The Arranged Marriage

by Monica Arya

She left our home in a wedding dress and returned in an urn.

*This is a paranormal thriller with deranged spirits and a haunted house.

My parents were burdened with two baby girls. Yes, burdened. A son would have been a blessing, but a daughter was only an expense.
They didn’t have a legacy to carry on their name—they’d have to pay a dowry and fund an elaborate wedding.
I was forced to marry a stranger, though my parents assured me I’d learn to love him.
But worst of all, the man I’m being forced to marry is my dead sister’s husband.
She left our home in a wedding dress and came back home in an urn.
But once I moved into the tattered estate with my new husband, I realized maybe my sister wasn’t dead.
Maybe she’s still here after all…

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

About the author

Monica Arya is an Amazon Top 35 bestselling and award winning author. Her books have been #1 bestsellers. She is a multi-genre author, writing both thrillers and romance. Monica resides in the Carolinas with her husband and two children. She loves to connect with readers and you can find her on social media @monicaaryaauthor or www.monicaarya.com

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Website

www.monicaarya.com

TikTok : @monicaaryaauthor

Join her Facebook reader group :

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Reviews

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her sister left to get married and returned in an urn!

A woman is forced into an arranged married with her dead sister’s husband and she is determined not to meet the same fate. I know now that when I am going to pick up this authors work it’s going to be dark and this one was, and also very haunting!

This one would have been perfect for spooky season! I’m definitely going to listen to more from this author.

[Kim Hess (kims_killer_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Monica has done it again! This is my fifth book of hers that I have read AND that I have loved. Her books are beyond wild. 🤯 This book was no exception. Although this one was not as sick (and I mean sick in the best way 😉) or crazy, as some of her others that I have read, it was hauntingly scary with supernatural elements, which makes it the perfect read for Spooky Season. I also really enjoyed learning so much about the Indian Culture in this book. So many interesting things I was unaware of. And one more thing, I like how Monica makes her lead characters, strong Indian women, who even in such a submissive roles, they are resilient and strong. I love that!
About the book, I don’t want to say too much. Leave it all for the book when you actually read it. Well obviously, from the title, it’s about a young woman who is forced into an arranged marriage for the sake of saving her family. She’s hoping that moving to America with her new husband will be the best thing that’s happened to her. Freeing her in many ways. But it turns out to be anything but freeing. In fact, she feels more imprisoned than she did back home. And while feeling trapped, to top it all off, her new house seems to be haunted and she has no way to escape. And that’s all I’m going to say. There’s so much more to the book, but you’ll have to read it to find out what. 😉 This was another great one! I highly recommend you add this one to your tbr and grab your copy today because like I said, it’s perfect for Spooky season. It’s quick and fast paced. I loved it! It was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 stars for me!

Have you read ANY of Monica’s books yet? If so, which ones? If not, you need to change that ASAP!

[Paige IRB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very demonic. Very thrilling. Very mindf-ckery. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and my eyeballs glued to the pages with no idea where I was headed next. The absolute horror of this twisted folklore will shock and awe in the most ghostly way this Halloween season. This book is for the poltergeist and sixth sense lover girlies. But be warned … it is not for the faint of heart.

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait a second… I have some questions because—huh? The premise is intriguing but left me scratching my head more than once.

One sister is dead, and the other is forced to marry her late sister’s husband. The husband keeps slipping up and calling her by the wrong name—his deceased wife’s. Meanwhile, strange noises echo through the house, and unsettling events start to unfold.

This book takes a dark turn with a strong paranormal element. It’s eerie and atmospheric, but some parts felt confusing and left me wanting more clarity.

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I did read this in one setting….. and maybe I should have taken heed to the warning this was about the supernatural which is not my thing at all, but I love Monica Arya and I thought if anyone could make me enjoy the supernatural in a book it would be her.

* caveat I have read and enjoyed Peter James’ supernatural standalone novels this want impossible *

But alas this was sadly not for me, interesting premise and it wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read this deffo not for me!!!

[Keeshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ghost story that digs into the real-life struggles many Indian women experience in arranged marriages. The story highlights cultural expectations and the pressures women often face, adding a layer of meaning to the supernatural elements.
I really enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for horror with substance, this book delivers both the scares and an eye-opening look at social issues, making it a really unique read. 👻

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So different than any of Monica’s other books and yet still just as good!!! Perfect haunting book for spooky season!

[Mireya casuallyreadingx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Monica for the #ARC in return for an honest review. It is always such a pleasure to be able to support you work!!! #JusticeForAmara Great paranormal thriller to add to your spooky TBR.

**PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS **

What did I enjoy/what to expect?
👍🏼atmospheric and full of tension
👍🏼paranormal spirits
👍🏼fast paced
👍🏼sisters forever
👍🏼dark and twisted

What could have been better?
👎🏼some parts were just a tad too unbelievable for me
👎🏼I wish we would have gotten a tad more spooky

[Jessica Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re searching for a dark, unhinged book with spooky elements, look no further…The Arranged Marriage has all that and more.

Gia is the second wife to Raj, her dead sister’s husband. She believes marrying him and moving to America will be a dream come true. Until the dream is an evil husband in a dilapidated mansion with tormented spirits lurking the dark halls. Is it her sister Amara’s ghost trying to speak to her?

I really enjoyed reading about the Indian culture and folklore as it’s a major source of the background in this story. Monica is the queen of writing unhinged characters so beware…it gets dark FAST. I did find the writing to be chaotic at times; it was hard to keep up with Mia’s thoughts and reactions, especially when it came to her sister’s spirit and all the other colorful characters. I do wish this was spookier with more of a haunted house versus the cruelty and derangement of Mia’s arranged marriage. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fast-paced but just not my favorite Monica Arya book.

If you enjoyed The Next Mrs. Wimberly and like paranormal elements in your thrillers, you’d like this.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica’s books never fail to simultaneously entertain me while thoroughly scaring and disturbing me to my core! Once I pick them up, I can’t put them down and her newest is no different. This is her first paranormal thriller and she knocked it out of the park with the spooky factor. She has called it an unhinged ghost story and that it is but in the absolute best way! However, it also wouldn’t be a Monica Arya book if there wasn’t some triggering content so as always, please check her website prior to reading! While this one is less dark than her typical reads, it did have some incredibly dark and disturbing moments.

I absolutely LOVED the way she centered the whole story around Indian folklore, most especially pertaining to Dakini-an evil goddess spirit that seeks revenge. I won’t give too much else away about this particular ghost, as she’s central to the storyline and twists. However, it was a very original take on a modern ghost story for me. I loved that it stemmed from Monica’s own folklore stories passed down to her. I really enjoyed learning about the culture and folklore surrounding our main character, Gia and her sister, Amara. There’s a fight for survival element, eerie ghost sightings, plenty of twists along the way and one explosive ending that I know I won’t soon forget! And for anyone familiar with Monica’s writing, you’ll be excited to come across some Easter eggs connecting this to her other books.

And to Monica-Congratulations on your 10th book my friend! You already know how talented I think you are and I’m honored to continue to be a part of your journey and to get to cheer you on with each accomplishment!!

•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ Indian folklore
+ ghosts & evil spirits
+ revenge
+ content triggers
(please check Monica’s site for full content triggers as this one is still pretty dark)
+ an arranged marriage & other Indian cultural elements
+ he drives a hearse & is a doctor
+ connections to other Arya books
+ unhinged wtf moments
+ sounds from the basement
+ atmospheric haunted mansion by the sea
+ female rage

𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: October 8, 2024
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Paranormal • Thriller-Mystery
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: ARC 📱 (255 pgs)
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★☆ 𝟒.𝟓
{ rounded up on GR }
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I really enjoyed it!

✨Thank you so much Monica, for my #gifted ARC!

[Kristin (Readwithdubs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I received an ARC for The Arranged Marriage, I knew I had to clear my schedule immediately because every thriller Monica writes consumes me and becomes my personality 😂

This book was twisty, fast paced and haunting and I absolutely LOVED the paranormal aspects - goosebumps!!! Another thing I REALLY enjoyed was the cultural representation and learning about traditions, beliefs and some of the folklore. I thought this was such a great addition to a GREAT read! This is DEFINITELY a book you want to add to your TBR, especially for spooky season!

THANK you Monica for the opportunity to read The Arranged Marriage! I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this one!

[Fodor Isabela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe the worst book ever read I couldn't relate in any way shape or form with it ... Maybe I was missing something but it wasn't worth reading even though has a lot of good reviews that encourages me to read it . It was .... I usually like the supernatural twist in a thriller book but this was .... It was missing the point and any kind of suspense. So no it definitely didn't get me hooked I have never gave just one star but.... Hope though that my review, dear future, reader would not scare you. My taste is mine only and this is just my opinion.

[Nikki | graciouslybooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

A paranormal thriller from the queen of deranged thrillers! This one was different than Monica’s other books and so good!

🖤 spooky
🖤 deranged
🖤 edge of your seat suspense
🖤 medical examiner
🖤 many wtf moments
🖤 ailing mother
🖤 arranged marriage
🖤 cemetery
🖤 hearse family vehicle (because, that’s not weird at all right?!)

If these are your vibes, dive right in! I absolutely loved it!

My name in the acknowledgements had no bearing on this review. 😛 So exciting to see my name and such a fan of Monica’s books. Always!

This ARC was received via the author. All opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The queen does it again and in a paranormal thriller this time!

Personally I don’t read much paranormal but I will read anything Monica writes because I love her style and that she is also from NC.

