For Love of Historical Regency Romances with a Difference!

[Susysomerville]

I confess I am a historical romance novel junkie and the cover image of Infamous Rival caught my eye because it instantly declared these ladies (depicted) are of the Regency era. I was sold on the cover and as soon as I read the first few pages I was hooked. It is a short novel but a bit more than a novella. What I liked best about these novels is the author's (English author) usage of correct English dialogue and narrative with UK spelling and British grammar for the period depicted.

Here are my thoughts on the novel.
A Review: Infamous Rival by Francine Howarth- A Romantic Regency Murder Mystery (The Bath Series)


Infamous Rival is an intelligent Regency murder mystery. It has witty repartee, danger, oodles of fear and simmering sensuality. The characters are strong, vibrant and Lady Georgette Beaumont is adorable. Although she is a titled grandee she is soon living in dread of the man who ruined her reputation with scandalous lies. Adam Brockenbury is a dangerous anti hero. He's a notorious gambler, and he and his cousin Eliza are engaged in a dark and damaging relationship, which errs gothic and creepy.

The hero on the other hand is Edwin Brockenbury (lawyer) and borne of impeccable manners he's a charmer, and a chance meeting with a woman of high status masquerading as a nobody of any consequence intrigues him, as he in turn intrigues her. Forced to share a hired coach they cannot ignore one another, and until such time as his name is revealed the journey from London to Bath passes in amicable contentment. However, it is a frosty night, the roads are treacherous and an incident arises, an incident that is the catalyst to untold events that will draw Edwin and Georgette into the realms of murder and mystery. Love inevitably develops between the hero and heroine, and touching moments arise along with intense passion, which draws them ever closer. Edwin, although a lawyer by profession, he sets out to unravel a mysterious death that occurred in the past, while murders in the present threaten Georgette’s very existence and that of an old enemy of hers, the Marquess of Rantchester. There is a sensual love scene, although explicit, it is so beautifully word crafted it leaves one gasping in awe of the author's skill for writing what is essentially an erotic episode that has none of the crudeness associated with erotic novels,

This is a murder mystery and it would be unfair to reveal more than I already have, and I do highly recommend this book to lovers of Regency romances and murder mysteries. What I liked best about this novel was the author's use of archaic language [old English grammar] depicting Regency England, very much in the vein of Georgette Heyer , but the author never for one minute forgets this is the 21st century and those of us who are not of the Regency era. It is available through all Amazon's online sources as a ebook. Enjoy!


The secondary hero in book 1 is the rivetting hero in this novel.

A Review:

The Dark Marquis by Francine Howarth– Regency Romance & Murder Mystery (The Bath Series)



A well-written intelligent Regency Romance. It was a refreshing change to read a romance where the opening scene is missing the ubiquitous angst driven heroine bleating and berating the hero. Ms Howarth instead focuses reader attention with a duel at dawn and a chilling outcome. The hero survives his injury as he must for the story to continue. The death of his opponent however is totally unexpected. The action-packed scene sets the pace for further macabre deaths leading to a deeply disturbing murder mystery, with several of the leading characters as the prime suspects. All have committed vile deeds in the past. Heartfelt defence put forth failed to exonerate their actions. Although the heroine [Estelle] has a feisty nature she’s loveable and vulnerable as all women were to the rules and regulations of Regency society. Mistresses within the haute ton conducted themselves in discreet manner. Mistresses from the lower order of the ton crossed the divide at their peril. Estelle has no title. Lady Caroline does. One is a lady, the other not. They both want the same man. I did like the Marquis of Rantchester. His love for Estelle touches the heart in so many ways and I forgave him his one misdemeanour while in company with Caroline as does Estelle. He redeems himself with true heroic gallantry and the seductive Lady Caroline meets with a suitable and humbling end. Without a shadow of doubt I rate this Regency Murder mystery a five star read all the way from beginning to end. The characters are strong. The plot is tightly woven. The murders are cleverly linked leading to a surprise villain. The romance is enduring. The language of the narrative is unique in portrayal of Regency England 1819.

[Melanie_Page]

Thank you. I shall go look them up on Amazon.

[ananya92]

Thanks for the reviews. I f you are interested in Historical Regency romance, then you can try Mary Balogh. She writes intelligent and witty novels too but with less of a suspense/mystery element.

[Melanie_Page]

Thanks for the reviews. I f you are interested in Historical Regency romance, then you can try Mary Balogh. She writes intelligent and witty novels too but with less of a suspense/mystery element.

Totally agree. I love Mary Balogh. Her "Summer to Remember" is still one of my favourites. Also enjoy Grace Burrows, and have read a lot of hers. I didn't like "Infamous Rivals" of the earlier review as much as I though I would. I could she where the author had tried to follow the Heyer style, but didn't quite get there.

[eaccon]

I love historical romances I will be looking these authors up! Very excited to find new authors

[Miss_Jane2014]

I also have a love of historical romances. Thank you so much for the reviews, and for the suggestions in the comments by others. I definitely have a few things to be added to my "need to read" list.