25 Arranged Marriage Books You Can’t Help But Love

The Bride
by Julie Garwood

By edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice is Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison—a feisty, violet-eyed beauty.

Alec aches to touch her, to tame her, to possess her, forever. But Jamie has vowed never to surrender to a man she considers a highland barbarian.
 
Alec is everything Jamie’s heart has warned her against—an arrogant scoundrel whose rough good looks speak of savage pleasures.

While Kincaid’s scorching kisses set fire to her blood, she is determined to resist him until one rapturous moment quells their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her senses.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: Garwood dazzles with this arranged marriage book that is definitely one of the best romance books worth reading.

I never turn down a romance book with a hot Scot but it’s Jamie’s feistiness that really sold this book for me and which made their chemistry so fun to watch unfold on the page.

The Sweetest Oblivion
by Danielle Lori

Elena Abelli is the favored daughter, the perfect mafia principessa . . . or was. Now, all she can see in the mirror’s reflection is blood staining her hands like crimson paint.

In New York’s underworld, Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo. A made man, a boss, a cheat. After his and Elena’s first encounter, she realizes he’s just as rude as he is handsome.

She doesn’t like the man but that doesn’t stop her heart from racing, nor the shiver that ghosts down her spine, making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should.

Elena may be the Sweet Abelli on the outside, but she’s beginning to learn she has a taste for the darkness, for rough hands, cigarettes, and whiskey-colored eyes.

Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another. Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don’t fall in love with a Made Man . . . right?

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This arranged marriage book is one with a twist because it’s actually the heroine’s sister who is supposed to marry.

Given this forbidden romance angle, the tension and chemistry between Elena and Nicolas is totally HOT, and I just kept reading to get to the point that it finally boiled over.

This is definitely a five-star read and one I highly recommend!

The Kiss Thief
by L.J. Shen

They say your first kiss should be earned. Mine was stolen by a man in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky.

They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred. Mine were broken before we left church.

They say your heart only beats for one man. Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end.

I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit. Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage.

They say that all great love stories have a happy ending. I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This was my first L.J. Shen novel and I couldn’t put it down. Francesca may have been young but this woman does not just sit back and play the pawn role she’s been cast.

This book has a great love triangle angle but it’s the slow burn between the anti-hero and the woman he underestimates that makes this story oh so good.

Radiance
by Grace Draven

Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has been the heir to spare in his Kai kingdom, which is why his only worth is to wed a human to secure a political alliance between kingdoms.

Ildiko is the niece to the Gauri king and has resigned herself to her fate of marrying the young Kai prince.

Both Brishen and Ildiko see the other just as ugly in appearance as they expected on their wedding day and yet through a new-found friendship, they come to find each other more beautiful than either could imagine.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This was my first Grace Draven romance, and it made me a fan for life. She dazzled in this fantasy romance, arranged marriage book where the characters didn’t even “meet” until their wedding day.

While Brishen and Ildiko’s marriage was arranged to secure an alliance between their kingdoms, I love how they developed a beautiful friendship that morphed into something more. A must-read!

Check out my book review of Radiance.

You Can Have Manhattan
by P. Dangelico

Sydney Evans is no stranger to hard work. And with no family or friends to speak of it’s been easy to pour everything she has into her career as general counsel for Blackstone Holdings.

She wants for nothing. Until her boss offers her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. All she has to do in return is marry his good-for-nothing son.

Scott Blackstone used to be a party animal. But that all changed since he moved to Wyoming, bought a failing cattle ranch, and turned it into a profitable business.

All is good until a phone call from his father threatens the quiet, simple life he’s built. Marry a woman who can’t stand him or lose everything.

Scott is not going down without a fight and he’s never going back to Manhattan. Not if he can help it.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This is such a wonderful contemporary, forced marriage book with the best slow burn romance that only Dangelico can provide.

Sydney and Scott did NOT want to get married but they were coerced by Scott’s father and left no choice. Despite the circumstances, Sydney shines in this novel and is such a great example of a strong heroine that I want to root for to the bitter end.

Check out my book review of You Can Have Manhattan.

