Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer

The most daring, dashing hero of all....

"Mad Nicholas" to his friends, "Scourge of Spain" to his enemies, Sir Nicholas Beauvallet is one of Queen Elizabeth's most dashing buccaneers and has never been known to resist a challenge.

A Spanish lady all fire and heart....

When Beauvallet captures the galleon carrying Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylvan and her father, he vows to return them safely to the shores of Spain. But he has no sooner done so than he proposes a venture more reckless than any of his exploits on the high seas -- he will return to Spain, where there's a price on his head, and claim Dominica as his bride.
(from the publisher)

my thoughts:

Beauvallet was such a refreshing change of pace in my Georgette Heyer reading! I have become accustomed to the sweet love stories of debutantes and handsome bachelors in Regency ballrooms, but Beauvallet was a complete surprise from the opening scene:

The deck was a shambles. Men lay dead and dying; there was split
woodwork, a welter of broken mizzen and sagging sail, dust and grime,
and the reek of gunpowder. A ball screamed through the rigging overhead;
another tore the sea into wild foam beneath the galleon's stern....

Sir Nicholas Beauvallet is a larger-than-life figure -- he's a devilishly handsome pirate with a lust for danger and adventure. With his mighty sword and almost superhuman ability to escape harm unscathed, he is feared by many and reviled by those who wish to see this notorious enemy of Spain captured. When a Spanish galleon, the Santa Maria, begins firing upon Beauvallet's ship, he cannot refuse the challenge and within a very short time has boarded the Santa Maria and taken down most of the crew. To the Beauvallet's delight, on board he finds the breathtakingly beautiful Dona Dominica and her ailing father. She is a spitfire, and the Beauvallet gets a little more than he bargained for when he attempts to introduce himself. She boldly meets this pirate head on and brazenly steals his dagger in an attempt to fight him off. Her courage and beauty intrigues and delights him, and from the moment he lays eyes on her, he knew he wanted nothing more than for her to be his. As the days pass on the voyage, Dominca finds it hard to resist the devilish charm of this notorious pirate.

After returning Dominica and her father back to Spain in a daring and dangerous maneuver, Beauvallet, the enemy of Spain, makes a promise to Dominica..."I will come for you before the year is out." What are the odds that he will succeed in this foolish promise?

An action-packed love story, filled with intrigue and plotting at the the Spanish court of King Philip during the Inquisition, in Heyer's signature dramatic and witty style. A keeper!

This completes the first book for the Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge at All Things Historical Fiction.

5/5 stars

Title: Beauvallet
Author: Georgette Heyer
Publisher: Sourcebooks 2010
(original copyright 1929)
301 pages
genre: historical romance

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

"An enchanting debutante and the eldest daughter of an impoverished country parson, Arabella Tallant embarks on her first London season. Armed with beauty, virtue, and a benevolent godmother, Arabella is sure to be a success, as long as her notoriously impetuous temper does not interfere.

But when Robert Beaumaris, the most eligible Nonpareil of the day, accuses her of being yet another pretty female after his wealth, Arabella allows herself to be provoked--into a deceitful charade that might have unexpected consequences."

(from the publisher)

my thoughts:

Arabella is one of Heyer's most charming tales -- I was so absorbed in the details of the excitement of the debutante's launch into London society that I hated to see the story come to an end! No one brings Regency England alive better than Heyer as she expertly blends cant, etiquette, fashion, and the world of the ton into her novels.

In this Cinderella-type story, pretty Arabella, the daughter of a country vicar, can't beleive her good fortune when she receives news that she is going to London to be launched into society with the help of her adoring godmother. With high hopes for a successful season, Arabella sets out on her adventure of a lifetime, but unfortunately, her carriage breaks along the way. She and her chaperone must seek shelter at a hunting lodge, and it is here that she meets dashing Robert Beaumaris, the wealthiest and most popular bachelor in London's high society.

Beaumaris infuriates Arabella when she overhears him speaking to his friend about her "staged" carriage accident. Arrogant and accustomed to fortune-seeking ladies, Beaumaris assumes her accident was all a part of a plan to meet him. Arabella's temper gets the better of her, and she proceeds to play the part of an heiress and lets Beaumaris know in no uncertain terms that she has no need for either him or his money.

This is a new situation indeed for Beaumaris -- an attractive debutante that is not falling all over herself to seek his attentions! He simply cannot resist getting to know this unique and spirited young lady better. He begins attending all of Arabella's parties and balls, and his presence at her functions creates quite a stir and results in Arabella being considered the belle of the season!

How these two come together (because you know the prince and princess always have a happy ending in fairy tales, right?) is a cute and witty story. Have no fear, Arabella turns the tables on Beaumaris, and it's not long before she has him jumping through hoops! This is one of Heyer's most endearing heroines, and I know I will want to read Arabella again and again.


5/5 stars
Title: Arabella
Author: Georgette Heyer
Sourcebooks
1949/2009
312 pages
Genre: Regency Romance

The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer

"A houseful of people he loathes is not Sir Arthurs's worst problem......

