One great 'marriage of convenience' story is 'The Proposal'. In this movie, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a Canadian executive who faces deportation from the United States. She convinces her assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her for convenience. Their relationship starts off purely as a business deal but gradually evolves into real feelings as they get to know each other better during a trip to Alaska. It's a heartwarming and humorous take on the concept of a marriage of convenience.
Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' also has elements of a marriage of convenience. Charlotte Lucas's decision to marry Mr. Collins is mainly for financial security. Austen masterfully shows how different characters view marriage, with some being more practical and others more romantic.
One great 'marriage of convenience' novel is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It has a really engaging plot where the two main characters start off as office rivals but end up in a marriage of convenience. Their relationship development is full of banter and chemistry. Another is 'Fake Fiancée' by Ilsa Madden - Mills. The story of the couple pretending to be engaged for various reasons and then falling in love is really sweet. And 'Marriage for One' by Ella Maise also stands out. It shows how a marriage of convenience can turn into something more meaningful over time.
A popular choice is 'Marriage for One' by Ella Maise. In this novel, the heroine enters into a marriage of convenience with a mysterious hero. The story unfolds as they get to know each other better and feelings start to develop. It's a sweet and heartwarming read. Also, 'The Unhoneymooners' by Christina Lauren has a bit of a marriage - of - convenience - like situation that leads to a lot of fun and romance.
Well, 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang is often considered among the best. The main characters enter into a sort of arranged - like situation which is similar to a marriage of convenience. It delves deep into the relationship as they get to know each other better. Also, 'Marriage for One' by Ella Maise is a great example. The story of a woman who marries a man for a specific reason and then they have to figure out their relationship is really engaging. Then there's 'Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake' by Sarah MacLean. Although it's a historical romance, it has elements of the two main characters coming together in a situation that can be compared to a marriage of convenience, and it's been very popular among contemporary readers who like that trope.
'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston is also a wonderful choice. It involves a political situation where a fake relationship for diplomatic convenience between two characters from different countries (one a prince) develops into a beautiful love story. There are elements of humor, family drama, and of course, the growing romantic feelings between the two main characters.
The emotional journey is crucial. The best novels in this genre take the readers on a ride from the initial awkwardness or indifference in the marriage of convenience to the gradual realization of love. There should be moments of self - discovery for the characters as well. For instance, a character might realize that they are capable of loving someone they initially married for practical reasons, and this transformation should be well - written and engaging.
I would recommend 'Marriage for One'. It has a simple and straightforward plot about a marriage of convenience. The story is easy to follow and the relationship development between the two main characters is quite charming. Also, 'To Have and to Hoax' is a good start. It's not too complex and shows how a marriage of convenience can be used as a plot device in a historical romance setting.
One common theme is the initial lack of love. The couple gets married mainly for practical reasons like financial security, social status, or to avoid a certain situation, such as deportation or losing property. For example, in many modern - day rom - coms with this plot, the characters start off not having any romantic feelings for each other.
One that often comes to mind is 'Beauty and the Beast' (in its novel form). Belle is sort of in a situation where she has to stay with the Beast, and over time their relationship develops. It can be considered a type of marriage of convenience as she is there not because of initial love but due to circumstances. Additionally, in 'A Kingdom of Dreams' by Judith McNaught, the main characters are brought together in a marriage that is more about politics and power at first, but love blossoms later on.