Confessions of a Rakehell

The Rakehells of Mayfair #2

by April Moran

A notorious rakehell’s temptation. A reckless debutante’s ruin. A scandalous passion neither can resist.

Wylder St. Clair lives for risk, for wagers, for sin—and headstrong debutante Emily Blackthorne is a temptation he cannot resist. What begins as a dangerous game of flirtation soon becomes a series of illicit lessons no proper lady should crave.

Emily realizes her fascination with Wylder might well be her ruin. She shouldn’t pursue him… nor hunger for his sinful touch. Yet, every stolen kiss and whispered promise draws her closer to a catalyst from which there will be no retreat.

It’s said that secrets are never safe in the ton. With his family fortune teetering on the edge of disaster and Emily fiercely protected by his closest friend, Wylder must choose between honor and passion.

Desire alone cannot secure their future. A scandalous marriage may be their only hope for a love that lasts forever.

Tropes You'll Forbidden romanceBest friend’s sisterProtective heroFeisty, headstrong heroineReformed rake
This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

The Rakehells of Mayfair
Book 1 - Redemption of a Rakehell
Book 2 - Confessions of a Rakehell
Book 3 - Sins of A Rakehell

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

April enjoys writing both historical and contemporary/dark romance with a generous splash of heat. When not penning tales of passion, she enjoys traveling with her husband, attending rock concerts with friends, and time spent with family. Brainstorming new storylines is best done while riding her horse or during long walks with her German Shepherd. A tumbler of good whiskey helps tie all the details together and brings her characters to life.

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I first read this author earlier this year and utterly devoured the book. The yearning, dialogue, and romance all culminated into a stellar historical story. My interest did dip with the sequel, but it was still enjoyable. I did appreciate the way the heroines stood up themselves and rejected the offer of being the hero's mistress rather than their wife. They understood their worth and refused to stoop to the level of low commitment. Confessions of a Rakehell was the typical best friend's brother trope who lusted after the off limits little sister. I can vouch for this because all of my brother's companions were total beefcakes. Don't get me started on his coworkers at the firehouse! Anywho, the reason for the hero's constant dismissal was really lame. The excuse was pathetic and easily waved away. I think Emily and Wylder were a nice couple, although I do prefer the first book's dalliance. I am very intrigued over Simon's upcoming book, especially if he pursues the wallflower like I anticipate. I really loved this author's writing and I hope the sequel isn't too much further, I must confess!

[SelinaW · Rating 3 out of 5]

This quick easy read is a story of Wylder and Emily, who are acquainted since Emily was younger and are both very attracted to each other. There are some circumstances (that may perhaps strain your suspension of disbelief) that prevent them from being together and so much passionate angst, longing and meetings in secret ensues. All of this culminates in a nicely wrapped up hea.

This novel has some incredibly wonderful smut if you are in the right mood. The dom/sub plot line fell a little flat for me the way it was developed and presented. But mostly, the writing felt a little off for me, and I usually enjoy April Moran quite a bit. There were a few too many repetitive scenes, sentences, overexplanations that for me interfered with the cohesive enjoyment of the plot. I felt the romantic development between main couple could have used a few more pages, perhaps in lieu of the set up plot for Simon’s story.

And still the book flew by fast and I will read more of April Moran in the future regardless!

Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found April Moran in 2018. This will be my 6th book by her. A few of her books weren't my genre so didn't read those. I didn't even know she was still writing. The last book I read of hers was in 2022. I was looking up which authors were published by Dragonblade Publishing because I like a lot of authors that are published by them and saw her. I was so glad because I really loved the previous books I've read by her.

I liked this book. I liked the story. I liked Wylder and Emily. It was a reminder of Fifty Shades of Gray. Dominant and submissive aren't my favorite trope but overall it was a good read. I have been liking these Rakehells of Mayfair. :) Looking forward to Simon's story for sure..

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wylder St. Clair is a Rakehell of Mayfair. His friend and former Rakehell, Lucian has married the love of his life. That leaves Wylder and Simon Blackthorne to continue to keep up their reputation. Wylder has been infatuated with Simon's sister, Emily, but has been warned off for three years to not touch her. He finally reaches the point of no return, when he rescues her from a thief. Emily has loved Wylder for years. His kisses and seduction make her long even more to be his wife. Their secret meetings may not be secret much longer. Wylder must make his move to keep her.
aaVery erotic romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Sophie (slovenianbookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered April Moran this year, and I really like how she writes. This is the second book in the series, and I liked it a little more than the previous one. Maybe it's because of the forbidden element that was teased in the previous book and delivered now, or maybe it's because it has a little more smut than Redemption of a Rakehell.
4.5 stars.

ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indulged and headstrong earl’s daughter Emily has had a crush on her big brother’s best friend ever since she was 5 years old, and this, her third Season, is when she’ll make her move. They’re made for each other, she’s certain of it. Even her parents agree! Then why is he so resistant?
Wylder, a wastrel duke’s heir fighting to preserve his legacy, knows he shouldn’t lust after his friend’s sister. Resisting her is hell. Especially when the little minx defies him time and again – and accepts her punishment so eagerly... but no, his depraved appetites would break her, and besides, her brother would kill him.

Luckily, pushing his buttons pays off. The rogue caves, confesses his feelings and a torrid love affair ensues – but loving in the shadows isn’t all it’s cracked up to be...

Ballroom tactics, secret rendezvous, dom/sub bedroom lessons, her best friend facing marital machinations, his father’s ultimatum, a country house party, old friends, new suitors, jealousy, possessiveness, heartbreaking decisions, loyalty, a summer storm accident and, of course, her ever-present watchdog brother.

Emily’s creative determination in all her endeavours is entertaining, and a little heartbreaking when the bubble bursts, but she handles it with dignity. No hysterics or foolishness.
Wylder’s struggle is interesting and the conflict with her brother was intense, but I do wish he’d found his balls a bit sooner. For all his machismo, he’s a bit slow in the fight-for-your-love department.
I’m on the fence about how I feel about this book. Their connection was obvious and she’s into his games, but it lacked romance for me. Still, the plot worked, and the setup for the next book has me intrigued, so I would say it was a good read.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 2 of the series and while it does involve characters from book 1 and refer to the story in book 1, it did feel like it could read as a standalone story.

Wylder and Emily have been circling each other for years, with each wanting the other, but the big barrier to their relationship is Emily's over protective brother, Simon, a fellow Rakehell of Mayfair. Simon is far too aware of Wylder's rakish, lusty side and his particular kinks and desire,and seeks to protect his sister from their particular lechery.

Wylder is the heir of a duke, but his father is destroying the estate, and Wylder has turned to Simon and his talent for investments to help him save his family fortune. He is loathe to threaten their friendship by dallying with Emily, but after years of wanting him, Emily takes things into her own hands, and the two start a secret affair. But rather than satiating their desires and curiosity, the heat between them flames stronger and quickly becomes out of control.

Spicy, a bit smutty, but a fun read, with a thread of sweetness in the childhood crush vibes, and forbidden fruit/best friend's sister tropes.

I am also enjoying the background story of Simon and his own distraction and presume that story will be told in a later story.

3.25 stars out of 5

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, fast-paced historical romance full of tension, temptation, and just the right amount of scandal. Wylder St. Clair is the classic reformed rake—charming, reckless, and hiding more trouble than he lets on. Emily Blackthorne is a refreshing heroine: bold, curious, and determined to make her own choices, even when she knows the risks.
The chemistry between Wylder and Emily is strong from the start. Their flirtation feels dangerous in the best way, especially with the best friend’s sister angle raising the stakes. I really enjoyed watching Emily grow more confident while Wylder struggled between doing the honorable thing and following his heart.
Secrets, society pressure, and looming scandal keep the story moving, and the “marriage as the only solution” trope was handled in a satisfying way. The protective hero moments were a highlight, and as a fan of reformed rakes, I was not disappointed!
Overall, this is a dramatic, steamy Regency romance that leans fully into its tropes and delivers exactly what it promises. If you enjoy forbidden romance, strong heroines, and high society drama, this one is worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review. 

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story of Wylder and Emily. They were a couple in love but kept apart because of loyalty to a best friend. Although he loved Emily, Wylder let his loyalty and Simon’s opinion keep him from the woman he loved. This was a story about forbidden love and deciding what was really important in life. I really liked the main couple together. They fit each other very well. There was witty banter, strong friendships, matchmaking mothers, a meddling brother, potential suitors, and a potential scare that led to love. This was a steamy novel with several scenes involving spanking, submission, and explicit speech. This isn’t necessarily my style, but it didn’t take away from the rest of the story, and I appreciated the way it approached the innocent heroine’s discovery of her feelings toward intimacy and explained that it was nothing to be ashamed of within her loving marriage. I am interested to see how Simon’s fall happens because he c an be really obnoxious with the way he fights the idea of love and marriage even though he sees how good it is for the people he cares about.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars
Wylder St. Clair is a Rakehell but headstrong debutante Emily Blackthorne is a temptation he cannot resist. She’s his best friend Simon’s sister & totally off limits but whilst they try to keep apart their feelings & chemistry is just too strong.
The second book in the series about three close friends. I loved both Wylder & Emily their chemistry was electric but they actually saw each other. Simon annoyed the life out of me, yes I understand he was protective of Emily but he was over the top with his aggression towards Wylder & trying to keep them apart – it’s their lives not his! So I look forward to his story & to seeing him fall hard. A well written, steamy book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons, Clandestine Secrets, Friendships, plus Romance
This is the second book in the series and the second of the authors book I have read so far.
I must say I enjoyed the first book quite a bit better than this story.
Both characters are very strong minded in their wants and desires.
From a young age Emily has always wanted Wylder, but he has promised Emily's brother to stay away from her.
Their struggles to keep their feelings and activities is the heart of the story and took me into some dark
intimate behaviors that had me skimming through those scenes.
I did not lower my rating due to those scenes.
All and all I did like the story even though I skimmed some. It does have a happy ending.
I am looking forward to reading Simon's story. He is the last of the Rakehells.
Adult Advisory:5/5

[Mojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Wylder and the sister of his best friend and fellow Rake of Mayfair Simon, Emily.

First off, I read the first in the series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lucien was HOT!

This one was definitely more spice forward and delt with more of the proclivities Wylder and his friends are into....which leads to the number one conflict between the h and H. Simon KNOWS what Wylder likes behind closed doors and doesn't want his sister to be subjected to that behavior. While an overall enjoyable read, I felt the pacing was a bit off and honestly found myself more interested to know what will happen to Penelope...so excited for book 3, even if Simon was a little shit in this one. lol.

Thanks Netgalley & Dragonblade publishing for the arc.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical period book. I found it a bit different than most books where it was more steamy in the first half of the book (most books take a while to lead up to the steamy part, which is usually the 2nd half).

It was an interesting premise - they both liked each other, but didn't feel like they could be together...but she asks him to teach her about the ways between men & women so she'll be prepared for marriage....

I enjoyed the plot, the characters, how it played out & the ending! Look forward to reading more books by the author!

Thanks to the publisher, author & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

[FULVIA BELLINATO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in this spicy series… the attraction between Wylder and Emily has reached impossible heights since her debut they can no longer ignore it but while Emily has always been sure of her feelings, Wylder is been torn by a promise made to Emily’s brother years ago and now he’s come at the end of the rope…. Follow his heart’s desire or stay true to a promise he’s secretly always known he might not be able to keep?
Wylder’s sense of duty and his word as a gentleman are tearing him apart, Emily sees his dilemma and is devastated by his behavior… it really seems there is no way out.
Gripping and emotional read, can’t wait for the next one.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrepentant, sexually-charged rakehell. Hell yeah!!!! I love the vibe of these books with Emily being on board with Wylder with what they want. No simpering misses in this story. The story is an easy read. No slogging through. I must see what happens next. It is sexy and maddening (read and find out why) but at the bottom of it all is love. Awww. I gobbled this story up and cannot wait for more from April.

Oh yeah, I cannot wait for Simon to fall…as rakes are wont to do.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally like reading this author and will continue to do so. That said, this book just wasn't up to the usual standard. While it moved along at a decent pace, the repetitiveness of scenes is something I'm very much against. I find it detracts from the true basis of the plot and adds length to a book just to hit page length. I haven't found this before with this author so it might just be a fluke.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wylder and Emily have known each other their whole lives. She is the little sister of one of Rakehell of Mayfair. Wylder has had to keep his attraction and love silent due to his vow to his friend. Wylder struggled to back out of the bounds of loyalty but finally did as he thought he would lose Emily forever. Very spicy.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. Emily loved Wyder for years and years. Her brother kept telling him to stay away from his sister. But finally he realized how much he cared. A person can think they aren't good enough but if that person they love is with another, how would they feel?

[Jackie Carbonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaction

I really enjoyed this story. Waiting to see if they will be caught in a compromising position, will her brother figure out what's going on or will they let slip their secret. It's a delicious cat and mouse game that keeps you on edge. Definitely a must read.

[Linda K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Wylder and Emily's story and can't wait for Simon's.
This series is a lot spicier than most historicals I've read and that's a great thing.

[AnnieB Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

5⭐️2.5🌶️
Edgy Regency Romance
Emily has wanted Wykder for as long as she can remember, and it’s going to take all of Emily’s Witt’s to convince him they are ment to be. Simon, Emily’s brother is against Wyler courting Emily due to his less than gentleman like activities in the bedroom.
I loved this contemporary take on a regency romance.