Romance, Historical or Otherwise discussion

Okay.. I haven't ever read one before.. although it's historical in element.. I admit to typically needing the heat factor in the books I read(and yes, I am indeed blushing while I type this).. and 'Regency' usually means it lacks in the heat factor... (Correct me if I'm wrong)..

Anyways, after unveiling my not so secret, secret.... I wanted to share this, the first regency romance I have ever read...

I am glad to say, this won't be my last regency.. I quite enjoyed it. Funny, and Quick witted... it was proof to me you don't need steam to enjoy the story... (although I still like my steam... lol)

Anyone else have any fave regency era novels they would like to discuss or recommend? Or has anyone read any that were so attrocious you are simply biting at the bit to trash??? Please Do Tell....

Actually, the Regency designation is a little more complex than just being a book that is lacking in heat. From the research I've done, the term "Regency" is attached more to the era in which a novel is set. It was the period of British history from 1811-1820 when the Prince Regent ruled Great Britain by proxy. That said there are lots of romances that take place during the Regency time period many of which are written in a more steamy style by authors such as Lisa Kleypas, Loretta Chase, Mary Balogh, Liz Carlyle, Gaelen Foley, et.al.

It looks like the book you read would be considered a "Traditional Regency" romance. These books are typically written in a more Jane Austen-esque style with sharp, witty dialog and little or no sexual content. Mary Balogh and Loretta Chase also have written in the traditional regency style, and a few other authors who come to mind are Georgette Heyer, Marion Chesney and Barbara Cartland.

As to your question about favs, I guess I tend to lean toward the steamier ones like you.;-) Although, I'm certainly open to ones without too. I used to read Barbara Cartland in my teens, but haven't picked up any of her books recently. I still have several traditional regencies on my shelf that I hope to get to one of these days though. Last year I met Donna Hatch, a new author who writes in this style. She gave me copies of her first two books to read for review. I really liked them both and thought the second one, The Guise of a Gentleman was particularly good although it is really half-Traditional Regency and half-pirate adventure romance. Now I'm probably really confusing you.;-)

There's also a relatively new GR group dedicated to Traditional Regencies where you can probably get some great recs: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/3...

Awesome. Thx for the info Julie. Like I said, I know very little about it... (obviously) lol.

You're welcome, Shell. Glad to help.:-)

One of these days I'm gonna tackle Jane Austen, and Bronte... I find those epic, regency's so daunting though.

Me too! I have some of their books on the TBR pile. I've heard so many great things about Mr. Darcy, I at least need to give P&P a try.:-)

Yah, I will one day too.. When I get over this inane chicken-shit-ish mentality.

Candace Camp and Jo Beverley are two of my favourite Regency authors. Jo writes books that contain a fair bit about the Napolionic Wars.

Candace Camp is one of my all time fave's~

I just read the re-release of . It is 1 of my favourites.

I haven't read that one yet~ Love the cover.

Shell wrote: "One of these days I'm gonna tackle Jane Austen, and Bronte... I find those epic, regency's so daunting though."

I totally agree, I just stumble over the language and while I read constantly, I tend to be a lazy reader. Alas, I will get through it one of these days.

I have them on my shelf, looking perty and awaiting my courageous step forth~ Have a feeling they'll be waiting a while though.

I got them for free when I got my Kobo for Christmas. So it would just be a matter of reading them...

The Regency genre is HUGE. There's so many but an author I think is underrated is Anne Gracie. She'has a lovely quirky style.

One thing that I am surprisingly enjoying is Jane Eyre. Her language though elevated does not make my head spin and I really like Jane so far. She is way ahead of her time in her beliefs and I really love that :)

Hmmm~ Maybe that's the one I should start with then.

I couldn't get on with Jane Eyre... I think I was probably just trying to read it at the wrong time in my life. I'll try again at some point in the near future.

I do like Jane Austen's books, though,at least those that I've read thus far.

Georgette Heyer is by far my favourite historical author writing in the regency period. Her novels actually sound authentic, with different words, word orders, colloquialisms, etc. Of the Heyer novels that I've read, Devil's Cub is my favourite - I became obsessed with finishing it, putting off all other things until I was done!

Julia Quinn and Sarah MacLean are my favorite Regency authors. Their books are great.

I LOVE JQ~ Xia.

I've read almost all of her books except for the new ones and a few of her Bridgerton series.

Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries are two of best in the this genre.

I have to agree

Georgette Heyer is usually the author who "started" the Regency romance genre. Her books have been around for awhile, and they're the "clean" type and definitely have the language elements. But books like are among my very favorites. And as Rea said, she's got a lot of them!

I, too, love Julia Quinn, especially The Bridgerton series. But there are a ton of them out there, and many are rather steamy.

My understanding is that to be considered Regency, the story has to take place in the Regency era - basically 1811-1820, when George III was considered mad and unfit to rule, and his son, the Prince Regent, ruled in his stead. But many books stretch that time period up until the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria was crowned in 1837. It's still not that long of a time period, but a lot can happen!

I love it all..and Heyer is my favorite also..all that is missing are beautiful pictures added with the novels, to enjoy the beauty of the Period!

It's 50 years later, but Gail Carriger (Soulless, Changeless, etc), are just charming and funny and sweet.

Does anyone have a suggestion for where to start with Julia Quinn? Should I just find the earliest books? Do I have to read her books in order?

Someone already mentioned Julia Quinn and I think her Bridgerton series is a Must. But I want to add another that I came across recently by chance and just fell in love with - with one caveat: it is *near* Regency. It doesn't sound like the exact time period is of utmost importance to you, so I think these will work. They have heat and wit and some really great plotting. Courtney Milan The Governess Affair and Courtney Milan The Governess Affair and really just any Courtney Milan They are my current total favs and I'm super excited to read the third one in the series. (There are also novellas and a different series that I haven't even started yet!) I can't believe I didn't know about them sooner either!

I just read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. It's such a great book, beautifully written and sexy. I'd recommend it! I'm also a big fan of Julia Quinn and Sally MacKenzie novels.

I have read all of the Mackenzie brothers books this month and they were all great!

Shell wrote: "Okay.. I haven't ever read one before.. although it's historical in element.. I admit to typically needing the heat factor in the books I read(and yes, I am indeed blushing while I type this).. and..."

You'll find steamy Regency, Georgian and swashbuckling 17th century English novels written by an English author who really knows her English & European history @ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Francine-Howa...

Highly recommended reads. Be prepared for English spelling & grammar within narrative that reflects the period depicted as opposed to 21st century grammar. It is that aspect of period grammar that truly brings the characters alive with thought (narrative) and dialogue.

Georgette Heyer is a must read regency author. What she lacks in heat she makes up for in brilliant writing.

I recommend Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh.

Brenda Joyce and Catherine Coulter has had some good regency era romances. I read Emma by Jane Austin and was very disappointed.

There are lots and lots of authors, some of whom have already been mentioned here, who write hot stories in the Regency era, which sort of runs from 1797 to 1822 or even as far as 1837. A lot of them are adventurous, including spies or soldiers, kidnappings, or marriages of convenience with a twist etc and many are very spicy. They are as varied in levels of heat as contemps and paranormals. Indeed, it is often a complaint that there aren't enough of the "sweet" or "traditional" regencies any more. Personally I love the new style hot regencies, but then I also love hot sexy paranormals. I guess it is that they take you to another world while providing a satisfying HEA.
Classics from the Brontes and Jane Austen were the contemporaries of their day. Georgette Heyer started the modern day fascination with Regencies and I have to say I have read all of them and they are on my keeper shelf. But for pure entertainment, the authors writing today get my vote. :) My automatic buys are Mary Balog, Jo Beverly, Madelaine Hunter (loved her medievals too) and a host of others, but this is getting too long.

I just finished reading a book by Stephanie Laurens from that era.

Tammy, You are right Stephanie Laurens is another one writing in this genre. Which one did you read?

I am in the mood for something similar to Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. Can anyone recommend something that has a similar feel with humor? I have already read Sarah McLean Love by Numbers series and Lisa Kleypas Wallflower series. Any other series that are just as good?

Mary Balogh is a really good Regency author, and I thoroughly enjoyed her "Bedwyn Saga." Entertaining, wonderfully detailed, and with characters that stand out.