I sort of feel like I should read A Civil Contract before I read A Civil Campaign, as I'm given to understand Bujold borrows heavily from Heyer in that one. (As the title rather suggests.)
As someone who read the Miles books long ago and just got around to reading A Civil Contract, I can't see that they have anything remotely to do with one another except in name. The Bujold is primarily a comedy with politics; the Heyer is neither political nor, alas, particularly funny. Certainly I don't think you need to read the Heyer to appreciate the Bujold.
However, I second the recommendation for Cotillion. It's by far my favorite Heyer and is one of very few books I've read where I actively cared about the romance. Freddy Standen is marvelous, and there's a strong supporting cast of interesting characters with side romances.
However, I second the recommendation for Cotillion. It's by far my favorite Heyer and is one of very few books I've read where I actively cared about the romance. Freddy Standen is marvelous, and there's a strong supporting cast of interesting characters with side romances.