Tempest

Rakes & Rebels: The Raveneau Family #7

by Cynthia Wright

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00AO9LPJM

A marriage of convenience in the Gilded Age...

Newport heiress Catherine Beasley Parrish has been groomed all her life to marry an English duke. However, when she meets Adam Raveneau, the latest in a long line of Raveneau rakes and a newly created viscount, Cathy awakens to a destiny worth fighting for.

Although Raveneau insists that he is not marriage material, he is in desperate need of funds to restore Tempest Hall, his crumbling family estate on Barbados. And when Cathy begs him to save her from the toad-like duke her mother intends her to marry, Adam realizes that they may be able help each other.

Following a passionate honeymoon voyage on the high seas, Cathy and Adam arrive at their island home to find legends of pirate treasure and face the realities of their complicated marriage of convenience.

Can two people who wed for all the wrong reasons discover that a lasting love is the greatest treasure of all?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Historical Fiction, Amazon, Fiction

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2012

About the author

Cynthia Wright is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her Rakes & Rebels series, 16 intertwining historical romances starring the irresistible Raveneau & Beauvisage families. Her other acclaimed series are Crowns & Kilts and Rogues Go West. Romantic Times Magazine hails Cynthia's novels as "Romance the way it was meant to be."

Cynthia lives in northern California. She enjoys riding a tandem bike and taking road trips in an airstream trailer with her Colombian-born husband, Alvaro & their corgi, Watson. She is also devoted to her two teenage grandsons who live nearby.

You are invited to visit Cynthia's website (where you can sign up for her newsletter and peruse the Books Page):
http://cynthiawrightauthor.com/

You are invited to join Cynthia's private Facebook reader group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/98606...

View her "Behind the Books" boards on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/cynthiawright77/

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family series:
1 - SILVER STORM (André & Devon)
2 - HER HUSBAND, THE RAKE: a sequel novella (André & Devon)
3 - SMUGGLER'S MOON (Sebastian & Julia)
4 - THE SECRET OF LOVE (Gabriel & Isabella)
5 - SURRENDER THE STARS (Ryan & Lindsay)
6 - HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE (Justin & Mouette)
7 - HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND (Justin & Mouette)
8 - HER SECRET ROGUE (Anthony & Frederica)
9 - HIS FIERY ANGEL (Benedict & Camille)
10 - HIS RECKLESS BARGAIN (Nathan & Adrienne)
11 - TEMPEST (Adam & Cathy)

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family intertwines with RAKES & REBELS: The Beauvisage Family series:
1 - STOLEN BY A PIRATE: a prequel novella to RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Jean-Philippe & Antonia)
2 -RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Alec & Caro)
3 - TOUCH THE SUN (Lion & Meagan)
4 - SPRING FIRES (Nicholai & Lisette)
5 - HER DANGEROUS VISCOUNT (Grey & Natalya)

CROWNS & KILTS: The St. Briac Family
1 - YOU & NO OTHER (Thomas & Aimee)
2 - OF ONE HEART (Andrew & Micheline)
3 - ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR (Christophe & Fiona)
4 - RETURN OF THE LOST BRIDE (Ciaran & Violette)
5 - QUEST OF THE HIGHLANDER (Lennox & Nora)

ROGUES GO WEST
1 - BRIGHTER THAN GOLD (Jack & Katie)
2 - IN A RENEGADE'S EMBRACE (Fox & Maddie)
3 - THE DUKE & THE COWGIRL (Geoff & Shelby)
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Reviews

[Bowags12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, It was past the dukes etc but barely. I enjoyed reading about the life of 1903 And the wealth and mammas are still fortune hunting

[Missy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was more a slice of life with some romance. 🥱

[Julie Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Raveneau man always has been and always will be swoon-worthy beyond compare. From the beginning of Cynthia Wright's Raveneau Novels, Privateer Captain Andre Raveneau set the tone of these books spanning many generations-- they are men so unfailingly brave, so dashingly handsome, so wickedly bad that they are irresistible. Adam Raveneau, a newly named English Viscount, is the latest tempting morsel in this delicious family.

Set in the Gilded Age, Cynthia Wright's novel is as always a beautiful glimpse into the lifestyle and mindset of people living in that time. Opening with a lavish masquarade ball set at the newly-built seaside estate of an American millionaire intent on seeing his daughter married to a Duke, the book shows a glimpse of what life was like for those who had wealth, but lacked the noble connections they so desired.

Catherine Parrish's mother, although from a wealthy Southern family, had not been thought "good enough" to marry Catherine's prestegious father. As a result, she raised Catherine carefully, grooming her to someday be the wife of a wealth English Duke. Regardless of what Catherine may or may not want, Mrs. Parrish finally has the coveted fish, a toad-like (in Catherine's opinion) English Duke, on the line. She expects that he will propose that very night.

But two strikingly handsome young men come to the door and turn everything upside down. Bryon Matthews (who readers will recognize from the author's books set in the American West) walks in, bringing his friend who is none other than Adam Raveneau. Dressed as a Barbadian pirate, Adam looks so handsome and dangerous that Catherine's breath is taken away.

A chance meeting in a Chinese teahouse in the gardens brings the two together for a few moments alone and they realize they are both people in need -- she needs away to escape the destiny planned by her mother, he needs a wealthy wife to help restore his destitute estate. That night, Catherine begins a plan in her mind that will help them both: a marriage of convenience.

A quick wedding, a delightfully romantic sea voyage, stories of pirate treasure, and the awakening of two wounded hearts follows. As always, Cynthia Wright weaves characters in from her past novels and that adds such a wonderful depth to the story. The author has done quite a bit of research on both the era and the places mentioned in the book, which adds a depth to the story that you won't often find in this genre. The accuracy makes the story seem even more real, if that's possible.

As with all of Cynthia Wright's novels, there are twists and turns, the magic of first love, tragic heartbreak, and love scenes that are absolutely unforgettable--beautiful, never raunchy, but immensely satisfying and glorious to read. Once you start this story, you'll not want to put it down until you've finished. If you haven't read any of this author's other novels you should click right over to Amazon's author page and download Silver Storm (The Raveneau Novels, Book 1) and then make your way through the rest. Each and every one is one to remember and to revisit over and over again! I have read hundreds of historical romances and can truthfully say that I enjoy hers above all others. You won't find a better way to spend a snowy afternoon than curled up with a book by Cynthia Wright!

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

The situation of this quite humorous story tickles my funny-bone. The characters are of various personalities, most deeply flawed adding to the spirit of the story. Enjoy the falsity of the rich in Rhode Island, sail to Barbados, an island you will feel, taste and smell. The contrast is striking.

The Parrish’s live in Rhode Island, a very American family, and are tremendously rich, thanks to Mr. Parrish’s cleverness in trade. So, what’s the problem? Catherine’s mother, Hermoine, needs her daughter to marry a titled gentleman, priming her daughter for such a moment since birth.

I feel a bit sorry for Catherine Parrish. I suppose more than just a bit. She is such a good-natured young lady and has tried to keep her mother happy through the years. She is a free spirit with kindness and a passion for living.

However, Hermoine is prickly, snippy– a character author Wright portrays superbly. Along with narrator Emily Beresford’s pacing and tone in the dialogue, this woman jumps off the page as someone you would never like to cross! We see how this affects her relationship with her daughter and her husband, let alone Adam Raveneau once he meets her. She coerces, prods, etc. a duke who is basically penniless.

This duke, among other wealthy and titled guests, is invited to a huge ball thrown by the Parrish’s. No expense is too great. She will get her daughter betrothed. This is the moment Hermoine has been waiting for.

Bryon, Adam’s friend, happened to snag an invitation. Bryon dragged him to the ball, a ball where all were in costume, 18th century. Bryon was prettily and appropriately dressed, but Adam, being the renegade, he comes as a pirate. Catherine is transfixed!

Byron works behind the scenes to get Adam to do something about his circumstances. He has an old mansion on the island of Barbados which is falling apart and he also is without money. Adam is titled, however, but if you were to ask him, he’d belittle the title and even his character. I LOVED HIM!

Adam comes to her rescue, but Cathy is no shrinking violet. She is forced to go against her mother’s wishes by a very bold plan! Adam really can’t say how he decided to be her knight in shining armor.
I came to love Cathy’s forthright, positive nature. She is an innocent and strictly schooled about men from her mother. Men are just a means to an end. Cathy shows us how much this affects her actions and reactions.

Just one more remark about Emily Beresford. I have listened to her work before. Her dialogue is easy to follow. In this story she has dialogue for a child, barks like a dog, is a harpy of a woman, dons the tone of the titled with their ennui, contrasting with Cathy’s family American dialect, and makes the Barbados island real with the dialect of its people at Tempest. She captures all the author wants and takes you sailing!

The book is wonderful. The whole series will capture your heart. If you love this historical time with stories set in new America and its colonialist mother, England, you have found yourself a new author!

[Lauren]

I DNF this book so I won't give it a star rating because I don't believe that is fair to the author. But I made it about 30% way into this book before I couldn't take it any longer. I thought all the 5star reviews meant I was in for a treat - but at this point I'm convinced that we didn't read the same book. While reading this book I felt like I had gone mad or was in some sort of alternate reality - it was written SO bizarrely.

First of all, this is a book where the heroine is interested first - that's fine, but Cathy was like throwing herself at Adam and was one second away from begging on her knees for him. I think that was just a little too much, she should have valued herself more than that. I tired pretty quickly of hearing about how she was just 'not a beauty' meanwhile Adam was like a god amongst men. It made me feel really bad for the heroine that she thought so poorly of herself.

But my main problem were two lines that just made me say I've had enough of this bizarrely written book. One scene Adam gave Cathy a strong alcoholic beverage and she was drinking it whilst thinking about how she misses her home and even her mother when all the sudden Adam started yelling at her to 'Get a grip' and that he doesn't want her embarrassing him in front of the whole town by being 'an intoxicated bride.' Like WHAT?! She wasn't even doing anything!! She was just drinking her drink and thinking - unless my kindle ebook was missing a page where she was acting like a drunken idiot then why the heck is he yelling at her to get a grip. SO BIZARRE. But then the line that had me closing the book for good was when she was saying goodbye to one of her servants that she'd known all her life and now she was going to be completely alone in this foreign country with a husband that she barely knows - so she was getting misty eyed and Adam told her that she was such a woman and unable to control her emotions. Basically just disregarding her feelings and gaslighting her into thinking she was being overly emotional. What the heck?! Couldn't he have acted with a bit of understanding and empathy - I think Cathy was completely justified in the way she was acting. But he just kept pointing out her flaws and being horrible to her!

Bottom line is that I think Cathy should have held herself with a bit more confidence and self-worth and Adam was just a horrible hero. I wasn't into him in the slightest - arrogant, dismissive and rude. Not swoon-worthy at all! I was trying to stick it out to see when he'd change his sour attitude but after 30% I decided I couldn't keep torturing myself with this rubbish story. I had high hopes for a fun and romantic beach read - but this story just made me irritated. No thanks! DNF.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempest is a fascinating marriage of convenience romance set primarily in Barbados during the Gilded Age. Although this story is the 4th book in the Raveneau series by Cynthia Wright, I did not feel lost or felt like I missed something not knowing any of the Raveneau history.

The story begins with Newport, Rhode Island heiress Catherine Beasley Parrish bemoaning an upcoming marriage to a horrible duke that her mother picked out for her. Adam Raveneau is a newly created viscount who gambled away the family fortune, with all that remains is Tempest Hall, dilapidated plantation on Barbados. While at a ball, Catherine is introduced to Adam and she almost immediately suggests a marriage of convenience to escape a marriage to the duke (and her overbearing mother), which in turn will provide Adam with sufficient money to restore Tempest Hall.

Like most marriage of convenience books, this marriage in not very convenient as Catherine falls in love with Adam almost immediately on their honeymoon as they sail to Barbados. Adam on the other hand is stubborn and refuses to get too attached to her, treating her worse than anyone else in the household. Catherine eventually gets fed up with being ignored and she moves out of Tempest Hall and becomes a school teacher to the town’s young girls. Despite his valiant attempts to thwart off his feelings for Catherine, Adam eventually succumbs, acknowledging that he admires her independence and talents. Plus, he’s a better man when she is around.

There are several great secondary characters in this story, including all of those who help out around the house. Even a son who Adam didn’t know existed is adorable. I also appreciated the side story involving the pirate Stede Bonnet, who’s mentioned several times throughout the story. And my favorite scene was when Adam borrows the long-departed pirate’s sailing ship for a date with his wife as he tries to woo her back. In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

[Francesca LMBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNA Raveneau non mente

Romanzo molto piacevole, scorrevole, abbastanza prevedibile ma non scontato. Adam Raveneau è un libertino squattrinato che ha sperperato tutte le ricchezze e le fonti di possibile conto di guadagno ma sposare una ereditiera non è nei suoi programmi. La ricchissima ma non nobile Catherine è soffocata dalle pressioni della autoritaria madre che cerca di combinarle a tutti i costi un matrimonio con un vecchio duca per elevarla in società. Quando Catherine incontra il bellissimo ed affascinante Adam, che sa essere in stato di assoluto bisogno pecuniario, cerca in tutti i modi di convincerlo a sposarla per sfuggire al controllo della madre. Ma il matrimonio di convenienza sta un po' stretto ad entrambi. Solo con tanta buona volontà riuscuaranno a riconoscere il profondo sentimento che li lega.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Wright's Tempest completes the tale begun with Andre and Devon and then Adrienne and Nathan. It is the story of Viscount Adam Raveneau and the American heiress Catherine Beasley Parrish, Cathy. Adam has foolishly gambled away his birthright and inheritance resulting in the need to marry into wealth in order to save his last possession, the Barbados estate, Tempest. Cathy has been raised with the knowledge that her considerable dowry is to buy her the title her mother has always coveted. However, before Adam and Cathy can find true happiness together they must find a way to overcome their flaws and shortcomings.
As always, the author's attention to historical detail is wonderful. Her words paint such pictures that Barbados springs to life in the reader's mind. Tempest is a must for anyone who has been following these wonderful stories.

[Svalora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible — the narration was goo which adds to the enjoyment of a book.
This was a long series which I’ve had mixed feelings about. I think the stories were individually good, I just didn’t get attached to the families and characters that much.
This final book for instance could have been a complete stand alone for me. I didn’t feel there was a ton of connection to the rest of the series. Yes, there was the crucial part (don’t want to give anything away) but really, you didn’t need the previous information to have the entire story. But of course this book wrapped up that storyline for those interested!
While I did enjoy the series, I really don’t care that I’m done with it, so that tells me that it wasn’t super engaging for me!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

TEMPEST : RAKES AND REBELS - Raveneau ......
This is my 11th Cynthia Wright read. Fantastic as expected. I really enjoyed the story of a great grandson of a familiar hero. ADAM, our hero, checks all my boxes. He is arrogant, naughty, educated and unknown to himself, he possesses a tender heart. CATHY our heroine is not beautiful, until he finds her so. A little mystery and grand adventure tops it off.

[Alison Burnhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry it's come to an end

I have dearly loved the series of books which have recorded the history of the Beauvisage and Raveneau families. What more could you ask for, swashbuckling adventure and romance a plenty but each story so individual. And even when the story crept into the 20th century there was enough history to let you still feel the history without being overtaken by modernity. Thank you so much, just sorry to let them l go now.

[Shar Cardona · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have the audiobook. The narrator is awful. I made it through about 4.5 chapters, and only because i was forcing myself to get through it. I felt like she was reading a children’s book to me and I didn’t want a children’s book. I didn’t get far enough in to get a good idea about the content. This might appeal to someone who likes the narrator (and she might be good in other books), but it’s not for me.

[John Boles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempest

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this series and this last book. This book had more intrigue than a needed for a good story. I found I could not put it down and stop reading. The interior way that they were able to find love makes you feel so good. I would recommend this book as well as all in the series.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Controlling

I must say, dictatorial mothers are the worst. When Kathy was born, her mother determined that she would marry a duke. All her schooling was designed with that in mind. Then on day Kathy realized that she was no longer going to allow her mother to force her disastrous will upon her. Wait until you see what good it did her!?

[Joann Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best i have ever read

My wish is to see more books on adventures and love.... Rakes and Rebels have to be done of the best I have ever read and would love more like them... You feel like you are on the board with them... Love Love Love the books... 5 stars

[Gail Armorer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh the sad plight of slave owners

“Although I abhor slavery as much as anyone, it did make life much more convenient for the plantation owner. A direct quote from the hero of the book. Slavery as a convenience.

I will pass on this author's books.

[Janet Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pain to love found

Two wounded young people struggle to find worth after much pain in their lives. A long road of misunderstanding and painful learning bring them finally to the love they thought they lost.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this story a 4 1/2 stars! It’s been one of my favorite ones in this series! Loved how a marriage of convenience turned into real love by the end of the book. I am very pleased with how it ended! You will love Catherine (Cathy) and Adam's story! I recommend it. Enjoy!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempest (Rakes & Rebels: The Raveneau Family Book 7)

All the Raveneau men for centuries have a hard time to believe in love. Once they learned they had true love they became the best husband and lover. I wish there were more of these books for I really enjoyed them.

[Marcilla Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 This book started out very slow to me. I very much disliked the hero and could hardly stand the heroine. The second half of the book was a solid 4 for me. I very much enjoyed it. I give a 4 star rating basic off the second half

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempest is a fun romance with an heiress who arranges a marriage of convenience to her dream man in order to avoid a marriage she really does not want. The story is entertaining with a lot of funny moments though the characters are often unreasonable. A good story overall.

[Catt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I spent most of the book thinking it was going to be a 2, and then at the 90% mark the word "congested" was used in a sex scene, in reference to the clitoris. That ended the book for me, and left me wishing desperately that we could give negative stars.

[Lois Mezo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and mystery

RAVEREAU WAS AFIAD TO LOVE .A GREAT BOOK WELL WRITTEN.CYTHIA WRIGHT IS A GREAT WRITER.I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND HER OTHER BOOKS.SORRY MY KEY BROD IS ACTING UP
THANKS CYNTHIA

[Elaine]

Without going into the plot, in my opinion this was not one of the best in the series. I did finish it but there were points when I considered putting it aside. This is the second book in this usually excellent series that was a disappointment.

[Sharon Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Wonderful book! Characters and storyline were perfect. So romantic and exciting! Adam and Cathy were so awesome together. Best part was the romantic dinner on the ship!

[Nellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance

This was light, and interesting. It was romantic, but not a clean story. This was not compelling enough for me to give more stars.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love story

I have enjoyed this journey. I know I have read part of this story but I am not sure if I have read it all. Loved it.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

Cynthia Wright has another great read. I have read books 3 through 8 and want to read more. I enjoy the weaving of a historical background with the story.

[Helen Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

I have loved everything about the way you create a love story with so much heart. Your stories are wonderful and so fun to read.

[Billie Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series was entertaining

Once you start this series you are hooked. The characters are interesting and the stories are engaging. Fun to read