What do you think?
Rate this book
Rakes & Rebels: The St. Briac Family #1
His Make-Believe Bride
A notorious rake. A ruined beauty. A pretend marriage that feels dangerously real.
French privateer Justin St. Briac has sworn never to wed. But when his manipulative mother summons him to her deathbed in Cornwall, Justin agrees to her final wish: that he take a bride—fully intending to pretend to do so.
Mouette Raveneau, once the darling of the London ton, has been ruined by her husband’s crimes and seeks refuge with her two sons. Drawn into Justin’s ruse, she agrees to play the part of his bride… nothing more.
But make-believe quickly becomes perilously real as attraction flares and walls crumble. Justin—who has spent a lifetime avoiding love—begins to want the one thing he cannot control. And Mouette, who vowed never to trust a man again, finds her heart awakening to the husband she never expected.
Sometimes the greatest risk is falling for what began as a lie.
French privateer Justin St. Briac has sworn never to wed. But when his manipulative mother summons him to her deathbed in Cornwall, Justin agrees to her final wish: that he take a bride—fully intending to pretend to do so.
Mouette Raveneau, once the darling of the London ton, has been ruined by her husband’s crimes and seeks refuge with her two sons. Drawn into Justin’s ruse, she agrees to play the part of his bride… nothing more.
But make-believe quickly becomes perilously real as attraction flares and walls crumble. Justin—who has spent a lifetime avoiding love—begins to want the one thing he cannot control. And Mouette, who vowed never to trust a man again, finds her heart awakening to the husband she never expected.
Sometimes the greatest risk is falling for what began as a lie.
Audible Audio
First published October 12, 2017
771 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Wright
58 books478 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 17, 2023
⭐💫
1½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
“Older” main characters. (Heroine 36 and Hero 48.)
➖ What I disliked:
Over the top stereotyped/generalization of a french man.(Boorish,insolent etc.)
A exaggerated caricatured characterization of a french man.
Both main characters are unlikable.
Heroine is arrogant and snobbish.
Hero is arrogant and snobbish.
Anachronistic (the language and behavior/manners etc.)
The way age is talked about in this book (especially the heroines)
The main characters are rather immature for being 30+ and 40+.
The main characters knew each other briefly but intimately in the past, but they are acting like they did not.
Too many other side characters everywhere and too little time with just the main characters together.
(Not enough interaction between the main characters.)
The romantic build up and chemistry between the main characters was lacking/unconvincing.
Both main characters needed more depth and character development.
Rather generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)
The heroes mother is a manipulative woman that does not really get called out for her behavior and on top of that the hero is portrayed as bitter for trying to call her out on her behavior.
Over the top angst.
Verbose/dragged.
1½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
“Older” main characters. (Heroine 36 and Hero 48.)
➖ What I disliked:
Over the top stereotyped/generalization of a french man.(Boorish,insolent etc.)
A exaggerated caricatured characterization of a french man.
Both main characters are unlikable.
Heroine is arrogant and snobbish.
Hero is arrogant and snobbish.
Anachronistic (the language and behavior/manners etc.)
The way age is talked about in this book (especially the heroines)
The main characters are rather immature for being 30+ and 40+.
The main characters knew each other briefly but intimately in the past, but they are acting like they did not.
Too many other side characters everywhere and too little time with just the main characters together.
(Not enough interaction between the main characters.)
The romantic build up and chemistry between the main characters was lacking/unconvincing.
Both main characters needed more depth and character development.
Rather generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)
The heroes mother is a manipulative woman that does not really get called out for her behavior and on top of that the hero is portrayed as bitter for trying to call her out on her behavior.
Over the top angst.
Verbose/dragged.
July 22, 2023
1.5
It took the hero till the 38% mark to ask the heroine to pretend to be his fiance. 🙄😫 After that, nothing interesting happens.
Some recurring characters from a previous series make several appearances. I don't think it's necessary to read that series, but it may help to read the hero's brother's book, The Secret of Love, just to understand their parents' wacky relationship. A side character from that book, George, plays another role in this book, which I felt was unnecessary. He's such an unlikable character. Why bring him back?
Other note:
The H/h are older. I think the hero is 40 and I know for sure that the heroine is 36 years with two sons from her first marriage. The sons are preteens.
It took the hero till the 38% mark to ask the heroine to pretend to be his fiance. 🙄😫 After that, nothing interesting happens.
Some recurring characters from a previous series make several appearances. I don't think it's necessary to read that series, but it may help to read the hero's brother's book, The Secret of Love, just to understand their parents' wacky relationship. A side character from that book, George, plays another role in this book, which I felt was unnecessary. He's such an unlikable character. Why bring him back?
Other note:
The H/h are older. I think the hero is 40 and I know for sure that the heroine is 36 years with two sons from her first marriage. The sons are preteens.
August 14, 2019
Got this for the narrator. He deserves more stars because he truly elevated what story there was. But overall this was .... not great.
The premise was promising, but the execution was pretty ridiculous. One good thing is the hero was in his late 40s the heroine in her mid 30s. But then they had to ruin all that by using age as a sniping point.
The premise was promising, but the execution was pretty ridiculous. One good thing is the hero was in his late 40s the heroine in her mid 30s. But then they had to ruin all that by using age as a sniping point.
October 14, 2017
As a devoted reader of Cynthia Wright’s magical novels, I became giddy with anticipation when I heard she was working on something new. Even better, it was going to be the story of two characters I’d met and loved before—Mouette Ravenueau, daughter of my all-time favorite character, alpha-male privateer and reformed bad guy Andrea Ravenueu (SILVER STORM), and Justin St. Briac, the mesmerizingly wicked brother of Gabriel St. Briac (THE SECRET OF LOVE). So the minute it was available, I snatched up the book and started reading, eager to see if it were possible for either of these two characters whose hearts had been hardened by circumstance and betrayals to ever find their happy ending.
Mouette Raveneu Brandreth finds herself in a downward spiral caused by her now late husband’s mistreatment and horrible betrayals. Once a darling of the ton, she now is shut out of society at every turn. After her experience with her first marriage, she is not interested in finding a new husband—or even finding a protector--but she needs to find a way to support her family before they lose everything. Her only true marketable skill is furnishing and decorating homes, but how does one make that into a career? Quickly running out of options, Mouette is persuaded by her dear friend Isabelle to leave London with her two sons and come to Cornwall to sort out a plan for her future.
At the same time, Isabelle’s husband Gabriel is hosting a visitor at their Cornwall estate as well—his wayward brother Justin who finally has come to visit their rapidly-declining mother. Believing at first that it was another one of their overly-dramatic mother’s tricks, Justin was shocked to see her in truth looking so weak and frail. His mother, while happy to see him, was sad to her powerful son bearing the scars of his hard and perilous life as a corsair. Wishing for him to put the dangerous life of his youth behind him and finally find peace, she begs him to settle down and find a wife. Not wanting to deny her dying wish, he agrees, or so it seems. Justin, of course, has other ideas. He will just pretend long enough to let his mother die happy, then go right back to his life of riches, adventure, and intrigue.
To execute his plan, Justin needs to find an actress to serve as his “wife” and a home sumptuous and richly decorated up to his standards to fool his mother into believing he plans on staying. Things begin going well when he finds a suitable “fiancé” in the town, an estate to rent in the countryside, and then the lovely Mouette, the perfect interior decorator, at his brother’s dinner table. But there is history or sparks flying between the fiery Mouette and Justin so of course this won’t be an easy partnership.
I love this story. Unlike the typical romance novel, this one tells the story of a hero that is not-quite in his prime. Justin’s knees ache, his chest pains him, pain, and his thickening middle worries him about whether his best pair of pants will still fit. And Mouette gives us a refreshing new type of leading lady—she was once confident of her beauty, but now worries that her age and bearing two sons have maybe left her a little worse for wear. These two characters feel real and 100% relatable—no simpering miss getting her first glimpse of the world, or dashing, impossibly strong and perfectly handsome young hero here. The title may hint at make-believe, but the story itself could not feel more real.
This story stands on itself, but what adds that extra layer of magic is all the recurring characters. I recommend visiting the author’s page to see all of her wonderful stories. Her novel SILVER STORM started me on romance novels years ago and I’ve not put them down since. These aren’t your grandmother’s Harlequins—they are smart, richly detailed, and thoroughly enjoyable, from the first to the last.
Mouette Raveneu Brandreth finds herself in a downward spiral caused by her now late husband’s mistreatment and horrible betrayals. Once a darling of the ton, she now is shut out of society at every turn. After her experience with her first marriage, she is not interested in finding a new husband—or even finding a protector--but she needs to find a way to support her family before they lose everything. Her only true marketable skill is furnishing and decorating homes, but how does one make that into a career? Quickly running out of options, Mouette is persuaded by her dear friend Isabelle to leave London with her two sons and come to Cornwall to sort out a plan for her future.
At the same time, Isabelle’s husband Gabriel is hosting a visitor at their Cornwall estate as well—his wayward brother Justin who finally has come to visit their rapidly-declining mother. Believing at first that it was another one of their overly-dramatic mother’s tricks, Justin was shocked to see her in truth looking so weak and frail. His mother, while happy to see him, was sad to her powerful son bearing the scars of his hard and perilous life as a corsair. Wishing for him to put the dangerous life of his youth behind him and finally find peace, she begs him to settle down and find a wife. Not wanting to deny her dying wish, he agrees, or so it seems. Justin, of course, has other ideas. He will just pretend long enough to let his mother die happy, then go right back to his life of riches, adventure, and intrigue.
To execute his plan, Justin needs to find an actress to serve as his “wife” and a home sumptuous and richly decorated up to his standards to fool his mother into believing he plans on staying. Things begin going well when he finds a suitable “fiancé” in the town, an estate to rent in the countryside, and then the lovely Mouette, the perfect interior decorator, at his brother’s dinner table. But there is history or sparks flying between the fiery Mouette and Justin so of course this won’t be an easy partnership.
I love this story. Unlike the typical romance novel, this one tells the story of a hero that is not-quite in his prime. Justin’s knees ache, his chest pains him, pain, and his thickening middle worries him about whether his best pair of pants will still fit. And Mouette gives us a refreshing new type of leading lady—she was once confident of her beauty, but now worries that her age and bearing two sons have maybe left her a little worse for wear. These two characters feel real and 100% relatable—no simpering miss getting her first glimpse of the world, or dashing, impossibly strong and perfectly handsome young hero here. The title may hint at make-believe, but the story itself could not feel more real.
This story stands on itself, but what adds that extra layer of magic is all the recurring characters. I recommend visiting the author’s page to see all of her wonderful stories. Her novel SILVER STORM started me on romance novels years ago and I’ve not put them down since. These aren’t your grandmother’s Harlequins—they are smart, richly detailed, and thoroughly enjoyable, from the first to the last.
December 8, 2017
Aging Former Pirate Finds Love at Last
Set in Cornwall in 1818, this is the story of Justin St. Briac, an aging former smuggler (sometimes called a pirate) who has vowed to never marry. When his mother summons him to England to give him her “last wish” to see him wed, he decides to pretend to take a bride. And what better candidate than a woman he already knows, now a widow?
Mouette Raveneau is tarred by the crimes of her dead husband. Impoverished and worried as to how she will feed her two boys, she accepts her friend’s offer to come to Cornwall where she encounters Justin.
Justin, who by now has rented an estate to appear to be settling down, hires Mouette for her decorating skills to help him dress up the old place. Justin talks her into a fake marriage and agrees to pay her well, but both are soon lusting after each other. It appears they are not strangers to each other.
A well-written Regency that reflects the author’s research into the architecture and clothing of the period. It’s also a tale of second chances. We don’t get to see Justin at his smuggling or piracy as it’s all set in Cornwall and London, but references are made to his jaded past, during which he lost an eye and gained some scars. As the story features several characters from the 7-book series, I recommend reading them in order so you’ll know who is who.
The ending is sweet and satisfying. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll love this one.
Set in Cornwall in 1818, this is the story of Justin St. Briac, an aging former smuggler (sometimes called a pirate) who has vowed to never marry. When his mother summons him to England to give him her “last wish” to see him wed, he decides to pretend to take a bride. And what better candidate than a woman he already knows, now a widow?
Mouette Raveneau is tarred by the crimes of her dead husband. Impoverished and worried as to how she will feed her two boys, she accepts her friend’s offer to come to Cornwall where she encounters Justin.
Justin, who by now has rented an estate to appear to be settling down, hires Mouette for her decorating skills to help him dress up the old place. Justin talks her into a fake marriage and agrees to pay her well, but both are soon lusting after each other. It appears they are not strangers to each other.
A well-written Regency that reflects the author’s research into the architecture and clothing of the period. It’s also a tale of second chances. We don’t get to see Justin at his smuggling or piracy as it’s all set in Cornwall and London, but references are made to his jaded past, during which he lost an eye and gained some scars. As the story features several characters from the 7-book series, I recommend reading them in order so you’ll know who is who.
The ending is sweet and satisfying. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll love this one.
October 19, 2017
Not you teen age lovers!
Thank God ! You can still find love in you late thirty and forty. This was just so good! I love that they are not young,but all the passion is there! Sexy well written . You will love this story!
Thank God ! You can still find love in you late thirty and forty. This was just so good! I love that they are not young,but all the passion is there! Sexy well written . You will love this story!
October 11, 2017
His Make-Believe Bride is the 5th book in the Rakes & Rebels: The Raveneau Family series by Cynthia Wright. I have been fortunate enough to read the whole series so far, but this book can easily be read as a stand-alone if preferred.
Justin St. Briac, a French pirate, is 48 years old. He's free-spirited and has never married, nor does he have any intention to. He is so adamant that he will never marry that when his mother, on her deathbed, says her dying wish is that she see him married, he says he is already engaged. His plan is to hire a woman to pretend to be his betrothed, have a faux wedding, and stay together only long enough for his mother to pass away.
Mouette Raveneau is 36 and a widow. She has been left shunned by society and practically penniless after her shamed husband, a Baron no less, dies. Her family persuade her to spend some time in Cornwall, just until she can sort out a way to provide for herself and her two young sons.
One thing that Mouette excels at is interior design, making a house into a beautiful home. When Justin decides he must let a house for his marriage ruse, he offers Mouette the job of making the house into a home, one that will convince his mother that it is to be his marital home. Of course, it's not long until he realises that she would be the most believable, perfect woman to be his pretend betrothed.
Mouette agrees. The money he has promised to pay her will set her and her sons up for a very long time. Will spending so much time together prove to both of them that love and perhaps a real marriage wouldn't be the end of the world? They definitely have a very real attraction to each other which leads to some very sensual, steamy scenes between them. Are they confusing lust for love?
This was a wonderfully researched and written story, from the beautiful descriptions of the land, the homes and the clothes of the time, to the wonderful characters and all their foibles. I think Justin's mother is a fabulous character, even though she's not won Justin's affections by her behaviour in the past. Justin and Mouette have so many demons to overcome and watching their relationship develop and see how they each help the other to emotionally heal was a joy. Mouette's sons are as different as chalk and cheese, one being adorably loveable, the other being an older surly boy. Their love for a dog they end up adopting and watching the dog's antics especially around Justin made me smile or laugh out loud. There was only one thing I felt amiss in this book; there are two instances where I would have liked to have known more about the situation, that is, how Mouette reacted when she found out something, also, how Justin discovered something and his reaction to it. It's frustrating to not be able to explain more, but I don't want to give spoilers. Suffice to say that despite not having those two things discussed more, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story, it is just a lovely, at times emotional, feel-good book that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book, and although I can only rate the book in whole stars here, it's actually worthy of a 4.5!
