Spinning Our Dreams

by Anne Knight

Two years ago, Cambridge tutor Spencer Bancroft took one look at Faith Burlington and fell in love. But when she walked into his literature classroom a week later he knew he’d never have a chance. Not only was he her teacher, but she wanted to attend the first women’s college at Cambridge, where no suitors are allowed.

He still loves her now, even though it’s hopeless. They exist in different social classes, and his academic position forbids marriage. While Spencer can’t give her the life he desires for them, he can help her apply to scholarships for Girton College.

During their time together, Faith sees beyond Spencer’s fumbling words and discovers he’s in love. Delighted, she shares her own feelings for him. But many academics will do anything to prevent working-class girls from attending university, and a zealous proctor arrests Faith to keep her from Cambridge. Can Spencer and Faith outwit the authorities to fight for Faith’s future and their love?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Anne Knight has been writing stories since she was three years old. Before she could read or write, she followed her parents and babysitter around, begging them to dictate her words. Eventually she learned the alphabet and began writing herself. She sneaked her first romance novel when she was thirteen, but did not become an avid reader or writer of the genre until after college.

Anne has lived in two countries, studied in three, and traveled through a total of thirty four. Her work history includes ESL teacher, domestic violence advocate, paralegal, and hospital project manager. She lives in Arkansas with her real-life swoony hero, four children, and two cats. The cats are named Cyrano and Ivanhoe.

Reviews

[guiltless pleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Faith, a working-class orphan from the East End, a) achieve her goal of being admitted to Girton College and b) find a way to be with Spencer, the second son of a baron and fellow at Cambridge University? Obviously, yes! This is a romance. The fun is in getting there.

There are plenty of obstacles in the way of this HEA, namely the class difference, the banning of women “walking out” with university fellows, Faith’s reliance on her job as a servant at Cambridge, and the general misogyny present on campus. There’s lots of excellent sneaking around so they can be together.

I did feel that the development of Faith and Spencer’s relationship was a little uneven, possibly because they were both so awkward (on purpose). When they leapt into the spicy stuff, it felt a little out of nowhere.

I appreciated that Knight addressed the difficulty of including a full relationship arc in a novella by establishing that they had known of each other for two years already and that Spencer had loved Faith from afar for that long.

I really wanted an author’s note, because I wasn’t aware of the “we are our own law” system Cambridge had in place. I was raging at the misogyny shown by the enforcers of university “laws.” It was also fascinating to learn that university fellows weren’t allowed to marry, which seems like it could have been a holdover from when the only scholars were monks? IDK.

Thanks to the author for the advance review copy.

[Amanda books_ergo_sum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The romance in this novella was great. And the SETTING?? 🥰🥰🥰

Years of pining, they were both in university (yes, her too!), they loved each other’s minds and our guy was so awkward about it. I felt so many feelings about this romance that when they had their first kiss, I cried. And I am not a book crier.

And the setting!! The best historical romance world building I’ve read in a long time. Possibly ever.

Because it was set at Cambridge University at an absolutely bonkers point in its history, the early 1880s. Cambridge fellows like our MMC weren’t allowed to marry (think, priest romance trope), female students like our FMC had to behave like nuns. “Town and Gown” tensions were high, especially since the university had its own private police force and workhouse prison (?!) that would arrest women from the town for even walking near campus—and the town police couldn’t do anything about it.

The book felt simultaneously super sweet and super dangerous. And 0% cartoonish—there was something so human and complicated about the behaviours in this book.

And points for Authors Notes that come with a bibliography, always.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of my favourite historical romances feature characters in roles and situations I never would’ve thought of.

Anne Knight’s novella, Spinning Our Dreams takes place on the campus of Cambridge between tutor, Spencer Bancroft, and aspiring student Faith Burlington.

Sounds like it should be a standard college level teacher student romance, but in 1880 the rules and expectations for educators, students and university staff were much different than we know of today and much stricter! Not only do they have the class difference between them, Faith is an orphan working part time an the campus kitchens, while Spencer is the younger son of a baron, but they also have the university authorities patrolling the campus for any fraternization or vice with the local women.

Spencer thinks that since he is no longer Faith’s tutor, they are safe to attempt a relationship and assisting her with her scholarship application for the girls college of Girton seems like the perfect way to express his interest!

Romance, definitely blooms in between the lines of Faith’s essay as they finally get a chance to get to know each other and experience, a closeness and connection they didn’t have before!

This is such a fun and unique setting for a romance. I learned a lot, and I appreciated the unique element of danger that stood in between this romance that they had to overcome. I also loved how Spencer’s character respects and helps faith pursue her dreams of higher education. This was such a cute couple and a happily ever after that made me so happy!

Anne Knight does an excellent job introducing her characters and immediately creating a connection, drama and story the reader is invested , all within the tight novella format. I highly recommend you add this scholarly pursuit to your historical romance TBR.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This a great little stand alone story from the Duke Street orphanage story that is sweet, sexy, with an endearingly socially awkward hero who has loved the target of his affection from afar for a couple of years.

Spencer Bancroft, a history loving teacher at Cambridge has fallen in love with one of his students, Faith Burlington. He has loved her for years, but has not been able to effectively show his regard. Faith likes Spencer as well, but doesn't know what to make of his awkward conversation and behaviours. But she has a busy life between studying and working to pay for her studies, being a poor orphan. She has lofty goals and aims to work hard to achieve them - to become accepted as a student at the first woman's college at Cambridge. Besides working and studying, she must also be careful to maintain a pristine reputation because of the strict rules and oversight regarding behaviour on campus at Cambridge, especially women's behaviour. She does not want to draw the negative attentions of the campus authorities and risk not just losing her reputation, but her job and chances of being admitted.

Spencer is not just attracted to Faith, he greatly believes in her intelligence and ability to succeed. He knows that a relationship is not likely, as the rules of the school also forbid him from having a relationship and marrying. But he still admires and loves her from afar and is determined to help Faith achieve her goals.

When she realizes his feelings and that she reciprocates, they engage in a steamy but forbidden affair, that is threatened when she also attracts the unwanted attentions of someone of rank, who is abusing his position of authority, who threatens her position and her goals.

A short story that is spicy with very likeable characters and a very interesting background history about women and education at Cambridge and the hoops they had to jump through.

4 stars out of 5

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith, a maid at Cambridge University, dreams of attending Girton College, the first women's college in Cambridge. She devoted her time outside of her job to studying for, and subsequently passing, the entrance exams, but her future education rides on securing a scholarship. Spencer, a fellow at Cambridge and second son of a Baron, has been in love with Faith since the moment they met. But he's also a shy boi with a lot of trouble articulating his strong feelings which lead Faith to believe he may not like her at all. Ope! On top of that, both fellows at Cambridge and students at Girton are forbidden from marrying. After bumping into each other at Girton College, Spencer offers Faith assistance with her scholarship essay. Their covert essay writing sessions uncover that their feelings are, and have been, incredibly mutual, but now they face the daunting task of navigating their future together--if a future is even possible.

Spinning Our Dreams is a part of the Scandalous Daughters of Duke Street series, but can be read as a stand alone. Spencer is shy, pining, coveting the FMC's lost pencil like a treasure, but also willing to plant a facer in her honor. He is a champion of women's education, and admires Faith as much for her beauty as her ambition. Faith is bold yet controlled and willing to do anything to obtain something that cannot be taken away--a higher education. Although their story is short in length, Knight manages to cover an entire host of sociopolitical issues AND an incredibly charming love story at an expert pace.

Come for the sweet romance, stay for the bonkers history of Cambridge University in the late 1800s!

I received an eARC of this novella from the author. All opinions are honest and my own.

[TropeOpera (Shelley) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is nice to read a historical romance that isn't about dukes and ladies of the ton, but rather people who don't have too many financial advantages in life. The FMC is in the serving class and wants to pursue higher education in a time where women can't get education easily. She reluctantly enlists help from a hottie and former teacher, who becomes a protector of sorts (not the "protector" in the mistress kind of way). They develop an attraction really early on. This book is good for people looking for a slower histrom that doesn't focus on the ton.

I received an arc for an honest review

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

Anne Knight’s ''Spinning Our Dreams'' is a worthy entry in the 'Scandalous Daughters of Duke Street' series. Set against the backdrop of Regency-era London, this historical romance brings together all the elements readers have come to expect from the series: passion, intrigue, and vibrant characters. While the book offers an engaging read overall, it does have a few moments where it may not quite meet the expectations set by its predecessors.


Plot & Setting:
"Spinning Our Dreams" follows the story of Lady Eliza, a woman with dreams that go beyond the confines of her aristocratic upbringing. She is determined to carve out a life for herself, free from the expectations of society and family. Eliza’s path crosses with that of Nathaniel, a man with his own secrets and ambitions, and their chemistry sparks from the moment they meet.

The story is set in Regency London, and Knight does a fantastic job of bringing the time period to life. The lavish balls, the societal pressure, and the class divide are all richly depicted. The tension between societal expectations and personal desires forms the crux of the plot, and Knight’s handling of the challenges faced by the characters provides both drama and emotional depth.

Characters:
Lady Eliza is a strong and determined heroine, which is refreshing in a historical romance where women often feel constrained by the norms of the time. Her desire for autonomy and a life beyond marriage is both relatable and empowering. She’s smart, resourceful, and has a good sense of humor, making her a character readers will root for.

Nathaniel, the hero, is complex and multifaceted. He is both charming and mysterious, with a tragic past that informs his actions throughout the story. His character arc is compelling, as he wrestles with his personal demons while trying to navigate his relationship with Eliza. However, at times, his motivations feel a bit murky, which can be frustrating for readers who prefer more clarity in the hero’s internal struggles.

The romance between Eliza and Nathaniel develops slowly but steadily, with a mix of tension, trust issues, and undeniable attraction. While their chemistry is strong, their relationship occasionally feels drawn out, with the will-they-won’t-they dynamic lingering just a bit too long. Still, the emotional payoff when they finally come together is worth the wait.

Writing Style/Pattern:
Anne Knight’s writing is fluid and engaging, with an ability to evoke the setting and time period with subtle elegance. She weaves in historical details that enrich the story without overwhelming the reader. Her dialogue is sharp and often laced with wit, especially in the interactions between Eliza and Nathaniel. The pacing of the book is generally good, but as mentioned earlier, there are a few moments where the plot feels a little stretched.

One of the standout aspects of Knight’s writing is her ability to create tension, both in the romantic and the dramatic plotlines. The stakes feel real, whether it’s societal expectations or personal hurdles the characters must overcome.

Themes:
At its core, it is a story about ambition, self-discovery and love. Eliza’s journey is one of personal growth, as she challenges the limitations placed on her by her family and society. Her dreams of a different life and the courage to pursue them are empowering. Nathaniel’s arc, focused on redemption and forgiveness, complements Eliza’s, and together, they form a partnership based on mutual respect and shared dreams.

The themes of love, sacrifice, and social mobility are well-executed, and the story provides insightful commentary on the struggles women of the time faced when it came to balancing personal desires with societal expectations.

My Final Thoughts:
It is a solid addition to the 'Scandalous Daughters of Duke Street' series. Anne Knight delivers a heartfelt and satisfying romance with a strong, relatable heroine and a tortured but ultimately redeemable hero. The book’s strengths lie in its well-crafted historical setting, complex characters, and the emotional depth of the romance.

However, the slow burn of the relationship, particularly in the middle of the book, may leave some readers wishing for more forward momentum in the plot. Additionally, while Eliza and Nathaniel’s chemistry is undeniable, their individual struggles could have been explored more thoroughly to provide a clearer path toward resolution.

Overall, it is a delightful read for fans of historical romance, especially those who enjoy a heroine with agency and a hero who needs to earn his redemption. It may not be perfect, but it’s an engaging and emotional journey that will keep readers invested until the very end.

For a 4.0/5.0, it is a well-written, engaging historical romance with memorable characters and an empowering storyline, though at times a bit drawn out in its pacing.

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three days... and then forevermore

Faith & Spencer
She’s a London orphan whose life in service landed her in Cambridge where she’s working towards attending Girton College. Having passed the entry exams, she knows she’ll need a full scholarship and that requires an essay... in two days... while working fulltime in the King’s College kitchens... However will she manage?
And that’s where he comes in: a baron’s second son, fellow at Cambridge, firm believer in women’s education and her secret admirer since their paths first crossed. Awkward and shy, he has no clue about seduction, but helping her with an essay? That he can do! Little does he know; she fancies him as well...

Faith is one smart and determined lady, and Spencer is the most adorably nerdy klutz. He’s steadfast, kept her half-eaten pencil and always always insists on making her tea.
Their first kiss is perfection! They do land between the sheets in a jiffy, but they have known each other for two years, and neither of them is innocent. She may have completely misread his attempts at wooing, but once lightning strikes, she’s all in. And so is he; that robe hides one passionate professor! [swoon]

This novella gave me all the feels; a marvellous, captivating and original read!
And as a bonus, this story is filled with tons of fascinating historical detail. Not only was their relationship strictly forbidden - teachers couldn’t “walk out” with students, and neither fellows nor female students were allowed to marry - but Cambridge University came with its own corrupt misogynist ‘bulldogs’, their very own laws and a women’s workhouse prison.
It’s a seedier side that isn’t often shown, and I loved discovering it!

[triviareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short, sweet novella with true working class rep and and a unique setting in Victorian-era Cambridge University.

Spencer and Faith have been dancing around each other for a couple years; she's a servant at Girton College but dreams of attending, and he's a Fellow (does research, and teaches on the side... I think) who once taught her. Neither of them realize the the other's attraction due to miscommunication and class stuff. BUT there is one more obstacle: Fellows are not allowed to marry, and neither are female college students attending the new women's college..... and Faith just got in. Cue a forbidden romance— lots of sneaking around and commandeering a pal's fuckpad for both academic and not-so-academic pursuits. Spencer is a hero on the sweeter end of things and charmingly chivalric— though not without a stern edge (and a proclivity for filching his crush's personal items), and I loved Faith's pragmatic approach to life even as she continues to push boundaries.

I also really enjoyed how Anne Knight made Cambridge a world unto itself— which reflects how it actually was back in the day apparently, like they had their own legal system, cops, and proctors to help govern the "morality" of the place. Heads up, there is a sexual harassment/assault subplot due to this system in place.

The sex:

Oh... we love two half-virgins figuring things out real quick. The sex is tender but thorough— standout moment was when a new professor kink was unlocked within both of them :D

Also! I always appreciate the birth control rep, in this case a sponge, which I rarely see used in historicals.

Thank you to Anne Knight for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4/5
Heat Level: 3.25/5
Publication Date: February 4th

[Milly and Mac Dashwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith Burlington is an admirable, young, working-class woman. Orphaned at an early age, Faith has been working in Cambridge’s kitchens while she strives for an education. Upon receiving her acceptance into the women’s college, Faith realizes that her literature tutor, Spencer Bancroft, treats her with distance due to his… non-distant feelings. A baron’s son, Spencer loves his work as a medieval scholar and literature tutor, and he has accepted that he must sacrifice his love for Faith so that she can fulfill her dreams. However, when he discovers her mutual affection, he is unable to hide or suppress his desire anymore.

There are so many aspects of this story I adored, and one is Spencer’s dynamic character. At first glance, he is reserved and respectful, and while he remains respectful, he doesn’t remain reserved. I loved how he took charge and asserted himself in order to protect and pleasure Faith. This added dimension in character also shows him as an active pursuer in the moments of intimacy, giving these scenes seasoning and memorability.

Faith is also a memorable, multifaceted character. Knight gives such a compelling portrayal of the crux of being a working class person trying to get an education in this era. Knight’s research efforts are evident, and it is certainly eye-opening to discover the traps and persecutions that female academics faced.

Because of Spencer’s academic work, Knight sprinkles medieval allusions throughout, and I especially appreciated the parallels she makes to Abelard and Heloise. These give the book an additional richness and distinctiveness. I can see so many readers loving this accessible and engaging book. If you love a sweet, protective hero, teacher tropes, working class heroines, or medieval literature, you should absolutely download this unique read!

Please note that I received this book as an ARC from the author. All of the previous opinions are mine alone. Thanks to Anne Knight for the great escape!

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 I enjoyed this novella and found the story heartwarming and triumphant. Spencer and Faith were lovable and once they overcame misconstrued feelings, they were fighting against the system for their HEA.

Spencer is not a ladies man and is awkward and shy around Faith in the beginning. It immediately endeared me to him and loved how his confidence grew throughout story.

Faith is aware of her position and how she grew up. She was humble and while sometimes needed a confidence boost, she was also assertive in knowing what she wanted to achieve. I liked this the most about her.

I really found the setting and plot interesting and appreciated the focus on the different challenges the heroine (especially one of no familial support and working class) faced in women’s education during this time. The history and research of these elements added to the richness of the story and was worked into the story well.

The class difference and the rules at Cambridge surrounding Faith and Spencer all added to the forbidden narrative. It drew me in and had me rooting for the MC all while wondering how they’d be able to find their HEA.

This was a new to me author and I enjoyed her writing and the pacing of the story. I look forward to reading more of her work.

Spinning Our Dreams is the fifth book in the Scandalous Daughter of Duke Street series where each story features a FMC from an orphanage. This can be read as a standalone.

There are three open door encounters that I found steamy. And found caught myself giggling on a “Yes, professor.”

I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a different and very romantic story. Faith was raised in an orphanage, and now at the age of twenty-four, is working in the kitchen at Cambridge University. She has a great desire to learn and has not only taken some classes, but applied for entry i to a woman’s college. Spencer Bancroft is the thirty-one year old second son of a baron and a professor at Cambridge. For him, it was love at first sight, and now two years later he actually manages to let Faith know how he feels about her. The problem is that Cambridge professors are not allowed to marry, nor are the women who attend Girton College, where Faith jas applied. Add to that the lecherous and power hungry Pro-proctor Williamson, the Bulldogs (a special constabulary run by the proctors), a college that makes up its own laws, a class differential, a university owned women’s jail and false accusations; and you have a story where a besotted couple is forced into clandestine meetings and a long wait for marriage. Spencer is a stand-up guy who is fiercely loyal and loves Faith enough to fight for her, protect her, and support her goals even if that means his have to wait. Faith is a strong woman who wants to improve herself and further educational opportunities for the female sex. Together, they are adorable and formidable. There are a few terrifying moments, and a reminder of how vulnerable women actually were during that time period, but Spencer and his love prevails and the ending becomes a happy beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Love

I thoroughly enjoyed this slow-burn class disparity, forbidden love story set in late nineteenth century Cambridge University. The plot is very well written and full of very interesting historical tidbits about life in Cambridge (I recommend reading the author’s notes as well), emotion, a touch of suspense and a few steamy love scenes. The characters are very likable. Spencer is a lovesick, slightly awkward cinnamon roll hero and Faith is a modern, determined woman who wants to make her way. I loved the chemistry between the two and how Spencer supported Faith to pursue her dreams.

For two years, Cambridge tutor Spencer Bancroft has been secretly in love with his former pupil and kitchen maid Faith Burlington, but he's always awkward and shy around her.
Faith, a former Duke Street orphan, works in the kitchen at King's College and wants to study at Girton College.
When the otherwise reserved Spencer offers to help her with her application for a scholarship for Girton, she gladly accepts and the two quickly become close. But they have to keep their relationship a secret, as it is dangerous for their careers. Neither fellows nor students are allowed to marry due to the strict rules of the university and the moral guardians also must not find out about their illicit relationship...

All in all, a heart-warming story with endearing protagonists and many obstacles on the way to their happy ending, which I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Jess (JustMaybePerfect) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spinning Our Dreams is new novella (part of the Scandalous Daughters of Duke Street collab) out February 4, 2025.

Spencer is the son of a baron and a tutor at Cambridge. Faith is a servant and part time student at Cambridge working for admittance to one of the women’s colleges.

He’s been pining for YEARS. He’s a keepsakes guy, memories and a pencil. She can’t figure him out but she’s intrigued. When Spencer gets the opportunity to help her with a scholarship application he jumps at it. As they work together, chat, laugh, debate, eat, and flirt, Faith finally gets the chance to know Spencer. And she likes him, a lot. But, relationships for women students are ruinous, tutors can’t marry, and there’s a band of private enforcement officers and a few Cambridge leaders making life nearly impossible for young women in town. While Spencer and Faith take the next (romantic, sexy, and sweet) steps in their courtship, they must battle for her dreams of education and against misogynists, and manage their mutual inability to stay away from each other.

The breadth of of issues Knight addresses: sexism; class differences; contraception; careers; fairness in education; sex work; police and prison reform; grief; loss; abandonment; and more- without overwhelming what is ultimately a quick (short and the bulk of the book happens in less than a week) gentle, cozy, and very happy love story- is impressive.

Thanks to Knight for an #ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Yasmin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a novel set in the 1820s and I was hooked all the way through. The way Anne Knight was able to incorporate true historical facts and landmarks in this novel made it so much better for me ! This is a love story between two people, who during this time period weren’t allowed to talk to each other or even date them. We meet Faith, who is a servant that works at King’s College, who has big dreams of going to school. And we meet Spencer, or should I say Fellow Bancroft, who works at King’s College and used to teach Faith’s class. When Spencer first saw Faith, he knew she was the one. And since then, he has tried to build the courage to ask her out.

On the other hand, Faith doesn’t know Fellowship Bancroft’s true intentions with her and consistently plays it safe whenever she talks to him. In her mind, why would the son of a baron even look her way. Whereas, Spencer thinks he is too shy and awkward to win her love. The journey they both go through to acknowledge their emotions and fess up to what they feel keeps you on the edge of your seat 🙂‍↕️ Anne Knight’s writing style is impeccable, concise and descriptive for us to understand what is going on at all times.

[Gylene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faith Burlington is a maid at Cambridge and has dreams of attending Girton College for women. Spencer Bancroft is a tutor at Cambridge and has been in love with Faith, but knows that they can not be together.

I felt that Spencer and Faith’s story was very awkward and did not feel like they had any real connection. The first part of the book was their very awkwardness way of not knowing that either one felt the same way about each other. Then we move to they finally realize that they both felt the same way only to find that they can’t possibly be together since he is a fellow and she wants to attend the women’s college. Neither one can be married. Then towards the very end magically they find a way to be together, but they have to wait three more years to marry so Faith can attend and finish college. At times I felt like I was reading a tragic love story and I could not connect with the book or either of the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta have Faith - An orphan / servant and a baron's son were never supposed to fall in love. But that's exactly what happened for Faith and Spencer. He'd always cared for her but was too shy to act. Plus the school frowned upon intermingling between its staff and students, society upon the mixing of classes. His offer of aid allowed them an opportunity to commune away from the watchful eyes of those who would scorn their relationship. The forked tongue of a scoundrel threatened their happiness, placing Faith in a bind from which their was no obvious escape. Spencer's quick thinking saved the day and he finally claimed his Faith. A hard-won love if there ever was such.

I enjoyed the story overall but I did get miffed at the misogyny and hypocrisy. The females were the only parties punished for "enticing" the males away from their studies and duties. I did enjoy the villain's comeuppance though. He had way more than three fingers pointing back at him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rixxyreadsss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this in one sitting. This was so so good and so romantic! The setting was so unique. Loved the mutual pining, steamy times and the focus on women's education. Just all the good stuff. I also loved how much research the author really went through, I know it's a lot and I did loved discovering more about women's education and universities, their struggles and how they finally earned their place in the institution that so adamantly rejected them.

However, My favorite would always be the shy, bumbling, kind mmc and the bold, courageous, hardworking fmc. They just complemented one another so well. They really fit like a glove, both academicians and I just loved that they are both intellectuals and that the MMC did treat her as his equal, most especially equal in their intellect. He knows this and was just so supportive to the FMC. Oh, my Spencer was such a man, probably one of the best book boyfriends ever in my list! Such a nice, quick read.

The forbidden aspect really kept me hooked to the story and that ending! Oh, that ending was just fluff, cute and swoony. Loved that.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, romance, love, friends, villains, twists and steam. Spencer is the second son and chooses to become an educator. His love for teaching is strong and gets him to be a Fellow. Faith was his student and now is working at King's while she works on getting her certificate. As a women she can't graduate but only receive a certificate from a college. When Faith was his student was when Spencer fell in love with her but couldn't tell her. He has kept up with her over the years till he realizes she is trying to enter Girton on a full scholarship. Together they work on her essay plus have some heated moments together. While doing so they have some very heated moments together. Add in Williamson and that he tries to destroy her and you have an exceptional story. Glad to see they get their happily ever after. Would strongly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mem DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance novella about Spencer, a Barron’s son and Faith, a maid and orphan.
I initially struggled in the first part of the book to connect the time lines and occurrences of Spencer and Faith’s encounters and to discover Spencer’s real character. However, there was a turning point a short way in where it pulled together and from there I was absorbed by the story and the development of the characters and their relationship.

