Scandalous Women Of The Ton Books in Order

Nicola Cornick's Scandalous Women of the Ton is a six-book Regency romance series about women who are already the subject of gossip, or are one bold decision away from becoming it. These heroines are not waiting quietly for society to approve of them. They travel, work, investigate, protect families, and make choices that polite London finds inconvenient.

The series begins with Whisper of Scandal, where Lady Joanna Ware's attempt to avoid another proposal leads her into an unlikely alliance with Arctic explorer Lord Grant. In One Wicked Sin, a divorced and penniless Lottie Palliser enters a dangerous bargain with Ethan Ryder, a soldier and performer caught up in a risky political scheme. Mistress by Midnight brings revenge, an old duel, and a forced proximity battle between Lady Merryn Fenner and the Duke of Farne.

The women know the cost of public judgment.

Later books keep expanding the group. Notorious follows professional matchbreaker Susanna Burney and James Devlin, a man whose hard-won place in society could be destroyed by the past. Desired centers on Tess Darent, who must protect her stepchildren and conceal her political work. Forbidden shifts focus to Margery Mallon, a lady's maid whose unexpected inheritance changes everything.

All six novels tell complete love stories, but the friends, former rivals, and couples return across the series. That continuing social circle is part of the fun. Familiar faces turn up at balls, in drawing rooms, and at moments when a little loyal help is badly needed.

Despite the title, the series is not simply about reckless behavior. Cornick is interested in the gap between reputation and reality. A woman labeled notorious may be grieving, protecting someone, earning a living, seeking justice, or simply refusing a bad marriage. The heroes have their own secrets, but they must learn to meet these women as equals.

Expect Regency settings with bigger adventures than the ballroom alone, including travel, espionage, political unrest, and family complications. Start with Whisper of Scandal for the fullest sense of the group, then continue in order. Readers who enjoy connected romances, independent heroines, and a little danger mixed into their courtship will feel at home here.