The Recommended Reading Order
The Bareknuckle Bastards is a tightly woven trilogy that follows both a chronological timeline and a single, overarching family mystery. Because of this continuous narrative arc, readers should follow the books in order of their publication. Reading them out of sequence will spoil major plot points and the ultimate resolution of the siblings' conflict with their father's legacy.
- Wicked and the Wallflower (June 2018)
- Brazen and the Beast (July 2019)
- Daring and the Duke (June 2020)
Who Are the Bareknuckle Bastards?
Unlike the traditional glittering Mayfair ballrooms that dominate many Regency romances, Sarah MacLean’s series takes readers deep into London's criminal underbelly in Covent Garden. The series centers on three men and one woman: Devil (Devon), Beast (Whit), Ewan (the Duke of Marwick), and Grace Condry. They are a found family bound by trauma, survival, and a twisted upbringing.
All four were born on the exact same day. Their father, the cruel and abusive Duke of Marwick, brought them together as children. The brothers—Ewan, Devil, and Beast—are all illegitimate sons of the Duke by different mothers, while Grace is the daughter of the Duchess born from an affair. The Duke pitted the children against one another in a brutal, years-long competition to determine who would inherit his title and fortune. To survive his cruelty, they formed a fiercely protective bond.
However, during their teenage years, Ewan seemingly chose to align with their father and betrayed the group. The remaining three—Devil, Beast, and Grace—were forced to flee to the streets of Covent Garden. Together, they rose from poverty to build a powerful underworld empire, ruling the docks, smuggling rings, and streets, while constantly looking over their shoulders in fear of Ewan's return.
The Core Trilogy: Book by Book
1. Wicked and the Wallflower (2018)
The series kicks off with Devon, known to the underworld as "Devil," the cold-hearted king of Covent Garden. Eager to exact revenge on their half-brother Ewan, who has now become the new Duke of Marwick, Devil seeks to ruin a lady of high society whom Ewan intends to marry. He sets his sights on Lady Felicity Faircloth, a smart, lock-picking wallflower who has been compromised and pushed to the margins of the ton. Devil offers to make her the most desirable woman in London in exchange for her help. However, Felicity's sharp wit and fiery independence quickly break through Devil’s defenses, turning a dangerous game of vengeance into a passionate battle of hearts.
2. Brazen and the Beast (2019)
The second installment focuses on Whit, known on the streets as "Beast," a quiet and intimidating fighter who guards Covent Garden's docks. His plans are thrown into disarray when he finds Lady Henrietta "Hattie" Sedley tied up in the back of his carriage. Hattie is a fiercely ambitious businesswoman determined to secure her financial independence before she turns twenty-nine, avoiding marriage at all costs. She wants to run her father’s shipping empire and needs the underworld's cooperation. As they clash over smuggling operations and business turf, the sizzling chemistry between the taciturn fighter and the bold, brilliant businesswoman ignites a romance that challenges both of their plans for the future.
3. Daring and the Duke (2020)
The trilogy reaches its emotional climax with the story of Grace Condry, the undisputed queen of Covent Garden's streets, and Ewan, the Duke of Marwick. For years, Ewan was believed to be the ultimate villain of the family, but his motives are finally laid bare. Ewan has spent a decade searching for Grace, the only woman he has ever loved, desperate to earn her forgiveness and win her back. This high-stakes, enemies-to-lovers story is a gut-wrenching tale of redemption, digging deep into the childhood secrets that tore the siblings apart and offering a powerful conclusion to the overarching family feud.
The MacLeaniverse: Interconnected Series and Spin-Offs
While the Bareknuckle Bastards stands perfectly well on its own, it is part of a larger, interconnected web of series written by Sarah MacLean, often referred to by fans as the "MacLeaniverse." Reading these series in publication order allows you to track recurring characters, family legacies, and the evolving social structure of London's underworld.
The Rules of Scoundrels (2012–2014)
Before writing the Bareknuckle Bastards, MacLean wrote the highly popular Rules of Scoundrels series, which also explores the dark side of London through the lens of a notorious gambling club. While there is no direct plot crossover, the atmosphere and world-building of the London underworld lay the groundwork for Covent Garden's setting in the Bastards trilogy.
Hell's Belles (2021–Present)
If you are looking for what to read next after finishing the Bareknuckle Bastards, the Hell's Belles series is the direct spiritual successor. It centers on a secret group of feminist vigilantes in London. Several characters cross over between these series. Most notably, Nik, a Norwegian woman who works as an enforcer for the Bareknuckle Bastards (known for her tall stature and men's clothing), plays a significant recurring role in the first book of the series, Bombshell, alongside her partner, Lady Eleanor "Nora" Madewell.
What to Know Before You Start
MacLean’s writing is heavily celebrated for its feminist themes. The heroines of the Bareknuckle Bastards—whether they are picking locks, running cargo empires, or ruling street gangs—do not wait around to be saved. Instead, they demand equality, agency, and respect from the powerful men who love them. If you enjoy historical romance filled with witty banter, high emotional stakes, and deep, protective relationships, this series is a must-read.