In 2006, when my third book A Reputable Rake won the RITA for Best Regency Romance, who knew it would be the last one ever awarded? In those days, “Regency Romance” meant the shorter length traditional regencies released by lines such as Zebra and Signet, but, luckily for me, Harlequin Historical Regencies also fit the guidelines.
Once upon a time several publishers released traditional regency lines but gradually the number dwindled and even the two mainstays, Zebra and Signet closed. Even though there were still the short Regencies being offered by Harlequin Historical, Avalon, Cerriden Press, and others, by 2007 there were not enough books to hold the Best Regency Romance category in the RITAs. By 2008 the category was eliminated.
Which brings me to remembering one of my favorite Best Regency Romance RITA winners, Much Obliged by Jessica Benson, the 2002 winner.
From the backcover blurb of Much Obliged, the book seems merely to reuse familiar Regency themes:
“Despite a longstanding agreement between their families, Addie Winstead has never believed thatJohn Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Claremont will marry her. The life of a carefree bachelor obviously suits him far too well. Besides, Addie refuses to consider marriage to any man who asks for her hand out of obligation only—even to Fitzwilliam, whom she has loved for as long as she can remember.
Fitzwilliam abhors the idea of marriage. He is dismayed to hear that Addie has rejected other suitors—on his account he assumes—a practice that must be stopped straightaway! But when he arranges to meet Addie to discuss the matter, he realizes that she is not longer the girl he remembers from childhood, and now, his awakening heart is forever lost.”
What set this book apart for me was the author’s voice. Witty and madcap, the twists and turns of the plot, the eccentric secondary characters, and the clever dialogue, all made this a delicious Regency Romp, reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. I loved it.
Jessica was lauded as a writer of great promise. Unfortunately, her star was rising just when the Traditional Regency was declining. Like so many other wonderful Regency authors she lost the subgenre that suited her best. She did write one Chicklit in 2007, but that was about the time Chicklit was experiencing its own decline.
Last I heard Jessica was busy raising a young family and living in (be still my heart!) London. More power to her! I hope she is enjoying every minute of this phase of her life. When she’s ready, though, I hope she writes again. When that time comes, I hope the newest rage will be Regency Romps and we can again see more books like her RITA winner of 2002, Much Obliged.
For more about Jessica Benson, visit her official site.
Diane Gaston continues to write Regency Historicals for Harlequin Historical. Her next book is Valiant Soldier, Beautiful Enemy, due out September 2011. Visit Diane’s website at dianegaston.com.
