Step into the sultry, scandalous world of The Rules of Scoundrels, where four brooding ex-aristocrats turned underworld kings steal hearts and rewrite their fates! Penned by historical romance maven Sarah MacLean, this series whisks readers to 19th-century London, blending steamy passion with tales of redemption that’ll leave you swooning. If you love a good mix of danger, desire, and dazzling characters, this quartet of novels is your next obsession.
Picture this: exiled nobles running a notorious gaming hell, each hiding a past as tangled as their cravats. MacLean’s knack for weaving emotional depth with sizzling chemistry makes The Rules of Scoundrels a standout in historical romance, perfect for anyone craving love stories with a rebellious edge.
How The Rules of Scoundrels Began
Sarah MacLean, a New York Times bestselling author with a flair for feminist romance, launched The Rules of Scoundrels in 2012 with A Rogue by Any Other Name. Inspired by her love for Regency-era drama and roguish heroes, she envisioned a world where fallen aristocrats reclaim power outside society’s stuffy ballrooms. A self-proclaimed romance advocate, MacLean drew from historical settings and her own wit to craft a series that’s as smart as it is seductive.
The idea blossomed into four books, each spotlighting a partner of The Fallen Angel gaming hell. MacLean’s research into 19th-century London—think gaslit streets and whispered scandals—grounds the series in a vivid, immersive backdrop that fans adore.
The Heart of The Rules of Scoundrels
The series kicks off with A Rogue by Any Other Name, where the ruthless Marquess of Bourne weds Lady Penelope Marbury to reclaim his lost fortune, only to find her thirst for adventure upends his plans. Next, One Good Earl Deserves a Lover pairs quirky, bespectacled Lady Philippa with gaming hell owner Cross, sparking a romance as brainy as it is steamy.
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished follows Temple, the ‘Killer Duke,’ as he confronts Mara Lowe, the woman he’s accused of murdering—who’s very much alive and ready to unravel his world. The finale, Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover, unveils Lady Georgiana as Chase, the secret mastermind of the underworld, whose double life entangles with journalist Duncan West. Themes of identity, redemption, and forbidden love weave through each tale, set against the gritty glamour of London’s darker corners.
MacLean’s style shines with sharp banter, lush settings, and characters who defy Regency norms. Whether it’s a heroine seeking ruin or a hero shedding his shame, the series delivers passion with a side of empowerment—perfect for readers who like their romance bold and unapologetic.
Why The Rules of Scoundrels Resonates
The Rules of Scoundrels has left its mark on historical romance, earning RITA Awards and a devoted fanbase. Its blend of underworld intrigue and heartfelt redemption hooks readers, while MacLean’s feminist lens—think strong heroines and vulnerable rogues—elevates the genre. It’s not just escapism; it’s a celebration of love’s power to heal society’s outcasts.
Years after its 2014 finale, the series still buzzes in romance circles, inspiring readers to root for the scoundrels and savor MacLean’s masterful storytelling. It’s a testament to why romance endures: it’s about finding light in the shadows, one swoon at a time.
- About The Rules of Scoundrels
- Published: 2012–2014
- Number of Books: 4
- Awards: RITA Awards for A Rogue by Any Other Name (2013) and No Good Duke Goes Unpunished (2014)
Ready for a romp through London’s underworld? Grab A Rogue by Any Other Name and dive into The Rules of Scoundrels’ irresistible world of romance and rebellion!