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There’s something utterly enchanting about diving into a royal romance—especially when it involves an arranged marriage. Maybe it’s the allure of hidden palaces and ancient customs, or the drama of two people forced together by duty, tradition, or scandal… only to discover something deeper simmering beneath the surface. If you’re anything like me, the arranged marriage trope never gets old. It’s got all the ingredients of a deliciously slow burning love story. Tension, misunderstandings, unexpected vulnerability, and—let’s be honest—a whole lot of swoony moments.
In arranged marriage royal romance books, you’re not just getting a couple thrown together for convenience—you’re stepping into a world of crowns, kingdoms, family expectations, and forbidden longing. There’s just something about watching a cold, distant prince slowly unravel for the woman he never meant to love. Or a stubborn princess who swore she’d never fall for the man her family picked… until she sees who he is underneath the title. These stories are perfect for readers who crave emotional depth with a side of fantasy and fairy-tale drama.
Whether it’s a rebellious modern-day royal who wants nothing to do with tradition. Or a reluctant noblewoman caught between heart and heritage, these arranged marriage royal romance books are brimming with charm, conflict, and that irresistible “we weren’t supposed to fall in love” energy. So get cozy, pour yourself something warm (or bubbly—your call!), and get ready to be swept away into worlds where love isn’t chosen… until it is.
Steamy Arranged Marriage Novels with Royals
Chasing Down Her Highness by Fiona West
Edward has been patient. Five years. He waited for his best friend (and betrothed) to return home and fulfill the marriage contract they signed. But he can’t wait anymore. Embroiled in a war he fears he can’t win, he must ascend the throne ASAP with Abbie ruling beside him. If he can just reason with her face to face, he knows they can work it out.
Royal Rumble by Holly Kerr
Lady Camille needs something far less romantic: a husband. Thanks to an outdated royal law, she can’t rule her island nation until she’s married. After six broken engagements, Camille has given up on love—she just needs a husband who will stay out of her way while she takes care of her country. A marriage of convenience between Odin and Camille seems like the perfect solution.
Dirty Wild Sultan by Mahi Mistry
He is a Sultan and I am the Princess of the country he is nemesis with. I don’t belong in his wealthy country that bleeds gold and his Palace. I am trying to hold on to what little freedom I have. No way can I fall for some dirty talking or his obsidian eyes curling with hunger whenever he sees me. I have to get my freedom and find a way to escape the proposals of marriage.
The Reluctant Princess by Melissa McClone
Crown Prince Nikola “Niko” Kresimir of Vernonia wants one thing from Isabel: an annulment. The pretty American wearing grease-stained coveralls is too rough around the edges to be the future queen. Their marriage, the result of an archaic custom neither knew about, needs to end so he can modernize his country.
His Tesoro by Emilia Rossi
I’ve spent years hidden away to protect my father from the shame of having a defective daughter. The head of the Bratva can’t be associated with weakness—and to him, that’s all I am. That is, until a marriage alliance gives him the opportunity to finally be rid of me. Matteo makes it clear he wants nothing to do with me.
Royal Rebel by Laramie Briscoe
Amelia has prepared for this role her entire life, but nothing could brace her for Tristan’s electric presence. Behind his confident façade lies a man still grappling with loss and responsibility. As Amelia steps into the spotlight, she’s determined to forge a bond with the man beneath the crown—even if it means challenging centuries of royal custom.
The Sheikh’s Bartered Bride by Lucy Monroe
After a whirlwind courtship, Sheikh Hakim bin Omar al Kadar proposes marriage. Shy, innocent Catherine Benning has already fallen head-over-heels in love and she accepts, After their wedding day—and night—when the sheikh claims his virgin wife, Catherine and Hakim travel to his desert kingdom. There Catherine discovers that this is no love match for Hakim—he’s bought her!
A Royal Marriage by Rachelle McCalla
Rescued by a renowned healer, King John of Lydia, Gisela recuperates at his Mediterranean castle. The handsome, widowed ruler soon has her reevaluating her beliefs on love and marriage but only if King John could be her groom. Their love is forbidden, and duty requires him to deliver her to her betrothed. Unless they can find a way to join their hearts and kingdoms.
Playing Ruthless by Meenu Pillai
I was marrying the woman I had vowed never to fall in love with. I desired her like an addict craving his next fix, a desire cloaked in layers of indifference. But the next moment she was gone, leaving behind a hole the size of a galaxy inside my chest. I realized that I would do anything to keep this woman safe and by my side.
An Arranged Marriage by Jo Beverley
Ruined through her vile brother’s schemes, Eleanor Chivenham is offered rescue by marriage to a rake with an infamous French mistress. Eleanor accepts, determined to treat the arranged marriage with cool dignity. Then she meets Nicholas Delaney. Not only does he stir her senses, but the trouble and pain beneath his smooth exterior reaches her heart.
Royally Rearranged by Emma St. Clair
When my prince shows up with an American girlfriend instead of an engagement ring, all arrangements are off. Out of sheer desperation, I make a deal with a devilish duke. Rafe de Silva is the prince’s rival and has a plan so ridiculous it just might work. Rafe seems to relish making the prince jealous.
Will You (Not) Marry Me by Holly Rayner
Eva Nilsson is a princess in a bind. Despite a long-held determination to forge her own path, royal responsibility comes calling in the form of an arranged marriage, contrived to restore her family’s reputation. She can’t back out, so the only recourse she has is to make her betrothed cancel it somehow.
Desired By The Duke by L. Nicole
When he met Kitrini, the daughter of an American business magnate, he knew right away that she was meant to be his. Yet, after one magical night together, Kitrini left. Lyad tracked her down. He couldn’t let her get away–not even the fact that she was betrothed to another would stop him. She would be his.
The Marriage Claim by Evie Mitchell
Jonathan is completely unsuitable. Charming, powerful, attractive—and vying to be our country’s next Prime Minister. He’s a terrible choice. But when he saves my life and requests akaternok ah yalonel—the Marriage Claim—I’m left with the hardest decision of my life. Does he want my heart… or my crown?
Is there anything more satisfying than watching two people, practically strangers (or worse—enemies), grow from cold indifference or outright dislike into something tender, passionate, and real? The arranged marriage trope, especially with a royal twist, gives us that emotional rollercoaster every single time. We get the tension of forced proximity. The struggle between duty and desire. And those heart-thudding moments where everything changes with a single touch or stolen glance. It’s the kind of slow-build romance that keeps us up all night flipping pages—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you love watching love bloom in the most unexpected of circumstances, then arranged marriage royal romance books will steal your heart. From secret kisses in castle hallways to fierce declarations in royal courts, these stories deliver all the angst, longing, and ultimately, the kind of happily-ever-after that makes your heart sigh.
So go ahead—add a few (or all) of these to your TBR. Then let yourself be swept into a world where the heart always finds a way. Even when love starts as nothing more than a royal arrangement.
