Step into the sizzling world of The Rogue Files, where scandal, passion, and Regency-era romance collide in Sophie Jordan’s captivating historical romance series! Launched in 2016 with While the Duke Was Sleeping, this collection of standalone novels whisks readers into the glittering ballrooms and shadowy corners of British aristocracy, where strong-willed heroines and roguish heroes defy societal norms for love. With its blend of steamy romance, sharp wit, and historical charm, The Rogue Files has won the hearts of romance readers and solidified Jordan’s reputation as a genre favorite.
Whether you’re a fan of forbidden love, dramatic rescues, or love potions gone awry, this series offers a delicious escape into a world where passion triumphs over propriety. Let’s dive into the origins, stories, and lasting allure of The Rogue Files!
How The Rogue Files Began
Sophie Jordan, a New York Times bestselling author, crafted The Rogue Files as a companion to her Debutante Files series, aiming to explore standalone romances with a bolder, more scandalous edge. A former high school English teacher with a passion for historical romance, Jordan drew inspiration from Regency-era England’s rigid social structures, weaving tales that challenge conventions through fiery heroines and complex heroes. Since its debut in 2016, the series has grown to include eight books, each a fresh story of love and redemption, earning accolades like a 2018 RITA finalist nod for The Scandal of It All.
The Heart of The Rogue Files
The Rogue Files series shines through its vibrant characters and emotionally charged plots. In While the Duke Was Sleeping (2016), shopgirl Poppy Fairchurch saves a duke from a runaway carriage, sparking a mistaken-identity romance with his roguish half-brother, Struan. The Scandal of It All (2017) follows Graciela, a widowed duchess, as she ventures into a notorious pleasure club, only to find scandalous sparks with her stepson’s friend, Colin. The Duke Buys a Bride (2018) sees Marcus, a duke, impulsively purchasing Alyse at a wife auction, leading to an unexpected marriage filled with tension and tenderness. Finally, The Virgin and the Rogue (2020) delivers a playful twist, with Charlotte Langley’s accidental love potion igniting forbidden desire for the rakish Kingston.
Set against the opulent backdrop of Regency and Victorian England, the series explores themes of defying societal expectations, embracing vulnerability, and finding love in unexpected places. Jordan’s writing blends historical authenticity with modern sensibilities, creating heroines who are fiercely independent and heroes who evolve from rogues to devoted partners. The steamy romance, witty banter, and emotional depth make each book a page-turner, perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean or Lisa Kleypas.
Why The Rogue Files Resonates
The Rogue Files has carved a niche in historical romance by offering diverse, relatable characters and stories that balance escapism with emotional truth. Fans praise Jordan’s ability to craft heroines who challenge patriarchal norms, from Poppy’s working-class grit to Nora’s botanical expertise in The Duke Effect. The series’ standalone format makes it accessible, while recurring characters tie the stories together, delighting loyal readers. Its critical success, including strong Goodreads ratings and reviewer acclaim, underscores its impact, with The Virgin and the Rogue earning praise for its fresh take on the rake-and-wallflower trope.
Beyond romance, The Rogue Files reflects timeless struggles—breaking free from societal cages, healing from past wounds, and daring to love. Its blend of spice, heart, and historical flair keeps readers returning, cementing its place in the genre’s modern canon.
- First Book: While the Duke Was Sleeping (2016)
- Total Books: 8, including a novella, In Bed with the Stablemaster
- Genre: Historical Romance (Regency/Victorian)
- Notable Award: The Scandal of It All, 2018 RITA finalist
Ready to lose yourself in Regency romance? Grab While the Duke Was Sleeping and dive into The Rogue Files’ world of scandal and swoon-worthy love!