Once Upon a Courtesan is a fast-paced, sensual historical romance with a sweet second-chance thread.

Arabella, the eldest daughter of a cruel father, refuses to be trapped in a life without freedom. She reinvents herself as a courtesan and embraces independence, though she never forgets the man with green eyes she once spied at Vauxhall Gardens. Silas, the illegitimate son of a marquess, returns to London after six years away and immediately recognizes Arabella as the woman he has never forgotten.

Their reunion ignites quickly—by 18 percent, the passion is already on the page—and the mix of longing, tenderness and heat drives the story. Both characters are well developed, with Arabella carrying her oldest-daughter sense of responsibility and Silas struggling to fit with his half-siblings.

This is an easy, enjoyable read with plenty of spice. Michaels balances the steam with enough emotional depth to make the romance feel genuine, even as the plot moves quickly.

Rating is rounded up from 3.5/3.75 for me.

What a rad book. Its probably not very historically accurate, but the storyline more than made up for it. Arabella, is a brave beautiful woman who has chosen the path of being a courtesan to get away from her abusive father. She lives by her rules and is protective of her sisters who followed her path.

Silas is the bastard child of an Earl, who was emotionally abusive. He's estranged from his siblings.

The two of them find comfort in each other and embark on a wild, publicized affair with emotional boundaries that get torn to shreds as they send more time.

This was a decent read, I liked the heroines spunk and how she gave her all to Silas. Silas was also a nicely crafted hero, he did not even try to curb Arabellas natural charm and sunny personality.