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Caroline's Courtesan
A Sizzling Romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Jess Michaels
Caroline Ashfield has led the life familiar to many a woman of her station. Married off for social and political connection to a much older man, she led a life of privilege, but also of emotional discomfort. Now, though, her husband has been dead many years and she has enjoyed the freedom being a widow of a certain age has granted her. She can do what she wants, read what she enjoys and support her scandalous nieces to her heart’s desire. Everything is perfect. Well, except for one her constant thoughts about celebrated courtesan Simone Stanford.
Simone is also an independent woman, though certainly from a very different path, and she would tell everyone in her orbit that she wants nothing more than exactly what she has. Her playful interactions with the very proper Caroline were at first just for fun, but somehow they’ve become much more serious and left ripples in their wake she never expected. Now something is awakening between them and it feels like it could change everything for both of them.
An escalating passion and a secret affair are one thing, but when a moment arrives when they could find true happiness will they embrace it? Or let the pains of the past and fears of the future snatch true love from their arms?
This is the fourth book in the Comerford Courtesans series but can be read as a standalone.
Caroline Ashfield has led the life familiar to many a woman of her station. Married off for social and political connection to a much older man, she led a life of privilege, but also of emotional discomfort. Now, though, her husband has been dead many years and she has enjoyed the freedom being a widow of a certain age has granted her. She can do what she wants, read what she enjoys and support her scandalous nieces to her heart’s desire. Everything is perfect. Well, except for one her constant thoughts about celebrated courtesan Simone Stanford.
Simone is also an independent woman, though certainly from a very different path, and she would tell everyone in her orbit that she wants nothing more than exactly what she has. Her playful interactions with the very proper Caroline were at first just for fun, but somehow they’ve become much more serious and left ripples in their wake she never expected. Now something is awakening between them and it feels like it could change everything for both of them.
An escalating passion and a secret affair are one thing, but when a moment arrives when they could find true happiness will they embrace it? Or let the pains of the past and fears of the future snatch true love from their arms?
This is the fourth book in the Comerford Courtesans series but can be read as a standalone.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Jess Michaels
125 books1,584 followersJess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 5, 2026
Jess Michaels was one of the first authors I started reading when I first got my Kindle in 2015. This is actually by 90th book by her and that includes 10 books she wrote as Jenna Petersen. I think after 89 books, you might guess I consider her one of my favorite authors. You will always get a great read from her.
I liked Caroline and Simone. I kind of felt there wasn't a ton of depth. I mean running into each other over years doesn't qualify a relationship. But it was still a good read.
I liked Caroline and Simone. I kind of felt there wasn't a ton of depth. I mean running into each other over years doesn't qualify a relationship. But it was still a good read.
June 29, 2026
This was a nice ending to the series. I love how Simone and Caroline were smitten with each other early on. I like seeing what was really going on between them through the ups and downs of the Comerford sisters. Their love is so sweet yet passionate. I love seeing how supportive Caroline is of her nieces. Simone also has been so supportive. They have a lot against them but seeing them and the characters so happy in the end is lovely.
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 23, 2026
Caroline’s Courtesan by Jess Michaels
The Comerford Courtesans #4
~ Slow burn romance that breaches social conventions but is perfect for Caroline and Simone when they finally find a way to be together ~
What I liked:
* Caroline Banfield: happily widowed after difficult marriage, aunt of the three Comerford Courtesans, loving, accepting, caring, finally finds herself and her true love in Simone
* Simone Stanhope: celebrated courtesan, in demand, took Arabella and then her sisters under her wing, difficult backstory, caring, supportive, guarded, afraid to love but does find it in the end
* The brief recap of who Arabella, Evelina, and Julia found as their partners – those that have not read the first three book will enjoy the reminder and seeing how they are doing
* Watching Caroline grow and awaken as she blooms and becomes vibrantly alive
* The love, acceptance, and support that the sisters and their aunt provide for one another
* The strength of the women in the series
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The way this book ties up the series neatly and provides a positive future for all six women
What I didn’t like:
* Albert: Caroline’s brother and father of the Comerford Courtesans, abusive, greedy, mean spirited and evil
* The men that treated the courtesans badly throughout the series
* Thinking about how difficult life was for women in this era and being glad that I didn’t live back then
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes, if she ever writes more books
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review
4-5 Stars
The Comerford Courtesans #4
~ Slow burn romance that breaches social conventions but is perfect for Caroline and Simone when they finally find a way to be together ~
What I liked:
* Caroline Banfield: happily widowed after difficult marriage, aunt of the three Comerford Courtesans, loving, accepting, caring, finally finds herself and her true love in Simone
* Simone Stanhope: celebrated courtesan, in demand, took Arabella and then her sisters under her wing, difficult backstory, caring, supportive, guarded, afraid to love but does find it in the end
* The brief recap of who Arabella, Evelina, and Julia found as their partners – those that have not read the first three book will enjoy the reminder and seeing how they are doing
* Watching Caroline grow and awaken as she blooms and becomes vibrantly alive
* The love, acceptance, and support that the sisters and their aunt provide for one another
* The strength of the women in the series
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The way this book ties up the series neatly and provides a positive future for all six women
What I didn’t like:
* Albert: Caroline’s brother and father of the Comerford Courtesans, abusive, greedy, mean spirited and evil
* The men that treated the courtesans badly throughout the series
* Thinking about how difficult life was for women in this era and being glad that I didn’t live back then
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes, if she ever writes more books
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review
4-5 Stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars
Caroline Banfield has led the life familiar to many a woman of her station. Married off for social and political connection to a much older man, she led a life of privilege, but also of emotional discomfort. Now, though, her husband has been dead many years and she has enjoyed the freedom being a widow of a certain age has granted her. She can do what she wants, read what she enjoys and support her scandalous nieces to her heart’s desire. Simone is also an independent woman, though certainly from a very different path, and their paths cross when Caroline’s three nieces become courtesans. Now something is awakening between them and it feels like it could change everything for both of them.
The fourth book in the series & I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate it as its timeframe is linked to the previous books. I’ve liked Caroline & Simone throughout the series & there’s been hints that their relationship has gradually been changing. This is a very slow burn romance as events take place over years. I loved the chemistry between Caroline & Simone & also Caroline’s awakening about herself & what she wanted. I also liked that the couple were mature, even though they blushed like school girls at times. A very enjoyable series finale
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Caroline Banfield has led the life familiar to many a woman of her station. Married off for social and political connection to a much older man, she led a life of privilege, but also of emotional discomfort. Now, though, her husband has been dead many years and she has enjoyed the freedom being a widow of a certain age has granted her. She can do what she wants, read what she enjoys and support her scandalous nieces to her heart’s desire. Simone is also an independent woman, though certainly from a very different path, and their paths cross when Caroline’s three nieces become courtesans. Now something is awakening between them and it feels like it could change everything for both of them.
The fourth book in the series & I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate it as its timeframe is linked to the previous books. I’ve liked Caroline & Simone throughout the series & there’s been hints that their relationship has gradually been changing. This is a very slow burn romance as events take place over years. I loved the chemistry between Caroline & Simone & also Caroline’s awakening about herself & what she wanted. I also liked that the couple were mature, even though they blushed like school girls at times. A very enjoyable series finale
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 27, 2026
I very much looked forward to Caroline's book. This is not my first wlw historical novel but it is my first my this author. She did not disappoint. The book was just as steamy as I have come to expect from her books. I do think that this is best read after reading the others in the series as the story is very much interwoven with the previous three as it follows this story even before the first book starts. I would consider this a companion novella to this series.
I liked watching Caroline explore and discover her sexuality. I kind of appreciated that she didn't even realize she could attracted to women as that is something that was never even mentioned. It felt deep and comforting. I liked that there was discussion about what would their relationship look like in public without dismissing that it may change how people look at them. The epilogue was just beautiful, I am so happy to see their HEA.
5/6 stars
I liked watching Caroline explore and discover her sexuality. I kind of appreciated that she didn't even realize she could attracted to women as that is something that was never even mentioned. It felt deep and comforting. I liked that there was discussion about what would their relationship look like in public without dismissing that it may change how people look at them. The epilogue was just beautiful, I am so happy to see their HEA.
5/6 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had to finish Pride Month with an LGBTQ romance. I have read book three in the Comerford Courtesans series but not the first two, so I think I was at a disadvantage with this book as it covers the timeline of the whole series with a romance happening in the background of the other books between the other book’s leads’s aunt, Caroline, and their mentor, Simone Stanford. I think reading all of the other books would have helped with this book’s pacing as there are many time jumps of months and even years at a time. The chemistry between Caroline and Simone was electric and I love that both were mature experienced women who knew what they wanted. I still plan on going back and reading the first two books in the series and maybe then I’ll return to this one with better understanding.
Thank you too NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you too NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just okay for me. I think if you've read the other books in the series, the timeline probably flow better. However, as someone who hasn't read the other books, the amount of time skips in the book was difficult to get past. Almost every chapter had a time jump, most ranging from months to years. I felt like these jumps interrupted the story for me and I couldn't quite get fully into it. The romance itself was okay, and I enjoyed Caroline's journey of realizing her attraction to women. Overall, while it wasn't my favorite book of the year, this is fine for a quick read, especially if you enjoy books set in that time period. 3/5 stars.
This book was just okay for me. I think if you've read the other books in the series, the timeline probably flow better. However, as someone who hasn't read the other books, the amount of time skips in the book was difficult to get past. Almost every chapter had a time jump, most ranging from months to years. I felt like these jumps interrupted the story for me and I couldn't quite get fully into it. The romance itself was okay, and I enjoyed Caroline's journey of realizing her attraction to women. Overall, while it wasn't my favorite book of the year, this is fine for a quick read, especially if you enjoy books set in that time period. 3/5 stars.
July 14, 2026
I am not a fan of f/f romance, but I am a huge fan of Jess Michaels so I knew I had to read this. Simone and Caroline have been woven all through the Comerford series and so it was nice for them to find a happy ending. I do think people will enjoy this book more if they have read the rest of the series first as much of it takes place at the same time as the other books and fills in the details you may have wondered about. Conversely, if you haven’t read them, you may wonder what you have missed and go back and read them.
I enjoyed their love story and it was a satisfying conclusion to this series.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed their love story and it was a satisfying conclusion to this series.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2026
This was a lovely light, sapphic historical romance between a widowed aristocrat and an established courtesan. It is the fourth in a series of standalone romances and while event in the previous books significantly shape what happens here there is enough explanation and filling in that it can definitely comfortably be right without having read any of its predecessors.
Things I appreciated, and ending that was realistic enough to feel grounded and it’s time period without resigning itself to the structures of that time, an attitude about Sex and Sex work that balances sex positivity with the reality that it is work, two protagonist with different vulnerabilities, but also clear strengths.
Things I appreciated, and ending that was realistic enough to feel grounded and it’s time period without resigning itself to the structures of that time, an attitude about Sex and Sex work that balances sex positivity with the reality that it is work, two protagonist with different vulnerabilities, but also clear strengths.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This has been a great series and I am glad that Caroline has gotten her happy ending, I am just sorry that it took so long. Together Simone and Caroline make the perfect couple but in the times they live it was a long time coming. The story is well written and full of emotions. With the three girls now settled it’s their turn but Simone is hesitant because of their different stations in life. The love between them is there, it just takes her a little longer to realize they can have it all. It’s a great story/series and I absolutely loved all of them.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you jump into this novella expecting strong standalone sapphic romance, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s rather light and slow on its own.
But if, like me, you’ve read the entire series, have watched these two woman in the margins, supporting the Comerford sisters anyway they could, saw them click and were hoping for a breathtakingly moving and achingly beautiful HEA of their own, this novella is your jam!
Caroline & Simone
One was shoved into an arctic marriage to a man trice her age at 17 by her cruel brother, the other into the street when her parents died.
One endured until his candle went out, the other became London’s most coveted courtesan.
But when said brother’s eldest ran away, escaping a fate far too similar for comfort to Caro’s own, and found a safe haven (and a career) at Simone’s, she made the only possible decision: she would support her for better of for worse.
And that’s where Caro & Simone’s journey starts... one look - lightning struck – but it’ll take them six more years, accidental encounters, stolen moments and a slow-built but thoroughly considered foundation of somewhat scandalous friendship to find their HEA.
Social acceptance and class difference are the biggest roadblock. At least, for Simone they are. But it’s Caro’s careful sapphic awakening (under Simone’s tutelage) versus Simone’s fear of rejection mixed with an undeniable pull and tons of mutual secret longing that really drew me into this story. It was just so heartfelt! Sweet and spicy at the same time. Tender, but determined.
Absolutely gorgeous!!
But if, like me, you’ve read the entire series, have watched these two woman in the margins, supporting the Comerford sisters anyway they could, saw them click and were hoping for a breathtakingly moving and achingly beautiful HEA of their own, this novella is your jam!
Caroline & Simone
One was shoved into an arctic marriage to a man trice her age at 17 by her cruel brother, the other into the street when her parents died.
One endured until his candle went out, the other became London’s most coveted courtesan.
But when said brother’s eldest ran away, escaping a fate far too similar for comfort to Caro’s own, and found a safe haven (and a career) at Simone’s, she made the only possible decision: she would support her for better of for worse.
And that’s where Caro & Simone’s journey starts... one look - lightning struck – but it’ll take them six more years, accidental encounters, stolen moments and a slow-built but thoroughly considered foundation of somewhat scandalous friendship to find their HEA.
Social acceptance and class difference are the biggest roadblock. At least, for Simone they are. But it’s Caro’s careful sapphic awakening (under Simone’s tutelage) versus Simone’s fear of rejection mixed with an undeniable pull and tons of mutual secret longing that really drew me into this story. It was just so heartfelt! Sweet and spicy at the same time. Tender, but determined.
Absolutely gorgeous!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this Regency era sapphic romance, Caroline is a wealthy widow freed from a horrible marriage to a much older man. Her evil brother has three daughters who he's determined to marry off to terrible men. When the eldest runs away, she flees to Simone, a wealthy courtesan. In time, all three nieces become courtesan and Caroline and Simone become passing friends, each unnerved by their attraction to each other.
This is a decent romance with some obstacles to overcome. It's the fourth book in the series, with the others focused on each of the nieces' heterosexual pairings.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a decent romance with some obstacles to overcome. It's the fourth book in the series, with the others focused on each of the nieces' heterosexual pairings.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 30, 2026
2.75⭐️ thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I take issue with this being pitched as “readable as a stand alone” when 90% of the novella is rehashing plot points of the other characters in the series who already fully have their own books. The whole novella is niece issue, four years pass, passionate glance in a bookstore, six months pass, niece issue, etc. The central couple feels like background characters in their own story. I think it’s otherwise competently written, I’m sure the other books that let straight couples be the stars of their own stories are lovely. I’m sure this is a satisfying end to the series for fans, but I can’t in good conscience rate this any higher because it just doesn’t center the sapphic couple at all.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story took a bit to get into. I don’t understand why so much time needed to pass before we got into the story. Once the story picked up it turned into a sweet romance between two women who never mattered much to other adults in their lives.
I liked the characters and would like to go back and read the stories of each of Caroline’s nieces (and hope to read that something bad befalls her brother).
I liked the characters and would like to go back and read the stories of each of Caroline’s nieces (and hope to read that something bad befalls her brother).
July 19, 2026
more sapphic romance please!
I loved this lesbian romance—I hope the author considers writing more of this genre! I really appreciated the connection of the main characters over time. It felt more realistic that such an unconventional relationship (for this time period) would take a considerable amount of time to develop. Plus the slow-burn was so good! I hope she considers writing more this this!!
I loved this lesbian romance—I hope the author considers writing more of this genre! I really appreciated the connection of the main characters over time. It felt more realistic that such an unconventional relationship (for this time period) would take a considerable amount of time to develop. Plus the slow-burn was so good! I hope she considers writing more this this!!
July 25, 2026
Just finished and sad to see my ' friends ' go loved all the characters in all 4 books. A great story and an enjoyable ending. I understand Ms Michaels will be taking some well deserved time off. Congrats on this book and series. Enjoy her writing a lot. Pick up any of her books ,won't be disappointed.
August 5, 2026
A spicy and romantic tale by one of the masters of the genre.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews