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Manda Collins Books in Order

Browse Manda Collins books in order, with short summaries, series background, and clear suggestions for finding the right place to start reading.

Last updated: July 14, 2026

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Manda Collins books in publication order

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26 books

How to Dance with a Duke

by Manda Collins

2012

Scholar Cecily Hurston needs entry to an all-male Egyptian club to clear her father’s name. Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, needs answers about his missing brother, and their uneasy alliance turns into a dangerous romance.

How to Romance a Rake

by Manda Collins

2012

Shy wallflower Juliet Shelby accepts Lord Alec Deveril’s offer of dance lessons. When a friend vanishes in London’s underworld, Alec joins Juliet’s search, but both are hiding secrets that could change everything.

Legally Yours

by Manda Collins

2012

Paralegal Julie Streeter is surprised when her law-school crush, Matt Ellis, arrives at her firm to investigate a leak. When he offers to help with her before-thirty list, old attraction and office complications collide.

How to Entice an Earl

by Manda Collins

2013

Madeline Essex visits a gaming house for research and finds herself caught up in a murder that may implicate her brother. Her old friend Christian Monteith helps investigate, forcing their friendship toward something much more.

The Perks of Being a Beauty

by Manda Collins

2013

Once the belle of the ton, Amelia Snow is now a companion with little room for mistakes. A country house party reunites her with Quentin Fortescue, the man she once rejected, and offers a hard-won second chance.

Why Dukes Say I Do

by Manda Collins

2013

Lady Isabella Wharton travels to Yorkshire to meet the country-minded Duke of Ormonde, hoping to protect a secret. A blackmailer follows from London, leaving Trevor to decide whether he can protect Isabella and trust his heart.

Once Upon a Christmas Kiss

by Manda Collins

2014

At a week-long Christmas gathering, Sir Lucien Blakemore is startled to find Miss Winifred Nightingale among the guests. Their shared past and unexpected reunion give both a chance to reconsider what they left behind.

Why Earls Fall in Love

by Manda Collins

2014

Widow Georgina Mowbray is working as a companion in Bath when she meets Dominic, Earl of Coniston, again. Their uneasy flirtation turns serious when someone from Georgie’s past threatens the safety she has fought to build.

Why Lords Lose Their Hearts

by Manda Collins

2014

Perdita, widowed Duchess of Ormonde, knows the truth about her brutal husband’s death. When an avenger targets her, Lord Archer Lisle, her late husband’s former secretary, becomes the protector she has long needed.

A Good Rake is Hard to Find

by Manda Collins

2015

Leonora Craven believes her brother’s fatal accident was murder, with the Lords of Anarchy driving club at the center. To investigate, she turns to Lord Frederick Lisle, her former fiancé, and they pose as lovers.

Good Earl Gone Bad

by Manda Collins

2015

Lady Hermione Upperton is forced to marry gambler Jasper Fawley after her father’s reckless wager. When she is accused of murder, the reluctant couple must clear her name while a killer threatens their fragile partnership.

Good Dukes Wear Black

by Manda Collins

2016

Writer Ophelia Dauntry sees her friend abducted and suspects the Lords of Anarchy. Piers Hamilton, Duke of Trent, is trying to reform the club, but helping Ophelia exposes both of them to a dangerous conspiracy.

How to Woo a Widow

by Manda Collins

2016

Anthony Ogilvy has loved his best friend’s older sister for years. Now widowed, Portia Daventry is tempted by the grown-up earl, but grief, old disappointments, and fresh danger make trusting love again difficult.

Duke with Benefits

by Manda Collins

2017

Mathematician Daphne Forsyth hunts for the Cameron Cipher, an encrypted message rumored to lead to riches. The Duke of Maitland keeps getting in her way, until their shared search turns into a risky and irresistible partnership.

Ready Set Rogue

by Manda Collins

2017

Scholar Ivy Wareham inherits a grand estate and its library, only to clash with the late owner’s nephew, Quill Beauchamp. When the death proves suspicious, they must solve the mystery before Ivy becomes the next target.

With This Christmas Ring

by Manda Collins

2017

Merry Parks promises a dying friend that she will reunite an infant with her absent father. To do it, she needs Viscount Wrotham, the man she jilted, and a snowstorm forces their long-delayed reunion.

One for the Rogue

by Manda Collins

2018

Geologist Gemma Hastings has no patience for rival fossil hunter Lord Cameron Lisle. After an attack puts her work and safety at risk, they must uncover who wants her discoveries, and her, out of the way.

Wallflower Most Wanted

by Manda Collins

2018

Painter Sophia Hastings overhears a threat against another artist and refuses to ignore it. Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle joins her investigation, but protecting Sophia becomes harder as their mutual attraction deepens.

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

by Manda Collins

2020

Newspaper columnist Lady Katherine Bascomb keeps stumbling into Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham’s murder cases. When another killing follows her to the country, their rivalry becomes an uneasy partnership against a dangerous criminal.

An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire

by Manda Collins

2021

Journalist Caroline Hardcastle is pressured to marry just as a friend disappears. Her best ally is Lord Valentine Thorn, the former love she never forgot, and their search pulls them back toward danger and each other.

Rogue, Set, Match

by Manda Collins

2022

This two-in-one volume collects *Ready Set Rogue* and *Duke with Benefits*. Two brilliant women inherit access to an extraordinary library, then find romance and danger while investigating a suspicious death and a hidden cipher.

A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

by Manda Collins

2023

Living under an assumed name to escape an unwanted betrothal, Poppy Delamare must return home when her sister is accused of murder. A fake engagement to a duke offers protection, but exposes a deeper betrayal.

A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril

by Manda Collins

2024

Governess Jane Halliwell must step in after her employer is murdered during a house party. Working with Lord Adrian Fielding, an old friend who once hurt her, means facing both a killer and buried feelings.

Portrait of a Nightingale

by Manda Collins

2024

Crimea nurse Penelope Monckton suspects her childhood friend’s death was no accident. When Lord Rickarby is shot, Penny joins the scandal-shadowed painter to uncover a killer whose connection to her past is growing clearer.

A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice

by Manda Collins

2025

Wallflower Lucy Penhallow and Viscount Gilford use a fake engagement to contain a social scandal. When they witness a crime and a woman disappears, their unlikely alliance becomes a hunt for a killer.

New

Ghost Me, Maybe

by Manda Collins

2026

Librarian Callie Jameson inherits a historic library on a Louisiana barrier island, but architect Trey LeBlanc believes it should be his. Apparent hauntings soon reveal a real danger, forcing the reluctant pair to work together.

Where to start with Manda Collins

For Regency romance with a mystery: Ready Set RogueDuke with BenefitsWallflower Most WantedOne for the Rogue
For Victorian women solving crimes: A Lady's Guide to Mischief and MayhemAn Heiress's Guide to Deception and DesireA Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes
For wallflowers and romantic suspense: How to Dance with a DukeHow to Romance a RakeHow to Entice an Earl
For a darker Regency thread: A Good Rake is Hard to FindGood Earl Gone BadGood Dukes Wear Black
For a contemporary change of pace: Legally YoursGhost Me, Maybe

A Lady's Guide books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem"

    A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

    by Manda Collins

    2020A Lady's Guide, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire"

    An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire

    by Manda Collins

    2021A Lady's Guide, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes"

    A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

    by Manda Collins

    2023A Lady's Guide, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril"

    A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril

    by Manda Collins

    2024A Lady's Guide, Book 4

A Lady's Guide books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem"

    A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

    by Manda Collins

    2020A Lady's Guide, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire"

    An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire

    by Manda Collins

    2021A Lady's Guide, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes"

    A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

    by Manda Collins

    2023A Lady's Guide, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril"

    A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril

    by Manda Collins

    2024A Lady's Guide, Book 4

A Wallflower’s Guide books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice"

    A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice

    by Manda Collins

    2025A Wallflower’s Guide, Book 1

A Wallflower’s Guide books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice"

    A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice

    by Manda Collins

    2025A Wallflower’s Guide, Book 1

Lawyers in Love books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Legally Yours"

    Legally Yours

    by Manda Collins

    2012Lawyers in Love, Book 1

Lawyers in Love books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Legally Yours"

    Legally Yours

    by Manda Collins

    2012Lawyers in Love, Book 1

Lords of Anarchy books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "A Good Rake is Hard to Find"

    A Good Rake is Hard to Find

    by Manda Collins

    2015Lords of Anarchy, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Good Earl Gone Bad"

    Good Earl Gone Bad

    by Manda Collins

    2015Lords of Anarchy, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Good Dukes Wear Black"

    Good Dukes Wear Black

    by Manda Collins

    2016Lords of Anarchy, Book 3

Lords of Anarchy books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "A Good Rake is Hard to Find"

    A Good Rake is Hard to Find

    by Manda Collins

    2015Lords of Anarchy, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Good Earl Gone Bad"

    Good Earl Gone Bad

    by Manda Collins

    2015Lords of Anarchy, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Good Dukes Wear Black"

    Good Dukes Wear Black

    by Manda Collins

    2016Lords of Anarchy, Book 3

Studies In Scandal books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Duke with Benefits"

    Duke with Benefits

    by Manda Collins

    2017Studies In Scandal, Book 2
  2. Book cover for "Ready Set Rogue"

    Ready Set Rogue

    by Manda Collins

    2017Studies In Scandal, Book 1
  3. Book cover for "One for the Rogue"

    One for the Rogue

    by Manda Collins

    2018Studies In Scandal, Book 4
  4. Book cover for "Wallflower Most Wanted"

    Wallflower Most Wanted

    by Manda Collins

    2018Studies In Scandal, Book 3
  5. Book cover for "Rogue, Set, Match"

    Rogue, Set, Match

    by Manda Collins

    2022Studies In Scandal, Book 5

Studies In Scandal books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Ready Set Rogue"

    Ready Set Rogue

    by Manda Collins

    2017Studies In Scandal, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Duke with Benefits"

    Duke with Benefits

    by Manda Collins

    2017Studies In Scandal, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Wallflower Most Wanted"

    Wallflower Most Wanted

    by Manda Collins

    2018Studies In Scandal, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "One for the Rogue"

    One for the Rogue

    by Manda Collins

    2018Studies In Scandal, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "Rogue, Set, Match"

    Rogue, Set, Match

    by Manda Collins

    2022Studies In Scandal, Book 5

Ugly Ducklings books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "How to Dance with a Duke"

    How to Dance with a Duke

    by Manda Collins

    2012Ugly Ducklings, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "How to Romance a Rake"

    How to Romance a Rake

    by Manda Collins

    2012Ugly Ducklings, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "How to Entice an Earl"

    How to Entice an Earl

    by Manda Collins

    2013Ugly Ducklings, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Perks of Being a Beauty"

    The Perks of Being a Beauty

    by Manda Collins

    2013Ugly Ducklings, Book 4

Ugly Ducklings books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "How to Dance with a Duke"

    How to Dance with a Duke

    by Manda Collins

    2012Ugly Ducklings, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "How to Romance a Rake"

    How to Romance a Rake

    by Manda Collins

    2012Ugly Ducklings, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "How to Entice an Earl"

    How to Entice an Earl

    by Manda Collins

    2013Ugly Ducklings, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Perks of Being a Beauty"

    The Perks of Being a Beauty

    by Manda Collins

    2013Ugly Ducklings, Book 4

Wicked Widows (Manda Collins) books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Why Dukes Say I Do"

    Why Dukes Say I Do

    by Manda Collins

    2013Wicked Widows, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Once Upon a Christmas Kiss"

    Once Upon a Christmas Kiss

    by Manda Collins

    2014Wicked Widows, Book 4
  3. Book cover for "Why Earls Fall in Love"

    Why Earls Fall in Love

    by Manda Collins

    2014Wicked Widows, Book 2
  4. Book cover for "Why Lords Lose Their Hearts"

    Why Lords Lose Their Hearts

    by Manda Collins

    2014Wicked Widows, Book 3

Wicked Widows (Manda Collins) books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Why Dukes Say I Do"

    Why Dukes Say I Do

    by Manda Collins

    2013Wicked Widows, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Why Earls Fall in Love"

    Why Earls Fall in Love

    by Manda Collins

    2014Wicked Widows, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Why Lords Lose Their Hearts"

    Why Lords Lose Their Hearts

    by Manda Collins

    2014Wicked Widows, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "Once Upon a Christmas Kiss"

    Once Upon a Christmas Kiss

    by Manda Collins

    2014Wicked Widows, Book 4

Standalone Manda Collins books

  1. Book cover for "How to Woo a Widow"

    How to Woo a Widow

    by Manda Collins

    2016
  2. Book cover for "With This Christmas Ring"

    With This Christmas Ring

    by Manda Collins

    2017
  3. Book cover for "Portrait of a Nightingale"

    Portrait of a Nightingale

    by Manda Collins

    2024
  4. Book cover for "Ghost Me, Maybe"

    Ghost Me, Maybe

    by Manda Collins

    2026

Author bio

Manda Collins is an Alabama native who grew up reading two very different kinds of stories: Nancy Drew mysteries and Jane Austen novels. That pairing makes a lot of sense once you meet her books. They often bring together historical settings, determined women, romantic tension, and a crime or secret that needs untangling.

She has long been a serious reader. Collins holds advanced degrees in English literature and librarianship, and she worked as an academic librarian before and alongside her writing career. Her academic background shows up less as a lecture and more in the things her characters care about: old books, research, art, mathematics, fossils, journalism, and the chance to ask one more useful question.

Mystery is never far from the romance.

Her first novel, How to Dance with a Duke, introduced the Regency-set Ugly Ducklings books in 2012. It follows a scholarly heroine, an Egyptian expedition, and a missing man, setting the pattern for stories where love develops alongside a real problem that cannot be solved by a ballroom dance alone. The series continued with How to Romance a Rake and How to Entice an Earl, giving its wallflower cousins their own adventures.

Collins returned to Regency England for the Wicked Widows and Lords of Anarchy books. In these stories, widows, gamblers, writers, and members of a reckless driving club find themselves dealing with blackmail, suspicious deaths, kidnappings, and dangerous family histories. The romances have plenty of banter, but the stakes are usually more serious than the playful titles first suggest.

Then came a house full of books.

In the Studies in Scandal series, four intelligent women inherit Lady Celeste Beauchamp’s estate and its remarkable library. Ready Set Rogue pairs a bookish scholar with the late owner’s nephew, while Duke with Benefits gives a mathematician a cipher to crack. Wallflower Most Wanted and One for the Rogue keep the focus on women with strong interests and the men smart enough to take them seriously.

Her later Victorian-set Ladies Most Scandalous books lean even more directly into investigation. In A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, a newspaper columnist keeps colliding with a detective inspector while murders trouble London. An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire, A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes, and A Governess’s Guide to Passion and Peril continue that mix of independent women, complicated pasts, and cases that need solving.

Collins also writes outside the historical ballroom. Legally Yours is a contemporary workplace romance about a paralegal and the law-school crush she meets again. More recently, Ghost Me, Maybe moves to a Louisiana barrier island, where a librarian inherits a historic library and discovers that its apparent hauntings may be very real trouble.

One of her novels, Duke with Benefits, was named among the best romance novels of 2017 by Kirkus. Still, the clearest way to describe her work is simple: these are romances for readers who want clever heroines, capable heroes, period detail, and a mystery keeping everyone busy until the happy ending.

Collins lives on the Gulf Coast. When she is not writing, she enjoys true-crime documentaries, word games, and knitting, by her own account, with more enthusiasm than expertise. She also shares her home with a stubborn cat and an ever-growing collection of books.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

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