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The Brothers of the Aristocracy #2
The Caress of a Commander
When two brothers trade places, what can go wrong?
After eight years in the British Navy, Will Slater returns to London to resume his life as the son of a marquess. He’s determined to discover what’s become of Lady Barbara. An earl’s daughter, she pledged her love on their last night together and now seems to have disappeared from Society.
Will’s bastard brother, Stephen, served with him on his last ship and is ready to attend every ball and soirée necessary to earn acceptance in the ton. As the Marquess of Devonville’s son and a dead ringer for his brother, he finds it easier than he should to navigate the choppy waters of aristocratic Society. And why wouldn’t he? All the young ladies think he’s his brother, especially after Will requests that they trade places and then leaves London to search for Barbara!
Banished from her father’s home seven years ago, Barbara lives in a ramshackle cottage in Oxfordshire. With little to eat, no prospects, and nothing in the way of income unless she takes up prostitution, her life has become bleak. Although there is one bright spot left in her life, that, too, will dim unless something—or someone—comes to save the day. The last person she expects to do just that is Will Slater. Having written him off when he didn’t write to her during his years at sea, Barbara claims she no longer loves him. How can she when he abandoned her?
As Stephen dazzles the debutantes with his easy manners, good humor and demonstrations of delectable kissing—all in his brother’s name—how will he explain himself when one of those young ladies turns out to be one he wants? Trading places has everyone feeling as if they’re just a bit lost at sea in “The Caress of a Commander”.
After eight years in the British Navy, Will Slater returns to London to resume his life as the son of a marquess. He’s determined to discover what’s become of Lady Barbara. An earl’s daughter, she pledged her love on their last night together and now seems to have disappeared from Society.
Will’s bastard brother, Stephen, served with him on his last ship and is ready to attend every ball and soirée necessary to earn acceptance in the ton. As the Marquess of Devonville’s son and a dead ringer for his brother, he finds it easier than he should to navigate the choppy waters of aristocratic Society. And why wouldn’t he? All the young ladies think he’s his brother, especially after Will requests that they trade places and then leaves London to search for Barbara!
Banished from her father’s home seven years ago, Barbara lives in a ramshackle cottage in Oxfordshire. With little to eat, no prospects, and nothing in the way of income unless she takes up prostitution, her life has become bleak. Although there is one bright spot left in her life, that, too, will dim unless something—or someone—comes to save the day. The last person she expects to do just that is Will Slater. Having written him off when he didn’t write to her during his years at sea, Barbara claims she no longer loves him. How can she when he abandoned her?
As Stephen dazzles the debutantes with his easy manners, good humor and demonstrations of delectable kissing—all in his brother’s name—how will he explain himself when one of those young ladies turns out to be one he wants? Trading places has everyone feeling as if they’re just a bit lost at sea in “The Caress of a Commander”.
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Published February 3, 2016
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About the author
Linda Rae Sande
124 books426 followersA self-described nerd and lover of science, Linda Rae spent many years as a published technical writer specializing in 3D graphics workstations, software and 3D animation (her movie credits include SHREK and SHREK 2). An interest in genealogy led to years of research on the Regency era and a desire to write fiction based in that time.
A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.
A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 27, 2016
The Caress of a Commander by Linda Rae Sande
Reviewed for Candid Book Reviews by Isha Coleman
Linda Rae Sande writes stories that are prevalent in any day or age. Her stories are penned with understanding and at the center of each and every one of them is heart. The Caress of A Commander is a story of determination on the part of one man Will to reunite with his one great love. Will stops at nothing to discover the whereabouts of the keeper of his heart. Along the way he recruits his brother to help him in his absence. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. The Caress of a Commander is the story of two brothers searching for their destinies as they navigate love, loss, mystery and society. I am loving the dual story format and as always the sensuality and sensitivity she brings to the table with every read.
July 19, 2025
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 65%.
Underwhelming/boring.
Uninteresting main characters.
Formulaic.
Disjointed and jumbled.
(The plot/story is written in a confusing way and there are 2 romances in one book/story/plot and it is not done in a good way …. you have to reread/re-listen some pages to get the grasp on who is who and what is what etc. Nothing in the romance between either couples is developed in a thorough/orderly or neat way …. everything just feels haphazard and jumbled and underdeveloped.
Too many characters and too many sub-plots.
Confusing.
September 27, 2016
Who has never heard of Mark Twain’s story of The Prince and the Pauper, or hasn’t seen the 1937 movie starring Errol Flynn, twins Bill and Bobby Mauch with Claude Rains, or some other version of the film. The story deals with what happened when a pauper and the prince of England meet by chance, saw they looked exactly the same and decided to swamp places.
The author , Linda Rae Sande, has taken the basic premise of the storyline, made the two male protagonists actual brothers, and the sons of a Marquess. While Will and Stephen Slater might be brothers, Stephen is the one who’s the bastard son.
Will is finally returning to London after eight years in the British Navy, along with his brother, who served on his ship. Will is eager to find the woman, Lady Barbara, who had pledged her love to him before he left to serve his country, but now has gone missing.
Unbeknownst to Will, Lady Barbara got thrown out of her father’s home seven for becoming an unwed mother to his son. Stephen has a wonderful time as a toast of the town because all the women think he’s Will. When Will decides to go searching for Barbara, who is now poverty stricken, he asks Stephen to pretend he’s Will.
Like any woman, Lady Barbara feels that since she’s not received any letters from her true love, that he’s now a lost cause and that she should forget about any possibility he will come to rescue her from the deplorable conditions she forced to live in. Just as you might feel if the guy you love, who’s serving in the armed forces and still alive, has suddenly stopped writing his weekly letters; you’ll probably feel he’s lost interest in you; as both of you will declare you’re no longer in love with him. But what will happen and how would you will if he returns as your knight in shining armor and rescues you from your plight?
At the same time, Stephen is in his glory with all the women believing he’s Will. But how will he explain his charade when he finds a woman he truly loves.
There’s two storylines in this book, one follows Will and other follows Stephen. But in both the same questions exists: Will love overcome the barriers which exist in both their lives? Will each of the brothers find the HEA they’re searching for with the women they love?
I’ve read the book, know the answers, but I’m not saying another word. For having given her readers about love possibly conquering all, I’m happy to give Ms. Sande and her book 5 STARS.
The author , Linda Rae Sande, has taken the basic premise of the storyline, made the two male protagonists actual brothers, and the sons of a Marquess. While Will and Stephen Slater might be brothers, Stephen is the one who’s the bastard son.
Will is finally returning to London after eight years in the British Navy, along with his brother, who served on his ship. Will is eager to find the woman, Lady Barbara, who had pledged her love to him before he left to serve his country, but now has gone missing.
Unbeknownst to Will, Lady Barbara got thrown out of her father’s home seven for becoming an unwed mother to his son. Stephen has a wonderful time as a toast of the town because all the women think he’s Will. When Will decides to go searching for Barbara, who is now poverty stricken, he asks Stephen to pretend he’s Will.
Like any woman, Lady Barbara feels that since she’s not received any letters from her true love, that he’s now a lost cause and that she should forget about any possibility he will come to rescue her from the deplorable conditions she forced to live in. Just as you might feel if the guy you love, who’s serving in the armed forces and still alive, has suddenly stopped writing his weekly letters; you’ll probably feel he’s lost interest in you; as both of you will declare you’re no longer in love with him. But what will happen and how would you will if he returns as your knight in shining armor and rescues you from your plight?
At the same time, Stephen is in his glory with all the women believing he’s Will. But how will he explain his charade when he finds a woman he truly loves.
There’s two storylines in this book, one follows Will and other follows Stephen. But in both the same questions exists: Will love overcome the barriers which exist in both their lives? Will each of the brothers find the HEA they’re searching for with the women they love?
I’ve read the book, know the answers, but I’m not saying another word. For having given her readers about love possibly conquering all, I’m happy to give Ms. Sande and her book 5 STARS.
May 27, 2018
The second book in this series, it didn't have as many characters to keep track of as in the first book. This one deals with half brothers Will, the legitimate heir, and Stephen, who they end up falling in love with. Will has been away at sea for eight long years and once he is back home, he is determined to make Lady Barbara his. Only problem, nobody knows where she is or what happened to her. He goes out of his mind trying to locate her and once he does, he is shocked at what he discovers. Meanhwile, Stephen steps in and takes Will's place at the different balls in order to find a wife for Will in case he can't find Barbara. Unfortunately, he falls for one of the ones he picks for Will. I enjoyed reading the book because it kept me hooked on wanting to know how things were going to end for the two different couples.
July 9, 2017
first of all i would like to mention
I received a copy of this through Candid Book Reviewsin exchange for a honest review.
the start of d book was interesting...the storyline about two brothers runs parallel...one born
(stephen )on d wrong side of blanket & d other (Will ) a Earl...how dey connect with other...linda
has done a good job the descriptions and plot development in d story...
on d other hand i found too many characters in d story which becomes confusing ...& reading
about so many chracters breaks d link & makes it very boring ...i couldnt connect with d book in one
go ...i had to reread some pages againto get a grasp of wat'shappening with whom...this is my honest review
& just a piece of advice to d author pls keep leass characters & sub-plots...
I received a copy of this through Candid Book Reviewsin exchange for a honest review.
the start of d book was interesting...the storyline about two brothers runs parallel...one born
(stephen )on d wrong side of blanket & d other (Will ) a Earl...how dey connect with other...linda
has done a good job the descriptions and plot development in d story...
on d other hand i found too many characters in d story which becomes confusing ...& reading
about so many chracters breaks d link & makes it very boring ...i couldnt connect with d book in one
go ...i had to reread some pages againto get a grasp of wat'shappening with whom...this is my honest review
& just a piece of advice to d author pls keep leass characters & sub-plots...
September 26, 2017
Will Slater, Earl of Devonville, has spent eight years serving in the British Navy. While commanding a ship, he meets his half-brother Stephen Slater, his father's illegitimate son. Will and Stephen bear an uncanny resemblance to each other. They form a fast friendship, and when Will returns to England he asks Stephen to go with him and meet their father. Will is desperate to return home to find Lady Barbara, the woman he spent his last night on shore with, and the woman who stole his heart.
Stephen always knew his mother was an accomplished courtesan, but never expected to become more than a simple clerk. When his father recognizes him as his son and offers him an allowance, Stephen realizes he could take his place in society and possibly seek a wife. Before Will leaves town to look for Barbara, he asks Stephen to pretend to be him at the society balls. Stephen jumps into his new role with gusto, but when he meets a lady he wants for himself, he finds it a challenge to admit his identity. Meanwhile, Will finds the pampered Earl's daughter he left eight years ago in a completely different set of circumstances.
This was an enjoyable prince and the pauper style story. Following along with Will and Stephen's journey to find love was such a treat. From the beginning, the real standout to me was the friendship between the brothers. Their bond was real and their conversations always funny. It tugged my heartstrings to read Stephen's search for ties to his family in the beginning. Their respective ladies were strong women and made the entire read a pleasure.
The narration was well done, Michael Troughton's voice is a perfect fit for the brothers, and his accent is delightful. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Stephen always knew his mother was an accomplished courtesan, but never expected to become more than a simple clerk. When his father recognizes him as his son and offers him an allowance, Stephen realizes he could take his place in society and possibly seek a wife. Before Will leaves town to look for Barbara, he asks Stephen to pretend to be him at the society balls. Stephen jumps into his new role with gusto, but when he meets a lady he wants for himself, he finds it a challenge to admit his identity. Meanwhile, Will finds the pampered Earl's daughter he left eight years ago in a completely different set of circumstances.
This was an enjoyable prince and the pauper style story. Following along with Will and Stephen's journey to find love was such a treat. From the beginning, the real standout to me was the friendship between the brothers. Their bond was real and their conversations always funny. It tugged my heartstrings to read Stephen's search for ties to his family in the beginning. Their respective ladies were strong women and made the entire read a pleasure.
The narration was well done, Michael Troughton's voice is a perfect fit for the brothers, and his accent is delightful. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
June 25, 2020Glad that worked out!
Gee, that was touch and go for a while there with this romance between Will and Barbara. (Whew!)
Glad they managed to sort themselves out.
And as for his brother Stephen, the one born on the wrong side of the sheets, it was also a bit breath-holding though there were many a chuckle with him.
All in all, a wonderful pair of stories involving these two well bred and caring brothers - one which I am definitely recommending!
I listened to the audio version in which Michael Trouton did his fabulous narration. Just lovely.
My voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.
Gee, that was touch and go for a while there with this romance between Will and Barbara. (Whew!)
Glad they managed to sort themselves out.
And as for his brother Stephen, the one born on the wrong side of the sheets, it was also a bit breath-holding though there were many a chuckle with him.
All in all, a wonderful pair of stories involving these two well bred and caring brothers - one which I am definitely recommending!
I listened to the audio version in which Michael Trouton did his fabulous narration. Just lovely.
My voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.
December 23, 2020
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
"The Caress Of A Commander" was a treat to read.
Sande gives readers a two for one deal in nearly all the books that she writes because she weaves two romances into once book.
The author also does a top notch job of world building and character development. Particularly the world building with "cameo appearances" by characters and locations from some of the author's other series. Sande puts out a consistently high quality tale.
I can hardly wait to read more volumes in this series.
In the interest of transparency, I was given a review copy of this book, and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own opinion.
"The Caress Of A Commander" was a treat to read.
Sande gives readers a two for one deal in nearly all the books that she writes because she weaves two romances into once book.
The author also does a top notch job of world building and character development. Particularly the world building with "cameo appearances" by characters and locations from some of the author's other series. Sande puts out a consistently high quality tale.
I can hardly wait to read more volumes in this series.
In the interest of transparency, I was given a review copy of this book, and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2018
I found The Caress of a Commander to be quite a grand regency tale. I fell in love with the characters, each entirely unique. I loved how the impossible became possible for each—and all in such an entertaining fashion. Having read a number of books by this author, I also really liked how key characters from some of her other books were participants in this story. And I’m pretty sure some of the new (for me) characters will also have their own full stories, which I thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for taking me to a whole other world, again! :)
June 15, 2018
This is the 3rd Historical regency I heard from Linda the author.
This is a love story with a mystery and what women went through in that time period.
Hero is will. Heroine is Lady Barbara
Both Will and Lady Barbara meet Seven Years ago but something tore them apart . Lady Barbara father thew her out after he found something out.
Now Seven years later Will wants to find her. There is one catch with his brothers help
The narrator has a very distinctive Britain accent that makes you feel right in the story
This is a love story with a mystery and what women went through in that time period.
Hero is will. Heroine is Lady Barbara
Both Will and Lady Barbara meet Seven Years ago but something tore them apart . Lady Barbara father thew her out after he found something out.
Now Seven years later Will wants to find her. There is one catch with his brothers help
The narrator has a very distinctive Britain accent that makes you feel right in the story
May 25, 2017
A superb read. Either if you want to sample the authors works or if your interested in a new experience, even within the historical romance genre, even more if your an HR crazed reader like I confess I am, this book is NOT MISS.
The plot doesn t lack drama, action, heartbreak and of course a oh so sweet romance story and the characters are complex and captivating.
I received a free copy and voluntarily reviewed.
The plot doesn t lack drama, action, heartbreak and of course a oh so sweet romance story and the characters are complex and captivating.
I received a free copy and voluntarily reviewed.
March 17, 2019
Linda. I love how your books take me back to a time when a gentleman was a gentleman. and a scaundrel was that. When there was an etiket to what you could say and do. and what not.
I just love your books
I just love your books
May 14, 2020
This was ok.
July 23, 2021
Romance at its best
Loved the story and the characters a romance with a twist and well told it’s a great series to read
Loved the story and the characters a romance with a twist and well told it’s a great series to read
Read
August 6, 2021Fun read. Kept my attention. A lil bit of humor through out
August 20, 2016
Love can conquer all. Will is back home now after being at sea for the last eight years and it is time to get married to his one true love Barbara. But he can't find her, no one seems to know where she went and he is so worried that she has forgotten about him and moved on.
Barbara was forced to flee London as her father found out that she was pregnant but she never told anyone that will is the father. She has lived in a broken down cottage with her son Donald for the last couple of years. It has really been hard on them but she is has coped.
Will tracks her down and he can't believe that she has become so thin and a broken woman yet she is still so beautiful to him and he wants only her. It is even more of a blessing that he has a son and now they can be a family together. Barbara can't do this gain, she can't move back to London so Will makes sure that they never have to go back unless he wants. Do they get a chance at the life they were meant to have?
Stephen can't believe that he is in London and that his father has accepted him as his son, he will always be a bastard but that isn't that important anymore. He has realized that he has found the girl for him and he surprised as he isn't looking for a bride. Victoria is a breathe of fresh air, she takes risks and she wants a man that will love her and never keep her caged. Can Stephen be that man, should she take that chance? Stephen knows that only she can be his wife and he knows that they can be happy.
A great family story that ends well and made me laugh and smile at times. A great story for almost all ages as it is just a great interesting story that doesn't have a dull moment. I was luck to receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Barbara was forced to flee London as her father found out that she was pregnant but she never told anyone that will is the father. She has lived in a broken down cottage with her son Donald for the last couple of years. It has really been hard on them but she is has coped.
Will tracks her down and he can't believe that she has become so thin and a broken woman yet she is still so beautiful to him and he wants only her. It is even more of a blessing that he has a son and now they can be a family together. Barbara can't do this gain, she can't move back to London so Will makes sure that they never have to go back unless he wants. Do they get a chance at the life they were meant to have?
Stephen can't believe that he is in London and that his father has accepted him as his son, he will always be a bastard but that isn't that important anymore. He has realized that he has found the girl for him and he surprised as he isn't looking for a bride. Victoria is a breathe of fresh air, she takes risks and she wants a man that will love her and never keep her caged. Can Stephen be that man, should she take that chance? Stephen knows that only she can be his wife and he knows that they can be happy.
A great family story that ends well and made me laugh and smile at times. A great story for almost all ages as it is just a great interesting story that doesn't have a dull moment. I was luck to receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2025
William Slater, Earl of Bellingham, brother to Hannah and half brother to Stephen, has just returned from serving in the Navy for eight years, the latter few with his half brother, is not sure he's ready to return to the life of a lazy aristocrat. Before he can make a decision about his life he has to find Lady Barbara who he became engaged to the night before he left for the Navy. But no one has seen her for years, she's simply disappeared. He asks Stephen to stand in as him (they're as alike as if twins), so he can go find Barbara.
Lady Barbara's father throws her out of the family home after finding she's pregnant, so she hides as a war widow in a small hamlet in an unentailed property of her father's, hoping no one finds her, and there's not too much gossip about her in London.
Whilst William is away Stephen finds himself attracted to an unusual young lady, and pursues her until she agrees to marriage.
Quite enjoyed this book right to the very sudden end. Feels like you're in the middle of a sentence and it just stops. Very disconcerting.
There is some repetition when Stephen is at his first ball alone. He's introduced as being away in the Navy for last eight years, but his partner asks how long he's been away twice within one dance.
I really enjoyed Wills story and wanted more of it, but whilst I liked Stephen wasn't so keen on his lady.
Lady Barbara's father throws her out of the family home after finding she's pregnant, so she hides as a war widow in a small hamlet in an unentailed property of her father's, hoping no one finds her, and there's not too much gossip about her in London.
Whilst William is away Stephen finds himself attracted to an unusual young lady, and pursues her until she agrees to marriage.
Quite enjoyed this book right to the very sudden end. Feels like you're in the middle of a sentence and it just stops. Very disconcerting.
There is some repetition when Stephen is at his first ball alone. He's introduced as being away in the Navy for last eight years, but his partner asks how long he's been away twice within one dance.
I really enjoyed Wills story and wanted more of it, but whilst I liked Stephen wasn't so keen on his lady.
August 12, 2016
The Caress of a Commander is a fantastic story.
Will Slater is the son of a Marquees and has been in the British Navy for eight years serving his country. On his ship he comes face to face with Stephan his almost identical looking brother which was unknown to him . The brothers become close during their time together. Will and Stephan are done with service and are ready to resume life in London society, Will is certain that his father will accept his bastard brother as his son.
Lady Barbara the daughter of an earl was in love with Will and couldn't let him leave without securing a future for them together, she decides to give her virtue to him before he departed. Thinking that he would offer for her before he left and that he would be gone for a short while .
Banished from her home in disgrace she flees to Oxfordshire . Will comes back for her to propose marriage but is unable to find his one and only love, without word of her whereabouts he doesn't know how to to go about looking for her! With his brothers likeness to him they trade places while he goes on wild chase to find his one and only true love! Linda Rae Sande has a magical way of writing the dialogue between the characters, lots of witty interaction and a great story line. A definitive must read
Will Slater is the son of a Marquees and has been in the British Navy for eight years serving his country. On his ship he comes face to face with Stephan his almost identical looking brother which was unknown to him . The brothers become close during their time together. Will and Stephan are done with service and are ready to resume life in London society, Will is certain that his father will accept his bastard brother as his son.
Lady Barbara the daughter of an earl was in love with Will and couldn't let him leave without securing a future for them together, she decides to give her virtue to him before he departed. Thinking that he would offer for her before he left and that he would be gone for a short while .
Banished from her home in disgrace she flees to Oxfordshire . Will comes back for her to propose marriage but is unable to find his one and only love, without word of her whereabouts he doesn't know how to to go about looking for her! With his brothers likeness to him they trade places while he goes on wild chase to find his one and only true love! Linda Rae Sande has a magical way of writing the dialogue between the characters, lots of witty interaction and a great story line. A definitive must read
October 9, 2016
I liked this book I wanted to keep turning pages to laugh and get lost in the story as Will Slater and his brother Stephen come back from being in the British Navy for eight year. Will wants to know what happened to Lady Barbara who promised to wait for him. What he finds is that she has been banished by her father from her home. Will and Stephen decide to change places in society as Will looks for Barbara. Stephen the bastard son is accepted in society because everyone believes he is Will . I liked the way you got the brothers points of view as each finds the ladies they want in their lives. I received a complementary copy of this book.
June 14, 2016
It becomes quite evident early on that there is more than meets the eye with these characters and their stories, and if the reader continues to scratch the surface and discover what lies beneath, it is a wonderful treasure to be found!
Read full review in the 2016 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 30, 2020
Stephen and Victoria,
Will and Barbara
Will and Barbara
rom-historical
June 1, 2016For a star rating and full review please visit InD'tale magazine online, June 2016 issue. http://indtale.com/reviews/historical...
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