What do you think?
Rate this book
The Academy of Love #6
A Story of Love
Intrepid young newspaperwoman Lorelei Fontenot went looking for the truth. She’s about to find far more than she bargained for…
Investigating London’s most infamous rogue for a seedy newspaper is hardly Lori’s dream job. But if that’s what it takes to break into publishing, so be it. She’ll uncover the sexy nobleman’s deepest, darkest secrets. It’s just her misfortune that she’ll have to peek into his bedroom windows—at his brothel, no less—to do it…
Lord Stand Fast Severn, heir to the Marquess of Granton, needs answers. Contrary to what the ton believes, he didn’t drive his twin brother to kill himself. But finding the man who did might be tricky. Especially with a nosy—and dangerously fascinating—journalist plaguing his every move. But when her investigation lands her neck-deep in danger, Fast knows it’s up to him to protect her.
The last thing Lori wants is the handsome rake’s protection. Especially when it means being kidnapped and held in his brothel like a prisoner.
But if Lori wants to get away from him so badly, then why isn’t she trying very hard to escape?
Can two enemies, forced into close proximity, write their own story of love?
Only if they can solve a murder before a killer gets to them first…
A Story of Love, book 6 in THE ACADEMY OF LOVE series, is a super spicy and steamy age gap historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Download today and get ready to lose yourself in Lori and Fast’s story.
Investigating London’s most infamous rogue for a seedy newspaper is hardly Lori’s dream job. But if that’s what it takes to break into publishing, so be it. She’ll uncover the sexy nobleman’s deepest, darkest secrets. It’s just her misfortune that she’ll have to peek into his bedroom windows—at his brothel, no less—to do it…
Lord Stand Fast Severn, heir to the Marquess of Granton, needs answers. Contrary to what the ton believes, he didn’t drive his twin brother to kill himself. But finding the man who did might be tricky. Especially with a nosy—and dangerously fascinating—journalist plaguing his every move. But when her investigation lands her neck-deep in danger, Fast knows it’s up to him to protect her.
The last thing Lori wants is the handsome rake’s protection. Especially when it means being kidnapped and held in his brothel like a prisoner.
But if Lori wants to get away from him so badly, then why isn’t she trying very hard to escape?
Can two enemies, forced into close proximity, write their own story of love?
Only if they can solve a murder before a killer gets to them first…
A Story of Love, book 6 in THE ACADEMY OF LOVE series, is a super spicy and steamy age gap historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Download today and get ready to lose yourself in Lori and Fast’s story.
Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2024
117 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Spencer
65 books1,755 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 21, 2024
Stand Fast and Lorelei’s story of love was a holiday treat. This book was so hilarious, Not like a staged sitcom, but a dry absurdity that makes you lol. Well, I read the author commentary on how Stand’s name was puritan inspired. But there are at least 2 🔥🔥where he was too fast.
whoops😄 I am glad L was gracious about it. Stand Lord Severn is a fake rake, buddy Earl M is the super creepy villain from my stalker nightmares. Lord Dorian and the other one are sicko frat boys who deserved more karma punishment than the wedgie dished out in the woods. The whores who loved to be called whores. and an attacking Tom cat. How come the teachers did not break L out of Ft whoreNox? Enjoy the ride🪷
whoops😄 I am glad L was gracious about it. Stand Lord Severn is a fake rake, buddy Earl M is the super creepy villain from my stalker nightmares. Lord Dorian and the other one are sicko frat boys who deserved more karma punishment than the wedgie dished out in the woods. The whores who loved to be called whores. and an attacking Tom cat. How come the teachers did not break L out of Ft whoreNox? Enjoy the ride🪷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
Intrepid young newspaperwoman Lorelei Fontenot went looking for the truth. Investigating London’s most infamous rogue for a seedy newspaper is hardly Lori’s dream job. But if that’s what it takes to break into publishing, so be it. Lord Stand Fast Severn, heir to the Marquis of Granton, needs answers. Contrary to what the ton believes, he didn’t drive his twin brother to kill himself. But finding the man who did might be tricky. Especially with a nosy—and dangerously fascinating—journalist plaguing his every move. But when her investigation lands her neck-deep in danger, Fast knows it’s up to him to protect her.
