Hi and welcome to Book Addict – the site for lovers of traditional Regency Romances, from Heyer to Smith and beyond.
I have always loved the style of these books, ever since reading Jane Austen as a young girl and then discovering Georgette Heyer in my late teens. The wit and humour of these books appeal to me much more than the sexy exploits of historical romances.
And I read a lot of them! It used to be in paperback but nowadays I get most of my fix via e-books though occasionally I can still find some classics through second-hand bookshops and book-fairs.
I started this site to keep track of all the books I was reading and the authors that I particularly like (or dislike!) and if my reviews can help others find new favourites or re-discover old loves then that’s fantastic.
What are traditional Regency romances?
The romance sub-genre known as ‘traditional Regencies’ for short was essentially created by Georgette Heyer who wrote 24 romances set in the Regency period.
How are they different to historical romances?
The essence of the books is the conversation and non-sexual interaction between the main characters (though there may be sexual tension and of course married couples). Think Oscar Wilde’s mannered comedies or Jane Austen’s finely detailed characters.
Why is it known as the Regency period?
In 1811, the British Parliament ruled King George III unfit to rule and his son was appointed as the Prince Regent. In 1820 King George III and the Prince Regent became King George IV, ending the Regency period.