I found Spencer’s character to be charming and refreshing and Faith was a nice balance of strong FMC without being obnoxious but also vulnerable without being needy.
I really enjoyed this author’s writing style and the novella even though this is not my typical romance genre.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Sri · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I would do anything to have you except clip your wings.”

I loved the unique characters and historical setting of Cambridge and Faith’s journey to get into Girton College. The academic details of this really tickle my fancy, as an academic myself. Anne builds the chemistry quickly yet believably, and adorably, too. I love how self-conscious and full of pining Spencer is, so keen to do the right thing. And Faith is a very strong heroine you want to root for. There are so many lovely pieces of prose I’ve highlighted. And I love the way both Spencer and Faith notice the little things about each other, all the simple everyday gestures that mean so much more because of class differences. It’s a beautifully tender and sexy story, highly recommend reading this one for a historical that goes beyond the ballroom in the best way.

[Ms. Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance full of pining and longing and misunderstandings. Spencer, shy and awkward around women, fell in love with Faith two years ago but she is a maid and also a student in his remedial classes. When he tried to ask her to tea, Faith thinks he is joking because why would he ever be interested in her? Marriage for fellows is not allowed and Faith is trying to get into Girton College, throw in class differences and misogynistic practices any kind of relationship seems impossible.

When Spencer offers to help Faith with her scholarship essay, they quickly find out about each other’s lives, thoughts, and feelings. They begin a physical relationship but have to keep it secret. We get a HEA in a flash forward which works well in this novella.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book by Knight where she manages to pack in novel length story into a novella size read.

Love the way Knight pitted Faith and Spencer’s romance against Victorian era academia (with a side sexism). I wasn’t surprised to learn that in 1800’s Cambridge’s hypocrisy let women study but not actually graduate with a degree. But it was still very fascinating to learn just how brutal the academia system got with their policing women’s body’s, behavior, and legitimacy. But like they say “love conquers all,” and their romance and HEA was like a rebellion against this oppression and kind of felt like middle finger to the patriarchy. It was very satisfying. Very unique. Very refreshing.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical romance delivers both heart and substance. Spencer Bancroft, the awkward but earnest Cambridge tutor, and Faith Burlington, a bright working-class woman determined to break into the all-male halls of academia, are an unlikely but irresistible pair. Their love story simmers quietly beneath layers of social tension, unspoken longing, and the rigid rules of the late 19th-century university system.

The novel shines in its emotional restraint—Spencer’s quiet devotion is heartbreakingly sweet, and Faith’s courage in the face of systemic injustice is compelling. Their bond builds slowly, thoughtfully, with the kind of yearning that makes you ache for a happy ending.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer was a baron's son, an educator,and was painfully shy and awkward. It almost hurt to read how shy he was. He secretly pined for two years for Faith, a previous student. Faith was an orphan with a hunger to learn. She worked so hard for the chance

"to learn above her station " and it paid off. With the class distinction of that day how could the couple be free to be together?? Can they both skirt the obstacles that try to keep them apart? This was a Cinderella story with a wonderful hero to rescue her. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Anne Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book was fun to write-- a shy man pining after the girl who stole his heart two years ago. The struggle for women's equal rights in higher education, the power dynamics between Cambridge university and Cambridge town.

I hope you love Faith and Spencer as much as I do! They are a sweet pair that bumbled their way toward a happily ever after and then grew confident enough to snatch it up.

[Marie Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne has given us a sweet romance intertwined with a fascinating glimpse into the history of Cambridge University and how they perceived women.

Spinning our dreams is a well written compelling read; Anne is a gifted storyteller.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes on a lot of social issues of the 1880’s - class differences; careers; fairness in education; prison reform, etc. The hero seems a little awkward which is enduring and due to his job he isn’t allowed to marry. The heroine wants a college education. It was an interesting read with lots of issues raised.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating and beautifully written novella that tells the tale of an orphan and a second son of a Baron and their goals to succeed in life and how they come to meet. I enjoyed how, despite so many obstacles along the way, such as a class difference, a beautiful love overcomes all. I thought the ending was delightful. I highly recommend reading!

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is steeped in historical details which provide excellent context and support the drama. There is a great deal of character growth and romantic development for a shorter format. Excellent exploration of women's education on a personal level.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.