Two local authors have been recognised for their work in Regency literature at the recent Romantic Book of the Year (RuBY) awards. Samara Parish and Charlotte Anne have been announced as winner and runner-up in the historical romance category at the recent gala dinner hosted by Romance Writers of Australia.

Regency novels are a niche subgenre of romance writing, which focus on the nine-year period of the British Regency in 1811-1820, or the early 19th century. More than just transporting a generic love story to that era, the genre is known for its fast-paced, witty dialogue and stylistic choices.

Regency novels have had a boost in popularity recently after the success of the Bridgerton novels that were adapted into a successful Netflix series.

Like something out of a romance novel, the two authors were together enjoying a coffee when the finalists were announced. Parish says they stared at each other across the table and told each other if they don’t win, they hope the other does.

The competition is open to authors in Australia and New Zealand and is the only romantic novel award in the country. Parish won the RuBY for best historical romance novel with her debut title, How To Survive A Scandal. The story sees Lady Amelia having to marry a non-noble businessman Benedict Asterley after an innocent mishap. However, she finds herself falling for the rugged man.  

“I wrote How To Survive A Scandal because I wanted to explore a flawed heroine and her journey to becoming a better person,” Parish said.

Anne was also recognised for her debut novel The Unworthy Duke, which was awarded a runner-up prize. It is the story of Ellen Burney as she flees London without a penny to her name, taking on a new identity as lady’s companion. She soon meets Callam Callaghan, a duke and prisoner in his own house.  

“The Unworthy Duke is my homage to all women who’ve had to find the strength to leave a toxic situation,” Anne says. “Ellen’s story is her own, but I drew on the inspiration and courage of real women in my writing.”

Both Parish and Anne will be at the Australian Romance Readers Association’s A Romantic Rendezvous in Sydney on 18 February 2023. Among the long list of authors joining them will be Bridgerton wordsmith Julie Quinn.

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