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Regency romances are a subgenre of romance novels set during the period of the English Regency or early 19th century. Rather than simply being versions of contemporary romance stories transported to a historical setting, Regency romances are a distinct genre with their own plot and stylistic conventions that derive from the works of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and from the fiction genre known as the novel of manners. In particular, most Regencies feature a great deal of witty dialog between the protagonists and very little explicit sex or even discussion of sex. For these reasons, Regencies are also distinct from the more general category of historical romances popularly known as " bodice-rippers".

Other common elements of Regency romances include:

mystery or farce elements in the plot
a secondary romance between a younger couple in addition to the more serious story involving the main protagonists
girls disguised as boys, or people of either gender disguised as servants
lengthy descriptions of the fashionable clothing worn by both sexes
descriptions of ton parties and social rituals of the London social season, often referred to as the "Marriage Mart"
references to, or descriptions of, leisure activities engaged in by fashionable young men of the period, including riding, driving, boxing, gambling, drinking, and whoring

Regency romances were probably most popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, during the period when romance novels in general became a dominant force in the market for popular fiction. While publishers such as Zebra and Signet still put out several series Regencies every month, many readers consider the genre to have peaked. Criticisms of current Regency romances include claims that the books are poorly researched (mistakes in the use of styles and titles of peers are frequently pointed out), written, and edited. It is also claimed that authors are including sex scenes at the expense of plot or dialog, thus departing from the 'formula' for a traditional Regency.

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Topics: Regency Romance, Regency Dance, Regency Style...

Regency danceRegency dance is the historical dance of the English Regency, which lasted from 1795 until 1820. The dance of this era was immortalized in the books of Jane Austen. In the modern era, these dances are reenacted by groups in the USA, as well as other count	RegencyA regency is a period when a regent holds power in the name of the current monarch. The term may also refer specifically to the Regency period of the United Kingdom, often called the English Regency. The French equivalent, Regence refers to a specific per	Regency styleThe Regency Style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV of the United Kingdom was still Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style. The style foll
Regency romanceRegency romances are a subgenre of romance novels set during the period of the English Regency or early 19th century. Rather than simply being versions of contemporary romance stories transported to a historical setting, Regency romances are a distinct ge	Regency ActsThe Regency Acts are Acts of the British Parliament passed at various points in time, to provide a regent if the British monarch were to be incapacited or in minority (under the age of 18). Prior to 1937, Regency Acts were only passed in necessity. In 193

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