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Audacious: A Steamy, Sensual Father's Best Friend Regency Romance
This story is part of THE OUTCASTS and THE REBELS OF THE TON world of stories. The books can be read in any order, but are best enjoyed in chronologically.
THE OUTCASTS :
1. DANGEROUS : Adam and Mia
2. BARBAROUS : Hugh and Daphne (Antonia's mom and dad)
3. SCANDALOUS : Martin and Sarah
THE REBELS OF THE TON :
4. NOTORIOUS : Gabriel and Drucilla
5. OUTRAGEOUS : Eva and Godric
6: INFAMOUS : Richard and Celia/Lucien and Phyllida (Antonia's twin brothers)
THIS NOVELLA :
7. AUDACIOUS : Antonia and Lucas
This is a melt-your-kindle steamy story!
This Ebook includes the novella plus an excerpt.
THE OUTCASTS :
1. DANGEROUS : Adam and Mia
2. BARBAROUS : Hugh and Daphne (Antonia's mom and dad)
3. SCANDALOUS : Martin and Sarah
THE REBELS OF THE TON :
4. NOTORIOUS : Gabriel and Drucilla
5. OUTRAGEOUS : Eva and Godric
6: INFAMOUS : Richard and Celia/Lucien and Phyllida (Antonia's twin brothers)
THIS NOVELLA :
7. AUDACIOUS : Antonia and Lucas
This is a melt-your-kindle steamy story!
This Ebook includes the novella plus an excerpt.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
About the author
Minerva Spencer
52 books1,802 followers**I ONLY RATE BOOKS I REALLY ENJOYED**.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 31, 2023
Edited to add that apparently nipple piercings are not anachronistic. (See comments.) Unfortunately, this book still did not work for me. The nipple piercing part came in as gratuitous “ naughty, naughty.”
Why did the author even bother to make this a “historical “romance? Everything about it was anachronistic, including a reference to nipple piercings, which the H has and the heroine considers. I don’t mind anachronistic elements, but there have to be strong links to the actual time frame, and there weren’t any.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
Short but spicy Regency Romance
Dearest Reader,
I love Minerva Spencer's work, so believe me when I tell you there isn't a single novel of hers that I've read and not enjoyed. At times, her plots can go a little off the rails, but never so far that I can't gaslight myself into believing that, sure, a 19 year old girl can conceivably kidnap a duke ("Outrageous") or that her stepmama was welcomed back into Society after spending 17 years in a harem ("Dangerous").
Minerva's writing is whip-smart and full of humor, making it easy to fall in love with her characters. My only complaint with "Audacious" is that it wasn't longer (although she acknowledges this in the novella's Acknowledgements).
Lady Antonia Redvers, age 21, has fallen for her father's best friend, the piratical Captain Lucas "O Duque" Cruz, who also happens to be lusting after Daddy's Little Girl. It's a short novella, so Minerva keeps the pacing quick & the spice spicy, so it's good for a quick read. Fingers crossed for a full-length release in the future because I really liked reading about Toni. She's a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to grab it (especially after she almost married that loser Dowden in "Infamous").
I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves historical romances and encourage you to explore Minerva Spencer's work, including her nom de plume, SM LaViolette (who gets extra spicy & a little dark at times). Thanks for reading my review and you can follow me on Goodreads for more at Lib the Bibliophile.
Until next time,
Lib
Dearest Reader,
I love Minerva Spencer's work, so believe me when I tell you there isn't a single novel of hers that I've read and not enjoyed. At times, her plots can go a little off the rails, but never so far that I can't gaslight myself into believing that, sure, a 19 year old girl can conceivably kidnap a duke ("Outrageous") or that her stepmama was welcomed back into Society after spending 17 years in a harem ("Dangerous").
Minerva's writing is whip-smart and full of humor, making it easy to fall in love with her characters. My only complaint with "Audacious" is that it wasn't longer (although she acknowledges this in the novella's Acknowledgements).
Lady Antonia Redvers, age 21, has fallen for her father's best friend, the piratical Captain Lucas "O Duque" Cruz, who also happens to be lusting after Daddy's Little Girl. It's a short novella, so Minerva keeps the pacing quick & the spice spicy, so it's good for a quick read. Fingers crossed for a full-length release in the future because I really liked reading about Toni. She's a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to grab it (especially after she almost married that loser Dowden in "Infamous").
I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves historical romances and encourage you to explore Minerva Spencer's work, including her nom de plume, SM LaViolette (who gets extra spicy & a little dark at times). Thanks for reading my review and you can follow me on Goodreads for more at Lib the Bibliophile.
Until next time,
Lib
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
This was a looooong yawn.
August 5, 2023
Too quick! But to the point!
3.5 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
3.5 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
November 5, 2023
(Read as a part of Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Holiday Novellas. I swear, I will finish that anthology this year...)
I honestly didn’t know how to rate this one – on one hand it was quick, high heat novella with somewhat interesting characters, on the other… the age gap was slightly too much for me (20+ years?), as well as a weirdly structured narration, when at first the hero fondly remembered the heroine as a small child, but then in the next paragraph vividly described how much he wants to have sex with her. I’m sure the creepiness was unintentional, but still.
Of course it was not all bad as Antonia and Lucas had some chemistry together, and their families shared history (especially Antonia’s parents) kept me interested.
2,5/5 stars
I honestly didn’t know how to rate this one – on one hand it was quick, high heat novella with somewhat interesting characters, on the other… the age gap was slightly too much for me (20+ years?), as well as a weirdly structured narration, when at first the hero fondly remembered the heroine as a small child, but then in the next paragraph vividly described how much he wants to have sex with her. I’m sure the creepiness was unintentional, but still.
Of course it was not all bad as Antonia and Lucas had some chemistry together, and their families shared history (especially Antonia’s parents) kept me interested.
2,5/5 stars
February 15, 2025
Novellas that are part of a series are enjoyable because we have an established connection to the characters and the world they inhibit.
This is a story between a 21 year-old only daughter of an ex-sea captain, and a sea captain who happens to be one of the dad's closest friends (younger than the dad, but still a 20 year age gap).
They both adore each other, and it was lovely to see them overcome the constraints of society to find joy with each other.
This is a story between a 21 year-old only daughter of an ex-sea captain, and a sea captain who happens to be one of the dad's closest friends (younger than the dad, but still a 20 year age gap).
They both adore each other, and it was lovely to see them overcome the constraints of society to find joy with each other.
September 9, 2023
Apart from the icky age gap, some writers just have no idea about English titles. Her father is a lowly Baron, while her eldest brother is an Earl? Ridiculous!
November 15, 2023
Audacious is a historical romance set in December, 1832. A quick read novella, it is passionate and teems with raw desire and want.
I have this story in “Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Novellas”.
This story is also part of The Outcasts and The Rebels of the Ton world of stories.
4- stars
Captain Lucas Cruz commandeered the Batavia’s Ghost. Having started as a cabin lad, and working his way up, Lucas had become an infamous privateer captain. He had been eleven years old when his entire Portuguese village was captured by corsair marauders. Kept on as a slave rower, Lucas spent two miserable years chained to an oar. Luckily, Hugh Redvers seized the corsair vessel and freed him and a dozen other captives. Hugh rescued Lucas from a brutish life of slavery, taken him under his wing, and taught him a valuable trade.
Antonia Redvers is totally in love with her father’s best friend.
Lucas and Antonia grow infatuated with each other and eventually grow to love each other from afar. Their relationship is blocked with obstacles that are easily overcome. Sexy time is spicy.
I recommend this novella.
I have this story in “Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Novellas”.
This story is also part of The Outcasts and The Rebels of the Ton world of stories.
