Marriage of convenience might be, among all the popular romance tropes, the most traditional of all. This trope was popularized in historical novels where the hero or heroine had to fulfil a marriage clause in order to receive an inheritance, a title or reclaim a place in society. Despite being a classic, this trope is constantly used and adapted to trendy romances in which the hero and heroine make an agreement that benefit them both; in this agreement, marriage is inspired by practical reasons, but love takes the main couple by surprise.
One of the reasons readers find this trope so exciting is that romance novels are usually set up to end in marriage as a happily ever after, with this trope, marriage is the beginning of the adventure, the challenge is to fall in love and make the marriage work beyond the individual goals. Plus, it’s a versatile trope that can be adapted to clean and wholesome romances as well as sexy plots; and it plays really well when layered with other tropes and hooks, such as enemies to lovers or forced proximity—there is something sexy about a couple keeping the secret behind their union and falling in love after spending time together.
It can be challenging to adapt a classic trope to modern romances, but here are some tips to write an exciting and modern marriage of convenience romance:
Establish a strong motivation for the hero and heroine
What is the main characters’ end goal? What’s the thing that they want more than anything and would go incredible lengths to achieve? It can be an inheritance, a professional or personal goal, the dream to create a family, the drive to please a family member, or even a desire for independence… Once you establish both the hero and heroine’s motivation, figure out why marriage is the convenient route to achieve their goal.
Plant seeds of love
In this trope, marriage might be considered a business decision, but love is the surprise element that ties the romance together, it can grow from elements in common, shared experiences, time together, attraction, passion, etc. As a writer, is important to plant these seeds from the beginning and gradually build up the romance.
Happily-ever-after ending
The couple might get caught in their secret, or face challenges on the way, but in a classic HEA ending the couple not only stay in a thriving marriage, but one or both of them successfully achieve their goal, despite the obstacles in the way.
Looking for some inspiration? Here are some recent Harlequin romances that used the marriage of convenience trope:
A Marriage to Shock Society
by Joanna Johnson
Harlequin Historical
In this exciting regency romance, the heroine’s motivation is access to information in her search for her father and the hero is conveniently looking for a wife. What brings them together? Passion!
The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain
by Deborah Clack
Love Inspired
In this marriage of convenience romance layered with a haters to lovers trope, Chase would do anything to keep his ranch, even marry the woman he can’t stand, and Lexi must marry to inherit her fortune.
Baby Worth Billions
by Lynne Graham
Harlequin Presents
In this passionate romance, an accidental pregnancy is the catalyst that bring the hero and heroine together.
When thinking about tropes and hooks for your next romance, don’t hesitate to consider this classic but versatile trope! Want to read more about romance tropes? Check out more trope spotlights in our archive.
