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A delightfully cozy read with lovable leads, chaotic siblings, and a slow-building romance. Not perfect for sticklers for historical detail but a must for fans of feel-good, family-centric historicals.

If you liked Marry in Haste, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    The Autumn Bride
    Book 1 in the series:Chance Sisters

    The Autumn Bride - Chance Sisters by Anne Gracie
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    A cozy, funny, and uplifting historical romance - think chosen family, clever banter, and just enough romantic tension. Perfect for those who like their love stories with heart, humor, and strong, memorable side characters.

    'The Autumn Bride' by Anne Gracie follows the story of Abby Chantry and her sisters who are struggling to survive after a series of unfortunate events. When Abby decides to break into a mansion to steal something to help her ill sister, she discovers an elderly lady neglected by her servants. Together, Abby and the lady hatch a scheme that leads to the girls posing as nieces to stay with her. However, their plan is disrupted when Lady Beatrice's nephew, Max, arrives home and challenges their presence, leading to a battle of wills and instant attraction. The book weaves together elements of adventure, mystery, humor, and romance, while portraying strong heroines and a sense of found family.

    She was running late. Abigail Chantry quickened her pace. Her half day off, and though it was damp and squally and cold outside, she’d taken herself off as usual to continue her explorations of London...
    2012
    321 pages

  2. #2

    A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer
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    A refreshingly realistic, mature twist on Regency romance - bittersweet, honest, and deeply satisfying for those open to love stories that are about real partnership, not just passion.

    'A Civil Contract' by Georgette Heyer is a Regency novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, financial struggles, and societal expectations during the Napoleonic Wars era. The story follows Adam Deveril, a war hero who must marry for money to save his family estate, leading him to wed Jenny Chawleigh, a wealthy but plain heiress. The book explores the evolution of their relationship from a marriage of convenience to a deeper connection based on respect and practicality. Heyer's writing style is described as realistic and thought-provoking, offering a refreshing take on love and marriage within the Regency setting.

    The library at Fontley Priory, like most of the principal apartments in the sprawling building, looked to the south-east, commanding a prospect of informal gardens and a plantation of poplars, which a...
    January 1961
    436 pages

  3. #3

    How the Wallflower Was Won - Last Chance Scoundrels by Eva Leigh
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    Steamy, sweet, and celebrates both brains and heart - a solid pick for historical romance lovers, but the late conflict might frustrate some readers.

    'How the Wallflower Was Won' by Eva Leigh is a historical romance novel that delves into the complexities of a marriage of convenience between Tabitha and Finn. Tabitha agrees to marry Finn in order to secure a place in The Sterling Society, but they both vow to keep their emotions out of the arrangement. However, as they navigate their relationship, they find themselves falling in lust and eventually in love. The book features solid character development for both protagonists and includes multiple locales for their intimate moments. The writing style captures the emotional turmoil and growth of the characters as they struggle with their feelings for each other.

    The plot of 'How the Wallflower Was Won' takes a twist when a last act complication arises, leading to a breakup between Tabitha and Finn. Despite their deepening feelings for each other, they face obstacles that test the strength of their relationship. The book explores themes of love, trust, and overcoming personal insecurities, with a focus on how the characters navigate societal expectations and their own emotions throughout the story.

    Being a successful gambler meant manipulating the complex alchemy of risk, calculation, and gut instinct. In the case of the gamble Finn Ransome had made four months ago, however, not only had his wag...
    September 2022
    382 pages

  4. #4

    To Seduce a Sinner - Legend of the Four Soldiers by Elizabeth Hoyt
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    A smart, emotionally nuanced historical romance with a unique, caring hero and a shy yet strong heroine - ideal for fans of marriage-of-convenience and slow-burn love stories, but may feel a little slow or emotionally distant for some readers.

    To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt is a historical romance novel set in the aftermath of the French and Indian War, following the story of Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, and Melisande Fleming. The book explores themes of love, marriage, and betrayal as the characters navigate their feelings for each other amidst the backdrop of Jasper's haunted past and Melisande's unrequited love. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-crafted characters and a blend of romance and intrigue that keeps readers invested in the plot.

    There are few things more unfortunate in a man’s life than being thrown over by one’s prospective bride on one’s wedding day, Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, reflected. But being thrown over on one’s w...
    October 2008
    405 pages

  5. #5

    The Arrangement - The Survivors' Club by Mary Balogh
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    A tender, slow-burn Regency romance perfect for readers who love character growth, emotional intimacy, and two nice people quietly falling in love. It’s not spicy or dramatic, but it’s undeniably heartwarming.

    "The Arrangement" by Mary Balogh is part of the Survivor's Club series and follows the story of Vincent Hunt, a blind member of the survivors' club who unexpectedly inherits a title and wealth. Vincent's family tries to manipulate him into a marriage, but he forms a practical and loving relationship with Sophia Fry, a poor relation known as the "mouse." Together, they navigate the challenges of their circumstances and grow closer, ultimately finding love and support in each other.

    When it became clear to Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, that if he stayed at home for the remainder of the spring he would without any doubt at all be betrothed, even married, before summer had prope...
    2013
    404 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Survivors' Club )

  6. #6

    The Unlovely Bride - Brides of Karadok by Alice Coldbreath
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    A heartwarming, character-driven medieval romance with a gutsy heroine, a growly hero, and just the right mix of angst, steam, and uplifting moments. Perfect for those who love slow-burn chemistry and unconventional leads!

    'The Unlovely Bride' by Alice Coldbreath is a medieval romance novel that follows the story of Lenora, a court beauty who loses her loveliness due to a near-death experience. Lenora weds Garman, a misanthropic knight, to escape the pity of her family and friends. The plot mainly focuses on Lenora and Garman getting to know each other, their struggles, and the development of their relationship. also features details about medieval life in Karadok, including tourney pageantry, knights, and jousting events, which immerse the reader in the setting. The writing style of Alice Coldbreath is praised for its ability to transport readers to medieval times with vivid descriptions and realistic details.

    This is a work of fiction and any names, characters, events or organisations are either a product of my imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or people is purely coinciden...
    February 2020
    390 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brides of Karadok )

  7. #7
    Slightly Married
    Book 1 in the series:Bedwyn Saga

    Slightly Married - Bedwyn Saga by Mary Balogh
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    A tender, slow-building historical romance that showcases emotional realism and a strong supporting cast - perfect if you love marriage-of-convenience tropes and big, memorable series families.

    Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn and Eve Morris find themselves in a marriage of convenience due to unforeseen circumstances, leading to a slow-building romance. The book is set in Regency England and follows the journey of the characters as they navigate societal expectations, family dynamics, and their growing feelings for each other. Mary Balogh's writing style is appreciated for its attention to detail in historical accuracy and character development, making the story engaging and immersive.

    THERE WAS A SHADY DELL SLICING THROUGH THE woods on the western side of the park at Ringwood Manor in Oxfordshire. The water of the brook gurgling over its rocky bed joined up eventually with a larger...
    April 2003
    379 pages

  8. #8

    A Momentary Marriage by Candace Camp
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    A refreshing mix of mystery and romance with sensible, lovable leads - perfect for fans of marriage-of-convenience stories and historical intrigue.

    'A Momentary Marriage' by Candace Camp is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the story of Laura and James, who enter into a marriage of convenience. As James faces his impending death, Laura discovers a mystery surrounding attempts to poison him, leading to a deeper connection between the two. The book beautifully portrays the evolving relationship between Laura and James, with moments of vulnerability, tenderness, and witty banter, set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue. Camp's writing style intricately weaves together humor, wit, and romance, making for an engaging read that explores themes of love, trust, and healing.

    He would end his life as he had lived it, alone in the midst of his family. It was a bleak prospect, but even so, not as bad as spending his last days here in the gray and grimy city. At least at Grac...
    July 2017
    427 pages

  9. #9

    The Perfect Rake - The Merridew Sisters by Anne Gracie
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    A charming, funny, and emotional Regency romance that’s a must-read for fans of witty banter, lovable heroes, and fake fiancé hijinks - just be ready for a few deeper moments mixed in with the fun.

    'The Perfect Rake' by Anne Gracie follows the story of Prudence Merridew, a strong and protective older sister who risks everything to safeguard her siblings from their abusive grandfather. When they encounter the charming and flirtatious Gideon, a rake with a vulnerable heart underneath his frivolous exterior, Prudence's world is turned upside down. As Prudence and Gideon navigate a slow-burn romance amidst dark pasts and challenging circumstances, they find themselves drawn to each other in a heartwarming and humorous tale that blends romance, humor, and emotional depth. The plot unfolds with a mix of witty banter, endearing characters, and moments of darkness and light, culminating in a charming and engaging regency romance.

    Her twin added, "I wanted to go up and try, too, but I could not get this undone in time." She gestured to her left wrist. It still bore rope marks. "Besides, he's locked the door. Charity said to fet...
    July 2005
    371 pages

  10. #10

    Convergence of Desire - The Lovelocks of London by Felicity Niven
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    A standout for fans of slow-burn romance, unconventional heroines, and textured emotional journeys - a marriage of convenience story with heart, depth, and a refreshingly different spin on Regency romance.

    In "Convergence of Desire" by Felicity Niven, the story revolves around Harry, a neurodivergent mathematical genius who craves solitude to study Fermat's Theorem, neglecting her own well-being. Thomas, Lord Drake, a broke and unhappy man addicted to whoring, enters a marriage of convenience with Harry. Their slow-burn romance is filled with misunderstandings, challenges, and character growth, ultimately leading to a heartfelt and unconventional love story.

    The writing style in this historical romance is praised for its quality, engaging storytelling, and the portrayal of complex characters like Harry and Thomas. The author skillfully navigates themes of love, neurodiversity, and societal expectations, creating a captivating narrative that delves into the depths of human emotions and relationships.

    In the room she called my room, the one she had begged her father for when he had built this house, the pale young woman muttered to herself and dipped her quill pen in the inkpot and bent over her pa...
    September 2022
    336 pages

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