Justin St. Briac, a French pirate, is 48 years old. He's free-spirited and has never married, nor does he have any intention to. He is so adamant that he will never marry that when his mother, on her deathbed, says her dying wish is that she see him married, he says he is already engaged. His plan is to hire a woman to pretend to be his betrothed, have a faux wedding, and stay together only long enough for his mother to pass away.
Mouette Raveneau is 36 and a widow. She has been left shunned by society and practically penniless after her shamed husband, a Baron no less, dies. Her family persuade her to spend some time in Cornwall, just until she can sort out a way to provide for herself and her two young sons.
One thing that Mouette excels at is interior design, making a house into a beautiful home. When Justin decides he must let a house for his marriage ruse, he offers Mouette the job of making the house into a home, one that will convince his mother that it is to be his marital home. Of course, it's not long until he realises that she would be the most believable, perfect woman to be his pretend betrothed.
Mouette agrees. The money he has promised to pay her will set her and her sons up for a very long time. Will spending so much time together prove to both of them that love and perhaps a real marriage wouldn't be the end of the world? They definitely have a very real attraction to each other which leads to some very sensual, steamy scenes between them. Are they confusing lust for love?
This was a wonderfully researched and written story, from the beautiful descriptions of the land, the homes and the clothes of the time, to the wonderful characters and all their foibles. I think Justin's mother is a fabulous character, even though she's not won Justin's affections by her behaviour in the past. Justin and Mouette have so many demons to overcome and watching their relationship develop and see how they each help the other to emotionally heal was a joy. Mouette's sons are as different as chalk and cheese, one being adorably loveable, the other being an older surly boy. Their love for a dog they end up adopting and watching the dog's antics especially around Justin made me smile or laugh out loud. There was only one thing I felt amiss in this book; there are two instances where I would have liked to have known more about the situation, that is, how Mouette reacted when she found out something, also, how Justin discovered something and his reaction to it. It's frustrating to not be able to explain more, but I don't want to give spoilers. Suffice to say that despite not having those two things discussed more, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story, it is just a lovely, at times emotional, feel-good book that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book, and although I can only rate the book in whole stars here, it's actually worthy of a 4.5!
February 14, 2019
What a good read this was! This story concerns an older couple, late 40’s and mid 30s. It had Extremely likeable characters, particularly Mouette and Justin. Mouette hadn’t experienced the life she was expecting with her first husband and is left with many debts. Justin is such an arrogant rogue and doesn’t trust women thanks to his earlier life with his mother. I loved meeting up with the characters from previous stories and Mouette’s two boys, Anthony, in particular was a joy. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Mouette and Justin but can he commit to one woman? There are a few twists in the story but this was a story I will want to read again.
April 12, 2020
I don’t know if I would have read this book during non-Coronavirus stay-at-home days but given that I wanted to escape current worries, Make-Believe Bride was up. A fake-relationship trope sealed the deal.
In this one, they get fake married for various reasons and surprise, surprise they fall in love. This is why I love this particular type of romance novel—it’s ridiculous and just what the doctor ordered for an overthinker.
In this one, they get fake married for various reasons and surprise, surprise they fall in love. This is why I love this particular type of romance novel—it’s ridiculous and just what the doctor ordered for an overthinker.
October 14, 2017
What a rogue!
It feels as if I have been waiting forever for this book to come out, as soon as I received it I had to drop everything and read it right away.
Was it worth the wait? Definitely ! I consumed it in less than two days. What a frustrating but attractive ,one eyed rogue but how quickly he was tamed by the right woman. Who would have thought that he would become such a good and loving father/step father!
This book was so amusing I think it could be my favourite in the series.
I have never heard of possums living wild in Cornwall.
It feels as if I have been waiting forever for this book to come out, as soon as I received it I had to drop everything and read it right away.
Was it worth the wait? Definitely ! I consumed it in less than two days. What a frustrating but attractive ,one eyed rogue but how quickly he was tamed by the right woman. Who would have thought that he would become such a good and loving father/step father!
This book was so amusing I think it could be my favourite in the series.
I have never heard of possums living wild in Cornwall.
May 1, 2021
I got through the first chapter of this book and was introduced to a thoroughly unlikeable character. Justin was very French, rude, crass, dismissive of his family, and readily taunting all around him. The only spark was with regards to the likely heroine and it was incredibly brief. The last straw was in reference to Justin corning his brother's bride just before their wedding. That was just too dispicable. I struggled to get through the first chapter and realized there was no reason to spend my time reading a book where I was not interested in seeing what happens next.
January 14, 2021
Great Romance story
I have been reading this series and it is very interesting. I had always wanted to travel to other countries but never was able.
I have been reading this series and it is very interesting. I had always wanted to travel to other countries but never was able.
Want to read
February 28, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/2/2022)! 🎁
January 31, 2018
His Make-Believe Bride: Rakes & Rebels: The Raveneau Family, Book 5
Author CynthiaWright
Narrator Tim Campbell
Synopsis: GUARDED HEARTS
A French pirate of smoldering passions, Justin St. Briac has vowed never to marry. However, when his manipulative mother beckons him to her deathbed in Cornwall, he succumbs to her plea that he take a bride – devising an elaborate charade to appear to grant her dying wish.
The old woman’s days are numbered, after all, and soon he’ll return to his life of unfettered romantic conquests and adventure...
A PRETEND MARRIAGE
Mouette Raveneau, once the toast of the London ton, has been ruined by her dead husband’s crimes. When she reluctantly takes refuge in Cornwall with her two adolescent sons, Justin hires her to help carry off his grand scheme.
Soon, however their "business arrangement" begins to feel like what Justin has avoided his whole life--a real marriage, one where he could lose something much more valuable than his freedom...he might actually lose his heart.
Review...I always write down five words that pertain to my understanding and thoughts as I process in my mind the novel I am reading or listening to. Words that best describe to me what the story is foretelling, the emotions evoked by the author's storytelling.
First word: Desperation...From Justin's desire to fulfill his mother's plea, Muette's need to provide for herself ad two sons, Lady Daphne's struggles and her brother's debts, the women of Cornwall, Anthony and Charles in want of a papa, to the desperation of Justin's mother as she conspires.
Second word: Deforminties...Loss of eye, pain of Justins's knee, Anthony's foot...I will include Muette's emotional shame from her downfall as a Lady of high standing and her inability to provide adequately for her sons.
Third word: Descriptive..As if the author used watercolours creating layers of texture, a painting of vibrant and vivid images. From landscapes to portraits to the aromas and tastes of foods. (Which led me to google recipes.) Minimal words ushering me to visual impact and expressive emotions.
Forth word: Unexpected...Thus a delightful intrigue into a French family of the regency time-period, a place; Cornwall, England, and no Lords! The genealogy of family and children deep in their antics. The date of story; 1818, with a wee bit of a hit into smuggling and the talk of piracy was also a welcoming surprise. The age of hero/heroine, mature characters...brava! A mother's cunning deceit in seeing her eldest wed, an awesome rouse! The introduction of Muette's realization/knowing of Anthony's birth was brillant!
Fifth word: Voice...The narrator's voice extremely clear pronunciation, precised, French accents that draws one to be captivated when listening, well-paced and distinct. Remarkable how the emotions came thru depicting each character's individuality...The author;s voice gives life. They are liiving people, families creating/carving an existence of a joyful living thus giving us a portal to view their world. I wanted to capture every syllable, every word, feel the needs, the desires and wants that I listened to the storytellin thrice! And although my husband is French, I had succumb to Sebastian's seductuve voice!
Throughout this story I found myself crying with Muette, then being comforted by her sister and friend, familiar with those surrounding. Smiling at her jealousy and the antics of Robinson. Cherishing my memories of spending time with my sisters and papa. Understandable on why the author intertwines the secondary characters, thus another reason why I listened to this story again; to comprehend the family tree and its dynamics and the importance of the family's participation. Which leads me to pondering on Lady Daphne and her brother's circumstances, George's attempts to regain lost holdings, the plight of Cornwall's women and Muette's brother Nathan.
I relished in the relistening of this story, refreshing as if I was hearing it for the first time. The cover illustration threw me off for I could not place the date, with the heroine's gown, I was envisioning 17th century, until I heard the beginning chapter. I adore the depiction of children in this novel and look forward to listening to the other novels within this series!
Jane Silhouette
Author CynthiaWright
Narrator Tim Campbell
Synopsis: GUARDED HEARTS
A French pirate of smoldering passions, Justin St. Briac has vowed never to marry. However, when his manipulative mother beckons him to her deathbed in Cornwall, he succumbs to her plea that he take a bride – devising an elaborate charade to appear to grant her dying wish.
The old woman’s days are numbered, after all, and soon he’ll return to his life of unfettered romantic conquests and adventure...
A PRETEND MARRIAGE
Mouette Raveneau, once the toast of the London ton, has been ruined by her dead husband’s crimes. When she reluctantly takes refuge in Cornwall with her two adolescent sons, Justin hires her to help carry off his grand scheme.
Soon, however their "business arrangement" begins to feel like what Justin has avoided his whole life--a real marriage, one where he could lose something much more valuable than his freedom...he might actually lose his heart.
Review...I always write down five words that pertain to my understanding and thoughts as I process in my mind the novel I am reading or listening to. Words that best describe to me what the story is foretelling, the emotions evoked by the author's storytelling.
First word: Desperation...From Justin's desire to fulfill his mother's plea, Muette's need to provide for herself ad two sons, Lady Daphne's struggles and her brother's debts, the women of Cornwall, Anthony and Charles in want of a papa, to the desperation of Justin's mother as she conspires.
Second word: Deforminties...Loss of eye, pain of Justins's knee, Anthony's foot...I will include Muette's emotional shame from her downfall as a Lady of high standing and her inability to provide adequately for her sons.
Third word: Descriptive..As if the author used watercolours creating layers of texture, a painting of vibrant and vivid images. From landscapes to portraits to the aromas and tastes of foods. (Which led me to google recipes.) Minimal words ushering me to visual impact and expressive emotions.
Forth word: Unexpected...Thus a delightful intrigue into a French family of the regency time-period, a place; Cornwall, England, and no Lords! The genealogy of family and children deep in their antics. The date of story; 1818, with a wee bit of a hit into smuggling and the talk of piracy was also a welcoming surprise. The age of hero/heroine, mature characters...brava! A mother's cunning deceit in seeing her eldest wed, an awesome rouse! The introduction of Muette's realization/knowing of Anthony's birth was brillant!
Fifth word: Voice...The narrator's voice extremely clear pronunciation, precised, French accents that draws one to be captivated when listening, well-paced and distinct. Remarkable how the emotions came thru depicting each character's individuality...The author;s voice gives life. They are liiving people, families creating/carving an existence of a joyful living thus giving us a portal to view their world. I wanted to capture every syllable, every word, feel the needs, the desires and wants that I listened to the storytellin thrice! And although my husband is French, I had succumb to Sebastian's seductuve voice!
Throughout this story I found myself crying with Muette, then being comforted by her sister and friend, familiar with those surrounding. Smiling at her jealousy and the antics of Robinson. Cherishing my memories of spending time with my sisters and papa. Understandable on why the author intertwines the secondary characters, thus another reason why I listened to this story again; to comprehend the family tree and its dynamics and the importance of the family's participation. Which leads me to pondering on Lady Daphne and her brother's circumstances, George's attempts to regain lost holdings, the plight of Cornwall's women and Muette's brother Nathan.
I relished in the relistening of this story, refreshing as if I was hearing it for the first time. The cover illustration threw me off for I could not place the date, with the heroine's gown, I was envisioning 17th century, until I heard the beginning chapter. I adore the depiction of children in this novel and look forward to listening to the other novels within this series!
Jane Silhouette
May 24, 2023
HIS MAKE-BELIEVE WIFE Cynthia Wright
I enjoy Cynthia Wright (novels. She writes such charismatic, quirky, independent, strong, sensual characters. With the rich, precise attention to details on accuracy to era.
Our French pirate Justin St. Briac, has been sailing the seas & smuggling to his heart content for almost a decade. Justin never had a desire to impress the pompous, shallow rules of society, Nor what the ton thought of him. He certainly didn’t want to follow societies obligation on commitment of marriage, duty & responsible for the family estate.
Justin has received a letter that his mother is dying & must stop his traipsing around the world on his youthful adventures. Take his rightful place at home. His mother dying wish for Justin to settle down.
Upon arriving to the estate from his travels, Justin is greeted by Gabriel & his sister-in-law Isabelle. Who’s having a house guest staying with them for some time. Justin has not seen this beauty since their tryst over a decade ago at his brother’s wedding.
Mouette Raveneu Brandreth has beauty, smarts, kindness, Loyal to her marriage & one of the most popular ladies in society. Until her Husband mistreated & did some unspeakable betrayal. She finds herself in dyer straights & has been offered to stay the St. Briac estate until she can get on her feet.
Justin never forgot the intelligent Mouette he once shared a tryst with over a decade ago. But he wasn’t interested in marriage, family. Now Mouette is a widow, w/ two children.
Does he have a chance to have another fling with the woman he is in love with?
Mouette isn’t interested in finding a replacement husband to protect her family. She does need a means to support her family. She has sold off everything but one room from her estate. Her only talent is home design but how does one make a career in that field? Running out of options,
Mouette takes up her best friends Isabelle offer to stay in Cornwall w/ her two sons & sort out a plan for her future. What Mouette didn’t expect was a visit from Isabelle brother in law & the man she had a tryst from a decade ago & visit his brother.
Justin had his doubts about his mom elements; was she being over dramatic, playing tricks to change his lifestyle? But even Gabriel was concerned of what was to come for their mother. Which is why Justin decides to play along & give his mother what she wants. Even if it’s temporary. He needs to find a wife?
Justin has the perfect fake fiancé the lovely Mouette, who is staying at the estate. Since they have a history he knows it’s believable since they have sparks flying between their fiery.
Mouette agrees to Justin’s proposal because she needs the money to save her estate. The family plays along with his scheme & sets up a pretend wedding ceremony for his parents. With the help of Gabriel who finds an actor to play the part as a vicar to provide over the ceremony. Justin figures that he can pretend long enough to let his mother die happy. Then he will go back to the life he is destine for. Finding riches, adventure, and intrigue.
Little do both Mouette & Justin realize that neither of them feels like their playing a part. Their give into their desires that haven’t changed in over a decade. Could these two people who have had their hearts tortured from circumstances & betrayals find true happiness? Read the sneaky, love story that happens with these two lovebirds.
Soon, however their "business arrangement" begins to feel like what Justin has avoided his whole life--a real marriage, one where he could lose something much more valuable than his freedom...he might lose his heart
I enjoy Cynthia Wright (novels. She writes such charismatic, quirky, independent, strong, sensual characters. With the rich, precise attention to details on accuracy to era.
Our French pirate Justin St. Briac, has been sailing the seas & smuggling to his heart content for almost a decade. Justin never had a desire to impress the pompous, shallow rules of society, Nor what the ton thought of him. He certainly didn’t want to follow societies obligation on commitment of marriage, duty & responsible for the family estate.
Justin has received a letter that his mother is dying & must stop his traipsing around the world on his youthful adventures. Take his rightful place at home. His mother dying wish for Justin to settle down.
Upon arriving to the estate from his travels, Justin is greeted by Gabriel & his sister-in-law Isabelle. Who’s having a house guest staying with them for some time. Justin has not seen this beauty since their tryst over a decade ago at his brother’s wedding.
Mouette Raveneu Brandreth has beauty, smarts, kindness, Loyal to her marriage & one of the most popular ladies in society. Until her Husband mistreated & did some unspeakable betrayal. She finds herself in dyer straights & has been offered to stay the St. Briac estate until she can get on her feet.
Justin never forgot the intelligent Mouette he once shared a tryst with over a decade ago. But he wasn’t interested in marriage, family. Now Mouette is a widow, w/ two children.
Does he have a chance to have another fling with the woman he is in love with?
Mouette isn’t interested in finding a replacement husband to protect her family. She does need a means to support her family. She has sold off everything but one room from her estate. Her only talent is home design but how does one make a career in that field? Running out of options,
Mouette takes up her best friends Isabelle offer to stay in Cornwall w/ her two sons & sort out a plan for her future. What Mouette didn’t expect was a visit from Isabelle brother in law & the man she had a tryst from a decade ago & visit his brother.
Justin had his doubts about his mom elements; was she being over dramatic, playing tricks to change his lifestyle? But even Gabriel was concerned of what was to come for their mother. Which is why Justin decides to play along & give his mother what she wants. Even if it’s temporary. He needs to find a wife?
Justin has the perfect fake fiancé the lovely Mouette, who is staying at the estate. Since they have a history he knows it’s believable since they have sparks flying between their fiery.
Mouette agrees to Justin’s proposal because she needs the money to save her estate. The family plays along with his scheme & sets up a pretend wedding ceremony for his parents. With the help of Gabriel who finds an actor to play the part as a vicar to provide over the ceremony. Justin figures that he can pretend long enough to let his mother die happy. Then he will go back to the life he is destine for. Finding riches, adventure, and intrigue.
Little do both Mouette & Justin realize that neither of them feels like their playing a part. Their give into their desires that haven’t changed in over a decade. Could these two people who have had their hearts tortured from circumstances & betrayals find true happiness? Read the sneaky, love story that happens with these two lovebirds.
Soon, however their "business arrangement" begins to feel like what Justin has avoided his whole life--a real marriage, one where he could lose something much more valuable than his freedom...he might lose his heart
August 9, 2022
I love Cynthia Wright’s work from beginning to end of each novel. She makes her characters complicated, flawed, & of course desirable. That isn’t any different with Justin St. Briac, & Mouette Raveneu Brandreth. Both Stubborn, kind, caring, intelligent people. From the very beginning I wanted this couple to have their HEA. I intend to read the book about these two characters a decade later.
Justin St. Briac, is the rebel brother of Gabriel St. Briac, who has been sailing the seas & smuggling his hearts content. Never wanted to be in the good graces of society’s elite standards. That includes the Pompous, shallow rules of the ton or what is expected of his family by making a commitment to marriage.
But unfortunately, he has received word that his mother is dying & must come home from his adventures & battles to give his mother her dying wish. For Justin to settle down. When he comes back to their Estate he is greeted by Gabriel & his sister in law Isabelle. Who’s having a house guest staying with them for some time. Justin has not seen this beauty since his brother’s wedding almost a decade ago when they had a tryst that he had never forgotten.
Mouette Raveneu Brandreth finds herself in dyer straights since her late husband’s mistreatment and horrible betrayals. She has gone from the most popular of society to now being completely shut out of society at every turn.
With what Mouette endured from her first marriage, she wasn’t interested in finding a replacement husband to protect her family. Though she needs a means to support her family. She has already sold off everything but one room from her estate. Her only talent is home design but how does one make a career in that field? Running out of options, Mouette is persuaded by her dear friend Isabelle to come to Cornwall w/ her two sons & sort out a plan for her future. Mouette didn’t hesitate. But she didn’t hat she expect to see have tryst from a decade ago & visit his brother.
Justin had his doubts about his mom elements; was she being over dramatic, playing tricks to change his lifestyle? But even Gabriel was concerned of what was to come for their mother. Which is why Justin decides to play along & give his mother what she wants. Even if it’s temporary. He needs to find a wife?
Justin has the perfect fake fiancé the lovely Mouette, who is sitting at his brother’s dinner table. These two have history which is why sparks flying between the fiery Mouette & Justin
Though he agrees, Justin has decided to play along by pretending he that Mouette is his wife to be. He knows her, he knows she needs money. Mouette is willing to play along because of her circumstances. The family plays along with his scheme & sets up a pretend wedding ceremony for his parents. With the help of Gabriel who finds an actor to play the part as a vicar to provide over the ceremony. Justin figures that he can pretend long enough to let his mother die happy. Then he will go back to the life he is destine for, back to finding riches, adventure, and intrigue.
Little do both Mouette & Justin realize that neither of them feels like their playing a part. Their give into their desires that haven’t changed in over a decade. Could these two people who have had their hearts tortured from circumstances & betrayals find true happiness?
Justin St. Briac, is the rebel brother of Gabriel St. Briac, who has been sailing the seas & smuggling his hearts content. Never wanted to be in the good graces of society’s elite standards. That includes the Pompous, shallow rules of the ton or what is expected of his family by making a commitment to marriage.
But unfortunately, he has received word that his mother is dying & must come home from his adventures & battles to give his mother her dying wish. For Justin to settle down. When he comes back to their Estate he is greeted by Gabriel & his sister in law Isabelle. Who’s having a house guest staying with them for some time. Justin has not seen this beauty since his brother’s wedding almost a decade ago when they had a tryst that he had never forgotten.
Mouette Raveneu Brandreth finds herself in dyer straights since her late husband’s mistreatment and horrible betrayals. She has gone from the most popular of society to now being completely shut out of society at every turn.
With what Mouette endured from her first marriage, she wasn’t interested in finding a replacement husband to protect her family. Though she needs a means to support her family. She has already sold off everything but one room from her estate. Her only talent is home design but how does one make a career in that field? Running out of options, Mouette is persuaded by her dear friend Isabelle to come to Cornwall w/ her two sons & sort out a plan for her future. Mouette didn’t hesitate. But she didn’t hat she expect to see have tryst from a decade ago & visit his brother.
Justin had his doubts about his mom elements; was she being over dramatic, playing tricks to change his lifestyle? But even Gabriel was concerned of what was to come for their mother. Which is why Justin decides to play along & give his mother what she wants. Even if it’s temporary. He needs to find a wife?
Justin has the perfect fake fiancé the lovely Mouette, who is sitting at his brother’s dinner table. These two have history which is why sparks flying between the fiery Mouette & Justin
Though he agrees, Justin has decided to play along by pretending he that Mouette is his wife to be. He knows her, he knows she needs money. Mouette is willing to play along because of her circumstances. The family plays along with his scheme & sets up a pretend wedding ceremony for his parents. With the help of Gabriel who finds an actor to play the part as a vicar to provide over the ceremony. Justin figures that he can pretend long enough to let his mother die happy. Then he will go back to the life he is destine for, back to finding riches, adventure, and intrigue.
Little do both Mouette & Justin realize that neither of them feels like their playing a part. Their give into their desires that haven’t changed in over a decade. Could these two people who have had their hearts tortured from circumstances & betrayals find true happiness?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2017
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
This gracefully and eloquently written Regency read/listen, with a humorous plot kept me entertained as it reunites a dysfunctional family. Justin St. Briac has a complex about his mother, whom he sees as one who made his childhood miserable with her games of leaving the family, making his father run after her to bring her home. Marriage is not for him, even though his brother has a happy marriage. He's more suited to one-night stands and unattachment. At 48 he is a man the women look at when he enters a room.
He’s called back home, not having been there for many years. His mother is dying. He doesn’t know if he should trust her. Is she acting as she had been so many times in his youth? He feels a bit of compassion for her and tries to do the right thing when her dying wish is for Justin to find a wife.
Rather than argue the point, Justin cooks up a scheme – pulls Mouette Raveneau into the scheme by promising her lots of money she can’t refuse. Her financial circumstances are left in tatters from her previous marriage and now at 36, she must look out for herself and two sons.
She accepts this whole charade with the caveat he will not consummate the marriage and use physical touching only to convince his parents they are truly married. But quite a few people know it is all a farce.
In the process of furnishing his rented home (which Mouette is very good at), they spend lots of time together…with interesting results.
It’s always a pleasure to add children and animals to the mix of a good story. Children speak their minds and express that which many adults feel inappropriate. I enjoyed both boys’ growing relationship with Justin and the surprising reaction Justin has to them. The dog, Robinson, found on the road, becomes very much part of the family.
The rental becomes a home. The make-believe world created by this scheme is starting to feel for real. Justin decides it isn’t so bad – being a pirate does have its excitement, but holding Mouette in his arms has a bigger draw. How can he turn a make-believe marriage into a real one?
Tim Campbell narrates most of Cynthia Wright’s work. I’ve come to enjoy his French-accented English, his voice impersonations of the male characters with varying personalities. His deep voice and the way he uses it pull out every nuance of Wright’s work. Campbell excels in dog barking! Robinson has dialog, too. Enjoy!
This stories of the Raveneaus and the Beauvisage, sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking, and sometimes dangerous, will fill all your senses, quickening your heart with moments of passion. I highly recommend her work. It’s classic!
This gracefully and eloquently written Regency read/listen, with a humorous plot kept me entertained as it reunites a dysfunctional family. Justin St. Briac has a complex about his mother, whom he sees as one who made his childhood miserable with her games of leaving the family, making his father run after her to bring her home. Marriage is not for him, even though his brother has a happy marriage. He's more suited to one-night stands and unattachment. At 48 he is a man the women look at when he enters a room.
He’s called back home, not having been there for many years. His mother is dying. He doesn’t know if he should trust her. Is she acting as she had been so many times in his youth? He feels a bit of compassion for her and tries to do the right thing when her dying wish is for Justin to find a wife.
Rather than argue the point, Justin cooks up a scheme – pulls Mouette Raveneau into the scheme by promising her lots of money she can’t refuse. Her financial circumstances are left in tatters from her previous marriage and now at 36, she must look out for herself and two sons.
She accepts this whole charade with the caveat he will not consummate the marriage and use physical touching only to convince his parents they are truly married. But quite a few people know it is all a farce.
In the process of furnishing his rented home (which Mouette is very good at), they spend lots of time together…with interesting results.
It’s always a pleasure to add children and animals to the mix of a good story. Children speak their minds and express that which many adults feel inappropriate. I enjoyed both boys’ growing relationship with Justin and the surprising reaction Justin has to them. The dog, Robinson, found on the road, becomes very much part of the family.
The rental becomes a home. The make-believe world created by this scheme is starting to feel for real. Justin decides it isn’t so bad – being a pirate does have its excitement, but holding Mouette in his arms has a bigger draw. How can he turn a make-believe marriage into a real one?
Tim Campbell narrates most of Cynthia Wright’s work. I’ve come to enjoy his French-accented English, his voice impersonations of the male characters with varying personalities. His deep voice and the way he uses it pull out every nuance of Wright’s work. Campbell excels in dog barking! Robinson has dialog, too. Enjoy!
This stories of the Raveneaus and the Beauvisage, sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking, and sometimes dangerous, will fill all your senses, quickening your heart with moments of passion. I highly recommend her work. It’s classic!
October 8, 2017
At long last comes Cynthia Wright’s THE MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE, book 5 of RAKES AND REBELS: THE RAVENEAU FAMILY. The story of Justin St. Briac and Mouette Raveneau Brandreth takes place 10 years after THE SECRET OF LOVE. Justin is called to Cornwall to see his dying mother who wrings a promise from him that he will marry before she dies. Justin decides that he will find a make-believe bride to keep his mother happy and then sail back to France to continue his piratical ways.
Mouette, four years a widow, is determined to never marry after the shoddy treatment of her husband. Raising her two sons alone is hard, especially when she is still trying to get out of debt. All seems hopeless until her friend Isabella St. Briac comes to visit and offers a respite at her home in Cornwall.
The last time Justin and Mouette met, sparks flew. Now they must work together to fulfill his mother’s dying wish, while not losing their hearts.
Mouette and Justin have made appearances in many of Wright’s books and it was well worth the wait to read their story. A unique feature of HMBB is that both Justin and Mouette are older than Wright’s typical romance couple. Justin is eight and forty and Mouette is six and thirty. I thoroughly enjoyed their acknowledgment of their ages, the worries and self-doubt that often accompany that acknowledgment, and the strength that comes from knowing age does not matter.
While HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE can stand alone, I highly recommend reading the other Raveneau books (especially the Raveneaus in Cornwall books) first. It is then that you totally feel immersed in the story and the families. While there were not cameos from historical figures, which often happen in Wright’s books, there is a strong sense of time and place when she describes picturesque Cornwall.
I have been long awaiting the arrival of THE MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE, by Cynthia Wright, and am delighted to have finally been able to spend the day with Mouette and Justin. They did not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Mouette, four years a widow, is determined to never marry after the shoddy treatment of her husband. Raising her two sons alone is hard, especially when she is still trying to get out of debt. All seems hopeless until her friend Isabella St. Briac comes to visit and offers a respite at her home in Cornwall.
The last time Justin and Mouette met, sparks flew. Now they must work together to fulfill his mother’s dying wish, while not losing their hearts.
Mouette and Justin have made appearances in many of Wright’s books and it was well worth the wait to read their story. A unique feature of HMBB is that both Justin and Mouette are older than Wright’s typical romance couple. Justin is eight and forty and Mouette is six and thirty. I thoroughly enjoyed their acknowledgment of their ages, the worries and self-doubt that often accompany that acknowledgment, and the strength that comes from knowing age does not matter.
While HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE can stand alone, I highly recommend reading the other Raveneau books (especially the Raveneaus in Cornwall books) first. It is then that you totally feel immersed in the story and the families. While there were not cameos from historical figures, which often happen in Wright’s books, there is a strong sense of time and place when she describes picturesque Cornwall.
I have been long awaiting the arrival of THE MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE, by Cynthia Wright, and am delighted to have finally been able to spend the day with Mouette and Justin. They did not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2018
His Make-Believe Bride is another wonderful historical romance by Cynthia Wright. This is the 5th book about the Raveneau Family, which is part of the broader Rakes & Rebels series and I’ve enjoyed many of them. In truth, I’ve listened to them out of order, as each book truly stands alone. This series is unique in that you do not need to read or listen to the prior book in the series to know what is going on. In other words, they are unlike most trilogies where the other books build on each other in sequential order.
His Make-Believe Bride is one of my favorites because the two main characters are older and more mature than most couples in historical romances. The story begins with Mouette Raveneau needing an occupation to support herself and her two young children after the death of her husband leaves them penniless. To escape her husband’s creditors, Mouette is accepts an invitation from one of her oldest friends to travel to Cornwall to start anew. There, she is reacquainted with French pirate Justin St. Briac who is sworn off of marriage after witnessing the machinations that his mother employs. However, he can’t resist giving into his mother’s manipulations when she appears to be on her deathbed. Because Justin’s mother wants to see him married before she dies, he devises a scheme to hire Mouette to pose as his fiancé to satisfy his mother. He even goes through with a “staged” wedding and buys a house that Mouette refurbishes. Needless to say, Mouette and Justin can’t deny the attraction they both feel (and had 10 years earlier when they first met).
What I appreciate most about this story are the conversations shared between Justin and Mouette’s oldest son. The dialogue between them is realistic and heart-warming. I especially loved the ending of this story, which is just precious.
Tim Campbell does an amazing job narrating this audiobook, as he has several other books in this series. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
His Make-Believe Bride is one of my favorites because the two main characters are older and more mature than most couples in historical romances. The story begins with Mouette Raveneau needing an occupation to support herself and her two young children after the death of her husband leaves them penniless. To escape her husband’s creditors, Mouette is accepts an invitation from one of her oldest friends to travel to Cornwall to start anew. There, she is reacquainted with French pirate Justin St. Briac who is sworn off of marriage after witnessing the machinations that his mother employs. However, he can’t resist giving into his mother’s manipulations when she appears to be on her deathbed. Because Justin’s mother wants to see him married before she dies, he devises a scheme to hire Mouette to pose as his fiancé to satisfy his mother. He even goes through with a “staged” wedding and buys a house that Mouette refurbishes. Needless to say, Mouette and Justin can’t deny the attraction they both feel (and had 10 years earlier when they first met).
What I appreciate most about this story are the conversations shared between Justin and Mouette’s oldest son. The dialogue between them is realistic and heart-warming. I especially loved the ending of this story, which is just precious.
Tim Campbell does an amazing job narrating this audiobook, as he has several other books in this series. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
October 9, 2018
His Make-Believe Bride is another wonderful historical romance by Cynthia Wright. This is the 5th book about the Raveneau Family, which is part of the broader Rakes & Rebels series and I’ve enjoyed many of them. In truth, I’ve listened to them out of order, as each book truly stands alone. This series is unique in that you do not need to read or listen to the prior book in the series to know what is going on. In other words, they are unlike most trilogies where the other books build on each other in sequential order.
His Make-Believe Bride is one of my favorites because the two main characters are older and more mature than most couples in historical romances. The story begins with Mouette Raveneau needing an occupation to support herself and her two young children after the death of her husband leaves them penniless. To escape her husband’s creditors, Mouette is accepts an invitation from one of her oldest friends to travel to Cornwall to start anew. There, she is reacquainted with French pirate Justin St. Briac who is sworn off of marriage after witnessing the machinations that his mother employs. However, he can’t resist giving into his mother’s manipulations when she appears to be on her deathbed. Because Justin’s mother wants to see him married before she dies, he devises a scheme to hire Mouette to pose as his fiancé to satisfy his mother. He even goes through with a “staged” wedding and buys a house that Mouette refurbishes. Needless to say, Mouette and Justin can’t deny the attraction they both feel (and had 10 years earlier when they first met).
What I appreciate most about this story are the conversations shared between Justin and Mouette’s oldest son. The dialogue between them is realistic and heart-warming. I especially loved the ending of this story, which is just precious.
Tim Campbell does an amazing job narrating this audiobook, as he has several other books in this series. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
His Make-Believe Bride is one of my favorites because the two main characters are older and more mature than most couples in historical romances. The story begins with Mouette Raveneau needing an occupation to support herself and her two young children after the death of her husband leaves them penniless. To escape her husband’s creditors, Mouette is accepts an invitation from one of her oldest friends to travel to Cornwall to start anew. There, she is reacquainted with French pirate Justin St. Briac who is sworn off of marriage after witnessing the machinations that his mother employs. However, he can’t resist giving into his mother’s manipulations when she appears to be on her deathbed. Because Justin’s mother wants to see him married before she dies, he devises a scheme to hire Mouette to pose as his fiancé to satisfy his mother. He even goes through with a “staged” wedding and buys a house that Mouette refurbishes. Needless to say, Mouette and Justin can’t deny the attraction they both feel (and had 10 years earlier when they first met).
What I appreciate most about this story are the conversations shared between Justin and Mouette’s oldest son. The dialogue between them is realistic and heart-warming. I especially loved the ending of this story, which is just precious.
Tim Campbell does an amazing job narrating this audiobook, as he has several other books in this series. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
October 16, 2017
I was given an ARC of this novel for an honest review.
Book 5 of the Raveneau Family saga. Justin Raveneau, a handsome rake who prefers the single life but due to the pressure of his manipulative dying mother finds himself seeking someone who will pretend to be his wife. Mouette Brandret finds herself widow from a man who mistreated her, along with many betrayals, she finds herself nearly broke with two sons to raise on her own. Mouette returning to Cornwell and once again meets Justin who after speaking comes into a 'business arrangement' for her to be his pretend wife. However, it did not take long for them to realize that there was more to this arrangement.
Cythina Wright once again weaves a story of love, passion with many twist and turns. This novel--like all of her others in the series--leaves you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Like all of her other novels in the series, this one stands on its own. The reader does not have to go to the first book to understand what is going on in this one, something I truly adore about all of her novels. You will not be disappointed reading this.
Book 5 of the Raveneau Family saga. Justin Raveneau, a handsome rake who prefers the single life but due to the pressure of his manipulative dying mother finds himself seeking someone who will pretend to be his wife. Mouette Brandret finds herself widow from a man who mistreated her, along with many betrayals, she finds herself nearly broke with two sons to raise on her own. Mouette returning to Cornwell and once again meets Justin who after speaking comes into a 'business arrangement' for her to be his pretend wife. However, it did not take long for them to realize that there was more to this arrangement.
Cythina Wright once again weaves a story of love, passion with many twist and turns. This novel--like all of her others in the series--leaves you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Like all of her other novels in the series, this one stands on its own. The reader does not have to go to the first book to understand what is going on in this one, something I truly adore about all of her novels. You will not be disappointed reading this.
October 30, 2025
Borrowed Kindle Unlimited
3.5-4 stars
I enjoyed the story. This was Justin St Briac and Mouette Brandeth’s story. Mouette is the eldest daughter of Andre and Devon Raveneaugh(sp?)
She is widowed and has 2 sons. She’s invited by her friend, Izzy to come stay with her family in Cornwall. Izzy is married to Gabriel St Briac, Justin’s younger brother.
So Justin and Gabriel’s mother is on her “death” bed and Justin promises to marry before her death. He devises a plan for a fake marriage. Eventually Mouette is the “make-believe” bride.
Ironically there’s a lot of make believe going on….
But I enjoyed the story. I don’t think I read the story of the couple who were married 10 years earlier and Justin and Mouette had met each other….
( I thought it a little bit odd that Mouette had been so drunk that she had NO memories of their time together and then what came of that. But anyways….
Plus she was married at the time. )
I find myself a little bit interested in reading some more especially if I can find them in the Kindle Unlimited library.
3.5-4 stars
I enjoyed the story. This was Justin St Briac and Mouette Brandeth’s story. Mouette is the eldest daughter of Andre and Devon Raveneaugh(sp?)
She is widowed and has 2 sons. She’s invited by her friend, Izzy to come stay with her family in Cornwall. Izzy is married to Gabriel St Briac, Justin’s younger brother.
So Justin and Gabriel’s mother is on her “death” bed and Justin promises to marry before her death. He devises a plan for a fake marriage. Eventually Mouette is the “make-believe” bride.
Ironically there’s a lot of make believe going on….
But I enjoyed the story. I don’t think I read the story of the couple who were married 10 years earlier and Justin and Mouette had met each other….
( I thought it a little bit odd that Mouette had been so drunk that she had NO memories of their time together and then what came of that. But anyways….
Plus she was married at the time. )
I find myself a little bit interested in reading some more especially if I can find them in the Kindle Unlimited library.
October 12, 2017
Set in England of the early 1800's, His Make-Believe Bride tells the romantic story of Mouette and Justin, who's marriage begins as a delightful pretense. As each chapter unfolds, the reader is swept up into many suspenseful twists and turns of the couple's adventure. The 'spicy' parts of the book are exciting, yet skillfully written as essential parts of the plot, and the overall romance of the story is believable and captivating.
Ms. Wright develops her books' characters beautifully, in a way that makes you really care about what happens to them, and this is no exception. Justin and Mouette are a little older than the typical 'romance couple', both with a past that adds to the overall intrigue of the story. As with all of her novels, Ms. Wright weaves in familiar characters from her other books, and it's like visiting old friends.
Read His Make-Believe Bride! I think you'll love it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Ms. Wright develops her books' characters beautifully, in a way that makes you really care about what happens to them, and this is no exception. Justin and Mouette are a little older than the typical 'romance couple', both with a past that adds to the overall intrigue of the story. As with all of her novels, Ms. Wright weaves in familiar characters from her other books, and it's like visiting old friends.
Read His Make-Believe Bride! I think you'll love it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 10, 2023
First, there are a couple of things I didn't like about this. I think this could have done with a bit more fleshing out, spend more time with the characters and show them learning to like each other and falling in love more. Also,
Now to what I do like: This isn't a story about how the woman changes the man. He does change, but it's because he sees a need to, and he makes the conscious decision to change. There is a twist that is hinted at, but you're not hit over the head with it before the reveal. There is enough subtlety in the writing that nothing feels spoon-fed, IMO.
Over-all, very much worth the read and I may have to read more by the author.
Now to what I do like: This isn't a story about how the woman changes the man. He does change, but it's because he sees a need to, and he makes the conscious decision to change. There is a twist that is hinted at, but you're not hit over the head with it before the reveal. There is enough subtlety in the writing that nothing feels spoon-fed, IMO.
Over-all, very much worth the read and I may have to read more by the author.
May 19, 2024
Nirvana.
Cynthia Wright is a true artist. Her fingers on her keyboard create words and spins stories as masterfully as any painters brush swipes colors upon canvas.
With a sense of captivating humor, she paints hope in hues of yellow, passion and romance in vibrant reds, purples with royalty mixed with both bruises and mystery.
I discovered her 8 novels ago as a free to me reading in my Kindle Unlimited membership. However, some novels are too beloved to be "returned". Is it a bigger compliment to buy an artists books before or AFTER you have already read and cannot bear to part with them? You know, instinctively, these books have become friends that will remain in your personal library for future perusals.
Warning: some of these characters may leave you quite breathless.....
Cynthia Wright is a true artist. Her fingers on her keyboard create words and spins stories as masterfully as any painters brush swipes colors upon canvas.
With a sense of captivating humor, she paints hope in hues of yellow, passion and romance in vibrant reds, purples with royalty mixed with both bruises and mystery.
I discovered her 8 novels ago as a free to me reading in my Kindle Unlimited membership. However, some novels are too beloved to be "returned". Is it a bigger compliment to buy an artists books before or AFTER you have already read and cannot bear to part with them? You know, instinctively, these books have become friends that will remain in your personal library for future perusals.
Warning: some of these characters may leave you quite breathless.....
February 5, 2021
Lovely
This book was recommended by a friend as one I might enjoy as the characters were a little more mature as our hero is over 40 and our heroine is a widow over 30. It's part of a series but I enjoyed it though I've only read the first one though I'm now engaged enough to read the others. It was a lovely tale of second chances and of an emotionally immature man finally realising there was more to life than being a rogue! The setting of Cornwall was very vividly described and it was very clear that Ms Wright has been there and her love for it shines out in the story. It also has a lovely epilogue and I'm a big fan of epilogues that make clear that the relationship is definitely a HEA.
This book was recommended by a friend as one I might enjoy as the characters were a little more mature as our hero is over 40 and our heroine is a widow over 30. It's part of a series but I enjoyed it though I've only read the first one though I'm now engaged enough to read the others. It was a lovely tale of second chances and of an emotionally immature man finally realising there was more to life than being a rogue! The setting of Cornwall was very vividly described and it was very clear that Ms Wright has been there and her love for it shines out in the story. It also has a lovely epilogue and I'm a big fan of epilogues that make clear that the relationship is definitely a HEA.
May 6, 2021
His Make-Believe Bride by Cynthia Wright continues the stories of the Raveneaus and the St. Briacs with the telling of Mouette's and Justin's love story. I loved that the characters were into the prime of their lives... proving you are never too old to find love - or in Justin's case too old to be rerformed. Cynthia's detailed characterizations and picturesque sites paint such a lovely picture that the reader is able to feel that she is a part of the whole story. Plus the story is all the more enjoyable with the return of many of our favorite characters from previous books. HMBB is a must read for all who have been reading and following these wonderful stories and characters through the years.
May 12, 2019
Mouette, eldest daughter of the Raveneau's, raising two sons by herself after the death of her husband visits her friend Isabelle in Cornwall. Justin St. Briac, sea captain and confirmed bachelor is called home to Cornwall because his mother is on her death bed. Mouette and Justin haven't seen each other since Isabelle and Gabriel St. Briacs' wedding ten years ago, they didn't get along. Justin's mothers last wish is for him to be married before she dies, he promises her he will marry but he has a scheme where he will have a make believe wife until his mother dies and then he will go back to his ship and home in France. Plans don't go as he intends. I really enjoyed this book.
February 13, 2019
A well told story!
I have been simply itching to get into this book for months now and finally found a break in my ARC commitments to do so. Thanks goodness!
I simply loved everything about this book, the storyline, the wonderful characters, the emotions and actions of these characters, the conniving actions taken to fox others into doing ones bidding and the wanting to please parents - and then there is the 'make believe wife' part which was really clever.
Altogether, and wonderful and well-told story which I highly recommend.
I have been simply itching to get into this book for months now and finally found a break in my ARC commitments to do so. Thanks goodness!
I simply loved everything about this book, the storyline, the wonderful characters, the emotions and actions of these characters, the conniving actions taken to fox others into doing ones bidding and the wanting to please parents - and then there is the 'make believe wife' part which was really clever.
Altogether, and wonderful and well-told story which I highly recommend.
May 1, 2022
To tame a pirate's heart
So many twists & turns! French pirates, the coast of Cornwall, a scheming mother, a once-wealthy now-broke widow, scoundrel gentry, loose ends galore get tied down, lost loves find each other . . . loads going on here.
The hero and heroine are engaging. The corsair/pirate is larger than life, the widow strong enough to match him. The other characters are colorful, although some of the back story synopses are hard to follow. The countryside and the house in the country are characters on their own. Very enjoyable. As
So many twists & turns! French pirates, the coast of Cornwall, a scheming mother, a once-wealthy now-broke widow, scoundrel gentry, loose ends galore get tied down, lost loves find each other . . . loads going on here.
The hero and heroine are engaging. The corsair/pirate is larger than life, the widow strong enough to match him. The other characters are colorful, although some of the back story synopses are hard to follow. The countryside and the house in the country are characters on their own. Very enjoyable. As
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews