Sunday, April 26

Book Review: Ruined by a Rake by Erin Knightley


Ruined by a Rake (All's Fair in Love, #1)
Author: Erin Knightley 
Title: Ruined by a Rake
(All's Fair in Love #1)
Genre: Historical Romance, Novella
Format: ebook
Pages: 129 
Published:  March 31st 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)



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. 


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. 




6 comments:

Melliane said...

Too bad for the boring parts

Blodeuedd said...

Was this the one I dnfed? I can't remember why

Jen Twimom said...

Would you pick up the full length book after reading the novella? I guess a 3 for a freebie isn't bad.

Carole Rae said...

Melliane, right?

B, I think you did...I don't remember.

Jen, I might if I come across it

Sophia Rose said...

Her books are hit or miss for me with grabbing my full attention. I do like the childhood sparring partners to lovers part. Her uncle does sound like a dweeb.

Carole Rae said...

Sophia, the couple was fun and that uncle was dumb