georgette heyer

The romance novel has the strange distinction of being the most popular but least respected of literary genres. While it remains consistently dominant in bookstores and on best-seller lists, it is also widely dismissed by the critical community. Scholars have alleged that romance novels help create subservient readers, who are largely women, by confining heroines to stories that ignore issues other than love and marriage. Pamela Regis argues that such critical studies fail to take into consideration the personal choice of readers, offer any true definition of the romance novel, or discuss the nature and scope of the genre. Presenting the counterclaim that the romance novel does not enslave women but, on the contrary, is about celebrating freedom and joy, Regis offers a definition that provides critics with an expanded vocabulary for discussing a genre that is both classic and contemporary, sexy and entertaining. Taking the stance that the popular romance novel is a work of literature with a brilliant pedigree, Regis asserts that it is also a very old, stable form. She traces the literary history of the romance novel from canonical works such as Richardson's Pamela through Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Brontë's Jane Eyre, and E. M. Hull's The Sheik, and then turns to more contemporary works such as the novels of Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, Janet Dailey, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Nora Roberts.

The romance novel has the strange distinction of being the most popular but least respected of literary genres. While it remains consistently dominant in bookstores and on best-seller lists, it is also widely dismissed by the critical community. Scholars have alleged that romance novels help create subservient readers, who are largely women, by confining heroines to stories that ignore issues other than love and marriage. Pamela Regis argues that such critical studies fail to take into consideration the personal choice of readers, offer any true definition of the romance novel, or discuss the nature and scope of the genre. Presenting the counterclaim that the romance novel does not enslave women but, on the contrary, is about celebrating freedom and joy, Regis offers a definition that provides critics with an expanded vocabulary for discussing a genre that is both classic and contemporary, sexy and entertaining. Taking the stance that the popular romance novel is a work of literature with a brilliant pedigree, Regis asserts that it is also a very old, stable form. She traces the literary history of the romance novel from canonical works such as Richardson's Pamela through Austen's Pride and Prejudice, BrontË's Jane Eyre, and E. M. Hull's The Sheik, and then turns to more contemporary works such as the novels of Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, Janet Dailey, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Nora Roberts.

Set in an alternative Edwardian England, this is a comedy of manners, manor houses, and hedge mazes: including a magic-infused murder mystery and a delightful queer romance.'Lush historical fantasy . . . A delightful book, with richly developed characters' – New York Times'Mystery! Magic! Murder! . . . This book is a confection, both marvellous and light' – Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of JanuaryFor fans of Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn's Bridgerton, who'd like to welcome magic into their lives . . .Young baronet Robin Blyth thought he was taking up a minor governmental post. However, he's actually been appointed parliamentary liaison to a secret magical society. If it weren't for this administrative error, he'd never have discovered the incredible magic underlying his world.Cursed by mysterious attackers and plagued by visions, Robin becomes determined to drag answers from his missing predecessor – but he'll need the help of Edwin Courcey, his hostile magical-society counterpart. Unwillingly thrown together, Robin and Edwin will discover a plot that threatens every magician in the British Isles.The Binding meets Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in debut author Freya Marske's A Marvellous Light. Continue the thrilling series with A Restless Truth.'A dazzling debut' – Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun'Prepare to fall in love with the gorgeous Edwardian setting, the sizzling character dynamics, and the murderous enchanted hedge maze' – Emily Tesh, author of Silver in the Wood'An absolute delight . . . If you ever wished Downton Abbey was sharper-edged and full of magic, this is the book for you' – Kat Howard, author of An Unkindness of Magicians

Preorder a Regency Romance for all Austen fans! From bestselling author Fenella J MillerWhen Jane Bennet meets Mr Bingley at the ball in Meryton she quickly loses her heart to him. Everyone thinks their union will be announced imminently, ut arrogant Mr Darcy has other plans. Determined to make a better match for his friend, Darcy contrives to separate the young couple, leaving Jane heartbroken.With Jane and Bingley both in London, the Bennet sisters hope their paths will cross, and Jane and Bingley will resume the relationship between them. But will fate - or others - intervene to keep these two young lovers apart forever? A charming read perfect for Pride and Prejudice fans! Please note: This was originally published as Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet A wonderful Regency romance that recreates the magic of Pemberley. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh. Praise for Fenella J. Miller: 'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters- Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan. 'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane 'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton 'Loved every word of this book. Fenella is a great author and leaves her books with you wanting more. I can't wait to read the next one.' *5 star Reader Review**

Set in an alternative Edwardian England, this is a comedy of manners, manor houses, and hedge mazes: including a magic-infused murder mystery and a delightful queer romance. 'Lush historical fantasy . . . A delightful book, with richly developed characters' - New York Times 'Mystery! Magic! Murder! . . . This book is a confection, both marvellous and light' - Alix E. Harrow , author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January For fans of Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn's Bridgerton, who'd like to welcome magic into their lives . . . Young baronet Robin Blyth thought he was taking up a minor governmental post. However, he's actually been appointed parliamentary liaison to a secret magical society. If it weren't for this administrative error, he'd never have discovered the incredible magic underlying his world. Cursed by mysterious attackers and plagued by visions, Robin becomes determined to drag answers from his missing predecessor - but he'll need the help of Edwin Courcey, his hostile magical-society counterpart. Unwillingly thrown together, Robin and Edwin will discover a plot that threatens every magician in the British Isles. The Binding meets Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in debut author Freya Marske's A Marvellous Light. Continue the thrilling series with A Restless Truth. 'A dazzling debut' - Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun 'Prepare to fall in love with the gorgeous Edwardian setting, the sizzling character dynamics, and the murderous enchanted hedge maze' - Emily Tesh, author of Silver in the Wood 'An absolute delight . . . If you ever wished Downton Abbey was sharper-edged and full of magic, this is the book for you' - Kat Howard, author of An Unkindness of Magicians

Preorder a Regency Romance for all Austen fans! From bestselling author Fenella J MillerGeorgiana Darcy is about to embark on her first Season, but after meeting Major Jonathan Brownstone, she is having serious doubts about going. The major is to be groomsman for his best friend, Adam King, when he marries Kitty Bennet at Pemberley and Georgiana would rather stay at home than travel to London.Darcy insists Georgiana must go to town, but with Lizzy pregnant he won't be able to accompany her. Instead he arranges for his new brother in law to stand guardian in his stead. Georgiana begrudgingly agrees.But when George Wickham arrives uninvited at Pemberley he sets in motion a chain of events that could cause a scandal for Georgiana and her reputation from which none of the Darcy family would ever recover.Please note: This was originally published as A Scandal at PemberleyA wonderful Regency romance that recreates the magic of Pemberley. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh.Praise for Fenella J. Miller:'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters- Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan.'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton'Loved every word of this book. Fenella is a great author and leaves her books with you wanting more. I can't wait to read the next one.' *5 star Reader Review**

Preorder a Regency Romance for all Austen fans! From bestselling author Fenella J MillerDarcy and Lizzy have been married for some time and their union is going through troubled times. This is brought to a head when Caroline Bingley, who always had designs on Darcy, arrives unexpectedly.If having Darcy's old flame under her roof wasn't enough for Lizzy to contend with, Colonel Fitzwilliam, an intelligence officer, arrives also. However, this isn't a purely social call as he needs Darcy's assistance to entrap two spies who are passing secrets to the French. Against her better judgment Lizzy is drawn into this dangerous escapade and is asked to invite the suspects to a house party at Pemberley.As Lizzy and Darcy dash from Pemberley to London and back again they not only unmask the traitors but rekindle the spark that brought them together all those summers ago.Please note: This was originally published as A Spy at PemberleyA wonderful Regency romance that recreates the magic of Pemberley. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh.Praise for Fenella J. Miller:'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters- Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan.'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton'Loved every word of this book. Fenella is a great author and leaves her books with you wanting more. I can't wait to read the next one.' *5 star Reader Review**

Preorder a Regency Romance for all Austen fans! From bestselling author Fenella J Miller Miss Kitty Bennet is travelling to Pemberley in order to become a companion and friend to Miss Georgiana Darcy when the coach she is travelling in crashes. Bingley is hurt in the accident and help arrives in the form of Adam Denney, the Rector of Bakewell who comes to their aid. Jane and Bingley are obliged to remain at The Rectory, whilst Kitty continues her journey alone. But the coach accident is just the first of many terrifying incidents that occur once Kitty is established at Pemberley. But when Kitty's sister, Elizabeth is placed in danger, Darcy is determined to do all he can to keep her safe. But can the darkness at Pemberley ever be overcome or will Pemberley and all its occupants be destroyed? Please note: This book was originally published as The Ghosts at Pemberley A wonderful Regency romance that recreates the magic of Pemberley. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh. Praise for Fenella J. Miller: 'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters- Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan. 'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane 'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton 'Loved every word of this book. Fenella is a great author and leaves her books with you wanting more. I can't wait to read the next one.' *5 star Reader Review**

'A literary and deeply heartfelt exploration of an under-appreciated genre. It is heaven from start to finish ' INDIA KNIGHT, The Times 'This book is funny, wise, and joyfully obsessed with its subject' MONICA HEISEY 'Endlessly witty, breathtakingly clever, a book you'll read in one sitting' CAROLINE O'DONOGHUE 'The love letter the genre deserves' MHAIRI McFARLANE Smart, funny and passionate: An ode to a beloved genre and a brilliantly insightful piece of cultural criticism Cowboys and aliens, dukes and dancers, power dynamics, death and domesticity, vampires and veterans, tradwives and single dads and sisters and small-town politics, private jets and princes and horses, hopes and dreams and fears, and so, so much kissing: this is a love letter to romantic fiction, but it's also a book about creativity and creation and the job of art in this crazy old world. Why do we read? Why do we write? What makes some books last forever, and others vanish from memory? What is the point of everything, anything, when everything - especially romantic love - is so fleeting in the grand scheme of things? How do we love when the world is falling apart? And what does it mean that love is the one subject of which we never seem to tire? Part literary criticism, part investigation, total passion project, In Love with Love is a wild tour from the very beginnings of kissing in books through historic trends, favourite tropes, beloved friends and brand-new loves, from Jane Austen to Jasmine Guillory, Jilly Cooper to Georgette Heyer, from the depths of the ocean to the furthest reaches of the outer galaxy . . . 'A joyful and brilliant book by a joyful and brilliant writer' JESSICA STANLEY 'This passionate and profound love letter to the love story will make any romance reader's heart beat a little faster' SARRA MANNING, Red Magazine ' Risbridger's knowledge of this type of fiction is both broad and deep . . . marvellous, laugh-out-loud' CAROLINE CRAMPTON, Observer

"Gorgeously written and desperately hot... Hands down, my favorite romance of the decade." - Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of Starling House A sapphic regency romance about the duke who fears nothing... until the woman she never forgot walks through the door and brings her to her knees. Set in a world of powerful female nobles and the women who love them... Kate, Duke of Howard, is known throughout Europe as a merciless autocrat not to be crossed. Consumed by a bitter rivalry, she avoids society and has vowed never to trap a woman into marriage with a monster like herself. The beautiful, ambitious courtesan Celine Genet once threw herself on the mercy of the visiting Duke of Howard. She was desperate to escape the guillotine. But after a night of searing passion, the duke left her to the ravages of Revolutionary Paris and didn't look back. Now Celine is in London and in possession of a dangerous letter that proves the Duke of Howard committed treason as a child - and possibly even murder. Celine wants a titled husband in return for keeping the duke's secret, leaving Kate no choice but to parade her around the most fashionable ballrooms. But as Celine takes society by storm, Kate finds herself growing fond of the woman set on destroying her. And as their attraction mounts, Kate faces an impossible choice: keep her childhood secret, or win the woman she loves. Anna Cowan's The Duke is an utterly unforgettable, page-turning romance featuring two women who, separately, are a danger to each other, but together, could be the most powerful duo London has ever seen. "The Duke is Georgette Heyer quadrupled and queered, flipping the erotic appeal of a cold-hearted alpha into an alternate England in which women can be dukes and marry whom they please. I loved and envied the way it combined the originality of My Lady Jane, the luxury of Bridgerton, and the smutty, fabulous sex of Fingersmith." - Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of Viscount in Love

'A veritable treat' Daily Mail The fourth book in Julia Quinn's globally bestselling, Regency-set, Bridgerton Family series, now the inspiration for the Netflix series Bridgerton created by Shondaland. Welcome to Colin and Penelope's long-awaited story . . . ________________________________________ Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London . . . Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for . . . well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret . . . and fears she doesn't know him at all. Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought of as nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same - especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams. When he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat - or his promise of a happy ending? Find out why readers love Julia Quinn . . . ' Light, pacy and full of feisty heroines ' Guardian on the Bridgerton series 'Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books take all of the classic tropes we know and love . . . and gives them a thoroughly modern twist . I can't focus on anything else' Stylist 'Quinn is a master of historical romance' Entertainment Weekly 'A smart, funny touch' Time Magazine 'Like an episode of Downton Abbey mixed with a great rom-com' iBooks Best Books of March 'Powered by a surfeit of dazzling wit and graced with a cast of unforgettable characters' Booklist ' A romance readers will not want to put down . . . Hooray Julia! ' Romance Reviews Today 'Quinn writes delightfully fast-paced, funny, sparkling and bright romance' Romantic Times 'The next best thing to Georgette Heyer' Gloss 'Julia Quinn is one of the best historical romance novelists of our time' Heroes and Heartbreakers 'Quinn excels in writing stories full of joy and delight , where laughter trembles on the edges' Happy Ever After 'Full of wit, charm and smouldering attraction . . . an unputdownable story that I think romance fans will treasure' Harlequin Junkie 'Quinn is incomparable! The latest addition to her beloved Bridgerton series is funny, charming, witty and wildly romantic' RT Book Reviews

It's not a fair world I'm afraid. Beauty or fortune carries the day. You have the beauty and I the fortune, so there's every chance we'll succeed' In Regency England, marriage is everything. For young widow Sybella Lovatt, the time has come to find a suitable husband for her sister and ward Lucie. Male suitors are scarce near their Wiltshire estate, so the sisters resolve to head to London in time for the Season to begin. Once ensconced at the Mayfair home of Lady Godley, Lucie's godmother, the whirl of balls, parties and promenades can begin. But the job of finding a husband is fraught with rules and tradition. Jostling for attention are the two lords - the charming and irresistible Freddie Lynwood and the preternaturally handsome Valentine Ravenell, their enigmatic neighbour from Shotten Hall, Mr Brabazon, and the dangerous libertine Lord Rockliffe, with whom the brooding Brabazon is locked in deadly rivalry. Against the backdrop of glamorous Regency England, Sybella must settle Lucie's future, protect her own reputation, and resist the disreputable rakes determined to seduce the beautiful widow. As the Season ends, will the sisters have found the rarest of things - a suitable marriage with a love story to match? Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life in a page-turning novel packed with surprising revelations, which all comes wittily, gloriously, good in the end. Perfect for fans of Gill Hornby, Janice Hadlow, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives. Praise for Jane Dunn: 'Outstanding, perceptive and delightfully readable.' Sunday Times Books of the Year 'Jane Dunn has written a splendid piece of popular history with the ready-pen of a highly skilled writer, endowed with remarkable insight.' Roy Strong, Daily Mail 'Jane Dunn is one of our best biographers.' Miranda Seymour, Sunday Times What readers say about Jane Dunn: 'Absolutely brilliant book. Easy, interesting and certainly a page-turner. Enjoyed reading this book so much.' 'I loved this book, Jane Dunn writes with an insight into Elizabeths and Marys psyches that is mesmerising. I couldn't put it down and was gutted when I finally finished it, at a loss of what to read next.' 'One of the best books I have ever read. I have always been interested in this period of history and felt that this book and the way Dunn writes helps to bring history alive. Once I started reading I could not stop.