Barbara Metzger Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Barbara Metzger

Because the vast majority of Barbara Metzger's Regency romances are standalone novels, readers have the freedom to jump in almost anywhere. However, if you want to experience her signature blend of humor, warmth, and animal companions at its absolute best, these are the recommended entry points.

For Regency Romance Lovers

A Debt to Delia (2002): This is one of Metzger's most acclaimed works, winning the prestigious RITA Award in 2003. It strikes a beautiful balance between a light mystery, emotional depth, and Metzger's characteristic witty banter.

The Bargain Bride (2009): If you want to experience Metzger at her funniest and most spirited, this late-career novel is an excellent choice. It follows a strong-willed heroine who resists an arranged betrothal to a roguish viscount, leading to delightful comedic tension.

A Loyal Companion (1992): For readers who love animals, this book is a must-read. Metzger's books are famous for their prominent animal characters, and this story features a heroic dog who helps play matchmaker in the most charming way.

For Contemporary and Paranormal Fantasy Fans

Trolls in the Hamptons (2010): If you prefer modern-day magic over historical ballrooms, start with the Willow Tate series, which Metzger published under the pseudonym Celia Jerome. This novel serves as the introduction to the whimsical paranormal harbor of Paumanok Harbor.

The Major Regency Romance Series

While Metzger mostly wrote standalone books, she did pen two beloved trilogies that should be read in order of publication to best appreciate the character arcs and overlapping storylines.

The House of Cards Series

This trilogy follows romantic fortunes tied to card-themed titles. They are classic, humorous Regency stories that should be read in order:

• Ace of Hearts (2005)
• Jack of Clubs (2006)
• Queen of Diamonds (2006)

The Royce Lie Detectors Series

This series centers around characters who possess a unique knack for exposing lies, fraud, and societal deceits. Read them in the following order:

• Truly Yours (2007)
• The Scandalous Life of a True Lady (2008)
• The Wicked Ways of a True Hero (2009)

The Willow Tate Series (Writing as Celia Jerome)

Writing under the name Celia Jerome, Metzger moved away from historical England to write a five-book contemporary fantasy series. Set in the fictional, magic-filled community of Paumanok Harbor, these books follow illustrator Willow Tate as she deals with all kinds of supernatural happenings. You should read this series in strict chronological order:

1. Trolls in the Hamptons (2010)
2. Night Mares in the Hamptons (2011)
3. Fire Works in the Hamptons (2011)
4. Life Guards in the Hamptons (2012)
5. Sand Witches in the Hamptons (2012)

Barbara Metzger's Standalone Regency Novels

If you prefer to read Metzger's solo novels in the order they were published, follow this timeline spanning over three decades of Regency romance excellence:

• Bething's Folly (1981)
• The Earl and the Heiress (1982)
• My Lady InnKeeper (1985)
• Cupboard Kisses (1989)
• Rake's Ransom (1989)
• An Early Engagement (1990)
• Minor Indiscretions (1991)
• The Luck of the Devil (1991)
• An Affair of Interest (1991)
• A Loyal Companion (1992)
• Christmas Wishes (1992)
• Lady in Green (1993)
• An Angel for the Earl (1994)
• A Suspicious Affair (1994)
• Lady Whilton's Wedding (1995)
• Father Christmas (1995)
• An Enchanted Affair (1996)
• Snowdrops and Scandalbroth (1996)
• The Primrose Path (1997)
• The Christmas Carrolls (1997)
• Miss Lockharte's Letters (1998)
• Lord Heartless (1998)
• Miss Treadwell's Talent (1999)
• A Worthy Wife (2000)
• Saved by Scandal (2000)
• Miss Westlake's Windfall (2001)
• The Painted Lady (2001)
• A Debt to Delia (2002)
• Lady Sparrow (2002)
• The Diamond Key (2003)
• Love, Louisa (2004)
• A Perfect Gentleman (2004)
• The Duel (2005)
• The Hourglass (2007)
• The Bargain Bride (2009)
• Wedded Bliss (2012)

Holiday Anthologies and Short Story Collections

Metzger was a frequent contributor to themed multi-author Regency anthologies, especially holiday collections. Many of these stories have been collected into single-author volumes so modern readers can find them easily.

Standalone Collections

• Autumn Loves (1993)
• Autumn Glory and Other Stories (2013)
• Greetings of the Season and Other Stories (2013)

Notable Multi-Author Anthologies Featuring Metzger

• A Regency Christmas (1994)
• A Regency Christmas Feast (1996)
• A Regency Christmas VIII (1998)
• A Regency Christmas Present (1999)
• The Grand Hotel (2000)
• A Regency Christmas Eve (2000)
• A Regency Christmas IX (2002)
• Regency Christmas Wishes (2003)
• Wedding Belles (2004)
• Regency Christmas Magic (2004)
• The True Love Wedding Dress (2005)
• Regency Christmas Courtship (2005)
• The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance (2010)
• The Killer Wore Cranberry: A Fifth Course of Chaos (2017)

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, keep these signature style elements in mind to help you navigate Metzger's bibliography:

Heyer-esque Wit and Humor: Metzger's historical writing style is often compared to Georgette Heyer. She relies heavily on fast-paced, humorous dialogue, eccentric supporting characters, puns, and comedic misunderstandings rather than dark, angsty melodrama.

Lovable Animal Sidekicks: Dogs, horses, and other pets are rarely background details in a Metzger book. They often have distinct personalities, act as matchmakers, and are key drivers of the plot.

Pen Name Separation: Metzger deliberately used the pen name Celia Jerome for her contemporary paranormal fantasy novels so that her historical Regency readers wouldn't confuse the two entirely different genres.