Amy Jarecki knocked it out of the park with The Highland Duke! I loved everything about this book, the characters and plot. This book had it all- action, adventure and love.

*3.5 stars*

Oh, those highland games….

I’m always up for a jaunt in the Scottish Highlands and that cover had me right away! Geordie lived up to that smoldering glance as the secrets he held were serious and dangerous. Akira was a healer and when he was in need, she lived up to her calling, following him across the country dodging his foes that were now her own...

And what a wild ride it was! He was injured but they needed to travel quickly. Geordie’s life was on the line and soon was Akira’s with enemies and friends around each corner. The tension was real and so was the affection that soon grew between them. Nothing like love under fire! Despite their differences, they each seemed to care more about others than themselves. Juggling what they should do, with what they felt they should do, made for a back and forth that smoldered through their whole story…

While I found the story stuttering in spots due to a rehashing of the problems they faced, it was quick to get back on track. With complicated (aka funny, endearing and exasperating) family, these two were surrounded by their enemies but protected by a great many who loved them. The ending was perfect with multiple epilogues that brought a satisfying end to their journey. A great start to a series that had me, happily, lost in the moors…

Scotland is in turmoil (but then when isn't Scotland in turmoil). Once again Scotland and England are at loggerheads over who is the true ruler of Scotland. Queen Anne claims the throne but many Scots support the king across the water - James Stuart. Akira, a healer is scouring the Hoord Moor battlefield looking for someone she can he!p. She comes across a man gravely wounded with a musket ball in his thigh. Only he is not supposed to be there, if found by the English captain, his lands and maybe his very life may be forfeit. So Akira and Geordie flee to his lands in the Highlands. What follows is a storyline full of adventure, danger, intrigue, and of course an impossible romance. There were many times during the course of the tale I did not think the characters would ever find their HEA. As with other Amy Jarecki books, this is a very good read. Akira is a very likeable heroine. Geordie is a bit arrogant, has a one track mind (sex), but still a nice laddie. This book does introduce us to two new characters who I am sure will make great heroes. Indeed her next book is about one of them. Looking forward to reading it.

The book opens with healer Akira finding the badly injured Geordie on the battlefield. Unwilling to provide his name because he’s a Duke who just rode against Queen Anne’s army, Geordie is smitten with the wisp-of-a-girl who is like an angel. Due to the determined redcoats hunting him, Geordie must take Akira with him as he escapes. Soon the pair is running for their lives, yet neither is willing to walk away.

The Highland Duke held a lot of promise, and by the conclusion, I was satisfied with the story. However, a slow and rocky start almost made this book a DNF for me. In the end, I enjoyed the pairing of Akira and Geordie, but it took a long time for me to get on board with their romance.

Akira is a young, innocent, poor girl with Romany heritage. This makes her and her family shunned. Yet she remains hopeful and helpful despite those who treat her poorly. She’s a solid character, yet her naivety creates a huge unbalance when matched with the powerful Duke of Gordon.

Geordie is weathered and rough. He’s lived a full life, having divorced, fought, etc. He’s easy around the ladies and just comes off so much older than Akira (he is ten years her senior). She’s SOOOO young and naive. She’s a virgin and never been around any man in an intimate capacity. Not even hugged by her father, as he was never in the picture. It was difficult for me to get into their story, for rather than sexual tension and sparks, I saw an “old man” who is lying to a young girl that he lusts after.

Another concern I had was that Geordie uses his position as an injured soldier to "tease" Akira. But to me it is sexual harassment as he uses his knowledge and power to put her into compromising positions; ones that Akira feel are improper behaviors. It's not cute or fun, to me it's destructive because she is so innocent.

It really isn’t until after 50% mark that the book started working for me. Once Akira started standing up for herself and exerting confidence, she becomes her own person—one strong enough to stand up to and match Geordie. While I continued to struggle with her naivety, which was too much for my tastes, she finally becomes a worthy heroine.

In the end, I enjoyed the historical references and lovely Scottish Highland scenery that is the base for The Highland Duke. And despite the difficulties I had with the first half of the story, I found the action and romance of the second half of the book an enjoyable read.

My Rating: C+ Liked It, but I had issues

She'll put her life on the line for him . . .
When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.


Yet she can never learn his true identity.
Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .


* * * * *

When you are in the mood for historical romance, nothing scratches that itch quite like a Highlander in a kilt. And Geordie is definitely that. Now if only I didn't have to read his thoughts on how gorgeous Akira is. It's almost like he is stuck in a grove. I mean there are so many times that I can read about the color of her eyes without wanting to throw the book across the room.

Akira is almost as bad but I did enjoy her character more. She's from tinker stock which means that almost everyone checks their belongings after she is invited in to save a life. It has hardened her but being a healer, she cares a lot about others.

The setting is gorgeous! And Ms. Jarecki has a way of painting the scenery with her words. I just wish that the pacing had moved along at a faster clip. I did find it difficult to finish because my mind kept wandering away from the story.

THE HIGHLANDER DUKE was an okay read but not one that I would recommend to my readers. It's too wordy and the pacing needed a shot of adrenaline.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Very dramatic, lots of suspense and intrigue. I've not read a Scottish/Highland novel with a gypsy type character in it, so I enjoyed that different twist on a common romance trope. Akira was feisty and interesting, and Geordie played his cards close to his vest, and watching them open up to each other and fall in love was wonderful.

I am a fan of Ms. Jarecki and THE HIGHLAND DUKE is a rousing adventure full of adventure, danger, betrayal and prejudice. Akira is a Gypsy healer who happens upon a wounded George Gordon, the Duke of Gordon on a Jacobite battlefield. He hasn't marched under his own flag because it's treason to defy Government troops. Finding Gordon in the forest surrounding the battlefield, she employs her best healing techniques trying to save his life. It's a decision that will change the course of her life.

The book was full of one surprise after another. Just when you think Gordon and Akira might have a chance at happiness, something else happens. Gordon's character could be a bit of a jerk, but his love and devotion to Akira was never in doubt. Akira was a sweet and loving innocent who offers assistance to everyone who needs it. She has no idea of the ins and outs of the aristocracy and she pushes Gordon away. How will he win her love? He must dig deep, not only to prove to Akira that being a commoner does not matter to him, but also prove himself to her mother.

I was engaged with this book from page one all the way to end. Fans of Scottish romances will absolutely adore this story.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Highland Duke was a great 5 star read.
I love historical romance and was excited to read this book.

Akira is a healer and happens to come across Geordie, who is injured and unable to help himself.
George (Geordie) is the first Duke of Gordon and is keeping his identity from Akira. He convinces her to help him.

Things take a dangerous twist when they are discovered by the red coats. They take off and George becomes the protector. As they spend time together their attraction grows. However Akira is a commoner so there can never be anything more than a mistress. Will they be able to make things work? What will happen when Akira finds out who he really is?

I promise I will not take your innocence.

There is so much more to this great read. We learn a lot more about George and his family.
I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was coming next. And the twist was definitely one I didn’t see coming. I really liked George he was a Duke through and through, very strong, dominating and had honor when it came to Akira. Akira was a very innocent woman but strong. Amy Jarecki does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I look forward to reading more from this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

I loved this book, as I do all of Amy Jarecki books. Her stories are interesting and very detailed.

From the first sentence, “ The dead Highland soldier stared vacantly at the thick low-hanging clouds” the author had already snared me. It’s a hook which had me question how can a dead Highlander stare at anything?

I find myself on a battlefield, just outside the village Dunkeld. The story is riveting, suspenseful and yet humorous.

Geordie crawls into the brush after being wounded. When he meets Akira, he is none other than Geordie, a man wounded in battle, and vulnerable. He shouldn’t even have been at the battle and if the Queen Ann were to find out, his head would be rolling. Geordie is a complex man, a man of secrets and secrets they must remain.

Every so often his dukeliness comes out. Dukeliness encompasses his pompous, self-absorbed, domineering nobleman traits, which raises Akira's hackles.

At one point she is entirely exasperated with him when he doesn't listen to her and demands to do things his way, thereby injuring himself further.

"Of all the ungrateful oafs I have ever met, you must be the most boorish. If you dare die in my care, I shall--I shall kill you!"

Akira is of gypsy blood and even the poor look down on her and her family. But the family works hard, the mother has done her best taking care of four children. Akira is sweet, innocent and a lovable character, and quite lovely to look at. Geordie has offered her money to aid him. Granted, the money is very important to Akira. She knows her family could live months on that amount.

Is it true opposites attract? A duke with all the trappings, a young woman with barely enough to eat and living in dismal conditions. What is the catalyst that brings them together?

Captain Roderick Weaver, leader to the Marquis of Atholl’s regiment of Government troops is a thorn in the duke’s side, and a devilish man. Hatred oozes from his pores. You will love to hate this antagonist. He easily is willing to forfeit anyone’s life who may stand in the way of riches. He’s a man who uses circumstances to gain more power.

I enjoy all the foul language Geordie spouts off and laugh at how Akira gives as good as she gets. I'm afraid to write it in my review for fear Amazon will reject the language. But it is funny to listen to him spout off. She eventually tells him,

“If I kent you were going to curse at me like a job from the alehouse, I would have gone home and left you to die!? She rolled to her hip and rubbed her backside."

I'm excited about starting this new series with this author. The second in the series will be out this summer, so you don't have long to wait for the sequel. Great entertainment! Oh, by the way, the audiobook is already out on this one. So if you prefer to listen to this new series, you needn't wait!

Healer, Akira Ayres comes across a man with who has been shot and lay dying after a battle. Not wanting to lose another patient she sees to his wound and then helps him escape the English redcoats. finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in.

The Duke of Gordon knows his healer, Akira's, life will be in danger if she learns his true identity. Thus for a long time Akira only knows the Duke as Geordie. As they come to know each other with no titles or social differences, they fall in love for who they are at their core.

Soon the truth is made known and circumstances could drive them apart unless they can remain true to who they are at heart.

Amy Jarecki has to be one of the best at writing a true Highland romance. I love all the nuances she weaves in of that day and age. Yes, it is fictional but there is enough there to feel you have transported to that era.

The romance was believable and heartfelt and I can't wait for the subsequent books in this series.

As always, Ms Jarecki has written another compelling, addicting highlander novel.. Wonderful, likeable characters & a fast-paced plot! Brilliant!

Good read. Liked the characters and the story flow. Looks into history are a great backdrop for a good story. Entertaining and well done. The interaction between characters was done well. Always interesting to see how a couple from different backgrounds find their way to each other. Recommend reading.

Talk about going to my happy place, we have a scotsman who happens to be a duke. Seriously, you can't go wrong there. Anyway, Amy Jarecki has come out with a new series Lords of the Highlands. The story takes place early 1700s where you find the Jacobite uprising. Definitely an interesting period. I would definitely recommend reading the author's note's after reading the story. I know this helped me out a lot with so my issues with the story.

Anyway, George Gordon (aka Geordie) who happens to be the Duke of Gordon. Now he's in an area where he's not suppose to be fighting the good cause, but he's injured. Arika Aryes happens to find him and basically rescues him from death. Basically, they are on the run for most of the book. While trying to escape a perilous death they fall in love. The end. Just kidding.

Actually, The Highland Duke is pretty good. We have Geordie who is stuck of the confines of his title and he happens to fall in love with a tinker (gypsy). Gypsy were looked down upon, so to fall in love with her would be pretty bad. Anyway, he sees that she is sweet and kind, so it's easy to fall in love with her. Akira at first sees a stubborn man, but learns more about him and comes to love him. Yes, there love is tested as the story goes on. It's not easy being a duke and falling for someone who is deemed below a commoner. So, there relationship is an interesting dynamics.

Anyway, I totally enjoyed The Highland Duke and I look forward to read more of this series. I hope to see one of the characters in this story get his own story eventually.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

This is Amy at her best!! Brilliant!
Step into this powerful romance to find a love that will last forever. This is a beautiful full length novel, a beautifully written story where the H/h come together and have to overcome many obstacles for their HEA. I confess, my initial interest in all things Scottish Highlands started with Outlander, but Amy Jarecki’s books have surpassed that series. I loved this and will read it again.

a mad dash through the highlands!

3.5 stars
A young Gypsy healer finds herself on horse back racing through forests, dodging trees and bullets and the English after helping a Scot she finds wounded by a musket ball in the leg on the battlefield.
Akira Ayres prides herself on her healing abilities. She knows that the Scot, Geordie is more than he seems, just by his manner and actions, and occasional mumbling so when he's feverish.
She contracts to help him to safety. Unfortunately they are pursued by an English Captain who sees the capturing of Geordie as a stepping stone to his own advancement.
Geordie, the Duke of Gordon cannot be allowed to be captured, else all will be forfeit. He has gone into battle in disguise without followers. Fighting against his English sovereign is treasonous. I really found Geordie's stance reckless, given his responsibilities towards his people.
Akira and Geordie's mad dash to safety is heightened by their growing attraction for each other.
Akira is proud of her abilities and independence, even if it comes at a price. Geordie is bound by his status and the Queen's decree to form an alliance within the confines of his social class. This seems like a relationship doomed to be less than satisfactory, at least for Akira. I found Geordie insensitive to Akira's dilemma given the few choices she has.
Not as satisfying as some previous Jarecki novels, but I still look forward to the next in this new series.

A NetGalley ARC
(March 2017)

Kudos to Author Amy Jerecki for writing a riveting historical romance. Her print debut starts out with an outstanding bang. This book is filled with intrigue and is set at a very fast pace. One of the things I really liked about this book is how she describes her scenes throughout the book with mesmerizing detail. For example, in several scenes you can smell the blood and feel the fear of being attacked.

Her characters feel very real and for me are believable. Geordie is a heart throb and the two sides of his personality are shown in a manner that leaves no doubt that he wants something better for himself regarding personal relationships and family.

Akira is magnificent. Her fearless, caring personality adds the needed spark to an already outstanding read. Her personality teaches the reader the lesson of being kinder, more understanding and how to care more for others.

I give this 4.5 STARS for transcending class structures in a meaningful way.

I am a fan of Amy Jarecki and her Highland Dynasty series, but this book didn't have that same feel. I was unable to connect to the characters and the romance felt forced from the beginning. I'm not totally sure if it was the writing that put me off, or if I just wasn't in the mood for a historical romance at the time I read this one. I lost interest and started skimming around 60%... but did enjoy the last 20% as the action came to a head.

The Highland Duke 'The Highland Duke' by Amy Jarecki is book One in the "Lords of the Highlands" series. This is this the story of Akira and Gordon 'Geordie'. Geordie is a Duke who is in danger and has been shot. When Akira finds him he talks her into helping him and then offers to pay her if she can get him a horse. Geordie needs to get away as fast as he can. Akira is a gypsy healer of sorts who finds Geordie and tries to help him. When they are discovered by Redcoats they take off together. Geordie knows that Akira saved his life and he needs to keep her safe. Akira is just a commoner along with her family. Their family is nothing in the eyes of her village, but she tries her best to help them and others. Geordie being a Duke knows that anything that comes of Akira and his attraction couldn't lead to marriage due to her being a commoner. But with lines like this: (Akira)'Stop' she said with a gasp, her fists showing up between them. 'Why is it I have so much difficulty resisting you?' (Geordie) 'Believe me, lass I am the one who has been rendered utterly powerless'
Akira was a strong women who knew her place, had pride and held her virtue as her only great possession. Geordie had allot to over come from his past but he was a strong hero. I truly enjoyed watching these two grow and overcome so much. I even loved the secondary characters so much that I hope to see more of them! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily.
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