The sixth book in the series & yes it could be read on its own but if like me you love series & have to read in order then I highly recommend the whole series as the author never ever disappoints. What a delicious book!. I loved both Fast & Lori who had a love hate relationship, their chemistry sizzled as did their banter. He’s nearing forty & has lived! But there is so much more to him than his monica of “The King of Rakes” & the more I read the more I fell for him. Lori’s a very strong woman who wants to publish novels but has to earn a crust to do so. The story is fast paced there’s misunderstandings, misassumptions & a murderer to find. The villain is vile & deserves everything they get, also some lesser villains get their just desserts too. A very well written page turner which I loved & I look forward to Freddie’s story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The sixth book in the series & yes it could be read on its own but if like me you love series & have to read in order then I highly recommend the whole series as the author never ever disappoints. What a delicious book!. I loved both Fast & Lori who had a love hate relationship, their chemistry sizzled as did their banter. He’s nearing forty & has lived! But there is so much more to him than his monica of “The King of Rakes” & the more I read the more I fell for him. Lori’s a very strong woman who wants to publish novels but has to earn a crust to do so. The story is fast paced there’s misunderstandings, misassumptions & a murderer to find. The villain is vile & deserves everything they get, also some lesser villains get their just desserts too. A very well written page turner which I loved & I look forward to Freddie’s story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
December 20, 2024
Lori Fontenot writes for a scandal newspaper and is being manipulated by the editor. She's not exactly sure what she's gotten into by trying to dig up dirt about Stand Fast Makepiece, Viscount of Severn. Fast doesn't believe he can trust her with his secrets, but that doesn't stop his attraction to the nosy lady. Though slow in the beginning, the pace of the book picks up as Fast's secrets and his plan for revenge are revealed. Lori realizes he is more than the King of Rakes.
Erotic descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
Erotic descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
December 18, 2024
S.M. LaViolette (aka Minerva Spencer) is another of my favorite authors. I have been reading her books since 2021 and I have read 31 of her books as both Minerva Spencer and S.M. LaViolette. I just love her writing. Book 5 in this series came out in Dec, 2022 so it's been awhile for a book in this series but I have loved all them so far.
This one did not disappoint. I really liked this book. I liked Lori and Fast's personalities and their relationship. So different from stuffy "ton" relationships. I liked that this storyline was a bit different. It also had some intrigue and suspense. Overall a really good read. I can't wait to read the next book.
This one did not disappoint. I really liked this book. I liked Lori and Fast's personalities and their relationship. So different from stuffy "ton" relationships. I liked that this storyline was a bit different. It also had some intrigue and suspense. Overall a really good read. I can't wait to read the next book.
December 19, 2024
Cozy, steamy historical romance
Not my favorite of Minerva Spencer's Academy of Love books, but it gets the job done. Personally, I'm not a fan of romances that rely heavily on misperceptions between the leads that cause drama that's easily fixed with communication. The FMC is so biased against the MMC because of his "rakish ways" that it takes up so much of her character development, whereas I feel like there's so much more of her story & their developing romance I could've been interested in.
Overall, it's still a decent read. It's steamy, the love scenes are hot (if a little uninspired), most of the MMC's solo plot is pretty unexciting aside from the baddie being a real d*ck. It's probably my least favorite of the Academy of Love series, possibly because the Academy teachers have all mostly married off & the stakes felt a lot lower this time. I'm excited to read the series finale with Freddie though, so even though this wasn't my fave, it still gets the job done.
Side note: one things that bothers me immensely about almost all of Spencer's books is the poor editing. There are many proofreading errors that are so recognizable, I'm wondering who's doing the final read-through. It's especially bothersome when I read these books repeatedly & see none of the errors corrected after submitting them to Amazon as content errors. Grr!
Not my favorite of Minerva Spencer's Academy of Love books, but it gets the job done. Personally, I'm not a fan of romances that rely heavily on misperceptions between the leads that cause drama that's easily fixed with communication. The FMC is so biased against the MMC because of his "rakish ways" that it takes up so much of her character development, whereas I feel like there's so much more of her story & their developing romance I could've been interested in.
Overall, it's still a decent read. It's steamy, the love scenes are hot (if a little uninspired), most of the MMC's solo plot is pretty unexciting aside from the baddie being a real d*ck. It's probably my least favorite of the Academy of Love series, possibly because the Academy teachers have all mostly married off & the stakes felt a lot lower this time. I'm excited to read the series finale with Freddie though, so even though this wasn't my fave, it still gets the job done.
Side note: one things that bothers me immensely about almost all of Spencer's books is the poor editing. There are many proofreading errors that are so recognizable, I'm wondering who's doing the final read-through. It's especially bothersome when I read these books repeatedly & see none of the errors corrected after submitting them to Amazon as content errors. Grr!
February 3, 2025
Spencer is a terrific writer and these characters have potential, but she forgot to craft a plot. The MMC involves himself for the whole book with a (boring) revenge plot while the FMC hangs out in a brothel (not boring) waiting for him to show up. Spencer needed to have this plot cohere somewhere in the middle but instead it just serves as a distraction from character building. Anyway she can’t win ‘em all! We’re lucky that she’s so productive
January 3, 2025
Like all of M. Spencer’s stories this is fast paced, full of twists and turns, very evil villains, and more drama than you’d think 350 pages could hold. I really have to be in the right mood for these stories because they take a lot of suspension of disbelief for me to really enjoy, but enjoy it I did. (And for any one keeping track no horses died in this one, and there were few if any continuity issues). Don’t read if you enjoy historically accurate romances, but if you’re in the mood for some steamy chaos in a historical setting, then give this one a chance.
December 25, 2024
* age gap H 39 h 25
* class difference H is titled h is vicar's sister
* h is working (writer)
* h is fiesty , strong headed , brave and independent
* H is reformed rake kind of
* H falls first and hard
* perfectly matched in intelligence
* the banter is enjoyable
* absolute page turner
* steam 3 out of 5 the chemistry sizzling
* class difference H is titled h is vicar's sister
* h is working (writer)
* h is fiesty , strong headed , brave and independent
* H is reformed rake kind of
* H falls first and hard
* perfectly matched in intelligence
* the banter is enjoyable
* absolute page turner
* steam 3 out of 5 the chemistry sizzling
May 5, 2025
Started out as a 4 stars read but ended up as 3.5 stars. Overall this is a good story and had a great/ promising plot. But then at the half way point, the plot and pacing slowed when it delved too much into the technicalities of intercourse and I got bored (yes, shocking!😳). Not to mention, our hero, Fast, pretty much declared his love for the heroine pretty quickly and kind of out of nowhere. 🤷🏻♀️
So yeah…this story had so much potential but left me wanting more and it wasn’t as romantic as I would have liked.
So yeah…this story had so much potential but left me wanting more and it wasn’t as romantic as I would have liked.
May 11, 2025
Newspaperwoman and King of the Rakes
This was a fun enemies lovers with class and age differences.
Lorelei is an aspiring novelist working for a slimy boss that is holding her manuscript over her head. She writes a society gossip column and does investigative journalism from the anonymous tips provided by her boss. But her options are limited after working at the failed Stefani Academy for Young Ladies and having outstayed her welcome in her brother’s village. She’s fiery, determined, and used to taking care of herself.
Stand Fast Makepeace, Viscount Severn was known as the King of the Rakes before he left England in the aftermath of his twin brother’s death. Spending his time away, captaining ships and privateering. Returning at the behest of his grandfather to marry but also finally having a lead about his brother’s death.
The friction between them as her work seems to always come back to Stand Fast creates tension that Stand Fast can’t resist. I enjoyed these initial sparks and even more the underlying vulnerabilities for both of them.
As the story unravels and the truth comes out for his brother’s death, it becomes heavier with the villain’s sins laid out. Justice prevails in the end and all wraps up well.
Academy of Love is the sixth book in the Academy of Love series. Focusing on teachers from the shuttered Stefani Academy for Young Ladies.
There are four encounters.
This was a fun enemies lovers with class and age differences.
Lorelei is an aspiring novelist working for a slimy boss that is holding her manuscript over her head. She writes a society gossip column and does investigative journalism from the anonymous tips provided by her boss. But her options are limited after working at the failed Stefani Academy for Young Ladies and having outstayed her welcome in her brother’s village. She’s fiery, determined, and used to taking care of herself.
Stand Fast Makepeace, Viscount Severn was known as the King of the Rakes before he left England in the aftermath of his twin brother’s death. Spending his time away, captaining ships and privateering. Returning at the behest of his grandfather to marry but also finally having a lead about his brother’s death.
The friction between them as her work seems to always come back to Stand Fast creates tension that Stand Fast can’t resist. I enjoyed these initial sparks and even more the underlying vulnerabilities for both of them.
As the story unravels and the truth comes out for his brother’s death, it becomes heavier with the villain’s sins laid out. Justice prevails in the end and all wraps up well.
Academy of Love is the sixth book in the Academy of Love series. Focusing on teachers from the shuttered Stefani Academy for Young Ladies.
There are four encounters.
December 20, 2024
Minerva Spencer’s books are always on the racier side than I generally prefer, but I’ve read many and have not minded it because those books worked for me. This one does not. At least half of the numerous pages devoted to explicit descriptions of sexual acts should have been better used to develop deeper relationships between characters and the plot.
Ms Spencer’s plots often tend to require greater suspension of disbelief than most novels in the historical romance genre because she ventures into setting outside of the ballroom, house party and bucolic countryside. But as I found her other books entertaining I didn’t mind the contrivances and coincidences. This book missed the mark completely because the conflict is based on a subject best left outside of the romance genre. Trigger warning: rape, graphic violence, and abuse.
There are several villains in the story. One nastier and more depraved than another. But the main issue I had with the book was that I’m uncertain about the hero not being one of their number. Even if his actions were whitewashed and supposed to be well intentioned, the fact remains that locking up the heroine for her own good is a questionable way to keep her safe and not quite hero worthy.
I finished the book. But now I feel as if I need a shower and perhaps some brain bleach to get rid of the “aftertaste.”
Ms Spencer’s plots often tend to require greater suspension of disbelief than most novels in the historical romance genre because she ventures into setting outside of the ballroom, house party and bucolic countryside. But as I found her other books entertaining I didn’t mind the contrivances and coincidences. This book missed the mark completely because the conflict is based on a subject best left outside of the romance genre. Trigger warning: rape, graphic violence, and abuse.
There are several villains in the story. One nastier and more depraved than another. But the main issue I had with the book was that I’m uncertain about the hero not being one of their number. Even if his actions were whitewashed and supposed to be well intentioned, the fact remains that locking up the heroine for her own good is a questionable way to keep her safe and not quite hero worthy.
I finished the book. But now I feel as if I need a shower and perhaps some brain bleach to get rid of the “aftertaste.”
December 14, 2024
I got this ARC from Minerva Spencer yesterday in her group, and I stopped reading what I started before and watching The Lord of the Rings to read it. Let me tell you that I don't regret a moment of doing it!
The story is about Lorelei(we don't really know much about her) and Lord Stand Fast Severn. First of all, I can't believe Stand Fast is an actual name that people gave their children, poor children! I enjoyed how Ms Spencer did the small aside about the history of the name and its meaning to the characters. Second of all, this has a bit of a gothic air, which i am not a big fan of, but Ms Spencer really pulls it off.
I loved seeing more of Freddie and meeting all the other secondary characters, which I kind of want a story about(hello Mr Gregg). Ms Spencer has a knack of writing such fun, believable characters, and also imaginative plots.
I can't wait to read Freddie's book, and I hope it's not pushed back too much. And then to see where Ms Spencer would like to take us.
The story is about Lorelei(we don't really know much about her) and Lord Stand Fast Severn. First of all, I can't believe Stand Fast is an actual name that people gave their children, poor children! I enjoyed how Ms Spencer did the small aside about the history of the name and its meaning to the characters. Second of all, this has a bit of a gothic air, which i am not a big fan of, but Ms Spencer really pulls it off.
I loved seeing more of Freddie and meeting all the other secondary characters, which I kind of want a story about(hello Mr Gregg). Ms Spencer has a knack of writing such fun, believable characters, and also imaginative plots.
