Venetia is a sparkling, witty Regency romance with a heroine who's independent, clever, and utterly likable - and a hero who’s a memorable reformed rake. Heyer’s signature banter and sharp dialogue shine, making the book a delight for anyone who loves Jane Austen-style wit, swoon-worthy slow-burn romance, and lush period detail. If you enjoy stories centered on strong female leads and authentic friendships, plus a dash of subtle social commentary, you’ll devour this one!

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers find the pacing a bit slow in the first half, and the heavy use of Regency slang can be tough to get into. If you prefer fast-moving plots or more modern romance with open-door spice, this might not hit the mark. A few also wished for deeper insight into the hero’s perspective and more fleshed-out secondary characters (who sometimes disappear mid-story). The double standards of Regency society, though thoughtfully examined, may also frustrate some.

A witty, warm, and intelligent comfort read - perfect for fans of classic romance, sharp dialogue, and heroines ahead of their time. Not perfect, but definitely charming!

About:

Venetia by Georgette Heyer is a regency romance novel that follows the story of the titular character, Venetia Lanyon, a free-thinking and independent woman who finds herself charmed by the promiscuous Lord Damerel. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, societal expectations, and the challenges they face as they navigate love and reputations in the Regency era. The writing style is praised for its elegant prose, vivid imagery, and skillful characterizations that bring the story to life and keep readers engaged until the satisfying ending.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Venetia as a strong heroine and Damerel as a compelling rake, supported by a cast of interesting side characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by clever dialogue, rich descriptions, and a humorous take on social norms of the Regency period.

Plot/Storyline:

The story features Venetia Lanyon navigating life in Regency England as she encounters love and societal challenges through her relationship with the rake Lord Damerel.

Setting:

The setting is aptly constructed to reflect the societal norms of Regency England, enhancing the novel's romantic and comedic elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with sections that explore character nuances interspersed with more engaging plot developments.

A fox got in amongst the hens last night, and ravished our best layer,’ remarked Miss Lanyon. ‘A great-grandmother, too! You’d think he would be ashamed!’ Receiving no answer, she continued, in an alt...

Notes:

The novel is set during Regency England and explores social conventions and gender roles.

Venetia Lanyon, the protagonist, is 25 years old and hasn't had a London season, making her a 'spinster' by the time period's standards.

She manages her family's estate in Yorkshire, taking care of her younger brother Aubrey, who has a physical disability.

Lord Damerel, the male lead, is portrayed as a rake with a scandalous reputation, yet his character develops as he forms a friendship with Venetia.

The story critiques the double standard in society, where men can engage in affairs without societal punishment, while women face harsh judgment.

Heyer's characters often engage in witty banter, with a unique use of Regency slang and sayings that enriches the historical setting.

Venetia attempts to navigate her relationships with two suitors: the stuffy Edward Yardley and the dramatic Oswald Denny, neither of whom she truly desires.

A significant theme is the growth of friendship between Venetia and Damerel, which evolves into love despite societal expectations.

Throughout the book, there are reflections on personal autonomy, with Venetia asserting her desires against societal norms.

The novel has a blend of humor and serious themes, providing a balance of lighthearted fun with deeper social commentary.

Has Romance?

The romance between Venetia and Lord Damerel is a central theme, filled with tension and witty exchanges.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

IF YOU LOVE BRIDGERTON, YOU'LL LOVE GEORGETTE HEYER!

'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT

'[My] generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton, in RED

'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS

In all her twenty-five years, Venetia Lanyon has never been further than Harrogate.

Nor has she enjoyed the attentions of any man aside from her two wearisomely persistent suitors.

Then, in one extraordinary encounter, she meets a neighbour she only knew by reputation - the infamous Jasper Damerel.

Before she realises it, Venetia is encouraging a man whose way of life has scandalised the North Riding for years.

'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE

'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN

'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA

'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' DAILY MAIL

'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS

'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Ratings (14)

Loved It (10)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (25):

Read It (14)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (2)

2 comment(s)

lulareviewla

Loved It

10 months

Venetia is undoubtedly one of the more entertaining Georgette Heyer books I've read, with Black Sheep being the only other book of hers to equal my enjoyment reading it.

Venetia and Damerel's relationship starts on rather questionable footing

he kisses her without permission as soon as he meets her and follows with some uncomfortable comments

. After getting past that with an eye-roll, I found myself engaged by their subsequent interactions and development. The story started dragging towards the end, and I probably skipped an entire chapter to see what conclusion we would finally come to, but overall, I kept thinking about this book even when I wasn't reading it, which is always a good thing.

marluv307

Loved It

2 years

loved the heroine

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About the Author:

Author of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of seventeen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.

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Venetia

Georgette Heyer

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