It should have been a lovely English country-house weekend. But the unfortunate guest-list is enough to exasperate a saint, and the host, Sir Arthur Billington-Smith, is an abusive wretch hated by everyone from his disinherited son to his wife's stoic, would-be lover. When Sir Arthur is found stabbed to death, no one is particularly grieved--and no one has an alibi. The unhappy guests find themselves under the scrutiny of Scotland Yard's cool-headed Inspector Harding, who has solved tough cases before--but this time, the talented young inspector discovers much more than he's bargained for." (from the publisher)

my thoughts:

After reading a few of Heyer's Georgian and Regency romances this year, The Unfinished Clue was a very nice change of pace. I love a good mystery, and while this plot wasn't necessarily complex, it was a delightful glimpse into an English country-house weekend party...gone terribly wrong!


In this classic murder mystery set in the 1930's, Heyer introduces the reader to a cast of intriguing and colorful characters, from Fay, the fragile, long-suffering wife of the cantankerous Sir Arthur, to a disinherited son and Lola, his outrageous "exotic dancer" love interest. No one manages to escape the wrath of Sir Arthur, and when the host turns up dead, everyone begins looking suspiciously at the other. Sir Arthur tries to leave behind a clue to the identity of his murderer, but, alas, it is "unfinished."

Leave it to Heyer to blend not only sparkling dialogue and some comedic relief, but she expertly adds all those little details that paint a picture of an elegant, bygone era. (One of my favorite scenes includes the flirty Camilla, described as a corn-colored hair beauty, with scarlet lipstick and lacquer red fingernails, lounging on the terrace before the cocktail hour, (gasp) blowing smoke rings.)

Delightful and charming, all fans of Heyer should try a few of her mysteries.

FYI -- At the Georgette Heyer Tea sponsored by the Poisoned Pen Bookstore that I recently attended, I learned that the author actually pronounced her name more like "hay-er" or "hair" (not "higher"). I've been mispronouncing it all my life! Who knew?

3.5/5 stars

Title: The Unfinished Clue
Author: Gerogette Heyer
Sourcebooks
1934
321 pages

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

"When Frederica brings her younger siblings to London determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, she seeks out their distant cousin, the Marquis of Alverstoke. Lovely, competent, and refreshingly straightforward, Frederica makes such a strong impression that to his own amazement, the Marquis agrees to help launch them all into society.

Lord Alverstoke can't resist wanting to help her.....Normally wary of his family, which includes two overbearing sisters and innumerable favor-seekers, Lord Alverstoke does his best to keep his distance. But with his enterprising -- and altogether entertaining -- country cousins getting into one scrape after another right on his doorstep, before he knows it the Marquis finds himself dangerously embroiled." (from the publisher)

my thoughts:

I love the world of Georgette Heyer's books -- even though Fredrica isn't at the top of my list of favorites, it certainly was enlightening about the Regency period and the glorious details of Regency society. From the elegant members of the ton, the parties and seasons they celebrate, and a gathering in Hyde Park to watch the spectacle of a manned balloon ride, Fredrica is the tale of an ordinary young woman who, along with her entire family, captures the interest and heart of the confirmed bachelor, Lord Alverstoke.

As usual, Heyer's wit is sharp and charming right from the start. Lord Alverstoke is perturbed when his two sisters approach him to help launch his nieces into society at a ball at his estate. Alverstoke is completely bored by it all and sees no reason to help his plain-jane nieces...that is, until a very distant relation, Fredrica, requests his help to introduce her exquisitely beautiful sister, Charis, to the London ton. The Marquis views this opportunity as extremely humorous -- he knows his sisters will be absolutely furious when their daughters must attend their coming-out ball along with the stunning Charis!

What I liked about this story was that Fredrica was charmingly ordinary...smart, confident, concerned about her family, and secure in the knowledge that marriage was not something she desired or needed. It was exactly this attitude that intrigued Lord Alverstoke....accustomed as he was to women going out of their way to impress him, he was blind-sided by Fredrica's disinterest in him! With a little help from Fredrica's precocious younger brothers and a runaway balloon, Fredrica and Lord Alverstoke discover what real love is all about.

3.5/5 stars


Title: Frederica
Author: Georgette Heyer
original copyright: 1965/Sourcebooks 2008
437 pages
genre: historical romance

Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer

"Devil's Cub is one of Georgette Heyer's most famous and memorable novels, featuring a dashing and wild young nobleman and the gently bred young lady in whom he finally meets his match...Dominic Alistair, Marquis of Vidal, and virtuous Mary Challoner."
(from the publisher)




my thoughts:

A thoroughly enjoyable, wickedly witty tale of a wealthy, devilishly handsome rake, Dominic Alistair, who despite all odds, meets and falls for the person you'd least expect to capture his interest, much less his heart of stone. Although this was a sequel to These Old Shades (which I have not read -- maybe I should read the back covers a little more carefully, ha!) I really had no trouble keeping up with the storyline or the characters, but I'm sure it would have been helpful had I read the previous book.

Dominic Alistair is the son of the notorious Duke of Avon, and has his own dangerous and scandalous reputation for living in the fast lane....drinking, womanizing, gambling, dueling, and enjoying every minute of living on the edge. He is one of those characters that you just love to hate...he is arrogant, self-absorbed, and devoid of emotion. Despite his rakish reputation, there is no shortage of eligible ladies who are attracted to his rank and wealth, and would love to capture his attentions. Pretty and spoiled Sophia is just one of those debutantes who would love to get her hands on Dominic and become a marchioness...and she plots and schemes to figure out a way to do this.

Meanwhile, Dominic is banished to the Continent for becoming involved in yet another shocking duel, and Sophia sees her chance....an elopement with the Marquis! In an effort to save her foolish sister from what will surely be a disastrous affair, Mary Challoner interferes in the plan.....and winds up being abducted by the Devil's Cub, with all sorts of interesting complications -- and results.

What can be said that hasn't already been said about Heyer? Her writing is charming, funny, action-packed and just a joy to read. Can't wait to add more of her books to my collection.

4/5 stars

Title: Devil's Cub
Author: Georgette Heyer
1932
historical fiction
Sourcebooks (2009)

Georgette Heyer's Regency World by Jennifer Kloester

"The definitive guide to the people, places, and society in Georgette Heyer's novels....

With Georgette Heyer's Regency World, Jennifer Kloester has now put together the ultimate, definitive guide to Georgette Heyer's world: her heroes, her villains and dashing heroes; the shops, clubs, and towns they frequented; the parties they celebrated; how they ate, drank, dressed, socialized, voted, shopped, and drove. An utterly delightful and fun read, beautifully illustrated, and compelling in its historical detail, this is a must read for any Georgette Heyer fan."
(from the publisher)

****************

Last year, I had the pleasure of participating in the Everything Austen challenge and enjoyed reading many Austenesque novels, particularly the Austen reference book by Deirdre Le Faye entited Jane Austen -- The World of her Novels. This opened up a whole new appreciation for Pride and Prejudice as well as other Jane Austen works.

This year, Georgette Heyer seems to be my new obsession (in a good way). I was thrilled when I saw all the beautiful Sourcebook editions of her Regency novels, as well as her lesser-known mysteries. While I've picked up a few here and there over the past year, I decided to start a dedicated collection all of the Heyer books that I can get my hands on -- even the ones that are not currently in print. While I was searching e-bay for some titles, I ran across Kloester's Georgette Heyer's Regency World which has not yet been released in the US (Sourcebooks is coming out with a US edition in August of this year, but I'm impatient and want it now; the price was a bargain, so I jumped on it.)

Here are some of the chapters/topics in this beautiful and entertaining Heyer Regency resource:

Up and Down the Social Ladder
At Home in Town and Country
A Man's World
The Gentle Sex
On the Town
The Pleasure Haunts of London
The Fashionable Resorts
Getting About
What to Wear
Shopping
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
The Sporting Life
Business and Military
Who's Who in the Regency

Plus, a glossary of cant and common Regency phrases, timelines, lists of her novels, and lots of other fun facts.

This is a resource book, not one I will necessarily read cover to cover, but in bits and pieces whenever I need a little Heyer "fix." Here is the charming cover for the US edition available from Sourcebooks (according to Amazon) in August 2010.

The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer

Book description:

"An impetuous young lady and a fugitive nobleman...When spirited Eustacie stumbles into a band of smugglers, she is delighted to be having an adventure at last. Their leader, young heir Ludovic Lavenham, is in hiding, falsely accused of murder. Pursued by the law, Eustacie and Ludovic find refuge at an unassuming country inn.

And the delightfully sensible couple who try to keep them out of trouble...The resourceful Miss Sarah Thane and the clear-thinking Sir Tristram Shield gamely endeavor to prevent Ludovic's arrest and Eustacie's ruin as the four conspire to recover the missing talisman ring that will clear Ludovic's name."


My thoughts:

The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer, (known as the Queen
of Regency Romances) is a fun, rollicking read that is part romance, part mystery, and part detective/adventure story. If you enjoy Regency period details, as I do, Heyer is a treat. (You'll especially enjoy her meticulous research on foppish fashions.) If you can get past some of Eustacie's inane comments and impetuous behavior, you will find an enjoyable double romance with a few laughs along the way. You will also enjoy picking up Regency era slang in Georgette Heyer's books; I found this reference guide to Regency slang that might prove to be useful if you want to read more of Heyer's books. Check out the site here.

On a related note, the book was originally printed in 1936. The new paperback editions of Georgette Heyer's work by Sourcebook, Inc. are absolutely beautiful. I am guilty of judging a book by its cover, and I was drawn to the gorgeous covers in the bookstore. I am looking forward to having an opportunity to read more of Heyer's Regency romances, historical fiction, and mysteries now in new editions.

3.5/5