If you're craving an adventure that feels like a warm hug and a shot of brandy, Beauvallet is your next read. Georgette Heyer, best known for her Regency romances, takes us to the high seas and the treacherous courts of 16th-century Spain in this standalone historical adventure.

The Story

Sir Nicholas Beauvallet is a legend. An English sea captain with a knack for capturing Spanish treasure, he's bold, charming, and thinks nothing of danger. After a successful battle, he finds himself the reluctant host of two Spanish prisoners: the elderly Don Manuel and his fiery daughter, Dominica. True to his chivalrous (if arrogant) nature, Nick vows to return them safely to their homeland. But he makes one wild promise on the voyage: he will come to Spain himself to claim Dominica as his bride.

Now, Spain in 1586 is the last place an Englishman should be. It's enemy territory, swarming with the King's soldiers and the ever-watchful Inquisition. For Nick, it's not just a trip—it's a suicide mission. The rest of the story follows his insane, brilliant plot to infiltrate the Spanish court, disguised as a foppish Frenchman, to find Dominica and convince her to risk everything for a life with him.

Why You Should Read It

This book is pure, unadulterated fun. Nick Beauvallet is a fantastic hero because his greatest weapon isn't his sword; it's his colossal nerve. You'll spend half the book grinning at his audacity and the other half holding your breath as he talks his way out of one tight spot after another. Dominica is no passive prize, either. She's clever, proud, and matches Nick's spirit at every turn. Their romance is built on witty banter and a shared love of adventure, which makes it incredibly satisfying.

Heyer's research is impeccable, so the setting feels real and lively, but it never bogs down the pace. She balances thrilling escape sequences with drawing-room tension and laugh-out-loud moments of comedy, especially when Nick is in his ridiculous (but effective) disguise.

Final Verdict

Beauvallet is perfect for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned adventure story with a heart. If you enjoy the derring-do of The Princess Bride, the romantic tension of a great enemies-to-lovers plot, and a historical setting you can sink into, you'll adore this. It's a lighter, faster-paced entry into Heyer's world than her Regencies, making it a brilliant introduction to her work or a delightful comfort read for longtime fans. Just be prepared to cancel your plans—you won't want to put it down.