From the beginning this book was so beautiful descriptive with the nods to Indian Culture and lore. The story progresses in to a full on hauntingly creepy nightmare delving between sane and insanity. When you think you’ve hit the end and come up for air, another twist to the gut strikes leaving you breathless!

[Marcie Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did the Queen of Thrillers also just become the Queen of Horror? YEP! 👹👻 🔪

As a paranormal junkie, I can confidently say that
this book is an 🖤 EXPERIENCE 🖤!

You will feel tension on every single page, from its sinister start to its fatal finish.

I was invested.
I had goosebumps
I was horrified (in the best way possible)
I was chilled to my core
I am still recovering

An absolute MUST READ for spooky szn! 👻💀

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[samantha ✿ paperback.maniac · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild ride this one was, and what a perfect book for the spooky season! This wasn’t anything like Monica has written but it was just as good. Like the rest of her books, this one sucks you right in and has you on the edge of your seat until the end. I kept saying to myself “Did that just happen?” throughout this whole book! It’s absolutely, UNHINGED!!

WHAT TO EXPECT:
👻 Arranged Marriage
👻 Indian Folklore
👻 Paranormal Activity
👻 Female Rage
👻 Dark & Twisted
👻 Secrets
👻 🦋🦋🦋🦋

[Mariyah Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooooo good and had me flipping pages so fast. I was a little confused by the ending, but the epilogue cleared up a lot of confusion.

[Gabrielle Branch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the paranormal aspect of this one! It was hard to keep up at the end 🤯

[Ashley Coia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Arranged Marriage: great drama, but the plot was so confusing I felt like I needed a Google Maps reroute just to finish.

[Ericka Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t normally get into paranormal books especially since reading penpal 🤣 but I love this author so I gave it a try. It’s more like a 3.5 star but if it wasn’t for the authors note at the end I woulda been left a little confused because of how many pov’s and stuff happened at the end. But still a decent read.

[Meghna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but I genuinely just have to comment on how many times the phrase “my lips parted” in this book. 17 times in 255 pages- that’s like every 15 pages!!! That got pretty annoying and it was frustrating to see the MC trust her parents over cops but obviously cultural trauma. I also liked getting other characters’ POVs.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arranged Marriage
By: Monica Arya
Pub date: October 8, 2024
Just when I think Arya can’t get any darker, she proves me wrong!!! Which is always a good thing.
“She left our home in a wedding dress and returned in an urn” No spoiler as this is on the cover, but with this sentence you know you are going to read a dark novel.
I can’t imagine being in an arranged marriage, but it part of many cultures. When one sister turns up dead, the other sister has to marry the well-respected grieving groom.
Get ready for a twisted, scary, crazy ride. Folklore, hauntings, spirits and the perfect time of year. Arya does give a trigger warning in the beginning, so make sure you can handle the disclaimer, because this one is very dark.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Arranged Marriage”, by Monica Arya, intricately weaves cultural traditions, folklore, and supernatural elements into its narrative, exploring the complexities of arranged marriages in a traditional society facing modern challenges. Arya vividly depicts the weight of familial expectations highlighting the tension between heritage and personal autonomy.
The inclusion of local folklore and supernatural aspects adds depth to the story, with spirits and ancestral guidance influencing the characters’ decisions and relationships.
Overall, Arya offers a heartfelt look at love, duty, and finding oneself. This novel is a captivating read for anyone who likes supernatural thrillers.

[unknown · Rating 3 out of 5]

so many turns

This book was well written but not one of her best. A lot of different settings and characters that you have to really pay attention to. The end did catch me by surprise though!

[Jesse Harvey · Rating 1 out of 5]

painful, boring, nothing of substance till it’s over. I hate to give bad reviews, but there’s a reason it took me 3 months to get through.

[Lynn Shenk · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. Hard to follow at times but the storyline was interesting

[Marix Jagmoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arranged Marriage by Monica Arya is a gripping and emotional novel that explores love, sacrifice, and the weight of cultural expectations, particularly within the context of Indian society. The book is a page-turner from start to finish, with an intensity that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story follows Gia, a young woman whose life is shaped by the pressures of an arranged marriage. Throughout the book, she makes numerous sacrifices for the sake of her family and her relationship, yet, tragically, these sacrifices ultimately seem to go in vain. The heartbreaking ending left me with a profound sense of sadness, particularly because of how Gia’s dedication and struggles were not fully recognized or supported by those around her.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it highlights the importance of family support. In an ideal world, parents should be a source of strength and guidance for their daughters, offering not just love but also protection and understanding. Unfortunately, in Gia’s case, her family’s actions often feel more like obligations than acts of love, which contributes to the novel’s emotional intensity. This dynamic raises important questions about family roles and the expectations placed on women, particularly within traditional Indian culture.

What stands out in The Arranged Marriage is not only its portrayal of these cultural norms but also the way it functions as a psychological thriller. The tension builds steadily, and the reader is constantly pulled between the emotional turmoil of Gia’s personal life and the suspense surrounding the consequences of her choices. The blend of cultural insights and thriller elements makes this book unique and engaging.

Despite the heartbreaking conclusion, I found the book incredibly thought-provoking and powerful. It’s a story that not only examines personal sacrifice but also calls attention to the need for a more supportive, understanding family structure, where daughters can lean on their parents rather than be burdened by them. If you’re looking for a book that explores deep emotional conflicts, familial relationships, and the challenges of navigating love within a cultural framework, The Arranged Marriage is an unforgettable read.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...something can look like it's thriving when all it's really doing is surviving."

"I didn't have a choice, but I desperately wanted one."

"I really never wanted to get married. I wanted to have a sexual relationship with a man, I just didn't care to nurture the ego of one."

There are not enough words to praise the phenomenal dark paranormal thriller The Arranged Marriage enhanced by the exquisite writing artistry of author Monica Arya. She's taken an Indian folklore and made it into a demonic tale of evil spirits, a haunted mansion, and a deranged completely unhinged husband. A must read!

Gia is trapped as the second wife to Raj. The fact that his first wife was her older sister Amara didn't matter to her parents. "They didn't learn their lesson when that daughter came home in an urn; instead, they gave him another."

When she arrives in America she dreams of a beautiful home. Instead it's a run down mansion where the walls scream. She hopes for freedom but is a virtual slave, a sexual slave.

Soon she believes Amara might be alive. She feels her there...sometimes right beside her. The thing is, if she's not alive what is she; and is she there to save Gia or for something more sinister?

This twisted ghost story stems from the folklore of the Dakini; a tormented spirit that emerges from a dead woman. She can be any form, any illusion, in order to seek revenge on a man that has hurt her.

This writer's creatively warped mind has conjured a heart racing, hair raising, did that just happen, supernatural story. The evils of misogyny, greed, and cruelty, if not handled in this world, may be handled in the next. Now that's a fair arrangement.

*Find Trigger Warnings at www.monicaarya.com*

I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[La Femme Readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

My parents were burdened with two baby girls.
They didn’t have a legacy to carry on their name—they’d have to pay a dowry and fund an elaborate wedding. I was forced to marry a stranger, though my parents assured me I’d learn to love him. But worst of all, the man I’m being forced to marry is my dead sister’s husband. She left our home in a wedding dress and came back home in an urn. But once I moved into the tattered estate with my new husband, I realized maybe my sister wasn’t dead. Maybe she’s still here after all…

THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE is a sobering account of the unfortunate reality behind arranged marriages and the abusive men who steal their wives' light. According to Indian folklore, these women will ensure that their husbands pay for their actions, even in the afterlife. So spooky, but can we blame them!? Absolutely not - haunt away! I empathized deeply with Gia's emotional distress. The sudden loss of her sister and the forced move to America, where she lived with her sister's husband prevented her from properly grieving. As for her husband, ugh, I loathed every part of that monster.

Now, the rundown estate Gia inhabited sent chills down my spine! The supernatural occurrences were masterfully crafted by Monica, leaving me with goosebumps. There were moments when I did get a bit confused since scenes switched quickly, but it did add to the haunting atmosphere. By the end, I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and happy with how everything played out! Monica consistently delivers refreshing thrillers, and this latest addition to her esteemed collection is no exception.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Arranged Marriage
Author: Monica Arya
Pub Day: October 8, 2024

4.5 Stars

Happy Pub Day to Monica Arya!!!

Monica has become a must-read author for me, so when I heard she was coming out with her first paranormal thriller just in time for spooky season, I jumped at the chance to read it!

When Gia is forced to marry her dead sister’s husband through an arranged marriage, she was uncomfortable from the start. Her parents sent her off to America with her new husband, Raj, who she was told was a doctor so she had visions of living in a beautiful home. However, from the moment they were married, Gia was trapped into living a life of confinement and obedience. Then…just when she thinks that’s the worst of it, she begins hearing things and seeing visions of her dead sister. Trapped in this creepy mansion, Gia wonders if she will ever be free again….

As expected from @monicaaryaauthor, this book is DARK and suspenseful! I typically don’t read many paranormal thrillers, but this one was spooky, twisted and full of unhinged characters that you will despise! It was fast-paced and in true Monica Arya fashion, filled with moments that you will ask yourself, “What did I just read?” I loved the creepy vibe and the isolated setting and a good ghost story is exactly what I needed on my October tbr! This dark paranormal thriller with elements of horror is the perfect book to add to your tbr list this season!! Check trigger warnings because there are many!

Thank you @monicaaryaauthor for this advance reader’s copy!