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The Academy of Love #4
The Language of Love
Alternate Cover Edition can be found
here
She's not who he thought she was. But he's not who he's pretending to be, either...
Annis Bowman lost everything when she trusted the wrong man. Now, she needs money, and she needs it fast. Finding a wealthy husband is her only viable option. It's just her wretched misfortune that the only man who truly interests her is poor as a church mouse.
Henry Singleton, the new Earl of Rotherhithe, is ready for desperate measures. He's tired of not knowing if women are interested in him—or his wealth. Switching identities with one of his employees is the perfect solution. So, imagine his disappointment when the lovely Annis turns out to be a heartless fortune hunter.
When a series of unfortunate events—and a huge coincidence—trap them in a marriage neither expected, can Annis and Henry overcome the misunderstandings, lies, and suspicion that stand between them? Or is their chance for a happily ever after doomed from the start?
here
She's not who he thought she was. But he's not who he's pretending to be, either...
Annis Bowman lost everything when she trusted the wrong man. Now, she needs money, and she needs it fast. Finding a wealthy husband is her only viable option. It's just her wretched misfortune that the only man who truly interests her is poor as a church mouse.
Henry Singleton, the new Earl of Rotherhithe, is ready for desperate measures. He's tired of not knowing if women are interested in him—or his wealth. Switching identities with one of his employees is the perfect solution. So, imagine his disappointment when the lovely Annis turns out to be a heartless fortune hunter.
When a series of unfortunate events—and a huge coincidence—trap them in a marriage neither expected, can Annis and Henry overcome the misunderstandings, lies, and suspicion that stand between them? Or is their chance for a happily ever after doomed from the start?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2021
495 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Spencer
51 books1,761 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 58 reviews
February 12, 2022
3.5 stars
I think the ridiculous antics of a side character, Colin, might have been my favorite part of this book. And yes, this is a historical romance, but I really miss reading amusing books in this genre so this is a high compliment from me. But don’t get me wrong, this is still very much a romance novel and a very steamy one at that.
I’ll definitely be reading the next one in this series - we get a sneak peek of the first two chapters appears at the end of this one and I’m already hooked.
I think the ridiculous antics of a side character, Colin, might have been my favorite part of this book. And yes, this is a historical romance, but I really miss reading amusing books in this genre so this is a high compliment from me. But don’t get me wrong, this is still very much a romance novel and a very steamy one at that.
I’ll definitely be reading the next one in this series - we get a sneak peek of the first two chapters appears at the end of this one and I’m already hooked.
February 10, 2022
I think this is the best book in the series thus far. Great pacing and the plot was not too heavy (I noticed that the author books tend to be plot-heavy). I wasn't comfortable with the duplicity perpetrated by the Annis towards Henry before the marriage though. She should have just made a clean breast of it. Other than that, this was a fine read.
Steam factor: High. Since the author is writing this book under the name S.M. LaViolette, you can expect the number of intimate scenes to be higher than your average historical romance and the scenes are explicit.
Steam factor: High. Since the author is writing this book under the name S.M. LaViolette, you can expect the number of intimate scenes to be higher than your average historical romance and the scenes are explicit.
January 11, 2022
The Language of Love, by Minerva Spencer. First off, I will say to the author that I was very impressed by Loris character working for the most prestigious, Minerva Press company. Yes the book touched on the many languages of love, but it spoiled me with its steamy and mostly erotic love match between Annis and Henry. At first reading the story about our romantic couple, I felt that there was a lot of action happening. There were a number of people being introduced.
Characters background stories being told and people switching identities. The people switching identities was the best. Thank you to Colin for that! The man was a master. I’m still giggling as I think about him swinging his hand back with his so finely ruffled sleeve, at the ball. After all the introductions and the stories of why all the characters have come to that particular place in the story, the book began to open up like a flower to me. And it was the sweetest smelling flower to me. I loved everything from the secrets between two lovers, to the achingly, burning desires for many pleasurable, passionate nights with a man who has some major pinned up anger. You know what they say.
The only way to release that anger is with some rigorous exercise between the sheets. Oh boy! Henry was a ravenous lion. Did you hear me? The writer new what she was doing when she created Henry’s character for Annis.
I loved that the story had a number of exciting moments in the story, such as the interesting and entertaining balls that Henry, Annis and Colin attended. I found the book fun to read. I looked forward to the moments when Colin’s character was introduced and Henry had to guide him among the haute ton. Those scenes were quite comical. These moments made the story go by quickly.
The moments that went by slow are when Henry new that he had to show Annis some pleasure that would leave her begging for more. Through all that transpired around Annis and Henry, I felt that the writer did a wonderful job with telling their love story. The story was sweet, kind and very beautiful. I feel that the love story was told well from the description of the characters, to the details and descriptions of the scenery, to how I was able to visualize the, pain, anger, compassion or happiness on the characters face. The writer did great with turning the dialogue over to the characters.
Giving the characters the opportunity to tell me the reader, their story. The narrative provided a helping hand in parts that needed to be told without dialogue. The writer did a lot of research on the plot to the story. The information that she provided made the story seem more real. I give this book two snaps and a… Colin those are not ducks, their turkeys!
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
Characters background stories being told and people switching identities. The people switching identities was the best. Thank you to Colin for that! The man was a master. I’m still giggling as I think about him swinging his hand back with his so finely ruffled sleeve, at the ball. After all the introductions and the stories of why all the characters have come to that particular place in the story, the book began to open up like a flower to me. And it was the sweetest smelling flower to me. I loved everything from the secrets between two lovers, to the achingly, burning desires for many pleasurable, passionate nights with a man who has some major pinned up anger. You know what they say.
The only way to release that anger is with some rigorous exercise between the sheets. Oh boy! Henry was a ravenous lion. Did you hear me? The writer new what she was doing when she created Henry’s character for Annis.
I loved that the story had a number of exciting moments in the story, such as the interesting and entertaining balls that Henry, Annis and Colin attended. I found the book fun to read. I looked forward to the moments when Colin’s character was introduced and Henry had to guide him among the haute ton. Those scenes were quite comical. These moments made the story go by quickly.
The moments that went by slow are when Henry new that he had to show Annis some pleasure that would leave her begging for more. Through all that transpired around Annis and Henry, I felt that the writer did a wonderful job with telling their love story. The story was sweet, kind and very beautiful. I feel that the love story was told well from the description of the characters, to the details and descriptions of the scenery, to how I was able to visualize the, pain, anger, compassion or happiness on the characters face. The writer did great with turning the dialogue over to the characters.
Giving the characters the opportunity to tell me the reader, their story. The narrative provided a helping hand in parts that needed to be told without dialogue. The writer did a lot of research on the plot to the story. The information that she provided made the story seem more real. I give this book two snaps and a… Colin those are not ducks, their turkeys!
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
January 1, 2022
Colin Parker is "the empty-headed charmer and (maybe) England's oldest male virgin" hired to impersonate the new Earl of Rotherhithe, Henry Singleton. Henry returns to England after twenty years a very wealthy man. He wants a wife to love him for himself and not his money. Pretending to be Parker, the Earl's temporary secretary, Henry tries to cover for the real Parker's mistakes without too much eye rolling and cringing. Annis Bowman needs a rich husband by the end of the season before she and her grandmother are thrown out of their home. Seduced by a "vicar," he stole her grandmother's nest egg and what little money Annis had. Henry hires Lady Winifred Sedgwick as a matchmaker to "navigate the treacherous waters of the ton." When Freddie introduces Annis, Henry is stunned by his attraction. Her interest in languages is just another part of his fascination. Unknown to Henry, Annis' uncle has already picked out a husband. Annis loves Henry, but is afraid to confess her problem. Henry loves Annis, but has questiones about her honesty. What a dilemma! Until revenge comes in the form of a Dowager, a "vicar" and his wife and a national treasure. A lot of snickers and steam!!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 1, 2022
Annis Bowman lost everything when she trusted the wrong man. Now, she needs money, and she needs it fast. Finding a wealthy husband is her only viable option. Henry Singleton, the new Earl of Rotherhithe, returns to England after amassing a fortune in India since his exile two decades ago, he’s tired of not knowing if women are interested in him or his wealth. So switching identities with Colin Parker, one of his employees is the perfect solution. So, imagine his disappointment when the lovely Annis turns out to be a heartless fortune hunter. Then a series of unfortunate events and a huge coincidence trap them in a marriage neither expected.
This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own the teachers from the Stefani Academy are such good friends that their relationships add to the enjoyment. Another well written page turner, strong characters & a pace that never lags had me devouring this enthralling read in two sittings. I loved both Henry & Annis their attraction was electric & their verbal banter hugely entertaining but I absolutely adored Colin he was just hilarious & like Henry had me eye rolling. The road to their HEA isn't easy as there are assumptions & misunderstandings as well as despicable characters who have their own agendas. The author totally nailed it & I look forward to Miles’ story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own the teachers from the Stefani Academy are such good friends that their relationships add to the enjoyment. Another well written page turner, strong characters & a pace that never lags had me devouring this enthralling read in two sittings. I loved both Henry & Annis their attraction was electric & their verbal banter hugely entertaining but I absolutely adored Colin he was just hilarious & like Henry had me eye rolling. The road to their HEA isn't easy as there are assumptions & misunderstandings as well as despicable characters who have their own agendas. The author totally nailed it & I look forward to Miles’ story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 29, 2022
A really engaging and well written historical romance set around 1817. The historical details are really good and I felt I was there with the characters. This is part of a series involving friends who worked for a school that had to close, but it works perfectly as a stand alone. This is a slow burn romance with many beautifully written and steamy scenes. I thought the character development of the H/h was excellent.
Henry inherited his Earldom 2 years ago when he was living in India. He had been kept with the servants as an orphaned child growing up in his uncle's castle in Yorkshire and was thrown out when he was 17, 20 years ago, to make his own way in the world. Of course he is now very rich from all his business in India, shipping and trade. He decides to swap places with his secretary Colin when they finally arrive in London, as he needs a wife and doesn't want a gold digger. Watching from the sidelines, he stumbles upon Annis, a friend of the Countess who is helping 'Henry' with invitations to society. Annis is deeply in debt after being swindled however and has decided she must find a wealthy husband.
There are many funny scenes with Henry and Colin in the first few chapters, as Colin is clueless and pretty empty headed and keeps forgetting he's supposed to be the Earl. It was giving me strong 'Blackadder (the third) " vibes. 🤣🤣 The back story is the star here and I really enjoyed everything about this book. There's some drama/action near the end too. 4.5 stars.
PS - A novella about Colin's romance would be fabulous!! I need to read more about him. 🥰
Henry inherited his Earldom 2 years ago when he was living in India. He had been kept with the servants as an orphaned child growing up in his uncle's castle in Yorkshire and was thrown out when he was 17, 20 years ago, to make his own way in the world. Of course he is now very rich from all his business in India, shipping and trade. He decides to swap places with his secretary Colin when they finally arrive in London, as he needs a wife and doesn't want a gold digger. Watching from the sidelines, he stumbles upon Annis, a friend of the Countess who is helping 'Henry' with invitations to society. Annis is deeply in debt after being swindled however and has decided she must find a wealthy husband.
There are many funny scenes with Henry and Colin in the first few chapters, as Colin is clueless and pretty empty headed and keeps forgetting he's supposed to be the Earl. It was giving me strong 'Blackadder (the third) " vibes. 🤣🤣 The back story is the star here and I really enjoyed everything about this book. There's some drama/action near the end too. 4.5 stars.
PS - A novella about Colin's romance would be fabulous!! I need to read more about him. 🥰
October 29, 2022
Only three stars because I thought the hero's masquerade was pretty far fetched. Enjoyable over all.
January 2, 2022
Loved! Loved! Loved!
I'm so glad I found Minerva Spencer.
She writes so well.
Great stories and good depth of characters.
Loved Henry and Annis.
Great read.
I finished this book in a few hours. I was up until 2am it was so good.
I'm so glad I found Minerva Spencer.
She writes so well.
Great stories and good depth of characters.
Loved Henry and Annis.
Great read.
I finished this book in a few hours. I was up until 2am it was so good.
September 6, 2023
Sometimes I really enjoy a Spencer book, but this one was not at all my cup of tea. I didn't find either main character very likable (she was a little bit pitiful really, and he was just so quick to take offence or hold a grudge. And both of them lied their heads off, even when it wasn't at all necessary. AND they were both quite foolish on top of everything else). Also, his disdain for people who marry for money didn't really have any connection to his prior poor treatment, so it was strange that he felt so very strongly about it. And also, it's kind of ridiculous for him to stand on top of all his wealth and judge the poor people for weighing their difficult choices based on all sorts of factors he knows nothing about. Jerk. lol. And all the villains were pure villainy without much motive or any other aspects to them. It was steamy I guess, which is nice, (though I find it harder to care about it when I don't like the protagonists). And sometimes they seemed to really enjoy each other's company outside of the steam, which is nice. Overall though, it was thoroughly disappointing.
December 27, 2021
I love Annis and Henry’s love story! They have obstacles and misunderstandings along the way, but it is beautiful nonetheless. I especially love this series, since the teachers from the Academy are such strong friends. I love how they each play a role in this love story. I can’t wait for the next book!
** I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
** I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
October 4, 2022
Having your servant pretend to be you so you can see who is truly worthy of your affection is already kind of boneheaded, but when the earl finds out his servant doesn't really have the faculties to pull it off he's just like... Welp! Guess we'll see how it goes. The farcical nature of the first quarter didn't really amuse me that much, but I enjoyed the rest of it.
December 10, 2023
Decent book! I enjoyed this quite a bit. The author,s writing is quite engaging and the storytelling pulls you in..
January 24, 2022
Appearances are deceiving
Henry pretends to be the man of affairs for the new Earl, a wealthy handsome man if he only had a brain he would be perfect! Annis is the poor relation because she trusted a man who stole from her and her aunt and not just money!
She has no choice but to marry for money! Henry loathes the Ton and knows they are a den of shallow people who want perfection but possess none themselves! Annis is drawn to Henry and wants to confess her reasons for dallying with him and almost engaged to a wealthy old merchant! There are several hilarious moments some laugh out loud until both of their stories unravel and they find themselves at the altar!
Neither one trusting the other and they go to restore the one place Henry spent years in shame and disgrace! A woman from his past is a viper in their bosom and I could not fathom why Annis is so skilled in languages but she didn't just ask Henry the right questions!??
Except maybe Annis guilt at her deception is almost overwhelming! When the truth comes out it is almost deadly! This story I could not put down!!
Henry pretends to be the man of affairs for the new Earl, a wealthy handsome man if he only had a brain he would be perfect! Annis is the poor relation because she trusted a man who stole from her and her aunt and not just money!
She has no choice but to marry for money! Henry loathes the Ton and knows they are a den of shallow people who want perfection but possess none themselves! Annis is drawn to Henry and wants to confess her reasons for dallying with him and almost engaged to a wealthy old merchant! There are several hilarious moments some laugh out loud until both of their stories unravel and they find themselves at the altar!
Neither one trusting the other and they go to restore the one place Henry spent years in shame and disgrace! A woman from his past is a viper in their bosom and I could not fathom why Annis is so skilled in languages but she didn't just ask Henry the right questions!??
Except maybe Annis guilt at her deception is almost overwhelming! When the truth comes out it is almost deadly! This story I could not put down!!
January 3, 2022
Another excellent book in The Academy of Love series.
Annis is in trouble after being duped by a conman and needs to marry well to save herself and her grandmother from ruin.
Henry is back in England having been set up and subsequently exiled 20 years ago. He is now an Earl and must find a wife. However, as he wants somebody who wants him and not his money and title, he is masquerading as a private secretary to the Earl (who is being played by one of his employee less than successfully!).
Annis and Henry both feel drawn to each but the road to their HEA is not straight forward.
A book with several open page love scenes and some humour and one not to be missed.
It’s been about a year since the last book in the series and it looks like it will be about a year until the next one - more’s the pity.
Annis is in trouble after being duped by a conman and needs to marry well to save herself and her grandmother from ruin.
Henry is back in England having been set up and subsequently exiled 20 years ago. He is now an Earl and must find a wife. However, as he wants somebody who wants him and not his money and title, he is masquerading as a private secretary to the Earl (who is being played by one of his employee less than successfully!).
Annis and Henry both feel drawn to each but the road to their HEA is not straight forward.
A book with several open page love scenes and some humour and one not to be missed.
It’s been about a year since the last book in the series and it looks like it will be about a year until the next one - more’s the pity.
February 5, 2022
Excellent, as usual!
January 3, 2022
Henry had a traumatic childhood.He was constantly bullied and harassed.
After being kicked out of his uncle house ,he works hard and makes a fortune.
Annis is cheated by the man she loved.
Both meet under unusual circumstances .
Henry was very strong,intelligent and HOT.
ANNIS on the other hand was weak not able to decide what she wants.
Henry at all times was in charge of everything but Annis was a little dependent. I wished she spoke more.
Their chemistry was offcharts.
We also meet other couples from previous books briefly.
The premise is also set for Miles' story.
I thought he would be paired with Fredie but I was wrong.
After being kicked out of his uncle house ,he works hard and makes a fortune.
Annis is cheated by the man she loved.
Both meet under unusual circumstances .
Henry was very strong,intelligent and HOT.
ANNIS on the other hand was weak not able to decide what she wants.
Henry at all times was in charge of everything but Annis was a little dependent. I wished she spoke more.
Their chemistry was offcharts.
We also meet other couples from previous books briefly.
The premise is also set for Miles' story.
I thought he would be paired with Fredie but I was wrong.
January 1, 2022
This book is relatively tame compared to the others in the series. Over 50% of the book is their courtship and then the last half is setting up their steamy relationship and tying up all loose ends. It didn't feel as substantial as her stories usually are. It wrapped up in a couple of pages and the "I love you's" happened in the epilogue. Not her best, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
January 1, 2022
One of my favorite authors and a new book by Spencer is always a reason to celebrate!
Great romance, steamy sex, and Colin is a hilarious idiot! Loved this story, Henry is a complex and bitter alpha which is my favorite sort of hero. Annis is a bit of a space case, but was cute and a heroine to cheer for. And did I mention the steamy sex??
Another 5 star read for me.
Great romance, steamy sex, and Colin is a hilarious idiot! Loved this story, Henry is a complex and bitter alpha which is my favorite sort of hero. Annis is a bit of a space case, but was cute and a heroine to cheer for. And did I mention the steamy sex??
Another 5 star read for me.
March 16, 2022
Absolutely wonderful
At this point I’ve read most of my Minerva Spencer novels multiple times because I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed them - but I think this might be one of my favorites. I can’t remember the last time I’ve rooted so hard for a couple. I adored this couple. The story was great - I am constantly surprised by the author’s ability to write in this genre without recycling plots that have been done to death - but i loved the development of the relationship between Henry and Annis. They weren’t at all what I was expecting and I liked watching them actively deciding NOT to be TSTL (too stupid to live) and instead choosing to be intelligent and empathetic.
The author is especially good at writing singular individuals whose personalities and experiences mean that they are so well matched that I can’t imagine them with another partner (except for Notorious, but that’s a separate review - and glimpses of the secondary characters in Notorious convinced me to read Dangerous, which I also highly, HIGHLY recommend).
I am loving this Academy of Love series and I can’t wait for the next book
At this point I’ve read most of my Minerva Spencer novels multiple times because I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed them - but I think this might be one of my favorites. I can’t remember the last time I’ve rooted so hard for a couple. I adored this couple. The story was great - I am constantly surprised by the author’s ability to write in this genre without recycling plots that have been done to death - but i loved the development of the relationship between Henry and Annis. They weren’t at all what I was expecting and I liked watching them actively deciding NOT to be TSTL (too stupid to live) and instead choosing to be intelligent and empathetic.
The author is especially good at writing singular individuals whose personalities and experiences mean that they are so well matched that I can’t imagine them with another partner (except for Notorious, but that’s a separate review - and glimpses of the secondary characters in Notorious convinced me to read Dangerous, which I also highly, HIGHLY recommend).
I am loving this Academy of Love series and I can’t wait for the next book
March 24, 2023
This started out so promising - cute premise, interesting MCs. I had visions of awarding my first 5 star in a long time! And then . . . Henry stubbornly clings to a masquerade which is going wrong. He loops in Lady Sedgewick, knowing she could very well be blamed for the farce he’s creating (selfish!!) Annis spends sooo much quality time with Henry but never mentions any of the more pertinent details of her life. I was at a 3.75, rounded up to 4. Then, misunderstandings that are miraculously resolved because now Henry is 1000x more mature than he was just days earlier. This was the exact problem I had with the other book I read from this series. Combined with the unnecessarily excessive sex scenes, I’m all set with this author.
December 31, 2025
I re-read this series this year.
Here are my quick thoughts - Annis was an IDIOT. She says so herself again and again. Thankfully she did grow a spine later, so there is that.
I don't enjoy plots mired in lies, but Henry was such a sweetheart, and the plot was interesting, so thank god for that!
Here are my quick thoughts - Annis was an IDIOT. She says so herself again and again. Thankfully she did grow a spine later, so there is that.
I don't enjoy plots mired in lies, but Henry was such a sweetheart, and the plot was interesting, so thank god for that!
May 8, 2023
This book was somehow both rushed and somewhat plodding, I can’t quite reconcile it. The auxiliary characters at the beginning were such OTT caricatures it was hard to take anything seriously. I don’t know, this had moments but it droned on with misunderstandings and the was wrapped up with a neat little only vaguely satisfying bow
dnf
January 22, 2024DNF @ Chapter-3
***SPOILERS***
Thoughts:
► MMC:
► FMC:
► Collin was like a baby. You can not really hate the guy for being ignorant and naive. He's kinda cute.
► The conversations between the characters were so dragged on like the author was forcing the characters to converse or interact somehow without any essence. I did not like some wording either.
So yeah, I could not force myself to read a book where I already hated the main characters before the book even progressed properly. The plot did not make any sense. It could've been an amazing book if the base of the plot or characters were strong enough to not doubt anything.
***SPOILERS***
Thoughts:
► MMC:
► FMC:
► Collin was like a baby. You can not really hate the guy for being ignorant and naive. He's kinda cute.
► The conversations between the characters were so dragged on like the author was forcing the characters to converse or interact somehow without any essence. I did not like some wording either.
So yeah, I could not force myself to read a book where I already hated the main characters before the book even progressed properly. The plot did not make any sense. It could've been an amazing book if the base of the plot or characters were strong enough to not doubt anything.
February 24, 2023
Annis Bowman has been conned by a man and lost all her and her grandmother's money. She has been forced to live with her uncle and his unpleasant family in London as a sort of unpaid companion/dogsbody, she desperately needs to marry for money to save her grandmother's house.
Henry Singleton was sent to India when only a teenager, banished by his uncle for a crime he did not commit. In India he has amassed a vast fortune, and has now inherited the title of Earl of Rotherhithe following the deaths of his uncle and cousin. However, Henry despises London society and dreads the toad-eating attentions of the haut monde who will only want him for his money. So he decides to swap places with one of his employees, pretending to be the Earl of Rotherhithe's personal secretary he will accompany the fake Earl to all the society events incognito. This knocked off at least half a star, probably a full star off my review, not the plot device but the buffoon that Henry chose to swap places with, surely Henry could have found someone better? Maybe an actor?
Annis' friend (they were fellow schoolteachers together along with the other heroes/heroines in the series) helps people navigate society, she teaches Henry and the fake Earl how to behave and introduces them to society. Annis and Henry meet at her house and are immediately smitten with each other, but Annis knows she must marry a wealthy man and her uncle has already identified a wealthy banker, much older than Annis, as a suitable match.
When Annis and Henry are caught in a compromising position and forced to marry it seems like serendipity, but each of them is labouring under illusions about the other which could derail their marriage before it has begun.
This has everything you could want from an historical romance. Cruel relatives, blackmail, theft, forgery, secret identities, misunderstandings, secret passageways, detectives, faithful retainers, etc.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Henry Singleton was sent to India when only a teenager, banished by his uncle for a crime he did not commit. In India he has amassed a vast fortune, and has now inherited the title of Earl of Rotherhithe following the deaths of his uncle and cousin. However, Henry despises London society and dreads the toad-eating attentions of the haut monde who will only want him for his money. So he decides to swap places with one of his employees, pretending to be the Earl of Rotherhithe's personal secretary he will accompany the fake Earl to all the society events incognito. This knocked off at least half a star, probably a full star off my review, not the plot device but the buffoon that Henry chose to swap places with, surely Henry could have found someone better? Maybe an actor?
Annis' friend (they were fellow schoolteachers together along with the other heroes/heroines in the series) helps people navigate society, she teaches Henry and the fake Earl how to behave and introduces them to society. Annis and Henry meet at her house and are immediately smitten with each other, but Annis knows she must marry a wealthy man and her uncle has already identified a wealthy banker, much older than Annis, as a suitable match.
When Annis and Henry are caught in a compromising position and forced to marry it seems like serendipity, but each of them is labouring under illusions about the other which could derail their marriage before it has begun.
This has everything you could want from an historical romance. Cruel relatives, blackmail, theft, forgery, secret identities, misunderstandings, secret passageways, detectives, faithful retainers, etc.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
March 28, 2022
THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE, book 4 of the Academy Of Love written by S.M. LaViolette (Minerva Spencer), the series focuses on the teachers, who after the Stefani Academy closed down, rely on their strong friendship.
In THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE, Annis Bowman lost everything when she trusted the wrong man. She needs money—fast. The solution is a wealthy husband. Henry Singleton, the new Earl of Rotherhithe, returns to England after amassing a fortune in India since his exile two decades ago and he switches roles with his employee, Colin Parker. A series of unfortunate events trap Henry and Annis in a marriage neither expected. Could they overcome misunderstandings, lies, and suspicions?
S.M. LaViolette aka Minerva Spencer is an amazing writer. Her historical romances are filled with strong, singular characters, intrigued plots, engaging verbal banter, flowing emotions, and erotic scenes. Her writing style keeps her readers engrossed from the first page to the end.
In THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE, Annis Bowman lost everything when she trusted the wrong man. She needs money—fast. The solution is a wealthy husband. Henry Singleton, the new Earl of Rotherhithe, returns to England after amassing a fortune in India since his exile two decades ago and he switches roles with his employee, Colin Parker. A series of unfortunate events trap Henry and Annis in a marriage neither expected. Could they overcome misunderstandings, lies, and suspicions?
S.M. LaViolette aka Minerva Spencer is an amazing writer. Her historical romances are filled with strong, singular characters, intrigued plots, engaging verbal banter, flowing emotions, and erotic scenes. Her writing style keeps her readers engrossed from the first page to the end.
September 27, 2024
I’m giving this one 3/5 stars. While the premise was promising, the tension between Annis and Henry felt a bit artificial. It didn’t make sense to me why Annis wouldn’t share her troubles once they were married, especially when Henry knew about the con artist who had robbed her. It was frustrating that he didn’t just come out and say it, waiting for her to reveal the truth instead. I’d understand if they weren’t being intimate, but they were, so the closeness they shared felt at odds with the contrived tension of keeping secrets.
I was also disappointed that Julia didn’t get her comeuppance in the end—very unsatisfying. Also, The sexual tension sometimes seemed to take precedence over the emotional depth, and when you find yourself stopping halfway through a “steamy” scene to do chores, you know something’s not quite right. I generally love S.M. LaViolette’s style, but this one fell a bit flat for me after a strong start.
I was also disappointed that Julia didn’t get her comeuppance in the end—very unsatisfying. Also, The sexual tension sometimes seemed to take precedence over the emotional depth, and when you find yourself stopping halfway through a “steamy” scene to do chores, you know something’s not quite right. I generally love S.M. LaViolette’s style, but this one fell a bit flat for me after a strong start.
December 21, 2024
i've been working my way through this series (slowly, depending on what the library has available!) and while minerva spencer's books are all very same-y, there's a certain comfort in knowing exactly what you're going to get and knowing that it will be done well. i think these are some of these better regency romance books being written, and i appreciate that Spencer tries to write beyond the standard deflowering-a-virgin dynamic. i like her bellamy sister's series more, if only because some of those books stand out more from her standard model. just once, i'd like to see her write a man who isn't extremely muscular, arrogant, confident, etc. but we make do with what's out there.
December 14, 2023
lots of chuckles by a fav author.
“The Language of Love” by Minerva Spencer is the story of Annis and Henry. We’ve briefly met Annis in other Academy of Love stories, and although I recommend starting with the first, “The Music of Love,” the series can be read as standalones. Henry, the real earl, switches identities with his pudding-brain assistant in a hare-brained scheme that kept me amused throughout the book. I needed a fun read and this one hit its mark. Another good story with well developed characters and lots of wit by Minerva Spencer. Onto the 5th Academy book tonight.
“The Language of Love” by Minerva Spencer is the story of Annis and Henry. We’ve briefly met Annis in other Academy of Love stories, and although I recommend starting with the first, “The Music of Love,” the series can be read as standalones. Henry, the real earl, switches identities with his pudding-brain assistant in a hare-brained scheme that kept me amused throughout the book. I needed a fun read and this one hit its mark. Another good story with well developed characters and lots of wit by Minerva Spencer. Onto the 5th Academy book tonight.
February 23, 2024
Loved this and couldn't put it down. It had more twists and turns and was quite original for me and not something I have read before. The relationship between Annis and Henry was a bit complicated for them with lies on both sides. She was treated awfully by her "family" and Henry wanted no part of the Ton life. This was a steamy, wonderful story and I remembered why I love Ms Spencers writing. Great and should not be missed.
November 3, 2024
Well, for the first 40% of this book, I was angry and frustrated… Poor Annis… First her mother was awful and then Mr. Leach took advantage of her and stole all her money then her aunts and cousins treated her like Cinderella- everyone was just so evil and mean to her until she meets Henry and then finally at the 55% mark I couldn’t put the book down and I really enjoyed the rest of the story — also loved how steamy this was -
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