Lady Wombat says:

Heyer's first regency feels a bit like a guided tour through the social scene of the period -- a cockfight, a duel, a carriage race from London to Brighton -- with a bit of a mystery thrown in. In typical Heyer fashion, the hero is sullen but honorable, and always, always right, particularly when the heroine attempts to challenge his autocratic ways.

The nice thing about the earlier Heyer heroines is that they could be frivolous without apology. The downside is that the plotting of these earlier efforts is often a bit strained. For my money, "The Grand Sophy" and "The Unknown Ajax" are the best (albeit essentially the same concept), but almost all of Heyer is worth reading, and "Regency Buck" is no exception. The battle of wills between Judith and Worth is genuinely entertaining, but what makes this book a must for any Regency fan is that Heyer takes us more in-depth into topics which in later books she merely alludes to--topics such as men's clubs, the sport of boxing, or the mysteries of snuff. Heyer was deeply versed in the social life of her chosen period, and even if she sometimes seems to be showing off what she's learned, she always makes it a pleasure.

Beautiful, headstrong Judith and her brother Peregrine are on their way to London to claim the protection of their guardian, Lord Worth. En route, they are snubbed and insulted by a fashionable gentleman, who of course turns out to be Worth himself. The plot is fairly slow-moving, and not as intricate as Heyer's usual schemes. Judith is primarily occupied with trying to make her mark on society, while frequently butting heads with the arrogant Worth; meanwhile, Peregrine is enjoying his happy-go-lucky existence, until it appears that someone wants him dead. I enjoyed the progress of this story, and of course I was pleased with the romance between Worth and Judith...I just couldn't help feeling the tiniest bit uncomfortable. I mean, he was her guardian...even though they weren't related, it felt a little creepy. Although, Worth is aware of this himself; he knows he's in a "damnable position," and he doesn't confess his feelings until Judith turns 21 and thus leaves his guardianship. But still. I enjoyed the book - it's Heyer, after all - but it's not one of my favorites by her.

Another one of my favorite Heyers. I like Judith Taverner's spirit, and enjoy the interaction between her and Lord Worth.

This one is unusual in that you meet Brummell, the Prince Regent, and some of the Royal Dukes. I'm not usually a fan of including historical figures in romance novels, but then Heyer is known as an exhaustive researcher. And I really do like the portrayal of Brummell and the dialog he is given. ( )

I remember really enjoying this the first time around. It is a good Heyer—good Regency and a good mystery, too. Judith Tavener is a perfect heroine, Bernard Tavener, the perfect villain. Or wait! Perhaps it really is Worth who is the villain.... Heiresses have no right to be so beautiful....