Georgana's Secret

November 9, 2020
A young woman disguised as a cabin boy struggles to keep her identity secret from an earnest lieutenant in this captivating seafaring Regency from Hawks (Commander of His Heart). Georgana Woodall is 15 years old when her father helps her escape her abusive grandmother by disguising her as George and taking her aboard his ship, the HMS Deborah. Three years later, Lt. Dominic Peyton joins the crew and compassionately provides George with guidance and protection from the ship ruffians, who dislike her even in her disguise. Georgana is quite bewitched by the man, and, when Peyton learns her true identity, he returns her feelings but must hide them from the rest of the crew. Hawks crafts a spellbinding tale featuring rich characters and raw emotions set against the atmospheric backdrop of sea life in all its danger and beauty. Georgana is a tough protagonist holding her own in a world dominated by men, while Peyton’s charm and sensitivity marks him as a true gentleman. A hidden identity, flirtation, and treachery make for a rousing tale to captivate lovers of historical romances.

Starred review from December 15, 2020
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton doesn't need a wife because he is already married to the sea. At least that is what Dominic tells his mother every time she tries to find him a suitable spouse. One thing Dominic can do for his mother is to discreetly inquire about Georgana Woodall, the currently absent-from-society daughter of a dear, recently deceased friend of his mother's, since Dominic's new captain is none other than Georgana's father, Alfred Woodall. Once on board the HMS Deborah, however, Dominic finds the taciturn captain reluctant to engage in conversation about anything, including his cabin boy, George Taylor. As Dominic attempts to help the harassed, seemingly fish-out-of-water George adapt to life at sea, he slowly realizes that the answer to his question about Georgana's whereabouts is right before his eyes. Now Dominic must figure out how to help keep ""George"" and her secret safe in an environment inhospitable to women. Fans of sweet love stories as well as readers who fondly remember those marvelous old traditional Signet Regencies will quickly succumb to the siren song of Hawk's expertly crafted novel, which delivers the perfect blend of Jane Austen-smart romance and Patrick O'Brian-flavored seafaring adventure.

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