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All's Fair in Love #2

Scandalized by a Scoundrel

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In all his years in the army, Lord Gabriel Winters never once described his opponent as beautiful. But when he finds himself staring down the barrel of Miss Amelia Watson’s pistol, it’s the only word that comes to mind. Despite her clear distrust of him—and not to mention his own determination to avoid English women at all costs—Gabriel is more than intrigued by his friend’s bold neighbor.

Amelia has plenty of reasons to distrust strangers, and the broad-shouldered, devilishly handsome viscount deserves no exception. But when he challenges her to lay down her weapon and learn to fight in a new way, she finds herself capitulating. He may be a scoundrel, but he’s also the first person in years to look at her without the blasted pity she hates so much.

Though the lessons start out innocently enough, the heady pull of attraction soon gets in the way. They’re as incompatible as water and gunpowder, so why is she suddenly looking forward to the thought of being . . . Scandalized by a Scoundrel?

***This is a novella of approximately 26,000 words***

108 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2013

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Erin Knightley

22 books365 followers

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5 stars
94 (24%)
4 stars
163 (42%)
3 stars
91 (23%)
2 stars
25 (6%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Ruth.
597 reviews40 followers
October 21, 2014
The third son of a titled Englishman and an American mother, Gabriel Winters has little reason to love his father's homeland or appreciate the privileges to which he is now entitled as the newly-minted heir. Ostracized his entire life for his American blood, Gabriel was never expected to inherit -- but when his two older half-brothers died, duty forced him to return to England and claim the title he never wanted. Following his friend Nicholas's wedding, Gabriel vows to return to America to choose a bride, determining that in this most personal of choices, the wishes of his blue-blooded extended family would be thwarted once and for all. But when he finds himself on the receiving end of Miss Amelia Watson's impressively wielded pistol, he finds all of his preconceived notions about well-born British females threatened by her spirit. When he discovers the secret hiding behind Amelia's bold demeanor, he offers his expertise -- lessons in hand-to-hand fighting techniques -- and friendship. But can a scoundrel with a chip on his shoulder ever hope to earn the trust of a wounded woman whose walls protect not only her secrets, but her family's honor?

After her mother's death at the hands of highwaymen when she was only thirteen, Amelia has spent years fighting to overcome the specter of fear brought into her life by that senseless act of violence. Losing her mother left her father crippled by anxiety, and Amelia saw her dreams of a future slip away as she made the transition from child to caregiver before she reached adulthood. Loathing the pity her family tragedy garners everywhere her story is known, at first Gabriel proves to be a refreshing antidote to her usual circle of acquaintance. Their sparring helps her to forget, however briefly, that she has too long been known as one marked by tragedy and consequently to be pitied for it.

Gabriel's unorthodox offer to teach her hand-to-hand fighting techniques first shocks and then intrigues Amelia, but she welcomes the chance to expand her personal arsenal of self-defense techniques. Gabriel hopes to assuage his guilt over judging her initial response to him, clinging to his plan to marry an American heiress, sure a feisty spinster could never compromise his well-laid plans. But as the lessons give way to the intimacy of close comradeship, sparks of a more dangerous, romantic sort begin to fly. When secrets are revealed, can these two wounded hearts seize a chance at a wholly unexpected love story?

After falling in love with Erin Knightley's writing in Ruined by a Rake, I immediately downloaded the next two novellas in the All's Fair in Love series, and I'm happy to report that this sequel does not disappoint! Picking up shortly after Nicholas and Eleanor's swoon-worthy romance, here Knightley sees them preparing for their wedding, moving the spotlight to a pair of the happy couple's unlikely - - but oh-so-perfectly matched -- friends. Knightley is fast proving to be a master of the novella format, delivering all of the humor, character and plot development (with the exception of Nicholas and Eleanor, who seem a little "bland" now that they are relegated to supporting players), and swoon-worthy romance that one craves in a full-length novel in a scant one hundred or so pages. These stories are refreshingly intense, fast reads, romances crafted with equal parts passion and restraint.

Amelia's relationship with her father is reminiscent of Austen's Emma and Mr. Woodhouse, though lacking a significant degree of that heroine's confidence. In eight short chapters, Knightley manages to sketch a convincing, nuanced portrait of a woman equal parts scarred by past trauma but craving independence and the strength to not be defined by her past. Through Gabriel's self-defense lessons, Amelia gains the confidence to emotionally thrive. And while the progression of her relationship with Gabriel may seem contrived, especially given the rules that governed proper social interaction between the sexes during the time period, Knightley presents the lessons with a restraint that lends their method of connecting with each other a genuine authenticity. This is a romance, yes -- but for every nod to the Darcy-esque, wounded hero tropes this is above all a story about inspiring the heroine to live life to the fullest.

With Scandalized by a Scoundrel, Knightly is fast becoming my go-to author for a sweet, swoon-worthy romance. Thus far, her stories have all the passion and humor one could want, and non of the spicier, envelope-pushing scenes found in other romances of this ilk that may deter some readers. This is such a refreshing read, not only in its development of the romance but in its treatment of fear. It is rushed due to the length restrictions of the novella format, but Amelia's journey from fear to empowerment is saturated with authentic hope. And isn't that, after all, part of the eternal draw of these tales -- the hope of acceptance and a safe haven at the end of a romantic journey.
Profile Image for Allison.
42 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2013
I did not like the story. I hoped it would be more on the vein of the first book of the series, Ruined by a Rake. I did not like the heroine at all.
Profile Image for Thenia.
4,405 reviews180 followers
April 2, 2015
The story of one of Eleanor's friends, Amelia, who meets one of Nicholas's army friends, Gabriel, under unusual circumstances, when she finds him trespassing on her father's property.

Gabriel was great, but I was neutral about Amelia, who had her good and bad moments. The couple has some entertaining moments, especially when Gabriel is teaching Amelia self defense techniques.

It was nice seeing Eleanor and Nicholas again, shortly after the end of their story and actually living their happy ending.

The last book in the series, Deceived by a Duke, is about Eleanor's sister, Libby.
Profile Image for Amana Shahid  Ullah.
299 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2020
Compared to the first novella, this didn't exactly seem as enjoyable.

Gabriel Winters, newly made Viscount, has come to attend his army friend Nicolas's wedding and happens to meet Amelia when he is caught trespassing.

When Gabriel discovers how Amelia lost her mother, he decides to help her out and give her self defense lessons. And then they fall in love.

Gabriel seemed a nice enough character and I rather liked him. It was actually Amelia I was in the fence about. I didn't know whether to like her or not.

Overall it was I'm OK read.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
456 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2014
In the follow up to "Ruined by a Rake", the impending marriage ceremony of Eleanor and Nick sets the stage for our two new protagonists.


When Gabriel, newly Lord Winters meets Amelia for the first time, it's at the end of a pistol. She believes he's trespassing her lands, especially with him dressed and looking as he does. Her fiery nature intrigues him, who is she and why does she use a pistol for self defense.

Clearly mortified at her reaction to a member of the realm, Amelia doesn't know what to think of Gabriel. When they are properly introduced, Amelia treats him befitting his station, but Gabriel detests that. In his heart, he's American since his mother brought him back to the States after his father died. He's only returned to England because his two older brothers have died and he has to claim the title. He's seen how women have flocked to him because of the title and wealth, he sees the difference when he was a nobody to a somebody. And for the briefest of moments, Amelia treated him like a nobody and he liked it.

When he learns that Amelia's mother was killed by highwaymen and understands why Amelia is into safety and self defense, he offers to tutor her in how to defend herself when a pistol is not readily available. And while they banter and bicker, slowly they start the realize feelings are developing.

I think it suffers from the novella syndrome in that just a few days pass and the characters fall in love. I'm not sure where the actual love came into place. Unlike the previous novella where the characters knew one another, in this one it's the first time they've met. Sudden attraction I understand, but deep love it's a little hard to believe. They bond over the self-defense lessons and they have these moments where all the attraction builds up but on an emotionally level I don't understand how they connect.

And also, if one is being attacked I think the last thing on your mind is remove your glove. I get that their gloves were very form fitting, but then all the better. Really, there's no need to remove gloves before hitting someone. I thought that was a weird addition.
Profile Image for Amy Lorton.
476 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2025
It can be odd to read a book taking place in the Regency Era while on a plane, but with Ruined by a Rake and Scandalized by a Scoundrel, it was easy to let the plane fade away and instead be in a world where carriages, horses and “by foot” were the main modes of transportation. I rarely have time to sit down and read a book with the ol’ eyeballs, and it is such a treat to get to do so! I adore the All’s Fair in Love novellas by Erin Knightley (these are numbers one and two) and I’m happy that I have two more to go in the series. Is this an excuse for me to take another trip?

Ruined by A Rake is enemies to lovers done very right. It is chock-full of fun banter between Eleanor and Nicolas, who have such a funny and cute childhood story behind them. (Funny to Nicolas and me, not Eleanor!) In Scandalized by a Scoundrel, Amelia Watson has a meet-yikes with Soldier Gabriel Winters, and banter, flirting and teasing follows. Enough said. It is such a fun read.

It feels difficult for me to give novellas 5 stars, because often they don’t feel like complete, thorough stories. Ruined by a Rake and Scandalized by a Scoundrel both feel like full stories to me. Various physical activities are fun additions to both novellas.

5/5 stars for both
I couldn’t find these on audio; only on ebook
Kisses only in both
Location: somewhere in England, I can’t recall particulars
Profile Image for Becca.
703 reviews120 followers
February 10, 2014
I enjoyed the corny, sweet, fun of the first book in this series, Ruined by a Rake, so I immediately forked out the 99 cents for this novella (the other was free). In this story, the hero is a good friend of Nicolas Norton (the hero from Ruined by a Rake), who is getting married. I was excited to see Nicolas and Eleanor again, but unfortunately, they were relatively flat characters in this novella.

I enjoyed the story, the H/h misty morning meetings, and their misunderstandings. I typically get irritated with misunderstandings, but this made sense and furthered the story. The self defense training scenes were fun to read and I enjoyed those the most (the hero teaches the heroine how to defend herself if she cannot draw her pistol-her past explains why she carries one).

Overall, unlike Ruined by a Rake, which was simple enough to suffice as a novella, I thought this story could have been fleshed out to a full length novel. Many things were explained in the epilogue that could have been shared in a full novel (and then the author would have had time to revisit the previous characters and flesh them out more!)

Anyways, this was still a fun, easy read and a sweet way to spend 99cents. I will be looking for more by this author. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,678 reviews146 followers
August 13, 2016
Someone, I forget who, published a Smashwords code for this novella, so I duly went off and got it.

What a lovely surprise. This is a well-written and engaging historical novella which is true to its genre without becoming clichéd or hackneyed.

Amelia's mother died in a robbery and ever since her father has been obsessive about safety, reclusive and fearful his phobias rule Amelia's life.

Wandering through her family's grounds one morning Amelia runs into a strange man, fearful for her life she threatens him with her pistol, which carries to protect herself. The man, Gabriel, has through a twist of fate become a Viscount - something which his father's family would abhor. Anxious to get his revenge on his snobby English relatives and avenge his American mother, Gabriel has determined to marry an American to "pollute" the inheritance even further.

Yet Gabriel is strangely drawn to the young woman who fearlessly accosts him with a pistol ...

Recommended for anyone who is looking for a short, charming, light-hearted historical novella.
Profile Image for Marlene.
550 reviews125 followers
August 31, 2015
Scandalized by a Scoundrel, second in the All's Fair in Love series by Erin Knightley, is a clean Regency romance novella.

Miss Amelia Watson finds a stranger trespassing on her father's land, aims her pistol at him, and orders him off the property! Lord Gabriel Winters is half American, and has no desire for an English wife. Likewise, Amelia is not looking for a husband because like Jane Austen's Emma, she is the only one there for her sensitive father.

I enjoyed reading this tale. Erin Knightley is a good writer, and I've read several of her books. I read The Baron Next Door quite some time ago, and absolutely loved it. I still remember the premise of that one, which I consider impressive. I will admit I didn't enjoy this one as much, hence the four stars. I'd recommend this book to fans of clean Regency.
Profile Image for Britney (BookDrunkSloth).
344 reviews6 followers
October 15, 2015
This was a very cute, short love story. Honestly, it even taught this reader a little about self defense! That is definitely not a bad thing.

Gabriel is a mutt basically by being half English and half American. With his newly acquired title though, he is sickened but the sudden mob trying to get him to marry their daughters. It makes it hard for him to trust a woman's intentions.

Amelia has an unfortunate past with her mother death and she has to care for her paranoid father. She feels stuck because of her situation and thus decides she cannot marry.

Through some self defense classes and quite a lot of adorable teasing the two find they care for one another. It was very sweet.
Profile Image for Amanda.
400 reviews116 followers
April 18, 2016
3.5-4 stars.

Only Erin Knightley could turn a romance where the heroine pulls a pistol on the hero during their first encounter into something truly magical. In case it wasn't obvious, this was quite the unconventional setup but still containing all the charm and wit that has become Erin's signature. I loved Amelia the most. I also loved how Gabriel didn't try to save her (no indeed, in fact she later saves him) and instead gave her more tools (besides her handy pistol) to defend herself. Amelia and Gabriel made a great pairing, one of my new favorites.
Profile Image for Mya.
749 reviews12 followers
August 14, 2015
★★★★ 1/2 The second installment of the All's fair in love series was quite enjoyable. The fun banter between characters was a delight and I loved that the lead ladies in both books so far, are strong self sufficient women, but still have a bit of quirkiness to them.

I am looking forward to the third book... the only downside, is that these books are short! With these plots and characters, I feel they could have easily been full length books.

Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
10 reviews
Read
January 28, 2014
Simple and predictable

This is a very quick and easy read. it's rather predictable. The romance progresses quickly and is very sweet. While there is little time for much character development, the issues that the hero and heroine have are not so deep-rooted that they can't be believably overcome.
Profile Image for Sharlene.
1,052 reviews28 followers
September 3, 2015
Very cute romance between the best man & friend of the bride in a country wedding. Amelia's mother had been killed by highway robbers, so her father had anxiety & sheltered Amelia. Gabriel taught Amelia self-defense moves, which gave him an excuse to meet her privately outside on her property. Loved seeing the romance evolve!
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,320 reviews12 followers
June 2, 2014
I love Erin Knightley's writing. I have read several books by her and she is one if my favorite authors and did not disappoint in this book. Gabriel meets Amelia at the end of her gun while he accidently crosses onto her fathers land. Heat, sparks and eventually love hits these 2. Another great book a must read!!!
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,272 reviews
February 8, 2014
novellas are always too short for me but they are so fun to read. I like that things are expressed with looks and touches. Amelia couldn't help feeling trapped but it took just the attention of Gabriel to show her some attention to show her what she was missing in life. Good little story.
50 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2014
Cute and clean

A good, clean romance. A few passionate kisses are all your getting in this one. The book is a quick read. The romance is endearing, but a bit childish for a pair in their mid twenties. Worth an afternoon read.
Profile Image for Clarissa Boggs.
646 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2016
The best book out of the series in my opinion, I loved the characters of Gabriel and Amelia . I couldn't get enough of these two throwing barbs at each other one moment and being friendly the next. Five star read for me
Profile Image for Lena Goldfinch.
Author 16 books174 followers
November 3, 2016
Not sure of the date I finished this, but I liked it a lot and will read other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,100 reviews202 followers
February 27, 2014
It was okay, hence the 2 stars, but I couldn't give it more than that. As another reviewer stated, a bit corny and predictable.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2020
- Gabriel and Amelia-
Loved this fun and entertaining story with a complete HEA
Profile Image for Savannahisabelle.
284 reviews29 followers
March 22, 2021
Had just the right amount of cuteness and protectiveness in this beauty of a book.
A really good read! Loving these Novellas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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