4- stars
Captain Lucas Cruz commandeered the Batavia’s Ghost. Having started as a cabin lad, and working his way up, Lucas had become an infamous privateer captain. He had been eleven years old when his entire Portuguese village was captured by corsair marauders. Kept on as a slave rower, Lucas spent two miserable years chained to an oar. Luckily, Hugh Redvers seized the corsair vessel and freed him and a dozen other captives. Hugh rescued Lucas from a brutish life of slavery, taken him under his wing, and taught him a valuable trade.
Antonia Redvers is totally in love with her father’s best friend.
Lucas and Antonia grow infatuated with each other and eventually grow to love each other from afar. Their relationship is blocked with obstacles that are easily overcome. Sexy time is spicy.
I recommend this novella.
May 28, 2026
A story about a not so usual love. She love's her best friend father... it was everything to go wrong 😉!
Antonio had a disappointing interlude with the Duke of Dowden in the last book (Infamous). He's a dishonest man, a rapist and a "besta" as we say in Portugal! 😀 After all, Antonia didn't give a damn about Sebastian, because her true love was "O Duque" or Uncle Duke, Lucas Cruz, a Portuguese privateer and best friend of Hugh, her father. Helped by her mother, she understands she has to put the matter in her own hands and she forces her way to Lucas heart.
After he gives up and accepts that their love worths the troubles with Hugh, is acceptance seems to fast and mainly to definitive, no more thoughts? No more, "he's gonna kill me!"? But, this is a novella, so maybe... 🤔.
Looking forward to read the Privateers stories, as usual I'm not reading it in order!
Antonio had a disappointing interlude with the Duke of Dowden in the last book (Infamous). He's a dishonest man, a rapist and a "besta" as we say in Portugal! 😀 After all, Antonia didn't give a damn about Sebastian, because her true love was "O Duque" or Uncle Duke, Lucas Cruz, a Portuguese privateer and best friend of Hugh, her father. Helped by her mother, she understands she has to put the matter in her own hands and she forces her way to Lucas heart.
After he gives up and accepts that their love worths the troubles with Hugh, is acceptance seems to fast and mainly to definitive, no more thoughts? No more, "he's gonna kill me!"? But, this is a novella, so maybe... 🤔.
Looking forward to read the Privateers stories, as usual I'm not reading it in order!
April 20, 2023
5-Delicious-Pirate-Stars
Nobody does age-gap romances like Ms Spencer. The heroines are young and spunky but not naive. The heroes are mature and sexy but never patronising. As was the case with Lucas & Toni. A totally forbidden romance and a totally adorable one. Brought to mind, My Dirty Duke by Joanna Shupe!
I read this as a part of Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Holiday Novellas
Nobody does age-gap romances like Ms Spencer. The heroines are young and spunky but not naive. The heroes are mature and sexy but never patronising. As was the case with Lucas & Toni. A totally forbidden romance and a totally adorable one. Brought to mind, My Dirty Duke by Joanna Shupe!
I read this as a part of Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Holiday Novellas
September 23, 2024
A quickie but a goodie. This short story finally explains why Toni planned her own loveless marriage in the last book — to try and distract herself from the romantic feelings she had for her father’s best friend. Only that marriage goes tits up so now it’s Christmas, Lucas is back, and Toni’s getting naked and ambushing him in his bed. Fun, sexy little read but it doesn’t get five stars because a novella really didn’t give me the time to get over the idea that they knew each other for her entire life and were fine with their sexual attraction. I mean, different era, blah blah blah, but it’s still weird when a dude who saw you in diapers now wants you to sit on his face.
February 14, 2025
I finished it because it was short, and I really enjoyed the Bellamy Sisters series.
I truly don't mind age gap romances, but this was too cringey. He's known her since she was a baby? Watched her grow up? She called him Uncle? He spends a decent amount of time remembering her as a child. I don't believe the author meant it to come off this way, but it's too gross for me.
Hard Pass.
And they were in love? Based on what? They saw each other 2 months a year(which is fine), but no talk about their connection at all. Just the second she turned 16 and looked like a "woman," he fell in love?
Gross.
I truly don't mind age gap romances, but this was too cringey. He's known her since she was a baby? Watched her grow up? She called him Uncle? He spends a decent amount of time remembering her as a child. I don't believe the author meant it to come off this way, but it's too gross for me.
Hard Pass.
And they were in love? Based on what? They saw each other 2 months a year(which is fine), but no talk about their connection at all. Just the second she turned 16 and looked like a "woman," he fell in love?
Gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
Loved this and was so glad that Antonia got her HEA. Lucas was hot and I loved the age-gap and Dad's Best Friend trope. I wish this had been a full-length book, but the author explained why that couldn't happen... yet. Fingers crossed that we get a full novel eventually. I am so sad that the stories are over for the Redvers family I've loved each and every one of them. Spencer's writing is so witty and grabs me by the heart each and every time.
September 30, 2023
Might be hiding it too harshly cause it was part of an anthology, but it felt rushed. We’re basically told the characters have loved each other for four years but that’s really it. There isn’t a depth to the connection. I also have ick feeling about father’s best friend as romances vs straight up smut where I oddly don’t feel the same. Can’t explain it, but it’s my reaction.
July 17, 2023
AUDACIOUS by Minerva Spencer [writing as S.M. La Violette], novella of The Rebels Of The Ton
A passionate short story about Antonia Redvers, daughter of Huge and Daphne (BARBAROUS) has the hots for Captain Lucas “O Duque” Cruz, her father’s best friend. Love is ageless.
A passionate short story about Antonia Redvers, daughter of Huge and Daphne (BARBAROUS) has the hots for Captain Lucas “O Duque” Cruz, her father’s best friend. Love is ageless.
October 28, 2023
Forbidden love/age gap. Read in the Duke in a Box anthology. After years of suppressing her feelings, a chance glance has Toni hoping that her attraction is not one-sided and she goes after what she wants!
June 11, 2024
How much I loved Hugh & Daphne!! & I'm utterly disappointed with their children. I liked Toni in the previous book & I hated her in this. She & Lucas make a disgusting pair. Lucas literally watch her born! She called him uncle while growing up!! Not at all happy with this one.
April 24, 2023
Liked the book, wished it was longer.Also a little more buil up between the 2 characters
May 16, 2023
This is the 1st book I read by Minerva Spencer. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 5 because I wasn't feeling the father's friend thing.
May 24, 2023
Big age gap (at least 20 years), father's best friend. Short and steamy. Just wasn't really feeling the connection, and an ick factor with lusting after the heroine since she was a teenager.
May 29, 2023
Passionate, vibrant romance. Lots of raw desire and hidden want between Lucas and Antonia lead to a wonderful happy ending.
June 1, 2023
Quick streamy and sexy read. Loved visiting this world again!
June 3, 2023
Novelinhas me irritam
Antônia e Lucas
A filha de Ramsay e o capitão de seu navio, criado por Ramsay assim como Martin
Antônia e Lucas
A filha de Ramsay e o capitão de seu navio, criado por Ramsay assim como Martin
September 15, 2023
This story is bland and boring. About Tori, sister who is getting married in Infamous.
January 25, 2024
Perfectly fine read.
July 8, 2024
Lucas and Antonia
This is a quick, sexy age gap romance set in 1832. I enjoyed this a recommend it, especially to fans of romances with privateers and on sailing ships.
This is a quick, sexy age gap romance set in 1832. I enjoyed this a recommend it, especially to fans of romances with privateers and on sailing ships.
March 15, 2026
To make a bad thing worse: the book sucked, the sex was NORMAL, and the cover is ugly. I actually considered lying about dnf-ing so it wouldn't count on my GR goal.
June 20, 2026
A lovely romance
An age gap romance that's not smutty but sweet and tender. The writer created compelling characters and a relatable plot
An age gap romance that's not smutty but sweet and tender. The writer created compelling characters and a relatable plot
April 28, 2023
Writer very fixated on the age gap part, forgot to add many steamy parts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews