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Sexy Scandals of Swain Cove

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Swain Cove, Cornwall, 1815.
Times are hard, and the only way to make a coin for many soldiers returning from fighting Napoleon on the continent is a little light smuggling.
It's a victimless crime, more or less, and everyone's in on it.
Enjoy these sexy Regency romances full of daring and adventure.

764 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2022

226 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

Linda Rae Sande

126 books427 followers
A 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.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,566 reviews88 followers
October 15, 2022
An anthology of sexy romantic novellas, set in Swain Cove, makes entertaining reading. A number of authors have come together to compile this collection of short stories, some of whom I have not previously been familiar with. I enjoyed the fact that the stories overlapped to some extent, with a number of characters appearing in most of the plots, including an obnoxious gaggle of geese. The Cornish coastline was mainly known for smuggling and to a lesser extent, a drop-off point for undercover spies moving to and from France at a critical time in the war with France.

As always in an anthology, there are some novellas that are better than others, and to highlight the positives, I especially enjoyed LindaRae Sande's “The Caton of a Captain”, in which newly retired sea Captain Edward Poulsen purchases his own ship and crew, only to find himself on the Cornish Coast with an almost respectable cargo of brandy. As always with this author, her research is excellent and I found the information regarding the process of preparing brandy for resale very interesting.

“A Scandalous Woman” makes one realize again how fortunate we are to live in the twenty-first century, as women of the early eighteen hundreds had so much pressure put on them. However, Kerensa Tregonning discovers a champion in the charming Jack who comes to her rescue.

Celeste Barclay's “The Princess's Smuggler” takes one down the road of love across the color barrier, where discrimination was as rife then as it is today.

“The Exciseman and the Foundling”, was witty and entertaining, but also touched my heart, as did Carrie Lomas's “The Spinster's Secret Scoundrel”. Other books in this collection also made entertaining reading and make this a very worthwhile anthology.

I received a copy of this book as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,121 reviews13 followers
October 22, 2022
An entertaining collection of sexy novellas set seaside in Swain Cove.

In The Caton of a Captain by Linda Rae Sande Edward Poulsen purchases the ship he once captained in the Navy to start business as a privateer. When he travels to meet the people with whom he will work when he delivers his cargo of brandy. Catherine Bristow has a confectionary that makes caramel syrup for the brandy. The two hit it off immediately. It looks like the business and the romance will be really good.
In The Princess’s Smuggler by Celeste Barclay two young people notice each other on the cliffs one night. Ben and Jemma have to work through a slight misunderstanding before they can move toward their future. There is some danger, and Jemma is kidnapped. Don’t worry, it works out well in the end.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Profile Image for Donique Collins.
306 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2022
This is a compilation of stories surrounding or in Swain Cove. From forbidden love to love at first sight, there is something for everyone. With the exception of the opening story the romance is between strangers or those who have been seen from a far or heard about through gossip. There is steam, some violence, and of course family drama. Overall, it was a good read I just prefer longer time spent with my H and h before a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,501 reviews47 followers
October 3, 2022
This anthology was okay. I felt at times I had read the components before.
The stories were not bad but they weren't that good either.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,320 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2022
Most Enjoyable!
To find gainful employment after returning from fighting in a war must have been quite difficult and so many turned to smuggling in the hope of making a living.
In this absolutely lovely Anthology we have a variety of authors telling us their stories about various Sexy Scandals occuring in Swain Cove during one such period.
I have just finished reading an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of one of these by Linda Rae Sande, entitled 'The Caton of a Captain' and have enjoyed it totally!
It was fast paced, well thought out and written in her usual easy-going style with two well matched main characters whose chemistry was absolutely superb!
If this story was anything to go by, the rest is sure to make this anthology a winner!
(My review, as above, is given voluntarily).
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,350 reviews15 followers
October 25, 2022
This is a collection of very different stories based in a smuggling town. They range in steam from warm to hot, and include some same sex relationships. The excisemen make good villians, and the way the townspeople work together for the common good is inspiring. There are moments when I forgot that this was a ficticious tale, hoping to visit Swain Cove. The characters are diverse, and some show up in more than one story. Though all different, the writing styles mesh. This is a wonderfully diverting collection, a must-have for your romance library.

The Spy’s Second Chance - Renee Dahlia
Tobias and Hiram
Rejected by the man he loved, Tobias, the second son of a viscount had been gone from Swain Cove for eight years. Upon the death of his father, which was preceded by the death of Tobias’ older brother, and he returned to assume his role as viscount. An assignment from Captain Smith led him toset sail with Hiram, the man who had been his best friend, and his sister. This story has intrigue, a bit of history and the resolution of a romance hovering on the precipice for over eight years. It is well written, straightforward, interesting and entertaining.

The Catan of a Captain - LindaRae Sande
Edward and Catherine
Such a sweet story. Edward, a retired naval captain, has just purchased his ship at auction when he is met with a business proposition. Doing some research necessary to perform his new job, Edward ends up in Swain Cove at their candy shop where he meets Catherine. He is the man of her dreams….literally. This story gives us a lesson regarding the making of brandy as it takes us on a quick journey towards Catherine and .edward’s happily ever after. The characters are fun and they are a delightfully well suited couple.

A Scandalous Woman - Sonia Bellhouse
Kerensa and Jack
A healer, a spy and an exciseman all walked into the market…..This is a wonderful full of drama, danger, secrets and steam. Kerensa is a young healer in Swain Cove where she meets Jack, a mysterious newcomer who is helping the resident nobleman’s gardener. He is injured in an attack; she is pursued and bullied by an exciseman; her reputation has been ruined; he’s been called away on a mission, and everything is up in the air. This story has an exciting escape scene, a cagey grandmother and an oh so hot ending.

The Princess’s Smuggler - Celeste Barclay
Jemima (Jemma) and Benjamin (Ben)
This is a story with love at first sight; a major misunderstanding; multicultural marriages; a grudge holding earl; danger; twists, turns and surprises. It moves quickly, has lots of action and steamy moments. The characters range from rags to royalty, each having their own complexities and many having hidden agendas. This is quite an exciting tale!

The Exciseman and the Foundling - Maryanne Ross
Avar and Jowan
Jowan is an exciseman who is in Swain Cove trying to bring the smugglers to justice. He is desperate to get a promotion so that he will have enough money to take care of his physically challenged younger sister. What he finds is a tight lipped community and a woodland sprite named Avar, who captures his heart. This adventure is an awakening for Jowan. He reconnects with his Cornish roots, thwarts some unsavory characters, discovers the woman of his dreams, and finds the acceptance that he didn’t realize that he sorely needed. It is a story with impish moments, frightening incidents, heroic maneuvers, lovely kisses and some good old fashioned justice. Loved it!

The Spinster’s Secret Scoundrel - Carrie Lomax
Arabella (Bella) and Thierry
Poor Bella, anticipating her wedding night cost her her fiance and her family. Her uncle, an exciseman, set the exiled girl up in a cottage in Swain Cove, hoping that she would pass information along to him. Thierry Le Fantome, famous for his smuggling elusiveness, met Bella under unusual circumstances, and changed her life. He’s charming, playful and oh so alluring…and the perfect man to bring vitality back to Bella’s life. She fascinates him. This is a fun story with danger, conflict and steam. Sometimes, the bad guys make the best good guys!

Tabitha on the Road to Somewhere Else - Heidi Wessman Kneale
Tabitha and John
Tabitha met John when he scooped her up and helped her escape attacking geese. Both were smitten. Too bad she was a debutante and he was an estate manager. But the heart wants what the heart wants. This is a cute story with a very determined young lady and an eager and astute young man.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
October 21, 2022
Swain Cove Activities . . .

Swain Cove, Cornwall, 1815, with hard times everywhere, soldiers and those needing to earn a little money have found it lucrative to engage in some “harmless” light smuggling. They consider it a victimless crime, meaning no one is physically harmed and those who own the stuff won’t notice a little skimming off the top. And since it’s the easiest way to make some money, everyone in the village of Swain Cove is in on it. Aside from the goings on with the smuggling, we are entertained by sexy Regency romances that give us the HEA we crave. Grab your copy and enjoy the stories the talented authors are providing for us.

Stories in this Anthology are:

☠ The Spy’s Second Chance - Renée Dahlia
☠ The Caton of a Captain - LindaRae Sande
☠ A Scandalous Woman - Sonia Bellhouse
☠ The Princess’s Smuggler - Celeste Barclay
☠ The Exciseman and the Foundling - Maryanne Ross
☠ The Spinster’s Secret Scoundrel - Carrie Lomax
☠ Tabitha on the Road to Somewhere Else - Heidi Wessman Kneale

1,642 reviews16 followers
September 9, 2022
Review for “The Caton of a Captain” by Linda Rae Sande; a sort-of Cinderella story
The only story that I have read thus far from this book and for which I was given an ARC for a review, is “The Caton of a Captain.” It is not a long book as it is part of an anthology. It was enjoyable but it did move slowly until the ending culminating in a satisfying HEA for Naval Captain Edward Poulsen and Catherine Bristow. Two fascinating facts that I discovered are that there really was a British ship by the name of “Caton” which was dated at 1777 and secondly that Caton is French for Catherine.
Delightful story albeit slower in pace than I would have liked. I volunteered to review an ARC of “The Caton of a Captain” for Ms. Sande.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,220 reviews33 followers
October 29, 2022
Swain Cove is known for smuggling, excisemen and matching up unusual ladies and gentlemen. The Cornish coast has lots of illegal activities, but it supports the village. If you aren't on the side of the villagers, you soon will be.
Romance is steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
206 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2022
Review for The Caton of a Captain by Linda Rae Sande. This was a delightful tale of a ship’s captain and a candy maker, which made for a sweet novella. Great characters and a fun read, this was a terrific introduction to Swain Cove.
Profile Image for Aj.
2,492 reviews
October 17, 2022
A wonderful collection of well crafted stories. A different array of sexy romances all centred around smuggling and set in Swain Cove, Cornwall, 1815 England. Enjoyable, lots of adventure and happy endings.

1,707 reviews12 followers
October 18, 2022
There are many entertaining stories but I chose a couple favorites,
The Spinster's Secret Scoundrel
The Spy's Second Chance
The Caton of a Captain
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Bowling.
1,600 reviews15 followers
October 19, 2022
Overall, it was a pretty good collection of stories. I liked some better than others, but it was fun to binge read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
168 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2022
This was a great anthology full of sexy, action packed novellas. I can't wait to read the full release to see the the new additions to this wonderful collection!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,421 reviews
November 4, 2022
A collection of sexy romances that all take place in Cornwall, England during the days of smuggling. The stories are well-edited and there are characters that show up in the other stories.
734 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2023
I like the Stain Cove stories

Each one was entertaining and the twist and turns each one was great. A good collection of authors and stories
446 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2025
cute

Lovely and cute stories. Loved the stories. Some adventure and most definitely love. The happily ever afters were a bonus.
697 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2022
Enjoyable stories

But, I do have issues.
1. No time line. The first story sets the stage. But after that they were all over the place.
2. How many different people are healers or estate managers? A few characters show up in other stores, but others just pop out of nowhere.
3. I would think everyone would build off the stories before theirs.

Sorry if I'm being picky but, it was hard for me to read the farther I got into the book.


Merged review:

It was ok. It got confusing when you read about 3 different healers and 2 different estate managers. A reference of time might have helped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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