Amelia's Intrigue (Zebra Regency Romance)

Anthony is the younger brother of the Earl of Rutlidge, Geordan, and takes care of his older brother's estates after the Earl was involved in a terrible childhood accident that left him a bit slow. Anthony and Amelia cannot even try to be the lead characters as Geordan completely steals the book. At first I started to just skim to the parts that he was in but I found myself getting more and more interested in the story...and I'm glad I read the whole thing. Amelia and Anthony first come together because of Geordan and they do not get along too well. Amelia thinks that Tony enjoys frightening Geordan while Anthony is suspicious of her friendship with his brother. Both are completely wrong. Anthony still absolutely adores his older brother. The relationship between the two is so touching and so obviously full of love that I actually felt defensive over Amelia's absurd claim. The strong relationship between the brothers alone makes this book worth reading. And Amelia is charmed by Geordan. Geordan may be slow but he proves that he is not stupid. He becomes aware of things and suspects things long before anyone else. Geordan is curious of his brother sneaking out and goes to follow him. He ends up losing his brother but meets a wonderful working-class family that takes him in and helps him.The twist in the book was interesting and kept the reader entertained without taking away anything from the story. I definitely recommend this book. There's no big love scene, no eye-buldging action, but the heartwarming portrayal of brotherly love and a loving family more than makes up for any minor flaws.

Waited and watched for more than a year before getting my hands on a copy, but now I see why it was on my WISH LIST. Some reviewers had a problem with a secondary romance for Geordan because he was brain damaged and mentally slow. Why? Newsflash. Limited mental acuity does not have any effect on hormones. He was a wealthy attractive titled gentleman. In truth, his family would have been chasing away gold-diggers for years. Let us not forget, either, this was Regency England. The King was mad and the country was ruled by his son. Intellect was not exactly virtue #1. The misses and mammas would have been after that boy like hounds on the scent of a rabbit. I had no problem with him and a ditsy blonde developing crushes on each other.And the primary romance between his brother and the heroine was nicely and cleverly done. Lots of likeable characters. My favorite type story. Ms. Lansdowne made me care about these people.And she threw in an intriguing mystery. What more can you ask?

I want to second everything that reviewer 'Susan Smith' said. Although the very slow courtship of Talbot and Amelia was nice, it was the beautiful love of the 'normal' younger brother, Talbot, for his handicapped older brother, the Earl, that made this book very very special.

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.

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