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Rakes & Rebels: The Beauvisage Family #1
Heart of Fragile Stars
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B015QEKL62
A pirate and a high-born maiden, brought together by an ancient sword…
Dashing French corsair Jean-Philippe Beauvisage revels in his unrestricted life … until the night at a ball in Georgian London, when a Russian beauty steals his heart.
Heartbroken Antonia Varyshkova, who has lost her parents and her home in a St. Petersburg fire, stops in London en route to a new life with her brother in America. When her arrogant ship’s captain, Tobias Ormond, insists that she attend a ball with him, Antonia reluctantly agrees.
The instant connection between Jean-Philippe and Antonia is soul-deep, but it seems that there cannot be a future for them. She sails off to America and he returns to his pirate’s life at sea … until an ancient Roman sword which may be cursed forces Beauvisage to chase down the very ship carrying the woman he loves.
Set sail on the high seas of 1749 and hold on tight for a love story you’ll never forget!
A pirate and a high-born maiden, brought together by an ancient sword…
Dashing French corsair Jean-Philippe Beauvisage revels in his unrestricted life … until the night at a ball in Georgian London, when a Russian beauty steals his heart.
Heartbroken Antonia Varyshkova, who has lost her parents and her home in a St. Petersburg fire, stops in London en route to a new life with her brother in America. When her arrogant ship’s captain, Tobias Ormond, insists that she attend a ball with him, Antonia reluctantly agrees.
The instant connection between Jean-Philippe and Antonia is soul-deep, but it seems that there cannot be a future for them. She sails off to America and he returns to his pirate’s life at sea … until an ancient Roman sword which may be cursed forces Beauvisage to chase down the very ship carrying the woman he loves.
Set sail on the high seas of 1749 and hold on tight for a love story you’ll never forget!
107 pages, ebook
First published September 22, 2015
341 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Wright
59 books474 followersCynthia 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 18, 2023
I’m literally so confused also why are they friends with Benjamin Franklin 😩 the two stars are for the narrator, Timothy Campbell bc he’s bae
August 15, 2021
This book has an alternative title: Stolen by a Pirate. If I had known that I had already this book under its original title and had rated it so low, I never would have bought it on Amazon. 😩😒
January 31, 2017
Good novella..
For only being 112 pages this was a very good short story, from the time Jean-Phillipe and Antonia met, with him dressed totally as a fop in pink and red and big white wig, to the time he rescued her from Tobias. And with it being only 112 pages I wasn’t surprised that it was love-at-first-sight for Jean-Phillipe. Unlike some reviewers I can’t take a star away from this story because it was “too short” or “too rushed.” How fair is that when you knew how many pages there were going in?
This was the story was about a man of nobility who chose to be a pirate. Of a cursed sword, and the attack on the Conquerer by Jean-Phillipe's ship Pursuit. There really never was a dull moment and you weren't left with unanswered questions. al least I wasn't.
Except for Tobias, who thought he was ‘all that,’ and Humphrey, who was just a big fat jerk, I did like the other players: Pierre, Zoya, Roland the monkey, and Étienne and Danielle, Jean-Phillipe’s parents. What I hated about it was the white wigs or powered hair. Yuck.
I won’t be going on with this series because I also hate when the hero and heroine grow old. I just want their HEA in the book I just read, and nothing more. Call me crazy.
There was sort of descriptive sex in this book, not too much, at the very end of the book. If you don’t want to read the sex part then don’t read past their wedding, because all the rest is ONLY sex. There was no swearing.
As to the narrator: Truly awesome! His French accent for Jean-Pierre and his parents sure sounded perfect to me. And the French words throughout the book sounded perfect, too. His emotional reading was wonderful! I love Tim Campbell’s narrations.
For only being 112 pages this was a very good short story, from the time Jean-Phillipe and Antonia met, with him dressed totally as a fop in pink and red and big white wig, to the time he rescued her from Tobias. And with it being only 112 pages I wasn’t surprised that it was love-at-first-sight for Jean-Phillipe. Unlike some reviewers I can’t take a star away from this story because it was “too short” or “too rushed.” How fair is that when you knew how many pages there were going in?
This was the story was about a man of nobility who chose to be a pirate. Of a cursed sword, and the attack on the Conquerer by Jean-Phillipe's ship Pursuit. There really never was a dull moment and you weren't left with unanswered questions. al least I wasn't.
Except for Tobias, who thought he was ‘all that,’ and Humphrey, who was just a big fat jerk, I did like the other players: Pierre, Zoya, Roland the monkey, and Étienne and Danielle, Jean-Phillipe’s parents. What I hated about it was the white wigs or powered hair. Yuck.
I won’t be going on with this series because I also hate when the hero and heroine grow old. I just want their HEA in the book I just read, and nothing more. Call me crazy.
There was sort of descriptive sex in this book, not too much, at the very end of the book. If you don’t want to read the sex part then don’t read past their wedding, because all the rest is ONLY sex. There was no swearing.
As to the narrator: Truly awesome! His French accent for Jean-Pierre and his parents sure sounded perfect to me. And the French words throughout the book sounded perfect, too. His emotional reading was wonderful! I love Tim Campbell’s narrations.
March 12, 2019
3.5 stars. Extremely well written novella set in the mid 1700's with the hero being a pirate (or Sea Rogue as he calls himself). The story moved quite quickly and if it had been expanded and slowed down a bit I would have probably liked it much more. Read as part of the Legend of the Theodosia Sword collection. I will for certain, read more books from this author. 🙂
February 11, 2018
The first in a series of historical romantic novels set in Georgian times of 1749.
Russian, Antonia, flees St. Petersburg, Russia, after death of her parents by fire. Her aim is to find her brother in America. A revolting captain has desires and sets about her abduction; however, she meets Jean-Philippe Beauvisage a renowned pirate of the high seas...and so leads to a swashbuckling traditional romance, and first in a series of family saga stories about this family and time period.
Not the sort of books I usually read, but was drawn in through discussion for information with a friend, and I went on to read it as I'm a history buff.
It was pleasant, easy going read, one that can be given to young teens and up, as not overly explicit sexually. Historically, pretty accurate.
This is an introductory novella and as such in my opinion warrants 3 stars.
If you like this time period it pulls you in to read the others, to which I am doing.
Russian, Antonia, flees St. Petersburg, Russia, after death of her parents by fire. Her aim is to find her brother in America. A revolting captain has desires and sets about her abduction; however, she meets Jean-Philippe Beauvisage a renowned pirate of the high seas...and so leads to a swashbuckling traditional romance, and first in a series of family saga stories about this family and time period.
Not the sort of books I usually read, but was drawn in through discussion for information with a friend, and I went on to read it as I'm a history buff.
It was pleasant, easy going read, one that can be given to young teens and up, as not overly explicit sexually. Historically, pretty accurate.
This is an introductory novella and as such in my opinion warrants 3 stars.
If you like this time period it pulls you in to read the others, to which I am doing.
December 16, 2018
I purchased Heart of Fragile Stars as part of the Once Upon a Bride anthology.
Jean-Philippe Beauvisage comes from an aristocratic background but spends his time on his ship as the pirateer know as the Sea Rogue. He enjoys the adventure of the chase and isn't ready to settle down until he see the beautiful Antonia Varyshkova at his London relative's ball. He is drawn to the sad and beautiful Antonia, where he promises to find her and see her again.
He sails for America on the morning tide and unbeknownst to him so does Antonia on another ship where she is mistreated by the captain and separated from her maid. Jean-Philippe sees her on the deck and takes the other ship, rescues Antonia and her maid and takes the cargo. A mysterious ancient sword, Antonia see starts and nightmares about the loss of her family bring adventure to the romance.
The instant attraction and quickly following capture/rescue and then falling for each other in just a few days it too rushed to be a top romance so this one lacked a bit of reality.
Jean-Philippe Beauvisage comes from an aristocratic background but spends his time on his ship as the pirateer know as the Sea Rogue. He enjoys the adventure of the chase and isn't ready to settle down until he see the beautiful Antonia Varyshkova at his London relative's ball. He is drawn to the sad and beautiful Antonia, where he promises to find her and see her again.
He sails for America on the morning tide and unbeknownst to him so does Antonia on another ship where she is mistreated by the captain and separated from her maid. Jean-Philippe sees her on the deck and takes the other ship, rescues Antonia and her maid and takes the cargo. A mysterious ancient sword, Antonia see starts and nightmares about the loss of her family bring adventure to the romance.
The instant attraction and quickly following capture/rescue and then falling for each other in just a few days it too rushed to be a top romance so this one lacked a bit of reality.
June 18, 2017
Important, but not breathtaking
I dislike novellas because I never feel the characters are developed through the the story. I try to read them as an introduction to a series, as I did in this case, and once again felt like so much was missing. Carolyn Wright's full length novels have filled me with their stories and the history of the times as well as the characters. And even though I knew what to expect going into "Heart of Fragile Stars" I still felt there was so much lacking. Perhaps we'll learn more of these characters as the series unfolds.
I dislike novellas because I never feel the characters are developed through the the story. I try to read them as an introduction to a series, as I did in this case, and once again felt like so much was missing. Carolyn Wright's full length novels have filled me with their stories and the history of the times as well as the characters. And even though I knew what to expect going into "Heart of Fragile Stars" I still felt there was so much lacking. Perhaps we'll learn more of these characters as the series unfolds.
January 1, 2018
Tied up a little too quickly and too neatly, but I enjoyed it.
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January 23, 2023
This fast-paced novella of the high seas involves an attractive young Russian beauty who loses her family and life as she has known it to a fire. Devastated she seeks to find her brother in the colonies, but comes across greedy men in the process. An ancient sword is blamed for her 'bad luck'. One, however, Jeanne-Phillip whom she met previously at a ball and meets again through her travels via England, seeks her out. Wealthy, but known as a sea rogue, he rescues her at sea. All seems to be within the realm of possibility except after rescuing Antonia and the loot, he seeks out the same ship to rescue a priest to marry them and return the booty. A bit unrealistic but as a prequel novella, everything may unravel in the sequel.
May 12, 2023
First in the series. A pirate is called home to hear that their vineyard hasn’t been producing for the past two years. His mother is convinced it’s because she unpacked a cursed sword while going through old things. He is tasked with getting rid of it, “throw it into the sea.” While at his parents, he attends a social and meets a woman. He is instantly smitten and vows to find and wed her.
I loved the characters and the plot. Kudos to Ms. Wright for an outstanding start to her series.
Tim Campbell makes this audiobook great. His French accent is as good as his Russian accent (and both are as good as his accent as a Scottish highlander). Wow wow wow.
I loved the characters and the plot. Kudos to Ms. Wright for an outstanding start to her series.
Tim Campbell makes this audiobook great. His French accent is as good as his Russian accent (and both are as good as his accent as a Scottish highlander). Wow wow wow.
June 21, 2018
Full disclosure, I listened to this book on Audible — I had a hard time understanding the accent of the narrator which probably led to my not enjoying the book as much as I might have otherwise. However, when I read along, it seemed to be better..
I’m not really a fan of this timeframe in history, but read this because of the fact that I already read another from the series and decided to go back and start at the beginning! I’m sure I’ll be glad i did at some point... on the next one!
I’m not really a fan of this timeframe in history, but read this because of the fact that I already read another from the series and decided to go back and start at the beginning! I’m sure I’ll be glad i did at some point... on the next one!
May 24, 2019
Delightful love at first sight
Russian beauty Antonia has had much sorrow in her life, most recently the loss of her beloved mother. She is now in London under the "care" of a less than gallant man who agrees to take her to her brother in the American colonies. He has plans for her that she is not happy about. At a party, she is charmed by a fop that turns out to be a notorious pirate. They will meet again and the adventure begins.
Russian beauty Antonia has had much sorrow in her life, most recently the loss of her beloved mother. She is now in London under the "care" of a less than gallant man who agrees to take her to her brother in the American colonies. He has plans for her that she is not happy about. At a party, she is charmed by a fop that turns out to be a notorious pirate. They will meet again and the adventure begins.
November 10, 2020
Sweet little novella about Antonia, the daughter of a deceased Russian Baron and Baroness, who is on her way to America to live with her brother when the ship she is sailing on is captured by pirates. None other than the infamous "Sea Rogue" is their captain and he wants Antonia. Having met her a few nights prior at a party while disguised as a fop, he's fallen in love at first sight - hard and fast. Determined to marry her, he sets out to make her his.
February 14, 2021
This was a sweet and steamy romantic novella about a pirate captain who instantly falls in love with a woman who is travelling to the American Colonies in the 1700's.
I love a good pirate tale, but I don't really care how the two main characters instantly fell in love with each other. There was no true romantic tension. It was also strange how the heroine instantly trusted the hero. But, I am intrigued, so I will continue with the series.
I love a good pirate tale, but I don't really care how the two main characters instantly fell in love with each other. There was no true romantic tension. It was also strange how the heroine instantly trusted the hero. But, I am intrigued, so I will continue with the series.
October 19, 2018
Another lovely story by Cynthia Wright
Another lovely story by Cynthia Wright. I always love when we get to read the original romance of the parents of other stories characters. It tends to remind you that they were once young and in love themselves. This is one of those treasures.
Another lovely story by Cynthia Wright. I always love when we get to read the original romance of the parents of other stories characters. It tends to remind you that they were once young and in love themselves. This is one of those treasures.
February 18, 2023
stolen by a pirate
The story of Antonia and Jean-Philippe their meeting in London and the connection they feel.
As she sails off to America Jean-Philippe - Sea Rogue and pirate vows to find her and he does after a sea chase of the ship she is on. He rescues her from Captain Ormond and they find love and happiness.
Would recommend.
The story of Antonia and Jean-Philippe their meeting in London and the connection they feel.
As she sails off to America Jean-Philippe - Sea Rogue and pirate vows to find her and he does after a sea chase of the ship she is on. He rescues her from Captain Ormond and they find love and happiness.
Would recommend.
February 18, 2023
Die Geschichte war leider recht kurz und verlief etwas zu glatt, ohne dramatische Wendungen. Ansonsten ließ sich das Buch trotz einiger Rechtschreibfehler zum Ende hin (das schreibe ich mal der Übersetzung und eBook-Version zu) aber gut lesen. Und als Vorgeschichte zu den weiteren Bänden macht die Begegnung von Jean-Philippe und Antonia auf jeden Fall Lust auf mehr...
April 24, 2023
I rate this novella at 3 1/2 Stars. It is a nice story, although I'm not a big fan of Novella's. Novellas are really too short for my taste. I like to really sink in and savor a novel. Of course, that's just my personal preference. I do hope that the series is more promising. I do love this genre and time period.
July 20, 2025
Great story!
Jean-Phillippe was a pirate. He loved the sea. He told his family he did not want to carry on the family tradition. At sea he captured a ship that held a woman he met while returning a sword to his cousin, Humphrey. He swore he’d see her again one day and marry her. The adventures led to them meeting again.,,
Jean-Phillippe was a pirate. He loved the sea. He told his family he did not want to carry on the family tradition. At sea he captured a ship that held a woman he met while returning a sword to his cousin, Humphrey. He swore he’d see her again one day and marry her. The adventures led to them meeting again.,,
March 24, 2020
A very fast read.
Engaging characters with enough historical accuracy to feel authentic. This prequel novella is sweet but not really needed for the Beauvisage Family series. A hint of sexy times.
Engaging characters with enough historical accuracy to feel authentic. This prequel novella is sweet but not really needed for the Beauvisage Family series. A hint of sexy times.
September 19, 2021
Stolen by a Pirate
This short story by Cynthia Wright was very good. I could not put it down and read it all the way through. The love was very good and I love happy endings. I would recommend this book to anyone.
This short story by Cynthia Wright was very good. I could not put it down and read it all the way through. The love was very good and I love happy endings. I would recommend this book to anyone.
July 9, 2023
Enjoyed the story, but I have a feeling the rest of the series might not be for me. We'll see.
Liked having a French pirate instead of the usual English ones. Also liked that the heroine, Antonia, was Russian.
Pretty much instant love on Jean-Philippe's part.
Liked having a French pirate instead of the usual English ones. Also liked that the heroine, Antonia, was Russian.
Pretty much instant love on Jean-Philippe's part.
May 24, 2025
A Wonderful, Adventurous & Romantic Novella.
I really enjoyed reading this Wonderful Novella.
Jean-Philippe & Antonia were wonderful & Delightful characters.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed reading this Wonderful Novella.
Jean-Philippe & Antonia were wonderful & Delightful characters.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 25, 2018
Egh, it was just okay. I wasn’t in love with it. The story was okay but the guy was just annoying.
January 9, 2020
Soft
I found this book a very easy read. I would say it is a bit soft, mushy but enjoyed reading it all the same
I found this book a very easy read. I would say it is a bit soft, mushy but enjoyed reading it all the same
March 31, 2020
Jean-Phillippe and Antonia-
June 10, 2020
Wonderful story that was over too soon.
April 5, 2021
Storyline was great and was deeply engrossed in it. That is until about 70% in where for me it bordered on a touch of fantasy.
May 31, 2021
A fun book!
From popinjay to gentleman to pirate, what mysteries can this man unfurl? Swashbuckling fun on a quest for the new world.
From popinjay to gentleman to pirate, what mysteries can this man unfurl? Swashbuckling fun on a quest for the new world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews