A Regency Romance is a novel set in England during what is known as the Regency period. It was a short window of time, lasting from 1811 to 1820, when George, Prince Regent ruled. While his father, King George the third, battled his final bout with madness the Prince Regent lived in opulence. This era encompasses the Napoleonic wars and offers the reader everything from a glamorous aristocracy moving between country homes and elegant London townhouses to war and intrigue. It was a time of high fashion, duels, curricle races, and marriages of convenience. And sometimes, even a love match. Beau Brummell set the style for the men, and a well-tied cravat was an absolute necessity. The ladies dazzled in empire waist gowns. (And if a woman was really racy, she dampened her gown so it would cling to her curves.) Dresses were low-cut but legs were not on display. So, naturally, men lived for the sight of a well-turned ankle.
    A woman's best assurance of financial security was to marry well. And to marry well, a woman needed to be a virgin. Of course, young women were carefully supervised. Never allowed to be in a position where their reputation would be ruined. And an elopement? Scandalous!
    Love may not have been given much consideration in the real world of Regency England but in a romance, it must reign supreme. (Isn't that why we all love the works of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer?) The young miss must, of course, bring that scandalous rakehell to his knees and they must, of course, live happily ever after.
    In real life love doesn't always have a happy ending and someone (often the woman) gets the short end of the stick. Not so in the world of Regency Romance. These books guarantee that every heroine will get the true love she so richly deserves. (Right along with the beautiful gowns and the large English Estate). And that's why I love Regency romances!