Review: Ruined by a Rake by Erin Knightley (e-novella)

Click here to buy the book on Amazon
Here's what we know about our hero and heroine: Nicholas is Eleanor's step-cousin and he went away to become a soldier. They've known each other since they were children and share an easy friendship/rivalry. Eleanor now lives with her uncle and aunt, Nicholas's stepfather and mother and Eleanor's uncle wants her to get married to further his political ambitions and is threatening Eleanor using her younger, more innocent, sister. Eleanor would rather be a spinster and help her aunt Margaret and serve as her companion -- but she must sacrifice herself to protect her sister.

Nicholas arrives and realizes that Eleanor needs his help. He has always loved Eleanor but, being two years younger, he was never able to profess it. There is very little backstory and I did wish Knightley did more to add layer and texture to Nicholas and Eleanor -- I didn't feel invested enough in the two of them. But, working within the constraints of a novella, I understand that the author needed to focus on capturing the moment of Eleanor's epiphany (when she realizes what she feels for Nicholas) and she does a good job of building up on the chemistry and the sexual tension between the two.

A light breeze tugged at the loosened hair around her face, pulling the raven strands across her too-pale skin. He had the maddest desire to comb the silky strands back with his fingers and kiss her for real. Not the playful kisses he always demanded from her as payment, but a true kiss that would steal her breath and completely override the worry that turned down the edges of her cupid-bow lips.
- loc 974

Ruined by a Rake is a stand-alone novella by Erin Knightley. Flirting with Fortune, the third book in her Sealed with a Kiss series, will be released September 2013. To find out more about Erin Knightley and her books, visit her website. She's also on Facebook and on Goodreads.


Disclosure: I won this e-novella in a giveaway hosted by the author. Yes, this is an honest review.