The title of this post is in reference to the last one, and the fact that a lot of romance novels get classified as "Regency" because they don't fit into any of the other accepted categories (Scottish, Western, Medieval, etc.). The last book I posted about wasn't 'Regency' at all, but was classified as such because "late 19th-century Caribbean" isn't really an accepted sub-category of historical romance (although it does sound like a style of art, doesn't it?).
A true Regency takes place during... well, during the Regency, 1811-1820. This was the period when the British Prince Regent was running the show, even though his father King George III was still technically on the throne. A REAL Regency romance will incorporate the Jane Austen elements that we associate with that time period, rather than be just a romance set during those years. So, full disclosure: This isn't my favorite category of romance. I don't dislike it, but Jane Austen has never really done it for me. However, I was recently blown away by Vanessa Kelly's Renegade Royal series. Her attention to detail in terms of settings, phrases, characters, and terminology was brilliant. So many times I said "Wow!" aloud, impressed by her ability to seamlessly tie in period language and expression. And what could be more "Regency" than a book (book #1) that has the Prince Regent as a character? I won't give anything else away, but if you like real Regency romance, do yourself a favor and grab the first book in this series. Another cool thing about Ms.Kelly is that she doesn't switch POVs within a scene. That seems to be the norm these days, but not something that I personally do in my writing. I like reading a scene from one character's point-of-view, and I appreciate the skill that it takes to show the other characters' thoughts without hearing them. It's why I choose to write that way, and why I really enjoyed Ms. Kelly's writing. So if you're here, reading this because you like my stuff, might I recommend Vanessa Kelly? Particularly if you enjoy Regency redemption stories. Here's the first book in her Renegade Royals series. Go check it out!
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