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Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
by MacLean, Sarah
Callie St. John is tired of being the wallflower who watches life happen from the sidelines. After years of following society's stifling expectations, she decides to reclaim her agency by creating a list of scandalous transgressions—like smoking, gambling, and dancing with a rake—to finally experience the world on her own terms. The problem is that Ralph, the Marquess of Ralston, is determined to stop her before she ruins her reputation entirely. Their collision is fueled by sharp, biting banter and a mounting tension that turns their battle of wills into something far more dangerous. This is a story about the messy, exhilarating process of self-discovery, perfect for readers who want their historical romance with a side of feminist rebellion and enough chemistry to make the pages practically sizzle.
10 Books similar to 'Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake'
Since you enjoyed the sharp-tongued heroines and high-stakes social defiance in this story, we have curated a list that leans into those same themes. Whether you are looking for more intellectual sparring, intense enemies-to-lovers dynamics, or women who refuse to play by Victorian rules, these picks mirror the wit and emotional intensity of the Love By Numbers series. We focused on stories where the romance is earned through mutual respect and fierce stubbornness, ensuring you get that satisfying blend of historical atmosphere and modern, empowered agency you found in Callie and Ralph's journey.
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by Evie Dunmore
Like Sarah MacLean's work, this novel features a brilliant, independent heroine navigating the constraints of Victorian society while challenging a powerful man. The blend of sharp wit, historical political context, and intense chemistry makes it a perfect match for fans of the Love By Numbers series.
Since readers already enjoy MacLean's signature style, this series opener is a natural progression, featuring her trademark blend of high-stakes historical drama and deeply emotional character arcs. It captures the same tension between societal expectations and personal desire found in Nine Rules.
Courtney Milan writes historical romance with the same intellectual rigor and feminist underpinnings as Sarah MacLean. Readers who loved the heroine's quest for autonomy in Nine Rules will appreciate the complex, thoughtful protagonists in this beautifully written series.
Loretta Chase is a master of the witty, banter-heavy historical romance that MacLean fans adore. This book features a fiercely intelligent heroine and a hero who is forced to contend with her brilliance, mirroring the dynamic of Callie and Ralph.
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by Julia Quinn
For those who enjoyed the 'rake' element of MacLean's novel, this classic Regency romance offers the quintessential reformed-rake narrative. The banter is sharp, the pacing is fast, and the emotional payoff is just as satisfying.
by Tessa Dare
This book perfectly captures the 'adventure' aspect of Regency romance, featuring a heroine who breaks rules to pursue her scientific ambitions. Fans of Callie's rule-breaking spirit will find a kindred spirit in Minerva, and the chemistry is equally electric.
by Lisa Kleypas
Often cited as a gold standard for the 'rake' trope in historical romance, this book provides the same high-stakes emotional intensity found in MacLean's work. The transformation of the hero through his relationship with a resilient heroine is deeply compelling.
by Tessa Dare
This novel blends humor and heart, featuring a heroine who is unafraid to challenge the status quo and a hero who is emotionally guarded. It resonates with the same themes of finding love in unexpected places that define MacLean's writing.
by Evie Dunmore
This story offers a darker, more dramatic edge while maintaining the high-society setting and feminist themes that MacLean fans crave. The intellectual and emotional sparring between the leads is sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
by Evie Dunmore
This book is a direct spiritual successor to the themes of women's agency and societal rebellion found in Nine Rules. It features a heroine who is actively working to dismantle the patriarchy, making it an essential read for any fan of Sarah MacLean's feminist historical romances.
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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.