Sarah MacLean Books In Order
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If you’re looking for Sarah MacLean books in order, this guide includes every historical romance series, standalone novel, novella, and anthology in one place.
Sarah MacLean is known for her bold heroines, unforgettable heroes, and emotionally rich Regency romances filled with sharp dialogue, scandal, and irresistible chemistry. Her books combine powerful love stories with strong friendships, memorable families, and heroines who refuse to let society define their futures. Whether you’re discovering her novels for the first time or returning to a favorite series, her stories offer the perfect blend of romance, wit, and happily-ever-afters.
If you’re new to Sarah MacLean, I recommend starting with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, the first book in the Love By Numbers series. It’s one of her most beloved novels and a wonderful introduction to her writing, balancing heartfelt romance, sparkling banter, and unforgettable characters.
This guide includes every Sarah MacLean historical romance in publication order, along with her standalone novels, novellas, anthologies, and my recommendations for where new readers should begin.
Looking for the complete Sarah MacLean reading order? This guide includes every historical romance series in publication order, standalone novels, novellas, anthologies, and recommendations on where to begin if you’re reading Sarah MacLean for the first time.
Where Should You Start?
If you’re new to Sarah MacLean, I recommend starting with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, the first book in the Love By Numbers series. It’s one of her most beloved novels and a wonderful introduction to her emotionally rich storytelling, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoy watching an author’s writing evolve, you’ll find her books presented in publication order throughout this guide.
The reading order in this guide is designed to help readers explore Sarah MacLean’s books in a way that’s both enjoyable and easy to follow. Rather than following strict publication order, it begins with the series I recommend most highly, then moves through her other historical romance series. Within each series, the books are listed in the recommended reading order.
Love By Numbers
The Love By Numbers series follows three unconventional heroines who decide it’s time to break society’s rules in pursuit of the lives—and loves—they truly want. Filled with witty banter, unforgettable romance, and emotionally satisfying happily-ever-afters, these Regency novels launched Sarah MacLean’s career and remain some of her most beloved books. Although each romance stands on its own, reading the series in order lets you enjoy the friendships and recurring characters that connect the stories.
2010
Determined to experience life beyond the limits of polite society, Lady Calpurnia Hartwell creates a daring list of adventures that every proper lady is forbidden to pursue. With the help of the charming Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston, her bold plan soon turns into an unforgettable romance filled with humor, heart, and irresistible chemistry.
2010
Independent and resourceful Lady Isabel Townsend has devoted herself to helping women in need, but her quiet country refuge is threatened when the notorious Nicholas St. John arrives searching for a missing heiress. Their unlikely partnership leads to a romance filled with wit, adventure, and unexpected tenderness.
2011
Beautiful, outspoken Juliana Fiori has never fit comfortably within London's polite society, making her an unlikely match for the proper and disciplined Simon Pearson, Duke of Leighton. Their passionate opposites-attract romance brings the trilogy to a memorable and emotionally satisfying conclusion.
The Rules of Scoundrels
The Rules of Scoundrels series follows four powerful men who built London’s most infamous gaming hell, The Fallen Angel, and the remarkable women who challenge their carefully guarded hearts. Blending scandal, redemption, sharp wit, and unforgettable romance, the series showcases Sarah MacLean’s gift for creating complex characters who find love in the most unexpected circumstances. Although each novel tells a complete romance, the series is best enjoyed in reading order as recurring characters and friendships develop throughout the books.
2012
Michael Lawler, the Marquess of Bourne, has spent years seeking revenge after losing everything that once mattered to him. When childhood friend Lady Penelope Marbury unexpectedly reenters his life, an unlikely marriage offers them both a chance to reclaim the futures they thought were lost.
2013
Brilliant and endlessly curious Lady Philippa Marbury is determined to learn everything she can before her arranged marriage, leading her to seek the assistance of the notorious Cross, one of London's most enigmatic scoundrels. Their unconventional lessons soon turn into an unforgettable romance.
2013
Temple, a powerful prizefighter haunted by a scandalous accusation from his past, is stunned when Mara Lowe—the woman believed to have disappeared years earlier—returns with a proposal that could change both their lives. Their emotional journey blends long-buried secrets, redemption, and irresistible romance.
2014
Lady Georgiana Pearce has carefully hidden a dangerous secret while quietly building one of London's most successful businesses. When her future collides with Duncan West, a wealthy newspaper owner determined to uncover the truth, they discover that trust and love may be the greatest risks of all.
Scandal & Scoundrel
The Scandal & Scoundrel series pairs spirited heroines with some of London’s most intriguing rogues in a collection of Regency romances filled with wit, adventure, and emotional depth. Sarah MacLean combines unforgettable love stories with independent heroines who challenge society’s expectations, creating a series that’s both heartfelt and wonderfully entertaining. Although each novel stands on its own, reading the series in order lets you enjoy the recurring characters and connections that tie the books together.
2015
Lady Sophie Talbot has always been underestimated by London's fashionable society, but one impulsive decision sends her on an unexpected journey with the brooding King, Marquess of Eversley. Their adventure across England blossoms into a witty, slow-burn romance filled with sharp banter, unexpected tenderness, and undeniable chemistry.
2016
Lady Lily Hargrove has spent years hiding from the scandal surrounding a compromising portrait painted in her youth. When Scottish war hero Alec Stuart unexpectedly becomes her guardian, their reluctant partnership grows into a heartfelt romance built on trust, courage, and second chances.
2017
Seraphina, Duchess of Haven, returns to London determined to secure a divorce from the husband who shattered her heart years before. As Malcolm Bevingstoke, the Duke of Haven, realizes he has one final opportunity to win back the woman he never stopped loving, old wounds, difficult choices, and enduring love collide in one of Sarah MacLean's most emotionally powerful romances.
The Bareknuckle Bastards
The Bareknuckle Bastards series follows three powerful men raised on London’s roughest streets after being denied the aristocratic inheritance they believed was rightfully theirs. Determined to build lives on their own terms, they become legends in the city’s underworld until love challenges everything they thought they knew about loyalty, family, and revenge. Blending emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and Sarah MacLean’s signature wit, the series is best enjoyed in reading order as the brothers’ stories unfold.
2018
Felicity Faircloth has spent years being overlooked by London's elite until a bargain with the mysterious Devil, the powerful King of Covent Garden, changes the course of her future. As their unlikely alliance grows into something far more dangerous, both discover that love may be the greatest risk of all.
2019
Independent businesswoman Hattie Sedley has ambitious plans for her future and no intention of letting romance stand in her way. When she crosses paths with the legendary Beast, their fiery battle of wills turns into a passionate romance that proves neither of them can control the heart.
2020
Grace Condry has spent years rebuilding her life after unimaginable betrayal, only to come face-to-face with Ewan, the man she once loved and believed had destroyed everything. Their emotional second-chance romance brings the Bareknuckle Bastards trilogy to a dramatic and deeply satisfying conclusion.
Hell’s Belles
The Hell’s Belles series follows a fearless group of women who secretly work together to right society’s wrongs while helping those with nowhere else to turn. Clever, courageous, and fiercely loyal to one another, the Hell’s Belles prove that friendship can be just as powerful as romance. Filled with sharp wit, unforgettable heroines, and emotionally rich love stories, the series is best enjoyed in reading order as the characters and their remarkable adventures unfold.
2021
Lady Sesily Talbot has earned a reputation for scandal, but beneath her glamorous exterior she secretly works with the Hell's Belles to protect vulnerable women. When American businessman Caleb Calhoun arrives in London with plans of his own, their undeniable attraction threatens to complicate both their missions.
2022
Adelaide Frampton has devoted her life to the Hell's Belles and has no intention of falling in love, especially with a duke. But when Henry Carrington, Duke of Clayborn, enters her world, their growing attraction forces them both to question what they're willing to risk for love.
2023
Lady Imogen Loveless is brilliant, unconventional, and fascinated by chemistry, making her an invaluable member of the Hell's Belles. When Detective Inspector Tommy Peck is assigned to investigate a dangerous mystery, their partnership sparks a romance filled with wit, danger, and irresistible chemistry.
Standalone Novels
Although Sarah MacLean is best known for her interconnected historical romance series, she has also written standalone novels that can be enjoyed on their own. These stories feature the same memorable characters, emotional depth, and sparkling dialogue that define her work, making them an excellent choice for readers looking for a complete romance in a single volume.
2009
Lady Alexandra Stafford is making her debut during London's social season with little interest in finding a husband. As unexpected friendships, family secrets, and a charming suitor complicate her plans, she discovers that love often arrives when it's least expected.
2025
Sarah MacLean's first contemporary novel and a standalone family drama. After the death of her powerful, estranged father, Alice Storm returns to her family's private Rhode Island island only to discover that claiming her inheritance requires surviving a week-long game designed to expose old wounds, buried secrets, and fractured relationships. Blending family intrigue, romance, and emotional healing, These Summer Storms explores what it takes to rebuild a life after everything familiar has been swept away.
Short Stories & Novellas
Although Sarah MacLean is best known for her full-length historical romances, she has also written a handful of shorter works. These novellas and short stories range from festive historical romance to contemporary romance and even medieval fantasy, offering readers a chance to experience her storytelling in a variety of settings.
2018
Published in the holiday anthology How the Dukes Stole Christmas. When a practical young woman unexpectedly finds herself snowed in with a mysterious duke at Christmastime, old assumptions begin to melt away. Filled with festive charm, witty banter, and holiday romance, this novella delivers a heartwarming Regency love story.
2021
A standalone medieval fantasy short story, originally published in the Sword Stone Table anthology and later released separately. Reimagining Arthurian legend through Sarah MacLean's signature character-driven storytelling, this tale follows a gifted bladesmith whose destiny becomes entwined with the future of a kingdom, blending myth, courage, and powerful female leadership.
Anthologies
In addition to her novels and novellas, Sarah MacLean has contributed original stories to several anthologies. These collections bring together works by multiple authors and showcase her versatility across historical romance, fantasy, young adult fiction, and literary retellings.
2018
Four historical romance stories of unforgettable characters finding their Christmas miracle. Feature Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, and Joanna Shupe.
2021
An anthology of Arthurian retellings by bestselling fantasy and romance authors. Sarah MacLean's contribution, The Bladesmith Queen, reimagines Arthurian legend through the story of a gifted bladesmith whose courage and skill help shape the future of a kingdom.
2025
A collection of original stories inspired by overlooked characters from Jane Austen's novels. Sarah MacLean joins a group of contemporary authors in imagining new perspectives on Austen's beloved world while celebrating the enduring appeal of her characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Sarah MacLean series to read first?
Most readers should begin with Love By Numbers, Sarah MacLean’s debut historical romance series. It introduces her writing style and is followed by the interconnected Rules of Scoundrels, Scandal & Scoundrel, Bareknuckle Bastards, and Hell’s Belles series.
Should I read Sarah MacLean books in order?
While each romance features a different couple and can be read on its own, reading each series in order allows you to enjoy recurring characters, evolving friendships, and references to earlier stories. Many longtime fans recommend following the series in publication order.
Are Sarah MacLean’s series connected?
Yes. Several of Sarah MacLean’s historical romance series share the same world, with familiar characters making appearances throughout later books. Reading them in order provides the richest experience.
Does Sarah MacLean write contemporary romance?
Yes. Although she is best known for her historical romances, Sarah MacLean has also written contemporary fiction, including the standalone novel These Summer Storms and the contemporary romance novella A Duke Worth Falling For.
What was Sarah MacLean’s first book?
Sarah MacLean’s debut novel was Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, the first book in the Love By Numbers series, published in 2010.
Before You Close the Book
Whether you’re discovering Sarah MacLean for the first time or revisiting a favorite series, her novels offer unforgettable heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, sparkling wit, and plenty of happily-ever-afters. From the scandalous adventures of the Love By Numbers books to the fierce women of Hell’s Belles, there’s a story here for every historical romance reader.
If you’re building your historical romance reading list, be sure to explore our other Authors in Order guides here at House of Wallflowers. You’ll find complete reading orders, series guides, and recommendations to help you discover your next favorite romance.
Until then, happy reading…and may your TBR pile always be just one book too tall.
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