Amelia's Intrigue (Zebra Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: After reading the other reviews, I expected another wonderful Lansdowne regency. I love Judith's book and have read each and every one of them. This book, which I finally found in a used bookstore after much searching, I found hard to finish. I did not find either Anthony or Amelia the least bit interesting. Anthony does have a rather sweet relationship with both his disabled brother, the Earl, and his mother. Amelia, who I found to be rather silly and arrogant in her opinions, suspects Anthony of hiding away his brother for evil intent until about half way through this long and ploding novel. There was zero chemistry between the Anthony and Amelia, unlike, say, Jason Fate and Cammy in "Camilia's Fate". Some sex appeal, even in a Regency, is helpful in furthering along a romantic story. Also, I did not like the handling of the brother, Georgan, the Earl. When he was 9 or 10, he was in an accident and sustained a head would that left him slow. Regardless of the time period, 1800's or 1900's, slow is slow and the sweet relationship between the brothers was really all that was necessary. Throwing in a romantic element for the Earl, who obviously behaves like a young boy was in poor taste. There would have been nothing wrong with the brother ending up with Anthony and Amelia. I just did not find the book interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Awards
Review: Amelia's Intrigue, my first published book, won the Romantic Times Magazine's Reviewers Choice Award for Best First Regency of 1994-95 and was a nominee for Best Regency of 1994-95.

Rating:
Summary: 5 stars at least for the unusual topic
Review: Another of Judith Lansdowne' multi-layered Regency novels, Amelia's Intrigue deserves 5 stars if simply for the unusual and not-so-secondary character of the Earl of Rutlidge.

Briefly, this is the story of Amelia, daughter of Lord and Lady Mapleton who enjoys all the advantages of wealthy and a happy home and family life. She has nice parents, brothers and friends. However, she is, perhaps, a little spoilt as a result and upon meeting The Hon Mr Anthony Talbot, younger brother of the Earl of Rutlidge, she takes him in an unreasonable dislike, attributing to him characteristics and behaviour that is duly sorted out by the novel's end.

The author gives us a very complicated plot which tells us about ton life and secretive security work at the highest level. There is a mystery running through everything - the death of our hero's father in peculiar circumstances. In a long, long effort to uncover the reasons for his father's early demise, Mr Talbot becomes embroiled in the under-belly of London life and we meet a host of interesting characters peripherally involved with the Luddites.

But it is the Earl who most aroused my interest. Horrifically injured as young boy, in saving his younger brother's life in an appalling accident, the Earl, "Geordan", suffered a dreadful brain injury which left him forever mentally 12 years old. However, he is surrounded by love, understanding, patience, tolerance and unending support from those who know and love this gentle, loving man. Mr Talbot's life work has been to look after the family's affairs, acting as de facto earl whilst encouraging Geordan to live his life to the limits of his capabilities.

This unusual scenario is beautifully handled with great sensitivity. Indeed, it may be that Geordan will find love and marriage himself by the end of the story. His insights into life and personal relationships are lovely, unclouded as they are but adult cynicism and sophistication. In some ways, the deep and abiding love the two brothers have for each other is the "main" love story in the novel.

Recommended for great sensitivity, interesting characters and examination of different types of love.

Rating:
Summary: Grab this one if you find it!
Review: I bought this book in the Auctions on the basis of the previous review and the fact that I have liked other Judith Lansdowne books. I was not disappointed. This book is a keeper! A wonderful and heartwarming story that just happens to be set in the Regency period. The relationships between Geordan and his extended family are a delight and the glimpses of well known names such as Gentleman Jackson and Beau Brummel as well as Trevithick as they interact with our heroes just add that little extra.

Rating:
Summary: Grab this one if you find it!
Review: If you can find a copy of this beautiful novel, you will have discovered a treasure! This isn't your typical Regency romp. It is also a moving story about the relationship between two brothers. An accident as a child has left the older brother, Geordan (the Earl), somewhat mentally slow. But this situation is handled with such love and respect from all parties - from Geordan's worshiping brother, Anthony, their friends, family, their amazing mother and most members of the ton. You will fall in love with both of these heroes and laugh (and cry) along with them. This book I recommend to all, including mainstream readers. You won't want to put this one down

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful!
Review: If you can find a copy of this beautiful novel, you will have discovered a treasure! This isn't your typical Regency romp. It is also a moving story about the relationship between two brothers. An accident as a child has left the older brother, Geordan (the Earl), somewhat mentally slow. But this situation is handled with such love and respect from all parties - from Geordan's worshiping brother, Anthony, their friends, family, their amazing mother and most members of the ton. You will fall in love with both of these heroes and laugh (and cry) along with them. This book I recommend to all, including mainstream readers. You won't want to put this one down

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: If you haven't read this one yet, I have one question. Why not? I'm a fan of all of Lansdowne's books, but this is by far the best. It's a great story with characters you'll love. If you haven't read it, start looking for a copy!

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: If you haven't read this one yet, I have one question. Why not? I'm a fan of all of Lansdowne's books, but this is by far the best. It's a great story with characters you'll love. If you haven't read it, start looking for a copy!