Trope Tuesday: Marriage of Convenience — Our 8 Favorite Picks

genredpodcast
Sep 7
2 min read

Updated: Sep 8

Quick definition:

Two people say “I do” for reasons that aren’t love—business clauses, political alliances, survival, or mutual benefit—and then catch real feelings anyway. Expect forced proximity, secret softness, and “we said vows…so why does this feel different?”

Why this list?

You’ve been asking for delicious contract-to-couple stories across romance and fantasy. These are our comfort picks when we want stakes, tension, and payoff.

Our Favorites (with vibes)

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Vibes: arranged marriage, enemies across the aisle, knife-edge trust, sweeping fantasy

Why we love it: A strategic union with world-level consequences—and chemistry that sizzles through every negotiation.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Vibes: alliance marriage, rivals species energy, grumpy x grumpier, dry banter

Why we love it: A pragmatic pact that turns into a problem…because feelings refuse to stay off the contract.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Vibes: family duty, societal pressure, slow-burn restraint, classic swoon

Why we love it: The OG “marriage as practicality vs. passion” conversation—Austen’s wit still slaps.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Vibes: forced vows, witch x witch-hunter, enemies under one roof, spark-and-spite

Why we love it: A ceremonial bind neither asked for that becomes the safest place to land.

Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher

Vibes: workplace clause, CEO x assistant, grumpy/cinnamon roll, public façade → private feelings

Why we love it: A checkbox marriage that turns into the best item on the list.

In the Veins of the Drowning

Vibes: life-and-death stakes, reluctant vows, dangerous world, loyalty tested

Why we love it: Survival first, but the partnership gets complicated in all the right (read: romantic) ways.

Play Along by Liz Tomforde

Vibes: contract marriage as a favor, big-city sparkle, found partnership, flirty banter

Why we love it: Starts as practical, becomes personal; the kind of slow shift you feel in your chest.

Bourbon & Proof by Victoria Wilder

Vibes: small-town distillery drama, pact to keep the peace, protective promise, heat + heart

Why we love it: A marriage that steadies the storm…until it lights a new kind of fire.

Join the conversation

Tell us your favorite marriage-of-convenience moment: the best “fake the feelings” scene, cleverest contract clause, or the chapter where it flips from practical to passionate.