Wednesday, April 5, 2017

GUEST AUTHOR JESSIE CLEVER SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE REGENCY ERA

Jessie Clever decided to become a writer because the job of Indiana Jones was already filled. Taking her history degree dangerously, Jessie tells the stories of courageous heroines, the men who dared to love them, and the world that tried to defeat them. Learn more about Jessie and her books at her website. 

War and Change: The Turbulence of the Regency Era

I first discovered the Regency era as most dedicated romance novel enthusiasts do: through the tales of Julia Quinn and Amanda Quick and Eloisa James. But while my passion for all things Regency started in the ballroom, it soon moved to the battlefield. I so enjoyed these stories of romance and intrigue that as a student of history, I decided to learn more.

This took me both mentally and physically to the heart of the Regency, and what I discovered was far different than what romance novels led me to believe. I began to study the Regency in college, particularly studying the Napoleonic Wars and more. I went to school in Great Britain where the Napoleonic Wars were a very real part of their history. It wasn’t something merely talked about in history class. It was a living, breathing thing, and what I discovered was the Regency was not about the perfect ball gown. It was about change.

The Regency era was filled with upheaval. Starting as early as the French Revolution, accepted understanding about class, social hierarchy and government by aristocracy and royalty were being questioned. The government feared a revolution much like what they had witnessed in France and the Colonies. Treason lurked around every corner, especially with men like Thomas Paine penning pamphlets with titles such as Rights of Man. More, the idea of a woman’s role in the home was being re-examined as advancements in technology created the idea of leisure time. Even the development of the novel was eyed suspiciously as women began to read them and gain “ideas.”

The Regency era was volatile. Such social and political upheaval precluded any sense of peace, and in such an atmosphere, an author finds enticing potential. So many stories can erupt from such change and development, and they do! Out of this research came the Spy Series, a Regency romantic suspense series that grapples some of the major themes that developed in the Regency, including revolution and treason and changing roles.  

I felt betrayed by the romance novels I had read in my formative years. The ones that told me the Regency was about debutantes and lemonade. (There was so much lemonade!) And as an author, I endeavor to set the story straight. To tell stories which reflect the turmoil of the Regency. The thirst for peace. The struggle to find the new normal. This is what the Regency era is about, and it is why I invite my readers to discover more about such a turbulent period of history.

To Save a Viscount
When an assassin threatens England's spy network, Lady Margaret Folton must find the killer before it's too late. Hardened from being forced to witness the murder of her British spy parents by French revolutionists, Margaret approaches this mission like any other, with steely determination and a resolute focus on the necessary outcome at the cost of all else.

Commodore John Lynwood, newly returned from the Mediterranean, finds himself granted the title of viscount in honor of his service during the war. Plagued with a string of good luck throughout his life, the title serves as another reminder that Jack has done nothing to earn the glory and prestige that comes with his position, and he’ll be damned if he’ll enjoy such an honor.

But when Jack is accidentally granted a title meant to be used as bait to lure the assassin into the War Office's trap, Margaret must face the tragedy of her past and decide which is more important: the assignment or love?

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