Emily E.K. Murdoch Books in Order

How to Start Reading Emily E.K. Murdoch

With a massive library spanning sweet medieval courtships to steamy Regency scandals, Emily E.K. Murdoch (who also writes as Emily Murdoch and Emily Murdoch Perkins) offers something for every historical romance fan. If you are new to her work, the best place to begin is the Never the Bride series, starting with Always the Bridesmaid. This series highlights her trademark blend of witty banter, bold heroines, and emotional tension.

If you prefer a mix of espionage and romance, another excellent starting point is the Dukes in Danger series, beginning with Don't Judge a Duke by His Cover.

Pen Names and Heat Levels

Readers should pay close attention to the pen name on the cover, as it indicates the romance's heat level:

• Emily E.K. Murdoch: Used for her steamy historical romance novels featuring higher sensuality and passion.
• Emily Murdoch: Used for her sweet, clean historical romance novels where the focus is on courtship and emotional intimacy without explicit scenes.
• Emily Murdoch Perkins: Used for her historical non-fiction work, drawing on her academic background as a historian.

Understanding the Multi-Author Shared Worlds

A common point of confusion for readers is seeing Murdoch's name associated with massive series containing dozens of books, such as the De Wolfe Pack Connected World, The Lyon's Den Connected World, and the Pirates of Britannia series. These are shared-universe connected worlds created by Dragonblade Publishing, where many different authors publish books in the same setting. Murdoch did not write the entire runs; she only contributed specific standalone titles:

• De Wolfe Pack Connected World: Murdoch's contribution is Whirlwind with a Wolfe (2019).
• The Lyon's Den Connected World: Murdoch's contribution is Always the Lyon Tamer (2021).
• Pirates of Britannia: Murdoch's contribution is Always the High Seas (2020).

You do not need to read the dozens of other books in these shared worlds by other authors to enjoy Murdoch's specific contributions, as they function as standalones.

Major Series Reading Order

Never the Bride Series

This Regency series features women who are determined never to marry, only to find love in unexpected places. While each book is a standalone romance with its own happily-ever-after, the publication order is:

1. Always the Bridesmaid (2020)
2. Always the Chaperone (2020)
3. Always the Courtesan (2020)
4. Always the Best Friend (2020)
5. Always the Wallflower (2020)
6. Always the Bluestocking (2020)
7. Always the Rival (2020)
8. Always the Matchmaker (2020)
9. Always the Widow (2020)
10. Always the Rebel (2021)
11. Always the Mistress (2021)
12. Always the Second Choice (2021)
13. Always the Mistletoe (2022)
14. Always the Reverend (2022)

Dukes in Danger Series

A series blending mystery, espionage, and passion. Each book can be read as a standalone, but they are best enjoyed in order of release:

1. Don't Judge a Duke by His Cover (2023)
2. Strike While the Duke is Hot (2023)
3. The Duke is Mightier than the Sword (2023)
4. A Duke in Time Saves Nine (2023)
5. Every Duke Has His Price (2023)
6. Put Your Best Duke Forward (2023)
7. Where There's a Duke, There's a Way (2023)
8. Curiosity Killed the Duke (2023)
9. Play With Dukes, Get Burned (2024)
10. The Best Things in Life are Dukes (2024)
11. A Duke a Day Keeps the Doctor Away (2024)
12. All Good Dukes Come to an End (2024)

Governess Bureau Series

Follows resourceful and talented women working through an elite agency. The books should be read in publication order:

1. A Governess of Great Talents (2021)
2. A Governess of Discretion (2021)
3. A Governess of Many Languages (2021)
4. A Governess of Prodigious Skill (2021)
5. A Governess of Unusual Experience (2022)
6. A Governess of Wise Years (2022)

The De Petras Saga

A four-book Regency series tracing the scandals and triumphs of the De Petras family:

1. The Misplaced Husband (2022)
2. The Impoverished Dowry (2022)
3. The Contrary Debutante (2022)
4. The Determined Mistress (2022)

Conquered Hearts Series

Murdoch's medieval trilogy, set during the turbulent times following the Norman Conquest of England:

1. Conquests (2013)
2. Love Letters (2014)
3. Captives (2014)

The Chances Series

A Regency trilogy centering on finding love against the odds:

1. A Fighting Chance (2024)
2. A Second Chance (2024)
3. An Outside Chance (2024)

Ravishing Regencies Series

A long-running, lighthearted series full of dramatic situations, kidnappings, and shipwrecks:

1. Lost with a Lord (2018)
2. Drenched with a Duke (2018)
3. Shipwrecked with a Suitor (2018)
4. Peril with a Prince (2018)
5. Marooned with a Marquis (2018)
6. Voyage with a Viscount (2019)
7. Beached with a Baronet (2019)
8. Catastrophe with a Count (2019)
9. Emigrating with an Earl (2019)
11. Kidnapped with a Knight (2020)
12. Christmas with a Czar (2020)
13. Advent with an Archduke (2022)
14. Scandal with a Sovereign (2022)

Seasons of Love Series

Sweet historical romances structured around seasonal milestones:

1. A Christmas Surprise (2015)
2. A Valentine Secret (2016)
3. A June Wedding (2016)
4. A Harvest Passion (2016)
5. A Michaelmas Wager (2017)
6. A Springtide Meeting (2018)

Sweet Grove Stories

A sweet, clean historical romance series set in a charming small community:

1. A Journey to Love (2020)
2. A Chance of Love (2020)
3. A Gamble for Love (2020)
4. A Cure for Love (2020)
5. A Blossom of Love (2020)

The Twelve Days of Christmas Series

A series of festive holiday novellas themed around the famous Christmas carol, all published in 2022:

1. Twelve Drummers Drumming
2. Eleven Pipers Piping
3. Ten Lords a Leaping
4. Nine Ladies Dancing
5. Eight Maids a Milking
6. Seven Swans a Swimming
7. Six Geese a Laying
8. Five Gold Rings
9. Four Calling Birds
10. Three French Hens
11. Two Turtle Doves
12. A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The Wallflower Academy Series

A newer series focusing on independent women attending a specialized academy:

1. Least Likely to Win a Duke (2023)
2. More Than a Match for the Earl (2024)