Cheryl Bolen Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Cheryl Bolen

For readers new to Cheryl Bolen, there are two ideal starting points depending on what you are looking for. If you want to experience the book that launched her career, begin with A Duke Deceived. Originally published in 1998, this debut novel established her signature style: a marriage-of-convenience plot filled with historical accuracy and emotional depth. If you prefer to jump into her most popular and expansive universe, start with The Bride Wore Blue, the first book in the acclaimed Brides of Bath series.

Most of Bolen's books are written as standalones within interconnected series. You can read individual books out of order without getting lost, but reading them in sequence allows you to enjoy the recurring characters, family dynamics, and romantic progression as the author intended.

The Brides of Bath Series

Set in the elegant resort town of Bath, this series is Bolen's signature work. It focuses on the romantic fortunes of various ladies and gentlemen navigating the town's strict social rules. Readers should note that several books in this series were originally published under different titles or have been re-released with updates.

We recommend reading them in this chronological order:

• The Bride Wore Blue (2002)
• With His Ring (2011)
• The Bride's Secret (originally published as A Fallen Woman) (2011)
• To Take This Lord (originally published as An Improper Proposal) (2004)
• Love In The Library (originally published as Lady Sophia's Rescue) (2014)
• A Christmas in Bath (2014)
• Once Upon a Time in Bath (2020)
• The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (2022)

Brazen Brides Series

The Brazen Brides series features spirited heroines and high-stakes romantic drama. Like her other works, several of these titles feature alternate names that readers should watch out for to avoid purchasing duplicate copies.

The recommended reading order is:

1. Counterfeit Countess (2005) — A romantic mystery that was a Daphne du Maurier finalist.
2. The Wedding Bargain (also published as One Golden Ring) (2005) — A Holt Medallion-winning marriage-of-convenience story.
3. A Proposal of Marriage (also published as Marriage of Inconvenience) (2012)
4. Oh What A Night (2016)
5. Miss Hastings' Excellent London Adventure (2017)
6. A Birmingham Family Christmas (2017)

House of Haverstock Series

This series follows the lives and loves of the members and associates of the Haverstock family. It offers the classic, warm Regency charm Bolen is celebrated for, complete with festive holiday entries.

Read the series in this order:

• Lady by Chance (2011)
• Duchess By Mistake (2015)
• Countess by Coincidence (2015)
• Ex-Spinster by Christmas (2016)
• Countess by Christmas (2020)

The Beresford Adventures

For readers who enjoy a touch of suspense and adventure alongside their historical romance, this series delivers. It centers on the Beresford family as they navigate dangerous situations and unexpected love.

The correct reading sequence is:

• Lady Mary's Dangerous Encounter (2021)
• My Lord Protector (2021)
• With a Little Help from My Lord (2021)
• Rescued by a Rake (2023)
• Vindicated by a Viscount (2023)
• Defended by a Duke (2023)

The Lords of Eton Series

This series traces the lives of a group of close-knit friends who attended Eton together, exploring how their past bonds influence their adult romantic lives.

The reading order is:

• The Portrait of Lady Wycliff (2018)
• The Earl, the Vow, and the Plain Jane (2018)
• Last Duke Standing (2019)
• One Room at the Inn (2020) — A cozy holiday novella that wraps up the series.

The Regent Mysteries

If you love mysteries set during the Regency era, this subseries is a must-read. It follows a husband-and-wife sleuthing team who investigate crimes among the upper classes of 19th-century England.

Read the mystery series in this order:

1. With His Lady's Assistance (2011)
2. A Most Discreet Inquiry (2012)
3. The Theft Before Christmas (2013)
4. An Egyptian Affair (2015)

Other Notable Series and Sequels

Deceived Series

This duology features Bolen's debut novel and its follow-up, exploring secrets and hidden identities in Regency society:

• A Duke Deceived (originally published in 1998; re-released in 2019)
• His Lady Deceived (2019)

Jane Austen Sequels

Bolen has also penned fan-favorite continuations of characters from Jane Austen's beloved universe, particularly focusing on Pride and Prejudice favorites:

• Miss Darcy's New Companion (2016)
• Miss Darcy's Secret Love (2016)
• The Liberation of Miss de Bourgh (2016)

Texas Heroines in Peril

Departing from her usual Regency settings, this contemporary romantic suspense series features Texas settings and high-stakes danger:

• Protecting Britannia (2012)
• Murder at Veranda House (2012)
• A Cry In The Night (2012)
• Capitol Offense (2012)

Practical Reader Advice

When diving into Cheryl Bolen's bibliography, the biggest caveat to keep in mind is her tendency to rename books when self-publishing them as eBooks after they go out of print. Always check the alternative titles listed above before purchasing. Additionally, look out for her holiday novellas; they frequently serve as festive codas to her major series, adding satisfying epilogues to characters you have grown to love.