Accidental Groom

Unintentionally Yours #5

by Mia Mara

She walked down the aisle believing the worst —
That her fiancé had run because of her curves.

Whispers surrounded her.
Pity. Judgment. Shame.

Then his father stepped into the groom’s place.
A man nearly twice her age.
A man who should have been horrified.

Instead, he looked at her like she was the only woman in the room.

And when she fainted...
He caught her.
Held her.
Protected her.

So when her family demanded someone marry her TODAY…
And he whispered that he wanted to help but shouldn’t…

She looked into the eyes of the man who made her feel seen
and begged him to make her his bride.

Accidental Groom is a full-length standalone, age gap, ex's father, billionaire romance with forbidden heat and a HEA guaranteed!

Genres: Romance

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

Reviews

[Puna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Forced contract marriage and you kinda think it’s going to be a younger FMC, this chick was 30. Still at home doing what mommy and daddy told her to protect her SLIGHTLY younger sister from being the one forced into a business marriage. The MMC kept ‘genuinely recoiling’ from her being treated like “a piece of furniture to be rearranged. As if her thoughts, her desires, her autonomy don’t factor into any of this.” when it was him and her father who set up the arranged marriage in the first place!

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena is supposed to marry George for a business arrangement...but he fails to show. His father, Harry, steps in with the idea he will annul the marriage when George reappears. Can he give Elena up to his irresponsible son??.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Groom is the newest Silver Fox romance from author Mia Mara, and a sweet and spicy one it is.
MFC Elena has been promised in marriage to the son of billionaire MMC Harald Highcourt from the age of sixteen in a business deal. The wedding day for the arranged marriage has finally arrived, only at the end of the aisle there is no groom waiting.
The groom has disappeared and in order to keep her younger sister from being forced by their father to fill in by marrying the grooms father Elena begs Harry to marry her instead.
Widower Harry hadn’t planned on marrying again after losing the love of his life years prior but Elena’s plea stirs something in him so he agrees, and the beginnings of a hot age-gap romance takes flight.
I throughly enjoyed their story of drama, passion, personal vulnerability, family dynamics, and lots of emotion layered into an excellently written narrative with dynamic characters that qualifies as a major ten star read for me!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena has been told since she was 16 that she would be marrying George. This is an arranged marriage between to families - to benefit the companies they own. One is a hotel/convention enterprise and one wine. On the day of the wedding George is a no show. He has apparently continued his flirtatious ways and his jet travels and ran off. Rather than delay the wedding and create more attention, pity, and embarrassment; Elena asks George’s father, Harry to be her husband. Elena is begging him to please marry her. Her father is adamant the businesses must be tied together with marriage—one hand helping the other. Elena’s father doesn’t care about Elena’s feelings. If not Elena, he will make his other daughter marry. So, Harry agrees to marry Elena. He is older, more of a serious businessman who seems to be unapproachable most of the time and always working. How is this going to work? What about George? There is a lot of secrets, lies, betrayals - all woven throughout the story. This story is filled with emotions that swing the pendulum from starting out lonely and unsure to feeling and caring. And somewhere along the way things are beginning to tip in the other direction. They feel a connection -something is there. Nothing is expected from these two but sometimes feelings, caring, tenderness, passion, romance and love are things that only the heart controls. They will find understanding, kindness, compassion, tenderness and love.
I definitely enjoyed watching how Elena became more of a prominent character showing confidence, intelligence, joy, strength and determination and business savvy. There are several twists that will keep you interested. It’s a page turner and an emotional roller coaster. Great characters! Really an emotional romance story and a definite library addition!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get comfortable you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Elena has her own dreams wants freedom but her parents made an agreement or an arrangement between their family marriage between their children as part of a business deal to save her younger sister she agrees and walking down to meet the groom who is a no show but in his place stands his father so marrying a man nearly three times her age or about the same age as her father. Harry sexy as all get out billionaire silver fox widower stands in for his missing son who is a disappointment never planned on marrying again after losing the love of his life but when he hears the beautiful women begging him to marry her so that her younger sister can escape what their father planned he couldn’t help but agree and now married for a second time unexpectedly but not disappointed for some reason he has yet to think about. There was an attraction but neither of them wanted to explore the attraction and the more they told themselves it was a contract agreement the stronger the pull grew between them but their secrets from their past that they kept to themselves begin to be a problem creating feelings of betrayal until the have a real talk but what he learns about her family well will have all of us upset her father is a piece of work but will they learn to work together, will they learn to trust one another completely, will her act of love free her sister as planned, what happened with his son who didn’t honor their agreement, and will they find happiness along the way?

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Age-Gap Romance – Crazy in Love

This silver-fox ex-fiancé romance is amazing! When it starts with a no-show groom at the church, what’s a bride to do to save face & the embarrassment of being stood up at the altar? Harry, the groom’s dad, steps up & agrees to marry Elena, in order to satisfy her dad’s arranged marriage business contract which had George’s name on it.

The plot thickens even more when Harry keeps telling her ‘until George is found’ thinking it’s better as they are closer in age while Harry’s still grieving & being tormented with memories of his wife’s death 12 yrs. ago. There’s awkwardness between them & he discovers she lacks confidence in herself. He protects her when they’re in public, with family friends & business circles gossiping about her & their sudden marriage. He continues treating her as a woman, sensitive to her needs by giving her the confidence, independence & seeing her self-esteem flourish.

This story has the family dynamics, secrets from the past surfacing on both sides, steamy romance, jealousy, hope, happiness & so much more! A page-turner where one cannot get enough of Harry & Elena’s developing romance becoming deeper into a strong bond of loving each other.

Add this novel to your TBR list & read it first! I highly recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read from this author and I’ve just got to say she isn’t for me and I’ve got to stop letting Facebook ads choose my next read.

Just like in the last book, the main characters sibling is likable and present. Once again a kids kind of just thrown in just because. I could easily leave or take the kid in the plot line.

And just like last time, I just don’t think this author is for me. The plot holes were weird. Like, these two are constantly having sex but she still lives in the guest house. She’s pregnant and constantly having sex with this man but still relegated to some place other than his bed. That’s like basement level standards and I do not support it.

We never see her move into the house yet she obviously had his kid and they live together at some point… or do they? Guess the readers just left guessing.

Then all the drama about his late wife. The back story is sad, granted, but what kind of woman is hanging around having a sexually relationship with a man who hasn’t let go of his ex? A dead ex at that. I just wanted to scream, “ you’re his wife now. Grow a backbone. Get him to make a commitment to you or leave.”

The timeline was weird. First it says she’d know for five years and then the author makes it 14 years consistently for the remainder of the book. Also, that made George 14 and it’s kind of ick. More ick factor than our Elena being 16. I don’t know why but for me it does.

And no explanation as to why they’d wait 14 years to finally push through this marriage. George would have been legal to marry in 4 and Elena in 2. Even taking college into account for both there was no need to wait 14 years.

We never learn where George went or how was going to care for himself since he’d been financially cut off and only got his trust fund at some undisclosed time.

Yeah, not for me. As I write this all down I’m left wondering why I didn’t dnf…hmm

[Linda Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidental Groom by Mia Mara spins the story of 30 year old Elena who is left at the altar by George. Their parents arranged their marriage to fulfill some contractual plans between their families. George is a no show so Elena marries his father. Elena and Harry are both genuinely good people. But they each have a secret they are keeping. As they grow closer, the secrets interfere with their relationship.
I liked the characters, their growth as a couple, and the HEA. Mia Mara's writing is always good and I always read her books. But I did struggle with the arranged marriage. I didn't really understand why it was necessary when these big businesses could have just had a business contract. Harry comes to understand that. But Elena's parents are just awful.
This is an easy enjoyable read. I recommend you add it to your TBR books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Groom is a billionaire, silver fox aged gap romance that is an exceptional read. This romance story features a heartfelt emotional journey of Elena and Harry as they deal with choices, circumstances, & life. Elena is feisty character who has her doubts about herself, but she sticks by those she loves and supports them in many ways. Harry is determined, a businessman but due to past experiences is more set in his ways. However, both characters evolve as their relationship deepens. Their story is full of good writing with in-depth, layered characters that kept this reader engaged from beginning to end. This story also has several unexpected twists that make it even more compelling and worth the read. Accidental Groom: A Silver Fox Ex Fiancé's Dad Romance is part of the Unintentionally Yours series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena is walking down the aisle to marry George, her contracted fiancé for the sake of their families business deal. Only George's father Harry meets her at the end of the aisle to inform her George has run. Her father insists the marriage must take place as scheduled with Harry in his place or the business deal is off. Not only that, but he threatens to create a new contract with Elana's sister Sarah instead. Elena agreed to this to protect Sarah in the first place. Now there is nothing to do but agree and beg Harry to do the same.

Elena and Harry have their own secrets from their pasts they haven't shared with many or each other. Can they work through the feelings of betrayal and concerns they feel when they do learn of them?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dewey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has a strong but strange beginning. I don't buy the whole promised as child to marry the son of another tycoon to strengthen and align the family's businesses. This isn't the 18th century. Couldn't they just have had a business contract or sold shares in their companies to one another? Especially since the contract terms never come up again. This is the flaw in the story; it's not believable.

She was 'promised' to marry his son when she was 14 but he never shows up at the church. So his father marries her. His plan is when his son returns, they will divorce and she will marry the son. Except they start fuc*ing of course. The usual thing happens when birth control isn't discussed (it never is in her books). They fall in love. Drama ensues. But the story hangs together; it's good.

This is actually the 1st book of hers that I liked enough to 3 stars ("I liked it").

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena has been beaten down by her family and used as a pawn in their climb up the ladder of societal standing and wealth. Her marriage to the son of a business associate is supposed to cement the fortunes of her family. But when her bridegroom is a no-show on their wedding day, his father Harry steps into the role. It’s meant to be temporary. It turns into so much more. This was an engaging read, with family drama, secrets and revelations. Harry was smitten from the start and was really terrible at staying away from Elena, which made the intensity of their chemistry all the more explosive. The story moved well and the characters were interesting. I’d be interested in reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Celia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect and Oh So Good

I LOVE this book. Elena and Harry have an unexpected chemistry and connection. He’s older, previously married and wasn’t supposed to be the groom or MMC of the story. However he stepped up to the plate, with a lot of begging from Elena when his son George stood her up at the altar. You see, it was an arranged marriage, 14 years in the making. Watching the relationship between Elena and Harry develop, while at the same time watching Elena grow into a confident woman (despite her parents, Harry’s son George and the memory of Harry’s late wife Geraldine) only adds to the story line. You won’t want to stop reading. And when you reach the last page, you’ll wish it wasn’t over.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a crazy( good) idea. A missing groom in an arranged marriage. What a concept! It gets better because the runaway groom’s father steps in. Now that is spicy! This is what Elena is dealing with on a marriage that she doesn’t want. Sparks fly, tempers flair. There a lot of lack of communication between Harry and Elena which shows age is not a factor in effective communication . Especially when you marry someone you don’t know and is supposed to be an “ in law”. This is a very interesting book . It is spicy and very well written. I felt very invested in this book. The ending is very heartfelt.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

More depth than I expected. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of heart this book contained. It was a great love story with depth and emotion. My only gripe is that Harry got off a bit easy for someone who made a business deal that involved marrying off his son. Elena’s parents were the villains for it, and I will say, they were assholes all around, but Harry made the same deal about his son. Just because he wasn’t as big of an ass to him doesn’t make it any less shitty, and it was never really addressed. Even when his son showed resentment, Harry never really showed much remorse for it and Elena never drew the parallel. Outside of that, it was a nice story.

[Carol S. Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet

I know I don't use big words or flowery phrases, but I'm just a humble woman that doesn't mind giving a nod for effort or impressive work! Yes, I enjoyed this book very much. I could even see a little of myself in Elena's life. Brow beaten by parents all my life. She was lucky to have a sister that true to her. My siblings, let's just say they were vipers. It was a pleasure to see her use the age card in her book. Age has nothing to do with love, it's the heart that tells the story. I can't wait to read more of Mia Maras books. I really enjoyed this one.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick and light enough read for me, took my mind off the -19*f weather today, there was a bit of intrigue....but I personally get a little impatient when all the misunderstandings could be avoided with 2 minute conversations? Just me?

This is a 30-year old bride....OK....better than the 22 virgins that seem to appear in too many books, the silverfox...sounds....foxy.

I was a tad confused about the "temporary, then we'll divorce and you can marry my son" stuff....especially when it continued after the groom was so....accomodating on the wedding night?

The ending was a bit of a time jump...an emergency surgery...not really explained why?

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking! I can't imagine how Elena feels to be handed off in an arranged marriage just for a family alliance. Harry and Elena's connection is instant and sizzling hot. Tensions are high and both are walking on eggshells as they navigate this situation they were both forced into and fighting their true desires. The judgement by others also ads to the strain on their true feelings. The push and pull is addictive yet frustrating all at the same time. Another fantastic read by Mia Mara, highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Groom is a business arranged marriage between two unexpected individuals, Harry and Elena. Harry's son, George, was contracted to marry Elena, who in turn was protecting her younger sister Sarah so she would not have to participate in this contracted wedding. Harry ends up wed to Elena since George does not appear at the wedding and her father insists he stand in for his son. Their age gap story has plot twists, independent characters, betrayal, secrets, and strong emotions.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena White marries Harald Highcourt when Harrys flaky, selfish, and spoiled son abandons her at the altar. All to fulfill an arranged marriage contract between Harry and Elena’s father.

This arranged marriage, forced proximity, age gap, ex’s father romance is good. Like really good. While I kept waiting for another shoe to drop with the runaway groom son, it never really happens and that was disappointing. But at the same time, it was also a relief.

There’s a clear happy ending in this age gap, forced proximity romance.

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trope saturation

This checks off a lot of romance-checklist boxes: spicy chemistry with an older man, tension, and somewhat taboo scenarios. For fans of flashy, trope-driven, silver-fox romance, it promises a thrilling addition to the Unintentionally Yours series. I wasn't sure I'd like it after reading the blurb but Harry is a gentleman and by far the better man for Elena.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book and it is long enough that really tells a story - it's not a 12 page book. Harry's first wife died, his son, George blames him. George is to marry Elena to combine 2 businesses. This book as all the emotions for me. The book just gets better and better. Harry marries Elena because George has disappeared - I really don't want to give spoilers - but this is a great book - LOTS of emotion.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa this book is a wonderful story that will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end. Its exs father taboo and younger woman and older man taboo. Elena is forced to get married but when the groom doesn't show Harry the father steps in but when lines get crossed and confirm pregnancy will her ex try to come between them? Great Book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs an editor's review

This, much like the other Mia Mara books I've read, is a wonderful story! But, also like the other books, the number of grammatical errors is distracting from an enjoyable read. Fewer errors than the other books I've read but, seriously distracting. I'd give it 5 stars but for the mistakes ... it slows me down too much, having to go back and reread so many times.

[TheNorksWife · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you do not like the miscommunication trope, then this book is definitely not for you. I don’t mind that particular trope, but ended up skimming through a lot of this book because it seemed like EVERY chapter a new miscommunication had popped up. Simple ones too.

Other than that, the book was good. I do feel like this could have been shortened a bit because there were some scenes or arguments that felt a bit too drawn out.

✨No cheating ✨No cliffhanger ✨HEA

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena is obligated to marry George the son of Harry Highcourt but on the day of the wedding the son does not show up so she begs widowed Harry to marry just to appease her family. This is filled is twists and turns all set in the middle of the steamy older man/younger woman romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Evelyn Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena and Harry-aaaah! So good, a total tear jerker. A very emotional, incredibly good and super juicy story line. This is the my first book from this author, I’m very pleased and can’t wait to read another. Amazing!! Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good forbidden romance and this one was extra delicious and hit the spot. Mia Mara knows how to pull me in with her writing. From beginning to end I was giggling, kicking my feet, and melting from the heat. I ate up every moment between Elena and Henry, I loved how their story played out.


Tropes:
Age-gap
Silver fox
Ex's dad
Forbidden
Billionare

Dual POV

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Mara consistently satisfies this reader!
No matter the trope, her stories are deliciously steamy!

Her characters have depth that makes me feel like I know them!

An arranged marriage gone wrong for Harry and Elena; or no?
Could it become more!
Can these two make it more?
I bet you can guess what I was rooting for!

This age-gap romance had me swooning!

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some aspects of this story are quite strange, but that is the difference between reality and fiction. The story is very sweet and good and romantic. The storyline is good and the characters are as well, I.e. well written. Overall this story is very deserving of the fabulous four stars I am giving it here.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.