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All's Fair in Love #1
Ruined by a Rake
It started with a kiss.
When nine-year-old Eleanor Abbington first met her uncle’s new stepson, Nicolas Norton, the boy rudely stole a kiss from her that set the tone for their contentious and competitive relationship. It wasn’t until years later when Nick introduced her to fencing that they finally had a proper outlet for their frequent arguments.
Having just emerged from mourning following her mother’s death, Eleanor is exactly where she wishes to be at the age of four-and-twenty: an on-the-shelf spinster and unofficial companion to her aunt. Unfortunately, her ambitious uncle has other plans for her future. On the eve of his house party, he lays down his ultimatum: either Eleanor marries the man of his choosing, or he'll force her seventeen-year-old sister to do so instead.
When Nick unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep after a two year absence, Eleanor is in no mood for their normal banter. Seeming to know exactly what she needs, Nick challenges her to pick up the foil once more. During their pre-dawn matches, he shows her just how strong she can be . . . and exactly how much he’s changed since leaving. But when her old adversary becomes her only ally, she may very well find herself . . . Ruined by a Rake.
When nine-year-old Eleanor Abbington first met her uncle’s new stepson, Nicolas Norton, the boy rudely stole a kiss from her that set the tone for their contentious and competitive relationship. It wasn’t until years later when Nick introduced her to fencing that they finally had a proper outlet for their frequent arguments.
Having just emerged from mourning following her mother’s death, Eleanor is exactly where she wishes to be at the age of four-and-twenty: an on-the-shelf spinster and unofficial companion to her aunt. Unfortunately, her ambitious uncle has other plans for her future. On the eve of his house party, he lays down his ultimatum: either Eleanor marries the man of his choosing, or he'll force her seventeen-year-old sister to do so instead.
When Nick unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep after a two year absence, Eleanor is in no mood for their normal banter. Seeming to know exactly what she needs, Nick challenges her to pick up the foil once more. During their pre-dawn matches, he shows her just how strong she can be . . . and exactly how much he’s changed since leaving. But when her old adversary becomes her only ally, she may very well find herself . . . Ruined by a Rake.
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First published March 31, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
March 30, 2021
This was a very nice short story.
September 27, 2020
Second read update: It held up with time! I still enjoyed reading it the second time around. It's a cozy read you can enjoy in an afternoon and one I recommend since it's still free!
Original review:
This was a cute story and I really enjoyed the verbal sparring and the subtle and surprising shift in the relationship of the H/h. The scenes with fencing were really cool and I loved how they reflected the tensions between the characters. The only reason this was not 5 stars was because the ending felt a bit rushed. I think that could have been a little more developed and less bang, bang, done.
If you are looking for a story about two people who grew up together and always bickered and one days stumbled into love, this is your story. I loved the hero for how he gave the heroine back her ability to stand up for herself. It was so sweet.
I just bought the next novella in this series and my library has all of her full length novels! Yay for new authors :)
Original review:
This was a cute story and I really enjoyed the verbal sparring and the subtle and surprising shift in the relationship of the H/h. The scenes with fencing were really cool and I loved how they reflected the tensions between the characters. The only reason this was not 5 stars was because the ending felt a bit rushed. I think that could have been a little more developed and less bang, bang, done.
If you are looking for a story about two people who grew up together and always bickered and one days stumbled into love, this is your story. I loved the hero for how he gave the heroine back her ability to stand up for herself. It was so sweet.
I just bought the next novella in this series and my library has all of her full length novels! Yay for new authors :)
August 26, 2016
It is very difficult for a novella to be a complete story, to create rounded characters and build their relationships. I thought this one did a very good job. It was sweet, and I enjoyed it.
October 29, 2017
So, I loved this novella. I'm surprised at how a story with so few pages can be just as good, or better, as a 300 page novel, only you don't get all the filler that goes with a novel, all the skimming to get to the story.
