At a glance
Marriage of convenience gives the characters a reason to marry other than an existing mutual romantic commitment. The arrangement may serve security, status, family obligations, or another practical goal. In the romance version, a marriage made for that purpose becomes a relationship with emotional stakes.
In reader conversations — invented example
“They agreed on separate bedrooms. They forgot to agree on what happens when one of them wants to stay.”
Sources consulted
- Harlequin, “Guide to Contemporary Romance.” Comparison with arranged marriage and example are editorial.