Hot and Bothered in July

by Tabetha Waite, The Rake Review

They say opposites attract, but for two people who come from different worlds, is the impossible—possible?

Reed Carrington is a ne’er-do-well, a former bluecoat who barely made it through school. He was a terror to his tutors and despised sitting inside a stuffy classroom. He would rather be outside wreaking havoc on London’s social elite. Or so he’d thought. Determined to make a name for himself and leave the past behind, he is starting to embrace success, but one day he rescues a beautiful debutante in a pink dress from drowning, and he’s suddenly dubbed a hero by the Brazen Belle.

Miss Sariah Kent doesn’t appreciate all the strictures placed on women in the beau monde. She would rather be independent than be forced to marry simply because it is expected of her to do so. She yearns for more, but she doesn’t know how to obtain that freedom until a blond Adonis breathes new life—and fire—into her blood. In July, when the temperatures are rising in central London, the passion simmering between this rebellious lady and her hot and bothered hero soon become a recipe for love.

Hot and Bothered in July is book seven in the multi-author series The Rake Review, Season Two. Collect all twelve rakes!

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2026

About the author

Tabetha Waite is a small-town Missouri girl who grew up with big dreams of being a published author after her fourth-grade teacher said she liked reading her stories. She began her journey by putting pen to paper writing anything from fantasy to mystery, before graduating to an old Underwood typewriter. It wasn’t until she started high school that her grandmother introduced her to the classic, Gothic novels. As her love of romance grew to encompass Harlequins, it wasn’t until she read “Midnight Bride” by Kathleen Drymon that she developed a fascination for historical England. After discovering the allure of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, she was hooked!
It wasn’t until 30 years and 63 rejections later that her debut novel, “Why the Earl is After the Girl,” the first book in her Ways of Love series was picked up for publication by Etopia Press and released in July of 2016 to critical acclaim. Since then, she has become a hybrid author with books previously released with Soul Mate Publishing, WOLF Publishing, and Dragonblade, as well as transitioning into Indie. She has won several awards for her books and has been an Amazon bestseller.
When she’s not writing, Tabetha is reading as true bookworms do, or checking out any flea market, antique mall, or doll show she comes across.
You can find her on most any social media site and she encourages fans of her work to join her mailing list to learn more about upcoming novels or events.
www.authortabethawaite.wix.com/romance

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 44th book by Tabetha Waite and I started reading her back in June, 2020. I love her writing and have never have a bad read. She will always be special to me as I actually met her and had lunch with her, one-on-one. Once year she took a family vacation about an hour from where I live and she reached out, so we met for lunch. It was so incredible of her to take time out of her family vacation to meet with me and my husband. So nice!

I liked Reed and Sariah. I liked the storyline. I liked how strong she was and didn't roll over like some FC tend to do. As you can see from my timestamp, I finished it in one sitting. I really love the flow of her books. Overall this was a good read and great addition to the Rake Reviews series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabetha Waite is one of my favorite authors for a reason and it's because simply like with this book, she doesn't always overdo it with a simpering miss from the upper class, and her heros aren't always upper from the upper class..

Sariah is an aristocrat's daughter but she's forward thinking and independent.. wants what she wants and goes for it, her parents know that and her brother knows that however the unexpecting handsome Reed Carrington who is blue collar who was an orphan has no idea what he has gotten himself into when he rescues her and becomes fake engaged to her.

July is meant for fireworks and parties.. well with these two at a house party, Sariah is there to help Reed to get his business partners and Reed is there to play the happy fiancee however, fireworks have been slowly sparking beneath the surface between these two and it takes just once kiss and fireworks ignite, sparks fly.. and they can't deny that they want each other forever..

I enjoyed everything in this book from the beginning to the end..

I can't wait to see what else Tabetha Waite has in store next..

I can't wait to read the August Rake Review!!

[Lana Birky]

If July needed a mascot, Reed Carrington just strutted in, dropped his shirt, and volunteered as tribute. The man goes from bluecoat menace to accidental hero the moment he fishes Sariah Kent out of the Perilous Pool - because nothing says “character growth” like rescuing a debutante in a pink dress while society collectively faints.

