This second-in-a-series novel is as sweet as the first, with a hero and heroine you'll be happy to root for. We met the heroine, Poppy--an intrepid fisherwoman with the vocabulary of the gentry--in the previous novel, but Keane, the hero and titular duke, is new. He shows up out of the blue, tangled in Poppy's fishing net, the apparent victim of an attempted murder. Somewhat reluctantly at first, Poppy agrees to hide him while he figures out who wants him dead.

That's perhaps where the story is missing a little for me. Keane's past is a mystery, though not intentionally. We do learn about him, but it just feels like there's a lot missing. He seems to have zero friends outside of his valet (he mentions an uncle and cousin largely in passing). What exactly has he been doing all his life, besides being at odds with his father? With Poppy though, he's all but perfect, never once acting like or believing that he's her better. Poppy is the one with more walls, but I'm glad to see that she doesn't resist too much.

The bulk of the storyline is instead based on the mystery of who wants Keane dead. Although the author throws in a few red herrings, I suspected the right person early on. I won't say much so I don't spoil anything, but I felt that although the baddie wasn't hard to figure out, the development of the character didn't feel right. I didn't buy into the reasons, if that makes sense.

Otherwise, it's a charming story mostly free of angst and doubt. There's a very brief teaser that suggests that Kitty's story is next. I'm looking forward to it.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

Ms. Bennett weaves a remarkable tale. Within she creates family drama, determination, dysfunction, romance and intrigue. She gives us delightful descriptions of the people and the area in which Poppy lives, as well as delving into the reasons why the characters act as they do.
A Duke washed up on shore, tangled in Poppy’s net and becomes her focal point. He brings mystery and intrigue to her life, along with a bit of romance, that turns their investigation into a loving and erotic relationship that eventually leads to marriage, but it’s not an easy path.
I requested and received a Net Galley ARC to peruse gratis and give my opinion in the same.