Never Love a Highlander
by Maya Banks

Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans.

While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. But Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan.

But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges.

She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: Banks’s entire McCabe trilogy is fantastic but I loved Caelen and Rionna’s story the best. Both characters agree to this arranged marriage for their own reasons and bring wounded hearts to the table.

Rionna is not a wallflower lass which is refreshing in a historical romance and Banks always brings the steam. I loved it and so will you.

Brutal Vows
by J.T. Geissinger

Reyna won’t allow her innocent niece to suffer the same way she did. So if the arrogant Irish mobster her brother sold her niece to thinks she’s going to play nice over their arranged marriage contract, he should think again.

Spider is supposed to marry sweet, beautiful Lili. So why can’t he stop thinking about her swamp witch of an aunt? Reyna who hates him. Reyna who challenges him.

Nothing good can come of what he’s feeling for a woman who’s not the one in the wedding contract he signed.

A woman he wants so much, he’ll have to burn the whole world down to get. If she doesn’t end him first.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: I adore Geissinger’s romance books because she writes the most intriguing characters and the hottest banter and of course, that rings true in this arranged marriage book.

It’s my favorite of her Queens and Monsters series and that’s saying something but I couldn’t help but fall totally enraptured by Spider and Reyna.

This is another arranged marriage book with a twist where Reyna was not the intended bride but she’s the perfect partner for Spider in this steamy read.

Check out my book review of Brutal Vows.

Kiss An Angel
by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Pretty, flighty Daisy Devreaux can either go to jail or marry the mystery man her father has chosen for her.

Arranged marriages don’t happen in the modern world, so how did the irrepressible Daisy find herself in this fix?

Alex Markov, as humorless as he is handsome, has no intention of playing the loving bridegroom to a spoiled little feather-head with champagne tastes.

He drags Daisy from her uptown life to a broken-down traveling circus and sets out to tame her to his ways.

But this man without a soul has met his match in a woman who’s nothing but heart. Before long, passion will send them flying sky high without a safety net… risking it all in search of a love that will last forever.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: If you haven’t read a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book then what are you waiting for? Seriously, start with this one and then read ALL of them.

I adore her writing, her characters, her stories…they are the full package. This one not only gives you a contemporary arranged marriage but one that plays itself out in a circus. Yep!

You’ll love Daisy who goes from privileged model to lover and protector of animals and of course the woman after Alex’s heart.

King of Wrath
by Ana Huang

Dante Russo thrives on control, both personally and professionally. The billionaire CEO never planned to marry—until the threat of blackmail forces him into an engagement with a woman he barely knows.

Vivian Lau, jewelry heiress and daughter of his newest enemy.

It doesn’t matter how beautiful or charming she is. He’ll do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and their betrothal. There’s only one problem: now that he has her…he can’t bring himself to let her go.

Vivian Lau is the perfect daughter and her family’s ticket into the highest echelons of high society. Marrying a blue-blooded Russo means opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to her new-money family.

While the rude, elusive Dante isn’t her idea of a dream partner, she agrees to their arranged marriage out of duty. Craving his touch was never part of the plan. Neither was the worst thing she could possibly do: fall in love with her future husband.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: I was chomping at the bit to read this one when the tension between Dante and Vivian was already jumping off the page in Twisted Lies, the last book in Huang’s Twisted Love series. The enemies to lovers set up for this arranged marriage kept that tension and chemistry simmering.

I think you’ll love this arranged marriage book if you love alpha males who are trying to protect their loved ones.

Related: King of Wrath Series Order

Cruel Marriage
by K.A. Linde

I signed on the dotted line. A marriage contract to seal my union with the devil. I thought I knew what I was doing. His money and name were mine for the taking.

But Camden Percy always gets exactly what he wants. And what he wants is me—my body, my obedience, my surrender. He wants to break me. But I’m Katherine Van Pelt. I’ll never break. I’ll never beg. I’ll never give in.

Except I promised him one more thing—a baby. A Percy heir. There’s no way out of this one. Either I comply or lose everything. 

Do I risk the husband I’m just learning to love or will I finally breakdown in this cruel marriage?

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This is the sixth book in Linde’s Cruel series but can easily be read as a standalone. If you want to see two strong-willed characters go at it head-to-head then this is the arranged marriage book for you!

Talon
by Carian Cole

After three years of singlehood and endless bad dates, at twenty-five years old, I’d like to settle down with a great guy and start a family.

That’s why I fill out the application to join a marriage experiment and agree to marry a total stranger.

I asked for a stable, funny, smart, clean-cut, caring, family-oriented man. But when I get to the altar, I find a guy covered in tattoos with wild hair and a hot grin waiting for me.

Talon Valentine. A rock star. A famous rock star. I wanted to run. So did he. But we stayed and said our vows, determined to commit to the experiment.

We fought. We laughed. We cried. We went from not being able to stand each other to not being able to keep our hands off each other. To our surprise, we fell in love.

But then tragedy struck, cracking our fragile foundation, leaving us wondering how this six-month marriage experiment would end.

Will one—or both of us—choose to get divorced, or will we finally get the happily ever after we both dreamed of?

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: OMG this book sounds like a reality TV show waiting to happen…wait there is one just like it! Gah!

I love how this arranged marriage takes two opposites who actually want to find love and puts them together in the most outrageous way.

It’s watching them fall in love and then stay in love that is the beauty of this romance.

Rebel Hard
by Nalini Singh

Nayna Sharma agreed to an arranged marriage in the hope it would heal the fractures in her beloved family only to realize too late that a traditional marriage is her personal nightmare.

Panicked, she throws caution to the winds and ends up in the arms of a tall hunk of a man who she manages to mortally insult between one kiss and the next.

Abandoned as a child, then adopted into a loving family, Raj Sen believes in tradition, in continuity.

He may be old-fashioned and want a life defined by rules but he can’t stop thinking about the woman who kissed him and then disappeared.

When his parents spring an introduction on him, the last woman he expects is her. Beautiful. Maddening. A rule breaker in the making.

He’s all wrong for her. She’s all wrong for him. And love is about to make rebels of them both.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This arranged marriage focuses on the idea of tradition, family and finding love in someone you didn’t think would be your perfect match AT ALL.

If you love opposites attract love stories and strong heroines, then this is the book for you.

The Reluctant Bride
by Monica Murphy

One moment I’m the forgotten daughter of one of the most wealthy families in the country, and the next I’m the blushing bride in an arranged marriage. My fate is sealed in my wedded union with a complete stranger.

In public, Perry Constantine is the life of the party. Easygoing. Adored. In private, he’s brooding. Dark. Angry. But so am I.

It’s a contest of wills to see who will break in the bedroom first, and while I try to remain strong, I find myself craving the very man I swore to hate.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: Be forewarned that this arranged marriage book ends on a cliffhanger as it’s book one in the Wedded Bliss trilogy.

Entering a marriage you didn’t want or plan can be tricky but when you feel attraction to your partner everything gets even more blurry.

Jump on this ride if you want another contemporary romance.

To Have and to Hate
by R.S. Grey

Marry a man I barely know to save my family from ruin. It might’ve been simple, if my betrothed were anybody else.

On our wedding day, my husband-to-be arrived at the courthouse like a black cloud rolling over Manhattan. Walt didn’t crack smiles or pepper in pleasantries as we exchanged hollow vows in front of the judge.

His disdain for me was so palpable I assumed we’d walk out of that ceremony and resume our regularly scheduled programming. But then fate had other plans.

In desperate need of help and with nowhere else to turn, I had no choice but to ignore a crucial rule in our contract: I shall only contact Mr. Jennings II in case of emergency.  Now I’m living with my husband and I’m not sure if either of us will make it out alive.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: I like arranged marriage books where both main characters REALLY don’t want any part in their marriage. That was the deal between Walt and Elizabeth, even agreeing to date other people while married, but a bit of forced proximity changes things. Throw in a bit of age gap and a slow burn romance and this is an arranged marriage romance book not to be missed.

A Princess in Theory
by Alyssa Cole

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales, or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! 

As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage.

Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: I love Cole’s take on a modern, Cinderella story where a former foster kid finds her Prince Charming.

Who wouldn’t want to marry a prince? But, if it was already arranged before I even met him or knew about my heritage, I may have a different take on the matter.

Hidden identities are such a fun angle to romance books and this royal romance does it right.

The Wild Heir
by Karina Halle

Crown Prince Magnus of Norway may love chasing adventure and other devious thrills with the woman of the week, but his latest scandal just landed his entire royal family in hot water.

Now the only way the monarchy can save face is for him to smarten up – publicly, or he’ll no longer be heir apparent to the throne.

So it’s either abdicate his future role as King or get married to a blue-blooded stranger, Princess Isabella of the tiny country of Liechtenstein.

Quiet, intelligent, and uniquely beautiful, Ella doesn’t like this arrangement any more than he does and she’s not afraid to show it.

But even as their arranged marriage becomes a test of wit and words, he’s determined to break through Ella’s prim and proper façade to uncover the woman underneath and the Queen inside her.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: I love wild rebel heroes in my romance books and Magnus is definitely one reckless man who is reluctant to settle down even if he is to become king.

But Ella is a heroine I adore who may have one image she portrays on the outside and quite another behind closed doors.

Halle’s royal romance books are the best and this one is such a good arranged marriage novel.

Brutal Prince
by Sophie Lark

Callum Griffin is the heir to the Irish Mafia. He’s ruthless, arrogant, and he wants nothing to do with me.

But after I accidentally start a teeny, tiny fire, now our families believe a marriage pact is the only thing that will prevent all-out chaos.

I won’t go down without a fight, even if he is good looking. I’ve got a lockbox around my heart. And even if I’m forced to marry him, I could never love a brutal prince.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: It’s refreshing to find a mafia, forced marriage romance novel where the heroine isn’t a fragile virgin.

This is definitely an enemies to lovers story where Callum and Aida marry to bind their families and yet they really can’t stand each other. Pranks aside, this is actually a light romance and quick read.

Bound by Honor
by Cora Reilly

Born into one of the leading mob families in Chicago, Aria Scuderi struggles to find her own path in a world where no choices are given.

Aria was only fifteen when her parents betrothed her to Luca – The Vice – Vitiello, the oldest son of the head of the New York Cosa Nostra to ensure peace between the two families.

Aria is terrified of marrying a man she hardly knows. In her world a handsome exterior often hides the monster within.

The only way to escape the marriage to Luca would be to run away and leave everything she’s ever known behind but Aria can’t bear the thought of never seeing her family again.

Despite her fear, she decides to go through with the marriage; Aria has grown up among predators like Luca and knows that even most cold-hearted bastards have a heart and she has every intention of working her way into Luca’s.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: Now for the mafia arranged romance book with the gentle virgin staring Aria…

I loved how this book focuses on the early days of Aria and Luca’s arranged marriage and the will they or won’t they consummate their nuptials. If you love alpha males, then you’ll really like Luca in this one.

Dark Succession
by Katee Robert

Teague O’Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family’s name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a “business” alliance, Teague’s ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions.

But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O’Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn’t aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power.

His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they’re in. Because Callie’s keeping a dark secret-and what Teague doesn’t know could end him.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: So I may have soft spot for romance heroes who optimize what it means to be a protector. While Teague wants nothing to do with his crime family antics, he is forced to marry Callie who has become the one in charge for her family.

This is one of Robert’s earlier works you should definitely check out.

Sweet Temptation
By Cora Reilly

The first time Cassio meets his fiancée, she calls him “sir.” After losing his wife, Cassio is left to take care of two small children while trying to establish his rule over Philadelphia.

Now he needs a mother for his children and someone who can warm his bed at night. But in a world as traditional as his, choosing your wife is duty not pleasure.

That’s how he ends up with a woman—a girl—barely of age. She may not be what he and his children need, but she’s lovely and a sweet temptation he can’t resist.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This book has made a few lists because it weaves together so many romance book tropes including arranged marriage!

But this is the pick for those who also like an age gap story with an alpha male at the helm.

