Top 6 Modern Marriage of Convenience Romances to Add to Your TBR (2025)

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Marriage of convenience has long been a beloved trope in romance novels. Traditionally rooted in necessity, societal pressures, or family expectations, these unions often blossom into heartfelt love stories. In contemporary settings, this trope gets a fresh twist, blending practicality with humor, emotional growth, and sizzling chemistry. Whether it’s a deal struck out of desperation, a family ultimatum, or a quirky accident, the journey from fake to forever makes for an irresistible read. Here’s a curated list of modern marriage-of-convenience romances that you won’t want to miss.

What is a Marriage of Convenience?

A marriage of convenience is a union entered into for mutual benefit rather than love or romance. While the reasons for these arrangements vary—financial stability, career advancement, or familial obligations—they often force the characters into close proximity, creating the perfect storm for unexpected feelings. This trope offers high stakes, emotional depth, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after that leaves readers swooning.

6 Must-Read Modern Marriage of Convenience Romances

1. The Reason I Married Him by Meghan Quinn

A laugh-out-loud romcom set in a charming small town, The Reason I Married Him brings together a stubborn farmer and a grumpy newcomer in a deal that benefits them both. When her hand in marriage becomes the price for his land, their faux relationship turns into a sizzling dynamic filled with witty banter, cheeky antics, and growing chemistry. Fans of enemies-to-lovers stories will adore this heartwarming standalone brimming with steamy tension and quirky charm.

2. Just Between Us by Sarah Everly

This heartfelt small-town romance features Nora McDonagh, who’s trying to reclaim her independence, and Andy Stewart, the town’s golden boy. A fake marriage proposal offers Nora stability and helps Andy secure his family business. But Andy’s secret pining for Nora adds layers of sweetness to their arrangement. Filled with protective brothers, slow-burn romance, and emotional depth, this installment in the Franklin Notch series is perfect for fans of second-chance love stories.

3. One Wealthy Wedding by Sophia Travers

Former heiress meets billionaire in this sizzling tale of rekindled love and redemption. When a family ultimatum forces her into a fake marriage with Theo Archer—the housekeeper’s son turned billionaire—old wounds resurface. As their staged union requires public appearances and intimate moments, buried feelings ignite, blurring the lines between business and passion. A captivating mix of ambition, vulnerability, and second chances makes this story unforgettable.

4. The Unwanted Wife by L. Steele

When grumpy billionaire Nathan Davenport offers to save a struggling dessert chef’s bakery, there’s one catch: she must pose as his wife for a year. Despite their differences—he’s all business, while she’s full of warmth—their close quarters spark undeniable chemistry. As their connection deepens, she’s forced to confront whether love could ever truly be part of their deal. This opposites-attract romance is as sweet as it is heartfelt.

5. Fearless Heart by Brighton Walsh

Quinn Cartwright needs an escape from her toxic boss, and her rival steps in with the perfect solution: a fake marriage. Their arrangement blurs the lines between business and pleasure, as his years of unrequited love slowly surface. With close quarters and shared nights, this slow-burn romance delivers heartfelt moments, sizzling tension, and a satisfying journey from rivals to lovers.

6. Power Play by Chelsea Curto

In this playful sports romance, NHL star goalie Liam Sullivan helps Piper Mitchell regain her confidence after a messy divorce. A Vegas trip takes a surprising turn when they wake up married. What starts as a fake marriage becomes an experiment in companionship and love. With humor, heart, and plenty of steam, Power Play is a delightful friends-to-lovers story packed with playful tropes and a guaranteed HEA.

Why Readers Love Modern Marriage of Convenience Stories

Emotional Growth: Characters are forced to confront vulnerabilities and grow individually and as a couple.
High Stakes: The practicality of the arrangement creates tension, making the romantic payoff even sweeter.
Contemporary Twists: Modern takes on the trope often add humor, career ambitions, or second chances, keeping the stories fresh and relatable.

Find More Great Reads

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We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite marriage-of-convenience romances? Share your picks in the comments or join us on social media to discuss these swoon-worthy stories.