Talk about love on the run!! This book keeps you on the edge of your seat with every page turn. It will have you cheering on the characters hoping that they escape the clutches of the English dragoons. What a fast-paced, exciting read. Nothing is more exciting to me than a love story wrapped around a piece of history and that is what you'll get from this author.

Aiden is a commander for the Royal Navy but secretly favors the Scottish movement. Maddie was a daughter born out of wedlock but has a good relationship with her father. She flees to London to try to meet with Queen Anne on her father's behalf, pleading with her that he is innocent. She becomes the Queen's harpist and her father forces her to spy on the English ruler.

In comes Aiden, suddenly awarded the title, Commander. He was immediately taken by Maddie during Hogmanay and months later sees her in London when her lackey has broken down. He has her stay in his father's apartments until her father is cleared of his charges.

From that point on, the story twists, turns, and knots itself into a story where you wonder if they'll ever see the light of day again. It's a a great read and I recommend it highly.

Love on the run….

Oh, the Lords can be found everywhere! Scottish transplants Aiden and Maddie paths crossed again and again as they found themselves in the thick of things in London. They navigated political unrest and the stirrings of their own hearts with both a threat to their well-being…

Aiden was the second son so he followed his heart to the sea. He was a lieutenant in the navy though pigeonholed due to his noble status. He worked for his rank, his family name did not pay for it. If only people knew how he really felt about his family’s politics… Maddie was a rebel in her time though maybe not so much in Scotland where women were strong and independent. Wanting the love of her distant father, though, meant she would do what he wanted even if she didn’t like it.

I’m really enjoying this historical series where men are Scottish strong and so are the women they love. Their politics and their love had to remain secret but secrets never stay quiet for long! Good writing and intriguing characters made this another good read…

The son of a powerful peer, Aiden spent his childhood living in an enormous castle filled with servants. His exalted position had instilled in him the erroneous belief that he was above any commoner and far better than any bastard. Can Aiden overcome what has been instilled in him for love? Can he love Maddie? I loved this story! Maddie is so kind hearted and has spent her life helping others. All she really wants is to be loved. I love Amy's books and this one is part of the Lords of the Highlands series, but also a stand alone. I would definitely recommend this book! If you love Highlander's this is the one to read!

I was really hoping that the writing in the first book of the series was a fluke and that this one would be better. Unfortunately it was not. I just can't get over how different the writing appears to be from Jarecki's first series.

I thought that the story had real potential. Magdalen was a strong willed woman who had made the most of her life, even though she had been born a bastard. But didn't like Aiden. He kept lusting after someone else throughout the story. When I read a romance, I want the hero to be focused on the heroine and not be pulled in another direction from lust.

Unfortunately, this book just didn't do much for me...

Amy Jarecki has enthralled her readers yet again with The Highland Commander. Set in 1705, during the years leading up to the 1715 Scottish uprising against England, known by Scots as "the '15", this is the story of Lord Aiden Murray, second son of the Scottish Duke of Atholl, and Lady Magdalen (Maddie") Keith, the illegitimate daughter of William Keith, Earl Marshal of Scotland. Full of drama and suspense, this historical romance is true to history, even with its fictional characters.

Aiden and Maddie meet at a masquerade ball on Hogmanay, at the home of Maddie's father, a secret Jacobite. Though strongly attracted to each other, neither expects ever to see the other again, but in a chance meeting at Whitehall Palace, their attraction grows. Through multiple frightening twists and turns leading to a delightful conclusion, the characters are developed beautifully. The intrigue and dangers of life at court play out, set against the political tension between the English Queen Anne, and her supporters; and the Scottish supporters of her half-brother, King James. Medieval life in the highlands is so well-described, the reader will feel as if he or she is there.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Highland Commander. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Lady Magdalen Keith “Maggie” is the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl. When he is arrested for treason, she goes to London to plead for his innocence and release. Aiden Murray hadn’t planned on ever seeing the masked beauty again after seeing her at a masked highland ball. When he reluctantly helps a young woman and her maid out, ruining his plans, he’s shocked to find out it’s the same woman. He’s even more shocked to find out who she is.
This was a pretty good book. It had a nice twist with Aiden that was funny and I really appreciated. Unlike some stories, Maggie is actually loved by her father and is willing to go through anything to free him. I recommend.

Book: .The Highland Commander
By Amy Jarecki

Series: Lords of the Highlands, Book #2

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)

Tartan Book Reviews
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Heat Rating: 🔥

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Stonehaven, Scotland
December, 1707

This book is about Aiden Murray the second son of an Earl. He decided to make a life for himself since he was not an heir. So he joined the Scottish Naval . This is how he meets the heroine of the story Magdalen “Maddie” Keith. Maddie was born illegitimate, the child of an Earl. Sadly, when her father has decided to marry his new wife no longer wanted Maddie in site. As his new wife the countess Lady Mary, would not let her in as part of the family since she was sixteen. Therefore she was raised with the ladies maid. Her father was Jacobite supporter, William Keith, Earl Marischal of Scotland.

So Maddie decided to do something valuable with her life a. Proving her worth to society not the nobility! She did have a title Lady Magdalen Keith she didn't feel like an aristocrat or even a Lady for that matter. She worked at a hospital caring for abused women. The Scottish women suffered at the hands of the English. As they were manly rape victims.

Maddie is rarely allowed to attend fancy functions, but since her father is hosting it she is allowed to attend. She can feel her father's guilt not being able to spend more time together. Though this is not her scene she would rather be strumming her harp or assisting the abused women at the hospital.

Since it's a masquerade and no one will be the wiser of who she is. Her father encourages her to and dance he heart out and No One will be the wiser with a masque on. This is where she meets Aiden Murray for the first time. She won't see Aiden for another year. This time, a year later she is in dire straits. Even her father's wife who detests her asks for Maddie’s help. Of course Maddie being the good hearted soul that she is will do what she can to rescue her Jacobite father. Before Queen Ann can give him a death sentence where he'll be hanging from the gibbet!

The attraction only grows between these two and their innocence is just enchanting. As both are virgins so the passion scenes are absolutely heart-pulling.

Again you can feel Ms. Jarecki love of Scotland, as she weaves my favorite combination of true history into her fictional romance. Her research as well as her imagination and own spin is phenomenal! You can read as a stand alone book or in series order. This is the second book in series “Lords of the Highlands”, I absolutely loved “The Highland Commander”! It has all the elements Scottish historical readers love. From riveting pirate sword fights, political battles, betrayal, imprisonment, swoon worthy heroes making the heroine swoon, love, true factual history, and so much more!

I have been reading Ms. Jarecki novels for years as an independent author. Now so happy Forever, Grand Central Publishing has recognized Amy’s gifts and talent. I look forward to more factual history, weaved with her spin on a fictional romance.

“Lords of the Highlands” Series by Amy Jarecki

1)The Highland Duke
2)The Highland Commander



Disclaimer: I was given this advance readers copy from the publisher through netgalley, for an honest and fair review. I voluntarily accepted as all words, thoughts and ideas are my own.



Amazon Buy Links:

The Highland Commander (The Highland Lords): Amy ... - Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Commander-Lords/dp/1455597856

The Highland Commander was a good 4 star read.
It has been awhile since I have read this genre and Amy did a great job of pulling me right in with her writing.

Lady Magdalen is considered a bastard of an earl and her stepmother has always treated her horribly. However her father adores her. She has thrown herself into helping others at a hospital. When her father throws a masquerade ball she meets Lord Aiden Murray who is immediately smitten with her.

When Aiden see’s Maddie he has to dance with her, she is so innocent. Aiden also has a certain innocence to himself as well. He is very inexperienced when it comes to women. He does sneak a little kiss before he has to leave.

We jump ahead a few months when fate steps in and they cross paths again. Maddie is on the way to try and help her father who has been imprisoned. Aiden is off his ship for a fortnight. He has offered his home to Maddie while she is in town. When her father finds out who Aiden is he asks Maddie to do something for him. Will she be able to help him?

I really enjoyed this read, it’s amazing how being illegitimate affected people during this time. I felt really bad for Maddie, especially when she was introduced to the queen. She loves to play the celtic harp and also uses that to her advantage. Aiden and Maddie grow closer and have some hot and steamy moments. I loved how Aiden would stick up for Maddie. There is also a big surprise towards the end that I definitely didn’t see coming. We do get a HEA but it definitely wasn’t easy. If you're looking for a good historical romance 1-click and get started today.

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

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar

The Highland Commander starts with a Hogmany celebration (New Year’s Eve) where the Earl Marischal of Scotland, William Keith, has thrown a masquerade party at the Dunnottar Castle. Here, his illegitimate daughter, Lady Magdalen “Maddie” Keith, meets Navy First Lieutenant Aiden Murray of the Royal Mary vessel, who is in port for the night. Aiden is smitten when he meets her, they do not know who the other is, but the dance all night, and Maddie receives her first kiss ever. They exchange their first name and Aiden tells her that the Royal Mary will leave the port next day, and he doesn’t know when they will be back. Both of them treasure their time together that night and hope to meet again. The meeting occurs when Maddie’s father is charged with treason against the Crown, Queen Anne of Great Britain, for supporting her stepbrother James Francis Edward, the Pretender, in attempts of overthrowing her, which Maddie’s was an actual believer. Maddie and her maid travel to London with the intentions of pleading to the Queen the release and innocence of her father, while Aiden is in London for a two week leave vacation. With his free time, Aiden has plan to use it to finally lose his virginity, which he is made fun of onboard of the Royal Mary by some of his fellow semen who suspect it. His plan changes when he meets Maddie again, this time in distress and decides to let her stay in his family apartment in Whitehall with him.

The proximity and their mutual feelings ignite a burning passion for one another, but not everyone is happy that Aiden is helping Maddie, most of all because he is also Lord Aiden a, second son of Duke Atholl, and she is just the bastard child of an Earl.

The Highland Commander is a good romance story, the relationship between the two characters had a good start and while it had its ups and downs, it was fun reading how they dance around each other, and tried to hide their feelings from those around them.

An aspect that I liked about the story, was how author Amy Jarecki used historically events to intertwine the storyline of the characters with actual facts, and make the story more believable. As a reader, I tend to research facts and things I find interesting in books I read; in this case when I did that, it was a sort of teaching experience, as I learn about the history of Ruling Queen of Britain in the eighteenth century, and her conflict of power.

The thing that I didn’t like was that more than twice I lost interesting in the story, and I would put the book away to do something different. In some moments, I felt that the plotline was not moving much and it focused a lot on spying, which later I don’t think they used the information they gathered.

What I did like was that after an incident that causes Maddie to come to a breaking point and suffer a lot, I liked how her copping and afterwards of the event was written. I liked that the author let Maddie struggle to get back into a daily routine, and it made her wary of her surroundings; instead of written her all okay and unscratched as it often happens in other books.

The Highlander Commander was good story and I think that if it had had a little more spice or adventure, and have the climax part of the story more unfolded and less hurry, it would have made it a great story.

If you are fan of Amy Jarecki or her works, then I recommend The Highlander Commander. In this story, you will meet two lovers that meet during a dance at New Year’s Eve and start a chase that will lead them to do unimaginable things for the wellbeing of the other, despite what the social system thinks of them, and the those who will used them for their evil deeds.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

A well written book with very strong characters.
Lady Magdalen Keith had quite the adventure, starting with having to travel to London to help set her father free from the Tower. While not making many friends, Maddie did make 2 life long friends. Both who continue to help her out at the most important times in her life. One who never wants to leave her side, who becomes her lover. Lord Aiden Murray, risks everything to help Maddie.

So much happens in this book, for Lady Magdalen and for Aiden. At times it may seem like its too much, but when all put together it is just right.
Lady Magdalen gets more adventure than she ever dreamed.

*I received my copy from Netgalley.com for review

Aiden Murray is the second son to Duke of Atholl. He is the first lieutenant and master of the watch aboard the Royal Mary, a queen’s vessel operated by Scottish sailors. Having spent time with many Scotsmen, Aiden’s becoming sympathetic to their plight, which puts him in direct opposition of his father.

Lady Magdalen Keith (Maddie) is the illegitimate daughter of the earl William Keith. He is a stanch Jacobite who is accused of treason against the Queen, sending Maddie to London to plea for his life. The gifted harpist unintentionally catches the eye of the Queen, pulling her into the unkind world of her court.

Maddie and Aiden are both wonderful characters. They are both young and innocent (yes, they are BOTH virgins!), but life hasn’t always been what they would like it to be. As the illegitimate child of an earl, Maddie dealt with disgust and disdain her entire life. Although her father recognizes her and gives her the title of Lady, she is shunned by peers and her own stepmother. And don’t get me started on how she’s treated once she gets to London. It’s all very realistic and definitely unromantic. Yet, she remains kind and hopeful. She does whatever is needed to help her father and country. She’s got a spine of steal and heart of gold.

Being the second son of a Scottish Duke isn’t all roses for Aiden either. He’s content to be the hidden son, commanding a ship of Scots and living his own life. But Maddie has him completely befuddled, and watching her personal battles with the Queen’s court only strengthen’s his resolve to live a live different from his father. This creates an engaging character, one I’m interested in following.

As much as I enjoyed following Maddie and Aiden as they grew closer and explored their sexual chemistry, I had a couple issues. First, I felt like The Highland Commander was a bit too political for my tastes. I liked that the author wove actual history into the story, but I wanted more focus on the characters and their romance! Second, I had serious concerns about the events that take place while Maddie captured (leave this spoiler-free). It was too severe, and I seriously doubt Maddie would have had the fortitude to survive and then flourish after her release.

In the end, I enjoyed The Highland Commander, even though I had a few issues. I give props to the author for her attempts to make the story realistic, and for attempting to address the mental and physical outfall of Maddie's incarceration and overall treatment. However, since I prefer my historical romances with a bit more fluff and less realism, I don’t know if I will continue the Lords of the Highlands series at this time.

My Rating: B- Liked It, but I had a few small issues

Aiden and Maddie certainly had their circumstances working against them. I enjoyed the historical aspect, but the story tended to drag in a couple of spots. Aiden was a fierce and commanding presence on the page and Maddie was courageous and daring. I enjoyed their adventure and courtly intrigue.

I really enjoyed the Highland Commander. I liked that Maddie and Aiden were two strong main characters that new what they wanted, and didn't spend time running around in circles trying to figure out if they wanted to be with the other one or not. I wish I could've found out Lady Saxonhurst involvement in the chandelier incident. I also got tired of Maddie getting captured. How many times can one person get captured in a book? But in the end all was ok. It would've been nice to see Aiden and Maddie go back to court as a married couple so Maddie could have given Lady Saxonhurst a taste of her own medicine!

Treason and true love!

The tale of two innocents really with a whole lot of feelings and not really knowing what to do with them. Well that changes somewhat (thanks to the 'French' pamphlet) Captain!
Lady Magdalen Keith, the illegitimate daughter of a consummate Jacobite, the Earl Marischal of Scotland, has raced to London to try to free her father from the Tower. Although a representative of Aberdeenshire in the new British Parliament, the Earl was arrested after Prince James' abortive attempt to land his armada at the Firth of Forth.
Navy lieutenant Lord Aiden Murray is commander of a Scottish vessel that has been enfolded into the English navy. He's a virgin and wants to put that part of his life to rest. Aiden and Maddie originally meet at a masquerade at her father's castle in Stonehaven.
Between trying to rescue Maddie's father, hiding their Jacobite leanings, and court intrigue in the guise of a delectable widowed countess, things become very active--almost too so.
A slow start, the story picked up and had some 'on the edge of your seat' moments as Aiden and Maddie flee into the highlands.

A NetGalley ARC
(June 2017)

Lady Magdalen Keith is the Earl Marischal's daughter born out of wedlock. Navy lieutenant Aiden Murray is the second son of a Duke. One kiss at a masquerade ball ignites the sparks of love but when fate intervenes can these two starry-eyed lovers overcome the hurdles thrown their way?

Amy Jarecki's second book in her Lords of the Highlands series, The Highland Commander, shares love and adventure in liberal doses to its gratifying finale! As is often the case with this writer her stories are not sedentary but constantly on the move with absorbing plot twist and impending danger. This was a romance that matured with its characters. When first introduced Maddie and Aiden experienced love at its most innocent but by the end of this work they had tested their love over and over to form the kind of commitment that results from shared experiences and seeing each others true value. This couple's sacrifices and devotion to each other was well developed and the tensions of this historical period were superbly communicated by Ms. Jarecki's sensitive writing that gave this story a substantive over all feel. The depth of this author's historical knowledge combined with her detailed character portrayals brought an outstanding story to life. Amy Jarecki is the kind of writer who brings it all to the pages as she boldly intermingles the intimacy of life with days gone by.

Another masquerade...oh I love masquerade's. The rest of the story following the masquerade is very exciting, full of lots of secrets as well as intrigue. The author continues her The Lords of the Highlands Series with another well written book that will keep the reader enthralled till the last page.

From the beginning chapter where the author sets up the meeting between Navy lieutenant Aiden Murray and Lady Magdalen Keith the reader will have a wild rollercoaster ride as the plot continually evolves. Both characters are fully developed with the most unusual personalities that really caught my attention.

At one point the reader will wonder if there will ever be a resolution to this tricky situation but slowly they will see the light at the end of the tunnel and in the end the reader will be satisfied. For this reason I give it 4 stars.

Highland Commander is a brilliant and stunning work that Amy Jarecki has brought to us. In Highland Commander, we have a story of two people that meet at a masqued Scottish dance. They have a vibrant and stunning connection to each other, but Aiden–our delicious hero is a sea commander for England, even though he considers himself Scottish. Our heroine, Magdalen is the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish Earl. But later on, when Magdalen’s father is accused of commiting treason and sent to London Tower, she must find a way to free him and so she looks to Aiden’s help. But soon Madgalen’s father won’t be the only one at risk, and only with Aiden’s help and love will they find a way to be free and together…

What a stunning story and I simply had a ball of fun with this book. Of course, Amy Jarecki never ceases to amaze me and she definitely wowed me into this book. What I admire about her is the historical details she puts into a story. I love learning about various periods of history especially the conflicts between the English and the Scots during this time. And she wrote it in such a way that pulls you back in time almost. The romance that builds between Aiden and Madgalen is passion and sweet and tender. It isn’t an easy road for them however, and they really are tested here. But I loved seeing how devoted they are to each other and what they are willing to do to aid each other. Its not all roses and daises in this book. There is quite a bit of conflict in the story that tests this couple, but Amy Jarecki has the ability to pull me right into a story and I just don’t want to let go of it.

I think what I truly loved most about this book was the mix of history and romance. Some might not prefer so much historic details, mostly because many authors don’t use it like Amy Jarecki does. However, I am not one of those readers. I like the story to be realistic and true, and not sugar coated on the details. Because this time period is NOT an easy one. Its rough and hard, many injustices happened in this time especially toward the Scots. However I also felt that it wasn’t too hard either, at least for myself. I really enjoyed seeing the way the history and the romance really worked well together in this one.

Overall a stunning and brilliant romance that will leave the reader breathless, stimulated and eager for more!!!

Publisher's Description:

She cannot resist the man behind the mask...
As the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl, Lady Magdalen Keith is not one to partake in lavish balls or other frivolities. Yet at her father's urging, she agrees to dance with the battle-weary officers at this year's holiday masquerade. It's practically her civic duty! But when one such officer-whose dashing good looks cannot be disguised by a mere mask-sweeps her off her feet and into his arms, the innocent lass can't help herself. Her lips are his for the taking.But will he betray his country for a kiss?
Navy lieutenant Aiden Murray has spent too many months at sea to be immune to the charms of this lovely beauty. Even after he returns to his ship, she lives in his dreams. But when he discovers Maddie's true identity-and learns that her father is accused of treason-will the brawny Scot risk his life to follow his heart?

Lords of the Highlands series: The Highland Duke,The Highland Commander,The Highland Guardian.

My Thoughts:

Amy Jarecki has crafted another well written story. It begins like many stories of young love but leads us on a convoluted journey to it's end years later.

It was difficult to read some parts of this story with the brutality that was involved. I'm certain that Amy softened some of that by not going into greater detail.

This part of the story reminded me of the difficulties of Jamie Frasier in the Outlander novel.
It sickened and brought this reader to tears but is an intricate part of this tale.
Maddie and Aiden are destined for one another but will their travails end in death or a lasting love?

I gave this book 4.25 of 5 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. This story has more strife than passion therefore the lower sensual rating.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this story which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I loved Maddie's positive outlook on life despite her situation. She had strength to carry on when others tried to bring her down. She does have a low point which had tears in my eyes. Aiden made me smile more often than not as he grows to realize his true feelings. There are many ups and downs, danger, and separations for these two, but their love is strong enough to pull them through.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

This is a fast paced read with plenty of drama and suspense. I really liked both Maddie and Aiden, their chemistry is amazing and you really get to see them grow as characters. The story is entwined with plenty of history and an excellent story that held my interest throughout. I really liked it!