its strong characterization, humor, and heartwarming love story.
Pros
Engaging storyline, well-written characters, and strong character growth.
Cons
Some readers may find the premise of an arranged marriage unappealing, and there are some outdated gender stereotypes.
Themes: Arranged marriage, second chances, family relationships, and personal growth.
It is a contemporary romance story that follows the lives of Holland Bakker and Calvin McLoughlin, two individuals who come from different backgrounds and find themselves living together as roommates in New York City.
Despite their initial differences, Holland and Calvin soon develop a deep connection and begin to navigate the challenges and emotions that come with falling in love.
Throughout the book, the two learn about each other and themselves, overcoming obstacles and finding their way to a happy ending.
“Roomies” is known for its witty banter, heartfelt moments, and charming depiction of New York City.
Pros
Engaging storyline, well-written characters, and a good balance of humor and emotion.
Cons
Some readers may find the ending unsatisfying, and the premise of a fake marriage may not appeal to everyone.
Themes: Contemporary romance, fake marriage, personal growth, and family relationships.
“The Duchess Deal” is a novel by Tessa Dare, published in 2017.
It is a historical romance story set in Regency England, about a duchess, Emilia, who is in need of a husband and a scarred, reclusive artist, Temple, who needs a duchess as a model for his latest commission.
The two make a deal to marry, but as they spend more time together, they find themselves falling in love and navigating the challenges that come with their newfound feelings.
Pros
Witty writing, well-developed characters, and an engaging storyline.
Cons
Some readers may find the storyline predictable.
Themes: Historical romance, marriage of convenience, personal growth, and trust.
Marriage of Inconvenience is a novel by Penny Reid, published in 2018.
It is a contemporary romance story about two characters, Knox and Janie, who enter into a marriage of convenience for their own separate reasons.
However, as they spend more time together, they find themselves navigating unexpected emotional challenges as they pretend to be a happily married couple.
Throughout the book, Knox and Janie learn about each other and themselves and come to understand the importance of trust, communication, and love in a relationship.
Pros
Well-written characters, engaging storyline, and well-developed romantic tension.
Cons
Some readers may find the storyline slow-paced.
Themes: Contemporary romance, fake marriage, personal growth, and family relationships.
Devil in Winter is a novel by Lisa Kleypas, published in 2006. It is a historical romance set in Regency England and is the third book in the “Wallflowers” series.
The book focuses on the story of Evangeline Jenner, a young woman who is forced to marry the notorious and rake Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, in order to save her family.
Despite their initial disdain for each other, Evangeline and Sebastian soon find themselves drawn to each other and navigating the challenges that come with falling in love.
Pros
Well-developed characters, engaging writing style, and strong romantic tension throughout.
Cons
Some readers may find the ending rushed.
Themes: Historical romance, marriage of convenience, redemption, and second chances.
Lady Luck is a novel by Kristen Ashley, published in 2011.
It is a contemporary romance story about Tyra Masters, a young woman who is down on her luck, and Vance Bastian, a successful businessman who is used to getting what he wants.
The two characters meet by chance and soon find themselves drawn to each other despite their vastly different lives.
“Lady Luck” is known for its strong characterization, humor, and heartwarming love story.
Pros
Engaging storyline, well-written characters, and a good balance of romance and action.
Cons
Some readers may find the writing style and dialogue unconventional.
Themes: Contemporary romance, second chances, personal growth, and redemption.
You Can Have Manhattan is a novel by P. Dangelico, published in 2019.
It is a contemporary romance story about a young woman named Harper who is trying to make it in New York City and a successful businessman named Grayson who is used to getting what he wants.
The two characters meet by chance and soon find themselves drawn to each other despite their vastly different lives.
Harper and Grayson must navigate the challenges of falling in love and coming to terms with their own personal demons, learning about each other and themselves in the process.
Pros
Well-written emotional moments cover important romance themes and heartwarming plots.
Cons
Some readers may find the ending bland compared to the rest of the story.
Themes: Contemporary romance, second chances, family relationships, and personal growth.
Radiance is a novel by Grace Draven, published in 2015. It is a fantasy romance story about a scarred and reclusive dragon, Éadric, who is tasked with choosing a bride from among the human women who have come to his kingdom.
He chooses a young woman named Isolde, who is initially frightened of him but soon finds herself drawn to his kindness and strength.
“Radiance” is known for its richly imagined world, endearing characters, and emotional depth.
Pros
Well-developed world-building, engaging storyline, and unique premise.
Cons
Some readers may find the pacing slow, and there are some graphic scenes.
Themes: Fantasy romance, arranged marriage, and cultural differences.
The Contract is a novel by Melanie Moreland, published in 2016.
It is a contemporary romance story about a young woman named Lily and a successful businessman named Michael, who enter into a contract marriage for their own separate reasons.
However, as they spend more time together, they find themselves navigating unexpected emotional challenges as they pretend to be a happily married couple.
The Contract is known for its witty banter, heartfelt moments, and engaging depiction of a modern relationship.
Pros
Great character development, humorous moments, and realistic depiction of modern relationships.
Cons
Some readers may find the premise of a fake relationship unappealing.
Themes: Contemporary romance, fake relationships, personal growth, and redemption.
Sweet Temptation is a novel by Cora Reilly, published in 2020.
It is a contemporary romance story set in the world of the Mafia and focuses on the relationship between a young woman named Elisa and a Mafia boss named Luca.
Despite the dangerous circumstances that bring them together, Elisa and Luca soon find themselves drawn to each other and navigating the challenges that come with falling in love.
Sweet Temptation is known for its strong characterization, heart-pounding action, and heartwarming romance.
Pros
Engaging storyline, well-written characters, and a good balance of romance and action.
Cons
Some readers may find the premise of a mafia romance unappealing.
Themes: Mafia romance, arranged marriage, and personal growth.
The Favor is a novel by Suzanne Wright, published in 2020.
It is a contemporary romance story about a young woman named Addison and a successful businessman named Blake, who are brought together when Addison asks Blake to be her fake fiancé as a favor to her dying father.
However, as they spend more time together, they find themselves navigating unexpected emotional challenges as they pretend to be a happily engaged couple.
The Favor is known for its witty banter, heartfelt moments, and engaging depiction of a modern relationship.
Pros
Emotional and engaging writing, modern and relatable premise.
Cons
Some readers may find the premise of friends to lovers unoriginal.
Themes: Contemporary romance, friends to lovers, personal growth, and redemption.
Grayson’s Vow is a novel by Mia Sheridan, published in 2015.
It is a contemporary romance story about a young woman named Josephine and a successful businessman named Grayson, who are brought together by circumstances beyond their control.
Josephine is in a difficult situation, and Grayson offers her a way out by proposing a marriage of convenience.
However, as they spend more time together, they find themselves navigating unexpected emotional challenges as they try to make their arrangement work.
Grayson’s Vow is known for its poignant themes, intense emotional journey, and heartwarming romance.
Pros
Takes the reader on an intense emotional journey, covering a range of important romance themes.
Cons
Some readers may find the storyline basic and predictable.
Themes: Contemporary romance, second chances, personal growth, and redemption.
In the romantic comedy “Would You Rather”, written by Allison Ashley and published in 2022, two best friends agree to wed so that they might both gain from the relationship.
When Mia has the chance to return to school, she recognizes that she must leave her career behind—along with the medical insurance—because she wants to do so.
She requires a kidney transplant, thus insurance is undoubtedly necessary.
The ideal solution is proposed by her closest buddy Noah: get hitched so Mia can utilize his health insurance. Here’s where the story begins, so to speak.
Pros
Excellent character development, captivating storyline, and well-written romantic tension.
Cons
Some readers found the plot too predictable.
Themes: Contemporary romance, second chances, personal growth, and redemption.
For a time, let’s walk away from contemporary literature and into the fantasy genre. “King of Battle & Blood” by Scarlett St.Clair, published in 2021, is an intriguing tale of vampires, passion, and a lot of blood.
Two characters that won’t let anyone down introduce St. Clair’s newest fantasy series. Isolde and Adrian are diametrically opposed to one another; she is a human and he is a vampire. But there is no denying their chemistry.
They may well have avoided war when they wed in order to restore peace to their own kingdoms, but the conflict within their hearts had only just begun.
One of the best areas to locate the wedding of convenience cliche is historical romance. In those days, elite society frequently paired families together through marriages of convenience.
Pros
Strong romantic tension is built throughout the story, great for lovers of historical romance.
To Marry And To Meddle by Martha Waters was published in 2022 and is an enjoyable and tumultuous read for fans of the romance genre.
Following Lady Emily Turner, who is in desperate need of assistance, this book is a gem in the realm of marriage of convenience romance literature.
Time isn’t on her side after six fruitless seasons and no marriage proposal. Given her family’s debts, the only potential suitor just so happens to be a relentless, vile man who runs her father’s preferred casino.
Things take an interesting turn once Lord Julian Belfry devises a strategy that can be advantageous to both of them.
Pros
Engaging characters, interesting storyline, and well-written humor.
Cons
Some readers may find the writing style slow-paced and difficult to stay engaged with.
Themes: Historical romance, matchmaking, personal growth, and family relationships.
How To Choose Marriage Of Convenience Novels
If you are interested in reading this type of novel, here are some tips to help you choose one:
Research The Author
If you have read other books by the author and enjoyed them, then you might want to give their marriage of convenience novels a try.
Consider The Time Period And Setting
Marriage of convenience novels can be set in a variety of time periods and settings, so choose one that appeals to you. Some are set in contemporary times, while others take place in historical eras.
Look For Tropes
Some common tropes in marriage of convenience novels include enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and marriage-of-convenience-turned-real-love. If you enjoy any of these tropes, then look for books that feature them.
Final Thoughts
The best marriage of convenience romance books offer a unique and thrilling take on the traditional love story.
These books are full of tension, humor, and heart, and they keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the journey of two characters who must navigate the challenges of falling in love despite the practical reasons behind their arranged marriage.
From witty banter to heart-pounding action, these books are sure to delight and entertain.
Whether you’re a fan of historical romances, contemporary tales, or fantasy stories, the best marriage of convenience romance books have something for everyone.
So, if you’re looking for an exciting and emotionally satisfying read, be sure to check out some of the best marriage of convenience romance books on the market today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes A Good Marriage Of Convenience Novel?
A good marriage of convenience novel is one that engages the reader and creates a compelling story that balances the practical considerations of the marriage with the romantic development of the characters.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
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