His Fiery Angel

Rakes & Rebels: The St. Briac Family #4

by Cynthia Wright

Travel back in time to windswept Cornwall for an enemies-to-lovers romance you’ll savor!

Proudly going her own way

Camille St. Briac cares nothing for her own natural beauty, nor is she interested in the London ton. Instead, she bravely fights to save innocent birds from feather thieves who would kill them to decorate fashionable women’s hats.

Escaping from his past
Brooding, rakish ornithologist Benedict Hawke travels the world in search of new species of birds... and the farther that takes him from England and his unforgivable father, the better.
But Pa’s sudden illness forces Benedict to abandon a dream expedition and return to Cornwall. When feather hunters invade the cliffs near his cottage, Benedict clashes with Camille, a fiery crusader for the beleaguered gulls called kittiwakes. Although she mistakenly believes he is one of the villains, neither can deny their combustible, mutual attraction... and the harder they struggle against it, the hotter it flares!

Genres: Historical Romance

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

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)
Read less

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camille St. Briac has a passion for birds. Horrified seeing kittiwake wings on hats in London, she returns to her home in Cornwall to save the birds. Benedict Hawke is an ornithologist. Unfortunately he must kill birds to study for his book. With his father ill he must return to Cornwall from London and give up his trip to study birds in Australia. Camille attracts his attention to save the kittiwakes. He understands and agrees to help her to stop the killers. But finding the leader, is their first priority to stop the slaughter. Falling in love wasn't what they were expecting.
An unusual story with a villain not unexpected.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from NetGalley.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I enjoyed this book. I enjoy the science aspect of enjoying learning about birds that our main characters share. They come together to help protect birds that live on the cliff near both their homes and fall in love in the process. Camille is so lovely with her family. I like how her parents allow her to be her own person and support her. It’s nice. Benedict has had a rougher time fl family wise but there is a really sweet scene with his nephew. When they both come together and admit their feelings for each other, I liked that too. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Lara Chabot · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I love this author. She has created a beautiful world where we get the chance to run back into previous characters. We are on the second generation of St.Briac and are following Camille, whom we have met when she was just four years old, on her own path to her true love. Being a St.Briac comes with an iron will and the drive to achieve everything you set your mind on, plus a little (lots of!) recklessness. Having grown in the wilds of Cornwall, Camille loves nature and its inhabitants. The current fashion adorning hats with birds’ wings infuriates her and she is determined to put an end to it. She will meet Benedict and sparks will fly, both because of their passionate nature and stubbornness. Benedict, a bird lover, will find himself unexpectedly mixed up in her schemes after she thought him a villain. He has ghosts of his own and is about to face them head on. This book made me shed a few tears and laugh as well. Cynthia is definitely talented into writing spirited characters with sharp tongues that make for witty dialogues! Loved it!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank netgalley and Oliver Heber Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Victorian England, HIS FIERY ANGEL tells the story of Camille St. Briac who is passionate about birds, but most especially the Kittiwake, a bird native to her home in Cornwall. Benedict Hawke is an ornithologist who has traveled the world studying birds and hopes to continue his studies in Australia. A chance meeting in a London park has them at odds when Camille confronts a high ranking member of the ton who was wearing a hat decorated with Kittiwake wings.

Family matters pull Benedict back home to Cornwall against his will. Camille has no interest in London society and wants to get back to her family home where she is determined to save her beloved Kittiwake from the milliners and hunters who are killing the birds for their unique feathers. Camille and Benedict’s paths cross once again seemingly at odds. They both perceive the same problem, but have different ideas on the best way to save the birds.

Despite her headstrong ways, Benedict is drawn to Camille and they form an unlikely partnership. Camille is not fond of Benedict’s ways of studying birds, but she too, begins to have strong feelings for Benedict. They formulate a plan to gather more information about those who are hunting the birds and who is financing the plans. Can Camille and Benedict work through their determination never to marry, his family issues, and her secret from her past?

A classic enemies to lovers story, there is also intrigue and science. I love how characters in HIS FIERY ANGEL and the book before this one, HER SECRET ROGUE, are scientists in the field of zoology (ornithologist and naturalist). While women were not usually accepted in these fields, Wright has her heroines follow their passions, despite obstacles, including social norms. In addition, Wright’s regional details are outstanding with her detailed descriptions of locations, food, and dress.

Wright’s storytelling is outstanding and I adore how all of her books are connected. HIS FIERY ANGEL stands alone, but you are enriched by knowing the backstories of the connected characters. I loved catching up with the St. Briac and Raveneau families. HIS FIERY ANGEL is part of the Rakes & Rebels series, book 4 in the St. Briac Family. Camille’s parents’ story (Isabella Trevarre and Gabriel St. Briac) is told in THE SECRET OF LOVE and her Aunt Julia and Uncle Sebastian from SMUGGLER’S MOON make an appearance. The story also crosses paths with the Raveneau Family, with cameos by the couple that started it all, André and Devon Raveneau, from SILVER STORM, their daughter Mouette and her husband Justin St. Briac (HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE and HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND).

An engrossing read with a Victorian science twist. I highly recommend HIS FIERY ANGEL.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Fiery Angel by Cynthia Wright is another wonderful installment of the St Briac Family Series. It is set in Cornwall and if you knew little about birds before, then by the time you have finished reading this you will be far more educated. Fear not because although you will be educated, what you learn is nicely interspersed with a passionate enemies-to-lovers romance.

Benedict Hawke is an Ornithologist. He uses stuffed birds for his studies and thinks little of the fact that they have been killed for his use. He is in Cornwall to help his sister look after their father. It's the last place he wants to be especially as he was all set to sail to Australia to study the wildlife there.

Camille St. Briac loves birds and aims to stop the fashion trade from using feathers and wings to decorate hats. She is horrified when she sees the wings of one of her favourite species of birds adorning a hat at a society event in London. The birds in question are nesting on the cliffs in Cornwall and Camille wants to do all that she can to stop them from being murdered. With that in mind, yet with no plan as such, she heads to Cornwall to save the precious birds.

She meets Benedict there and from that first meeting sparks fly. I won't go into detail, but let's just say that Camille and he don't start on the right foot. Their developing friendship/romance from being enemies was a pleasure to read. I love how they bring out the best in each other especially how Camille makes Benedict question his use of dead birds for his studies.

The amount of research the author put into this book is obvious. I love a story that entertains as well as educates. I enjoy immersing myself in the story thanks to the fabulous description of the people, the places and the era when it takes place.

This is a wonderful book which I know I will read again.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her passionate and suspenseful new romance novel, Cynthia Wright returns to the spectacular location of early 19th century Cornwall in this compelling addition to her St. Briac family saga. Spirited and bright Camille St. Briac cares intensely for wildlife, most especially the kittiwake birds
who live along the cliffs of her beloved home county. While exceptionally gorgeous, her true beauty is revealed in her determination to protect the wild birds she loves, at all costs. She meets the handsome and intense ornithologist Benedict Hawke, her equal in intelligence and care of the
natural world, and a man with a conflicted past who only needs love to bring out his true strength of character. They are brought together through adventure, mutual attraction, and shared desires. The author weaves her usual magical web of romance, beautifully described locations, and compelling characters. The spicy parts sizzle, and the hero and heroine's connection is heartfelt, with the perfect balance of sensuality and emotion. Beloved characters from Mrs. Wright's canon of books are a joy to rediscover, but this book stands effortlessly on it's own. I highly recommend that you treat yourself to this beautiful, interesting, and romantic book that will transport you to a love story you won't want to put down.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next generation of St. Briac’s are making their own HEA. Camille has grown up through various books in this series. Always a bird lover and advocate for stopping the inhumane killing of birds for their feathers. She spy’s upon a gang killing her beloved Kittiwakes and a man that must be the leader. Trying to stop the slaughter has her now in the arms of the villain.
Benedict is exactly the last place he wants to be, home! He gave up his dream of an expedition to Australia to study birds. His sister requested his presence since their father has had a stroke. The man he despises! And now he is caught up in a situation he stumbled upon and has his arms around a beauty.
I enjoyed the past characters all having a part in the story. The beginning was slow, dragging but it did pickup about halfway through. It brought to my attention something I never thought about….where do they get the feathers? I’m always thrilled when a book opens my eyes to something new. I rate it 3.5 stars and rounded it up. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #HisFieryAngel

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Cynthia Wright's St. Briac Family novels. His Fiery Angel, from the Rakes and Rebels collection, is no exception. This is Camille and Benedict's story. When first they "meet" they believe they couldn't be more different but in truth they are perfectly matched. They both feel an affinity for birds and ultimately come together to save the Kittiwakes of Cornwall from slaughter all the while falling in love.
I have always loved Cynthia's attention to historical detail. Her artistry with words transports the reader to many wonderful and picturesque sites. Her colorful descriptions paint the costumes and customs of the time making it so easy to get lost in her stories.
I definitely recommend His Fiery Angel. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel but it will be even more enjoyable if read as a continuation of the St. Briac stories. Many of the characters we love from the prior books pay a visit to Cornwall further enriching this story.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camille is obsessed with saving birds. Benedict kills them to study them. NOT a good start for any type of relationship, other than hatred. Yet the author does a superb job of weaving a tale of two hearts, broken by the past, healed by a love they never wanted. Not being a bird lover to the degree that Camille was, I was a bit bored at first. But as the story progressed, I became engrossed in finding out the villain of the story, who was hidden very well until the big reveal. Although the story has characters from previous books, this can be read as a stand-alone as the author gives just enough information that the reader will not be lost. The climax was exciting and the epilogue VERY sweet. Lazarus gets his moment and that made it all the more touching! I adored the characters, the family relations and the real feel of strife within a family. Worth the read!

