Monday, April 21, 2014

R is for Regency and a REWARD!


UPDATE: The winner of one of Susan's books is Natalie Aguirre!! Congrats Natalie! Please contact Susan as soon as possible via her website, http://www.susangh.com/ContactMe.html 

Our guest today on the monthlong A-Z Challenge is Susan Gee Heino, discussing all the Reasons "R" is for Regency! And quick note, the winner of Donna MacMeans' book from our P is for Paranormal day is Chrys Frey. Chrys, please contact Donna via her web site at www.DonnaMacMeans.com . And now, on to Susan!
 
 
Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

Thanks so much for having me here today! I hear we're doing a run-through of the alphabet, so today's blog is brought to you by the Letter "R". Yes, it's an awesome letter. I love it. Why? Because "R" is for Regency!
 
I'm a little bit passionate about the Regency time period, and especially for historical romances set in that time period. Basically, the English Regency was a short little span of years, 1811 through 1820. The king was suffering from an ailment that made him, well, completely off his rocker. While he was out of commission--locked in a tower, really--his son became Prince Regent to look after things in his stead. That's where the term "Regency" comes from.
 
So what makes romance novels set in this time period so very special? Well, I'm glad that you asked! Let me give you a whole list of What I Love About Regency Romance. You might even notice, they all start with the handy little Letter "R".


Rules:  Society of the time had some very strict rules and regulations for respectable behavior. Our heroes and heroines have to tread very carefully on that thin line between risk and ruin, destruction or bliss. It makes for a very entertaining dance!


Romance:  History, nobility, love, longing and beautiful dresses. Who could want more?

Rescues:  The era was still a time when women had few opportunities in life. My heroines often feel trapped, hopeless, confused. Sometimes they need a little help, but once they learn who they really are they find a way out.

Risk:  The course of true love never does run smooth. Sometimes you just have to be willing to lose it all in order to gain everything.

Rogues and Rakes:  Oh yes, what would a Regency Romance be without the hero and his checkered past? We love to read about the hard-hearted duke who's sworn never to love; the cynical earl with emotional scars, the dashing lord who can't be snagged--but then is. By the end of the book you can sum these ruffians up in one fabulous word:  Reformed.

Rollicks and Romps:  Witty banter, quirky characters, boisterous ballrooms, mistaken identities, compromising situations, and all manner of clever misadventures. Yes, this is what sets Regency Romance apart from the crowd, if you ask me. Love love love these rambunctious elements of fun.
 
REWARD!!!
One lucky commenter will win their choice of either a sexy (hot) or a mild (sweet) Regency romance! The winner will be announced on this post on Wednesday, as well as on the regular Wednesday post. So join the conversation!
 

Let's chat: "R" you a reader of Regency Romance?  Recite, relate or reiterate what you enjoy most. If you've got a favorite author or a recent read or even a pet peeve about Regency Romance, tell me about it. Even if it doesn't start with the Resilient letter "R".



 

Want to get a taste of Susan's hilarious Regency?
 
When Miss Mariah Langley inherited beautiful Renford Hall she planned to stay there forever. Now the Earl of Dovington has shown up to evict her! With guests arriving and tempers flaring, the spinster and the earl engage in a battle of wits and wooing! The Earl's Passionate Plot novella is available for only 99 cents on Amazon!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Susan Gee Heino's lighthearted Regency Romances are full of quirky heroines, wicked banter, and dashing cravat-wearing heroes. Adventures ensue, hilarity happens, but the hero always ends up with his lady. And vice versa. Ms. Heino lives in rural Ohio with her non-cravat-inclined husband, two very remarkable children, and an accidental collection of critters. She loves to hear from readers so please visit her at www.SusanGH.com or connect on social media.
 
 
The "R" book list:
 
 
 
James Rollins: Action adventure blending science and history
 
M.J. Rose: Thrillers that blend mystery and magic
 
Raven Morris: Scorching hot erotic romance