Cold November Rake

by Sadie Bosque, The Rake Review

The Earl of Sutton is married.

MARRIED.

Taken.

Off the market.

Sometimes even he doesn’t believe it’s true.

And his wife? Nobody knows anything about her. Half of London doubts she even exists.

Sometimes Sutton thinks the wedding was just a fever dream and he’s still a free man.

Until, that is, his wife arrives on his doorstep, demanding marital relations of all the damned things, and refusing to leave until he graces her with a child.

Sutton has plenty of objections to her scandalous proposition. But he does need an heir. And if fulfilling his duty is the only way to send his infuriatingly attractive wife packing for good... he’ll just have to grit his teeth and comply.

Cold November Rake is book 11 in the multi-author series The Rake Review, Season Two.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2026

About the author

Sadie Bosque is a steamy historical romance author. Surrounded by the enchantment of the historical setting, her love stories communicate to the modern reader through the experiences of her characters. The heroes and heroines of Sadie’s stories are flawed, imperfect creatures with big hearts. Sadie believes that a happily ever after has to be hard-earned. The trials and tribulations her characters go through make them stronger and make the HEA so much sweeter.

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Reviews

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold November Rake was a fabulous read from start to finish. The premise hooked me immediately, but it was the characters and their hard-earned emotional journey that kept me turning pages. Sadie Bosque created a story filled with steam, heart, frustration, forgiveness, and growth, making Sutton and Temperance's road to their HEA feel genuine and satisfying. If you enjoy historical romances featuring a neglected marriage, palpable chemistry, and two stubborn people finding their way back to each other, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Separated for seven years after their wedding, Temperance decides it's time to return to London and her husband, Sutton. They agree to stay together to produce an heir, but distrust and jealousy makes it hard to keep their agreement. Temperance wants the life she's dreamed of with Sutton, but his life is in danger. Someone has betrayed him. Intensely romantic with descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.

[Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy, angst driven second chance regency romance. I loved the chemistry and re-connection between Edward and Temperance.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly, the weight of a marriage, ruined even before its disastrous beginning, fell upon Sutton’s shoulders. It saddened me to watch him struggle with his feelings and emotions, seemingly unable to cope with this new turn of events; Temperance appeared determined to make him succumb to the temptation that was threatening to overwhelm him. The dynamic between them was both interesting and very entertaining, at times, it even made me wonder if perhaps Sutton shouldn’t be resisting quite so hard. The intensity of Sutton’s feelings and Temperance’s resolve kept me interested in waiting for something to happen. The author was maintaining suspense that had me intrigued because I knew there had to be more going on beneath the surface, and of course, certainly wasn’t left hanging. After all, malice is always lurking in the dark. I enjoyed this story, with interesting characters, drama, jealousy, mysterious letters, hidden motives, villains, romance, and passion.

[Kelly S. Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temperance broke Edward's, the Earl of Sutton's, heart on their wedding day years ago. He then abandoned her at his country estate and she took off to travel the Continent with her aunt--seven years ago. She suddenly shows up at his London home announcing she's there to provide him with an heir. I love a second chance, especially a second chance within marriage. I could feel their chemistry and couldn't help but root for them to find their way back to each other. The main characters are well developed and the story is satisfying. This may be one of my favorites in the Rake Review series!
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Liz Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story about a second chance. Edward and Temperance had been married for seven years, but they had lived apart that whole time. Temperance turns up in London, to be with her husband, and to claim that she wants a child.
They come to an agreement, but his parents turn up to stay, and things change. The Duke and Duchess of Hardwicke decide to assist Temperance’s return to society, and get some of the ton on side.
There is also a mystery to solve, as Edward, Earl of Sutton, has attempts made on his life.
This was a very well written story, and a page turner. I could not put it down. Congratulations Sadie on another fabulous story.

