I used to write Heyer off for the exact same reasons. Since reading "No Wind of Blame" (our current buddy read) several years on the recommendation of someone who knew better, I've read every last one of her mysteries. (Though not a single Regency romance as yet.) Some, I enjoyed enormously. Some were so-so, but still solid enough not to give up on her. Some were duds -- and *if* / *wnen* Heyer produces a dud, it's a real dud. But by and large, I've enjoyed them. I hope so will you.

I think there's humor and lively characters in her regencies. I went through a spell where I sought them out (versus reading just because that was what was available). Kinda set the formula for the genre except her heroines not complete wispy shy flowers. Not sure how they'd fare on a re-read -- I never did like reading too many in a row because usually the romance was unsurprising and I'd start seeing some similarities in character, plot, etc.