Ep 264: Marriage of Convenience

August 10, 2025August 10, 2025 Becky

From Contract to Chemistry: The Marriage of Convenience Romance

On this episode of Buzzing About Romance, we’re diving deep into one of the most beloved tropes in the genre the Marriage of Convenience. From hastily signed papers to “just until this problem is solved” vows, these stories give us all the forced proximity, sizzling tension, and slow-burn feelings we crave. We’ll talk about why this trope works so well, the unique twists authors bring to it, and the books that deliver all the swoony, inconveniently perfect romance we love.

Discussion Points:

How do we define Marriage of Convenience vs Arranged Marriage?
Why does this trope work so well in modern romance?
What Makes This Trope So Addictive?
Why Marriage of Convenience ≠ Arranged Marriage
Tropes That Often Tag Along

Book of the Week:

Books Mentioned this Episode:

The Billionaire’s Fake Wife setup

Marriage for One (Ella Maise)
The Billionaire’s Fake Wife by L. Steele
Marry Lies by Amanda Richardson
Axel by Samantha Whiskey
Dangerous King by Sienna Snow
The Negotiator by Avery Flynn
The Initiation (Filthy Rich Americans, #1) by Nikki Sloane
Forever with the Ceo by Layla Hagen
Sincerely, Your Inconvenient Wife by Julia Wolf

inheritance Clause Marriages

Terms and Conditions – Lauren Asher
The Faking Game (The Billionaire Games Book 1) by Olivia Hayle
The Wife Situation by Lyra Parrish
Reluctantly Royal- Erin Nicholas
The Tycoon by M. O’Keefe
My Darling Bride (The Darlings, #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon
The Exception by Jenna Hartley

Saving the Family Farm or Business

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – Holiday-themed, Xmas-tree farm, social media contest, fake boyfriend for promotion—and yes, farm saved!

To protect Reputations:

Playing to Win by Kelly Jamieson
To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise
Call Me Crazy by Melanie Harlow
Dax by Sawyer Bennett
Lick by Kylie Scott
Fake by Kylie Scott
THe Nanny and the Heartthrob
Hockey Wife by Kate Meader
The Trail Blazer by Gina Azzi
Faker by Gina Azzi
Lead Me Knot by SL Scott
Dirty Groom by Mira Lyn Kelly
The Contract by Melanie Moreland
In a Rush by Kate Canterbary

Custody
Rancher’s Strength (Flying Diamond 5 Cowboy Romance Book 4) by Bonnie Poirier

The Bluff by Deveny Perry

Irresistibly Wild by J Saman

Beautifully Broken Redemption by Catherine Cowles (for her niece and nephew)

Everything He Couldn’t by Harlow James

TBR Reads:
Fair Trade by Millie Perez

To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise
Axel by Samantha Whiskey
In a Jam by Kate Canterbury
The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders
Say Yes to the Boss by Olivia Hayle
Shenanigans by Sarina Bowen
A Chance for Us by Corrine Michaels
The Temporary Wife by Catharina Maura
The Marriage Effect by Karla Sorensen
Between Commitment and Betrayal by Shain Rose
Bossman Bridegroom by Meghan Quinn
To Have and to Hate by RS Grey
The Wrong Husband by Maya Alden
Stealing Hearts by Lex Martin
Return to Coal Haven Series by Marie Johnston
Reason to Believe by Rebecca Yarros

Marriage for One by Ella Maise

Homecoming King (Three Kings 1) by Penny Reid

Marriage of Inconvenience (KNITC book 7) by Penny Reid

In a Jam Kate Canterbary

The Contract by Melaine Moreland

Shattered Vows by Shain Rose

Marry Lies (Ravaged Castle) by Amanda Richardson

Plan B by Jana Aston