I can't wait to read Freddie's book, and I hope it's not pushed back too much. And then to see where Ms Spencer would like to take us.
January 5, 2025
An excellent story for the most part with a wonderful leading lady in Lori who is brave and feisty. Fast is a good foil as the older man who is by turns frustrated, annoyed and enthralled by her. The erotic scenes are well handled as always as is the general dialogue.
I was slightly annoyed in places by some bad editing where two words were jammed together but I felt the plot fell down towards the end as the drama ramped up, since the villain's communications with Fast and his accomplice needed some far more modern technology than was available at that time to work as described.
I was slightly annoyed in places by some bad editing where two words were jammed together but I felt the plot fell down towards the end as the drama ramped up, since the villain's communications with Fast and his accomplice needed some far more modern technology than was available at that time to work as described.
July 22, 2025
Escondido no fim de uma série encantadora, está um verdadeiro tesouro dos romances de época. Um enemy-to-lovers daqueles que aquecem o coração, com um enredo central sólido e envolvente. O ritmo é firme do começo ao fim — nada de morosidade —, pontuado por referências marcantes ao empoderamento feminino em diversas esferas e uma tensão deliciosa entre os protagonistas.
E como se tudo isso já não fosse o suficiente, Minerva Spencer ainda nos brinda com um personagem que permanece com você muito tempo depois da última página.
E como se tudo isso já não fosse o suficiente, Minerva Spencer ainda nos brinda com um personagem que permanece com você muito tempo depois da última página.
December 17, 2024
This truly is a story of love!! Lorelei and Fast’s story is so satisfying… they are like magnets turned the wrong way and they push and repel each other. But then they flip the right way and they are inseparable. I love how Lori can’t help her natural inquisitive personality during her conversations with Fast! Fun and beautiful love story!
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.
January 22, 2025
Excellent tale from a brilliant author
Minerva/S.M is one of my autobuy authors, and I wasn't disappointed in this steamy, witty, delightful tale. If you want lashings of He Falls First, mixed with She Doesn't Want To Marry, a murderous sub plot, and deliciously tender open door scenes, this is the book for you.
Minerva/S.M is one of my autobuy authors, and I wasn't disappointed in this steamy, witty, delightful tale. If you want lashings of He Falls First, mixed with She Doesn't Want To Marry, a murderous sub plot, and deliciously tender open door scenes, this is the book for you.
January 25, 2025
I LOVED IT!!! From start to finish, this is an excellent book!
I think this it has a smidgen more spice than others in her series (totally NOT complaining! 😉😂)
I can't wait for the last book in the series!!!
I think this it has a smidgen more spice than others in her series (totally NOT complaining! 😉😂)
I can't wait for the last book in the series!!!
February 13, 2025
L-o-v-e the nosy, newspaper woman that is the heroine! She is SO clever and manipulative in the best way! And the hero is just perfect for her, showering her in love and patience. And he also does NOT underestimate her! Love that respect!
February 23, 2025
3.5 stars. This was fine. I don’t like such big age gaps, but I like this author despite her love of them.
Lots of action, but it was nice the action wrapped up and we still got a good bit of closure on other things.
Lots of action, but it was nice the action wrapped up and we still got a good bit of closure on other things.
Read
December 24, 2024Age gap is right hoo buddy
January 20, 2025
Very much enjoyed this novel as I have the whole series. I cannot wait until Freddie’s comes out. Any idea as to when that might be?
January 21, 2025
Loved it
February 17, 2025
A historical mystery romance between a writer/journalist and a peer with an interesting past and an even more interesting present.
March 25, 2025
Fun And Steamy
March 29, 2025
Great series
I absolutely love Lorelei and Fast's story. Great mystery, intrigue, steam, character development, and world building. I can't wait to read the next one
I absolutely love Lorelei and Fast's story. Great mystery, intrigue, steam, character development, and world building. I can't wait to read the next one
April 10, 2025
4.25/5.
May 31, 2025
DNF I couldn’t stand how the MMC acted in the first few chapters.
January 12, 2026
3.5!
Fast is the definition of a man written by a woman, because he literally doesn’t exist in real life 💔
Fast is the definition of a man written by a woman, because he literally doesn’t exist in real life 💔
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews