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lolovesbooks3's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the setting being on a ship! The romance definitely was in the background the entire book, so I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this book as a “romance” but the relationships between the characters and unique setting and storyline kept me wanting to read!
annanar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
andrea_author's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
thisbookishmom's review against another edition
5.0
As soon as I saw that this book was set on a British ship in the early 1800s, I was all in! I’m a sucker for the forced proximity that this setting provides.
To escape her grandmother, Georgana joins her father on his naval voyage as a cabin boy. Her secret becomes harder to keep when the crew gains a new first lieutenant, Dominic, who is determined to protect “George” from the harassment of the other cabin boys.
The hardships of life at sea along with the battles between ships made for an intense story. I couldn’t stop listening!
I loved the romance between Dominic and Georgana. It was slow and so sweet. So many great moments between them as they navigated secrets and obstacles.
To escape her grandmother, Georgana joins her father on his naval voyage as a cabin boy. Her secret becomes harder to keep when the crew gains a new first lieutenant, Dominic, who is determined to protect “George” from the harassment of the other cabin boys.
The hardships of life at sea along with the battles between ships made for an intense story. I couldn’t stop listening!
I loved the romance between Dominic and Georgana. It was slow and so sweet. So many great moments between them as they navigated secrets and obstacles.
thestagedstory's review against another edition
3.0
I liked but didn’t love this book. Some of the characters weren’t very believable for me. The storyline was okay but a bit slow at times. Underwhelming is the feeling throughout the entire book. All that said I felt that the writing itself was good. I would definitely be willing to read more from this author to see if they’ve figured out how to translate that to character development and a solid story.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this latest book from Arlem Hawks! I've always enjoyed books about girls who stowaway on ships and this book is probably one of my favorites. Georgana is such an endearing character as is Dominic. Georgana suffers horrendous abuse from her grandmother when her father goes away to sea, unaware of what happens when he leaves. Her mother is able to protect her until she dies and Georgana is left at her grandmother's mercy. Her father finally seeing the abuse, rescues her but takes her aboard his ship and disguises her as a boy named George.
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has his own demons from his past, but loves the sea and is happy to join Georgana's father's ship as second in command. He takes an immediate liking to "George" and desires to help him navigate amongst the other shipboys who taunt and abuse him because of his closeness to the captain and seemingly lighter duties. He teaches George to fight among other things. The story takes many twists and turns as their friendship deepens, and the crew of the ship must endure storms, battles, sickness, and injury throughout the voyage.
With strong romantic tension, friendship, and hardship, this book was so hard to put down. I loved how Dominic tries to help "George" stand up for herself and really desires to help her overcome her past. So many great characters in this story. I must admit I was sad to see the story end and would love to find out what happens next for Georgana and Dominic!
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has his own demons from his past, but loves the sea and is happy to join Georgana's father's ship as second in command. He takes an immediate liking to "George" and desires to help him navigate amongst the other shipboys who taunt and abuse him because of his closeness to the captain and seemingly lighter duties. He teaches George to fight among other things. The story takes many twists and turns as their friendship deepens, and the crew of the ship must endure storms, battles, sickness, and injury throughout the voyage.
With strong romantic tension, friendship, and hardship, this book was so hard to put down. I loved how Dominic tries to help "George" stand up for herself and really desires to help her overcome her past. So many great characters in this story. I must admit I was sad to see the story end and would love to find out what happens next for Georgana and Dominic!
rosannelortz's review against another edition
5.0
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton dreams of being a ship’s captain someday, but with no guarantee that he would get a ship to command, it’s safer to remain a lieutenant and still be in work and able to support his mother. When he gains a new post under Captain Woodall, Dominic makes the acquaintance of a shrinking cabin boy named George who seems favored by the captain and tormented by the other lads on ship. Ever one to pity an underdog, Dominic takes it upon himself to teach George the arts of self-defense and the finer points of being a sailor.
Georgana Woodall has been hiding on her father’s ship for years. Disguised as a cabin boy, she can barely stand the rough and rude sailors who despise her for her weakness and for the captain’s favoritism. Still, anything is better than being trapped on land in an untenable situation with abusive relatives. If she can manage to keep her secret from everyone aboard, she might have enough reputation left to make a come-out as a debutante some day and escape this nautical nightmare.
The new Lieutenant Peyton is an observant fellow, and Georgana can sense the danger in letting him befriend “cabin boy George.” But there is something irresistible in his kindness and his charisma. If only he were not so in love with his mistress the sea, there might be a chance for Georgana to love…and be loved in return.
When reading the premise of this story, I was unsure if I would like it, but the cover enticed me, the characters convinced me, and in the end I found it wholly captivating. The story was a perfect blend of history and romance. The horrors of a sea battle in the Napoleonic era were vividly drawn as cannonballs crashed into decks and splinters found their mark in sailors’ flesh. Georgana, although dressed as a cabin boy, was no he-woman who bests all the other lads and proves that girls can be the same as boys. Instead, she had to contend with being physically weaker than the others surrounding her, and it is only when she finds her courage that she finds her way. Dominic, a natural leader, but also a compassionate man, brings out the best in the terrified girl. Not knowing when he will finally guess Georgana’s secret is part of the grand tension of the plot, and finding out what he does when he finally knows it is part of the fun.
The publisher notes say that fans of Jane Austen and Patrick O’Brian will enjoy the novel, and for once, I think the notes might be right! As a fan of both Austen and O’Brian, I loved this novel and look forward to reading more from debut novelist Arlem Hawks.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Georgana Woodall has been hiding on her father’s ship for years. Disguised as a cabin boy, she can barely stand the rough and rude sailors who despise her for her weakness and for the captain’s favoritism. Still, anything is better than being trapped on land in an untenable situation with abusive relatives. If she can manage to keep her secret from everyone aboard, she might have enough reputation left to make a come-out as a debutante some day and escape this nautical nightmare.
The new Lieutenant Peyton is an observant fellow, and Georgana can sense the danger in letting him befriend “cabin boy George.” But there is something irresistible in his kindness and his charisma. If only he were not so in love with his mistress the sea, there might be a chance for Georgana to love…and be loved in return.
When reading the premise of this story, I was unsure if I would like it, but the cover enticed me, the characters convinced me, and in the end I found it wholly captivating. The story was a perfect blend of history and romance. The horrors of a sea battle in the Napoleonic era were vividly drawn as cannonballs crashed into decks and splinters found their mark in sailors’ flesh. Georgana, although dressed as a cabin boy, was no he-woman who bests all the other lads and proves that girls can be the same as boys. Instead, she had to contend with being physically weaker than the others surrounding her, and it is only when she finds her courage that she finds her way. Dominic, a natural leader, but also a compassionate man, brings out the best in the terrified girl. Not knowing when he will finally guess Georgana’s secret is part of the grand tension of the plot, and finding out what he does when he finally knows it is part of the fun.
The publisher notes say that fans of Jane Austen and Patrick O’Brian will enjoy the novel, and for once, I think the notes might be right! As a fan of both Austen and O’Brian, I loved this novel and look forward to reading more from debut novelist Arlem Hawks.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
groadie's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Very cute romance with a nice setting of the high seas! I enjoyed the fighting and ship descriptions more than the romance at times. The writing is not very sophisticated but it's an enjoyable read :D
nowheretorun's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Innocent