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The Bedeviled Duke
HE COULD MAKE A MAIDEN BLUSH OR A LADY LOSE HER HEART
Miss Olivia Willburton-Smythe was beautiful, proper, and on the shelf. The Duke of Abbercombe was handsome, proper, and a confirmed bachelor. She was the soul of charity; he was rumored to have caused the ruin of many a young miss. And when Olivia agreed to introduce Abbercombe's two lovely young daughters to society, she discovered that he didn't have one set of twins ...he had four!
But soon, as eight lively charges began to reveal a decidedly different view of the devilish duke, Olivia decided to take a leap of faith: she asked Abbercombe to help find her missing brother. Now, in an adventure fraught with danger, duels, and deception, Olivia could very well create a scandal of her own ...or uncover the truth about the man she secretly cherished--a man who was not at all what he seemed ....
Miss Olivia Willburton-Smythe was beautiful, proper, and on the shelf. The Duke of Abbercombe was handsome, proper, and a confirmed bachelor. She was the soul of charity; he was rumored to have caused the ruin of many a young miss. And when Olivia agreed to introduce Abbercombe's two lovely young daughters to society, she discovered that he didn't have one set of twins ...he had four!
But soon, as eight lively charges began to reveal a decidedly different view of the devilish duke, Olivia decided to take a leap of faith: she asked Abbercombe to help find her missing brother. Now, in an adventure fraught with danger, duels, and deception, Olivia could very well create a scandal of her own ...or uncover the truth about the man she secretly cherished--a man who was not at all what he seemed ....
318 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
2 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Judith A. Lansdowne
31 books22 followersSince the publication of Amelia's Intrigue in 1995, Judith A. Lansdowne's Regency romances have received critical acclaim, garnered awards and entertained thousands of romance readers. Ms. Lansdowne began writing full-time in 1992, but it was only after her daughter introduced her to Regency romances that her work was published.
She grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Following graduation from St. Joseph High School, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, then spent several years touring the country as an actress and puppeteer with Nicolo Marionettes and the Sid and Marty Krofft organization.
Tiring of the constant travel, she returned to Kenosha to attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she met her husband Al, a retired submariner, and graduated with highest distinction. Following graduation she worked variously as a journalist, instructional television writer/producer, textbook production editor, college instructor, and television news videographer. When her husband finally got a real job, she settled down to writing full time, producing a horror novel, a vampire novel and a Restoration historical novel, all still unpublished, before finally "making it" with Regency romance. When her husband retired (he didn't like the real job) they moved to the shores of Lake Guntersville, Alabama, where she is pursuing a career in fishing and he moves dirt around the yard. They write when the weather is bad.
She grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Following graduation from St. Joseph High School, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, then spent several years touring the country as an actress and puppeteer with Nicolo Marionettes and the Sid and Marty Krofft organization.
Tiring of the constant travel, she returned to Kenosha to attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she met her husband Al, a retired submariner, and graduated with highest distinction. Following graduation she worked variously as a journalist, instructional television writer/producer, textbook production editor, college instructor, and television news videographer. When her husband finally got a real job, she settled down to writing full time, producing a horror novel, a vampire novel and a Restoration historical novel, all still unpublished, before finally "making it" with Regency romance. When her husband retired (he didn't like the real job) they moved to the shores of Lake Guntersville, Alabama, where she is pursuing a career in fishing and he moves dirt around the yard. They write when the weather is bad.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 23, 2021
2021 bk 292. It has taken me multiple reads to realize that the hero and heroine in Legion's Ladies have a role in this novel as sidekicks! This was the first book I had ever read by Lansdowne - and it had me at her depiction of four pairs of twins, from 6 year old charmers, to young ladies ready to make their debuts. Each child is a well drawn character, complete with likes and dislikes. Lansdowne does stop their overwhelming the novel with a wonderful cast of adult characters also who include a soon to retire spy, a spinster set on the best match for her niece and worries over her missing brother, the loyal friends and a return to a capital city that none of this family knows well.
May 24, 2013
I am trying not to add to my bookshelves at home but I couldn't resist this enjoyable regency romance.
The plot is a little convoluted at times but I really like the fact that the hero and heroine actually talk to each other.
Olivia is lead to think the duke is a spy and vice versa, instead of dragging the misunderstandings out they talk. The duke is a widower with 8 children, 4 sets of twins and there are some delightful scenes involving his progeny.
An excellent novel
The plot is a little convoluted at times but I really like the fact that the hero and heroine actually talk to each other.
Olivia is lead to think the duke is a spy and vice versa, instead of dragging the misunderstandings out they talk. The duke is a widower with 8 children, 4 sets of twins and there are some delightful scenes involving his progeny.
An excellent novel
January 2, 2012
I didn't think the description of this book was very accurate as to what it was about. To me, this book felt like it would never end. There were so many characters and plot lines, that even with skimming over some pages, it still didn't go any faster! I found it extremely difficult to believe in 4 sets of identical twins from the same parents. It's rare enough nowadays, but especially in 1800s England. I did enjoy the dialogue and friendship by the Duke and Olivia, and there were several funny moments throughout the book, mostly concerning the children and their antics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2011
Fun light read. I had some difficulty keeping up with all the characters and the authors' reference to them by first name, last name, formal title or nickname. I can't read even the older children's voices for very long due to the child-speak, but otherwise very enjoyable.
February 1, 2023
I was reading along, enjoying the book, somewhat, when about a third of the way through, the Duke in circa 1800 is riding an Appaloosa horse. Since they weren’t even called Appaloosa for many years after this book takes place and because they were first mentioned by Lewis and Clark whose exploration, took place at about the same time as this book did, I started wondering how did he get such a horse and know the name of it. Author expects us to believe that no part of the Duke’s considerable estate is entailed. I could point out many more inaccuracies. Then the heroine decides that she is going to believe a man she does not like and does not trust over a man she does like and did trust. From that point on I had a very difficult time finishing the book. Why do authors not get editors who are knowledgeable in the regency period and why do they stick things into their book that they have not checked out and done extensive research on? I ended up skimming the rest of the book. Sigh
June 6, 2025
A single father with not one, not two, not even three but FOUR sets of TWINS?!? Not only father of the year but also a spy for England during the French Revolution! I love this book and every one of the characters. The best part of Judith A. Lansdowne’s writing is how relatable her characters are. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a story with humor, drama, intrigue and love.
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January 21, 2009Silly fun, but she is my favorite author for trite Regency Romances. :D
September 25, 2009
Regency
February 2, 2016
Lots of fun..spies and an interesting hero and family
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews