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The Rakehells of Mayfair #3

Sins of a Rakehell

The last Mayfair Rakehell has met his downfall.

Simon Alexander Blackthorne, Earl of Camden, swore he would never be trapped in marriage. But when a shy, stubborn miss with wide green eyes is found hiding inside his home, everything changes. Scandal forces them into marriage but the obsessive need to protect his new bride might be the single thing that unfreezes this rakehell’s heart.

Penelope Jane True has dared to escape the future her parents have planned—a fortune for them, a loveless marriage for her. Hiding in the very house where the ton’s most dangerous rakehell sleeps off his sins is foolhardy. Although she shouldn’t trust him, the earl offers Penelope an unexpected refuge. Either she must accept his reluctant hand in marriage or face certain ruin from the gossips of London.

Theirs is a marriage forged in scandal and fueled with desire. But as Simon’s icy resolve to resist his wife crumbles and Penelope unravels her guarded heart with her new husband, danger threatens their fragile truce.

Will secrets and a savage enemy tear them apart, or can true love save them both?

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2026

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About the author

April Moran

15 books288 followers
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.

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5 stars
31 (40%)
4 stars
24 (31%)
3 stars
11 (14%)
2 stars
5 (6%)
1 star
5 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,975 reviews152 followers
August 14, 2026
I found April Moran in 2018. This will be my 7th book by her. I was so glad to see this new series out. Before this series came out, I had thought she quite writing but as I searching through authors that are published by Dragonblade Publishing (because a lot of my favorite authors are published by them) I ran across her again. I was so glad because I really loved the previous books I've read by her.

OMG, I loved Simon and Penelope. I loved this storyline. It was a big difference than your normal "ton" caught in a compromising position storyline. :) Not big into the dominant/submissive thing, I'd just tell him to fuck off, but it sure was freakin' hot to read. HaHa!! It reminded me of some of my morally gray mafia stories. I really enjoyed this couple and their story. They had great chemistry. I am so glad to be reading April's books again. She is so good. Can't wait for more. I am definitely adding to my favorite books read for August, 2026.
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,841 reviews94 followers
August 8, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ever since I started this series last year, I've been obsessed with this author. This collection has great readability. I devour these books so quickly. I definitely want to read more of her bibliography. Sins of a Rakehell is the last book in the collection and I would rank it second overall. Our heroine is besties with the hero's sister and decides to secretly hide in his second estate while avoiding matrimony. Girl, you crazy. I loved the tension and chemistry between our main couple. It got a bit repetitive near the end, but it was a jolly good time overall. I'm so happy I discovered this trilogy and hope to read many more from April Moran. I really need to book a ticket to Mayfair...

Profile Image for Krys.
1,437 reviews37 followers
August 14, 2026
What worked for me about this story was the fact that, despite it being the third book in the series, I had no trouble jumping right in. I understood who the characters from the prior novels were, as well as their relationships both to each other and to the main characters of this current novel. That is not always easy to pull off in an ongoing series, so I do want to give credit where it is due.

What didn’t work for me? Basically everything else, I’m sorry to say.

To begin with, none of these characters felt particularly fleshed out. I can overlook that when it comes to the supporting cast because I assume many of them were developed more thoroughly in their respective books. But the main characters? That's a little harder to excuse.

Poor Penelope's entire personality seems to be that she had a terrible childhood, parents who didn't care about her, and was nearly forced into marrying a man she despised. Meanwhile, Simon is apparently a sex-obsessed rake who has sworn off marriage and considers himself a "Dominant," despite demonstrating throughout the book that he clearly has no idea what being a Dominant actually means. And then there's the villain, who felt less like an actual character and more like a caricature who wandered into the story with a half-baked plan that made absolutely no sense.

A big reason the plot didn’t work for me comes back to what I mentioned about Simon. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good spicy novel just as much as the next person. And yes, even those including BDSM, when they are done correctly. And this one just wasn’t. Simon’s sexual preferences and so-called "dark tendencies" overwhelm a huge portion of the story, and instead of adding anything meaningful to the plot or characters, they mostly served to highlight just how little this author seems to understand about the BDSM lifestyle.

When Simon tells his new wife things like, “I do not doubt that you will cry and plead for mercy, but you will not tell me no,” that is a clear indication that Simon is not a Dominant. Consent and safety are fundamental parts of a healthy BDSM relationship, and a Dominant should never make their submissive feel as though they have no choice but to comply. Another instance of this is when he tells her; "I do not care what you want or don't want," and threatens further punishment because she refuses to give him the names of men who have upset her so that he can challenge them.

Added to that, Simon doesn't even bother introducing the concept of safe words until much later. I'm sorry, but this isn't a Dominant. This is an asshole pretending to be one.

Simon also doesn't win any points for being so spectacularly oblivious to what is happening around him. Rather than considering the people who actually have obvious motives for wanting to see him dead (like Penelope's parents or, you know, the man she was supposed to marry before she and Simon became embroiled in a scandal), he decides his new wife might somehow be behind the apparent attempts on his life.

Because in his mind, I guess that made more sense.

As you can probably tell, this story didn't work for me for the reasons detailed above. That said, if you're looking for a book that's heavy on the spice and light on the actual plot, then this might be right up your alley.

It just wasn't up mine.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Alexandra G.
841 reviews39 followers
August 13, 2026
Mouse crushes cruel coyotes and tames her tiger. A story that had me on the fence, but I’m glad I stuck with it.

Penelope & Simon
She a shy wallflower (and heiress, but she doesn’t know) with a rebellious streak, hiding from her parents and the vial fiancé they selected for her – in Simon’s house! (he’s her BFF’s big bro)
He a proud, wealthy, smoking hot earl – cold, stoic and controlled – and unrepentant rake with an appetite for dominance and BDSM. And he vowed to never marry (of course he did).

When Pen is found (not by him) all hell breaks loose. Simon chokes the scandal with a forced marriage. The little mouse thought she could taunt the tiger and get away with it? Not on his turf! He’ll teach her all about punishment... and pleasure.
And don’t forgot about a vindictive villain lurking, and very determined to strike.

This is the final in a series of 3, and just like with the prior 2 stories this MMC had to grow on me. Just like his friends, Simon is an unmitigated cocksure controlling arse at the beginning – one I really wouldn’t mind hitting over the head. He’s one of those idiots who’d much rather cling to his anger, than admit he’s in love... and he does get there, but it takes him the entire book. And boy, did I love seeing him crumble!
I will admit he has some redeeming qualities like being protective (overbearingly so), considerate in his own twisted way, and respectful of his wife’s intelligence. Plus, he worships the ground she walks on – of course he does, but he won’t admit it.

Now Pen is a different story. I liked her, understood her approach. After a lifetime of being controlled, she’s brave and resigned to make the best things. After all, Simon was and still is her forever crush – and maybe, if she learns to play by his rules, he might come to resent her less. Defiance does have its benefits...
Honestly, the fact she’s clever and curious, her innate kindness and said crush (mostly the crush) saved the story for me. Without it, this relationship, his hoops and her jumps would have made no sense.

In short: this book might try your patience, but it could well be worth it...
723 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 6, 2026
This was the last story in the series, and it gave a little bit of everything. Penelope and Simon entered into a marriage to avoid scandal after it was discovered that she had secretly been living in his house for weeks. It took a while for the main characters to actually interact which was frustrating. The marriage started off really rocky with resentment, lust, and fear being the main components. Once they were married, the interactions were so strange. Their inner feelings didn’t match their actions causing all this confusion and hurt. It took a while to see the actual connection between the couples. I’m not of a fan of intimacy with submission and punishments, but I do feel it was intertwined with the plot well. This story had terrible, neglectful parents, a villain, danger, several intimate scenes that included explicit language and spanking, supportive friends, lots of witty banter, romance, love, and a HEA. Although I’m usually into more romantic whimsical stories, I still enjoyed these stories even though dark at times.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Cindy Montgomery.
180 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2026
Love this Relationship

When you have a strong dominant male character like Simon that swears he will never love, be in a relationship or even get married as his brothers have recently done....fate intervenes. Simon has his own preferences when it comes to sex and he does not get involved with women he sleeps with. His sister in law is attempting to help her friend get out of an arranged marriage with a very unpleasant man. The solution was to temporarily hide in a townhouse currently owned by Simon but undergoing remodeling. This works until it doesn't.
Penelope is a young, innocent, trusting and honest woman who is caught in the home hiding creating a scandal. This forces a marriage between Simon and Penelope.
I loved how the relationship develops from his resentment to her understanding. As things happen in the story feelings change as does the power dynamic between these two characters. There is a lot of steamy chemistry between these two and when she comes into her own Simon is a different man.
Much happens in this story and characters go through various changes. I loved how this author accomplished this. Looking forward to more April Moran.
Profile Image for Laura.
53 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2026
Giving this 3.5 stars, because while I enjoyed parts of it, I didn't love it.

Penelope True has been hiding in secret in Simon Blackthorne, Earl of Camden's, unoccupied townhouse in order to escape a bad betrothal. After he moves in and she is discovered, Simon is forced to marry her to avoid the worst of the scandal.

Penelope has been smitten with Simon for ages, as Simon's sister is her best friend, but she's hardly been on his radar. He's a rakehell with "dark" proclivities, and though he knows Penelope isn't responsible for their situation, he decides to "punish her" using sex. He starts off slowly, and gradually increases his dominance, and Penelope was surprisingly receptive.

Unfortunately, while I enjoyed some of the spice, it just didn't feel like a real connection was built between the two. And while Simon spent a lot of time in his head musing about his darker passions, he didn't much act on them. It all ended up feeling a bit thin on substance, and felt like a missed opportunity at what could have been a really good book.

My thanks to the author, Dragonblade Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Elle.
399 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 8, 2026
2.5/5, rounded up.

I just don’t love it? I didn’t read the other two books, but I found myself heavily disliking the sister, and I wasn’t overly invested in the MLs either. They felt less like people, and more just like book characters (as in, they didn’t feel fleshed out enough - the entire book was just she has shitty parents, he likes sex and being a dom).

The book to me was less romance and more just erotica, which, don’t get me wrong, nothing wrong with that, but it’s not what I was expecting from a romance. I just didn’t see their connection and didn’t understand how they went from “why the hell are you in my house, now I’m forced to marry you???” to “omg we’re in lurrrrrrrve”. Basically, if you’re into the romance genre for smut and only smut, go for it. Otherwise, I’d caution you to stay away.

Overall, can’t say it was bad, but I didn’t really like it either.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mojo.
236 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 8, 2026
This is the third book in The Rakehells of Mayfair series, following Penelope (friend of Emily from the previous book) and Simon (the brother of Emily). While hiding from her parents in an effort to escape a marriage to Lord Grant, Penelope ends up considered compromised while residing at Simon's home. Simon, not knowing she was even there, feels duty bound and marries her. He possessively tells her that she is his now, to do what he wants with.

Overall, the story was a quick and enjoyable spicy read. Because Penelope spends the first quarter of the book hiding, the two don't actually interact right away. However, once they do come together, they are pretty well matched. Penelope is timid and meek, while Simon is strong, almost brash, and definitely one of the more scandalous Rakehells of the series!

Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the arc.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 8, 2026
Sins of a Rakehell has the kind of title that immediately signals romance, scandal, temptation, and a character whose reputation promises trouble. The early reader activity already shows interest, with 11 ratings and 9 reviews ahead of publication, giving the novel a foundation that can be strengthened into broader reader momentum.

What stands out most is the opportunity to turn that early curiosity into a stronger launch presence. With publication approaching, reaching historical romance readers, Regency romance communities, and readers who enjoy morally complicated heroes and high-stakes romantic tension could help the book find its most receptive audience.

The existing reader response provides a useful starting point, but the real opportunity is expanding discovery across the communities where historical romance readers actively find their next book.
Profile Image for Evita.
57 reviews
September 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of those books where the hero was very unlikeable in the beginning. Simon was controlling, self-centred, and an asshole who talked too much. I was surprised by how much he improved as the story progressed. He grew on me. Penelope also didn't impress in beginning, such a bland heroine. She improved also, but I wished more emotional depth from her and a bit more of her tortured past. Like the other two books in the series, the romance was very lusty, with a possessive and protective reformed rake hero. It also included spanking and BDSM, but these elements were tame and never over the top in any of the three books. The steamy scenes were good, as was the attraction between the MCs. No cheating, no OW drama, but there was OM drama. This book also had some outside danger involving a villain and inner romance conflict. Had a good time with all three books.🌹
Profile Image for Danielle.
355 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 5, 2026
This very spicy romance had a heroine who was desperate to escape her parents and the creep they wanted her to marry, and the poor rakehell whose house she hid in forced to marry her when he accidentally ruined her by living in his own house.

The rake x wallflower isn’t a particularly new trope, and while this book does the trope okay, I took off stars because the Rakehells (they referred to themselves thus) kept going on about their “dark desires,” but then they just…like sex. With the occasional spanking and bondage.

I would tell anyone who likes high spice levels to check out this book because there was a lot of spicy scenes.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
2,590 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 7, 2026
I cannot believe I feel this way, but this book just wasn’t my cup of tea. The previous two books in this series were so amazing that I even bought the paperback versions to savor reading them while holding them. Honestly, I did not care for either character. I felt Penelope was too naïve and mild and meek and Simon was just OTT (I don’t mind him being a rakehell like the other two guys so it isn’t that) and I do not think he groveled enough. I need a good grovel after the way he acted. I am sure a lot of people will like this book because of the many sex scenes but it did not further the story. Not that this is a bad story, it was just wasn’t for me and I so dislike that because I have loved April’s stories and her writing is easy flowing.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,458 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley. Emily helped her friend, Penelope hide in her brother's townhouse since he had not moved in yet. She was hiding from her parents and Lord Grant who she did not want to marry. This went well for three weeks while the house had renovations and the help of his servants. Then in a rain storm he decided to move in one night late, She moved to the servants rooms, after all he doesn't go in that area. His friends might be married but he liked his life and was not interested in marriage at all. After some time she was discovered in the house with an unmarried man living there, They were married and she felt bad for putting him in that position. She got out of one mess but her life be what she wants?
Profile Image for FULVIA BELLINATO.
194 reviews9 followers
August 15, 2026
The last man standing… or better the last rakehell of Mayfair standing… Simon can not believe the “club of the Mayfair rakehells “ he has founded with his two friends has had such a short life … for when his sister’s best friend is found hiding in his townhouse he is honorbound to marry her.
Pen never wanted to cause trouble or to force Simon’s hand into marriage, she just wanted to gain a little time away from her parents and their machinations, but her plan has backfired and now, with Simon for a husband, she might have gone from the pot into the frying pan.
This book has the right mix of suspence, witty banter and steam and it’s the perfect conclusion to the rakehells of Mayfair series. Too bad there were only three men in that club!
Profile Image for Mia Loves Reading.
186 reviews13 followers
August 17, 2026
Mia Loves Reading Review 📚 💕 : 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

(I would give it more than 5 if possible)

I got this ARC by chance on NetGalley. It was featured in the Romance category and I liked the cover. So I clicked on it and accidentally signed up to review it, but I'm so glad I did!

This book was Mia Loves Reading 📚💕 encoded, like my perfect spicy historical romance, the plot was good, characters were good, and spice was perfect.

Simon & Penelope were so great!

Forced into a marriage neither of them wanted, but found the love of a lifetime and the perfect match.

I definitely plan on reading the previous 2 books in this series and exploring the other series by this author.

This one is going on my Favorites Shelf!

I recommend! I basically highlighted and bookmarked the whole book it was so good!
Profile Image for Emily.
147 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 3, 2026
Sins of a Rakehell was such an enjoyable historical romance! April Moran has a way of creating characters you can't help but root for, along with chemistry that keeps the pages turning. The romance was heartfelt, the banter was engaging, and the perfect balance of emotion, tension, and steam made this such a fun read. If you're a fan of historical romance with swoon-worthy moments and unforgettable characters, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. I can't wait to read more from April Moran in the future!
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Diane Hicks.
353 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 5, 2026
This was such a fun, quick read! I’m a total sucker for the forced-proximity and marriage-of-convenience tropes (with a very stern MMC), so watching Simon and Penelope get caught up in scandal was a blast. Their banter was easily my favorite part—the chemistry between them is electric, and wow, this book was so much steamier than I expected! My only real complaint is that I wished the plot and character development were fleshed out just a little bit more, especially toward the end. Still, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-heat Regency romance to devour in one sitting, this definitely hits the spot.

3.5 stars
231 reviews85 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 6, 2026
Thank you to the author and DragonBlade publishing for a review copy via NetGalley. This is my first read by April Moran and won’t be my last. This was the third in her The Rakehells of Mayfair series. While the prior characters were mentioned, I don’t think it is required to read the other two first but I will go back and read them. April writes a steamy historical romance with engaging plot and memorable characters. Great read.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
213 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2026
Penelope and Simon had been orbiting in each other’s space for years. Unfortunately, a comprising situation necessitated a marriage that neither was looking for. Penelope is very submissive and Simon takes advantage of the opportunity to his advantage. Simon wanted to dominate in all aspects and Penelope always succumbed. Overall I think the story had great potential but I never felt that they truly fell in love. I did enjoy the spiciness of the story.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,237 reviews20 followers
August 11, 2026
First half was enjoyable but after that this book was not for me. BDSM is not for me.
There should have been a trigger warning.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews