If there is one trope that I will never, ever get tired of, it's hands-down the Marriage of Convenience trope. There's just something about two people standing at an altar for literally every reason except love that makes for an amazing romance story. Whether it's for a business deal, a family inheritance, a green card, or a quick fix for a messy situation, you can guarantee I'll fly through those pages.
Honestly? I don't think we see this trope nearly enough! We get plenty of 'Fake Dating' or 'Enemies to Lovers' romances every other day it feels like, yet there's a major shortage of books that begin with our characters saying "I do" before they've even kissed. This trope makes for such a different level of stakes and tension, easily making it one of my favorites.
Since I'm always looking for that next marriage of convenience that turns into something real, I've put together a list of my top 10 marriage of convenience recs to help fill the void on your bookshelf. I've included a mix of some of my all-time favorites, as well as a few titles I've heard amazing things about that are currently sitting on my TBR.
Now let's get into those recs!
Marriage For One by Ella Maise
Rose was supposed to be opening her dream cafe, but a cruel legal loophole in her late uncle's will says the building can only be hers on one condition- she has to be married. Enter Jack Hawthorne: a cold, brooding, and strikingly handsome lawyer who offers her a deal she can't refuse. He needs a wife for his own mysterious agenda, and she'll do anything to get her cafe. It was supposed to be a simple contract, but as Jack's silent actions start speaking louder than his words, Rose realizes that her marriage might be more than just a convenience.
Let me begin by saying that I absolutely loved this book! Despite the high page count, I completely flew through this story and was hooked from the very first chapter. If you want a slow burn romance that actually delivers on the tension, then this one is 100% worth the read.
Catch Her If You Can by Tessa Bailey
Madden Donahue is the Yankees star catcher, and has been secretly in love with Eve since they both were teenagers. When Eve is suddenly left caring for her sister's two children and needs a lifeline, Madden steps in with a proposal: marry him for the health benefits and the support she desperately needs in order to keep not only her sister's kids afloat, but also Eve's struggling burlesque club. Eve has her reasons for keeping him at arms length, but with a stipulation that they keep their marriage private, she finally says yes. But what started as a marriage of convenience quickly ignites into something much more real.
I really enjoyed the dynamic in this one. It gave the sports romance vibes I desperately craved, and mixed it with the unique burlesque vibes that made for a super interesting story. I recently posted a full spoiler free review where I dive deeper into this book, you can check out the full post here for all my thoughts!
The Wall Of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
After two years of being the underappreciated personal assistant to the NFL's top defensive end, Vanessa Mazur has finally had enough. She's ready to move on from washing jerseys for a man who can't even take the time to say "good morning" to her. But when Aiden Graves, the legendary "Wall of Winnipeg" shows up at her door with a shocking request, the job description changes entirely. He needs more than an assistant: he needs a wife, and fast. Now, Vanessa must decide if she can handle the most personal assignment of her life.
I fell in love with Aiden and Vanessa's story when I first read it several years ago, and it's stayed with me ever since. In true Mariana Zapata fashion, this is a slow-burn romance that has you hoping for any little crumbs you can get. If you are a fan of sports romances and don't mind a chunky book then this one is a must read.
Get the Wall of Winnipeg and Me Here
Wild Side by Elsie Silver
Tabitha's dream wedding never included saying "I do" to the man she hates more than anything. But when her nephew's guardianship is threatened, she'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe in Rose Hill, even if it means a marriage of convenience with Rhys Dupris. Rhys is secretive, broody, and often returns from work with mysterious bruises. They barely speak, but the tension in their house is undeniable. As Rhys steps up as the fierce protector for her and her nephew, Tabitha realizes that the man behind the mask is nothing like the enemy she imagined him to be.
I have yet to dive into this one, but after reading the first book in the Rose Hill series, Wild Love, it's definitely one I plan on getting to in the future. For my full thoughts on the first book in the series you can click here to read my full spoiler-free review. Elsie Silver is the queen of spicy cowboy romances, so I know this story is going to be another incredible read, plus I've heard great things about it.
In a Jam by Kate Canterbary
Shay Zucconi just inherited her step-grandmother's tulip farm, but there's a catch: she has to move back to her small hometown and get married within a year to keep it. With her engagement recently in shambles, Shay is desperate, that is until she reconnects with Noah Barden. Back in high school Noah was the shy guy who loved her from afar; now, he's a devoted single dad running the family business. When Shay returns and turns his world upside down, a marriage of convenience might be the only way to save her farm, while also giving them both a second chance.
I'm actually a little embarrassed that I haven't picked this one up yet, especially since it was practically everywhere a few years ago! It's been sitting on my TBR for a while now, and I have high hopes for this one since it's also a small-town romance. I'm expecting a lot of heart (and maybe a few tears) when I finally pick this one up.
The Marriage Effect by Karla Sorensen
NFL player Logan Ward already has his hands full as the legal guardian to his four younger sisters. But when his custody is challenged, his lawyer gives him an ultimatum: he must find a wife to solve his problem, and fast. Enter Paige McKinney, an impulsive former model who tells hospital security she's Logan's fiancee in order to get past the front desk. When the wrong person overhears her lie, a bargain is struck. A fake marriage is the perfect fix for Logan's legal troubles, but living with his new bride may just set his life aflame.
I feel like this series is so under-hyped! I hardly ever hear anyone talk about these books, which is honestly a crime because Karla Sorensen writes such incredible sports romances. She really knows how to up the stakes and emotional tension, making the fake marriage setup feel so much more meaningful. This is the third book in the series, but it can also be read as a standalone. If you are looking for a hidden gem to add to your collection, then this series is definitely one to check out!
Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey
Natalie Vos is ready to reboot her life, but there's a massive obstacle in her way: she needs her trust fund to start her business, and the fine print requires her to be married first. Enter August Cates, a vineyard owner whose wine is...well, let's just say it's an acquired taste. He's desperate for a loan to save his late best friend's legacy, and Natalie has the capital he needs. Their solution? A quick marriage of convenience. But living under the same roof may prove that their unfortunate attraction is a lot harder to ignore than they initially thought.
As with most Tessa Bailey books, I really enjoyed this one! It's the second book in her Vine Mess series and it perfectly captures those cozy, small-town winery vibes. If you're looking for a read to accompany you while sipping on a crisp glass of wine on a summer afternoon, then pick this one up.
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
The Griffins and the Gallos have been at war for generations in Chicago's underworld. But when Aida Gallo accidentally sets fire to the Griffin family library, the only way to prevent an all-out bloodbath is for a marriage to take place. Enter Callum Griffin: the cold, ambitious heir to the Irish Mafia who is determined to tame his new wild bride. Aida isn't going down without a fight, but as their struggle for dominance turns into a different kind of heat, they both realize that hating each other might be harder than they thought.
This is the first book in the Brutal Birthright series, which is easily one of my favorite Mafia romance series of all time. If you want to dabble in a dark romance, then this marriage of convenience is the perfect place to start. Just consider this your official warning: this series is incredibly addictive, so once you start you probably won't be able to stop at just one book.
The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
Nora Mackenzie's career as a sports agent is finally taking off, but there's one major hurdle: her first big client is her college ex-boyfriend, NFL star Derek Pender. Their breakup wasn't exactly graceful, and Derek is ready for some friendly revenge. But after a chaotic night in Vegas leads to a surprise marriage certificate, they decide to use the "fake" marriage to their advantage. As they start playing the part of a happy couple, they may realize the spark between them never actually went out.
This is a companion novel in a series, but can easily be read as a standalone without feeling lost. I enjoyed this cute sports romance, and it is more of a lighthearted romance (which is honestly something I think we all need sometimes). If you are looking for a story that focuses on the chemistry without the explicit details, then this is the perfect read for you, as it's a clean or closed-door romance.
Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher
Declan is next in line to lead his family's massive media empire, but there's one thing standing in his way: his grandfather's inheritance clause. To claim his CEO title, he has to get married and provide an heir. When his assistant, Iris, volunteers for the job, it seems like the perfect business arrangement. They have rules to keep things professional, but as their fake relationship starts to feel a little to real, Declan and Iris may realize that falling in love never was supposed to be a part of the deal.
I haven't had the chance to read this one yet, but I really enjoyed the first book in the series! This is the second installment in the Dreamland Billionaire series, and is an interconnected standalone. I like that these books follow the heirs of a massive theme park empire, as it adds such a unique, and magical backdrop to the romance that I haven't seen in any other books out there.
Whether you are looking for a high-stakes power struggle in the streets of Chicago, or a sweet slow-burn romance on a tulip farm, the marriage of convenience trope really does have something for everyone. I hope this list helps you find your next favorite read to help you conquer your 2026 TBR pile! Happy reading, and don't forget to let me know in the comments which of these you'll be picking up first.
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