Step into the dazzling world of Love by Numbers, where Regency-era romance meets witty heroines and roguish heroes who defy society’s rules! Sarah MacLean’s beloved trilogy, set in the glittering ballrooms and scandalous corners of 1820s England, weaves three unforgettable love stories that blend steamy passion, sharp humor, and heartfelt emotion. Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas, this series is a must-read for anyone craving historical romance with a feminist edge.
With its irresistible mix of rule-breaking heroines and complex heroes, Love by Numbers has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, earning MacLean a spot as a New York Times bestselling author. Ready to fall in love with a trilogy that’s as charming as it is bold? Let’s dive into its origins, stories, and lasting allure!
How Love by Numbers Began
Sarah MacLean, a lifelong romance enthusiast, penned Love by Numbers as her debut foray into adult historical romance after writing a young adult novel, The Season. Inspired by her love for Regency romance and authors like Jane Austen, MacLean crafted a trilogy that began with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake in 2010. Her goal? To create stories that celebrated strong, independent women who challenge societal norms while finding love. MacLean’s background in American Studies and education, combined with her passion for feminist narratives, shaped a series that’s both escapist and empowering.
The Heart of Love by Numbers
The trilogy kicks off with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, where Lady Calpurnia Hartwell, tired of being a wallflower, embarks on a scandalous list of adventures, enlisting the rakish Marquess of Ralston as her partner. The second book, Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord, follows Lady Isabel Townsend, who’s guarding secrets and a crumbling estate, as she tangles with the dashing Lord Nicholas St. John. The series concludes with Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart, where the fiery Juliana Fiori clashes with the proper Duke of Leighton in a passionate battle of wills.
Set against the opulent backdrop of Regency England, Love by Numbers explores themes of rebellion, identity, and love’s transformative power. MacLean’s heroines—Callie, Isabel, and Juliana—are bold and relatable, defying the era’s rigid expectations with courage and wit. Her heroes, meanwhile, evolve from charming rogues to devoted partners, making each romance a journey of mutual growth. The series’ sparkling dialogue, steamy chemistry, and emotional depth have earned praise for balancing humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Why Love by Numbers Resonates
Love by Numbers has left a lasting mark on historical romance, blending feminist themes with the genre’s classic tropes. MacLean’s focus on empowered women who rewrite their own stories resonates with modern readers, while her witty prose and sizzling romance keep fans coming back. The trilogy’s success helped solidify MacLean’s reputation as a leading voice in romance, paving the way for her later series like Rules of Scoundrels. Its enduring appeal lies in its celebration of love as a force for breaking rules and finding freedom.
- Publication Years: 2010–2011
- Number of Books: 3
- Awards: Nine Rules earned a Romantic Times Magazine Seal of Excellence in 2010.
Ready to waltz into a world of scandal and swoon-worthy romance? Grab Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and dive into Love by Numbers’ irresistible Regency adventure!