When it comes to arranged marriage romance novels… you either love them or you hate them.
If you’re an avid reader of romance novels, then more likely than not, you’ve come across at least one – even if it is a historical romance! – arranged marriage book.
Falling under the umbrella of forced proximity trolls and fated mates tropes in fantasy romances, an arranged marriage trope is designed to bring together two main characters who otherwise wouldn’t say “Boo” to one another on the street.
Therefore, when it comes to this trope, there is usually an element of enemies-to-lovers involved. With a range of marriage-avoiding tactics and tender emotions – it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
As with many tropes, there is a wide variety of arranged marriage forms. Therefore, for this list, we have tried to stick to novels that feature the above-mentioned definition.
With this in mind, this guide will explore everything you need to know about the most beautiful arranged marriage romance books that you need to read.
Let’s get started.
The Bride by Julie Garwood
By the king’s edict, the powerful Scottish laird, Alec Kincaid, has to marry an English bride.
This is where Jamie comes in. The youngest daughter of Baron Jamison, Jamie is as beautiful as she is feisty – something Alec is soon to find out.
Alec wants nothing more than to tame her, touch her, and possess her. However, Jamie has vowed to herself to never surrender to someone she considers a barbarian – and Alec is nothing short of one.
Jamie must protect her heart from this scoundrel whose arrogance and good looks speak nothing but pleasure.
Despite his scorching kisses that set her blood alight, Jamie is determined to resist his advances until one moment quells their clashing desires – and something much more dangerous than desire threatens to take over her.
If you’re a fan of arranged marriages, then you’re sure to love this spicy book. In fact, it’s Jamie’s fitness and the main character’s chemistry that will leave you wanting more.
To Kiss A Thief by Susanna Craig
Set in Georgian England, this novel combines romance with criminal intrigue. After an arranged marriage to the wealthy viscount, Sarah Pevensey hopes she’ll come to love her husband.
However, after the wedding, her whole life falls apart. Sarah is accused of being a thief. As a result, she runs away from the rumors and the life she could’ve lived.
Once the viscount reunites with Sarah – who has created a new life for herself in a small village – he no longer knows if he can trust her… or his heart.
If you enjoy historical fiction, then this is the perfect book for you. The author has meticulously researched Georgian England to successfully transport readers back to this imaginary period of London.
Radiance by Grace Draven
To unite their two kingdoms, Brishen Khaskem, the prince of the Kai, and Ildiko, the niece of the king, must marry. A big price to pay for two people who can’t stand each other.
Despite being forced into this arrangement, Brishen and Ildiko soon realize there is more to their union than duty and politics.
Between the precarious political landscape and the shaky union of their kingdoms, Ildiko and Brishen must forgo their honeymoon to prevent their kingdoms from tearing themselves apart.
If you’re interested in slow-burn fantasy novels with unique worlds, arranged marriages, and hilarious bickering, then Radiance is the perfect book for you.
A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
Naledi Smith, a STEM grad student, and an epidemiologist-in-training, certainly doesn’t have time for spam emails that claim she is to be betrothed to an African prince.
On the other hand, Prince Thabiso, the prince of Africa and the heir to the Thesolo throne, definitely doesn’t have time to chase his absentee childhood fiancée halfway across the world.
What Naledi doesn’t know is when she was a child, an agreement was orchestrated between the two. However, her family has since fled Thesolo under mysterious circumstances.
Although, what Thabiso doesn’t know is that Naledi doesn’t have any desire of becoming a princess in her five-year plan.
The Sweetest Oblivion by Daniella Lori
Elena Abelli is the perfect mafia principessa… or she thought she was. Now, when she looks in the mirror, all she can see are her hands painted red.
Set in New York City’s underworld, Elena’s sister is proposed to be married to Nicholas Russo – a made-man, a boss, and a cheat.
After meeting Nicholas, Elena realizes that he is just as rude as he is handsome. Despite detesting the man, she can’t stop her heart from racing every encounter.
On the outside, Elena may seem like the sweet Abelli, however, she is beginning to learn she has a taste for darkness – or more specifically, whiskey-colored eyes, rough hands, and cigarettes.
However, having already barely escaped one scandal, she can’t be swept up into another. Besides, even if he was hers, everyone knows you can’t fall for a Made Man.
This arranged marriage book features a twist whereby the heroine’s sister is the one getting married.
Thanks to this forbidden romance, the chemistry, and tension between Nicholas and Elena is only enhanced.
To Wed A Highlander by Michele Sinclair
When it comes to the people we love, sometimes we have to make sacrifices.
This is true for Makenna Dunstan – a witty and sharp heroine who has to sacrifice her independence to keep the citizens of her Scottish lowland clan safe.
Therefore, she decides to marry Colin McTiernay, a highlander who can be compared to as more of a brute than a gentleman.
In exchange for Colin’s promise to keep her clan safe, Makenna decides to give Colin her hand in marriage.
However, before long, Makenna finds out that her decision may have been less of a sacrifice than she realized.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Lousie le Blanc flees to the City of Cesarine where easily blends in as a common thief – hiding her true identity as a witch.
If the wrong person finds out her secret, she is at risk of being burned at the stake since witches are feared and hunted.
Reid Diggory is a Chasseur (a huntsman) for the Church and has one duty: kill all witches. However, when he finds himself in a predicament with Lou, she pulls a sly move that ends with the two coming husband and wife.
If you’re obsessed with witches, magic, and deadly villains, then you’re going to love this enemies-to-lovers book with quick-witted heroines and questionable heroes all wrapped up in an arranged marriage.
His Inherited Princess by Empi Baryeh
After waking up from a two-week coma, India Saena, Princess of Bagumi, learns the tragic news that her husband has died in an accident during their honeymoon.
As a result of the tragedy, she finds out she has “inherited” his younger brother.
This is where Sheikh Omar El Dansuri comes in. He doesn’t want a crown, let alone a wife, and comes to believe that his new financée may just be the reason his brother is dead.
Despite not agreeing with these circumstances, India knows it’s the only way to save her kingdom from economic disaster.
Since her husband is now dead, a tradition in Omar’s kingdom means that she is now his bride.
While neither of them can trust each other, they both understand the importance of this union and must live with it one way or another.
The Kiss Thief by L.J.Shen
It is usually believed that your first kiss should be earned. However, this wasn’t the case for Francesa Rossi who had her kiss stolen by a masquerade man under the Chicago night sky.
Instead of performing sacred vows on your wedding day, Francesc’s were broken before she even left the church.
Your heart should only beat for one man, however, Francesa finds herself in the middle of a battle between two rivals who will fight to the very end.
Francesca was promised to Angelo Bandini – the heir to one of the most powerful families in Chicago… that was until she was taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton – the person who holds her father’s sins and forced her into this marriage.
Each love story is said to have a happy ending. However, this isn’t the case for Francesa who finds herself erasing and re-writing her story until the very last chapter.
This is a slow-burn novel that follows the story of the anti-hero and the women he severely underestimates to provide you with a complex and intoxicating read.
Final Thoughts
Are you a fan of all the drama involved in an arranged marriage novel and simply can’t get enough of them? Then you’re in the right place.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some inspiration for the most beautiful arranged marriage romance books that you need to read.