Brenda Hiatt Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Brenda Hiatt

Brenda Hiatt's bibliography spans two main realms: witty, traditional Regency romance and action-packed young adult science fiction. Because her catalog is diverse, your starting point depends entirely on your preferred genre.

If you love historical romance, the best starting point is Scandalous Virtue, the prequel novel that launches The Saint of Seven Dials series. It introduces you to Hiatt's signature blend of high-society drama, lighthearted adventure, and satisfying character arcs. For those who prefer young adult sci-fi, start directly with Starstruck, the award-winning first book in her teen Martian princess saga.

The Starstruck Series

The Starstruck series is a unique fusion of contemporary high school drama, sweet teen romance, and interplanetary space opera. The series follows Marsha, a nerdy teen who discovers her destiny as a hidden Martian princess, thrusting her into a cosmic battle for her home planet.

For the best experience, this series should be read strictly in publication order. The overarching plot, romantic tension, and world-building build continuously from one book to the next. Side stories and holiday novellas are best read in their chronological slots to avoid spoiling character relationships.

Starstruck Recommended Reading Order

• Starstruck (2013) – The award-winning debut where Marsha's cosmic identity is revealed.
• Starcrossed (2014) – The story continues as Martian politics and high school drama collide.
• Starbound (2014) – High stakes escalate as the characters venture closer to their extraterrestrial roots.
• Starfall (2015) – A turning point in the battle for the Martian throne.
• Fractured Jewel (2016) – Book 4.5; a crucial novella bridging the main narrative arc.
• The Girl from Mars (2017) – Expanded perspectives within the same universe.
• The Handmaid's Secret (2018) – Unveils deeper lore about the Martian class systems.
• Halloween Tricks & Treats (2020) – Book 6.5; a lighthearted seasonal side story.
• Convergent (2020) – The main narrative threads begin to merge.
• Yuletide Perils (2021) – Book 7.5; a holiday-themed companion novella.
• Unraveling the Stars (2022) – Revelations about the cosmos and the main cast's destiny.
• Mindbound (2023) – Continues the next chapter of the galactic saga.
• One Valentine's Kiss (2024) – The latest sweet romantic installment in the universe.

The Saint of Seven Dials Series

This is Brenda Hiatt's flagship Regency romance series, centered on the legend of the "Saint of Seven Dials"—a mysterious, Robin Hood-like figure who steals from the wealthy elites of London to support the impoverished citizens of the Seven Dials slums. Throughout the series, different gentlemen take up the mantle of the Saint, leading to high-stakes double lives and romantic complications.

Readers face a choice between publication order and chronological story order. The chronological path is highly recommended, as it places the events of the rewritten and retitled books in their correct narrative sequence.

Chronological Story Order (Recommended)

1. Scandalous Virtue (1999) – The prequel that sets the stage for the legend of the Saint.
2. Rogue's Honor (2001) – Book 1; the official introduction of the Saint's exploits.
3. Noble Deceptions (2011) – Book 2; originally published as A Rebellious Bride in 2002.
4. Innocent Passions (2003) – Book 3; continues the romantic adventures of the inner circle.
5. Saintly Sins (2003) – Book 4; originally published as Wickedly Yours in 2003.
6. Gallant Scoundrel (2016) – Book 5; wraps up the major storylines of the legendary persona.

Understanding the Title Changes

When Brenda Hiatt transitioned to independent publishing, she reclaimed the rights to several of her older traditionally published novels. To create a cohesive, branded series, she renamed two books:

• A Rebellious Bride (2002) was republished as Noble Deceptions.
• Wickedly Yours (2003) was republished as Saintly Sins.

If you are collecting physical copies or checking secondary databases, keep these duplicate titles in mind to avoid purchasing the same story twice.

The Seven Saints Hunt Club Series

Set in the exact same historical Regency universe as the Saint of Seven Dials, this spin-off series (originally known as The Odd-Sock Hunt Club) shifts focus to lighthearted country pursuits, horseback riding, and rural matchmaking. While it can be read independently, readers will appreciate the shared world details if they read it after completing the main Saint of Seven Dials books.

• Tessa's Touch (2004)
• The Runaway Heiress (2005)
• A Taste for Scandal (2019)

Hiatt Regency Classics

If you prefer sweet, traditional Regency romance without the action-adventure elements of the Seven Dials books, the Hiatt Regency Classics are ideal. These novels are primarily standalones set during the English Regency period, focusing on society debuts, family expectations, and witty banter. They can be read in any order, though they are listed here by publication date.

• Gabriella (1992)
• The Cygnet (1992)
• Lord Dearborn's Destiny (1993)
• Daring Deception (1993)
• A Christmas Bride (1993)
• Azalea (1994)
• Christmas Promises (2016)
• Holly & Mistletoe (2017)

Note that The Ugly Duckling (1992), while often classified as a standalone Regency novel, is officially included in the Hiatt Regency Classics Complete Collection omnibus alongside these works.

Americana Dreaming Duology

This pair of books focuses on historical romance settings within early America. However, they feature very different storytelling devices and should be approached with unique expectations.

• Ship of Dreams (2000) – Chronologically first, this is a straight historical romance set in 1857. The plot centers on Della Gilliland fleeing San Francisco on a steamer that gets caught in a hurricane, inspired by the real-life disaster of the SS Central America.
• Bridge Over Time (1994) – Chronologically second, this is a time-travel romance where a modern political activist swaps consciousness with an ancestress from 1825.

Because they share a thematic focus on American settings rather than a direct character continuity, they can easily be read as standalones or in either order.

What to Know Before You Start

Hiatt's work is characterized by its light, hopeful tone. Her traditional Regencies are "sweet" and focus heavily on societal wit, while her YA sci-fi books balance clean romance with high-concept planetary lore. The author's transition to indie publishing has allowed her to keep her entire backlist in print under her own control, resulting in the title updates for the Saint of Seven Dials series. For the best digital reading experience, seek out the updated titles (Noble Deceptions and Saintly Sins) to ensure your series continuity is intact.