This was about two people who grew up together, Eleanor was 9 and Nicholas was 7 when they met. Of course, Eleanor's idiot uncle Robert paid to send Nicholas away to school then bought him a commission in the military when he grew up, because Nicholas was beneath Robert, as if...
Anyway, Nicholas was only home once in a while and was constantly picking at Eleanor and making her mad BUT that was because he'd always been in love with her and was hiding it from her. AND they were also secret fencing partners. That was fun with the jabs and parries being described while that talked shit to each other. I enjoyed every word of this story.
I'd never read Erin Knightly before but I might see what else she has available.
There was no sex and only a little desire but it was enough. Oh, and no swearing.
This was about two people who grew up together, Eleanor was 9 and Nicholas was 7 when they met. Of course, Eleanor's idiot uncle Robert paid to send Nicholas away to school then bought him a commission in the military when he grew up, because Nicholas was beneath Robert, as if...
Anyway, Nicholas was only home once in a while and was constantly picking at Eleanor and making her mad BUT that was because he'd always been in love with her and was hiding it from her. AND they were also secret fencing partners. That was fun with the jabs and parries being described while that talked shit to each other. I enjoyed every word of this story.
I'd never read Erin Knightly before but I might see what else she has available.
There was no sex and only a little desire but it was enough. Oh, and no swearing.
March 17, 2022
There's nothing bad about this book; in fact, I would say it's pretty good for a novella, I just didn't enjoy it so much. 2 stars for being okay. Though I could see why Eleanor and Nicolas (interesting spelling of Nicholas, btw) liked each other, I didn't feel a connection to either character.
My favorite scene was the prologue where Nicolas tricks Eleanor into kissing him on the lips. There's no consummation scene, so this was a clean read. I'm assuming Eleanor was a virgin, because she said that was her first kiss, but she didn't give me virgin vibes.
I discovered this book from a review liked by one of my Goodreads friends. I finally read this book because I'm trying to read more of the free books just languishing on my Kindle. One day, I want to have all the books on both my Kindle accounts read.
My favorite scene was the prologue where Nicolas tricks Eleanor into kissing him on the lips. There's no consummation scene, so this was a clean read. I'm assuming Eleanor was a virgin, because she said that was her first kiss, but she didn't give me virgin vibes.
I discovered this book from a review liked by one of my Goodreads friends. I finally read this book because I'm trying to read more of the free books just languishing on my Kindle. One day, I want to have all the books on both my Kindle accounts read.
August 10, 2019
Short and sweet romance.
Regency novella about step cousins falling in love. Witty banter, unconventional heroine and a nice start to a romance series.
Regency novella about step cousins falling in love. Witty banter, unconventional heroine and a nice start to a romance series.
dnf
September 26, 2019Yeha, not for me. dnf. Going through m freebies
September 28, 2013
Posted on Buried Under Romance
Eleanor Abbington's first meeting with her new step-cousin Nicholas had him steal a kiss from her, a boy who's two years younger than she. Over the years, they've engaged in verbal and fencing battles, the latter's victory reward being a kiss. Eleanor, now at age 24, holds marriage in contempt due to her mother's unhappy marriage. However, her uncle is forcing her to wed his political associates to further his own bills, and she's resigned to that fate. It took Nicholas, who had just come back from the army as a commissioned officer, to help her gain back her determination and fighting spirit, as they tried to thwart her uncle's intentions.
This is an adorable tale of two bickering friends who, as adults, came to see each other as something more. Nicholas had harbored a crush on Eleanor for years, and it was nice to see him act the dependable man despite his young age. What love he didn't find with his stepfather he found with Eleanor, who came to see him as not a boy, but a man, a man she had grown to love.
The ending is a bit abrupt, and I would have liked a more satisfying retribution to the devious uncle, but given its length that's understandable. All in all, this is a quick and delightful read with two wonderful characters (I especially like the opening scene, how cute little Nicholas was in stealing a kiss).
There are also teasers in the back to Erin Knightley's Sealed With a Kiss novels, including the upcoming Flirting With Fortune.
Eleanor Abbington's first meeting with her new step-cousin Nicholas had him steal a kiss from her, a boy who's two years younger than she. Over the years, they've engaged in verbal and fencing battles, the latter's victory reward being a kiss. Eleanor, now at age 24, holds marriage in contempt due to her mother's unhappy marriage. However, her uncle is forcing her to wed his political associates to further his own bills, and she's resigned to that fate. It took Nicholas, who had just come back from the army as a commissioned officer, to help her gain back her determination and fighting spirit, as they tried to thwart her uncle's intentions.
This is an adorable tale of two bickering friends who, as adults, came to see each other as something more. Nicholas had harbored a crush on Eleanor for years, and it was nice to see him act the dependable man despite his young age. What love he didn't find with his stepfather he found with Eleanor, who came to see him as not a boy, but a man, a man she had grown to love.
The ending is a bit abrupt, and I would have liked a more satisfying retribution to the devious uncle, but given its length that's understandable. All in all, this is a quick and delightful read with two wonderful characters (I especially like the opening scene, how cute little Nicholas was in stealing a kiss).
There are also teasers in the back to Erin Knightley's Sealed With a Kiss novels, including the upcoming Flirting With Fortune.
did-not-finish
August 30, 2013She noticed his muscles and not the way he'd grown to fill out his clothes. If you understand the difference in tone you'll understand why I DNF'ed this novella at 20%.
May 9, 2021
Very short novella, the h lives at the whim of her uncle and when she refuses a marriage proposal he's furious. She has a prickly relationship with her cousin, and he has loved her for years. He eventually compromises her, she doesn't realise he loves her. It was Ok, very short.
August 4, 2014
4.5 Stars. Eleanor's introduction to her step-cousin Nicolas did not have an auspicious beginning. At the age of seven, a full two years younger than her, the boy had the temerity to steal a kiss upon their introduction, an embarrassment that branded him forever as a thorn in her side. Their relationship grew increasingly combative until Nicolas taught Eleanor to fence, their frequent -- and secret -- bouts providing an outlet for their mutual irritation. While not serving to ingratiate her cousin into her good graces, the fencing lessons did, at least, allow Eleanor to tolerate Nicolas's presence in her life. But two years ago, the annoying boy who had so long been the bane of her existence left to assume a military commission, and Eleanor forgot her longstanding tormentor as her life became consumed by the loss of her beloved mother.
After witnessing the toll her parents' tumultuous marriage wreaked on her family, Eleanor determines to embrace spinsterhood at twenty-four and never marry. But her resolution is tested all too soon when she re-enters society and her uncle Malcolm determines to use his eldest niece as a pawn in his political machinations. Horrified, Eleanor refuses, but when Malcolm threatens to impose his will on her younger sister instead, she is well and truly trapped. Her only distraction is Nicolas's return, now a dashing soldier who bears little resemblance to the annoying prankster of her youth. Could it be that her one-time adversary is just the man she needs to help foil her uncle's plans? Or will her old prejudices blind her to the truth Nicolas has always known -- that they are a perfect match.
Novellas can be a hit-or-miss proposition -- a good one can provide a serviceable introduction to a new author's writing style, while a poorly-conceived effort can kill any interest I once may have held in a full-length book. But even rarer is the novella that provides a wholly satisfying story on its own, with tension, humor, and a swoon-worthy romance. Happily, amazingly, Ruined by a Rake delivers on all fronts, turning me into an instant Erin Knightley fan, eager to explore her backlist! The adversaries-to-lovers romance trope is a classic for a reason -- who doesn't love the sparks that fly when to individuals who are absolutely perfect for each other can't see the truth right before their eyes? Julia Quinn (The Viscount Who Loved Me) and Loretta Chase (Lord Perfect) are two masters of the genre and the formula -- and to find a storyteller whose work delivers ALL THE FEELS of a master in a novella? One cannot help but take notice!
