Arranged marriages in books? Yes, please! 

There’s something about the “we barely know each other but let’s get married” trope that always promises drama, tension, and (let’s be real) plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

Whether they start out as strangers, enemies, or just plain indifferent, watching the characters fall in love (or at least learn to like each other) is half the fun!

In this article, I have listed my personal favorite arranged marriage books that will have you cheering for these couples as they go from total strangers to unexpected lovebirds.

Top Contemporary Arranged Marriage Romance Books 

1. A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

Naledi Smith is too busy juggling grad school and jobs to pay attention to fake emails about her betrothal to an African prince. 

As a former foster kid, she’s learned to rely on herself. Meanwhile, Prince Thabiso, the heir to the throne of Thesolo, is determined to find his long-lost betrothed. 

When he meets Naledi, she mistakes him for an ordinary man, and they form a bond that quickly turns into a passionate romance. 

But when the truth comes out, will Naledi embrace her new role as a princess?

I absolutely loved A Princess in Theory! Naledi is such a relatable and strong character, and the chemistry between her and Thabiso is electric, and the story is full of heart, humor, and the perfect amount of drama. 

Alyssa Cole’s writing pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go and if you enjoy romance with smart heroines, sizzling chemistry, and the arranged marriage trope, this book is for you. 

Plus, it’s a fresh take with an African prince and a heroine who’s scientific and down-to-earth. This is one of those arranged marriage books that will make you believe in fairy tales again.

2. Bound By His Desert Diamond by Andie Brock

Princess Annalina is desperate to escape her arranged engagement, so she hatches a plan to get caught in a compromising photo with a stranger. 

That stranger turns out to be Prince Zahir Zahani, her fiancé’s brother! Their sizzling kiss traps them in an unexpected royal bind—now Annalina must marry Zahir instead. 

But as Zahir tries to keep his distance, their undeniable passion pulls them closer. Will they be able to resist their desires, or will they give in to the fiery attraction between them?

The sparks between Annalina and Zahir practically jump off the page, and their love-hate relationship had me hooked from the start. 

It’s a classic arranged marriage romance but with a twist—Zahir is the brother of her original fiancé, which adds a whole new layer of tension and drama.

This book has everything: forbidden romance, royal intrigue, and undeniable chemistry.

I think anyone who loves royal romance novels or stories with strong-willed characters who fight their attraction will get a kick out of this.

3. You Can Have Manhattan by P. Dangelico

Sydney Evans is focused on her career as general counsel for Blackstone Holdings, but her life is turned upside down when her boss offers her a deal: marry his estranged son, Scott, or lose her job. 

Scott, who’s left his party animal past behind to run a ranch in Wyoming, isn’t thrilled either. 

Now, they’re stuck in a marriage neither of them wants, but as they spend time together, they realize there’s more to each other than meets the eye.

Both characters in this beautiful arranged marriage book are so well-developed, and watching them handle their complicated relationship while fighting their attraction was super fun.

This is one of those arranged marriage romances where the slow burn really pays off. 

Sydney’s no-nonsense attitude and Scott’s rugged charm are a perfect match, and their journey from resentment to love is believable and satisfying. 

You’re going to love reading this book if you like arranged marriage romance novels that have both emotional depth and humor.

4. The Forced Bride by Susan Craven

Emily Blake didn’t know that by kissing the formidable Count Rafael Di Salis, she was fulfilling her late father’s wishes to marry him. 

Bound by duty, Emily agrees to the arrangement until she turns 21. Rafael has patiently waited for the day Emily would come of age, but now that she has, he’s ready to claim her as his wife. 

Will Emily be able to resist the powerful pull of her new husband?

If you’re into dramatic romances where the stakes are high and the emotions run even higher, this book is a must-read.

Rafael is the kind of brooding, intense hero that romance readers love, and Emily’s growth from innocent girl to a woman strong enough to handle him is compelling.

For anyone who enjoys arranged marriage romance books with an intense emotional journey, The Forced Bride offers that perfect balance of passion and drama. 

It’s a quick read that will satisfy anyone looking for a story with plenty of angst and romantic tension.

5. The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed by Felicitas Ivey

Billionaire Fathi al-Murzim is too focused on business to think about marriage, but his grandfather has announced his betrothal to a Bedouin girl, Ikraam din Abdel. 

Raised as a woman by his manipulative sister to prevent him from inheriting their father’s wealth, Ikraam never expected to marry. 

As Fathi and Ikraam meet, an unexpected attraction grows between them, even as they both hide life-altering secrets. 

With cultural taboos and family pressures looming, will they be able to find love, or will their secrets tear them apart?

The chemistry between Fathi and Ikraam is both surprising and heartwarming, and I loved the layers of secrets that kept me guessing throughout the book. 

What I loved most was how the book dealt with cultural pressures and identity. Both Fathi and Ikraam have to deal with difficult personal challenges, and their romance feels like a natural, meaningful progression rather than just a convenient arrangement. 

It’s one of those arranged marriage romance novels that leaves you thinking long after you’ve finished and it’ll hit the mark if you’re looking for a fresh and thought-provoking take on arranged marriage romance books. 

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6. Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh

Nayna Sharma agrees to an arranged marriage to help her family heal, but as soon as she makes the decision, she realizes it’s her worst nightmare. 

After a wild night out, she meets the rough and handsome Raj Sen, and their instant attraction leads to a fiery kiss. 

Raj, a man of tradition, is determined to follow through with his own arranged marriage…until he discovers that his bride-to-be is none other than Nayna. 

Can these two people, who are seemingly all wrong for each other, find love on their own terms?

Rebel Hard was such a fun and emotionally satisfying read! Nayna and Raj have this amazing push-and-pull dynamic that kept me glued to the page. 

Their clashing personalities make for some seriously intense chemistry, and it was a joy to watch them slowly come to terms with their feelings. 

The arranged marriage trope is handled beautifully here and Nayna’s struggle between honoring her family and finding her own path is something many readers will relate to. 

And Raj, though traditional, isn’t the typical rigid hero—his emotional depth makes their romance so much richer.

This beautiful arranged marriage romance book is heartwarming, relatable, and full of romantic tension that will keep you hooked until the very last page.

7. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Khai Diep believes he’s incapable of feeling love, convinced that his autism makes him defective. 

His mother, however, has other ideas and flies to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. 

Enter Esme Tran, a mixed-race girl from the slums, who agrees to come to America to meet Khai, thinking it could change her family’s future.

As Esme works to win over Khai, she realizes she’s falling for him. But can Khai let go of his beliefs and recognize his own capacity for love before Esme’s time runs out?

Khai and Esme’s journey from strangers to lovers is so beautifully written, and the unique way it handles the arranged marriage trope makes it stand out. 

Esme’s determination to make a better life for herself and her family is so inspiring, and Khai’s internal struggle as an autistic person is portrayed with such sensitivity and care.

Khai’s autism is handled respectfully, and it was refreshing to see a hero who processes emotions differently. Their love story felt so genuine, and the slow realization of their feelings was incredibly satisfying.

This book is perfect for anyone looking for a romance that blends emotional depth with humor and heart. It’s not your typical love story, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

8. The Wild Heir by Karina Halle

Crown Prince Magnus of Norway is known for his wild, thrill-seeking lifestyle, but when his latest scandal threatens his royal family, he’s given an ultimatum: get married or give up the throne. 

Enter Princess Isabella of Liechtenstein, a quiet, intelligent woman who has no interest in marrying a reckless playboy. 

Despite their mutual dislike, sparks fly as Magnus tries to win her over. But can this unlikely couple find love amidst the chaos of their arranged marriage?

The Wild Heir is everything you want in a royal romance! Magnus and Isabella’s chemistry is off the charts, and their witty banter had me laughing out loud. 

Magnus is the classic bad boy turned good, and watching him fall for the reserved but strong-willed Isabella was so satisfying. 

The arranged marriage trope is used perfectly here, with just the right balance of tension and passion.

One of my favorite things about this book is the character development. Magnus starts out as a reckless prince, but as the story progresses, you see a deeper side to him. 

If you’re a fan of arranged marriage romance novels with a royal twist, this book will definitely be your cup of tea. It’s a fun, sexy, and emotional ride that will keep you turning pages late into the night. 

9. Radiance by Grace Draven

In Radiance, Prince Brishen of the Kai, a nonessential heir to the throne, agrees to marry Ildiko, a human noblewoman, for political alliance. 

Both consider each other physically unattractive due to their vastly different races, but they quickly find a deeper connection. 

Ildiko, resigned to a life of duty, must leave her human world behind and embrace her new life with Brishen. 

As the two navigate their arranged marriage, they discover mutual respect and unexpected love while external threats from hostile kingdoms loom over them.

This lovely book was such a pleasant surprise! I went in thinking it would be a typical arranged marriage story, but the way Brishen and Ildiko handled their differences made it really stand out. 

It wasn’t just about two strangers forced into a marriage—they truly grew to respect and admire each other despite how different they were. 

What I loved most is how Grace Draven built the world. It felt so immersive, and the Kai race was fascinating! Their cultural differences added layers to the romance and made their connection feel earned and real. 

I think anyone who loves slow-burn romance will enjoy this book, especially if you’re looking for an arranged marriage book with a twist – It has heart, adventure, and an unusual but swoon-worthy couple you can’t help but root for.

10. The Unwanted Marriage by Catherine Maura

The Unwanted Marriage follows Faye and Dion Windsor, who’ve been engaged since childhood. 

Dion has spent years pushing Faye away, determined to avoid the marriage, but when he sees her with another man, his feelings change. 

As their wedding day approaches, Dion realizes he can’t run anymore. He wants Faye, but secrets from his past could ruin everything.

Their chemistry was undeniable, and the slow realization that they actually care for each other made it even better.

If you’re a fan of arranged marriage stories with a mix of drama, tension, and romance, you’ll adore this one. 

Whether you’re into second chances or just love seeing couples realize they were meant for each other all along, The Unwanted Marriage delivers on all fronts!

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Top Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance Books To Read

11. The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori

In this mafia romance, Elena nicknamed Sweet Abelli, is thrust into the dark underworld when her sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo and she steps in instead.

Despite her initial aversion, Elena finds herself drawn to his rough edges and soon she falls for every single part of him.

12. Brutal Vows by J.T. Geissinger

Reyna, an Italian mafia princess, is forced into an arranged marriage with Irish mobster Spider in this book.

And as they navigate their tumultuous relationship, Reyna struggles with her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Spider, who is torn between his contractual obligations and his unexpected desire for Reyna.

13. Mafia King by L. Steele

Michael Byron Domenico Sovrano, a powerful mafia lord, claims our girl as payment for her father’s debt, and he slowly falls for her as she tries to resist his dominance at every turn.

This is another fantastic arranged marriage mafia romance that hit all the right notes and I totally enjoyed every minute of it. 

14. Killers & Monsters by Clio Evans

Killers & Monsters by Clio Evans combines dragon, princess, and knight vibes. 

This time around, our girl discovers her true identity as the daughter of a god and this leads to a complex dynamic involving a dragon, a knight, and an arranged marriage.

15. Silent Vows by Jill Ramsower

Noemi is forced into an arranged marriage with Irishman Conner Reid.

And as she grapples with conflicting emotions, danger looms, and Conner becomes a potential saviour in this enemies-to-lovers dark romance about an arranged marriage.

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16. The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert

Teague O’Malley reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage with Callista Sheridan, but their growing connection is tested as secrets emerge.

17. Because I Need You by Claire Contreras

This book follows the forced union between Isabella and Giovanni Masseria who must try to find their happiness in an unfamiliar territory.

Must-Read Historical Arranged Marriage Books

18. Defiant by Pamela Clare

In Defiant, Major Connor MacKinnon, a fierce warrior, is tasked with rescuing Lady Sarah Woodville, who’s been taken captive by the Shawnee. 

Although he despises her uncle, Connor finds himself drawn to Sarah’s courage and beauty. 

To save her, Connor must claim her as his own, sparking a romance amidst the dangerous wilderness. 

As their feelings deepen, they must protect each other from enemies, including her uncle, who would kill Connor if he knew the truth.

Pamela Clare’s Defiant was an absolute page-turner! Connor and Sarah’s story was filled with tension, adventure, and just the right amount of romance. 

What really stood out for me was the chemistry between Connor and Sarah. The forced proximity, along with the emotional and physical obstacles they face, made their bond feel so genuine and strong. 

It’s the perfect combination of historical romance and action, which kept me glued to the pages and you’ll enjoy this if you like historical romances set in untamed frontiers.

19. Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

Moon Craving follows Talorc, a laird and werewolf, who is forced to marry Abigail, a strong-willed Englishwoman. 

Despite their reluctance, they feel an unbreakable bond after their wedding night. Abigail hides her deafness from Talorc, while he conceals his werewolf nature from her. 

When Abigail discovers the truth, their relationship is put to the test, but they must fight for their love as dangers loom on the horizon.

I was completely invested in Talorc and Abigail’s story from the very beginning. 

The push and pull between them, with all the secrets they were keeping, created so much tension—it was impossible to put the book down.

This is the book for you if you love arranged marriage tropes combined with a bit of paranormal action.

Honestly, anyone who enjoys a mix of historical romance with a paranormal twist will fall in love with this book.

20. The Border Lord by Sophia James

In The Border Lord, Laird Lachlan Kerr is ordered to marry Lady Grace Stanton, a woman he initially sees as timid and plain. 

However, as their marriage progresses, Lachlan discovers that Grace possesses remarkable bravery and goodness—qualities that deeply attract him. 

Grace, in turn, finds strength in Lachlan’s care and protection. As they grow closer, Lachlan and Grace must overcome personal demons and past betrayals to find happiness in their unexpected union.

Sophia James did a great job of making the characters feel real and relatable. Grace’s change from someone who seems timid to someone with fierce inner courage is a joy to watch. 

Lachlan’s tough exterior hiding a vulnerable heart gave the story so much depth, so if you enjoy stories where the characters slowly fall in love, despite initial misgivings, you’re going to love this one.

It’s a classic arranged marriage setup, but the emotional development and character growth make it stand out from the crowd.

Overall, if you’re looking for a historical romance with an arranged marriage twist, The Border Lord delivers. It’s got heart, tension, and a love story that builds beautifully throughout the book.

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21. A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy

In A Wicked Kind of Husband, Cassandra DeWitt is perfectly content with her marriage of convenience to Joshua DeWitt, a man she hasn’t seen since their wedding day two years ago. 

But when they both end up in London, sharing a house, their lives take a turn. As Cassandra and Joshua begin to spend more time together, they start to challenge each other in ways neither expected. 

Despite their differences, passion and love start to bloom—but can their unlikely relationship survive?

Oh man, A Wicked Kind of Husband was such a fun read! The banter between Cassandra and Joshua had me laughing out loud more than once. 

I love a good marriage of convenience story, and this one did not disappoint. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I was rooting for them from the moment they started challenging each other.

What really worked for me was how neither of them was perfect. Both Cassandra and Joshua had flaws and made mistakes, but their growth together was what made their love story so compelling. 

The dynamic between them was filled with witty dialogue, emotional moments, and plenty of heat! If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance with plenty of humor and heart, you need to check this one out. 

Honestly, this book has it all—laughs, tears, passion, and a couple that you can’t help but root for. If you’re into arranged marriage stories with a mix of humor and emotional depth, A Wicked Kind of Husband is a must-read.

22. The Lone Texan by Jodi Thomas

The Lone Texan follows Sage McMurray, a recent widow who is taken hostage in a robbery soon after arriving in Galveston. 

As the outlaws attempt to auction her off, a mysterious man steps in, paying twice the highest bid to save her. 

This rugged stranger changes everything for Sage as she begins a new chapter of her life, far from the dangers of the past, but not without its challenges.

Jodi Thomas has a way of writing characters that feel so real and relatable, and Sage was no exception. 

Her resilience, despite everything she’s been through, made her an inspiring heroine. And the mystery surrounding the man who rescues her? Pure romance gold!

I love how this book takes the arranged marriage trope and mixes it with some Wild West adventure. The tension between Sage and her savior was palpable, and I couldn’t wait to see how their relationship would evolve.

If you’re into historical romances that pack a punch with adventure and intrigue, The Lone Texan will be right up your alley. 

Sage’s journey to finding love and safety again was beautifully written, and I think anyone who enjoys a good love story will really enjoy it.

23. Duchess by Chance by Wendy Vella

In Duchess by Chance, Daniel, the new Duke of Stratton, is shocked to discover he’s engaged to Miss Eva Winchcomb, a woman he’s never met. 

His late father’s reckless gambling led to the arrangement, and though Daniel is filled with anger and bitterness, he agrees to the marriage for the sake of family honor. 

Eva, meanwhile, sees this as her escape from a terrible family. Though they come from different worlds, their marriage may just turn into something more than either expected.

The tension between Daniel and Eva was so gripping. Daniel’s bitterness and Eva’s quiet determination made for an interesting dynamic from the start, and watching their relationship unfold was so satisfying.

I think fans of arranged marriage romance will really appreciate how Wendy Vella handled the complex emotions in this story. 

It’s not all smooth sailing, but the challenges Daniel and Eva face only make their eventual love stronger, so if you love stories where opposites attract and find common ground in the most unexpected ways, Duchess by Chance is definitely for you. 

24. Surrender the Wind by Elizabeth St. Michel

In Surrender the Wind, Confederate soldier John Daniel Rourke is severely wounded and left for dead during the Civil War.

Union heiress Catherine Fitzgerald finds him and nurses him back to health, unaware of his true identity. Though they are on opposing sides of the war, they can’t deny the attraction between them. 

As they grow closer, they find themselves caught in a larger conspiracy that threatens not only their love but also their lives.

I was completely swept away by Surrender the Wind. It has all the elements of a gripping, emotional romance—two people from opposing sides of a war finding love in the most unlikely circumstances. 

John and Catherine’s chemistry was undeniable from the start, but what I really enjoyed was how their relationship developed slowly. 

There was mutual respect and understanding, despite their differences, and that’s what made their love so believable and strong.

The fact that they had to fight for their love against so many obstacles—both external and internal—made the story all the more powerful.

Whether you’re into historical fiction or simply love a good, old-fashioned romance with heart, Surrender the Wind is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it. 

25. A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

In A Bride for Keeps, Everett Cline has given up on the idea of love after being jilted by several mail-order brides. 

But when a well-meaning neighbor brings Julia Lockwood to town, Everett reluctantly agrees to marry her in name only. Julia, fleeing a life of disappointment and heartbreak, is determined to prove her worth and make a new start in Kansas. 

As they face the harsh realities of life on the prairie, Everett and Julia slowly begin to realize that their marriage of convenience may turn into something real.

The romance in A Bride for Keeps is the kind of slow-burn romance that makes you fall in love right alongside the characters. 

Everett’s reluctance to trust again, paired with Julia’s determination to prove herself, created a heartwarming and emotional journey that I couldn’t put down.

If you love stories about mail-order brides or are a fan of marriage-of-convenience tropes, this book is a perfect pick. Julia and Everett’s journey to finding love in the face of adversity is beautifully written and filled with tender moments.

Anyone who enjoys historical romance with strong, resilient characters will find something to love in A Bride for Keeps.

It’s a super sweet, uplifting story that will leave you with all the warm and fuzzy feelings that a good romance should.

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So, there you have it—arranged marriage books that are all about tension, growth, and swoon-worthy moments. 

Check then out and who knows? You might just find your next favorite read among these arranged unions that turn into happily-ever-afters!

And hey, don’t forget to let me know your favorites or any hidden gems I missed in the comments – The related posts have so many even more amazing book recs for you. 

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