Where to Start with the Dangerous Dukes
If you are ready to dive into Carole Mortimer’s world of espionage, aristocratic scandals, and intense romance, the recommended starting point is the prequel novella, Marcus Wilding: Duke of Pleasure. While this novella is shorter than the subsequent volumes, it establishes the sensual tone, high-society backdrop, and character dynamics that define the rest of the series. Following the prequel, you should read the full-length novels in their publication order, starting with Zachary Black: Duke of Debauchery. This order ensures that you follow the chronological progression of the overarching Regency intrigue and character connections seamlessly.
The Dangerous Dukes Reading Order (Publication & Chronological)
The Dangerous Dukes series was published over a rapid period between 2014 and 2015. Fortunately for readers, the publication order matches the internal chronological order of the narrative. Here is the complete list of books in the sequence they should be read:
- Book 1 (Prequel Novella): Marcus Wilding: Duke of Pleasure (2014)
- Book 2: Zachary Black: Duke of Debauchery (2014)
- Book 3: Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire (2014)
- Book 4: Griffin Stone: Duke of Decadence (2015)
- Book 5: Christian Seaton: Duke of Danger (2015)
- Book 6: Rufus Drake: Duke of Wickedness (2015)
Behind the Rakes: Summaries and Key Characters
Marcus Wilding: Duke of Pleasure
The series opens with a steamy prequel novella focusing on Lady Julianna Armitage, a young widow who suffered through a cold, passionless marriage. Determined to experience the pleasure she was denied, she approaches Marcus Wilding, the Duke of Worthing—a nobleman famous for his skill in the art of seduction. Unknown to Julianna, Marcus has harbored feelings for her for years. Instead of simply teaching her, he launches a calculated, passionate campaign to win her hand and her heart permanently.
Zachary Black: Duke of Debauchery
As the first full-length novel in the series, this book centers on Zachary Black, the Duke of Hawksmere, who has earned a reputation as London's most dissolute bachelor. His life is upended when he discovers a veiled woman hiding in his carriage. The intruder is none other than Lady Georgianna Lancaster, his former fiancée. As the two confront their painful past and the secrets that drove them apart, they must also navigate an underlying web of danger and betrayal.
Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire
Darian Hunter, the Duke of Wolfingham, is a legendary rake who prefers to keep his distance from respectable society. However, when a political conspiracy threatens the Crown, he is paired with Lady Mariah Beecham, the Countess of Carlisle. Mariah is a scandalous widow who secretly works as an agent for the government. Forced to pose as passionate lovers at a debauched house party to expose an assassin, the boundary between their pretend passion and real desire quickly begins to blur.
Griffin Stone: Duke of Decadence
Griffin Stone, the Duke of Rotherham, is determined to root out the traitors involved in a conspiracy against England. During a journey to his estates, his carriage nearly runs over a disheveled and traumatized woman. She is Lady Beatrix Stanton, and Griffin soon realizes that her lost memories hold the key to uncovering the mastermind behind the treasonous plot. Protecting her leads him into a dangerous game of attraction and intrigue.
Christian Seaton: Duke of Danger
In this high-stakes installment, Christian Seaton, the Duke of Sutherland, operates deep undercover as a British spy in France. While investigating a French tavern, he crosses paths with Lisette Dupree, whom he suspects is the daughter of a key conspirator. To keep her safe and extract the information she holds, Christian abducts her, leading to a perilous chase across France as French mercenaries pursue them back to the shores of England.
Rufus Drake: Duke of Wickedness
The final book focuses on Rufus Drake, the newly titled Duke of Northamptonshire, who is known for his roguish behavior. When the innocent Anna Bishop is caught trespassing on his property, she finds herself in a highly compromising position. Rufus agrees to help her escape her predicament, but he demands a price for his assistance: a single, unforgettable kiss. That kiss sparks an insatiable chemistry that neither expected, complicating their lives as secrets unfold.
What to Know Before You Start
Carole Mortimer is well-known for writing high-sensuality historical romances. The Dangerous Dukes series stands out because it blends traditional Regency romance tropes—such as marriages of convenience, second chances, and rake-reformation—with light romantic suspense, espionage, and political conspiracies. While each book can technically be read as a standalone romance focusing on a single couple, reading them in order is highly recommended. The background plots involving government espionage, French spies, and political conspiracies develop continuously across the books, meaning you will get the most enjoyment out of the series by following the characters from the beginning.
What to Read Next: Carole Mortimer’s Other Regency Sagas
If you finish the Dangerous Dukes and want more of Carole Mortimer's signature blend of historical drama and high steam, she has written several other popular Regency series. Consider checking out Regency Unlaced, a series of passionate standalone historical romances, or The Notorious St. Claires, which also features scandalous noblemen navigating love and high society. For readers who enjoy structured series, her Regency Lovers books offer similar character dynamics and period details.