This was ridiculously good.
I loved every damn word of it.

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.

Sweet, clever, and insightful, this book deals with the fear of disease, the panic of cannon fire, and just about anything that could possibly go wrong on one of His Majesty's ships, But, even if the ship hadn't been hit by constant waves of calamity, the interpersonal aspect is compelling enough— the story follows two main characters: Georgana Taylor is on the ship disguised as a cabin boy to escape a verbally abusive Grandmother, while Dominic Peyton is the first lieutenant, tasked by his mother with asking the reticent Captain Taylor where his daughter has gone. Drama ensues. Love blossoms, Crossdressing causes near Shakesperean-level confusion. All in all, it's a sweet love story with a lot of historical insights and enough misunderstandings, jealousies, and tension to keep it interesting.

Loved the Audiobook

I love this book. It is so well written and I could not put it down. I really enjoyed the characters. Georgana faces so much hardship and has no one to turn to for comfort. Don't get me wrong her father acts out of protection and love to save her in his own way and that's beautiful. But a girl just needs a hug every once in a while. With all that she faces, I find her so strong.

Now, Dominic is brilliant. I love his reactions to everything!

Reread worthy!

Georgana’s Secret is just the book I needed. Adventurous, regency romance at its finest.

Synopsis: Georgana Woodall’s father, Captain Woodall, saves her from her abusive grandmother by hiding her away on his naval vessel. Georgana must pose as George a 3rd class ship’s boy under her father’s careful watch. For 3 years she sails incognito until a new 1st lieutenant, Dominic Peyton, joins for a voyage. Lieutenant Peyton joined the navy when he was 12 and counts the sea as his first love. But when he discovers Georgana’s secret, his feelings change.

Review: anyone who follows me on IG knows that Austen’s Persuasion is my all-time favorite book. So, for me, there is no better setting for a romance than on a naval frigate. Close quarters, high stakes, big secrets. Perfection.

Dominic Peyton is the quintessential romantic naval lieutenant, rivaling Captain Wentworth himself (or nearly…). The tension between Dominic and Georgana is beautiful. There is no questioning the growth of their feelings from attraction to friendship to love. It is written beautifully. One feels every look between the lovers.

The imagery of the ship and shore are stunning. The research for this story must have been epic.

I loved it. No notes.

And now I cannot wait to start The Star-Crossed Sea— releasing 10/1!!

It's so nice to read a Regency romance novel that has a more unusual premise and setting than the usual house party/London season background. This story is set aboard a British naval frigate in 1810, with a heroine, Georgana Woodall, who's been working on the ship for three years in disguise as a boy named George Taylor. Her father, the ship's captain, brought her on board as his cabin "boy" to get her away from her grandmother's abusive guardianship after his wife's death. Now that Georgana is 18 it's becoming harder to hide that she's a young woman, and she's grown weary of keeping secrets and of the harsh life at sea.

The ship's new first officer, Lieutenant Dominic Peyton, is passionate about life at sea and is ambitious to become a captain with a ship of his own. He's a kind leader and a good man, so when he notices George being bullied he takes George under his wing - teaching her how to fight back against the bullies, encouraging her to find another career for herself since George clearly doesn't share his naval ambitions, and generally acting as a mentor - all while having no idea his protegée is a girl. Georgana finds herself developing feelings for Dominic, which of course she has to keep under wraps. Then one day Dominic learns the truth...

In addition to the romance, which is lovely, I really enjoyed the adventurous, seafaring aspect of the book as the ship's crew battles privateers, onboard contagions, and a rebellious officer who stirs up trouble among the men. It impresses me when authors can describe 19th century shipboard life, the workings and layout of a naval frigate, and battle scenes all while keeping the story moving and interesting. The author, Arlem Hawks, did a really good job with that. The supporting cast of characters is well-written, especially George's father, Captain Woodall, who goes through a lot in the story.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future historical romances by Hawks.

This is an exhilarating read with high stakes, action, and soft romance.

While this is a regency romance, I would say that took a backseat towards the action of the plot, but it was still lovely to see that love develop between our protagonists Georgana and Dominic. I simply wish it was explored more than what it is.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the individual and intertwining arcs of Georgana and Dominic. Georgana was in particular a sympathetic figure, as we witness her plight in disguising herself a cabin boy (with her father's help) in order to escape the clutches of an abusive grandmother.

Overall, this was an exciting adventure at sea I'd gladly visit again.