How to Read Alexandra Hawkins’s Regency Romance Series
Alexandra Hawkins is a master of steamy, emotionally charged Regency romances. Her books are famous for their dark, tortured heroes (often self-proclaimed rogues or dukes), strong-willed heroines, and a signature blend of historical detail and sensual passion. To get the most out of her interconnected worlds, readers should follow a structured reading path. While each romance contains a self-contained love story, characters frequently cross over between books, making chronological or publication order the ideal way to read her novels.
This guide lays out the complete reading order for the books published under her Alexandra Hawkins moniker, as well as the essential connections to her work published under her former pen name, Barbara Pierce.
The Best Starting Point: Lords of Vice Series
For most readers, the best place to begin is with the series that put Hawkins on the map: the Lords of Vice. This seven-novel series (plus one holiday novella) follows a tight-knit club of notorious Regency gentlemen who indulge in every imaginable pleasure, only to find themselves brought to their knees by love. Starting with the first book ensures you understand the group dynamics, recurring subplots, and the gradual redemption of these infamous scoundrels.
We recommend reading the Lords of Vice in order of publication:
- All Night with a Rogue (2010): Introduces the series and follows the Marquess of Huntsley, Alexius Braverton, as he is drawn into a high-stakes seduction that turns into genuine love.
- Till Dawn with the Devil (2010): Focuses on the tortured Gabriel Housely, Earl of Cruxton, and his emotional struggle to overcome a tragic past.
- After Dark with a Scoundrel (2011): Features Lord Ronald Vance, whose dark secret threatens his chance at happiness with the spirited Lady Regina.
- Sunrise with a Notorious Lord (2012): Follows Christopher "Kit" Sterling, who must navigate a marriage of convenience that quickly heats up.
- All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess (2012): Tells the story of Simon Devereaux, Marquess of Kingston, whose reputation is challenged by a headstrong heroine.
- Dusk with a Dangerous Duke (2013): Centers on the powerful Duke of Thornbury, Dare Huntington, and a high-stakes game of passion.
- Twilight with the Infamous Earl (2013): The final main novel in the series, detailing the redemption of Julian "Frost" Raynham, Earl of Frostbland.
- Once Upon a Christmas Scandal (2014): A holiday novella originally published in the Christmas Brides anthology, featuring Lady Ellen and Lord Swainsbury. This story serves as a delightful companion to the series.
Next Steps: Masters of Seduction Series
After finishing the Lords of Vice, readers should transition directly to the Masters of Seduction series. Set in the same lavish Regency backdrop, this series delivers the same high-heat romance and witty dialogue that fans adore, centering on rivalries, hidden identities, and forbidden desires. It consists of three full-length novels:
- A Duke but No Gentleman (2015): Introduces the brooding Duke of Blackwood, who finds his match in a woman who refuses to be easily seduced.
- You Can't Always Get the Marquess You Want (2016): A playful, high-tension romance focused on the handsome and determined Marquess of Westcliff.
- Waiting for an Earl Like You (2017): A fan-favorite mistaken-identity romance, where Earl Justin Netherwood impersonates his twin brother to court the spirited Olivia Lydall.
The Barbara Pierce Connection and Reissues
Before writing as Alexandra Hawkins, the author published several historical romance novels under the name Barbara Pierce. Knowing this connection is crucial for fans who want to explore her entire backlist. Over time, some of her earlier works were re-released as e-books under the name Alexandra Hawkins to appeal to her growing fanbase.
Specifically, the books listed as standalone novels in many databases—The No Good Irresistible Viscount Tipton and The Scandalously Bad Mr. Milroy—are actually the first two volumes of her four-part Bedegrayne Series. When she originally wrote them, they were published under the titles A Lady's Mischief and A Gentleman at Heart. The remaining two books in the Bedegrayne series, along with her Carlisle Family Series, remain available primarily under the Barbara Pierce name.
The Bedegrayne Series Reading Order
If you wish to follow the Bedegrayne family saga, read them in this order:
- The No Good Irresistible Viscount Tipton (2013) – Originally published as A Lady's Mischief (2005) under Barbara Pierce.
- The Scandalously Bad Mr. Milroy (2013) – Originally published as A Gentleman at Heart (2006) under Barbara Pierce.
- Tempting the Heiress (2007) – Available under Barbara Pierce.
- Courting the Countess (2008) – Available under Barbara Pierce.
The Carlisle Family Series Reading Order (As Barbara Pierce)
For readers who want to dive deeper into her earlier work, this series is another excellent choice:
- Wicked Under the Covers (2006)
- Sinful Between the Sheets (2007)
- Naughty by Nature (2007)
- Scandalous by Night (2008)
What to Know Before You Start
First-time readers should keep a few things in mind before diving in. First, the tone of Hawkins's books is highly sensual and features classic Regency romance tropes, including marriages of convenience, mistaken identities, and enemies-to-lovers. Second, while you can read the books out of order because each story resolves its primary romance, characters from previous books frequently appear in the background of subsequent novels, meaning you will encounter minor spoilers regarding who ends up with whom if you skip around. Therefore, starting with All Night with a Rogue and proceeding in order is highly recommended for the best reading experience.