I received this story for free and these are my own opinions

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read previous books in this series, I enjoyed catching up with the St. Briac family and their offspring. I also realized from this novel that we can thank those strong-minded personalities who put their lives at risk to bring about change in society and to garner respect for our environment. I loved the main characters even though they were at loggerheads with one another in the first part of the plot, but once they started to work together there was no stopping them from achieving their goal. The attraction between Hawke and Camille simmered between them, making it obvious to everyone around them, although it took a little longer for them to acknowledge their feelings for one another. Although part of a series, this well-written romance comes to a lovely conclusion, but not without the older generation stepping in to help save the day. I received a copy of this book as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book. When Camille and Benedict are together, it is very enjoyable. When they are apart and dealing with other parts of the story, it is very different. I just can't get over Benedict's selfishness. I have witnessed adult children behaving this way toward parents and siblings, and I just can't stand reading about it. I kept trying because Benedict was maybe making some progress, but basically he needed to grow up and be an adult. Camille spent an awful lot of the novel making speeches without paying attention to facts or people. She showed some growth more quickly than Benedict, though. These characters are realistic, but it is not the kind of realism I want to read. Also, there is way more blood and violence in here than I was expecting. Knowing the birds are in danger was sufficient without the gore.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family, Kittiwakes, Romance:
📖 Rating: 3.5 stars
I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but it felt like a stand-alone book, and I didn't feel like I missed anything.
Intriguing and complex characters with many side characters that added to the story.
A story involved families trying to manage all of the complexities and discovering a romance along the way.
A charming romance with a few hurdles to conquer before Camille and Benedict reach a very lovely ending.
The plot involving the birds was interesting but dragged a bit, but I do agree with their determination to save the birds from abuse.
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

[Patricia S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, Cynthia pulls you into
the world of Camille St. Briac. Camille is
feisty and protective of the birds she
protects and loves! The kittiwake birds
were being abused by hunters.

Benedict meets his match when he meets
Camille. He has a gruff Father, he also
travels the world studying birds. Get
ready to see if Benedict and Camille
become friends. I was so happy to
see how Cynthia brought in all of the
St.Briac, Raveneau families. Enjoy,
the families and go back and listen
and read them all again!

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Absolutely Wonderful, Entertaining, Delightful & Romantic Story.

As always, Cynthia Wright has written a Wonderful Story.
Camille & Benedict were wonderful characters.
Benedict is an ornithologist & was asked to go on an expedition to Australia. Unfortunately his father's illness has him going to Cornwall.
Camille is a lover & caregiver of birds & could care less about balls, routes & soirees.
When she finds thieves brutally attacking the Kittiwakes, she votes to stop them anyway possible.

Oh this Story was so marvelous, I so enjoyed reading it.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Wright's novel! Her talent for laying out a story with flair and ease is 2nd to none.
This setting is in Cornwall, England and seems like a beautiful place to set this love story. I enjoyed all the characters and admire the author's talent for research not only the area and time, but taking a piece of history or a topic and sharing it in a way that one learns and enjoys it!!!

I'll never stop reading Cynthia's novels.

[SD Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very desirable and independent thinking Camille is determined to stop the “feather thieves” from killing the beautiful kittiwakes nesting close to her home in Cornwall. A darkly handsome man of science with deep and painful secrets, Benedict returns home to Cornwall to help care for his father. Danger and passion abound! I was literally holding my breath several times. Another riveting story in the “family tree” filled with adventure, intrigue, and romance from Cynthia Wright.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that inspire me to learn something new, like kittiwakes. I also love animals so reading about a fmc who's an animal crusader of her time is my catnip. Camille and Benedict are lovely characters. If you've read any of Cynthia Wright's other books there's tons of cameos in this book. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. This is part of a series I have not read (I didn't realize at the time) but plan on catching up on quickly. Since I have not read the series, I felt like some background information was missing. I don't think it took away from the story at all, but I look forward to filling in the gaps.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was quite a stretch - the implausibilities often tempted me to give up on the book. I did get rather attached to Benedict and Camille in the end, and the birding element was interesting. But Tim Campbell’s narration was what really made the book worthwhile for me. I think I’d listen to any garbage as loud as he’s reading it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale of a fiery, fierce protector, guardian and nurturer of animals who can not speak for themselves and the man who would end up supporting, agreeing with her as well as love her. From enemies to friends to lovers to sleuths to warriors. A treat to read!

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

Loved the passion and commitment Camille pours into her love of the wild birds! And the horror of the feather thieves is truly despicable! Only a talented author could turn this into a romance! Loved it!

[Heike Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It made me laugh and made me cry. As I have read all other books of the author it was like coming home. It certainly wasn’t the last time I read this amazing book.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

On their first meeting Camille and Dominic become sworn enemies. This is a fun and exciting story as these two characters challenge each other’s personal beliefs. Using witty and funny dialogue the characters entertain readers at the turn of each page. The plot is easy to follow, understand, and moves at a steady pace. Watching two strong willed characters fall in love is a treat for readers and a welcome addition to the series.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Fiery Angel is a fun period romance involving a spirited girl who loves birds and an ornithologist. The story can be silly at times, but it is an enjoyable lark. Contains graphic sex scenes.