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The Academy of Love #7
The Etiquette of Love
Lady Winifred, the young Dowager Countess of Sedgewick, has already had one husband.
She doesn't want another.
And if Freddie ever did change her mind on the matter, she most certainly would not marry a ruthless, dominating, and heartless block of ice like the Duke of Plimpton.
The Duke of Plimpton has already had one wife who did not love, or even like, him.
Unfortunately, it seems he will have to take another.
After conducting a dispassionate, meticulous, and thorough examination of the pool of possible duchesses, there is only one real candidate for Plimpton, and that is Lady Winifred Sedgewick.
The fact that she loathes and despises him is irrelevant.
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object either one of them has to give or they both risk their own destruction.
Or is there a third option?
This is the super steamy, enemies-to-lovers conclusion of THE ACADEMY OF LOVE series. Pre-order your copy today!
She doesn't want another.
And if Freddie ever did change her mind on the matter, she most certainly would not marry a ruthless, dominating, and heartless block of ice like the Duke of Plimpton.
The Duke of Plimpton has already had one wife who did not love, or even like, him.
Unfortunately, it seems he will have to take another.
After conducting a dispassionate, meticulous, and thorough examination of the pool of possible duchesses, there is only one real candidate for Plimpton, and that is Lady Winifred Sedgewick.
The fact that she loathes and despises him is irrelevant.
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object either one of them has to give or they both risk their own destruction.
Or is there a third option?
This is the super steamy, enemies-to-lovers conclusion of THE ACADEMY OF LOVE series. Pre-order your copy today!
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2025
94 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Spencer
65 books1,749 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 32 reviews
December 1, 2025
4.5 very romantic ⭐️
This was a sexy and romantic surprise!
Winnifred’s parents are dead and she lives with her older brother, an Earl and his very beautiful but conniving wife. Her brother is completely derelict of his responsibility for her, and his wife marries Winnifred off, to her cousin, another Earl at the age of 17, before her first season. It’s his 2 marriage and he is quite older with a terrible reputation. Still her brother is fine with it.
Her marriage is brutal and cruel, and years go by, but Winnifred’s husband eventually dies in an accident and she is now a merry, but poor widow.
She suffered tremendous trauma, physical and mental abuse by him, and she never wants to be owned by a man again. She refuses to move back to her brother’s house.
Her brother doesn’t take care of her financially because of this, and she struggles to make a living. And honestly she has been done dirty by all the men in her life. Her whole life she has been without agency to change anything until now.
However the Duke of Plimpton, her brothers friend has his eyes on her…
He wants her, he wants everything from her, and will stop at nothing to get her. She is hard to catch, but he will not back down. The tension between them was 🙌 and he understands her trauma and tries to build her back up.
The relationship build up, was really well done, I could feel Winnifreds barriers slowly break down and how Wyndham, the Duke, built trust between them with the loveliest little gestures. But he is not an easy man to love and although he wants her, it’s hard for him to express the vulnerability she needs to feels safe and not loose her freedom. This story is the sweetest romance between two lost souls finally finding the love they deserve.
Yes it’s very steamy, erotic even.
Should you read it? Yes absolutely
Ps. Why not 5 ⭐️because it’s another story with a huge gallery of characters, and it felt like too much at times. Also sex in the epilogue 🤦♀️
This was a sexy and romantic surprise!
Winnifred’s parents are dead and she lives with her older brother, an Earl and his very beautiful but conniving wife. Her brother is completely derelict of his responsibility for her, and his wife marries Winnifred off, to her cousin, another Earl at the age of 17, before her first season. It’s his 2 marriage and he is quite older with a terrible reputation. Still her brother is fine with it.
Her marriage is brutal and cruel, and years go by, but Winnifred’s husband eventually dies in an accident and she is now a merry, but poor widow.
She suffered tremendous trauma, physical and mental abuse by him, and she never wants to be owned by a man again. She refuses to move back to her brother’s house.
Her brother doesn’t take care of her financially because of this, and she struggles to make a living. And honestly she has been done dirty by all the men in her life. Her whole life she has been without agency to change anything until now.
However the Duke of Plimpton, her brothers friend has his eyes on her…
He wants her, he wants everything from her, and will stop at nothing to get her. She is hard to catch, but he will not back down. The tension between them was 🙌 and he understands her trauma and tries to build her back up.
The relationship build up, was really well done, I could feel Winnifreds barriers slowly break down and how Wyndham, the Duke, built trust between them with the loveliest little gestures. But he is not an easy man to love and although he wants her, it’s hard for him to express the vulnerability she needs to feels safe and not loose her freedom. This story is the sweetest romance between two lost souls finally finding the love they deserve.
Yes it’s very steamy, erotic even.
Should you read it? Yes absolutely
Ps. Why not 5 ⭐️because it’s another story with a huge gallery of characters, and it felt like too much at times. Also sex in the epilogue 🤦♀️
March 7, 2025
Duke Plimpton is a little krusty with a gooey sweet emotional inside. Freddie is the caretaker who finally finds rest and respite with her Duke. Very heartfelt story with hilarious moments. I almost was saddened that Spencer-esque absurdity was missing. But then the epilogue offered a full on character party complete with bumping prego bellies bhahahhaa 🤭👻
February 28, 2025
Minerva Spencer is just such a comfort read for me. This was low angst — the kind of book where the couple just gets a lot of time together — and I appreciated that we got to just linger in their story.
March 20, 2025
Wyndham Fairchild, Duke of Plimpton, spent twenty years of marriage in heartache and pain. Now a widower, he watches Lady Winifred and calculates his moves to seduce and marry her. Known as THE ICE COUNTESS, Lady Winifred has no desire to remarry after an abusive marriage. She's very aware of the duke, but rebuffs his advances. He won't give up. With her brother accused of murder twelve years ago, getting close to the duke may help find the real murderer, if she doesn't get burned first. It's definitely HOT!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
An age gap, EROTIC romance with reference to abuse.
I recommend reading this in order. Series with cross over characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
An age gap, EROTIC romance with reference to abuse.
I recommend reading this in order. Series with cross over characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
March 2, 2025
S.M. LaViolette (aka Minerva Spencer) is another of my favorite authors. I have been reading her books since 2021 and I have read 38 of her books as both Minerva Spencer and S.M. LaViolette. I have really loved this series.
This book had so much depth. Not only in the characters but with the story itself. There was so much detail but not the boring kind 😊. This whole book had be from the beginning. It had so much angst and curiosity. Just so good. I loved Winifred and Freddie. Their personalities were stubborn but vulnerable. Just a great overall read. It gave me all the feels. I will be adding this book to my favorite reads list for March.
This book had so much depth. Not only in the characters but with the story itself. There was so much detail but not the boring kind 😊. This whole book had be from the beginning. It had so much angst and curiosity. Just so good. I loved Winifred and Freddie. Their personalities were stubborn but vulnerable. Just a great overall read. It gave me all the feels. I will be adding this book to my favorite reads list for March.
March 6, 2025
My queen Freddie deserves so much better... this author only writes 5 and 1 star books... it's so weird lol fuck everyone in this book honestly. Justice for Freddie
April 15, 2025
What a sweet story. I just loved it. I was disappointed in Dancing with Love. As much as I love this author and this series I didn’t feel like she did Miles justice. Somehow I missed The Story of Love. I don’t like Lorelei but I’ve got to read her book. I was really looking forward to Freddy’s story and it is worth the wait. Freddy has been a lynch pin to the series but we’ve known little about her other than she’s independent, practical, does beautiful embroidery, and has sworn off men because her first marriage was so traumatic. Plimpton has been the bad guy in previous books. I expected that getting the two of them together would be oil and water, but she’s done something unexpected with these two that I just loved. Plus they are super sexy together. My goodness gracious. As always there is a character with a disability which she writes so beautifully. We have to wait a good while for the next book, but that gives me time to reread the series and all her books I haven’t read yet. I just started this series in March and I already want to read it again. Same with The Bellamy Sisters. Don’t miss the Author’s Note at the back. It’s great!
July 14, 2025
4.5/5 The last of the friends and former teachers at the Stefani Academy for Young Girls finally gets her HEA. This book happened to be exactly what I was wanting when I picked it up. Not too heavy but not over the top fluffy either.
Freddie was introduced earlier in the series but had remained a mystery even to her friends. Her secrets are slowly revealed to Plimpton, most are heartbreaking and infuriating but they all show the depth and strength of her character.
Plimpton was also introduced in a prior book and while’s it’s been some time since I first read about him, I remember him not being shone in a great light. And I thought a name like Plimpton was suitable for a villain (it reminded me of pimples). I wouldn’t say this is a villain redemption story as his Duke character is reflected as an alpha hero in his arrogant and high-handed behavior. And yet, I liked him. It’s not something I want to read all the time but it was enjoyable for the mood I was in. He also had enough redeeming qualities and matched well with Freddie and what she wanted that it worked.
I was glad that while Freddie and her brother, Wareham, reconciled he was chauvinistic. But Plimpton’s feelings were different from his friend’s and while he’s high-handed seemed to stem more from his ducal upbringing than a superiority of women.
They’ve both been widowed and both experienced dismal first marriages, so there’s lots of comparisons between what they’re feeling and their expectations this time. Leaving room for lots of internal growth. It’s mainly character driven but there is an underlying plot regarding her half brother.
I appreciated the author’s note and her discussion of Miranda’s character. She also mentioned which actors she’d cast for Freddie (January Jones in Mad Men/X-Men) and Plimpton (Rufus Swell in A Knight’s Tale). Now I can’t quit imagining Rufus as Plimpton. Not only I agree and would love to see this but I think I love his character more now.
This one ranks as one of my favorites of the series.
The Etiquette of Love is the seventh book in the Academy of Love series. I recommend reading the other books in the series prior to this one.
There are four encounters and a fade to black. The steam level was a bit higher than mid steam with the scenes having a light variety of kinks.
Freddie was introduced earlier in the series but had remained a mystery even to her friends. Her secrets are slowly revealed to Plimpton, most are heartbreaking and infuriating but they all show the depth and strength of her character.
Plimpton was also introduced in a prior book and while’s it’s been some time since I first read about him, I remember him not being shone in a great light. And I thought a name like Plimpton was suitable for a villain (it reminded me of pimples). I wouldn’t say this is a villain redemption story as his Duke character is reflected as an alpha hero in his arrogant and high-handed behavior. And yet, I liked him. It’s not something I want to read all the time but it was enjoyable for the mood I was in. He also had enough redeeming qualities and matched well with Freddie and what she wanted that it worked.
I was glad that while Freddie and her brother, Wareham, reconciled he was chauvinistic. But Plimpton’s feelings were different from his friend’s and while he’s high-handed seemed to stem more from his ducal upbringing than a superiority of women.
They’ve both been widowed and both experienced dismal first marriages, so there’s lots of comparisons between what they’re feeling and their expectations this time. Leaving room for lots of internal growth. It’s mainly character driven but there is an underlying plot regarding her half brother.
I appreciated the author’s note and her discussion of Miranda’s character. She also mentioned which actors she’d cast for Freddie (January Jones in Mad Men/X-Men) and Plimpton (Rufus Swell in A Knight’s Tale). Now I can’t quit imagining Rufus as Plimpton. Not only I agree and would love to see this but I think I love his character more now.
This one ranks as one of my favorites of the series.
The Etiquette of Love is the seventh book in the Academy of Love series. I recommend reading the other books in the series prior to this one.
There are four encounters and a fade to black. The steam level was a bit higher than mid steam with the scenes having a light variety of kinks.
February 27, 2025
Lady Winifred, the young Dowager Countess of Sedgewick, has already had one husband. She doesn't want another. The Duke of Plimpton has already had one wife who did not love, or even like, him. Unfortunately, it seems he will have to take another & there is only one real candidate for Plimpton, and that is Lady Winifred Sedgewick. The fact that she loathes and despises him is irrelevant.
The seventh book in the series & yes it’s the story I’ve been waiting for. I’ve loved Winifred aka Freddie, aka the Ice Countess throughout the series & loved, loved how Wyndham saw & then released her passionate nature. I also loved the Duke who was definitely Plimpton to everyone but Winifred & then he was Wyndham. A beautiful love story, which ticked all the boxes for me – strong characters, a well paced story, witty banter & sizzling chemistry. The epilogue beings all the characters together & was the icing on the cake
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The seventh book in the series & yes it’s the story I’ve been waiting for. I’ve loved Winifred aka Freddie, aka the Ice Countess throughout the series & loved, loved how Wyndham saw & then released her passionate nature. I also loved the Duke who was definitely Plimpton to everyone but Winifred & then he was Wyndham. A beautiful love story, which ticked all the boxes for me – strong characters, a well paced story, witty banter & sizzling chemistry. The epilogue beings all the characters together & was the icing on the cake
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
March 4, 2025
This story was long awaited. Winnifred is known as ice countess. She is a brave woman who has endured much in life. She had to marry against her wishes under the pressure of her wicked sister in law.
Her marriage was unpleasant and unhappy.
After she is widowed, she decides to live on her own terms.
The Duke of Plimpton also has an unhappy marriage. He is attracted to Freddie who is also his oldest friend's sister.
She dispies him greatly but that does not deter Plimpton.
They finally have their HEA after many twists and turns.
The author does a commendable job in creating strong independent female characters with a lot of backbone.
Their chemistry was good .
The only complaint I have is of the story's pace. Sometimes it was a little slow.
Overall a good read.
Her marriage was unpleasant and unhappy.
After she is widowed, she decides to live on her own terms.
The Duke of Plimpton also has an unhappy marriage. He is attracted to Freddie who is also his oldest friend's sister.
She dispies him greatly but that does not deter Plimpton.
They finally have their HEA after many twists and turns.
The author does a commendable job in creating strong independent female characters with a lot of backbone.
Their chemistry was good .
The only complaint I have is of the story's pace. Sometimes it was a little slow.
Overall a good read.
March 30, 2025
Finally, Freddie gets her story and the Duke of Plimpton is back!
Freddie and Plimpton have both been married before. Not happily by any stretch. They find themselves together after Freddie's estranged brother has an accident and is summoned by her brother's best friend who just happens to be the Duke! After one spicy encounter in lakeside cottage Freddie avoids Plimpton as she does not want to reveal her secrets to him. Being a stubborn duke Plimpton is determined to unearth her secrets and marry her.
Their banter is witty and they are both hiding their true selves from the world. I enjoyed how different they were with each other (especially Plimpton) compared to their public personas. A slow burn between the two MCs but plenty of story to keep it flowing nicely.
Freddie and Plimpton have both been married before. Not happily by any stretch. They find themselves together after Freddie's estranged brother has an accident and is summoned by her brother's best friend who just happens to be the Duke! After one spicy encounter in lakeside cottage Freddie avoids Plimpton as she does not want to reveal her secrets to him. Being a stubborn duke Plimpton is determined to unearth her secrets and marry her.
Their banter is witty and they are both hiding their true selves from the world. I enjoyed how different they were with each other (especially Plimpton) compared to their public personas. A slow burn between the two MCs but plenty of story to keep it flowing nicely.
March 2, 2025
Exceeds expectations
I have been looking forward to this story since 'A Portait of Love' because the glimpses of these two characters in the previous books in the series were so compelling
- and I was a little afraid that I'd end up disappointed. I should've known better. I adored Wyndham and Winifred, and watching these two characters, choosing to trust each other, was entirely worth the wait. The only disappointment I suffered was when I hit the 51% mark and realized I was already half finished. So, the author's note promising an additional book in the series just added to my delight.
I have been looking forward to this story since 'A Portait of Love' because the glimpses of these two characters in the previous books in the series were so compelling
- and I was a little afraid that I'd end up disappointed. I should've known better. I adored Wyndham and Winifred, and watching these two characters, choosing to trust each other, was entirely worth the wait. The only disappointment I suffered was when I hit the 51% mark and realized I was already half finished. So, the author's note promising an additional book in the series just added to my delight.
March 1, 2025
I love Minerva Spencer’s writing. It is such a delightful mix of eloquence and amazingly diverse vocabulary and the kind of book you devour in hours. The spice level is always deliciously hot. I have a small “but” for this one and maybe it is because I was looking forward to this book since I read Honey and Simon’s story. I was hoping for more interaction with Plimpton’s family and the story felt a little rushed to me, with not enough time spent on main drama points, which unraveled well but very quickly. Still, a fantastic read!
July 18, 2025
This is a delightful book. Freddie has been a wonderful supporting character in the other stories and now in her own book she comes out of her shell and gets to enjoy life to the full. The Duke of Plimpton, who is portrayed as a cold, calculating, autocratic man is allowed to become a more rounded character worthy of Winifred.
The plot is well crafted and although each character carries scars from previous marriages the level of angst and drama is less than previous books in the series.
The plot is well crafted and although each character carries scars from previous marriages the level of angst and drama is less than previous books in the series.
February 26, 2025
At long last… Freddie’s story! I loved this one. Freddie had always been the prim and proper one of the group so to read her story and watch the drama unfold was very satisfying! Love that we will get more of this group, but not soon enough for me!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 30, 2025
I love that these two icy, proper people are the ones who got together. The ending conflict seemed unnecessary but I appreciate the effort for plot. She needs another Xmas book like A Very Bellamy Christmas to reunite everyone! We so rarely got to see them interact and she did such a lovely job with the Bellamy Christmas! More ensemble stories please!!
March 9, 2025
Etiquette of Love
This another book by Minerva that I thoroughly enjoyed. Freddie and the Duke have been hurt in the past, but find true with each other. No matter that Freddie was trying to avoid losing her freedom again.
This another book by Minerva that I thoroughly enjoyed. Freddie and the Duke have been hurt in the past, but find true with each other. No matter that Freddie was trying to avoid losing her freedom again.
April 2, 2025
Book 7 in the Academy of Love series. Her reads are always enjoyable. The women are strong and independent. They work hard to provide for themselves and loved ones in a time when women were owned by men
April 15, 2025
Very low angst minor plot romance. Also Freddie and Poin-whatever are two of the blandest most represessed characters in the whole series. They never have much personality in the other books and don't have much in their own.
August 5, 2025
lots of well structured information from several different experiences.
I read the book in one day because it’s an interesting explanation of numerous lifestyles from both women and men and many different lifestyles.
I read the book in one day because it’s an interesting explanation of numerous lifestyles from both women and men and many different lifestyles.
February 28, 2025
This book was a surprise. The good kind.
Read
March 1, 2025HIS FIRST NAME IS WYNDHAM
March 6, 2025
well done! excellent work
Great story with well developed characters & plot. I enjoyed it .
There was depth and spirit & some mystery & laughs. Enjoy it - well done.
Great story with well developed characters & plot. I enjoyed it .
There was depth and spirit & some mystery & laughs. Enjoy it - well done.
March 13, 2025
O m G beautiful you did save the best for last
March 25, 2025
DNF somewhere in the first 30% of the book. Just about every male character in this book sucked a** and Freddie deserved better. This was a definite miss for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
The 7th book in the Academy of Love series. Her books are always enjoyable. String independent women who take care of themselves and their loved ones in a time when women were owned.
April 17, 2025
sprightly. Perhaps too detailed.
May 29, 2025
The goal of every man in this woman's life (MMC included) seems to be to control her. And we are meant to agree with them.
July 3, 2025
This booked needed a lot of prior knowledge from the earlier books.
November 12, 2025
So glad Freddie got her HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews