This is one of those instant connection romances, and it works quite well here. Julia and Garrett's budding relationship is tender then turns passionate, but she is very much under the rule of her powerful FIL's thumb, which drives her actions. The duke's threat to take her son away is a major element of the plot yet it still manages to feel rather peripheral to me. Garrett, a seafaring man who's ready to settle down, is an admirable, steadfast character. I liked them both very much. A feel-good read without any real angst-y conflicts.
