Regency Buck
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Georgette Heyer has written over 50 historical novels dealing in particular with the Regency period.I usually love books of this type and was really looking forward to reading it but I have to be honest that it took quite a lot of effort not to abandon it before the end. I think this has more to do with it perhaps just not being the right book for me at the moment and it has not put me off reading other Heyer novels.
The book follows the beautiful and wilful Judith Taverner and her brother Peregrine who are left in the care of their guardian Julian St John Audley, the Fifth Earl of Worth after the death of their father. He is what Judith would describe as a 'dandy'- a member of the fashionable Bow-window set and the man that is ultimately in charge of her destiny. The reader follows Judith as she enters the social london scene and its many pitfalls and faux pauxs. It is ultimately a love story and I think that is what encouraged me to keep reading; Heyer is not as predictable as some authors of this nature can be; I was not entirely sure of how events would unfold. When I purchased this book I also bought Arabella and I will definitely read it in the future but I think I may wait until I am really in the mood for a period drama.
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My Hero
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I've lost count the number of times I've re-read Regency Buck. Another reviewer said it was predictable - that may be, but I just love the journey. I am from the south of England so I found the description of outings in London and the journey to Brighton of particular interesting because they were so vivid and I recognised the landmarks and place names. The plot is very clever and the amusing and witty dialogue just keeps me entertained for hours. Lord Worth is my kind of hero - gallant, strong, intelligent and for me, devastatingly sexy.
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My second favourite GH novel, and I have read most of them!
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There are already eleven reviews of this book, so why am I writing a twelfth? Simply because I am longing to tell someone how much I love it. Having re-read almost all my Heyer novels I picked this up for a third reading, and had doubts about whether or not I would enjoy it again so soon. After all, I knew the ending and remembered much of the plot. How wrong I was! I wasn't far into the book before I was hooked again, seeing things which I hadn't recalled from the previous two readings and feeling bereft when I came to the end.
There is so much in this book: comedy of manners, witty conversations, kindness and courage, suspense, humour, romance, descriptions of people and places - I could go on. I was a little uneasy about the characterisation of real people, such as Beau Brummell and the Prince Regent, but despite my misgivings I am still giving it five stars.
The story starts with Judith Taverner, and her brother Sir Peregrine, travelling to London to meet their guardian and establish themselves there. On the way they stop at Grantham, and we are introduced to a few characters who re-appear in London. On arrival at the Metropolis they meet their guardian and set up house, not without some entertaining moments. Judith launches into society and Peregrine tries to find his feet. (One of the things I love about GH books is the way that siblings usually get along well, and these two are no exception.) What happens next is the subject of the book, and I won't spoil it by saying any more about the plot.
To compare it to her other works is difficult, as all her books have slightly different emphases as well as similarities. The hero is handsome and clever, the heroine beautiful and strong-minded, her brother more temperate than some of GH's young men, and the book contains adventure as well as romance and humour. It is longer than many of her works, at 356 pages, so there is plenty to enjoy and I found my emotions being touched by passion, kindness, protective care, anxiety and humour. Nothing could move Cotillion from the number one spot of my GH favourites, but Regency Buck has beaten her many other excellent books into second place, and its hero has won my heart!
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I found this a sadly predictable plot
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Having read the glowing reviews of other readers, I have to confess to being a little disappointed in this book. I quite enjoyed the style of the writing, it did draw me in, but what has turned me off trying any more Georgette Heyer was the clunking predicability of the plot! I have rarely read a book which shouted the inevitability of who ends up with whom from such an early stage! The reason I persisted and read on into the wee small hours was that I couldn't believe I was going to be right.
The heroine is naturally attractive, the rake is suitably rakish... but I was looking for more complications in the plot. Sorry. It is a very cosy and safe read; I don't like being scared or confused by my reading material, but I do like to be surprised and have my assumptions confounded.
Maybe, however, Georgette Heyer fans enjoy this. I always feel very comfortable in the routine of an Agatha Christie plot. However, it is rare that I might guess the ending of one hers!
In conclusion, Miss Heyer is not for me - but she might be for you!
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My absolute favourite!
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I just wanted to add my praise for this book as it is my absolute favourite. I have read all of Georgette Heyers regency novels and adore them all but this has to be the best. Judith Tavener is a strong, likeable heroine who can hold her own against the, at-first, thoroughly dislikable Lord Worth. The way the two of them fight and argue throughout the book, yet the whole time you can see their feelings for each other growing is one of things I love most about it. Add to that the wonderful characters (I particularly like Beau Brummel being in this one), interesting story-line; no mere love story is this, there is so much about how Judith makes it in society, fiendish plots to see her brother killed, horse races down to Brighton, dinner parties at the Pavilion etc etc, not to mention (although I would hate to spoil the book for other readers I think it must be pretty obvious!) a wonderful ending, and it's no wonder that so many people fall in love with it.
I can't count the number of times I have read it but I enjoy it every single time! A must-read for anyone who likes Georgette Heyer and also for anyone who likes a good story with a nice bit of romance thrown in.
PS. Just wanted to add that anyone who enjoys Georgette Heyer may wish to try an author called Clare Darcy. She is generally held to be Heyer's successor and I find her books similar but utterly charming. I would recommend "Lydia" and "Elyza" in particular. For something more modern, I think Katie Fforde is a great writer, portraying modern independent women finding good old-fashioned romantic heroes to love, not without some bumps along the way though!
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