Sariah, bless her rebellious heart, is done with the beau monde’s nonsense. She wants independence, adventure, & maybe one blond Adonis who looks at her like she’s the only scandal worth starting. Their chemistry is immediate & their banter is sharp enough to slice through London fog. Their fake betrothal is about as “fake” as a rake’s promise to behave.

Reed may not have a title, but he’s got grit, charm, and the kind of smolder that makes you forget the aristocracy even exists. Sariah matches him spark for spark, and together they ignite July like it’s trying to burn the calendar down.

This installment of the Rake Review is pure Tabetha Waite delight - class tension, sham engagement shenanigans, sizzling attraction, and a HEA that made me grin like a gossip columnist with exclusive dirt. I devoured the ARC & loved every wicked, witty, wonderfully chaotic moment. If you want a hero who surprises you, a heroine who refuses to be boxed in, and a romance that crackles hotter than a midsummer scandal sheet, Hot and Bothered in July delivers in spades. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book read easily and quickly. Our FL could have been a bit difficult to like but she had a lot of self retrospective which made her likeable and added growth to her character. Our ML has some hang ups from the classism he has faced through out his life and it affects his ability to be loved.

I liked this until the third act breakup. Just men...

4/6 stars

[Mephala · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a light story that unfortunately didn't really draw me in.

The premise was fine and I was actually looking forward to finally reading about a hero, who wasn't part of the nobility.

Sadly, this story felt rather perfunctory - as if the goal was to use as many tropes and cliches as possible to reach the expected happily ever after. Events happened, scenes unfolded (sometimes a whole intimate encounter lasted... two sentences), but it all seems hollow somehow.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy tropes and cliches, but they need a little bit more fleshed out narration to make them entertaining, and not awkward.

It was a little disappointing as the other story by Tabetha Waite, The Hunt for Mr. October (also a part of this series), was a completely different experience for me. I enjoyed it and the characters seemed much more thought out.

Maybe I'm experiencing a "noble born, privileged young heroine (that's absolutely not like any other girl!) wants to escape her ~gilded cage~" fatigued, because Sariah mostly annoyed me. I know she was supposed to be young and sheltered, but in most situations she came off as oblivious and, frankly, self-absorbed.

It really didn't help that her name stood out among other characters', like Richard or Maggie, and it means "princess", which... was just fitting 🤣

Speaking of Maggie, the heroine's friend, she seemed a much more interesting character and actually had some natural chemistry with the hero. Even their short conversation during the archery competition showed they matched each other's personalities and energies better.

Reed, the hero, at first seemed interesting, mostly because he wasn't of a noble birth. But, unfortunately, it became his sole characteristic as he constantly brought it up, expressing his prejudice towards nobility. And, whether his feelings were valid or not, his strange pivot to praising the rich and privileged, grovelling in front of Sariah how wrong he was lumping every member of the ton together and admitting it was a way of hiding his own insecurities, was a bit of a whiplash.

The romance between Sariah and Reed was rather light, and their connection wasn't that strong. Like I've mentioned, the story felt like it wanted to go from scene to scene, checking as many appropriate tropes as possible to reach the ending. Even the third act breakup, brought upon by the most predictable misunderstanding on the hero's part (he overheard two people talking, didn't wait to find out about who, assumed the worst, and fled in a huff), felt unnecessary and forced.

What I enjoyed in this one were scenes between the hero and his friends; there seems to be a real friendship there, and their banter was amusing. The same could be said about Sariah and her friends, even if at times it felt like the heroine saw herself above her friends, whether it was because she didn't agree with Ava's strong desire to marry, or with Maggie's matter of fact, dry personality. (I'm telling you, Reed and Maggie would suit much better!).

Well, it was a light and short story, so I'm not that disappointed in it, but I'm also looking forward to reading my next book.

2,75 (rounded up to 3)/5 stars ⭐

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Hot and Bothered in July as I loved the authors writing. And it turned out to be the perfect escape.

Tabetha Waite writes delightful historical romance that captures the heat not just of a London July, but of two fiery personalities colliding in the most unexpected way.

From the very first pages, I was drawn into the world of Reed Carrington and Sariah Kent, a pair whose instant chemistry practically leaps off the page.

Reed is the kind of hero who refuses to fit neatly into any box. A former troublemaker with a bluecoat past, he’s rough around the edges and carries the weight of a less than privileged background. Yet there’s something magnetic about his determination to reinvent himself. Watching him shift from a man who once thrived on chaos to someone embracing success felt deeply satisfying.

His rescue of Sariah in that pink dress is the inciting moment that flips both their worlds upside down, and I loved how the author uses it to spark that attraction.

Sariah, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in the rigid beau monde. She chafes against the expectations placed on women of her station, marriage as duty, propriety above all else, and her yearning for independence had me wanting her to succeed. She’s spirited without being reckless, intelligent, and quietly rebellious.

The way her world expands after meeting Reed, how he awakens both her passions and her courage, made their relationship feel electric. Their banter crackles with tension, and the slowburn of their romance, set against the sweltering backdrop of a London summer, is really well done.

The author balances the heat between them with moments of tenderness and self discovery that give the story real emotional depth.

What I appreciated most was how the novel explores the theme of opposites attracting while never making it feel clichéd. Reed and Sariah come from vastly different worlds, and the obstacles they face had me keeping my fingers crossed 🤞.
The secondary characters, including the intriguing Brazen Belle society, add delightful layers and a touch of scandalous fun to the story.

The writing is smooth and immersive, painting vivid scenes of Regency era London without ever slowing the pace.

By the end, I closed the book with a happy sigh and a smile.

Hot and Bothered in July is a charming, passionate read. If you enjoy historical romances with strong willed heroines, reformed rogues, and plenty of sizzling chemistry, this one is absolutely worth diving into.

Tabetha Waite has delivered another winner that left me feeling warm in all the right ways.

Highly recommended for a steamy summer escape!

🦋

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say opposites attract—but for two people from entirely different worlds, can the impossible actually happen?

Hot and Bothered in July is the seventh book in the multi-author series The Rake Review: Season Two, and let me tell you, every rake’s story in this collection is as deliciously entertaining as the last. Reed, our latest blond Adonis, is no exception (and certainly no “acceptation,” as my autocorrect tried to insist).

Reed Carrington might be a former bluecoat with a checkered past, but his grit and determination to forge a new life have turned him into a true gentleman—title or not. When he dives into action to rescue a gorgeous debutante in a pink gown from drowning, he’s suddenly the new hero of the Brazen Belle gossip mill. Cue the swoons.

Reed may lack a noble pedigree, but he’s exactly the kind of man we all secretly—or not so secretly—want: strong, charming, and capable of kissing a girl into next Tuesday. Meanwhile, Sariah, our pink-gowned heroine, is refreshingly outspoken, and the sparks between these two fly hotter than a July heatwave.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Rake Review adventure. Tabetha Waite delivers a story that’s equal parts fun, flirty, and heartwarming. The fake engagement trope is executed perfectly here: a man without a title, a debutante tired of society’s nonsense, a supportive family who actually sees Reed for who he is, and chemistry so sizzling it could light fireworks. By the time these two went from pretending to passionately real, I was grinning like a fool.

If you’re a fan of fake engagements, charming rakes, and heroines who refuse to play by the rules, grab this book and clear your evening. And honestly? If you can finish this one without fanning yourself at least once, check your pulse—because Reed Carrington is bringing the heat.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Carrington is a ne’er-do-well, a former bluecoat who barely made it through school. He was a terror to his tutors and despised sitting inside a stuffy classroom. He would rather be outside wreaking havoc on London’s social elite. Or so he’d thought. Determined to make a name for himself and leave the past behind, he is starting to embrace success, but one day he rescues a beautiful debutante in a pink dress from drowning, and he’s suddenly dubbed a hero by the Brazen Belle. Miss Sariah Kent doesn’t appreciate all the strictures placed on women in the beau monde. She would rather be independent then a blond Adonis breathes new life—and fire—into her blood.
The seventh book in this round of the Rake Review & another corker. Reed isn’t part of the aristocracy but features as July’s rake after rescuing Sariah from the Perilous Pool. To keep scandal to a minimum they agree to a fake betrothal – well we all know how that’s going to go! I loved both Reed & Sariah their chemistry sizzled & their banter was a joy. I loved their journey to a HEA
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Roslynn Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the frontispiece. It just made me smile thinking about these two characters, their overwhelming passion, and their affection for each other. I wish all books would have this art in them. Besides the art the story was just perfect! I enjoy novellas that don’t feel like novellas, and the story is complete, which is exactly what this book is. Usually, with novellas, I always crave more, but I didn’t with this book. Miss Sariah Kent did seem a bit snooty, but I could forgive her because she is an upper-class lady and sometimes does not listen to reason, especially when her maid told her not to be laced so tightly that it was difficult to breathe. At the same time, Reed Carrington is just wonderful as the hero. He might not be blue-blooded, but he is a total gentleman despite his roots. Reed also treats Sariah with so much respect, even when she cuts him down or makes fun of him, which I didn’t really like, but I had to keep telling myself that they are from two different classes and that’s the usual treatment. Ms. Tabetha Waite really knows how to write a fantastic book that leaves me breathlessly wanting more!

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. Reed and Sariah were a cute and funny couple I thought. They certainly deserved one another. It’s was so sweet how Reed was the one to fall first for Sariah. She is a strong and opinionated woman.
And quite curious. I will say that I would have liked just a little more excitement and entertainment to get the storyline more energized. Perhaps a story that’s on a deep level that can touch the readers. That can really connect the readers with the character. Their story and how they feel at that moment.
Also, more dialogue between the characters. The details of the story was great, but there was a lot of narrative in the story. It felt like a fill in for the story to me. The romance between the two is a delightful read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julia248- Pebblesinmichigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this slow-burn historical romance easy to read and it had me wanting to see how they achieved their HEA. Sariah is a noble woman and Reed a bluecoat. I found how they dealt with the class division was enjoyable. Once they both surrendered to their instant attraction, things got hot & steamy. 🔥 Usually, I don’t like late misunderstandings between couples, but both Sariah & Reed acted according to their character and thus the resolution was quite good.

This is the 7th book in the Rake Review Season 2 series; however, this book stands on its own. I recommend it if you like hot, honorable, working, Bluecoat MCC and a strong, smart, witty FMC. ❤️

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and thought it was awesome!! It was full of witty banter, very entertaining, and just so delightful!! Reed and Sariah were both very likable characters, and I instantly fell in love with both of them. I loved the way they met, and how they started the fake engagement that then turned into so much more. It was enjoyable to read how they navigated their relationship and how they got their happily ever after in the end. I liked how Sariah was not concerned about the difference in their social classes and she actually stood up for Reed at times. They were truly perfect for each other. Overall, the book was well-written, and the characters were well-developed and absolutely delightful. I highly recommend this book!!

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so much fun reading The Rake Review series. As usual, Hot and Bothered in July is no exception to the rule. It's full of love, banter and romance. Miss Sariah Kent wants adventure in her life and she finds it unfortunately while drowning and then being rescued by Reed Carrington.  To protect and preserve her name, Reed offers to a fake engagement that Sariah can break whenever she wishes. The question is whether she wants to break it off with Reed, who is her dream come true but who also comes from a completely different background.  A fantastic job by Tabetha Waite.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous addition to this amazing series, Reed wants in to improve his business and status, Saskia wants adventure, independence and definitely not a husband. What she doesn't expect is to be rescued at a notorious supposedly secret bathing pool by a blonde Adonis. Reed never expected to meet a sharp tongued beauty let alone rescue her from almost drowning. Soon they are featured in July's review and Reed's business partners want him to lay low and make amends, but a faux betrothal surely that is a step too far or is it.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and these are my opinions.
This is a fabulous story in this series.
It is a slow burn, class division, fake engagement story between Sariah, an aristocrat, and Reed who was a blue coat and has worked hard and is now the owner of a successful company.
There was great banter, cute scenes, some misunderstandings and some steamy scenes between them.
There were also lots of interesting secondary characters.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed and Sariah in many ways are polar opposites. He is a self-made man to Sariah’s privileged place in the ton. Their initial meeting was less meet-cute and more conundrum. Anything that could go wrong did. They work thru it with style and sparks fly at a house party. I absolutely loved their banter and the absolute ease they had at understanding one another. Those story was a delightful escape that I couldn’t get enough of.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice book by a good author. This is about Reed and Sariah, who are from societies. One day Reed saves Sariah from drowning and because of this he becomes a hero and is mentioned in the “Brazen Bell”. Because of a scandal, Sariah becomes Reed’s fake fiancée and then a kiss starts everything.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sariah and Reed’s story almost ends before it can even begin! Great story, overcoming the odds or scandal, class differences as well as self esteem issues with a bit of healthy competition thrown in for good measure.

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentleman with no title rescues a baron's daughter from drowning.The Rake Review claims the gentleman is a hero. A business arrangement with her father and a fake engagement, gives him contacts he's always wanted. As the month progresses, it's less about business contacts and more about physical contact with each other. A difference in class doesn't matter.
Descriptive sex.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok. I felt like their relationship just went afk and forth too fast that I had whiplash. I think she definitively should have made him grovel more after his dumb misunderstanding that really hurt her.

[jayne hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance meeting leads to these two find their love for each other

When she fell into the pond he step forward to rescue her from drowning how will her father act to his daughter nearly drowning but rescued by a fake of no standing

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Reed Carrington is the July rake however, for the first time unlike previous entrants he is not a peer. Reed came from a poor background but is now a rich party owner of a successful shipping business. While enjoying a warm day at the "Peerless Pond" he spots Miss Sariah Kent. Sariah and her 2 friends had snuck out to see what it was all about. Her adventure had barely begun before she was accidentally knocked into the pond and was submerged. Without even a thought, Reed jumps in to save the day.
The unfortunate disaster needed a solution to save the girl's reputation. The solution is a pretend betrothal. What began as an act soon became true. However, Sariah's father was a baron. Was there any chance that the Baron would be agreeable to his daughter marrying a common man, even if he was rich and he was helping the Baron and his friends to invest in his thriving business.
Will class differences keep them apart? Is the bet ritual just for show or could it grow into something else? When the Happily Ever After comes it is well worth the wait.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Another fabulous Rake Review story. Comedy, scheming debutants, and an HEA that no one saw coming! Great short story that you can read on your lunch hour.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did Reed Carrington, former bluecoat, now successful partner in a successful shipping business, become the July rake? While relaxing with friends at the Peerless Pond, he notices Sariah and her friends. The girls have sneaked out to explore the park. When Sariah is accidentally knocked into the pond, Reed rescues her. This caught the attention of the Brazen Belle. To save her reputation, Reed and Sariah agree to a fake betrothal. It soon became something more. Can they overcome the class difference? Will the baron have Reed as his son-in-law? This is a cute, well-written story with lots of witty banter, some misunderstanding, and finally a happy ending. A fun read!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A near drowning and a fake betrothal.

This was enjoyable, but I found the writing simplistic. There was a mention of the heroine being interested in equal rites, but nothing happened with it. I also found the 3rd act breakup weak.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seventh book in The Rake Review Season Part II series was a fabulous slowburn class difference historical romance. Full of angst, longing, misunderstandings, witty banter, denial, strong emotions, obstacles, and romance. The characters were very interesting and determined, with fiery passions and strong opinions. I really enjoyed their entertaining and delicious path to a forever love. I highly recommend reading!!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed and Sariah, what a wonderful match!

I admired how they met over a chance meeting at the Perilous Pond and from there their relationship started out as a benefit to both, her from scandal and he gaining investors for his business.

Not only that but she was forward thinking and wanting men and women to be treated the same, regardless of their bloodline and into which level of society they were born into. That's why it's super touching that she accepts Reed, as the hardworking industrious blue boy that he is. He has strived to make something of himself other than his low birth and unfortunate circumstances that resulted from that station.

I wish I could see with my own eyes the cottage with the rose petals strewn all around and the soft candlelight, it sounds divine and magical; the perfect place for a little tryst! And then, Reed's grand gesture to win Sariah back was super personal to her and very touching with how he chose which ring stone to propose with!

The Brazen Belle knows how to select those rakes for her The Rake Review column; I can't wait to continue the series with August!