Spring Fires

Rakes & Rebels: The Beauvisage Family #4

by Cynthia Wright

Special Author's Cut Edition #2
Originally published by Ballantine Books

Hardened and cynical, Nicholai Beauvisage returns to America after a decade in France and brushes with death during the French Revolution. He lost his heart to a beauty who died at the guillotine and now Nicholai wants only to amuse himself with adventure and a woman in his bed. His heart is closed to love.

Lovely and independent, Lisette Hahn pours all her energy into running her Philadelphia Coffee House, where politics and business are discussed by patrons like Thomas Jefferson. She is proud of her success in a world of men and has been able to rise above the desires of her heart; until she meets Nicholai Beauvisage.

Beloved characters from CAROLINE, TOUCH THE SUN, and SILVER STORM return here as supporting characters in this sensuous & enchanting story that sweeps from 1793 Philadelphia across the ocean to the glittering salons of London. Don't miss the delicious tale of a headstrong woman and an irresistible rogue for whom love is the ultimate challenge!

REVIEWS:

A Romantic Times: All Time Favorite G01d; selection for 1984. GOLD rating!

SPRING FIRES is a classic historical romance that you'll never forget! Treat yourself to entering the world of our American ancestors… you'll be swept away! Bestselling Author Ciji Ware

Romance the way it was meant to be. Kathe Robin, Romantic Times

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Amazon

415 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 1983

About the author

Cynthia Wright is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her Rakes & Rebels series, 16 intertwining historical romances starring the irresistible Raveneau & Beauvisage families. Her other acclaimed series are Crowns & Kilts and Rogues Go West. Romantic Times Magazine hails Cynthia's novels as "Romance the way it was meant to be."

Cynthia lives in northern California. She enjoys riding a tandem bike and taking road trips in an airstream trailer with her Colombian-born husband, Alvaro & their corgi, Watson. She is also devoted to her two teenage grandsons who live nearby.

You are invited to visit Cynthia's website (where you can sign up for her newsletter and peruse the Books Page):
http://cynthiawrightauthor.com/

You are invited to join Cynthia's private Facebook reader group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/98606...

View her "Behind the Books" boards on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/cynthiawright77/

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family series:
1 - SILVER STORM (André & Devon)
2 - HER HUSBAND, THE RAKE: a sequel novella (André & Devon)
3 - SMUGGLER'S MOON (Sebastian & Julia)
4 - THE SECRET OF LOVE (Gabriel & Isabella)
5 - SURRENDER THE STARS (Ryan & Lindsay)
6 - HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE (Justin & Mouette)
7 - HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND (Justin & Mouette)
8 - HER SECRET ROGUE (Anthony & Frederica)
9 - HIS FIERY ANGEL (Benedict & Camille)
10 - HIS RECKLESS BARGAIN (Nathan & Adrienne)
11 - TEMPEST (Adam & Cathy)

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family intertwines with RAKES & REBELS: The Beauvisage Family series:
1 - STOLEN BY A PIRATE: a prequel novella to RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Jean-Philippe & Antonia)
2 -RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Alec & Caro)
3 - TOUCH THE SUN (Lion & Meagan)
4 - SPRING FIRES (Nicholai & Lisette)
5 - HER DANGEROUS VISCOUNT (Grey & Natalya)

CROWNS & KILTS: The St. Briac Family
1 - YOU & NO OTHER (Thomas & Aimee)
2 - OF ONE HEART (Andrew & Micheline)
3 - ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR (Christophe & Fiona)
4 - RETURN OF THE LOST BRIDE (Ciaran & Violette)
5 - QUEST OF THE HIGHLANDER (Lennox & Nora)

ROGUES GO WEST
1 - BRIGHTER THAN GOLD (Jack & Katie)
2 - IN A RENEGADE'S EMBRACE (Fox & Maddie)
3 - THE DUKE & THE COWGIRL (Geoff & Shelby)
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Reviews

[Zubee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Old school .. not a bodice ripper ... but ... H is a cheater ... h is too independent and behaves recklessly ... and the last thing I needed was the h of a former book giving this h some hair brained advise ... to masquerade as some European aristocracy ... just wear new gowns and jewels and use an accent ... completely forget that she has the same face and coloring ... sounded very very flaky ... *face palm*

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had forgotten how dull these books are. The heroine is really dumb. She beds the guy, in fact begs him to have sex with her, then acts as though he's the devil for acting as though they had been intimate--because they were! Idiot.

Then there are all these wortthless scenes with characters that mean NOTHING to this story. I was so bored that I gave up.

[Chrisangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read one of Ms. Wright's books before this one, "Touch the Sun", which I loved, but this one I just liked. I didn't find Lisette and Nicholai half as entertaining as Megan and Lion, and was glad those two were part of the story. I didn't know these were series novels, as Nicholai's brother and sister-in-law had a previous novel to themselves (they're in here too, along with another couple who also had their own book) so I'll have to check those out as well.

As for this story, about independent coffee house owner Lisette Hahn and Nicholai Beauvisage, refugee from Revolutionary France, who are both haunted by past relationships and afraid to trust and commit, it was good, but could have been better, as there wasn't all that much interaction (aside from hot love scenes), and many scenes that could have been devoted to them were taken up by other people instead; interesting as they were, they should have made way for the main couple.

I liked the historical background of the French Revolution, all the turmoil in France, as well as George Washington putting in an appearance, but again, rather than enhancing the story, (like political details did in "Touch the Sun") it took more time asway from Nicholai and Lisette.

Also - and I've said this in a review of another book - I don't care for the person in disguise routine. I've seen that happen too man y times, whether it's the H pretending to be his own twin brother, or, as in this case, the h disguising herself and talking with a phony accent. When Lisette's afraid she'll lose Nicholai to his former love, Gabrielle, she follows him to London and (with a little help from friends) pretends to be a wealthy Austrian widow out to charm Nicholai. She wanted to be a different person, more fashionable than her usual subdued self, but why not just put on the fancy clothes, makeup and new hairdo and impress him as the new Lisette, instead of the silly charade?

Though I have to admit it was funny when Lisette found, as Nicholai succumbed to the widow's charms, she was in the peculiar situation of being jealous of herself!

Also, while the scene isn't described, it's mentioned that while in London, Nicholai sleeps with his former mistress, Gabrielle, only one time and apparently wasn't too thrilled with it, so it's sad that had to happen. His relationship with Lisette was in limbo, so I guess it couldn't be called cheating, but still.... Also, when he first arrived in Philadelphia he started an affair with a married woman and had sex with her at least once after he slept with Lisette, (which was right after her father died and she was desperate for comfort) but she (Lisette) acted like she regretted sleeping with him and was trying to avoid him, so technically it wasn't cheating either. Still, it does make one feel a little sad. (I also didn't like that they make love for the first time, when they hardly knew each other, right when she's grieving for her father, that just felt kind of yuck!)

There's a couple of scenes with Lisette sketching and painting, and I thought more would be mentioned of her artistic talent, but then it was just let go.

It's not a bad book, but it could have had more substance.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find that I am frustrated with the way these women are portrayed. For clarification, I've been binge reading this series, averaging a book each day. Back to the women. In each of these books there is an unforgettable female (beautiful, charming, strong, witty) and a roughish man (handsome, charming, dashing, charismatic) who through many trials end up together as the perfect couple who are so much in love everyone can see it. People from previous books frequently make an appearance adding on to their own love stories. Inevitably, the women suspect the men of infidelity. For instance in this book, Devon begins to wonder if her husband of 11 years is involved with Lissette, the heroine of this story because she hears the laughing together in the hall. The insecurity and jealousy are unbelievable and I want to roll my eyes. I have to keep reminding myself that these books were written 30-40 years ago and that was the norm back then. Otherwise these stories are a delightful way to pass the time.

[Svalora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been listening to this entire series on Audible and was disappointed that this book did not have an audio available - but it made me actually get back to reading! Lol! Unfortunately I felt like it took longer because I couldn’t be doing other things while “reading”! Ha!
I have enjoyed the entire series, although this is a little early in the timeframe of American Historical romances that I normally enjoy! It’s been interesting to read from a bit earlier in the timeline!
This series is obviously written in a different time than modern romances are written, but I still enjoyed it. I’m not sure what exactly the difference is, maybe just the “vernacular” used in the ‘70s and ‘80s vs books written in the past 10 years or so, but there is definitely a difference for me — it bad or good, just different!
Overall well written and timeless!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Past and Present

The story of Lisette and Nicholai set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, is one of loss and broken hearts. Each has vowed never to give their heart to another after the disappointment and heartbreak of their last loves. However, their first meeting is like pouring gasoline on a fire and only continues to burn away anything and anyone in their path to HEA. The story moves through Philadelphia, it's coffeehouses to mansions, on to London and finally to France. Can't wait to read more of their story in future books. In this book it was fun to read more of Jean-Phillipe and Antonia (Nicholai's parents), Alec and Caroline, Lion and Megan, as well as Andrea and Devon - from the Raveneau family.

[Lucinda Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia you have redeemed yourself! My review on book #3 said that I was so extremely disappointed because I felt like I was left incomplete at the end of each book....that I so desperately wanted a continuance of each characters' life so that they did not disappear so abruptly from MY LIFE and YOU ACCOMPLISHED EXACTLY THAT in book #4!!! LOVED IT, ATE IT UP & cannot WAIT to start #5! Once again, due to depth of character, I felt as if I were peeking at each scene from an inconspicuous spot within the story. These books have captured me from start to finish and allow me the true escape from the real world that I crave and NEED. If you read this for the "bath tub" scene ALONE, other cravings will be more than satiated as well! HOOO BABY!

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholai and Lisette have both suffered loss and heartbreak. After 10 years in France, Nicholai is forced to flee his home and return to his family in America. When he meets Lisette there is an unmistakable attraction, but Lisette is continually rejecting him. Can they find their way together through this prickly maze? This love story develops across two continents and is worth every minute it takes to read it. This is a wonderful series and I love the way Cynthia Wright carries the previous books into the new stories. It will seem like you are a part of this family with the other rogues. ☺ Start with "Caroline" to begin your own adventure.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisette and Nicholai's story - a woman who owns and runs her own coffeehouse and a man back from the French Revolution feeling lost and lonely. Again Cynthia's way of describing her characters and locations is so enthralling that it feels like you're actually there seeing and interacting with them. This is the fourth book in the Beauvisage Family series but the Raveneau's turn up as well which is great but you've got to read the previous books to understand the connection historically. I love it!

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Wonderful, Adventurous & Romantic

Another Fantabulous Story. It touched me how Nicholai's Character changed from 10 years prior . We got to enjoy some Character's from Cynthia's prior 3 Books.
This Story has it's twists & turns, Adventure & Romance. Lisette & Nicholai have heavy hearts & don't trust anyone. Even as their relationship starts going forward they fight off any emotions especially Love, until it becomes evident they need one another.

I was sad to hear that Clarissa passing away, poor Naive Clarissa.

[Judy Struck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful adventure

I really enjoyed this fun trip in 1793 Philadelphia and across the Atlantic. By happy accident , I read Silver Storm as my first introduction to Teresa Wright. It was very enjoyable to meet the Raveneaus again, years later. Ms. Wright has an uncanny talent for explicit details of clothing for both the men and women who inhabit her writing. The minds eye doesn't have to work hard to envision bottle green cutaway jackets and velvet gowns. On to "Her Dangerous Viscount".

[Bamboozlepig · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I picked this up at the thrift store, I didn't realize it was part of a series. I'm also not huge on romance books, but the premise sounded kind of interesting, so I went ahead and got it.

It's not very well written. Not being familiar with the previous novels in the series, I can't gauge how well the characters are written in this one, but everyone seemed to be the epitome of Mary-Suedom or Gary-Stuedom. They were all perfect and no one had any flaws, not even a tiny wart on their ass.

So this is going back to the thrift store.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful heroine...

I loved Lissette, her heart had been broken so she resolves to never love again. She runs a coffeehouse in 1793 and still manages to command respect even from the men coming in. Nicolai is war battered and also heart broken having lost a beloved girlfriend but when he meets Lissette is is attraction at first sight. Their story has lots of angst and many people running interference but also many smiling moments.

[Rose Wubker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this Series

I love this series. Spring Fires doesn't disappoint the readers. Love is tough with many obstacles for the main characters. Finding time for love and trust is a challenge especially when they are of different social worlds. As in real life, there are sad times, funny times, bad times and good times. Enjoy!

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPRING FIRES ; By Cynthia Wright - Beauvisage series. I loved our hero Nicolai Beauvisage, his heroine, Lisette - not so much. It’s hit or miss with these tales, this one reintroduced the French family members. Nicolai was a great hero, handsome, smart, not easily fooled and totally in love with Lisette. A read worth your time.

[Sheelagh Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even though I’ve read the books out of order. Enjoyed the banter between the two leads it’s probably down to her reacting to how she was expected to behave and how she was actually feeling. This was the first book I’ve read from this author gone back to the first book in the series now

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring Fires tells the fun story of an aristocrat who has fled from the French revolution and an independent proprietress of a coffee house. The characters often treat each other badly which makes me think they are perhaps not so well suited after all, but this is s romance, so alls we’ll that ends well. It’s a entertaining, sexy read anyway. Contains sex scenes.

[Jignet · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 people love shy but the attraction is irresistibly present

They are both strong willed and hurting. And they can't seem to get their emotions figured out. A duel and Atlantic crossing finally help them decide if it is truly love. You will enjoy this one

[Barbara R. Cady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I love this series!!💖💖

I never get tired of this family and this book was delightful! What a great love story. I also enjoyed having the Raveneaus' brought into the storyline. Well done! The next book definitely goes on my TBR list!!

[John Boles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Fires

This book is as good if not better than all the others I've read in this series. The love and heart ach that must be endured to find love is worth the effort. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[SHERRY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series

Liselle is a strong independent woman and Nicky is a rake.
I didn't care for either character at first but they really surprised me. I could not put it down.

[Eliza White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome will and have read most books in this series and still looking !

[Geraldine Rubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Well written book. I was upset with The couple of times the Lords name was used in vain. Totally unnecessary!!

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow missed this one in the series

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your ordinary Romance novel

This story winds you along a road with many twists that keep up you guessing and hoping for all to be well.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Historical romance

I enjoyed this book. It took a lot of courage to travel in the years these books represent. I have read a lot and never stop learning.

[Barbara A. Faw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this romance but it was not quite up to the chemistry level of #1 (Rescued by a Rogue). Well written. Lots of historical info on the U.S. when capital was in Philadelphia.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful audiobook by Cynthia Wright, will all the emotions evoked. Brava!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story and romance but could have been 1/3 of the length

[Elizabeth Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I love the whole series. The characters are wonderfully engaging, strong and interesting. The story line draws you in so it is impossible to put the book down.