Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks {Review}

Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks

Kindle Edition
Published January 12th 2021 
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

1811, HMS Deborah

A Regency romance on the high seas.

As a young girl, Georgana Woodall dreamed of beautiful dresses, fancy balls, and falling in love. However, when her mother dies, she cannot face a future under the guardianship of her abusive grandmother and instead chooses to join her father on his ship disguised as his cabin boy, “George.”

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the “boy” under his wing. After discovering a number of clues, Dominic deduces that George is really a woman. Knowing that revealing the cabin boy’s secret would put her in serious danger from the rowdy crew, Dominic keeps silent and hides his growing affection for her.

Georgana is quickly losing her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care but is convinced nothing can come of her affection. She cannot continue to live her life on the sea, and having already missed too many seasons in London, her chances of being welcomed back into polite society and finding a suitable husband have slipped away.

Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

Life isn't all ballgowns and happiness in this book, but that's not a bad thing at all. A Regency romance on the high seas during war was a very interesting way to find adventure and love. More than once, I found myself feeling very anxious over the events and I was completely invested in this tale.

Georgana is disguised as a boy on a ship that her father captain's for a few different reasons and when the new lieutenant, Dominic, takes her under his wing to help her learn the ways of Navy life, she's smitten. Between Georgana's stubborn strength and Dominic's caring determination, I was held hostage to this story. 

Life on a Navy ship isn't easy at all and I felt that I was given a fairly accurate glimpse into that life. I loved the adventure, danger, and camaraderie, especially the relationship between Georgana and Dominic, but the power struggles and death were hard. I appreciated the balance of information and emotion, and felt that a very well-rounded story was delivered. 

I loved the uniqueness of this book and Hawks has an excellent way of telling a believable and engaging story.   

Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of danger, violence, death 


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