Welcome to Once Upon a Temptation
Step into the enchanting world of Once Upon a Temptation, a captivating series where timeless fairy tales meet fiery, modern romance in a whirlwind of passion and glamour. Published in 2020 by Harlequin Presents, this collaborative eight-book miniseries invites romance readers to escape into modern-day versions of classic stories. Written by some of the most acclaimed names in contemporary romance—including Lynne Graham, Dani Collins, and Caitlin Crews—the series delivers emotional depth, steamy encounters, and high-stakes drama set against lavish backdrops like exotic desert kingdoms and gothic Italian castles.
Whether you are a fan of Cinderella's transformation, the emotional healing of Beauty and the Beast, or the atmospheric mystery of Bluebeard, Once Upon a Temptation offers an addictive romance for everyone. This guide breaks down the complete reading order, the fairy tale inspirations behind each title, and the best ways to enjoy this romantic saga.
The Recommended Reading Order
Because Once Upon a Temptation is a multi-author series, you can read these books in any order you choose. Each novel is a completely self-contained standalone with no recurring characters or linear plot threads connecting the books. However, reading them in publication order is the most common approach for fans who want to experience the collection exactly as it was released throughout 2020. The official publication sequence is as follows:
- Cinderella's Royal Secret by Lynne Graham (June 2020)
- Beauty and Her One-Night Baby by Dani Collins (June 2020)
- Expecting His Billion-Dollar Scandal by Cathy Williams (July 2020)
- Taming the Big Bad Billionaire by Pippa Roscoe (July 2020)
- The Flaw in His Marriage Plan by Tara Pammi (August 2020)
- Claimed in the Italian's Castle by Caitlin Crews (August 2020)
- Shy Queen in the Royal Spotlight by Natalie Anderson (September 2020)
- His Innocent's Passionate Awakening by Melanie Milburne (September 2020)
A Closer Look at the Fairy Tale Retellings
Every book in the series utilizes core elements, motifs, and emotional themes from classic stories, translating them into the glamorous, high-stakes universe of Harlequin Presents. Here is how each author reimagines their chosen tale:
- Cinderella's Royal Secret (Cinderella): Housekeeper Izzy Campbell shares a passionate night with Sheikh Rafiq, leading to a secret pregnancy and a royal proposal. It features the classic rags-to-riches transformation and class dynamics of Cinderella.
- Beauty and Her One-Night Baby (Beauty and the Beast): Feared tycoon Javiero Rodriguez is physically and emotionally scarred after surviving a jaguar attack. When he reconnects with Scarlett Walker, their surprise pregnancy forces him to confront his inner beasts.
- Expecting His Billion-Dollar Scandal (The Little Mermaid): Cathy Williams adapts the themes of a woman finding her voice and bridging two vastly different worlds in this story of a quiet heroine and a powerful billionaire.
- Taming the Big Bad Billionaire (Little Red Riding Hood): Pippa Roscoe plays directly on the dark forest imagery and wolf motifs. Ella Riding becomes a pawn in billionaire Roman's quest for revenge, only for the "big bad wolf" to be tamed by his target.
- The Flaw in His Marriage Plan (The Frog Prince): Tara Pammi uses the concept of a heroine who coaxes the hidden warmth out of a rigid, dominating hero, mirroring the transformative nature of the Frog Prince.
- Claimed in the Italian's Castle (Bluebeard / Rapunzel): Reimagining the Bluebeard legend with gothic suspense, Caitlin Crews introduces Angelina, who agrees to marry the brooding Benedetto Franceschi despite chilling rumors surrounding the disappearances of his previous wives.
- Shy Queen in the Royal Spotlight (The Ugly Duckling): Reserved assistant Hester Moss enters a marriage of convenience with Prince Alex of Triscari, undergoing a stunning personal transformation as she steps into the media spotlight.
- His Innocent's Passionate Awakening (Sleeping Beauty): Artemisia Bellante is an agoraphobic heiress hidden away in her crumbling castello for a decade. Luca Ferrantelli acts as the modern prince who coaxes her back to life and emotional awakening.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the collection, it is helpful to understand the styling and tone of the series. Because these books are part of the Harlequin Presents line, they feature characteristic tropes of the imprint: commanding alpha heroes, strong but vulnerable heroines, intense chemistry, sudden pregnancies, and marriages of convenience. While the authors capture the romantic structure of classic folklore, these are not fantasy novels. There is no magic or supernatural elements; instead, the "magic" is found in the emotional transformations, self-discovery, and the ultimate power of love to heal deep wounds.
Readers should also note that some online retail platforms and catalogs display minor discrepancies in the numbering of the middle titles. However, the complete series comprises these exact eight books, all published during the summer and early autumn of 2020.
Where to Begin: Practical Reader Advice
If you are unsure where to start, the safest and most popular entry point is Cinderella's Royal Secret by Lynne Graham. Graham is a legendary figure in Harlequin romance, and her book sets a perfect benchmark for the series' emotional intensity and scale. If you prefer gothic suspense and darker themes, Caitlin Crews' Claimed in the Italian's Castle is a standout. For readers who enjoy stories of vulnerability and healing, Dani Collins' Beauty and Her One-Night Baby and Melanie Milburne's His Innocent's Passionate Awakening are highly recommended.