Step into the enchanting world of Mary Jo Putney’s Fallen Angels series, where Regency-era romance meets raw emotional depth and captivating characters! This beloved collection of seven historical romance novels whisks readers to early 19th-century England, weaving tales of flawed heroes and resilient heroines finding love amidst personal struggles. Known for its psychological richness and bold themes, Fallen Angels has charmed romance fans for decades.
With a masterful blend of historical detail, passionate love stories, and social commentary, Putney crafts a series that’s as thought-provoking as it is swoon-worthy. Whether you’re a Regency romance devotee or new to the genre, Fallen Angels promises a heartfelt journey through love, redemption, and second chances.
How Fallen Angels Began
Mary Jo Putney, a New York Times bestselling author, launched the Fallen Angels series in 1993 with Thunder and Roses. A Syracuse University graduate with a passion for storytelling, Putney stumbled into writing after purchasing a computer for her graphic design business. Her editor’s call for a lead title for a new historical romance imprint sparked the creation of this series, starting with the brooding half-Gypsy Earl, Nicholas Davies. Putney’s love for complex characters and Regency settings shaped a seven-book saga that grew beyond her initial trilogy plan, driven by the camaraderie of her ‘Fallen Angels’—school friends turned family.
The Heart of Fallen Angels
The series kicks off with Thunder and Roses, where schoolteacher Clare Morgan enlists the enigmatic Nicholas Davies to save her Welsh village, sparking a fiery romance. Petals in the Storm follows spy Countess Magda Janos and the rakish Duke of Candover in a tale of intrigue and passion in Paris. Shattered Rainbows, a RITA Award finalist, explores battlefield nurse Catherine Melbourne’s forbidden love for Lord Michael Kenyon against the backdrop of Waterloo. The series closes with One Perfect Rose, a poignant story of the Duke of Ashburton and Rosalind Jordan, a theater troupe’s adopted daughter, navigating love despite a dire diagnosis.
Putney’s Fallen Angels series stands out for its deep dive into themes like redemption, healing, and societal challenges. Unlike typical Regency romances, it tackles heavy topics—alcoholism, domestic abuse, and personal trauma—with sensitivity, blending them seamlessly with lush romance and vivid historical settings. The characters, often scarred by their pasts, find solace in love, making each novel a compelling mix of emotional intensity and hope.
The Regency era comes alive through Putney’s meticulous research, from aristocratic ballrooms to gritty battlefields. Her prose balances sparkling dialogue, steamy romance, and introspective moments, creating stories that linger long after the final page.
Why Fallen Angels Resonates
By blending romance with social issues, Putney paved the way for more nuanced historical romances, influencing authors and delighting readers who crave depth in their love stories. Its niche yet devoted following continues to celebrate its emotional and historical richness.
- Series Length: Seven books, published from 1993 to 1997.
- Setting: Regency-era England, with occasional European locales.
- Awards: RITA Awards for Dancing on the Wind, multiple nominations, and reader awards for One Perfect Rose.
- Author: Mary Jo Putney, also known for contemporary and fantasy romances.
Ready to fall in love with the Fallen Angels? Grab Thunder and Roses and dive into Mary Jo Putney’s irresistible world of Regency romance!