Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks.
"Georgana's Secret" is a clean Regency romance from their Proper Romance collection. It differs from many Regencies in that it takes place on the high seas of a British Navy frigate rather than in ballrooms and Hyde Park. It was interesting to learn more about the British Admiralty in 1810+ and life on a frigate during that time while patrolling the oceans and directing convoys of merchant ships. The romance between George and Dominic grew organically and naturally. The character were written well with much depth. The book seems to be researched intensely with few inaccuracies. George's interactions with the other cabin boys was written quite well and was very emotionally rewarding. My only issue with the book was that I felt that it was a bit slow moving in the middle but I believe that was a fault in this reader and possibly not the book. I had an urge to read ahead. I would recommend it for those who enjoy the Regency period and perhaps are looking for something a bit different . It would also work well for young adult readers who enjoy the writings of Georgette Heyer in that it is Proper Romance and thus more appropriate for their reading than some of the current romances available. I had read every Georgette Heyer romance by the time I was a sophomore in High School. All in all , I would rate it a 3.5-4.

What do you imagine when you hear about the naval vessels during the Napoleonic Wars? This book has it all: drama, sea battles, sword fights, insubordinate officers, peril, standing up for what is right, and love.

The setting of the ship for a historical romantic adventure was unique and well done. Ms. Hawks' pacing of the book was excellent and makes you feel like you are right there. This book had the feel of Horatio Hornblower with the added dimension of the courageous Georgana Woodall. Watching Georgana believe in herself and help save the day was so exciting! I loved the book and highly recommend reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook arc. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Georgana’s Secret by Ariel Hawks was the very first book I chose to read for 2021. There has been an amazing growth and popularity for the readership of Regency romance as of late and I really wanted to read more of this genre this year. I am so glad I did, since I devoured this book over the holiday weekend - loving the characters and the exciting story of how Georgana’s disguise as George was discovered while a budding romance ensued. Georgana’s character stayed with me long after I read the book. Her strength and determination really showed how she was a woman well ahead of her time and one of my favorite heroines in recent reads.

Haws wrote a spellbinding proper Regency romance story set in the high seas 1811. I thought this was a fun read where a young woman, Georgana Woodall disguised herself as the Captain’s cabin boy ‘George’ to sail with his father, the Captain of the ship to escape her abusive grandmother whom she had to live with when her mother passed away. Leaving one abusive situation was quickly replaced by another, among the ships’ crew who was jealous of George’s favor with the Captain. Lieutenant Dominic Peyton witness to the bullying by some members of the crew takes George under his wing teaching self defense and survival skills while in the ship. What happens next is a sweet and tender romance as Dominic discovers Georgana’s secret.

I thought the writing was immersive and rich in accurate historical detail. I think young adult readers will really enjoy this sweet story and amazing well written characters. The reality and hardship of life in the ship made me flinch and broke my heart for how a young woman chooses to remain in hiding to be with her father enduring all the abuse, rather than being in London society at the time. I really appreciated how Hawks wrote Georgana’s character so well into the story.

I really loved and enjoyed this book.

Every so often I read a romance that just resonates so much with me. And right now, I can't stop thinking about this one.

There was so much to love about this book that I think--no--I know I'm going to miss something. First and foremost, however, I'd be remiss if I didn't laud the writing of this story.

Ms. Hawks pulled me into this story so quickly and kept me enthralled. These two characters; Georgana and Dominic were such good people. Lovely, passionate, and such a joy to read about.

The romance in this was slow-building (as Dominic thought Georgana was actually "George" for quite some time), but once we got there--it was well worth the wait.

And, the ocean--well, quite simply, I love it. So, having a story take place on the seas, during a time when sailing encompassed bug-ridden meals and hardly clean water--there was so much detail and excitement in this.

These characters, and their struggles, were so captivating and realistic. I wish I could read more about them, honestly. And I can't wait to read more from Ms. Hawks.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!

