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Promise of Forever After #4
Commander of His Heart
Love is a luxury she can't afford until he comes aboard.
Lessons in propriety did little to prepare Marah Kinsley for life on board a creaky old boat. Now widowed, the boat is her livelihood, if she can only keep the navy from learning that she has shouldered the work of maintaining it. When a handsome lieutenant is granted command, Marah has to curb her growing attraction to keep him from uncovering the truth and taking away her means of supporting her family.
Lieutenant Collin Boyd is elated to finally have his own command, until he lays eyes on the decrepit Teaspoon. What’s more, the bosun is mysteriously ill, and the brig is being run by the bosun’s young and determined wife. Trying to stay optimistic, he agrees to let her continue serving as her husband’s replacement until Mr. Kinsley recovers. But when Marah is caught in her lie, Collin is faced with the choice to let her remain at her post and threaten his career or cast her out of his crew to fend for herself.
As they work together patrolling enemy waters, their dependence on each other grows. A mistake and a court-martial threaten to separate them forever, forcing Marah to examine her heart. Can she give up her family’s dream to rescue her second chance at love?
Lessons in propriety did little to prepare Marah Kinsley for life on board a creaky old boat. Now widowed, the boat is her livelihood, if she can only keep the navy from learning that she has shouldered the work of maintaining it. When a handsome lieutenant is granted command, Marah has to curb her growing attraction to keep him from uncovering the truth and taking away her means of supporting her family.
Lieutenant Collin Boyd is elated to finally have his own command, until he lays eyes on the decrepit Teaspoon. What’s more, the bosun is mysteriously ill, and the brig is being run by the bosun’s young and determined wife. Trying to stay optimistic, he agrees to let her continue serving as her husband’s replacement until Mr. Kinsley recovers. But when Marah is caught in her lie, Collin is faced with the choice to let her remain at her post and threaten his career or cast her out of his crew to fend for herself.
As they work together patrolling enemy waters, their dependence on each other grows. A mistake and a court-martial threaten to separate them forever, forcing Marah to examine her heart. Can she give up her family’s dream to rescue her second chance at love?
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
237 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 6, 2020
Such a fun and well-thought-out novella, Commander of His Heart was a wonderful story to read! I loved how incredibly unique this story was. The bulk of the story takes place on a ship, which clearly the author knows her stuff because the descriptions and terms were fascinating! I really felt like not only did I enjoy a cute nautical romance, but I learned some fun historical facts about the British navy during the Regency era and the different positions aboard a ship. Marah and Collin weren't your traditional Regency characters either and I loved the glimpse into other aspects of society and life during this time period.
This story had so much depth it read like a full-length novel while simultaneously being a quick read. This is book four in a multi-author series (Promise of Forever After). Each book can be read as a standalone, however; the story of the traveling bracelet and the good luck it brings each friend is really fun to follow along with so I do recommend this and each of the other books.
I received an advance reader copy of this novella. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story had so much depth it read like a full-length novel while simultaneously being a quick read. This is book four in a multi-author series (Promise of Forever After). Each book can be read as a standalone, however; the story of the traveling bracelet and the good luck it brings each friend is really fun to follow along with so I do recommend this and each of the other books.
I received an advance reader copy of this novella. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 8, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to the series, Forever Friends. The story of five friends, who promised to marry for true love. Marah felt she had failed her friends, but her circumstances change in a big way and she may be able to keep her promise after all! This is such an original storyline. I enjoyed it very much. The character development is great. Marah is strong and determined. Collin is just trying to be a good commander of his ship. But how can he with a women on board! This can be read as a stand alone short story, but the friends are all interwoven in the series. They are all worth reading! Clean reading at its best!
September 13, 2020
I was all ready to rate and review but decided to look at the summary for Georgana's Secret. The funny thing (to me) is that the thing I appreciate so much of this novella is that Marah is in a position typically cast as a secret identity role. The woman pretends to be a boy/man in a male dominated arena and this doesn't happen. I do love those storylines too but it seemed a little ironic and I can't pass the opportunity to share my amusement. I was looking to see if the two books will share any characters or tie in at all.
Marah has a harder road compared to her friends. She's a recent widow and despairs of fulfilling long-standing promises to her mother. Collin makes her wary. He's ambitious while somewhat intimidated by his newest assignment and intrigued by Marah despite himself.
I really love this novella. It flows seamlessly and I enjoy the supporting cast. I want more of this world. The naval setting is not as common so I'm eager for more. I'm hoping to see some familiar faces in Georgana's Secret.
Thank you to the author for the copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.
Marah has a harder road compared to her friends. She's a recent widow and despairs of fulfilling long-standing promises to her mother. Collin makes her wary. He's ambitious while somewhat intimidated by his newest assignment and intrigued by Marah despite himself.
I really love this novella. It flows seamlessly and I enjoy the supporting cast. I want more of this world. The naval setting is not as common so I'm eager for more. I'm hoping to see some familiar faces in Georgana's Secret.
Thank you to the author for the copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2020
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect going into Marah’s story. She was already married after all. And I didn’t read the book synopsis before I started the book, so I wasn’t sure how her story would play out at all. I figured she’d either be widowed or her story would be about how she ends up falling in love with the man she married for practical reasons. And if you’ve read the synopsis, you won’t be surprised to find out she was widowed. The majority of this book takes place on a Navy ship, and I found that a fun setting, especially with Marah breaking conventions and doing a man’s job, although I’m very grateful that I will never have to climb aloft! And I liked the relationship between Marah and her brothers. And, of course, Marah and the captain were so fun to read about! I am really enjoying this series, and I can’t wait to read the rest of it!
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September 11, 2020This was a cute Regency novella about a woman who gave up on love only to discover it in a very unlikely place. While it wasn’t particularly fascinating or memorable, I think it was sweet and the ending was very darling.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
September 17, 2020
This was the perfect length book for a quick read. Especially since I don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to reading right now. I loved the navy setting in this book. This book had some sad or depressing parts to it but overall it was sweet, positive, uplifting, and swoon worthy. I feel a bit in love with Collin. Marah was a fun character too. It saddened me that she couldn’t find more happiness with a good man in. Her previous marriage. However, it was enjoyable to see her get a happy ending after the sadness in her life.
May 8, 2022
Very boring. Maybe I just don't like books set at sea.
May 3, 2023
Unique setting showcases the author’s detailed research. Sweet novella. I look forward to reading the final book in the series which just recently released.
September 9, 2020
A beautiful romance story to brighten anyone’s day. Definitely enjoyed the characters and how everything leads up to the end.
September 25, 2020
Clean but lacked depth
The plot had great potential, but it was spoiled by both characters focusing too much on their attraction and not on their jobs and responsibilities. It seemed the plot was secondary and only the falling in love was the plot.
I feel the book could have been great had it focused more on the plot of the Boson and the captain being awesome at theirs jobs and falling in love more because of seeing each other’s amazing ability at their jobs and their moral fiber. Their being so obvious in their attraction was very unprofessional and both were so distracted which made them not as appealing as characters. When working they should have been focused on that, considering lives were at stake that would have given them more substance. I would have loved to read of a battle with an enemy where both showed their abilities in each position, working with mutual respect and seeing one another’s great qualities and abilities. Proving their value and respect of each other and have that what causes them to fall in love.
The author has potential but needs to create a plot and give it depth and substance making it the main story. The great regency writers follow the plot through and you can see the H & h fall in love naturally with mutual respect and character strength. So the romance is unexpected by each other.
Anyway, the story was pleasant to read, but the other in the series had a bit more depth and substance to them.
The plot had great potential, but it was spoiled by both characters focusing too much on their attraction and not on their jobs and responsibilities. It seemed the plot was secondary and only the falling in love was the plot.
I feel the book could have been great had it focused more on the plot of the Boson and the captain being awesome at theirs jobs and falling in love more because of seeing each other’s amazing ability at their jobs and their moral fiber. Their being so obvious in their attraction was very unprofessional and both were so distracted which made them not as appealing as characters. When working they should have been focused on that, considering lives were at stake that would have given them more substance. I would have loved to read of a battle with an enemy where both showed their abilities in each position, working with mutual respect and seeing one another’s great qualities and abilities. Proving their value and respect of each other and have that what causes them to fall in love.
The author has potential but needs to create a plot and give it depth and substance making it the main story. The great regency writers follow the plot through and you can see the H & h fall in love naturally with mutual respect and character strength. So the romance is unexpected by each other.
Anyway, the story was pleasant to read, but the other in the series had a bit more depth and substance to them.
December 15, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a short, clean romance, which I wish had been developed a bit more. Collins and Mara's romance was mostly attraction based. And the attitude of we're-not-going-to-let-the-woman-on-board-be-a-distraction from Collins got old really quickly. Especially when he continued with this attitude after he'd started falling for her.
I enjoyed Mara's independence and confidence, and how despite the fact that she spent most of the book trying to prove she was just as good as a man, she also let her feminine side show.
Content:
Violence:
This was a short, clean romance, which I wish had been developed a bit more. Collins and Mara's romance was mostly attraction based. And the attitude of we're-not-going-to-let-the-woman-on-board-be-a-distraction from Collins got old really quickly. Especially when he continued with this attitude after he'd started falling for her.
I enjoyed Mara's independence and confidence, and how despite the fact that she spent most of the book trying to prove she was just as good as a man, she also let her feminine side show.
Content:
Violence:
September 23, 2020
Perfect length and entertaining read, Commander of His Heart by Arlem Hawks is a book worth reading. Commander of His Heart spins a different take than most books with a female taking on a male's job. The author, Arlem Hawks, didn't disguise Marah by putting her in male clothing. Marah wore her dresses with pants and demonstrated that she could perform a man's job on a ship while still maintaining her identity. I liked that the character was able to maintain her identity. In many pieces of literature, identities are hidden when women take on male jobs or activities in society. The openness of her identity and The romance was sweet and easy to read. The characters were interesting and compelling. This book is book four of the Forever After series, however the books can be read on their own.
Please note that I received a free ebook, however, this is my honest opinion.
Please note that I received a free ebook, however, this is my honest opinion.
September 7, 2020
I have been anxious to read Marah's story from the beginning of this series. I could tell her circumstances were very different from her friends. I could also tell from the other books that she didn't marry for love and I wondered if her story would be of her coming to love her husband or if she would be widowed and looking for love. I loved her story. My assumptions had been correct about her, but she was so much more than I expected. I loved the strong woman she was and how she pulled from the strengths of her friends at times. She was incredible. I'm so glad she got her chance at love. Collin was such a sweet guy. I ached for him often throughout the story. I'm so glad he gave himself the chance at love as well. They both needed and deserved each other.
January 25, 2022
Oh my goodness! "Commander of His Heart" was an engaging story.
Marah has lived through tough situations. She left school because her father died, she entered into a marriage of convenience, and she became a widow. Ironically, she is only 21.
Love can blossom in the most unlikely circumstances. Marah is on a ship serving as a bosun while pretending that her husband is sick. Oh what a tangled web she created for herself.
One thing that I loved is that Marah is a strong woman. She gained her strength through her trials.
Collin is a wonderful love interest for her. He has an open mind and is willing to give her a chance inspite of her gender.
This book is full of humor, forgiveness, romance, and great characters.
Marah has lived through tough situations. She left school because her father died, she entered into a marriage of convenience, and she became a widow. Ironically, she is only 21.
Love can blossom in the most unlikely circumstances. Marah is on a ship serving as a bosun while pretending that her husband is sick. Oh what a tangled web she created for herself.
One thing that I loved is that Marah is a strong woman. She gained her strength through her trials.
Collin is a wonderful love interest for her. He has an open mind and is willing to give her a chance inspite of her gender.
This book is full of humor, forgiveness, romance, and great characters.
May 31, 2021
Widowed Marah Kinsley is desperate to keep her husband’s death a secret for one reason: so that she may continue to do the job of bosun, maintaining the ship, and thus continue to collect the wage. Though lying weighs heavily on her, she can think of no other way to support herself. The new commander of the ship is taken aback by the woman who fearlessly climbs the ringing, but will he be forgiving when he learns the truth?
From the other stories in this series, I came to this one expecting it to be about Marah falling in love with her husband since she was already married. Instead, she is widowed for this story and able to keep the promise made as a teenager to marry only for love. Honestly, I finished this story feeling sorry for her first husband, who had apparently fallen in love with her. Perhaps more time would have given her the chance to do the same.
I was really hoping there would be an author's note at the end with a historical precedent for a woman taking on this role. But there was not, so I have no idea how factual this was. In fact, for most of the story, I kept thinking how it would have been an amazing story to read about a bosun teaching his wife the tasks as they slowly fall in love.
The story itself was kind of uninteresting. Marah and the commander (who was so forgettable that I can't remember his name) apparently fall in love in a matter of weeks and then are so distracted by each other that they struggle to do their tasks. I didn’t get any connection or attraction between them, thus when their happily ever after was threatened, I didn’t care.
I'm a bit disappointed the series ended on such a low note. Others who enjoy short, clean Regency romances might enjoy this one.
From the other stories in this series, I came to this one expecting it to be about Marah falling in love with her husband since she was already married. Instead, she is widowed for this story and able to keep the promise made as a teenager to marry only for love. Honestly, I finished this story feeling sorry for her first husband, who had apparently fallen in love with her. Perhaps more time would have given her the chance to do the same.
I was really hoping there would be an author's note at the end with a historical precedent for a woman taking on this role. But there was not, so I have no idea how factual this was. In fact, for most of the story, I kept thinking how it would have been an amazing story to read about a bosun teaching his wife the tasks as they slowly fall in love.
The story itself was kind of uninteresting. Marah and the commander (who was so forgettable that I can't remember his name) apparently fall in love in a matter of weeks and then are so distracted by each other that they struggle to do their tasks. I didn’t get any connection or attraction between them, thus when their happily ever after was threatened, I didn’t care.
I'm a bit disappointed the series ended on such a low note. Others who enjoy short, clean Regency romances might enjoy this one.
September 5, 2020
This is a quick read book, perfect for an evening's read. I love the premise of this series. The idea of these girlhood friends being held together by a bracelet that they pass back and forth to each other is very sweet. And it seems to give strength where needed.
I have a little bit of trouble believing that the premise of this book could really happen but maybe it could. If you can get past that (or maybe others don't think it would be a problem) then the story is fun. You've got a woman who has no fear of doing a man's job even if it is dangerous and also no fear of standing up to her captain. It is fun to watch her manipulate each of his complaints to point out that he is the one with a problem and then walk off. She comes across as very strong and secure in her skin but she really does feel insecure inside.
The captain is quite likable but we don't really see him "captaining" very much. The story is short so most interactions are between the love interests. With his softhearted kindness towards her I wonder if he is callused enough to be a captain that demands compliance and respect. I mean she and her brothers are all lying to him. I think most captains would have had some kind of punishment for at least the brothers if he didn't want to punish a woman.
There was one point in the story that was disappointing to me but perhaps more realistic than what I wanted to have happen. But I'm just a little vindictive when I read. Ha.
No sex or language
Violence: one quick skirmish
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I have a little bit of trouble believing that the premise of this book could really happen but maybe it could. If you can get past that (or maybe others don't think it would be a problem) then the story is fun. You've got a woman who has no fear of doing a man's job even if it is dangerous and also no fear of standing up to her captain. It is fun to watch her manipulate each of his complaints to point out that he is the one with a problem and then walk off. She comes across as very strong and secure in her skin but she really does feel insecure inside.
The captain is quite likable but we don't really see him "captaining" very much. The story is short so most interactions are between the love interests. With his softhearted kindness towards her I wonder if he is callused enough to be a captain that demands compliance and respect. I mean she and her brothers are all lying to him. I think most captains would have had some kind of punishment for at least the brothers if he didn't want to punish a woman.
There was one point in the story that was disappointing to me but perhaps more realistic than what I wanted to have happen. But I'm just a little vindictive when I read. Ha.
No sex or language
Violence: one quick skirmish
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 24, 2020
I loved this book. Marah is unlike any character I've read - such a fierce heroine, ready to stop at nothing to help her mother. And wow was she strong. Not just because she did a man's job so to speak, but the way she went about life. She was quick to put others first, and often times told herself she didn't deserve ____ because of things she had done. And while I don't agree with that mindset, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't felt that way a time or two. I could really connect with Marah in this way.
Hawks had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, especially on the ship (and during one particular attack!!). There was plenty of action, romance, and excitement to keep readers on their toes. Pus it was a quick read - fast paced but not so fast anything felt forced. Collin - he had such a burden on his shoulders, but I think the biggest lesson that he learned was that people did and do care for him, and he needs to learn to accept that. Marah does something near the end of the book that gives readers such a powerful message. Friendship, love even, is so much more important than money.
This is the first I've read of Hawks, but I promise you it will not be the last! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story!! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hawks had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, especially on the ship (and during one particular attack!!). There was plenty of action, romance, and excitement to keep readers on their toes. Pus it was a quick read - fast paced but not so fast anything felt forced. Collin - he had such a burden on his shoulders, but I think the biggest lesson that he learned was that people did and do care for him, and he needs to learn to accept that. Marah does something near the end of the book that gives readers such a powerful message. Friendship, love even, is so much more important than money.
This is the first I've read of Hawks, but I promise you it will not be the last! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story!! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 14, 2025
well wasn’t that just the sweetest thing EVER !!!!
COLLIN WAS SO INCREDIBLY POOKIE ARE U KIDDING ME LITERALLY POCKET SIZED. the amount of times i wanted to give the man a hug is crazyyyy oh my collinkins :((
i know I KNOW! is a skill issue with me and the novellas but gawd how i wished this was longer, like i wanted so much more of them and the crew of the teaspoon, i wanted to see collin earning the respect of his crew as well as seeing more moments of marah being fricking awesome.
like i know isabel was supposed to be the progressive feminist of the group but for me that’s actually marah, she was A BADASS
before eli became a total bore i loved the siblings dynamic and again i wanted to see more of them !!!!! i will always yearn for more of their late night talks, especially when collin joined them.
anwyay it was such a fun read and collin and marah are probably the most memorable couple of this series like gawd what a hero.
they made the hero cry so even if it weren’t awesome i still would’ve given it five stars. im just a woman.
COLLIN WAS SO INCREDIBLY POOKIE ARE U KIDDING ME LITERALLY POCKET SIZED. the amount of times i wanted to give the man a hug is crazyyyy oh my collinkins :((
i know I KNOW! is a skill issue with me and the novellas but gawd how i wished this was longer, like i wanted so much more of them and the crew of the teaspoon, i wanted to see collin earning the respect of his crew as well as seeing more moments of marah being fricking awesome.
like i know isabel was supposed to be the progressive feminist of the group but for me that’s actually marah, she was A BADASS
before eli became a total bore i loved the siblings dynamic and again i wanted to see more of them !!!!! i will always yearn for more of their late night talks, especially when collin joined them.
anwyay it was such a fun read and collin and marah are probably the most memorable couple of this series like gawd what a hero.
they made the hero cry so even if it weren’t awesome i still would’ve given it five stars. im just a woman.
September 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this story! I found it so original and engaging. I loved how the characters from the other stories in the series have been incorporated from the very beginning and that we get glimpses of some of them later on. I always enjoy seeing how characters stories continue.
I’ve been eagerly looking forward to reading Marsh’s story. Her character fascinated me from the very beginning of this series and this story did not disappoint. I hope we get to learn a bit more of how her story continues in the next book but either way I found this stories ending left me perfectly content.
As I said, I loved this story. I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable, clean and wholesome read that I would be happy to recommend along with the rest of the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
I’ve been eagerly looking forward to reading Marsh’s story. Her character fascinated me from the very beginning of this series and this story did not disappoint. I hope we get to learn a bit more of how her story continues in the next book but either way I found this stories ending left me perfectly content.
As I said, I loved this story. I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable, clean and wholesome read that I would be happy to recommend along with the rest of the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
September 23, 2020
This fourth installment in the Promise of Forever After series was so sweet!
I was so excited to finally meet Marah! After seeing glimpses of her in the last couple of stories, I knew her character was going to be just as amazing as her friends’, and I was not wrong! She definitely seemed to have found a more difficult place in life than that of her friends, and she struggled with that, but I loved watching her growth and her decision seize her own happiness! I really liked Collin’s character as well and the way he interacted with Marah!
I loved the unique setting! Being on the ship throughout the story made for some compelling forces-proximity and I was immediately drawn in!
My only critique of this story is that there wasn’t more of it! I wished for just a few more pages in the middle to watch Marah’s and Collin’s relationship to develop, because it felt like it happened so fast. I get that these are novellas, so they weren’t going to be drawn out into extraordinary detail, but I would have loved more!
Overall, I loved this story and and continue to be astounded by the talent of each of these authors! I cannot wait to see it all wrapped up in Lavinnia’s story! 💛
I was so excited to finally meet Marah! After seeing glimpses of her in the last couple of stories, I knew her character was going to be just as amazing as her friends’, and I was not wrong! She definitely seemed to have found a more difficult place in life than that of her friends, and she struggled with that, but I loved watching her growth and her decision seize her own happiness! I really liked Collin’s character as well and the way he interacted with Marah!
I loved the unique setting! Being on the ship throughout the story made for some compelling forces-proximity and I was immediately drawn in!
My only critique of this story is that there wasn’t more of it! I wished for just a few more pages in the middle to watch Marah’s and Collin’s relationship to develop, because it felt like it happened so fast. I get that these are novellas, so they weren’t going to be drawn out into extraordinary detail, but I would have loved more!
Overall, I loved this story and and continue to be astounded by the talent of each of these authors! I cannot wait to see it all wrapped up in Lavinnia’s story! 💛
September 14, 2020
A fun addition to the Forever After novella series! I really liked Marah's character because she was strong, confident, and unwilling to shy away from hard things. Collin was a good match for her with his unique background for a regency hero and his willingness to eventually see Marah's strengths for what they are instead of being dismissive of what she is capable of.
I always love regency romances that take place on ships because it is such a unique setting and there are so many opportunities for time together. This may be a novella but the length did not detract from my enjoyment at all. This was a charming romance and another example of why I love this author's works!
I received a complimentary copy but it in no way affected my review.
I always love regency romances that take place on ships because it is such a unique setting and there are so many opportunities for time together. This may be a novella but the length did not detract from my enjoyment at all. This was a charming romance and another example of why I love this author's works!
I received a complimentary copy but it in no way affected my review.
September 10, 2023
I was torn between a 3 and a 4 rating for this book. I defaulted to giving it a 4 for a few reasons. One, this book resolved some questions I had after reading the first three books in the series. There were some parts gaps that were instantly filled-in after completing this book. Next, I enjoyed the characters. For example, Marah and her family members pull the story together with their fierce loyalty to each other. Also, the plot was engaging enough to keep me wanting to know how it all ends. Overall, a quick romantic read.
Note: Originally completed this book on 23 June 2023. All the 2023 book reviews I posted were accidentally deleted. I am in the process of reposting them. Thank you for your understanding.
Note: Originally completed this book on 23 June 2023. All the 2023 book reviews I posted were accidentally deleted. I am in the process of reposting them. Thank you for your understanding.
September 8, 2020
I have really been enjoying this series and I am glad that we got to read about Marah. Her story is kind of sad, what with losing her father and not wanting to be a burden on her family so she marries someone she doesn’t love. I love that after her husband dies and she mets Collin, he is able to show her how to believe in love. I also love how she was there for him when he needed someone to stand up for him. Loved how they trusted each other with their hearts and I think this was a very sweet romance.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
September 13, 2020
Marah plays a dangerous game when she works as a bosun on a ship with her brothers. She takes her husband's place but he passed away and she pretends he is ill instead. When she meets the captain, Collin he isn't happy but allows her to work for her sick husband. When he finds out the truth he has a decision to make. Turn her in or allow her to do the job. When his feelings for her bloom can he make it work for them to be together. When something happens to take his title away will he give up on them or fight for her. Maybe Marah is the one to do the fighting. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
September 17, 2020
Commander of His Heart is the next installment in the Forever After series that is sure to capture not only your interest, but your heart as well. Marah has remained largely elusive throughout the series so far, and is now finally given her moment to shine. One of my favorite parts of this story was the unique setting in which it took place. It was interesting to read all about the Royal Navy and life on a ship. I also enjoyed the attention drawn to small aspects of regency life; one of my favorite scenes was when Marah used paper curlers and an iron to fix her hair. The detailed writing showed that the book had been exceptionally researched and gave me a new grasp of life in the regency time period. It has been such a joy to watch Arlem’s
journey to becoming a published author. I cannot wait for January when her Proper Romance book Georgiana’s Secret will debut! Truly, you don’t want to miss out on her writing.
journey to becoming a published author. I cannot wait for January when her Proper Romance book Georgiana’s Secret will debut! Truly, you don’t want to miss out on her writing.
September 16, 2020
Another well written novella in this group of friends who pass along a bracelet in hopes of marrying for love.
Marah is a widow of less than a year's time. She works on the ship where her husband was bosun.
When the ship comes under new command, can they keep him from finding out what they've been keeping secret?
Collin is hoping that this posting will help him because a caption is his own ship one day.
I loved Marah. She didn't technically fulfill her promise to her friends, but she married a good man. It didn't end the way she thought it would either, but she opens her heart to Collin and it's beautiful. Collin is sweet and forgiving.
Marah is a widow of less than a year's time. She works on the ship where her husband was bosun.
When the ship comes under new command, can they keep him from finding out what they've been keeping secret?
Collin is hoping that this posting will help him because a caption is his own ship one day.
I loved Marah. She didn't technically fulfill her promise to her friends, but she married a good man. It didn't end the way she thought it would either, but she opens her heart to Collin and it's beautiful. Collin is sweet and forgiving.
October 19, 2020
I wouldn't call it thrilling but it wasn't mundane either. Marah's unwanted but necessary first love had ended sadly. However, he had taken her to sea with him and taught her a trade. Not a trade a lady could or should do without a husband but one she had been able to do for several months. If only the Royal Navy hadn't assigned a new captain to work with her now deceased husband. When he decided to check on her husband, he discovered he was not in the cabin. Her lie was exposed.
Being a beautiful young widow doing a mans job she was bound to catch a mans eye and so she did. The captain. Thus he became enthralled with her and fell in love.
Being a beautiful young widow doing a mans job she was bound to catch a mans eye and so she did. The captain. Thus he became enthralled with her and fell in love.
September 15, 2020
I've read each book in this series & I've enjoyed them all. This one was unique & creative in it's location. Since this was a shorter story things progressed faster thought it didn't feel rushed and it had a good flow. I've really come to like all the h's in each story. This book had a complimentary H for the h. I know nothing about ships or sailing so these scenes were intersting and the authors knowledge about this topic comes thorugh. The action on the sea felt accurately descriptive and shared in an exciting way.
September 17, 2020
Commander of His Heart is the next book coming up in the Forever After series!!! Not only is this an incredible group of writers, but it’s a great series! The books are short but don’t feel short. The stories don’t seem rushed and they are full of life.
Commander of His Heart is set on the sea and has a cute part in the front of the book with all the sea terms. I can’t say much so I don’t give it away... BUT trust me that it’s good! Lies, forgiveness, trust, love, siblings, ect.
Way to go Arlem Hawks!
Commander of His Heart is set on the sea and has a cute part in the front of the book with all the sea terms. I can’t say much so I don’t give it away... BUT trust me that it’s good! Lies, forgiveness, trust, love, siblings, ect.
Way to go Arlem Hawks!
September 17, 2020
A female bosun? Unheard of and not allowed, considered, or appropriate. Marah Kinsley just want to keep her job and money coming in. It shows strong families ties for her half-brothers to aid and abet her in staying on the Teaspoon. Lieutenant Collin Boyd has more than just this ship captaincy at stake if the Admiralty learns of his female bosun. Love is slow maturing and the consequences are high. Arlem Hawks wrote an intriguing story, with very interesting characters and several ways this tale could unfold. I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
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