Donna Lea Simpson Books in Order

Where to Start with Donna Lea Simpson

Donna Lea Simpson is celebrated for her traditional Regency romances that capture the wit of Jane Austen and the emotional depth of Mary Balogh. However, because several of her books have been republished under different titles, readers often encounter duplicate listings. If you are new to her work, your best starting point depends on your preferred subgenre:

• For Classic Regency Romance: Start with Lord St. Claire's Angel (1999), the book that launched her career and begins her most famous romance series.
• For Historical Gothic Mysteries: Start with Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark (2009), which blends Regency-era social dynamics with spooky, gothic atmosphere.
• For Paranormal Romance: Start with Awaiting the Moon (2006), a moody historical trilogy set on the atmospheric Cornish moors.

The Lords and Ladies Series (The Essential Romance Order)

This is Simpson's flagship series. It is a traditional Regency romance trilogy, but the publication history can be highly confusing due to significant retitling. Some databases list five books, but there are actually only three distinct stories. Below is the chronological reading order with their alternate names explained:

1. Lord St. Claire's Angel (1999) – The debut story featuring Celestine Simons and the reformed rake Lord St. Claire.
2. Married to a Rogue (2000) – Originally published under the title Lady Delafont's Dilemma. This follows a estranged couple finding love again.
3. The Rogue's Folly (2001) – Originally published under the title Lady May's Folly. A tale of scandal and forbidden romance involving a French Marquis.

The Haven Family Series (The Haven Trilogy)

This series centers on the Neville family and their romantic adventures in Regency high society. Much like the Lords and Ladies series, the first book was retitled for a modern digital re-release:

1. Lord Haven's Deception (Originally published in 2003 as the standalone Rachel's Change of Heart, then revised and re-released under this title in 2016).
2. Pamela's Second Season (2003) – Follows Pamela Neville during her second social season.
3. The Debutante's Dilemma (2003) – Explores the challenges of the young Neville debutante.
4. A Lady's Choice (2016) – A later addition that continues the family saga.

The Cousins Series

Often listed as a trilogy, this is actually a duology due to a duplicate title listing. It is best read in the following sequence:

1. Miss Truelove Beckons (2001) – The romance of Truelove Becket.
2. Belle of the Ball (2001) – Also published under the title Courting Scandal. It features Truelove's cousin Arabella Swinley as she attempts to save her family from ruin.

The Lady Anne Addison Mysteries (Under Victoria Hamilton)

If you enjoy historical mysteries with a gothic touch, this series is highly recommended. Though originally written under her Donna Lea Simpson name, these books are deeply tied to her cozy mystery catalog written under her popular pseudonym, Victoria Hamilton. Some books in the series are published under alternate titles depending on the publisher:

1. Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark (2009)
2. Lady Anne and the Ghost's Revenge (2009) – Also published as Revenge of the Barbary Ghost.
3. Lady Anne and the Gypsy Curse (2009) – Also published as Curse of the Gypsy.
4. The Menacing Mystic (2020) – A later addition to the series published under the Victoria Hamilton pen name.

The Awaiting Series (Paranormal Historicals)

For readers who want a touch of the supernatural, this trilogy blends Regency sensibilities with werewolf legends on the Cornish moors:

1. Awaiting the Moon (2006)
2. Awaiting the Fire (2007)
3. Awaiting the Night (2011)

Classic Regency Romances (Standalone Novels)

In addition to her series, Simpson wrote several beloved standalone Regency romances. They can be read in any order, though reading them in publication order shows her growth as a writer:

• The Viscount's Valentine (2000)
• A Rake's Redemption (2002)
• A Rogue's Rescue (2002)
• A Matchmaker's Christmas (2002)
• A Country Courtship (2002) – A standalone Regency romance later released in a fully revised edition.
• A Scandalous Plan (2003)
• The Earl of Hearts (2003)
• Lord Pierson Reforms (2004)
• The Duke and Mrs. Douglas (2004)
• The Gilded Knight (2005)
• Lady Savage (2005)
• Reforming the Rogue (2013)
• Noel's Wish (2013)
• Romancing the Rogue (2014)
• Taming the Rogue (2014)
• An Eccentric Engagement (2017)
• The Chaperone’s Secret (2017)
• The Duke’s Secret Seduction (2018)

What to Know Before You Start

Donna Lea Simpson's books are praised for maintaining historical accuracy while focusing on strong, resilient heroines who challenge the rigid social rules of the 19th century. Because of her frequent re-releases and title changes, always double-check the description or character names before purchasing a 'new' book to ensure you do not buy a story you have already read. If you finish her historical romances and want more, you can follow her career into contemporary cozy mysteries by looking up her pen names, Victoria Hamilton and Amanda Cooper.