Knightley imbues what could otherwise be a formulaic, by-the-numbers storyline with a refreshing energy. Not only were Eleanor and Nicolas raised as step-cousins, Eleanor is two years senior, and for years has relegated Nicolas to the position typically occupied by bratty, annoying younger siblings. Knightley does a fantastic job sketching their tension-fraught relationship, particularly in how Nicolas isn't even on Eleanor's radar. Not only is he younger, but she's predisposed to avoid all thoughts of marriage thanks to the tensions she witnessed in her parents' relationship. This is a woman determined to forge her own path in life, and it is her independent spirit that draws Nicolas to her first and foremost and that which he seeks to support and enable, rather than control.
While the length constraints of the novella format make Eleanor and Nicholas's journey to a happily-ever-after somewhat rushed, Knightley is careful to sprinkle hints of their history of mutual annoyance throughout the story, ensuring that the emotional payoff, when it comes, is sweet and well-earned. Over the course of just eight slim, tightly-plotted chapters, I fell head-over-heels for Knightley's writing. It's replete with the humor and spark I adore in favorite romance authors like Quinn, Chase, and Kate Noble, with a sweetness all its own. This is a heart-melting romance with nary an impropriety in sight -- a refreshing change of pace from mainstream offerings, and all the more delightful because Knightley's characterizations truly shine. I cannot wait to dive further into her backlist, and am particularly eager to see how she handles the freedom afforded in full-length fiction.
After witnessing the toll her parents' tumultuous marriage wreaked on her family, Eleanor determines to embrace spinsterhood at twenty-four and never marry. But her resolution is tested all too soon when she re-enters society and her uncle Malcolm determines to use his eldest niece as a pawn in his political machinations. Horrified, Eleanor refuses, but when Malcolm threatens to impose his will on her younger sister instead, she is well and truly trapped. Her only distraction is Nicolas's return, now a dashing soldier who bears little resemblance to the annoying prankster of her youth. Could it be that her one-time adversary is just the man she needs to help foil her uncle's plans? Or will her old prejudices blind her to the truth Nicolas has always known -- that they are a perfect match.
Novellas can be a hit-or-miss proposition -- a good one can provide a serviceable introduction to a new author's writing style, while a poorly-conceived effort can kill any interest I once may have held in a full-length book. But even rarer is the novella that provides a wholly satisfying story on its own, with tension, humor, and a swoon-worthy romance. Happily, amazingly, Ruined by a Rake delivers on all fronts, turning me into an instant Erin Knightley fan, eager to explore her backlist! The adversaries-to-lovers romance trope is a classic for a reason -- who doesn't love the sparks that fly when to individuals who are absolutely perfect for each other can't see the truth right before their eyes? Julia Quinn (The Viscount Who Loved Me) and Loretta Chase (Lord Perfect) are two masters of the genre and the formula -- and to find a storyteller whose work delivers ALL THE FEELS of a master in a novella? One cannot help but take notice!
Knightley imbues what could otherwise be a formulaic, by-the-numbers storyline with a refreshing energy. Not only were Eleanor and Nicolas raised as step-cousins, Eleanor is two years senior, and for years has relegated Nicolas to the position typically occupied by bratty, annoying younger siblings. Knightley does a fantastic job sketching their tension-fraught relationship, particularly in how Nicolas isn't even on Eleanor's radar. Not only is he younger, but she's predisposed to avoid all thoughts of marriage thanks to the tensions she witnessed in her parents' relationship. This is a woman determined to forge her own path in life, and it is her independent spirit that draws Nicolas to her first and foremost and that which he seeks to support and enable, rather than control.
While the length constraints of the novella format make Eleanor and Nicholas's journey to a happily-ever-after somewhat rushed, Knightley is careful to sprinkle hints of their history of mutual annoyance throughout the story, ensuring that the emotional payoff, when it comes, is sweet and well-earned. Over the course of just eight slim, tightly-plotted chapters, I fell head-over-heels for Knightley's writing. It's replete with the humor and spark I adore in favorite romance authors like Quinn, Chase, and Kate Noble, with a sweetness all its own. This is a heart-melting romance with nary an impropriety in sight -- a refreshing change of pace from mainstream offerings, and all the more delightful because Knightley's characterizations truly shine. I cannot wait to dive further into her backlist, and am particularly eager to see how she handles the freedom afforded in full-length fiction.
April 7, 2021
A political-climber uncle delivers an ultimatum that threatens to crush a woman of spirit, but it takes her dashing nemesis to show her the courage inside. I have enjoyed this author's books in the past so I was pleased to come upon this first in series.
Ruined by a Rake opens with a teasing scene when young girl Eleanor meets her uncle's new stepson, Nicholas, who teases her to distraction. This doesn't change over the years. But, pesky Nick isn't responsible for her current dilemma. She determined after seeing the awful way her father treated her mother when they were both alive that she would never marry and put herself under a man's thumb. She will be a companion to her mother's older sister and be content with life. But, her uncle has political ambitions and that includes marrying her off to one of the men he wants to form a political alliance with. He makes it clear that she chooses one of them at the house party he is throwing for this reason or he'll force her precious younger sister just coming out of the schoolroom into the role.
Nick arrives home on leave after two years in the army. War has changed him and he comes home not just to see the family- not that he has any desire to see the step-father who puts him down and never wanted him, but to see Eleanor whom he has loved without her knowing all along. It takes one look for him to see that something is wrong in Eleanor's world and he'll do what it takes to get her out of the difficulty even if that means helping her see her own strength- and not with a fencing foil which is her preferred weapon.
I confess that I had few expectations going in since I knew it would be enjoyable because the author's other work has been. But, I also knew this was a novella and first in a series. I was pleasurably surprised to see all the background and nuances added to Eleanor and Nick's characters and situations. The romance was swift, but the circumstances made it work.
They sparkle as a pair whether they are snarkily bantering, fencing at dawn, or sparking with attraction. It was a delightful sweet historical romance and I look forward to seeing more of Eleanor and Nick's family and friends.
Ruined by a Rake opens with a teasing scene when young girl Eleanor meets her uncle's new stepson, Nicholas, who teases her to distraction. This doesn't change over the years. But, pesky Nick isn't responsible for her current dilemma. She determined after seeing the awful way her father treated her mother when they were both alive that she would never marry and put herself under a man's thumb. She will be a companion to her mother's older sister and be content with life. But, her uncle has political ambitions and that includes marrying her off to one of the men he wants to form a political alliance with. He makes it clear that she chooses one of them at the house party he is throwing for this reason or he'll force her precious younger sister just coming out of the schoolroom into the role.
Nick arrives home on leave after two years in the army. War has changed him and he comes home not just to see the family- not that he has any desire to see the step-father who puts him down and never wanted him, but to see Eleanor whom he has loved without her knowing all along. It takes one look for him to see that something is wrong in Eleanor's world and he'll do what it takes to get her out of the difficulty even if that means helping her see her own strength- and not with a fencing foil which is her preferred weapon.
I confess that I had few expectations going in since I knew it would be enjoyable because the author's other work has been. But, I also knew this was a novella and first in a series. I was pleasurably surprised to see all the background and nuances added to Eleanor and Nick's characters and situations. The romance was swift, but the circumstances made it work.
They sparkle as a pair whether they are snarkily bantering, fencing at dawn, or sparking with attraction. It was a delightful sweet historical romance and I look forward to seeing more of Eleanor and Nick's family and friends.
May 7, 2014
In this quickie novella, Eleanor has come to the conclusion that marriage life is not for her. Her parents were forced to marry for political affiliations and she saw how that affected her mother. After the death of her parents, she lives with her uncle who has remarried and his wife has brought over her son, Nicholas.
When the two meet they do not get along and for years, he's the thorn in her side. He does what many little brothers do to their older sisters, bother them, follow them along, annoy them, etc. When Nicholas returns from the battlefield, they still "annoy" one another, but something's changed. Her uncle is intent on making an advantageous match for her, with her help or not. So Eleanor decides she has to do something in order to stop that from happening.
I liked that Eleanor and Nick always had a bond over fencing. In fact, he taught her how to fence and they often have duels at dawn, a proper calling out if you will. I think I would have liked to have read more about their time together as teenagers. They've known each other for 15 years and when they reveal they've loved each other from the moment they first met as kids I'm surprised there weren't more stolen moments as teenagers. There's some depth to the characters, but I kept thinking that when Nick went away for school I wonder if he had many liaisons. Even if he did, in his narrative he could of said something like "it didn't mean anything" or "too bad I'm not coming to her a virgin as she is to me" or something along those lines.
There are no sexy times in this novella, there are brief kisses and exchanges of glances, but there's a quiet buildup to the revealing kiss. It's a cute novella, with a surprising twist in that the hero wants to compromise the heroine (for the greater good of course). And I really liked that the heroine was a fencer.
There are a few more novellas to this series and I hope previous characters make appearances so we can continue on with their stories.
When the two meet they do not get along and for years, he's the thorn in her side. He does what many little brothers do to their older sisters, bother them, follow them along, annoy them, etc. When Nicholas returns from the battlefield, they still "annoy" one another, but something's changed. Her uncle is intent on making an advantageous match for her, with her help or not. So Eleanor decides she has to do something in order to stop that from happening.
I liked that Eleanor and Nick always had a bond over fencing. In fact, he taught her how to fence and they often have duels at dawn, a proper calling out if you will. I think I would have liked to have read more about their time together as teenagers. They've known each other for 15 years and when they reveal they've loved each other from the moment they first met as kids I'm surprised there weren't more stolen moments as teenagers. There's some depth to the characters, but I kept thinking that when Nick went away for school I wonder if he had many liaisons. Even if he did, in his narrative he could of said something like "it didn't mean anything" or "too bad I'm not coming to her a virgin as she is to me" or something along those lines.
There are no sexy times in this novella, there are brief kisses and exchanges of glances, but there's a quiet buildup to the revealing kiss. It's a cute novella, with a surprising twist in that the hero wants to compromise the heroine (for the greater good of course). And I really liked that the heroine was a fencer.
There are a few more novellas to this series and I hope previous characters make appearances so we can continue on with their stories.
February 18, 2020
Cute little novela. I would've loved to have read more. The hero and the heroine were lovely, strong, and amusingly clever people.
January 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book it was a little on the short side and would have liked to have gotten a little background on the family. But I am so glad Eleanor chose and could see who was right for her.
December 22, 2018
A delightful friends-to-lovers novella!
July 12, 2025
I love this!
I absolutely love this novella! It felt like a complete story and it is chock-full of fun banter. Enemies to lovers done very right.
Kissing only
I read this in ebook and couldn’t find it on audio
This is the first in a series and I will be continuing!
5/5 ⭐️
I absolutely love this novella! It felt like a complete story and it is chock-full of fun banter. Enemies to lovers done very right.
Kissing only
I read this in ebook and couldn’t find it on audio
This is the first in a series and I will be continuing!
5/5 ⭐️
April 8, 2013
Since their first meeting, Eleanor and Nick have been squabbling and teasing each other. When they're together again as adults, a growing friendship and chemistry appears.
I thought the characters were great, especially for a novella. Eleanor was fab; she's determined not to end up in an unhappy marriage like her parents and is happily resigned to spending her days as a companion to her aunt. Unfortunately, her Uncle decides to force her to marry one of his political allies, or else force her innocent young sister to marry one of them. Eleanor has great spirit, but she becomes resigned to her fate as she struggles to find a solution.
When Nick returns home from the militia, he finds tension in the household and a withdrawn Eleanor. Nick has always loved Eleanor, though he's never let her see it! He helps her to find her strength, and in the process a new chemistry flares up between them. Nick is also a brilliant hero, he's dependable and caring- and he has developed some rather fine muscles in his absence, which Eleanor can't fail to notice!
The development in their romance was very sweet and Nick definitely comes to the rescue. The pacing was surprisingly good- sometimes novellas can feel very rushed. The ending was very quickly resolved, but it was very satisfying.
Overall, a lovely and quick read, with humour and a sweet romance!
I thought the characters were great, especially for a novella. Eleanor was fab; she's determined not to end up in an unhappy marriage like her parents and is happily resigned to spending her days as a companion to her aunt. Unfortunately, her Uncle decides to force her to marry one of his political allies, or else force her innocent young sister to marry one of them. Eleanor has great spirit, but she becomes resigned to her fate as she struggles to find a solution.
When Nick returns home from the militia, he finds tension in the household and a withdrawn Eleanor. Nick has always loved Eleanor, though he's never let her see it! He helps her to find her strength, and in the process a new chemistry flares up between them. Nick is also a brilliant hero, he's dependable and caring- and he has developed some rather fine muscles in his absence, which Eleanor can't fail to notice!
The development in their romance was very sweet and Nick definitely comes to the rescue. The pacing was surprisingly good- sometimes novellas can feel very rushed. The ending was very quickly resolved, but it was very satisfying.
Overall, a lovely and quick read, with humour and a sweet romance!
March 31, 2015
A sweet short story about a couple that grew up as adversaries, with the younger boy constantly and purposefully irritating the slightly older girl, in order to get her attention.
A beautiful, if unconventional relationship grows between them, before it finally turns to where it was always heading, with the two deeply in love with one another.
An interesting first glimpse of the author's style, that makes me want to check more of her work, starting with the next novella in the series, Scandalized by a Scoundrel.
A beautiful, if unconventional relationship grows between them, before it finally turns to where it was always heading, with the two deeply in love with one another.
An interesting first glimpse of the author's style, that makes me want to check more of her work, starting with the next novella in the series, Scandalized by a Scoundrel.
March 25, 2015
I have read one other book by this author. I greatly enjoyed it. A Taste For Scandal was the name and it was a delight to read. This was not as enjoyable. The way some of the novellas end so abruptly is disturbing to me. I love that the H/h new each other as kids (even though they were cousins) and later in years reunite to the surprise to the other of the obvious change in appearances. I was also lucky enough to get this as a freebie but for EK I will sick to her full length stories.
August 8, 2013
Short novella, no sex at all. Hero and heroine grew up together as step cousins and always bugged each other. This is the first chance I have had to read one of Erin Knightley's books and I liked it. I will look into reading a full length novel of hers, I hope those have some steamy scenes!
August 15, 2013
A handsome soldier. A fencing spinster. What's not to love? The dialogue is snappy and smart, the chemistry is great, and smarmy villain is smarmy. For those who like their romance with more sweet, less spice, this novella is a great option. I look forward to reading more by this author!
April 9, 2014
I enjoyed the story, the characters and the premise, but the resolution just felt so rushed. Nick was well formed, in emotions and motivation, but Ellie's sudden epiphany came out the Deus Ex Machina field of 'shoot gotta wrap this up'.
May 18, 2013
Ruined by a Rake is short, but very sweet and charming.
I wouldn't have minded the story being a little longer, especially if we could have been treated to a sexy times scene ;)
3.5 stars
I wouldn't have minded the story being a little longer, especially if we could have been treated to a sexy times scene ;)
3.5 stars
September 5, 2013
3/3.5-ish
This was fun, it was just short.
This was fun, it was just short.
March 19, 2019
What a fun little read. I was worried about how explicit it would be, but it was clean! :) A sweet and easy novella.
language: clean, heat level: mild
language: clean, heat level: mild
August 15, 2014
Clean and fun.
April 9, 2020
Fencing is hot
To be honest I mostly just reread this for the sexy fencing scenes🤷🏼♀️lowkey 100% worth it I have no regrets
To be honest I mostly just reread this for the sexy fencing scenes🤷🏼♀️lowkey 100% worth it I have no regrets
April 27, 2020
Cleaning out some of these Amazon freebies from my shelf. :)
Everything started when 9-year-old Eleanor first met her uncle's stepson, Nicolas and that rude little boy stole a kiss from her. This would lead to a life of a contentious and competitive relationship. Years later Eleanor finds herself at 24 and pretty much on-the-shelf spinster. This is just fine for her, but her ambitious uncle wants her to marry well and rich. After two years away, Nicolas shows back up and well...ruins everything.
This was quick and it was entertaining. I enjoyed the banter between these two, but I felt there was something missing. Can't put my finger on it. There needed more drama or something. Not sure, but the plot felt a little yawn-worthy at points for me. I just wanted more.
I liked Eleanor and I liked Nick. They were meant for each other and I thought it was silly that the uncle didn't simply arrange them to marry eons ago. He's an idiot and too ambitious. Sighs.
The ending was pretty good. It wrapped everything up nicely.
Overall, not bad. A little boring at bits, but I enjoyed the banter. A fun couple and an okay plot (even though I felt like there should've been more). I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
Everything started when 9-year-old Eleanor first met her uncle's stepson, Nicolas and that rude little boy stole a kiss from her. This would lead to a life of a contentious and competitive relationship. Years later Eleanor finds herself at 24 and pretty much on-the-shelf spinster. This is just fine for her, but her ambitious uncle wants her to marry well and rich. After two years away, Nicolas shows back up and well...ruins everything.
This was quick and it was entertaining. I enjoyed the banter between these two, but I felt there was something missing. Can't put my finger on it. There needed more drama or something. Not sure, but the plot felt a little yawn-worthy at points for me. I just wanted more.
I liked Eleanor and I liked Nick. They were meant for each other and I thought it was silly that the uncle didn't simply arrange them to marry eons ago. He's an idiot and too ambitious. Sighs.
The ending was pretty good. It wrapped everything up nicely.
Overall, not bad. A little boring at bits, but I enjoyed the banter. A fun couple and an okay plot (even though I felt like there should've been more). I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
March 14, 2017
I have been reading "Hearts of Courage: A Collection of Regency Novellas to Benefit Wounded Military Heroes" and I noticed that the novella Scandalized by a Scoundrel by Erin Knightley was the second in a series.
Due to the titles Ruined by a Rake and Scandalized by a Scoundrel I had never considered reading these books, assuming they were not clean. After reading reviews saying that Ruined by a Rake was clean, I decided to give it a try.
The Prologue immediately got me into the story and was adorable! I also enjoyed the running joke of the "kiss" and I really liked the fencing scenes.
The characters were interesting and the book well written. I look forward to reading more about them in Hearts of Courage.
While the book was enjoyable, there was cursing and blasphemy in the book which brought down my rating.
Due to the titles Ruined by a Rake and Scandalized by a Scoundrel I had never considered reading these books, assuming they were not clean. After reading reviews saying that Ruined by a Rake was clean, I decided to give it a try.
The Prologue immediately got me into the story and was adorable! I also enjoyed the running joke of the "kiss" and I really liked the fencing scenes.
The characters were interesting and the book well written. I look forward to reading more about them in Hearts of Courage.
While the book was enjoyable, there was cursing and blasphemy in the book which brought down my rating.
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