Can Darcy Burke's books be read as standalones?

Yes, all of Darcy Burke's novels are written to stand alone with complete happily-ever-afters. However, because her series feature recurring character cameos and overlapping family trees, reading them in publication order offers a more satisfying experience.

What is the connection between The Untouchables and The Spitfire Society?

The Spitfire Society is a direct spin-off of The Untouchables , taking place in the same social circles of Regency London. Characters from the original 12-book series frequently make crossover appearances in the Spitfire books.

Why are some of the Ribbon Ridge books sold under different titles?

Darcy Burke rebranded her contemporary series to align them under a unified theme. For example, her debut contemporary novel Where the Heart Is was retitled Let Go , and the So Hot trilogy was integrated as the final books of the series.

Where should I start reading Darcy Burke's historical romance?

The best starting point is The Forbidden Duke , which launches her popular 12-book series The Untouchables , or Her Wicked Ways , the opening novel of her debut Secrets & Scandals series.

Are the Wicked Dukes Club books co-written or written individually?

The series is a collaboration with author Erica Ridley . The two authors did not co-write individual books; instead, they alternated writing separate novels within the shared universe.

What is the correct order for the Matchmaking Chronicles?

Start with the holiday prequel Yule Be My Duke , followed by The Rigid Duke , The Bachelor Earl , The Runaway Viscount , and The Make-Believe Widow .

Darcy Burke Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Darcy Burke

Darcy Burke's extensive bibliography spans multiple subgenres, meaning the best place to start depends on your personal romance tastes. Because her books are often grouped into highly interconnected universes, choosing the right entry point is key to enjoying the rich character crossovers.

For fans of glamorous, character-driven Regency romance in the style of Bridgerton, the best starting point is The Untouchables series, beginning with The Forbidden Duke. If you prefer high-stakes drama and classic Regency tropes, starting with her debut series, Secrets & Scandals, beginning with Her Wicked Ways, is highly recommended.

For readers who prefer contemporary small-town family sagas, the best starting point is the Ribbon Ridge series, starting with Where the Heart Is (retitled as Let Go). If you enjoy paranormal mysteries set in the Victorian era, start with the Raven & Wren series, beginning with A Whisper of Death.

The Interconnected 18-Book Regency Saga

One of the most rewarding aspects of Darcy Burke's historical romance writing is her massive interconnected Regency universe. While each story stands alone, three of her major series form a single, massive 18-book narrative arc. Reading these series in their release order ensures you follow the chronological character arcs and recurring cameos:

The Untouchables (12 Books): This series focuses on London's most elusive bachelor peers and the independent women who capture their hearts. It officially begins with The Forbidden Duke (2016) and runs through The Duke of Distraction (2019). The novella The Bachelor Earl serves as a prequel.
The Spitfire Society (3 Books): Set in the same social circles immediately following the events of The Untouchables, this trilogy focuses on three strong-willed women who defy societal expectations. The books are Never Have I Ever With a Duke (2019), A Duke is Never Enough (2020), and A Duke Will Never Do (2020).
The Pretenders (3 Books): A trilogy of Regency romance novels focusing on secret identities and masquerades, concluding this overarching 18-book saga. It includes A Secret Surrender (2020), A Scandalous Bargain (2020), and A Rogue to Ruin (2021).

Major Historical Series and Universes

Beyond her main 18-book saga, Burke has written several other standalone Regency series, each with its own distinct tone:

Secrets & Scandals

Burke's debut Regency series follows spirited heroines and roguish heroes navigating high-society intrigue. It consists of six books in chronological order: Her Wicked Ways, His Wicked Heart, To Seduce a Scoundrel, To Love a Thief, Never Love a Scoundrel, and Scoundrel Ever After.

Legendary Rogues

This series blends historical romance with mystery and treasure hunts. It contains five books: Lady of Desire, Romancing the Earl, Lord of Fortune, Captivating the Scoundrel, and the prequel The Legend of a Rogue.

Matchmaking Chronicles

A fun, matchmaker-focused series where characters try to orchestrate happy endings. The reading order begins with the holiday prequel Yule Be My Duke (listed as Book 5 in publication records but chronologically Book 0.5), followed by The Rigid Duke, The Bachelor Earl, The Runaway Viscount, and The Make-Believe Widow. Note that The Bachelor Earl pulls double duty as a prequel to The Untouchables.

The Phoenix Club

A series revolving around a progressive gentleman's club in London that welcomes outcasts and unconventional members. The series features nine books, starting with the prequel novella Invitation, followed by Improper, Impassioned, Intolerable, Indecent, Impossible, Irresistible, Impeccable, and Insatiable.

Rogue Rules

One of Burke's newer historical series, Rogue Rules centers on a group of friends vowed to resist dangerous rogues. The series begins with If the Duke Dares (2024), followed by Because the Baron Broods (2024), When the Viscount Seduces (2024), and As the Earl Likes (2024).

Collaborative Series and Shared Worlds

Darcy Burke has frequently collaborated with other prominent historical romance authors to build shared-world series. Understanding how these collaborations work is essential for completionist readers:

The Wicked Dukes Club

Co-authored with Erica Ridley, this series features six novels alternating between the two authors. Darcy Burke penned One Night of Surrender, One Night of Scandal, and One Night of Temptation, while Ridley wrote the alternating volumes.

Lords in Love (Marrywell Brides)

Another collaboration with Erica Ridley set during a village matchmaking festival. The overall series alternates between the authors under the series name Lords in Love. However, Darcy Burke's three individual contributions are also collected and referred to as the Marrywell Brides series: Beguiling the Duke, Romancing the Heiress, and Matching the Marquess.

Contemporary Romance: The Ribbon Ridge Updates

For readers looking for modern settings, Darcy Burke writes contemporary family sagas set in Oregon's scenic wine country. However, readers should be aware that these books underwent a major rebranding, with many titles repackaged under new names:

Let Go (Originally published as Where the Heart Is)
Get Lucky (Originally published as Only In My Dreams)
Sparks Fly (Originally published as Yours to Hold)
Fall Hard (Originally published as When Love Happens)
Can't Stop (Originally published as The Idea of You)
Break Free (Originally published as When We Kiss)
Hold Me (Originally published as You're Still the One)

Additionally, her contemporary So Hot series (consisting of So Good, So Right, and So Wrong / So In Love) was integrated into the Ribbon Ridge universe as Books 8, 9, and 10, retitled as Turn On, So Right, and This Love respectively.

Supernatural Mystery: The Raven & Wren Series

In her Raven & Wren series, Burke pivots to Victorian gothic mystery with paranormal elements. The series follows Matilda Wren, a female private investigator, and Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst, who can read memories through physical touch. The books should be read in chronological order: A Whisper of Death (2024) followed by A Whisper at Midnight (2025).