Mafia King
by L. Steele

Michael Byron Domenico Sovrano – The Capo of Sicily’s notorious Mafia company. My father owed him, so he took me to repay the debt.

He’s out to destroy me, but I’ll go toe to toe with him every step of the way. I’ll do everything to make him fall for me. Then he reveals his secret…

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: I haven’t yet read this arranged marriage romance but I added it for those who love a good billionaire hero. It’s a bit of a darker romance that starts with a kidnapping so there you go! 

Because I Need You
by Claire Contreras

One minute Isabel Bonetti ismourning the sudden loss of my father, and the next, she’s grappling with the inheritance he left her and the truth that he married her off to a complete stranger without her consent.

Showing up at her supposed husband’s nightclub, she’s determined to leave with divorce papers signed, but nothing can prepare me for the man that awaits me on the other side of those doors.

Giovanni Masseria wants nothing to do with the marriage set up by his father until he’s told what staying married to her would mean for the empire he’s slowly trying to build.

There’s no harm in staying married a little longer to cash out on those promises and then cut ties with her. But he can’t seem to escape her presence and soon can’t seem to stop reminding her who he is – her husband.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: So, this is an arranged romance where the husband and wife didn’t realize they are already married. It’s such a great set up to this enemies to lovers story that sizzles!

Savage Vow
by Zoe Blake

I took her innocence as payment. She was far too young and naïve to be betrothed to a monster like me. I would bring only pain and darkness into her sheltered world.

That’s why she ran. I should’ve just let her go. She never asked to marry into a powerful mafia family. Unfortunately for her, I don’t care.

I own her, and after three years of searching, I’ve found her. My runaway bride was about to learn disobedience has consequences – punishing ones.

Having her in my arms and under my control had become an obsession. Nothing was going to keep me from claiming her before the eyes of God and man. She’s finally mine now, and I’m never letting her go.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: This is a darker arranged marriage book with a flare for BDSM if that is your fancy.

It also pairs an alpha male with a his younger, betrothed wife who would rather run from the dominant, possessive man who loves his kink.

Tempest
by Beverly Jenkins

What kind of mail-order bride greets her intended with a wound instead of a kiss? One like Regan Carmichael—an independent spirit equally at home in denims and dresses.

Shooting Dr. Colton Lee in the shoulder is an honest error, but soon Regan wonders if her entire plan to marry a man she’s never met is a mistake.

Colton, who buried his heart along with his first wife, insists he only wants someone to care for his daughter. Yet Regan is drawn to the unmistakable desire in his gaze.

Regan’s far from the docile bride Colton was expecting. Still, few women would brave the wilds of Wyoming Territory for an uncertain future with a widower and his child.

The thought of having a bold, forthright woman like Regan in his life—and in his arms—begins to inspire a new dream.

And despite his family’s disapproval and an unseen enemy, he’ll risk all to make this match a real union of body and soul.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: I love it when authors pen strong heroines in historical romances and Jenkins does it best with her historical Westerns.

See these two headstrong characters find their way with each other and in their town in this arranged romance book.

Kit McBride Gets a Wife
by Amy Barry

Kit McBride knows that Buck’s Creek, Montana, is no place to find a wife. Between him and his three brothers, they manage all right on their own.

But unbeknownst to Kit, his sister is tired of cleaning, cooking, and mending for her big brothers, so she places an ad in The Matrimonial News to get them hitched.
 
After Maddy Mooney emigrated from Ireland, she found employment with an eccentric but poor widow. When her mistress decides to answer an ad for a mail-order bride, Madd​y is dragged along for the ride to Montana.

But en route to the West, Maddy is suddenly abandoned and left to assume the widow’s name, position, and matrimonial prospects. With no other recourse in the wilderness, Maddy must convince Kit she’s the wife he never knew he needed.

Why I Recommend This Arranged Marriage Book: Now this romance has a classic arranged marriage storyline that I’m so excited to check out. Kit is getting a mail-order-bride only it’s not the intended bride who arrives.

This is another Western, historical romance for those that like their books with a bit of humor!