14 Romance Books With Secret Marriages
There’s something irresistible about a secret marriage in romance novels—the stolen glances, the unspoken tension, the slow unraveling of hidden truths. Whether it’s a marriage of convenience, an arranged union, or a desperate cover-up, these stories sizzle with forbidden longing, hidden passion, and the delicious ache of two people forced to pretend… or perhaps, pretend no longer.
From historical to contemporary, from fantasy realms to small towns, these 14 romance books featuring secret marriages are brimming with undeniable chemistry, high stakes, and breathtaking love stories.
1. The Duke’s Secret Wife by Kate Bateman
💎 A Hidden Marriage. A Second Chance. A Scandal Waiting to Explode.
A fiery night of passion leads Cassandra and Marcus into an impulsive marriage—but circumstances force them apart. Years later, Marcus returns, now a powerful duke, only to discover their secret union is still legally binding. As sparks fly once again, they must decide: dissolve their past or embrace it forever?
📖 Read if you love: Historical romance, second chances, and enemies-to-lovers tension.
2. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
👑 A Marriage Built on Lies… But What Happens When She Falls for Him?
Lara is sent to marry the King of Ithicana, her sworn enemy, as part of a deadly scheme. Trained as a spy, she intends to destroy his kingdom from within. But as she grows closer to him, the lines between duty and love begin to blur—and the secret she keeps could shatter them both.
📖 Read if you love: Fantasy romance, political intrigue, and slow-burning passion.
3. Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas
🔥 A Secret Marriage That Could Destroy Everything
Merritt, a widowed businesswoman, falls hard for Keir MacRae, a rugged whisky distiller. But when danger threatens Keir, shocking truths come to light—including a long-buried secret marriage that could change their fates forever.
📖 Read if you love: Regency romance, dangerous secrets, and swoon-worthy Scotsmen.
4. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
⛸️ Fake Marriage. Real Feelings. Absolute Perfection.
Figure skating rivals Jasmine and Ivan are forced into a fake marriage to secure sponsorships. Their chemistry on the ice is undeniable, but off the ice, things get even hotter when their secret union starts feeling… a little too real.
📖 Read if you love: Slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers, and sizzling tension.
5. The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert
🖤 A Mob Marriage with Deadly Consequences
Callie and Teague’s arranged marriage is meant to solidify an alliance between crime families—but what starts as duty quickly turns into something deeper. With rival families closing in, their secret marriage might just be their only chance at survival.
📖 Read if you love: Dark romance, mafia drama, and dangerously passionate love stories.
6. An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley
📜 A Forced Marriage With Hidden Desires
When Beth is forced into marriage with the arrogant Lucien, neither expects love. But as they navigate their secret arrangement, their attraction becomes undeniable, leading to intense emotions neither of them planned for.
📖 Read if you love: Historical romance, opposites attract, and reluctant love stories.
7. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
🏈 A Marriage of Convenience That Becomes So Much More
Vanessa agrees to a secret marriage with her boss, a famous football player, to help him secure his visa. But as they fake their way through married life, she starts to realize that maybe there’s nothing fake about it at all.
📖 Read if you love: Slow-burn contemporary romance, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and heart-melting moments.
8. Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
🌙 A Celestial Love That Defies Fate
In a world inspired by Chinese mythology, Xingyin secretly marries a powerful prince to protect herself and her mother. But when war looms and destiny calls, she must choose between duty, love, and freedom.
📖 Read if you love: Fantasy romance, mythology-inspired stories, and heart-wrenching choices.
9. The Stolen Mackenzie Bride by Jennifer Ashley
🎩 A Forbidden Marriage That Defies a War
Scottish rebel Malcolm Mackenzie secretly weds an Englishwoman during a time of political upheaval. With their love deemed treasonous, they must navigate war and betrayal to hold on to what truly matters.
📖 Read if you love: Historical romance, forbidden love, and Highlander heroes.
10. Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux
💖 An Unexpected Marriage That Becomes Irresistible
Samantha, an independent journalist, suddenly discovers she’s married to a stranger thanks to a family arrangement. Forced to live with her husband, she begins to realize that maybe their marriage wasn’t such a mistake after all.
📖 Read if you love: 90s romance, opposites attract, and unexpected chemistry.
11. Winter King by C.L. Wilson
❄️ A Marriage of War, A Love That Defies the Storm
The icy Winter King takes a Summer princess as his bride for revenge—but he never expected to fall for her. As their secret marriage grows into something real, they must survive both enemies and their own hearts.
📖 Read if you love: Fantasy romance, elemental magic, and slow-burning passion.
12. The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan
🎭 A Secret Marriage That Could Ruin Everything
Jane is too rich, too bold, and too unconventional for polite society, which makes her the perfect target for a secret marriage scheme. But when the cold-hearted Oliver finds himself falling for her, he must risk everything to keep his secret from tearing them apart.
📖 Read if you love: Smart heroines, historical romance, and witty banter.
13. Wedded Bliss by Barbara Metzger
🎭 A Mistaken Identity Leads to a Secret Union
When a drunken wedding ceremony results in a legal marriage, neither party knows what to do next. But the more they try to undo it, the harder it becomes to ignore the growing feelings between them.
📖 Read if you love: Regency romance, accidental marriages, and witty charm.
14. The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
💋 A Stolen Marriage. A Dangerous Attraction.
Francesca is meant to marry for power, but when a ruthless enemy steals her first kiss and forces her into marriage, she finds herself tangled in a web of passion, power, and revenge.
📖 Read if you love: Dark romance, enemies-to-lovers, and angsty tension.
💍 Love, Secrets, and Unexpected Passion
Secret marriages bring hidden emotions, forbidden love, and irresistible tension to the romance genre. Which of these books have you read? Do you have a favorite hidden marriage trope moment? Let’s talk in the comments! 💖📚
