Dunsworthy Brides Books in Order

Jo Ann Ferguson's Dunsworthy Brides trilogy is a set of traditional Regency romances about the women of the Dunsworthy family. The books are linked by sisters Bianca and Primrose, their young aunt Millicent, and a lively household where plans for a sensible future rarely survive contact with love.

The series opens with The Perfect Bride. Bianca Dunsworthy takes in a badly wounded stranger during a storm, only to discover that he is Lucian, the Earl of Wandersee. Bianca thinks her shy sister Primrose might be a suitable match for him. Lucian has other ideas, especially once he gets to know Bianca.

The matchmaking becomes wonderfully inconvenient.

In A Primrose Wedding, Primrose, called Rosie, would rather study ancient Egypt than endure the attention of the marriage-minded ton. She finds an intellectual companion in Rupert Jordan, Lord Fortenbury, who shares her love of history and mistrust of the marriage market. A visit to his estate makes their practical friendship much less simple.

The final book, Marry Me Millie, gives Aunt Millicent her own turn at romance. Across the trilogy, the Dunsworthy women are not passive prizes waiting for a proposal. They are opinionated, curious, sometimes stubborn, and fully capable of creating complications for themselves and the men who fall for them.

The setting is Regency England, with all the expected pressures of family name, inheritance, propriety, and advantageous marriage. Ferguson uses those pressures for humor as well as tension. Her central couples have to sort out misunderstandings, strong wills, and real obstacles before they can decide whether a match is worth the risk.

The tone is bright and romantic. Start with The Perfect Bride, then read A Primrose Wedding and Marry Me Millie. Each novel has its own couple, but the family relationships and ongoing Dunsworthy household are best enjoyed in order.