Step into the passionate world of the Lost Lords, where Regency romance meets heart-pounding adventure! Mary Jo Putney’s beloved series whisks readers to 19th-century England, following a band of maverick noblemen bound by friendship and a knack for defying convention. Each book pairs a charismatic hero with a spirited heroine, weaving tales of love, redemption, and intrigue that keep fans swooning.
With its lush historical detail and emotional depth, the Lost Lords series has cemented Putney’s place as a titan of historical romance. Ready to meet these roguish lords and the women who tame their hearts? Let’s dive into this dazzling saga!
How Lost Lords Began
Mary Jo Putney, a New York Times bestselling author, launched the Lost Lords series in 2009 with Loving a Lost Lord. Inspired by her love for Regency settings and complex characters, she envisioned a group of childhood friends—misfits of ‘good birth and bad behavior’—who met at the fictional Westerfield Academy. Putney’s goal was to craft stories that blended romance with themes of loyalty and personal growth, drawing on her knack for psychological depth honed over decades of writing.
The series grew from Putney’s desire to explore unconventional heroes who challenge societal norms, a theme that resonates with her earlier works like the Fallen Angels series. Her background in graphic design and storytelling instincts shaped a vivid world that’s both historically rich and irresistibly romantic.
The Heart of Lost Lords
The Lost Lords series spans seven books, each spotlighting a different hero and his journey to love. In Loving a Lost Lord, amnesiac Duke Adam washes ashore and is claimed as a husband by resourceful Mariah, sparking a romance filled with mystery and passion. Never Less Than a Lady follows Alexander Randall, a duty-bound earl, as he protects midwife Julia Bancroft, whose dark past threatens their budding love. Nowhere Near Respectable introduces Damian Mackenzie, a charming rogue entangled with bold Lady Kiri Lawford amid a royal plot. Sometimes a Rogue thrills with Bow Street Runner Rob Carmichael’s daring rescue of Sarah Clarke-Townsend across Ireland’s wilds.
Themes of redemption, trust, and defying societal expectations run deep. Putney’s heroes grapple with personal demons—amnesia, imprisonment, or scandal—while their heroines, often independent and resilient, challenge Regency gender norms. The series’ vivid settings, from London ballrooms to rugged coasts, ground the stories in historical authenticity, while Putney’s sensual prose and intricate plots keep readers hooked.
What sets Lost Lords apart is its focus on friendship. The Westerfield Academy bonds the lords, creating a sense of camaraderie that threads through each book. Fans praise the series for balancing steamy romance with high-stakes adventure, from espionage to kidnappings, making every installment a page-turner.
Why Lost Lords Resonates
The Lost Lords series has left a lasting mark on historical romance, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist for its captivating characters and expert storytelling. Fans adore Putney’s ability to craft emotionally rich stories that tackle heavy themes like abuse and loss without losing the genre’s escapist charm. The series’ blend of strong heroines and supportive male friendships appeals to modern readers, while its Regency backdrop offers timeless allure.
Putney’s influence extends beyond the page, inspiring new generations of romance writers to explore complex characters and diverse backgrounds, as seen in Adam’s half-Hindustani heritage. The series’ enduring popularity, with thousands of Goodreads reviews, proves its staying power in a crowded genre.
- Publication Years: 2009–2015
- Number of Books: 7
- Awards: Multiple RITA Award finalist nominations
Grab Loving a Lost Lord and dive into the Lost Lords’ world of Regency romance, where love conquers all and adventure awaits!