The Recommended Reading Path
If you are looking to plunge into the lush, witty, and steamy Regency romance world of Alyssa Clarke, you have two primary options: the daring ladies of the Wagers and Wallflowers series or the chaotic family dynamics of Those Very Bad Fairbanks. Fortunately, because these two series do not have official crossovers or overlapping characters, you can begin with either series without spoiling the other.
However, within each series, it is highly recommended to read the books in publication order. While each novel focuses on a different couple and concludes with a satisfying happily-ever-after, the recurring characters, family relationships, and background story arcs evolve chronologically. Reading out of order will inevitably reveal which couples from previous books ended up together, potentially spoiling the tension of their respective stories.
Wagers and Wallflowers Series
The Wagers and Wallflowers series centers on an exclusive, secret club of ladies—including wallflowers, bluestockings, and debutantes—who gather to make daring bets, learn self-defense, and seize control of their own romantic destinies in Regency London. The series should be read in the following order:
- Love Me, If You Dare (2021) - Introduces the secret ladies' club and Lady Charity Rutherford's fiery romance with a duke.
- Marry Me, If You Dare (2021)
- Seduce Me, If You Dare (2021)
- Ruin Me, If You Dare (2021)
- Kiss Me, If You Dare (2021)
- Tempt Me, If You Dare (2021)
- Wrong Earl, Right Dare (2022)
- Daring with the Rogue (2022)
- The Difference a Dare Makes (2022)
- No Good Dare Goes Unpunished (2022)
- Beauty Dares the Beast (2023)
- The Devil's Own Dare (2023)
- A Wager too Wicked (2023)
- Two Dares, a Duke, and a Runaway Bride (2023)
- Never Wager with a Scoundrel (2023)
- A Dare too Scandalous (2024)
- Dared by the Rogue (2024)
- The Wallflower Dares the Duke (2024)
Those Very Bad Fairbanks Series
The Those Very Bad Fairbanks series follows the scandalous and humorous escapades of the Fairbanks siblings. Once ordinary members of the middle class, they find themselves thrust into high society after the eldest brother unexpectedly inherits an Earldom. Guided by their eccentric great-aunt, they must navigate the strict rules of the ton while finding true love. To capture the full family progression, follow this publication order:
- Taming of the Rogue (2021)
- The Viscount and the Hellion (2021)
- Slightly Wicked (2021)
- Seven Nights with the Duke (2021)
- Between Scandal and Desire (2022)
- My Fair Rakess (2022)
- Miss Charlotte and the Duke (2022)
- The Scoundrel You Know (2022)
- Dear Mr. Fairbanks (2024)
- It Started With a Kiss (2024)
- A Pocket Full of Mischief (2024)
- When The Rogue Met His Match (2024)
- An Unlikely Countess (2024)
Practical Reader Advice and Start Points
For readers new to Alyssa Clarke, the best starting point is Love Me, If You Dare. It perfectly showcases the author's signature blend of high-steam romance, modern-minded historical heroines, and witty banter. If you prefer family-centric dynamics and the "fish out of water" trope, starting with Taming of the Rogue in the Fairbanks series is an equally excellent choice.
While the books can technically be enjoyed as standalones due to their self-contained romance plots, following the chronological order ensures you understand the camaraderie of the ladies' club in Wagers and Wallflowers and the close-knit bonds of the siblings in Those Very Bad Fairbanks.
What to Know Before You Start
Alyssa Clarke's writing style is known for balancing the historical setting of the Regency era with contemporary sensibilities. Her heroines are active, independent, and frequently defy the submissive expectations of 19th-century high society. Readers should expect highly sensual scenes, strong emotional connection, and plenty of lighthearted humor. There are no co-authored books or external spin-offs to worry about, making these two main series the primary focus for any fan.