Her Husband, the Rake

Rakes & Rebels: The Raveneau Family #2

by Cynthia Wright

“And they lived happily ever after...” 

Or did they?

Can a rake like André Raveneau truly be tamed into a domesticated husband and father...or will he remain a pacing tiger, destined to break free of his cage?

Come into the Raveneaus’ Connecticut home, as Devon struggles to balance the needs of her little children with the demands of a restless, hot-blooded husband. When two people reappear from the past, long-suppressed fears ignite, and St. Valentine’s Day becomes a time of reckoning for André and Devon Raveneau. 

Can this marriage, between two passionate and stubborn people, be saved?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Novella, Ebooks, Georgian

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2020

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

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: 3/1/24
3.5 stars! Cute!

This novella was an extended epilogue to Silver Storm.

In the story, our two lovers have been married for 6 years and have two children. Devon and Andre are trying to find a balance between their marriage and their children.

Devon is worried that Andre isn't happy with domestic life and will leave her for the sea like her father did. It doesn't help that her mother is trying to set her up with her ex. Apparently, divorce isn't a big deal since the British were defeated. ---I'm sure that fact is true 😉

Andre is frustrated that he can't seem to get his wife alone since his son was born. Now, his MIL has come to town to drive a wedge between him and his wife.


This was a cute novella and it was nice to revisit this couple again!

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as you start this delightfully entertaining book, you feel as if you are sitting in the Raveneau's home, all thanks to Cynthia Wright's delightfully descriptive writing.
It is as if we never left Andre and Devon in their first book, Silver Storm. This passionate and lovable couple are as incorrigible as they were first time we met them. Andre is the same lovable, sexy and passionate rake that he was and Devon is still as beautiful and headstrong as she was, but now with her two gorgeous young children Mouette and Nathan, she is feeling vulnerable and feels as if Andre is pulling away from her. As mixed messages, words spoken in haste, an interfering mother-in-law and a blast from the past invade their already sensitive lives, things come to a head in this wonderfully compelling love story, full of amusement, emotion, passion and personalities.
Cynthia does not disappoint, as always with her books not only is it poignant and entertaining, but you can smell the coffee, hear the rustling of Devon's skirts and vividly see Andre lift his sexy brow!
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down!

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The character development of each major player in Cynthia Wright's work is superbly crafted. I quickly become attached to the characters, concerned for their well-being.

This is reaffirmed in Her Husband, a Rake. Book one introduces Andre and Devon. If you haven’t read it, try to before you read this one. If you can’t, it is also fine. Each of her books are standalone, but I think you’ll enjoy book two even more if you are introduced to the rake Andre (his background) and how he captured Devon’s heart.

I've also listened to the audiobook of book one and books two's audio is already out, so if you prefer to listen to Tim Campbell narrate the novella, you are in for a treat. He has a divine way of telling the story. Incidentally, I love his voice for Andre (French accent).

Wright must have a wonderful sense of humor because I can always anticipate scenes which will have me smiling. Andre and Devon are both characters you will love as Devon is challenged with doubts about her relationship with Andre, or more succintly put, his love for her and the children.

Marriage can be rocky at times with the demands of child rearing. They can be made worse with an unexpected visit from a manipulative mother who isn’t very pleased with her daughter’s choice of a husband. Deborah Lindsay Nicholson will have you rolling your eyes!

Deborah Lindsay Nicholson, brings with her an agenda of her own, reintroducing to her daughter her previous beau who has become a very rich man and still pines after Devon. Divorce for women who marry the wrong man is easily done in the states since the rules became lax after cutting with the Mother country, or so she puts to her daughter.

Morgan Gadwin, the fortunate or unfortunate beau in question, tries his best to woo Devon. It can’t come at a worse time because Andre hasn’t been very attentive to Devon as of late. He spends more time than usual away from the house, late hours in the library alone, and doesn’t often remember to kiss the children goodnight. All of this has Devon questioning whether he has fallen out of love. Her heart is vulnerable.

I like the characterization of Morgan Gadwin. He has many points to his favor. But Andre has a hard time not smashing his face when he sees him with Devon. Andre’s flaw is he hides the depth of his feelings for Devon and has guarded his heart from the possible pain love can inflict.

In the outcome, Deborah, Devon’s mother, understands her son-in-law better than before. Morgan finally realizes he is still runner up to reach Devon’s heart. Andre lets his guard down where Devon is concerned and claims his rightful place within his family. Devon learns the biggest lesson of all—the doors of communication should never be closed. But it's how they all arrive to these conclusions which will keep you entertained and bewitched!

[Julie Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Cynthia Wright's new novella MY HUSBAND THE RAKE and can't stop smiling. I first met Andre and Devon Raveneau in SILVER STORM and they started me towards a life-long love of romance novels. Their story is my all-time favorite and I've read and re-read it more times than I can count. This new novella gives us a glimpse of this tempestuous couple during the early days of their marriage. They had a love so powerful that it took my breath away in SILVER STORM--but can they keep it going while raising young children and while learning to live as a married couple? I don't know about you, but once I had kids, it was hard to even find time to talk to my husband, let alone have time for romance. So how would someone like the dashing privateer and alpha-male Andre Raveneau adapt to sharing his wife with his children and having the responsibility of a family?

Like any young mother, Devon worries about that very thing. Will Andre will be lured away by his need for adventure? Or what if he has changed his mind and doesn't want to be tied down anymore? Can a rake such as he ever be satisfied with life as a family man?

It doesn't help that Devon's mother is around to sew seeds of doubt. And then there are Andre's mysterious meetings. Is he being lured away by his old life?

I love this story. As with all of this author's books, it's well-written and meticulously researched. I always find myself Googling this or that while reading one of her books, because there's so much real history in every one and I find myself wanting to know more about the places she takes us. They are "intelligent" books that transport you back in time to a world so vividly described that it feels real--because part of it is. I feel like I really know all of these characters and have loved following them through her intertwined books through the years. Each and every one of her stories belong on the keeper shelf for sure.

For an extra treat, download the AudioBook of this story narrated by Tim Campbell. His voicing of Andre will melt your socks off!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading a series with intertwining characters, where you get to revisit with the old friends you’ve met in earlier books. One of my favorite couples from Cynthia Wright’s Rakes & Rebels universe is Devon and André Raveneau (SILVER STORM). While the Raveneaus show up in later books, they are older and (somewhat) more settled in married life, we don’t get to see what life was like early in their marriage. Cynthia Wright’s new novella, HER HUSBAND, THE RAKE changes that. Now parents of two young children, Mouette and Nathan, Devon wonders if the sparks that set their marriage aflame are still there and André wonders if he is losing his touch as he gets older. Visitors from their past do not make things any easier, causing both to examine their relationship and what they want out of it.

HER HUSBAND, THE RAKE is well-written with a strong sense of character and a very realistic look into what it is like to feel as if your relationship is changing as your family grows. I felt as if I had just finished Silver Storm and this is the second epilogue providing the details of what happens after the “happily ever after.” Fans of the Rakes & Rebels series (intertwining of the Raveneau and Beauvisage families) will thoroughly enjoy this new addition to the canon. While the novella can stand alone, there are hints along the way about how André and Devon got to where they are, it is by far richer when you already know the story of their tempestuous relationship. If you haven’t read SILVER STORM, do it now, you won’t be disappointed! (It is usually free as an ebook.) I cannot wait to listen to Tim Campbell bring André and Devon and did I mention André to life in the audiobook. (fans self)

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same issue as first book.

Rather than a slow start, this novella puts you right in the middle of a story. And a sad story it is. Our couple has their six-rear-old daughter, Moue, and, now, a one-year-old son. As with many couples, a second child leaves them with less time for adventure and fun. Because of her own upbringing, Devon wants to be sure her kids have a solid home and no doubts as to their importance in their parents lives. Andre, however, is feeling like a “tiger in a cage”. He doesn’t like being asked where he’s going and what he’s doing by his wife, even though he works constantly and is gone for hours at a time. He’s easily annoyed and doesn’t spend nearly as much time with his family as Devon would like. Until an old friend shows up and Andre figures out Devon’s love may not be something he should take for grated. … So he convinces her he’s seen the error of his ways and, once again, we get a nicely wrapped up HEA.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Wonderful & Romantic

Cynthia Wright doesn't disappoint in this Novella. We find out what life is like after having children.

Devon struggles with the demands of motherhood & is fearful her Rake of a Husband is feeling tied town. Since Andre has been spending more of his time away from home working, Devon wonders if he will return to his Mistress "The Sea".
Jealousy & Insecurity has Devon on the edge. It doesn't help when her Mother comes for a visit & rattles Devon.
Will Andre return to the Sea? Will Devon be left home alone & abandoned with their children?

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this author when I first bought my Kindle several years ago and discovered just how many books are available out there. In this story we get to revisit Andre and Devon, the couple who started it all. And it doesn't disappoint. I highly recommend this book and every other book by this author. Love her stories and her characters. If you love historical romance, you will love this author.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love isn’t always smooth sailing

It was nice to read about Devon and Andre’s life after marriage. I absolutely loved Silver Storm but as with most books it tells of the ups and downs of a love story and the book ends with them living happily ever after. Having an opportunity to see how children, family, and other factors enter a relationship and what develops made this a fun read and addressed the realities of life. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this story at a 3 1/2. It was nice, short, and felt more like a novella. Once a couple have been married a little while and have children, things can change drastically especially from the beginning of a relationship. I believe Andre was having trouble adjusting and doubts crept in. Devon felt she was losing him. By the end of the book, they had finally faced their issues and everything worked out in the end. On to the next book in the series! Enjoy

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never met a Cynthia Wright book I didn't love and this was no exception! Her characters are so full of life, personality and love and they stick with you. That's why this volume is especially great....we get to read more about Devon and Andre!

You'll want to read the whole series...go on, get them!

[Lisa C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is the sequel to Silver Storm, and continues the story of André Raveneau and his wife Devon. Here we see their tempestuous relationship continues. I was not a great fan of André in the first book, but here we see he is trying to be a good husband and father. Very satisfying ending for this couple and their family.

[Deidre · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did the audiobook and let me tell you, it's really, really strange to have a male narrator for a romance novel. When men do female voices it sounds mocking and the women sound stupid. I would recommend reading the first book in the series. I haven't, so I wasn't that interested in this short sequel set several years into the couple's marriage.

[John Boles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Husband the Rake.

I think this book by Cynthia Wright in some respect is a lot like a typical marriage where spouses tend to not show their affection. Sometimes it becomes necessary to clear the air so to speck which is exactly what happened in this story. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone.

[Prafulla Kg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The husband the rake

The story was very interesting. In today's world a slight misconception leads to permanent separation. But here the story is completely different .all teenagers should read this book and learn to adjust themselves to lead a long meaningful life as per the oaths taken at the time of marriage. Thank you amazon.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Husband the Rake is a bit of an extended epilogue. It is. As short story about the troubles in a marriage between Devin and her rake of a captain husband. They’re always tumultuous relationship is suffering due to the demands of her children and a visit from her mother and an old friend. I’m surprised this pair manage to stay together frankly. Contains sex scenes.

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

It was so good to meet up with Devon and Andre again. They were favourites of mine. Every marriage goes through difficult times and it was wonderful how they overcame their problems and get to understand each other's needs better.

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Love

The book starts with old friends, the Raveneau family. The struggle of balancing a home, children and a middle aged pirate husband lead to a lot of unexpected events, fears and tears. A great St Valentine start of forever love.

[Linda Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to a wonderful series

The Raveneau Family has been a favorite series of mine. This second book about Devon and Andre was a delight. I already loved the characters and this new book was a great addition to their story!

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat!

Such a lovely story showing some of the reality of marriage! And the old boyfriend showing up does happen in real life! Enjoyed seeing old familiar characters and knowing their stories go on! Great read!

[Debby Settle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so nice to...

...reminisce with Devon and Andrea.
There is nothing like reading romance as Cynthia Wright writes.
You know when you have just read a wonderful story by the happy smile on you face, and this one will last awhile. Thank you Cynthia 🥰.

[Karl Mesloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Exciiting!

I liked the continued romance of the pirate and his lady. It was refreshing that even after the children came there was romance once again in their marriage, though it had to be earned by both of them. Love triumphs all.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I got hooked with the first book and couldn't stop reading.
I am so relieved that they were able to not let others tear them apart.
I think they both needed to learn how important it was to let the other see and trust their love was stronger than their fears.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Husband, the Rake (Rakes & Rebels: The Raveneau Family Book 2)

After two children jealousy became. Andre of Devon’s childhood friend Morgan and Devon of Olivia. Author Cynthia Wright put the jealously there for a reason.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great visit with Andre, Devon, and the kids. I loved getting a peek into where they were years later. A quick and very enjoyable read.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was absolutely brilliant to hear more of Devon and Andre. It's been a while but this was a great short story. Just love Cynthia Wright.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick little birthday read. Another series I need to reread!

[MELISSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once a rake . . . .

So fun to read more of Andre and Devon as they continually adapt to the challenges of married life and children.