[Evita · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This review contains some SPOILERS!!!
⭐⭐⭐✨
I had very mixed feelings about this book, as I always do with second-chance romances where one or both MCs are already in love. There is that unpleasant aftertaste of all those wasted years because of miscommunication, misunderstandings, or plain stupidity. In this case, it was the heroine's selfish, immature, and frankly awful behaviour that separated them in the first place. Temperance kissed another man before the wedding, then left Edward and behaved like a childish idiot. Later, a villain kept them apart even longer. I liked Edward, and I liked Temperance too, despite everything both of them did. They felt real and human. Temperance was pretty much a bitch in the beginning, but she groveled, showed remorse, and tried to redeem herself. She apologised more than once and made an effort to put things right. Edward, on the other hand, was more of a victim in their original separation, but I really disliked his attitude about his so-called mistress, Marie. Marie was clearly a very special woman in his life. He protected her, respected her, remained loyal to her, and that eventually led to a disgusting humiliating situation for his wife. And honestly, that was painful to read, especially the opera scene. The pitying looks, the gossip, the laughter behind Temperance's back. Public humiliation is my second worst trigger, and I couldn't simply brush it aside. When the truth finally came out, Edward didn't even apologise to Temperance for the disrespect, distress and humiliation he had put her through because of his special "mistress". Where were his apologies? Temperance spent years apologising and trying to make things right, while he got away without properly acknowledging what he had done from his part. Of course, Temperance also tortured him for years with rumours about her many suitors, but there is a difference. In her case, they were rumours. Edward, meanwhile, openly paraded Marie as his "mistress" in the eyes of society. Everyone believes he cheated on his wife, everyone. As it turned out, Marie was just a friend, and as I understood Edward had remained faithful to his marriage vows, although he certainly tried my patience along the way. Overall, this wasn't a feel-good romance for me. It was an interesting read, and I was never bored, but I wanted more accountability from Edward also, not just Temperance. More meaningful communication, and a proper apology for the public humiliation he caused his wife as she apologised to him. I'm glad they got their HEA, glad more damage was not done, but I still can't stop thinking about all those lost years.🌹

[Ms. Le · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

I dislike second chance romances but Sadie had written a 5 star one before ‘Gone with the Rake’ so I was not worried about the seemingly awful cheating behaviour of Edward at the beginning of the book. Surprisingly by the end I was sympathetic to him and not to his wife Temperance. I felt like I had missed something because if she was so in love with her first suitor who she lost her virginity to, why on earth did she marry Edward? I did not fault him for his actions immediately after their marriage and i did not understand why Temperance thought he would chase after her. Sure he loved her but it did not seem reciprocated on her part. Unfortunately this left me cold (pun intended).

[Cassandra]

When a marriage starts with a potential misconception and continues that way for years, is there a way back. If you asked me when I started reading this I would have said no but after they actually communicated and talked to each other yes. I rarely side with a man, however, I get his upset. I would have been so hurt as well. Her, I get why she was hurt as she continued but I am glad that she acknowledged her part in it and that she would have to gain back his trust. I liked his parents too. The smut was very good. This author is great at that. The only thing I didn't like is one of my biggest pet peeves with historical romances... the written out accents.

5/6 stars

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward and Temperance have been married and separated for seven years. She shows up at their London townhouse unannounced to inform him that she wanted to give their marriage a second chance. If for no other reason, she would like to have a child to alleviate the loneliness. Just as they reached an agreement, his parents arrive. His mother decides to help Temperance return to Society, and bring these two stubborn people together. Can they put the past behind them and clear up the misunderstandings that have kept them apart? To complicate matters, it seems someone is trying to harm Edward. This is a well-written emotional second chance romance and a gripping mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.

[Karen Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read with a tremendous Gordon Lightfoot look-a- like hero

This was a very nice read. I enjoyed it very much although I though there were some continuity issues a few times. Thanks for the story.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven years is a long time for a husband and wife to be separated. Will a second chance be successful? Temperance and Edward face many obstacles in their reconciliation. Can love win?