loretta chase books in order reading guide cover

Loretta Chase Books In Order

If you’re looking for Loretta Chase books in order, this guide lists every historical romance she has written in publication order, making it easy to explore one of the genre’s most celebrated authors. Whether you’re discovering her for the first time or returning to revisit old favorites, you’ll find her complete bibliography organized by series, along with standalone novels, novellas, and short fiction.

Best known for unforgettable romances filled with sparkling wit, sharp-tongued heroines, and irresistible heroes, Loretta Chase has created some of historical romance’s most beloved characters. From the legendary Lord of Scoundrels to fan-favorite series like Carsington Brothers and Dressmakers, her novels combine humor, intelligence, and emotional depth with richly detailed historical settings.

This guide also notes a few places where Loretta Chase organizes her books differently than some retailer and book database websites, following the author’s own preferred presentation whenever possible.

Where Should You Start?

I recommend starting with The Lion’s Daughter, the first book in Loretta Chase’s acclaimed Scoundrels series. It introduces readers to her signature blend of sparkling wit, memorable characters, and richly detailed historical settings while allowing you to enjoy the series in the order it was written.

The third book, Lord of Scoundrels, is widely regarded as one of the greatest historical romances ever written and remains Loretta Chase’s best-known novel. While many readers discover her through that book, reading the Scoundrels series from the beginning lets you fully appreciate the characters and relationships as they develop.

Historical Romance Series

Loretta Chase’s historical romances span more than three decades and showcase the wit, intelligence, and unforgettable characters that have made her one of the genre’s most celebrated authors. Her bibliography ranges from charming traditional Regencies to richly layered historical romances featuring sharp heroines, complex heroes, and some of the most beloved love stories ever written. Explore her books below in publication order, organized by the series and groupings she created throughout her career.

Traditional Regencies

Loretta Chase began her career writing traditional Regency romances—shorter, witty novels that emphasize sparkling dialogue, romantic tension, and comedy of manners over steamy romance. Although these books are sometimes divided into smaller series or listed as standalones by booksellers and book databases, Loretta Chase groups all six together as her Traditional Regencies, reflecting both their style and the period in which they were written.

Editor’s Note: Some book databases divide these novels into the Trevelyan Family and Regency Noblemen series or list Knaves’ Wager and The Sandalwood Princess as standalones. This guide follows Loretta Chase’s own organization of her early Traditional Regencies.

Isabella

1987

Wealthy and practical Isabella Latham expects to spend the London Season chaperoning her younger cousins - not attracting suitors herself. When she finds herself choosing between a charming rogue and his proud aristocratic cousin, Isabella discovers that love is far more complicated than she'd ever imagined.

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The English Witch

1988

Alexandra Ashmore's extraordinary beauty has earned her the nickname "the English Witch," but it also leaves her vulnerable to unwanted attention. After a kidnapping throws her into the path of the notorious Basil Trevelyan, she finds herself matching wits with a rake determined to win her heart.

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Viscount Vagabond

1989

Escaping a forced marriage lands Catherine Pelliston in one impossible situation after another, including a rescue by the scandalously unconventional Max Demowery, Viscount Rand. Their unexpected partnership leads to a witty romance filled with adventure, misunderstandings, and irresistible chemistry.

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The Devil's Delilah

1989

Delilah Desmond's future is threatened when her infamous father's scandalous memoirs fall into the wrong hands. Determined to stop their publication, she reluctantly joins forces with the quiet, scholarly Jack Langdon, whose hidden courage proves every bit as captivating as his intellect.

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Knaves' Wager

1990

Widowed Lady Lilith Davenant has every reason to distrust Julian Wyndhurst, Marquess of Brandon, especially when a reckless wager brings them together. As Julian begins to see the warmth and humor beneath Lilith's reserved exterior, a game of deception slowly becomes an unforgettable love story.

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The Sandalwood Princess

1990

Returning from India with a mysterious sandalwood statue, Amanda Cavencourt is drawn into a dangerous web of intrigue when the priceless heirloom is stolen. Pursuing the elusive thief known as the Falcon leads Amanda on an adventure where danger and romance become impossible to separate.

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Scoundrels

The Scoundrels series introduced readers to the sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and emotionally rich romances that would make Loretta Chase one of historical romance’s most acclaimed authors. Set against the backdrop of Regency England, these interconnected novels feature unconventional heroes, intelligent heroines, and sparkling dialogue, culminating in the beloved Lord of Scoundrels, one of the genre’s most celebrated romances.

The Lion's Daughter (Scoundrels #1)

1992

Esme Brentmor, the fearless daughter of a disgraced English lord, has grown up among the tribes of Albania and is determined to avenge her father's death. Her quest unexpectedly places her in the care of the charming but thoroughly self-indulgent Lord Varian St. George, whose reluctant journey alongside Esme becomes an adventure filled with danger, humor, and romance.

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Captives of the Night (Scoundrels #2)

1994

Portrait painter Leila Beaumont becomes the prime suspect when her estranged husband is murdered, forcing her to work with the enigmatic Comte d'Esmond to uncover the truth. As they navigate secrets, danger, and political intrigue, their reluctant partnership gives way to a deeply emotional romance.

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Lord of Scoundrels (Scoundrels #3)

1995

Widely considered Loretta Chase's signature novel, this beloved romance pairs the notorious Sebastian Ballister, Marquess of Dain, with the intelligent and determined Jessica Trent. Their battle of wills, irresistible chemistry, and unforgettable love story have made Lord of Scoundrels a longtime favorite among historical romance readers.

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The Last Hellion (Scoundrels #4)

1998

Reckless Duke of Ainswood has earned a reputation as one of London's most notorious aristocrats, while Lydia Grenville has dedicated her life to helping the city's poor. Their fiery clash of personalities soon turns into an unforgettable romance as they confront danger, passion, and their own preconceptions.

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The Mad Earl's Bride (Scoundrels #5)

2013

Gwendolyn Adams agrees to an extraordinary marriage proposal when she's asked to wed a dying earl to preserve his family line. As she cares for the enigmatic Earl of Rawnsley, what begins as a marriage of convenience gradually blossoms into a tender romance filled with hope, healing, and unexpected love.

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The Carsington Brothers

The Carsington Brothers series follows the witty, unconventional Carsington siblings as each unexpectedly falls in love. Blending sparkling banter, memorable adventures, and intelligent heroines with Loretta Chase’s trademark humor, these novels take readers from the English countryside to the deserts of Egypt while delivering some of her most entertaining romances.

Miss Wonderful (Carsington Brothers #1)

2004

Alistair Carsington retreats to the Derbyshire countryside hoping to escape temptation, only to find himself at odds with the fiercely independent Mirabel Oldridge. Their battle of wits quickly turns into an irresistible romance as two stubborn minds discover they're perfectly matched.

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Mr. Impossible (Carsington Brothers #2)

2005

While imprisoned in Cairo, the charming Rupert Carsington is offered an unusual bargain by brilliant scholar Daphne Pembroke: help rescue her kidnapped brother in exchange for his freedom. Their perilous journey across Egypt becomes an unforgettable adventure filled with danger, humor, and unexpected romance.

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Lord Perfect (Carsington Brothers #3)

2006

Benedict Carsington, the impeccably proper Viscount Rathbourne, prides himself on always doing the right thing until he crosses paths with the spirited widow Bathsheba Wingate. When their adventurous children disappear on a treasure hunt, an unexpected rescue mission forces two complete opposites to confront a growing attraction neither anticipated.

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Not Quite A Lady (Carsington Brothers #4)

2007

Darius Carsington is sent to investigate rumors surrounding the mysterious Lady Charlotte Hayward, who has been living alone in the countryside after years abroad. As suspicion gives way to admiration, Darius discovers that Charlotte's past is far more complicated than gossip suggests - and that protecting her may cost him his heart.

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Last Night's Scandal (Carsington Brothers #5)

2010

Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, and spirited Olivia Wingate have spent years challenging one another, but an impulsive adventure in search of a legendary treasure changes everything. What begins as a lighthearted escapade soon becomes a witty, fast-paced romance as lifelong rivals discover they've grown into the perfect match.

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The Fallen Women

The Fallen Women series features two independent, resilient heroines whose lives have placed them outside society’s expectations. Set against a backdrop of scandal, espionage, and danger, these romances showcase Loretta Chase’s gift for pairing complex, worldly characters with unforgettable heroes who learn that love is worth risking everything.

Your Scandalous Ways (Fallen Women #1)

2008

British agent James Cordier plans to complete one final mission by recovering a packet of compromising letters from the infamous Francesca Bonnard. But as danger closes in and their attraction deepens, the seasoned spy and the scandalous beauty discover that their greatest risk may be falling in love.

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Don't Tempt Me (Fallen Women #2)

2009

After spending years in the East, Zoe Lexham returns to England with a reputation that makes her an outcast among polite society. When the cynical Duke of Marchmont offers to help restore her standing, their unlikely alliance soon gives way to a passionate romance that challenges everything they thought they wanted.

