Arlem Hawks Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order for Arlem Hawks’s Core Novels

While Arlem Hawks’s main historical romance novels are officially marketed as standalones, they are actually set within a shared, interconnected universe. Minor characters in one book step forward as the main protagonists in the next, and certain plotlines directly impact subsequent stories. To get the most out of these connections and avoid major plot spoilers, we highly recommend reading her core novels in the following order:

1. Georgana's Secret (2021) — Set aboard the HMS Deborah in 1811, this Regency naval romance introduces Georgana Woodall (disguised as a cabin boy) and Lieutenant Dominic Peyton. Crucially for the wider universe, it also introduces the ship's French doctor, Gilles Étienne.
2. Beyond the Lavender Fields (2022) — This story shifts back in time to 1792 Marseille during the French Revolution. It focuses on Gilles Étienne before his naval days, detailing his romance with a royalist heiress. Reading this after Georgana's Secret provides wonderful backstory for Gilles, though it can also be read first if you prefer strict historical chronology.
3. Along a Breton Shore (2023) — This direct follow-up to Beyond the Lavender Fields continues the French Revolution saga, focusing on Gilles's older brother, Maxence Étienne. Note: You should definitely read Beyond the Lavender Fields before this one, as Maxence's story contains major spoilers for the resolution of Gilles's romance.
4. Across the Star-Kissed Sea (2024) — This novel returns to the maritime setting of 1811, taking place in the Mediterranean. It follows May Byam as she signs on as a lady's maid aboard a Royal Navy ship. It functions as a direct companion to Georgana's Secret, carrying over tie-in characters and the seafaring atmosphere.

Collaborative Series and Novellas

In addition to her main historical novels, Arlem Hawks is a frequent contributor to popular multi-author, clean Regency and Georgian romance series. These series are written by different authors but share a common theme, setting, or premise. Each book can be read as a standalone, but Hawks's contributions often have internal connections of their own.

Forever After Retellings

This series features Regency-era romances inspired by classic fairy tales. Arlem Hawks contributed two stories to this collection:

• The Steadfast Heart (2019) — Book 3 in the series, inspired by The Steadfast Tin Soldier, following the injured Lieutenant Robert Brenton and Holly Addison in Cornwall.
• In Pursuit of a Gentleman (2019) — Book 6 in the series, which is a clever retelling of The Gingerbread Man.

Reader Tip: Hawks's standalone novella All You Wish (2019) serves as a direct prequel and companion to The Steadfast Heart. It stars Spencer Addison, who is Holly Addison's brother. For the best experience, read All You Wish before diving into The Steadfast Heart.

Promise of Forever After

This multi-author series follows a group of friends who vowed to only marry for love. Hawks contributed one book to this collection:

• Commander of His Heart (2020) — Book 4 in the series, featuring a widow struggling to keep her boat and the naval commander who comes aboard.

Timeless Georgian Collection

Published by Mirror Press as part of the Timeless Romance Anthology series, each volume contains three clean novellas by different authors. Hawks contributed to the second volume:

• A Lady's Wager (2023) — Hawks wrote the novella The Diamond of Bristol for this collection, sharing the book with authors Josi S. Kilpack and Sarah M. Eden.

Georgians in Paris

Set in 1774 Paris, this collaborative series of sweet novellas follows English travelers and French locals on the cusp of historical change. Hawks contributed the second book:

• A Match Gone Awry (2024) — Follows Gabrielle d'Amilly and British navy lieutenant Harvey Barlow as they navigate a fake courtship to help Gabrielle escape Paris.

Complete Publication Order List

If you prefer to read Arlem Hawks's work exactly as she published it, follow this chronological list of her releases, which includes both full-length novels and shorter novellas:

• All You Wish (Novella, 2019)
• The Steadfast Heart (Forever After Retellings Book 3, 2019)
• In Pursuit of a Gentleman (Forever After Retellings Book 6, 2019)
• Commander of His Heart (Promise of Forever After Book 4, 2020)
• Georgana's Secret (Novel, 2021)
• Beyond the Lavender Fields (Novel, 2022)
• A Lady's Wager (Timeless Georgian Collection Book 2, containing the novella The Diamond of Bristol, 2023)
• Along a Breton Shore (Novel, 2023)
• A Match Gone Awry (Georgians in Paris Book 2, 2024)
• Across the Star-Kissed Sea (Novel, 2024)

What to Know Before You Start

Arlem Hawks is celebrated in the historical romance community for her clean, "kissing-only" storytelling that doesn't sacrifice emotional depth or historical accuracy. Her love for the period shines through in her meticulous research, particularly when detailing Royal Navy life or the complex political realities of the French Revolution. Because her books are published across different formats—including full-length standalone novels, multi-author series entries, and quick novellas—you can easily jump in wherever the premise appeals to you most. However, keeping the connections between the Étienne brothers (Beyond the Lavender Fields and Along a Breton Shore) and the HMS Deborah crew (Georgana's Secret and Across the Star-Kissed Sea) in mind will make your reading journey much more rewarding.