The Sweeping World of Rakes & Rebels
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 the 20th century, the series follows the intertwining lives of the Raveneau, Beauvisage, and St. Briac families. Rather than writing a straightforward, linear progression, Wright has spent decades expanding this universe with prequels, sequels, crossovers, and spin-offs. This makes a clear reading order essential for readers hoping to fully appreciate the character cameos, generational shifts, and historical continuity.
Where Should You Start?
Because the series spans multiple generations, readers generally choose between two starting paths: starting with the Raveneau Family or the Beauvisage Family. The most popular recommendation is to begin with the Raveneau Family's chronological anchor, Silver Storm, which introduces privateer captain André Raveneau and Devon Lindsay during the American Revolution. Alternatively, readers can begin with the Beauvisage Family's original debut novel, Rescued by a Rogue (originally titled Caroline), which launched Cynthia Wright's career in 1977.
Rakes & Rebels: The Beauvisage Family Books
The Beauvisage branch follows a passionate line of characters navigating life and love in early America and Europe. Originally launched in 1977 with Caroline, the series has since been expanded and revised under new titles. Below are the two recommended ways to read this subseries, based on the local database records.
Publication Order
- Spring Fires (2011) - Introduces Nicholai Beauvisage, a hardened hero returning from the French Revolution, and the headstrong Lisette Hahn.
- Her Dangerous Viscount (2011; originally published as Natalya in 1980) - Follows English Navy Captain Grey St. James and Natalya Beauvisage in 1814 France.
- Rescued by a Rogue / Caroline (2013; originally published in 1977) - The classic debut set in 1783 Philadelphia, featuring Alexandre Beauvisage and an amnesiac young woman.
- Touch the Sun (2014; originally published in 1982) - Set in 1789 on the eve of the first U.S. presidential inauguration, following Lion Hampshire and Priscilla Wade.
- Stolen by a Pirate (2015) - A prequel novella set in the early 18th century, tracing the origins of the family's pirate ties.
Chronological Order
If you prefer to read the Beauvisage family's history as it unfolds in-universe, follow this chronological sequence:
- Stolen by a Pirate (Prequel set earliest in the timeline)
- Rescued by a Rogue / Caroline (Set in 1783)
- Touch the Sun (Set in 1789)
- Spring Fires (Set in the late 1790s/post-French Revolution era)
- Her Dangerous Viscount (Set in 1814)
Rakes & Rebels: The Raveneau Family Books
The Raveneau family novels form the central backbone of the broader Rakes & Rebels universe, known for swashbuckling privateers, bold family patriarchs, and fiery romances. Note that the publication years below represent the re-released and revised editions cataloged in the local database.
Publication Order
- Surrender the Stars (2013; originally published in 1987) - Features the romance between Ryan and Lindsay.
- Silver Storm (2013; originally published in 1979) - Introduces Captain André Raveneau and Devon Lindsay during the Revolutionary War in 1781.
- His Reckless Bargain / Silver Sea / Barbados (2013; originally published in 1980) - Follows Nathan and Adrienne in a lush Caribbean setting.
- Tempest (2013; originally published in 1986) - Takes the family into the Gilded Age of 1903, featuring Adam Raveneau and Cathy Parrish.
- Smuggler's Moon (2014; originally published in 1984) - Explores the romance of Sebastian Raveneau and Julia in England.
- The Secret of Love (2016) - Features Gabriel Raveneau and Isabella, serving as an important link to the St. Briac family.
- Her Husband, the Rake (2020) - A sequel novella focusing on André and Devon Raveneau's marriage.
Chronological Order
To watch the Raveneau dynasty grow from the American Revolution to the Gilded Age, readers should follow this sequence:
- Silver Storm (1781 setting)
- Her Husband, the Rake (A direct sequel novella to Silver Storm)
- Smuggler's Moon (Focusing on Sebastian Raveneau)
- The Secret of Love (Focusing on Gabriel Raveneau)
- Surrender the Stars (Focusing on Ryan Raveneau)
- His Reckless Bargain / Silver Sea / Barbados (Focusing on Nathan Raveneau)
- Tempest (Set in 1903, following Adam Raveneau)
Rakes & Rebels: The St. Briac Family Books
The St. Briac family subseries represents the latest expansion of the Rakes & Rebels universe. This line focuses on the descendants of Justin de Saint-Briac (a French corsair) and Mouette Raveneau (daughter of André and Devon Raveneau), seamlessly blending the Raveneau bloodline with French nobility.
- His Make-Believe Bride (2017) - Introduces Justin St. Briac and Mouette Raveneau in a story involving a fake marriage scheme.
- Her Impossible Husband (2022) - Rebounds with Justin and Mouette ten years later, exploring their enduring marriage and family life.
- Her Secret Rogue (2023) - Follows their son, Anthony St. Briac, and Frederica Redfield.
What to Know Before You Start
Cynthia Wright is celebrated for her meticulous historical research and her inclusion of real historical figures, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Nathan Hale, and Thomas Jefferson. When reading, keep in mind that many books have been revised and retitled for modern digital releases (e.g., Caroline becoming Rescued by a Rogue, and Natalya becoming Her Dangerous Viscount). While the books function wonderfully as standalones due to complete romance arcs, reading them in family groups or chronologically maximizes the joy of seeing recurring characters grow, age, and raise families of their own.