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The Dressmakers

The Dressmakers series follows the talented Noirot sisters, whose fashionable London dress shop serves the ton’s most influential ladies. Blending witty banter, ambitious heroines, and irresistible romances, these novels celebrate intelligent women who use their creativity, determination, and style to build successful lives while finding unexpected love.

Silk Is For Seduction (Dressmakers #1)

2011

Ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is determined to secure the patronage of a future duchess, but her carefully laid plans are complicated when she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the woman's guardian, the Duke of Clevedon. Their battle of wills soon becomes a romance as elegant and captivating as the gowns Marcelline creates.

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Scandal Wears Satin (Dressmakers #2)

2012

Sophy Noirot agrees to help a spirited young aristocrat navigate London's social season, only to find herself working alongside the rakish Earl of Longmore. As the pair schemes to outwit society's expectations, their playful partnership blossoms into an irresistible love story.

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Vixen in Velvet (Dressmakers #3)

2014

Leonie Noirot is determined to transform an overlooked young woman into the belle of the Season, but her plans are repeatedly disrupted by the charming Marquess of Lisburne. What begins as a battle of wits soon turns into a sparkling romance between two people equally skilled at disguising their true feelings.

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Dukes Prefer Blondes (Dressmakers #4)

2015

Lady Clara Fairfax is determined to prove she's more than just a beautiful face, while barrister Oliver Radford has little patience for society's glittering world. When circumstances repeatedly throw them together, their unlikely partnership grows into a witty and heartfelt romance that challenges both their expectations.

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The Difficult Dukes

The Difficult Dukes series follows three notoriously unruly aristocrats whose reputations have earned them the nickname “the Dis-Graces.” Packed with Loretta Chase’s signature wit, spirited heroines, and laugh-out-loud banter, these romances prove that even the most impossible dukes can find their perfect match.

A Duke in Shining Armor (Difficult Dukes #1)

2017

When bespectacled Lady Olympia Hightower flees her own wedding, the notorious Duke of Ripley sets out to return her to the altar. Their unexpected journey quickly becomes an adventure filled with mishaps, witty exchanges, and an irresistible romance that neither saw coming.

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Ten Things I Hate About the Duke (Difficult Dukes #2)

2020

Outspoken Cassandra Pomfret has never been one to hide her opinions, while the reckless Duke of Ashmont has a talent for creating scandal wherever he goes. When circumstances force them into a marriage of convenience, their constant sparring slowly gives way to respect, passion, and love.

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My Inconvenient Duke (Difficult Dukes #3)

2025

Lady Alice Ancaster needs a practical marriage to secure her future, but the last man she expects to rely on is the Duke of Blackwood, her brother's longtime friend and the man who once broke her heart. Their second chance at love unfolds through sharp banter, old wounds, and a romance that proves some connections never truly fade.

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Novellas & Short Stories

Royally Ever After

2015

This collection brings together two previously published Regency romance novellas: Lord Lovedon's Duel and The Jilting of Lord Rothwick, both featuring second-chance romance, honor, and happily-ever-afters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Loretta Chase book to start with?

If you’re new to Loretta Chase, I recommend beginning with The Lion’s Daughter, the first book in her Scoundrels series. If you’d rather jump straight to her most acclaimed novel, Lord of Scoundrels is widely considered one of the greatest historical romances ever written.

Do you need to read Loretta Chase’s books in order?

Most of Loretta Chase’s series feature interconnected characters and are best enjoyed in publication order. While many of the romances can be read as standalones, reading each series from the beginning allows you to appreciate recurring characters, family relationships, and ongoing storylines.

What is Loretta Chase’s most popular book?

Without question, Lord of Scoundrels is Loretta Chase’s best-known novel. Originally published in 1995, it remains one of the most beloved historical romances ever written and is frequently recommended as an essential read for fans of the genre.

Which Loretta Chase series should I read first?

The Scoundrels series is an excellent place to begin and includes Lord of Scoundrels. Readers who enjoy witty family-centered romances may also love the Carsington Brothers series, while the Dressmakers series is perfect for those who appreciate intelligent heroines and sparkling banter.

Before You Close the Book

Whether you’re discovering Loretta Chase for the first time or revisiting a longtime favorite, her novels remain some of the wittiest and most enduring in historical romance. From the unforgettable Scoundrels series to the charming Carsington Brothers, the ambitious Dressmakers, and the delightfully troublesome Difficult Dukes, her stories are filled with intelligent heroines, memorable heroes, sparkling dialogue, and romances that continue to delight readers decades after publication.

Until then, happy reading…and may your TBR pile always be just one book too tall.