Today, let us examine one of my favorite specimens of the romance genre, that of the Regency Romance Hero.
Species: The Regency Romance Hero, who is either a Rake or a Spy. (Remember, darlings, that Repentant Rakes make the best husbands!)
Appearance: Dressed to the nines in the most fashionable cuts of his year, the Regency Hero sets fashion standards in the Ton, even as he disdains society's pomp and whirl. His dress is typically from the English fashion plates of the years 1790 to 1820, but may well include the period of time when the Regent became King George IV, from 1820 to 1837. Expect polished black Hessians and an impeccably turned out cravat. His hair is unfashionably long.
Habitat: Never Almacks or anywhere matchmaking mammas can be found, at least until the parson's noose is about to descend over his handsome head. Unless, of course, his last name is Bridgerton, you may find him at the seediest hells, the most exclusive brothels, and his club, Whites. He spends his days gambling, whoring and drinking brandy. He may have an unfashionable business on the side, or, if he is a spy, occasionally make reports to Whitehall on the Napoleonic plots he has uncovered.
Favorite Phrase: Bloody Hell!Heroine: Either a Hoyden or a Bluestocking Spinster. If the former, the fashion plates are based on her latest habille. If the latter, she wears glasses and dresses two years out of season. She rebels against the strict rules society has placed on her. Egypt is a passion of hers. She is often found caring for an aging, out-of-touch scientist father or her orphaned younger sisters. Odds are good she is a virgin.
Villain: Napoleonic spies, conniving ex-suitors, and evil stepmothers
The cream of the crop, six Regency Romance Heroes I would love to conscript to my hut:
1. Rupert Carsington from Loretta Chase's Mr. Impossible. A Regency-era Indiana Jones, this Egyptologist is both witty and endearing. What luck! I already have him in my hut. :D
2. James Cordier from Loretta Chase's Your Scandalous Ways. A world-weary spy, witty as all Chase's heroes are.
3. Alex, Lord Raiford from Lisa Kleypas's Then Came You. A notorious English lord, who turns out to be a sweetie pie.
4. Capt. Sebastian Kennett from Joanna Bourne's My Lord and Spymaster. A spy! A handsome, witty one!
5. James Durham, Viscount Sanburne from Meredith Duran's Bound by Your Touch. A bored, fashionable Rake. (who is apparently Victorian. whoops! he can be an honorary regency hero in my heart.)
6. Connor Kincaid from Teresa Medeiros' Some Like it Wild. A brawny highland highwayman in a kilt. Yum!
Which are your favorite Regency Romance Heroes?