This book kept me enthralled from start to late-night finish. Georgana is used to rough men and even rougher women, so Dominic was like a ray of sunlight in her life. I loved his enthusiasm for the sea and his work, and his kind encouragement to George. Life on a wartime frigate was well-described without being overwhelmed by details. The author skillfully brought the setting to life and I felt like I was on the ship with the crew. It was easy to connect with the emotions of Georgana and Dominic, and the friendship they form is natural for a boy and his mentor, easily developing into more as they learn more of each other's secrets and deepest feelings. The relationships they have with their family and other members of the crew rounded out the story well and brought additional layers and growth. While the pace is steady in the first part of the book, by the end I found myself quickly turning pages as the intensity of the action and plot increased. Highly recommend to fans of Carla Kelly, historical fiction, and Regency romance. Definitely one of my favorites of 2021!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

To escape the guardianship of her abusive grandmother, eighteen-year-old Georgana disguises herself as a boy and serves on her father's ship. She falls in love with Dominic, the first lieutenant, but can't reveal her identity. When he discovers the truth, will he return her love? Or will circumstances tear them apart?

This is a sweet adventure romance, without much passion but with an undercurrent of longing. The pace is a little slow early in the book, but it becomes much more exciting later on.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.

You know those books you miss the second you're finished? This is one of them.

Each time I talk about this book in person, there aren't even words. I just sigh and clutch my chest because MY GOODNESS, what a delicate and tender little love story this turned out to be.

The tension is written so well. The storytelling is rich with emotion and historical details. And these characters are wonderful! Georgana is stronger than she ever believed possible and Dominic is kind and patient.

I can't recommend this one highly enough, especially for fans of clean Regency romances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All of my expressed opinions are mine.

I know the year has just started, but any book I read in 2021 has a lot to compete with if it’s going to knock Georgana’s Secret out of my list of best books of the year!

It’s been three years since Georgana Woodall has taken refuge on her father’s ship disguised as a ship’s boy. Each day she must fight to protect her identity; however, the alternatives of returning to her abusive grandmother’s home or having her reputation ruined are unacceptable. But when a new first lieutenant, Dominic Peyton, takes a special interest in Georgana, it will take everything she has to protect both her secret and her heart.

Arlem Hawks’ novel will be one I reread in the not too distant future. It’s beautifully written with immersive descriptions that make you feel like you’re at sea with her delightful cast of characters. From main characters such as Georgana and Peyton to side characters such as Jarvis and Fitz, Hawks’ has created a cast full of realistic, engaging characters that had me rooting for them through every page. My only disappointment with this book was that it had to end because I loved every minute I spent reading it.

I really enjoyed this charming and unique story. The characters were so well written and had wonderful depth. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I really liked George/Georgana as a character. So often these days, people think a strong female character has to be physically strong and tough, but that’s ridiculous. Not only that, but it’s kind of misogynistic in a way because it’s basically saying that, for a woman to be strong, she has to be physically strong like a man. That just ain’t so, my friends. Women can be strong in many ways. Yes, we can be physically strong, but we can also be emotionally strong. This girl disguised herself as a boy for THREE YEARS on a ship in the 1800s. Do you know how hard that would be on you? Imagine having to hide the periods! I think I’d be discovered in about two days. Georgana is resilient. She faces scrutiny from the men and boys on the ship every day but finds ways to make it more bearable, such as by drawing. And it’s not just the men. Her grandmother was horrible, as well. Her whole life consisted of finding ways to protect herself before she ever set foot on a ship. In the end, she saves the whole crew with her wit and courage! This girl is a force to be reckoned with, and Hawks did a great job with her character.

Now onto Dominic. He is such a good hero. He faces his own struggles in this novel as he tries to figure out how he wants to live the rest of his life while still being there for his mother—and later Georgana. He’s steadfast, a good person in general, and strong leader who cares about those under his command and protection. He’s literally willing to die for Georgana and her father, even when he doesn’t think he has a future with her. Overall, he’s just so sweet toward her, both when he thinks she’s a boy and when he knows she’s not.

My only qualm—and it’s a tiny one!—is that I didn’t like how Georgana’s father acts toward her before the end of the novel. It seemed out of character to me, and it felt a little jarring. But hey, we can’t like everything.

1811: Georgana is the daughter of a ship captain. She has travelled with him on his ships for the past three years, since she came of age, in the disguise of a boy named George. The crew thinks that George is an orphan and a distant relative of the captain, but she doesn’t have the respect of the other men and boys. Dominic is a lieutenant on the ship. His mother wants him to get a promotion to captain, but he refused the promotion so that he can have more consistent work and support his mother. His mother has heard of Georgana, the captain’s daughter, and wants Dominic to find out more about her because she wants him to get married. Dominic is drawn to George when he sees him being bullied by the rest of the crew. They spend time together, and Georgana can’t help but fall for Dominic. However, she needs to maintain her disguise as a cabin boy to protect the ship and her father’s position.

This was a very slow burn romance. There was a lot of tension with Georgana’s secret. I held my breath every time someone came close to figuring it out. At the same time, I was rooting for Georgana and Dominic to get together and for him to figure out that she was really a girl in disguise.

I was a little lost when it came to the description of the ship and all the work they did on it. Most of the story was set on the ship, except for a couple of chapters. I’m not familiar with the terms that were used so I couldn’t follow the parts where there was a lot of technical terminology used.

I liked this regency romance.

Thank you Shadow Mountain for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of a sea captain who takes his daughter, disguised as a boy, onto his ship to get her away from an abusive grandmother. The daughter/boy is forced to work as a cabin boy and encounters the other shipmates, some who are kind and some who are not so kind.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I think the reason I did not like this book was that it was pitched as a romance novel. However, I found that to be a mischaracterization. This book is fundamentally about the relationship both main character’s have with sailing. The possibility of romance is only mentioned around halfway through the book, and it doesn’t become seriously relevant until the last few chapters. I went into the book with different expectations than I may otherwise have had.

Meet the two main characters: Georgana and Dominic. Georgana’s father is the captain of the ship they are sailing aboard. After witnessing his mother abusing Georgana in the immediate aftermath of his wife’s death, Georgana’s father decides to disguise her as a young boy and take her aboard his ship. Meanwhile, Dominic is a Lieutenant serving under Georgana’s father for the duration of the voyage. While he was good enough to be recommended for a promotion to Captain, Dominic knows that this brings the potential for more money with a lot more job insecurity. Since his main priority is providing for his mother, he decides to remain a Lieutenant to continue making a steady income.

One day aboard the ship, Dominic witnesses Georgana (disguised as George) in a fight with another boy on board. This sets in motion the rest of the plot. Dominic feels bad for George, who he has been told is serving on the ship as a favor to George’s father who died at sea some years ago. Dominic takes it upon himself to provide George with self-defense lessons, something he cannot reason the Captain not providing for George already. These lessons serve to help the two deepen their relationship. After several battles, multiple injuries and illnesses, and important secrets revealed, the two decided that they are interested in pursuing each other and get married. The novel ends with an epilogue where Dominic decides to accept a second promotion to Captain, and Georgana accompanies him aboard as his wife.

While I liked the characters, my main problem was with the slow burn romance. I wish there had been more mention of the romance before halfway through the book, especially with how much interaction the characters had. Additionally, I would have preferred more focus on the relationships in general in the book, rather than so much emphasis placed on the daily life of sailors. I also felt that the relationship between Georgana and her father could have been more fleshed out. For example, she seems to have a bit of trauma surrounding the fact that his long absences at sea meant that she was verbally and physically abused by her grandmother. This relationship strain isn’t really dealt with.

All in all, I think someone could really enjoy this book if they are:

1. Interested in books about sailing and learning more about early 19th century sailing.
2. Aware that the romance is not the central theme of the novel.

I loved Georgana’s Secret!

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster wanting to stay up all night. I ended up hiding in my room to finish it, and I’m not even sorry I ignored all my responsibilities.

It has the perfect amount of action and adventure with a sweet, non traditional love story.

After the death of his wife, Captain Woodall whisks his daughter to his ship to hide her from his abusive mother. Georgana Woodall is able to stay under the radar disguised as a cabin boy for three years. Until Dominic Peyton.

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton hates leaving his mother on shore, but he feels the siren call for the sea he loves. The sea is the only wife he would ever need. Until he meets someone whose siren call is even louder.

I love a good, strong heroine. I also loved how unique this story was. I have enjoyed Arlem Hawks’ novellas, and I had really looked forward to reading this book when I first heard about it. It certainly lived up to my expectations! I look forward to reading more from Hawks.

“Only one person seemed unaffected by the ocean’s wrecking grasp. Someone who laughed into the wind and smiled through the mists. Georgana groaned, burying her face into her shoulder. She was not falling for Lieutenant Peyton. She wasn’t.”

Captain Frederick Wentworth: bold, self-confident, and passionate. At fifteen, I thought him boring, far preferring Mr. Darcy’s distant, sophisticated persona. Now at twenty-five, I find that Wentworth, Jane Austen’s final hero, has captured my attention. As I sit here and type this, I ask myself ‘What’s changed?’ For one, Wentworth has energy–vibrancy–that leaps off every page. There is no brooding silence or long caution with him. A man of action, he strides through life with a joie de vivre and a strong sense of compassion for those he encounters. Now that I look at this list, I wonder at my ability to ignore this very worthy hero for years! Before I crack open my copy of Persuasion for a re-read, let me introduce you to a novel starring Captain Wentworth’s equal in character and bravery. In Georgana’s Secret, Arlem Hawks’ debut Regency novel, readers meet a hero and heroine bound irrevocably to each other and the sea’s mercurial waves.

Dominic Payton loves the ocean. It is his life, career, and passion. Despite his mother’s growing pressure to look for a wife, he knows that few women would be willing to live an unconventional, often dangerous life on a Navy frigate. To care for his single mother–and because life isn’t worth living away from the sea–Dominic accepts a promotion to become HMS Deborah’s newest lieutenant. Under the guarded eye of Captain Woodall, Dominic begins to prove his knowledge and skill. Yet it is the role of friend that quickly becomes the most challenging; George Taylor, Captain Woodall’s skittish young cabin boy, is greatly in need of a confidante…and pugilistic mentor.

Georgana Woodhull has a secret. Three years ago she vanished from Society and her abusive grandmother’s power. While Society at large believes her to be locked within the shadows of her ancestral home, she instead treads the boards of the HMS Deborah as a lowly, stoop-shouldered cabin boy for her father. The dark humor at her situation hasn’t escaped her–before her mother’s death three years prior, the sea ruled her dreams. It was a wild freedom that ever called to her. Now, all she longs for is a fresh start on land.

George stopped before she got to their things and cocked her head. “You said that was the second-best way to enjoy the sea. What is the best?”

Dominic pocketed the sea glass and caught up his shoes. “Standing on the bowsprit of a frigate in the open ocean.”

George frowned. “In the middle of a gale?”

His lips twitched at her exasperation, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” (Location 1719)

After the carefree and kind Dominic Payton defends her from a bully and then forces her to learn the best way to throw a punch, Georgana discovers that the sea can bring more than disaster: it can bring love. For his part, Dominic finds the mysterious George baffling. Just as his own search to find out George’s real identity reveals the shocking truth, danger arrives on board in the form of mutiny and enemy ships. As they navigate their newfound love and the challenges of battle, will they survive unscathed, if at all?

From its gorgeous cover to its poetic descriptions of nature, Georgana’s Secret is a beautiful addition to the Regency genre. Yet this novel contains more layers than simply being a work of art. Its snappy dialogue and unpredictable storyline lend something new and fresh to the Twelfth Night trope of a woman disguised as a man, as well as the age-old struggle between heart and dreams. Our heroine leans heavily towards pragmatism and our hero towards lively optimism, and the unique push/pull of their romance was one that I enjoyed immensely. The way in which this story was resolved was both devastatingly romantic and intensely practical. Not to mention humorous!

The only thing that I wish was handled differently was Georgana’s cruel grandmother. The scenes with her verbal and physical abuse–though few and far between–are potent and dark. By the end of the novel, I couldn’t decide if she was meant to be Georgana’s over-dramatic impetus for change or a frighteningly realistic example of an abuser. Because I know that it takes victims extreme courage to face their abusers, I wish there was more resolution for Georgana in this area, both to show her own bravery and to help inspire readers.

With its stirring romance and powerful vision of life at sea in the Regency-era, Georgana’s Secret hits all the marks for a five-star read. Yet it is Hawks’ attention to the small details–a lace headband, a name mentioned offhandedly in a letter, the feel and sound of a ship in battle–that steers readers into deeper waters, giving them the feeling of being immersed in a fully crafted, vividly realistic world. Don’t miss this captivating read in this January season of snowed-in days and new beginnings!

This book was AMAZING! I loved everything about this book. Both main characters were fantastic and the plot was realistic, exciting and clean. Once I started reading it I could not put it down (I left my poor kids to fend for themselves).
This author did an amazing job with the details of a life on board a ship and the battle scenes were so descriptive I could picture myself there! I absolutely recommend this book.

Georgana Woodall is the daughter of Capt. Woodall of the English Navy. she is about twenty and dresses in men's clothing, so she can be a cabin boy or s third class, boy. She had been on the ship for three years and got very lonely sometimes. She took care of her father and had chores around the ship to do.
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton hated leaving his mother behind. His father married her and then pushed her to the side and left her. After he died his brother did the same to her. She now lived with Dominic and he took care of her. She was very proud of him, he turned down an advancement because he didn't think he could support her while he waited for a ship.
Most of the story is at sea, so storms, corsairs, and privateering were part of the tale. So is Munity, injuries, death, and fist fighting happened as well. Not only was it entertaining, but also exciting, seasick, and ill. It was an all-around great book. The characters were wonderous and most were gentle or at least tried to be. I had not read this author before but I so loved her writing. I plan on keeping an eye out for more of her work.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Wow! What a beautiful and wonderful book! If you're looking for the traditional Regency novel of courting and balls and parties and society, this is not that book. But it is such a great Regency book. Full of discovering one's self, finding confidence, caring for and serving your loved ones as well as those around you, adventures on the sea, hidden identity, standing up for yourself and others, compassion, friendship, healing, family, secret love, art, battles, struggles, sorrows, trust, and much, much more.

The first chapter tears at your heart. Oh my heavens. I just wanted to gather up Georgana and comfort her. It gives so much insight into her heart and mind. Into her timidity and her taking on a secret identity. I loved watching her throughout the book. I loved her quiet observations of all around her. Her understanding of others' personalities and struggles. Her gentle and tender ways of reaching out and helping. Her desires of a safe and loving life. Her dreams of finding someone who will see her and love her. And I loved one gentle first lieutenant that was in this story. *Happy sigh*

The descriptions in this book were so well written. I felt like I was there on the HMS Deborah, sailing on the ocean with these sailors and fighting the battles with them. Struggling with their struggles. I loved when characters would go climbing up the rigging (my pulse might have been racing as well afraid for them). The feel of the ocean spray, the smell of the salty brine. I was there and felt it all. The research for all the naval aspects and ship descriptions and sailor's responsibilities, was well done. I could tell that the author has a deep love and respect for her subject.

I loved all the scenes with Georgana and Dominic. Their friendship and care for each other. The discovering of each other's hurts and pasts. All while keeping a secret identity. Oh, I loved it!!! So good. I might even be giggling over some of those scenes. Hahaha! You just need to read this one. If you love the sea or not, if you love Regency or not. If you enjoy books with characters who heal and grown, who are raw and need compassion, then this is your book. If you love sweet romances, never fear you'll find it all in here as well. I won't spoil anything. But you're gonna love it!!! I highly recommend this one for all readers. I can't wait to share it with my own teens.

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and battles at sea. Wounded men and a doctor caring for them.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

A sweet story about a young girl who goes to sea disguised as a boy. It is primarily told from her point of view as well as that of the young lieutenant Dominic. It shows a father who never faced up to the abuse he suffered and was too blinded to see history repeating itself. In the end he redeems himself by doing what is best for Georgana and allowing her to get her happy ending.

This was a really great book. I loved the characters and the way they were portrayed here. George’s naïveté, desire to stay ‘invisible’ and coming of age, made her a noble heroine. Peyton was the perfect hero. He was protective, even when he thought George was a young boy, then became a good friend, all while being a very capable leader on the ship. George’s father was also nicely written as the Captain of the ship. He was quietly and secretly protecting George, yet seeming to not play favorites. The story was finely crafted, with many twists and turns I didn’t see coming (high praise indeed, as I can usually figure the story out early on). I really enjoyed the slowly developing nature of this romance, as George and Peyton developed a wonderful friendship that blossomed into love neither saw coming. It was really refreshing to read a story of this time period set on board a ship of the Royal Navy. The descriptions of day-to-day activities and crew interactions, as well as the battles, had me feeling as if I was living aboard. This was a wonderful book to be thoroughly enjoyed. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. This is my freely given, honest review.