10 Best Arranged Marriage Romance Books [2023]
by Ryan Hart | Updated on August 9, 2023 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Arranged marriage romance novels typically follow a storyline where the main characters are forced into a marriage by their families or cultural traditions. Despite their initial reluctance, the characters eventually fall in love and overcome obstacles to be together.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best arranged marriage romance novels on the market and provide insight into what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or a newcomer, we’ve got you covered.
What is the best-arranged marriage romance novel?
If you’re a fan of romance novels, then you know that arranged marriages are a popular trope in the genre. From historical to contemporary, these novels explore the complexities of arranged marriages and the journey of falling in love with someone you didn’t choose for yourself.
In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best arranged marriage romance novels that will make you swoon, laugh, and cry:
1. The Kiss Quotient
In The Kiss Quotient, Stella Lane, an accomplished econometrician with Asperger’s Syndrome, hires an escort to help her improve her sexual skills and gain more confidence in her dating life.
As she and her escort, Michael Phan, begin to develop real feelings for each other, they must navigate the challenges of their different backgrounds and the expectations of their families and communities.
2. The Marriage Clock
The Marriage Clock tells the story of Leila, a young Muslim-American woman whose family pressures her to find a husband before she turns thirty.
As the deadline approaches, Leila goes on a series of dates with men her parents have chosen for her, hoping to find “the one” before time runs out. Along the way, she grapples with her own desires and her family and community expectations.
While the book provides an interesting look at the complexities of arranged marriage in Muslim-American culture, some readers may find the main character, Leila, to be shallow and immature.
However, the book is an easy read and features fun details and side characters that add depth to the story.
3. The Duchess Deal
In The Duchess Deal, the Duke of Ashbury needs an heir and proposes a marriage of convenience to seamstress Emma Gladstone.
As they navigate their new relationship, they discover that there is more between them than just duty. The story is well-written and engaging, with a good balance of romance, humor, and drama.
The characters are likable and have good chemistry, making their romance feel genuine and heartfelt. The dialogue is witty and entertaining, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book.
However, some readers may find the book too predictable, as the story’s outcome is obvious from the beginning. Additionally, the story’s historical accuracy may be questionable, as some of the language and behavior of the characters may only partially be accurate for the time period.
4. An Extraordinary Union
An Extraordinary Union is a well-written and engaging novel that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
The unique twist of having a free Black woman as the lead character, and the backdrop of the Civil War, adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story.
Elle and Malcolm’s love story is steamy and passionate, and their respective missions add an extra layer of tension and drama to the plot.
However, the fact that the novel is part of a series may be a drawback for some readers, as they may need to read the other books to fully understand the story and characters.
5. The Unwanted Wife
In The Unwanted Wife, Alessandro Moretti marries Theresa Noble solely for business reasons but soon realizes that he has fallen in love with her.
However, Theresa cannot forgive him for how he treated her in the past, and the two of them struggle to make their marriage work.
The book is a great blend of romance, drama, and emotional turmoil. The characters are relatable, and their struggles are portrayed realistically. The story is well-paced, and the writing is engaging, making it a page-turner.
6. Marriage For One
Marriage For One narrates the tale of Rose, a positive and happy woman who faces a predicament when her sister flees from an agreed marriage.
In order to save her family’s reputation, Rose agrees to take her sister’s place and marry Jack, a brooding and distant man who wants nothing to do with her. Rose and Jack are in a new relationship and are starting to have feelings for each other.
However, they both seem to be too stubborn to admit it. The slow-burn romance is well-executed, with plenty of banter and tension between the two characters.
The plot twist at the end adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, making it stand out from other romance novels.
7. When Dimple Met Rishi
When Dimple Met Rishi follows the story of two Indian-American teenagers, Dimple and Rishi, who are set up by their parents for an arranged marriage.
While Dimple is initially resistant to the idea, Rishi is excited to meet his future wife. As they attend a summer program together, they begin to get to know each other and develop feelings for one another.
The book does a great job of exploring the complexities of cultural identity and family expectations, making it a relatable read for many. The characters are well-developed and diverse, adding depth to the story.
Keep in mind that the book is marketed towards a young adult audience, so it may not be the best fit for those looking for a more mature romance novel.
8. A Wicked Kind of Husband
In A Wicked Kind of Husband, Cassandra and Joshua are married but have barely spoken since their wedding day two years ago. Cassandra travels to London against Joshua’s wishes to launch her sister into society, and chaos ensues.
The banter between Cassandra and Joshua is entertaining, and the plot keeps you engaged.
The book may not be for everyone, as some readers may find the romance a bit slow-burn and the tone grittier than other historical romance novels. Additionally, the ending may leave some readers wanting more closure.
However, if you enjoy witty banter and well-developed characters, A Wicked Kind of Husband might be worth checking out.
9. The Wedding Date
In The Wedding Date, two strangers, Alexa and Drew, meet in an elevator and end up agreeing to be on each other’s dates for a wedding.
As they spend more time with each other, they start having feelings for one another, but their long-distance relationship and personal insecurities threaten to keep them apart.
The novel is a fun and heartwarming read, perfect for anyone in the mood for a romantic story. The characters are likable and well-rounded, and their chemistry is believable and enjoyable to watch.
While the plot may not be original, it’s executed well and keeps the reader engaged.
10. The Arrangement
The Arrangement tells the story of a young, rich, blind man who marries a younger woman to save her and satisfy his family’s expectations. The novel explores their relationship and how they navigate their new life together.
Mary Balogh’s writing is known for being heartfelt and engaging, and The Arrangement is no exception.
While the book may not be for everyone due to its slower pacing and older publication date, it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a romance novel with a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arranged marriage romance book?
An arranged marriage romance book is a story where the main characters are married not because they chose each other, but because someone else decided for them. Still, they find love and happiness together. These books often include elements of family and cultural values, as well as exploration of relationships in non-traditional settings.
Are these books based on real stories?
While some books may be inspired by true events, most arranged marriage romance novels are fictional. They are created by authors using their imagination. They often create intricate stories with a lot of drama, and characters who are either in or want to be in an arranged marriage. While some authors may draw from their own experiences or those of people they know, the stories themselves tend to be works of fiction.
Are these books suitable for young readers?
Most arranged marriage romance books are written for adults because they often contain mature themes. Always check the book’s suggested age rating.
Do these books only involve certain cultures?
No, arranged marriage romance books cover a variety of cultures worldwide. They provide a way to learn about different traditions and customs. The stories can also be used to gain insight into how arranged marriages work in various parts of the world. They often show the challenges faced by couples as they navigate their new relationship, and how love can ultimately grow.
Bottom Line
Arranged marriage romance novels are a fascinating sub-genre in the world of romance literature. They present intriguing narratives that challenge our perceptions of love and relationships.
These stories often start with two strangers brought together by tradition, but they end with two hearts deeply in love. Reading these books can broaden our horizons and give us a glimpse into different cultural practices around love and marriage.
So, if you’re looking for a love story with a twist, an arranged marriage romance book might just be your next favorite read.
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Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.
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