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Rakes & Rebels: The St. Briac Family #2
Her Impossible Husband
He was impossible! Yet utterly irresistible…
Renowned as a bold corsair and seducer of women, Justin St. Briac has spent the last decade as a married man. He adores his wife, Mouette, but as he ages, he chafes against the constraints of domestication and longs for another reckless adventure on the high seas.
Mouette Raveneau’s life among the London ton was in tatters when she fled to Cornwall and married Justin. Now, years later, she has an opportunity to return to Society and repair her broken reputation. For the sake of her adult son, Charles, she agrees…but what of her untamable pirate husband?
If the volatile Justin does accompany Mouette to London, she fears he will prove incapable of conforming to the haut ton’s rigid code of conduct. And when Mouette receives assistance from a caring, respectable nobleman, Justin burns to challenge his rival to a duel to the death.
As marriage becomes the most reckless adventure of all, will these two lovers dare to join forces...or turn their backs and walk away for good?
Renowned as a bold corsair and seducer of women, Justin St. Briac has spent the last decade as a married man. He adores his wife, Mouette, but as he ages, he chafes against the constraints of domestication and longs for another reckless adventure on the high seas.
Mouette Raveneau’s life among the London ton was in tatters when she fled to Cornwall and married Justin. Now, years later, she has an opportunity to return to Society and repair her broken reputation. For the sake of her adult son, Charles, she agrees…but what of her untamable pirate husband?
If the volatile Justin does accompany Mouette to London, she fears he will prove incapable of conforming to the haut ton’s rigid code of conduct. And when Mouette receives assistance from a caring, respectable nobleman, Justin burns to challenge his rival to a duel to the death.
As marriage becomes the most reckless adventure of all, will these two lovers dare to join forces...or turn their backs and walk away for good?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
131 people are currently reading
47 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
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 3, 2022
Her Impossible Husband, by Cynthia Wright, is a sequel to her book His Make-Believe Bride. It continues the love story of Mouette and Justin St. Briac some ten years after HMBB ends. Justin is experiencing an inner turmoil as he sees his old friends getting older, some dying, all retiring from their days of pirating. Not wanting to admit his feelings to his wife, his reticence starts the chain of events that becomes this story. I loved this book! I actually loved it even more than the original. The author's wonderful descriptions and scene setting captured my attention from the first page and I found myself thoroughly charmed once again. I most definitely highly recommend this book!
August 1, 2022
i am on a binge with this wonderful series!
This is truly Historical novel series! The descriptions feel so authentic and all the plots are interesting! I shall feel bereft when I finish the last one!
Sassy
This is truly Historical novel series! The descriptions feel so authentic and all the plots are interesting! I shall feel bereft when I finish the last one!
Sassy
January 24, 2022
Cynthia did it again. We are back in the Raveneau world, a few years later, to see how Justin and Mouette are faring. Justin being himself starts to feel a bit constricted by family life and dreams of going back on adventure. Mouette being her father’s daughter does not fall for this and remains true to herself. A very enjoyable addition to the series, in which we get to meet again with some of the previous characters and have a preview of what is coming for the future! Filled with laugh out loud moments, as well as tears and, as usual, an unfathomable desire to throttle Justin for being… well, Justin. A definite page turner!
December 31, 2021
What happens 10 years after the happily ever after? When you are Justin St. Briac, you are not quite ready to come to terms to being nearly sixty. You still adore your wife, but you can’t believe your children no longer idolize you as they used to. There is still adventure waiting around the corner, non? Justin has become what is often called a silver fox. An older hero who’s still “got it.” Justin puts up the good fight against his fear of aging and becoming settled. He’s still a corsair, is he not? But he soon realizes that some things do change and going forward can be just as exciting as reliving the past.
Mouette Raveneau St. Briac has a chance to restore her reputation in London and help her son. But will Justin be willing to join her to help? Or will his desire for adventure put him at cross-purposes with his lovely wife? Going back to London does not provide the satisfaction that Mouette had hoped. And she soon discovers that things were not always what they seemed.
HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND can stand alone, but it becomes so much richer when you know the background that helped shaped the characters and you have greater satisfaction watching their growth. There are threads of the story that has appeared in several previous books, including THE SECRET OF LOVE, SURRENDER THE STARS, and of course, HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE. These threads include a missing painting and more background on Mouette’s first marriage. And a Raveneau book would not be complete without a visit from the couple that started it all, André and Devon, from SILVER STORM. (Who am I kidding, you will want to read all of the Rakes and Rebels: Raveneau books. Do it.)
I loved the science cameos, including Mary Anning and Charles Darwin (off-stage). And as always, there is a strong sense of time and place when she describes picturesque Cornwall and all of her descriptions.
I very much enjoyed revisiting Justin and Mouette to see how they have gotten along over the years. It was fun to see the next generation, as well. Can’t wait to see if, perhaps some of André and Devon’s grandchildren will get their own HEA. Let’s hear it for the older heroes & heroines. They do, in fact, still got it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Mouette Raveneau St. Briac has a chance to restore her reputation in London and help her son. But will Justin be willing to join her to help? Or will his desire for adventure put him at cross-purposes with his lovely wife? Going back to London does not provide the satisfaction that Mouette had hoped. And she soon discovers that things were not always what they seemed.
HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND can stand alone, but it becomes so much richer when you know the background that helped shaped the characters and you have greater satisfaction watching their growth. There are threads of the story that has appeared in several previous books, including THE SECRET OF LOVE, SURRENDER THE STARS, and of course, HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE. These threads include a missing painting and more background on Mouette’s first marriage. And a Raveneau book would not be complete without a visit from the couple that started it all, André and Devon, from SILVER STORM. (Who am I kidding, you will want to read all of the Rakes and Rebels: Raveneau books. Do it.)
I loved the science cameos, including Mary Anning and Charles Darwin (off-stage). And as always, there is a strong sense of time and place when she describes picturesque Cornwall and all of her descriptions.
I very much enjoyed revisiting Justin and Mouette to see how they have gotten along over the years. It was fun to see the next generation, as well. Can’t wait to see if, perhaps some of André and Devon’s grandchildren will get their own HEA. Let’s hear it for the older heroes & heroines. They do, in fact, still got it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 6, 2022
In this, the latest romance by the inimitable Cynthia Wright, Justin and Mouette St. Briac prove that passion has no age limit! It’s amazing and refreshing to read a love story surrounding a more mature couple, whose marriage is undergoing challenges. Ms. Wright’s skillful plot twists, lively characterizations, and sizzlingly sensual love scenes kept me turning the pages eagerly. Although many familiar people from the Cynthia Wright family of books make appearances, Her Impossible Husband makes a great stand-alone book as well. You’ll be charmed, enchanted, and even amused by Justin and Mouette’s romantic journey. HIGHLY recommended!
January 8, 2022
I adored being back in this world with these characters. I first read SILVER STORM a few years ago by Cynthia, and I have since read every book, some several times. This particular one did not disappoint and was a perfect addition to the world she has created. Highly recommend.
January 6, 2022
I know I'll never be dissatisfied with one of Cynthia's books. Reading them feels like walking into a room full of family. She writes with a warm and descriptive voice and her characters always resonate with me. Already waiting for her next book.
February 16, 2022
Long awaited sequel to a favorite book and part of a beloved series!
This is an emotionally complex well written mature and interesting sequel to one of my favorite novels, "His Make-Believe Bride." One of my Best Reads was Cynthia Wright's series "Rakes and Rebels - The Raveneau Family." These novels, along with a great companion series, cover several generations of two interwoven families. Each novel is immersed in a historical era and the many period details are well researched and accurate. The fully developed characters in each generation of the Raveneau Family became so real they pulled me right inside the stories. You are very fortunate if these books are new to you - start with book one and have a great reading experience! You will meet the sexy handsome, infuriating "Impossible Husband" as you experience this, not to be missed, thrilling romantic journey.
This is an emotionally complex well written mature and interesting sequel to one of my favorite novels, "His Make-Believe Bride." One of my Best Reads was Cynthia Wright's series "Rakes and Rebels - The Raveneau Family." These novels, along with a great companion series, cover several generations of two interwoven families. Each novel is immersed in a historical era and the many period details are well researched and accurate. The fully developed characters in each generation of the Raveneau Family became so real they pulled me right inside the stories. You are very fortunate if these books are new to you - start with book one and have a great reading experience! You will meet the sexy handsome, infuriating "Impossible Husband" as you experience this, not to be missed, thrilling romantic journey.
January 25, 2022
As mid-life crisis strikes Justin St. Briac, in Regency London, no less, his spirited wife, Mouette Raveneau St. Briac strikes back with gusto in this delightful and sometimes playful story of true love.
As they struggle to resolve their differences, a sinister plot is in place to snare Mouette away from Justin who is struggling with his jealousy and impatience and fantasizing about a duel.
Add in Mouette striving to repair her previously damaged reputation with the Ton, and their family dynamics of having two sons that are worlds apart in embracing family values and you will be captivated by this exciting read.
I loved every minute of this book and highly recommend it.
As they struggle to resolve their differences, a sinister plot is in place to snare Mouette away from Justin who is struggling with his jealousy and impatience and fantasizing about a duel.
Add in Mouette striving to repair her previously damaged reputation with the Ton, and their family dynamics of having two sons that are worlds apart in embracing family values and you will be captivated by this exciting read.
I loved every minute of this book and highly recommend it.
January 31, 2022
This is another fantastic book, by Cynthia Wright
that captivates you from Page 1.
This story grabs your heart and doesn’t let go!
Justin is a Frenchmen who led the life of
a Pirate and the adventure and the women.
He met Mouette at a wedding years earlier.
When they meet again years later they
marry. You don’t want to miss a minute
of the obstacles that happen to this
couple.
I loved how their children get involved.
This is a book I will read over and over!
that captivates you from Page 1.
This story grabs your heart and doesn’t let go!
Justin is a Frenchmen who led the life of
a Pirate and the adventure and the women.
He met Mouette at a wedding years earlier.
When they meet again years later they
marry. You don’t want to miss a minute
of the obstacles that happen to this
couple.
I loved how their children get involved.
This is a book I will read over and over!
July 7, 2023
I rate this story at 3 1/2 only because it is basically an extension of "His Make-Believe Bride" but 10 years later into their marriage. It is still a good story though. I am now middle aged and I could feel for Mouette and Justin. It’s a blessing but still hard getting older. LOL. Of course, I still feel more in my prime than not! I do love how the author ended their story with the Epilogue! Now on to the next adventure! Enjoy
February 10, 2022
Wonder story!
What perfect revisit to the St Briac's! Love seeing how these characters have grown and changed over the years. And a realistic way of seeing how we all age, yet so much remains the same! So many lessons to apply in this tale, and I loved reading them all! Great read!
What perfect revisit to the St Briac's! Love seeing how these characters have grown and changed over the years. And a realistic way of seeing how we all age, yet so much remains the same! So many lessons to apply in this tale, and I loved reading them all! Great read!
February 15, 2022
Absolutely Delightful, Wonderful & Romantic
This Book was so wonderful, I was sad when it ended.
Mouette & Justin are a wonderful couple. To say Justin was willing to try & change for her was almost unbelievable. Her Sons in this Story were great, I am hoping Cynthia will create a Story for each of them, I feel they need one.
This Book was so wonderful, I was sad when it ended.
Mouette & Justin are a wonderful couple. To say Justin was willing to try & change for her was almost unbelievable. Her Sons in this Story were great, I am hoping Cynthia will create a Story for each of them, I feel they need one.
February 23, 2022
Years Later in Justin and Mouette's Story
Ten years into marriage and Justin starts to miss his old Pirate days. Mouette goes on a trip to see her sons and Justin refuses to go......She really needs his support right now and that causes problems.....He literally has to woo her back ...and its a good romantic wooing.... another great read by Cynthia Wright !!
Ten years into marriage and Justin starts to miss his old Pirate days. Mouette goes on a trip to see her sons and Justin refuses to go......She really needs his support right now and that causes problems.....He literally has to woo her back ...and its a good romantic wooing.... another great read by Cynthia Wright !!
January 9, 2022
Mid-Life Crisis
Justin St Brian loved his beautiful wife Mouette, but felt a need to rebel against domestic life. He longed for one more adventure on high sea. I loved their passion for each other and their love of family.
Justin St Brian loved his beautiful wife Mouette, but felt a need to rebel against domestic life. He longed for one more adventure on high sea. I loved their passion for each other and their love of family.
January 13, 2022
Her Impossible Husband
One of my favorite authors. I've loved every book that she has written. This one is even better. I devoured it. I do hope there will be more adventures.
One of my favorite authors. I've loved every book that she has written. This one is even better. I devoured it. I do hope there will be more adventures.
February 14, 2022
Cynthia Wright does it again
Reading about a grown up Mouette was amazing. I loved reading about her as a child as an adult and parent!
Reading about a grown up Mouette was amazing. I loved reading about her as a child as an adult and parent!
March 3, 2023
Wow!!
These 2 books are excellent! Delightful story of their early unusual love and their life together 10 years later and all that has happened! Wonderful characters!
These 2 books are excellent! Delightful story of their early unusual love and their life together 10 years later and all that has happened! Wonderful characters!
December 6, 2024
Her Impossible Romance is a fun period Romance about an older married couple going through a midlife crisis. This book is part of a series, and I recommend listening to His Make Believe Bride first.
March 9, 2025
Audio book
January 9, 2022
As his friends around him are dying and ageing badly, handsome and brave corsair, Justin St. Briac, is feeling extremely vulnerable as he becomes aware of his own mortality, and this frustration is causing him to act irrationally.
He is so wrapped up in himself, that he does not seem to understand that his beautiful and patient wife Mouette needs him now more than ever as she ventures to London to help her eldest son as he embarks on his engagement to a duke's daughter.
Can Mouette find the strength and fortitude to face her past, her mother-in-law, and the London Ton, and can Justin step up and be the man and husband that Mouette needs him to be, only time will tell.
Cynthia Wright's latest book is a triumph as we embark on this passionate and emotional love story ten years after Mouette and Justin have married.
As soon as you read the first couple of pages, it is as if you have never left their world.
Justin is still the same virile, sexy and intoxicatingly masculine, difficult and brusque hero he has always been, while the adoring, compassionate, caring and extremely beautiful Mouette hardly seems to have aged at all.
Charles, Anthony, and Emmie have grown and are unforgettable characters, while Robinson continues to be the comedian of this story.
Cynthia's beautifully descriptive writing and historical detail bring these wonderful characters to life, as in London, all is not what it seems, and it seems that friends cannot always be trusted.
I could not put this love story down and found myself laughing out loud as well as becoming extremely emotional throughout this tale.
I felt miserable when I had come to the end.
However, I would recommend reading His Make Believe Bride first, so that you come to know these beloved characters beforehand.
He is so wrapped up in himself, that he does not seem to understand that his beautiful and patient wife Mouette needs him now more than ever as she ventures to London to help her eldest son as he embarks on his engagement to a duke's daughter.
Can Mouette find the strength and fortitude to face her past, her mother-in-law, and the London Ton, and can Justin step up and be the man and husband that Mouette needs him to be, only time will tell.
Cynthia Wright's latest book is a triumph as we embark on this passionate and emotional love story ten years after Mouette and Justin have married.
As soon as you read the first couple of pages, it is as if you have never left their world.
Justin is still the same virile, sexy and intoxicatingly masculine, difficult and brusque hero he has always been, while the adoring, compassionate, caring and extremely beautiful Mouette hardly seems to have aged at all.
Charles, Anthony, and Emmie have grown and are unforgettable characters, while Robinson continues to be the comedian of this story.
Cynthia's beautifully descriptive writing and historical detail bring these wonderful characters to life, as in London, all is not what it seems, and it seems that friends cannot always be trusted.
I could not put this love story down and found myself laughing out loud as well as becoming extremely emotional throughout this tale.
I felt miserable when I had come to the end.
However, I would recommend reading His Make Believe Bride first, so that you come to know these beloved characters beforehand.
January 16, 2022
My least favorite in the series. Relationship status was lame and stilted.
February 23, 2023
Great read
An expansion of the previous novel. The self centered pirate learns to value his wife and family, recover a valuable portrait, defeat an obsessed suitor, reclaim his step son, and have a happy life.
An expansion of the previous novel. The self centered pirate learns to value his wife and family, recover a valuable portrait, defeat an obsessed suitor, reclaim his step son, and have a happy life.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews