Step into the enchanting world of Rakes & Rebels, where dashing rogues and spirited heroines ignite passionate romances against the vibrant backdrop of 18th-century America and Europe! Penned by New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Wright, this historical romance series weaves love, adventure, and historical intrigue, captivating readers for over four decades with its vivid storytelling and heartfelt emotion.
From the Revolutionary War to the dawn of a new century, Rakes & Rebels follows the intertwining lives of the Raveneau and Beauvisage families, delivering tales that blend meticulous historical detail with sizzling chemistry. Whether you’re a romance aficionado or a history buff, this series promises an unforgettable journey.
How Rakes & Rebels Began
In 1977, a 23-year-old Cynthia Wright launched her career with *Caroline* (later retitled *Rescued by a Rogue*), the first novel in the Rakes & Rebels series. Inspired by her love for history and classic romance, Wright set out to craft stories that brought the past to life through authentic settings and real historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Her debut novel’s success sparked a prolific career, with the series growing to intertwine the Raveneau and Beauvisage families across generations.
Writing from her 1930s Spanish cottage in Northern California, Wright infused her novels with a zest for adventure, drawing from her own experiences—like tandem bike rides and Airstream travels with her husband, Alvaro. Her passion for storytelling and historical accuracy has made Rakes & Rebels a beloved staple in historical romance.
The Heart of Rakes & Rebels
The series kicks off with *Silver Storm* (1781), where privateer captain André Raveneau rescues Devon Lindsay after her Connecticut town is burned during the Revolutionary War. Their fiery attraction unfolds amidst sea battles and historical cameos, setting the tone for the series’ blend of passion and adventure. In *Caroline* (1783), Alexandre Beauvisage finds an amnesiac young woman in the woods, sparking a romance that navigates love and identity in post-war Philadelphia.
*Touch the Sun* (1789) shifts to the eve of the first U.S. presidential inauguration, following Lion Hampshire’s quest for respectability and love with Virginia-bred Priscilla Wade. Later, *Tempest* (1903) explores a Gilded Age marriage of convenience between Newport heiress Cathy Parrish and Adam Raveneau, blending high-seas adventure with emotional depth. Themes of love conquering societal constraints, personal transformation, and resilience shine through, all wrapped in Wright’s lush prose and historically rich settings.
Wright’s inclusion of real figures—like Nathan Hale and Thomas Jefferson—grounds the series in authenticity, while her focus on strong, independent heroines and reformed rakes appeals to readers craving emotional depth. The series’ settings, from Philadelphia’s bustling streets to Cornwall’s windswept cliffs, create a vivid sense of place that transports readers to another era.
Why Rakes & Rebels Resonates
Rakes & Rebels has left an indelible mark on historical romance, earning praise from *Romantic Times Magazine* as “romance the way it was meant to be.” Its blend of swashbuckling adventure, heartfelt love stories, and historical immersion has kept fans returning to its pages for decades. The series’ intergenerational storytelling, with familiar characters reappearing like old friends, fosters a deep connection with readers, making it a keeper on shelves worldwide.
Wright’s ability to balance sensuality with wholesome sweetness sets Rakes & Rebels apart, offering a timeless appeal that resonates with both new readers and longtime fans. Its exploration of love’s transformative power continues to inspire, proving that even rakes can find redemption in the arms of the right rebel.
- First published: 1977 (*Caroline*)
- Number of books: 15 (intertwining Raveneau and Beauvisage stories)
- Awards: *Silver Sea* won Romantic Times’ Best British Isles Historical Romance
- Setting: 18th–early 20th century America and Europe
Dive into *Silver Storm* and lose yourself in the passionate, history-soaked world of Rakes & Rebels!