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Classic Regency Romance Books in Order

27 Books
5 Reading orders
1999 – 2018 Published
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How to Start Reading Donna Lee Simpson’s Regency Romances

Because the books in the Classic Regency Romance series and its companion series are written as standalone stories, you have plenty of freedom. You can dive in wherever a premise catches your eye. However, the most rewarding path is to follow the original publication order within each distinct subseries to watch the author's style and world-building evolve.

If you want the absolute classic starting point, begin with The Viscount's Valentine. Originally published in 2000 and later re-released to launch the digital series, it perfectly captures the witty banter, emotional depth, and traditional style reminiscent of Georgette Heyer.

The Core Classic Regency Romance Series

This series compiles standalone historical romances focusing on different couples overcoming scandals, class divides, and social expectations. While they were re-released in digital editions starting in 2013, their original publication timeline stretches back to the early 2000s:

  • The Viscount's Valentine (2000)
  • A Rake's Redemption (2002)
  • A Rogue's Rescue (2002)
  • A Matchmaker's Christmas (2002)
  • A Scandalous Plan (2003)
  • The Earl of Hearts (2003)
  • Reforming the Rogue (2013)
  • Noel's Wish (2013)
  • Romancing the Rogue (2014)
  • Taming the Rogue (2014)
  • An Eccentric Engagement (2017)
  • The Chaperone’s Secret (2017)
  • The Duke’s Secret Seduction (2018)

Exploring the Subseries & Companion Trilogies

Beyond the main lineup, Donna Lee Simpson has grouped several books into distinct, shorter series. Reading these in order is highly recommended as characters and settings sometimes overlap.

Lords and Ladies

This early collection focuses on traditional Regency romance tropes, beginning with the author's debut era:

  • Lord St. Claire's Angel (1999)
  • Married to a Rogue (2000)
  • Lady Delafont's Dilemma (2000)
  • The Rogue's Folly (2001)
  • Lady May's Folly (2001)

The Cousins Trilogy

A charming three-book arc that follows close-knit family members as they navigate London society and find unexpected love:

  • Miss Truelove Beckons (2001)
  • Courting Scandal (2001)
  • Belle of the Ball (2001)

Haven Trilogy (and Companions)

Originally beginning in 2003, this collection was expanded over a decade later with two follow-up stories set in the same universe:

  • The Debutante’s Dilemma (2003)
  • Pamela's Second Season (2003)
  • Lord Haven’s Deception (2016)
  • A Lady’s Choice (2016)

Love and Scandal

A quick, delightful duology published in 2010 exploring the redemption of infamous rakes:

  • Love and Scandal (2010)
  • The Last Days of a Rake (2010)

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading Donna Lee Simpson’s Regency romances?

The best starting point is The Viscount's Valentine. It was originally published in 2000 and serves as the perfect introduction to the tone, humor, and style of her traditional Regency romance worlds.

QWhy do some sources list different publication dates for these books?

Many of these titles were originally published as print paperbacks between 1999 and 2003. When publisher Beyond the Page acquired the digital rights, they re-released them as eBooks starting in 2013 under the "Classic Regency Romance" branding, causing some databases to list the digital release year instead.

QAre the books in the Classic Regency Romance series connected?

No, they are written as standalone novels. Each book focuses on a completely different set of main characters, meaning you can read them in any order without missing crucial plot lines.

QIs the Haven Trilogy actually four books?

Yes. Although referred to as a trilogy based on its original setup, the author expanded the series in 2016 by publishing Lord Haven’s Deception and A Lady’s Choice, bringing the total count to four novels.

QWhat style of romance does Donna Lee Simpson write?

She writes traditional, clean Regency romances with a focus on witty dialogue, historical details, and emotional connection, strongly inspired by classic authors like Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.

QIn what order should I read The Cousins series?

You should read them in publication order: Miss Truelove Beckons (2001), Courting Scandal (2001), and then Belle of the Ball (2001).