Just As You Are

A woman hiding more than her heart and a naval officer racing against time strike a bargain that neither expected—one that could lead to them losing everything if they misstep.

Honora Pemberton’s life has unraveled in six short months. Her once-lovely hair has all but vanished, forcing her to hide beneath wigs and wide-brimmed bonnets. The very last place she wants to be is paraded through a London Season—but that’s exactly what her well-meaning father arranges. Now Nora must survive the sharp eyes and sharper tongues of Society while guarding a secret that could destroy her confidence—and her future.

Rear-Admiral Jeremy Fagan has spent more years at sea than on English soil. His recent promotion comes with a catch: he must take command in a distant post and take a wife with him. With only weeks to find a woman brave enough to abandon England for an isolated naval outpost, Jeremy has no time for pretenses, games, or the usual nonsense of the ton.

When Nora and Jeremy cross paths, what begins as a reluctant acquaintance turns unexpectedly tender. She fears her condition will cost her any chance at affection. He begins to suspect she’s exactly the kind of courageous woman he needs.

But the stakes rise with every stolen moment. If Nora confesses the truth, she risks losing him. If she keeps silent, she risks losing herself. And Jeremy’s orders will not wait forever.

Can he convince her she’s worth crossing oceans for?

Or will she let the man she loves sail out of her life for good?

This is a secret insecurity, beauty-and-the-beast-in-reverse, forced proximity, and marriage-of-convenience stand alone clean romance.