Yet another fabulous adventure from the pen of Amy Jarecki, get ready to be swept away through the court's of Anne in a time when Scotland and England were at loggerheads all because they didn't know who the true heir should be.

Aiden and Maddie meet at a Masquerade Ball and share a kiss, is this the start of a romance and if it is will it endure the tests surely to come their way

I received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley and I voluntarily leave my honest opinion

I am giving a fair review in return for this ARC. Read this book and then the next time you think you are having a rough time, remember our heroine Maddie! Gosh it was rough in this time period to be a woman. Well told story with good characters and so many twists and turns. I was a bit surprised by the abrupt ending but hopefully more will be revealed in the next installment.

The Highland Commander is the second book in the Lord of the Highlands series by Amy Jarecki. It can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

Lady Magdalen Keith is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl. As a child he spent time with her, but once he married, his wife insisted that he have no contact with Maddie (Magdalen). An honorary title was given to her, but she was left to be brought up by her Lady's maid. Left to feel second best.

Aiden Murray, a Scottish Naval Officer knows all about being second best. He is the second son to an Earl. He doesn't resent that though, after all, it gives him far more freedom, but one thing he does resent is the fact that the Scottish Navy have been forced to join the English Navy to fight for Queen Anne. He has to keep his feelings to himself though or he could be faced with a charge of treason.

Maddie and Aiden meet during one of Aiden's very rare stops on land. Maddie's father is holding a Hogmanay masquerade ball, and all are invited. Maddie is attending because she gets to spend time with her father without anybody knowing, and Aiden is attending with some of the other sailors because they need to let their hair down after being so long at sea fighting. Masked or not, as soon as Maddie and Aiden see each other there is an instant sizzling attraction between them. An attraction that sees them sharing a secret kiss after spending some time together away from the hubbub of the party. They part only knowing each other's first names, and knowing that they will never meet again. Or so they think!

A year or so later Maddie's father is arrested and taken to the tower to await execution. He's been accused of treason. His wife, heavy with child, can't travel from Scotland to London to see him, or to fight his cause, so she beseeches Maddie to travel there to do all that she can. Of course Maddie agrees, despite it being novel that her step-mother who always wants her to be ignored, now is the one coming to her for help.

On arrival in London Maddie and her maid end up in strife immediately when the wheel comes off their hired carriage, and the cabbie just leaves them at the docks to fend for themselves. Aiden who is in London while his ship is in dock for repairs hears a lady in distress and being the gent that he is, he immediately goes to her aid. Imagine his shock when it comes to light during helping her, that she is the stunning woman he met at the masquerade ball, the one that he kissed. Immediately he offers for them to stay with him at his brother's residence in London, all perfectly above board of course. Having nowhere else to stay after finding out that the Queen has taken her father's residence in London from him, Maddie of course has to accept his offer.

From there the story escalates into the epitome of romance, passion, adventure, backstabbing, both metaphorically and physically at court, and accusations of attempted murder, and treason. Maddie must do all she can to try to help her father, but during that time she herself ends up being accused of treason and has to go on the run before being arrested. Of course Aiden runs with her, he can't let any harm befall her. The thrill of them being on the run had me holding my breath many times, and on a couple of occasions I was close to tears because of what happens. I can't say which occasions they were because I don't want to give spoilers. But suffice to say that the story is so beautifully written that you feel every emotion between our hero and heroine. The dramatic scenes and the more passionate love scenes were perfect. The fight between the Scottish and the English and the story of Queen Anne and her court were a pleasure to read too. There wasn't a dull moment in the book from beginning to end. And what an ending it was!! Did Maddie's father receive a pardon?? What of Maddie, is she able to prove her innocence, or will she and Aiden have to live on the run?

I can't recommend this book enough, and I cannot wait until the next book has been written.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

Not quite what I was looking for in a romance, but decent. Could have been a little more fast-paced for me.

The Highland Commander takes place during an upheaval in Scotland.  Henry VIII died leaving no true heir to rule following his death. With no males to follow in Henry's footsteps, it goes to his sister.

Maddie is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl.  Even though he claimed her as his and supported her, he was never around. He preferred to be in company of his wife and children. Her stepmother never recognized Maddie. Having to be self-sufficient at an early age, she never got along with society.  She was granted the title of Lady since she is the daughter of the Earl, but she's been shunned her whole life. When her Dad is accused of treason, Maddie is sent to free him. She meets Commander Aiden when she arrives.  She's previously met him at a masquerade dance and there was sparks.  He decides to help Maddie free her father.

Faced with violence from all angles. There are difficult scenes presented which could be hard for some readers. I am glad I don't live in these times! I liked the struggle Maddie and Aiden had with trying to hold back their mutual attraction. It was happening and they couldn't stop it! Aiden was the proverbial knight on the white horse to save the maiden and I loved him! Even though these two should not be together by society statues, they find a way to make it work for them.

reviewed by Deb

I am thoroughly enjoying this series!! Dramatic scenes, building danger and burning desires scattered throughout make for an edge of your seat read.

Aiden spends his days at sea. But after a chance meeting with a woman he can't forget at a ball, he wonders when he will see her again.

Maddie is the backyard daughter of an Earl. And as such she catches and heard all the answers and comments. But when she meets Aiden he makes her feel like a queen. But when will she see him again??

In the midst of turmoil between Scotland and England, Aiden and Maddie are caught between scandals and secrets. The queen becomes more unhinged in her hatred for the Scots. And as Maddie becomes the Queens harpist she must be careful, for the court has eyes and ears everywhere. Who can be trusted??

Aiden and Maddie embark on a love affair that travels through several years, never knowing when they will meet again or if one or the other will even remain alive. And when the worst happens to Maddie Aiden must act quickly to save her, and their love it she will be lost to him forever.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed the storyline. The growing romance between Aiden and Maddie covers a long period of time, with months of separation and stIll the love grows between them. Events happen that separate them and then brings them back together. The tension between the English and the Highlanders was evident throughout the book. I can readily recommend this book as a good read.

Amy's highland romance historicals are always inventive and different. This one is delightful, sometimes hard to read and oh so satisfying.

This story is set during the tumultuous time in history where Scotland finds itself divided as to who the true ruler is. Henry VIII died without a living son as heir. The line of succession went to his sister, Margaret Tudor who married James IV of Scotland. Independent Scotland being incorporated into England didn't go well. And to sum up history, we have several male rules with no issue surviving and the line goes to the females. Then you mix in the Catholic/Protestant issues thanks to Henry VIII and Catholic Scotland and you have major conflict with the line of succession. This is a time of civil unrest.

Her heroine is an illegitimate daughter of an Earl. He claimed her and has supported her although since she was nine, not an active part of her life. He's married and the step-mother is not happy about the results of the previous relationship. Maddie is strong and independent having to make her own way in life and not really having a foot in society. She's been granted the title of Lady as a daughter of an Earl but has been snubbed all her life because of her birth. She find herself at the age of 22 hieing off to London to get her Da released from the Tower because he has been accused of treason for being in Edinburgh when the "Pretender", Catholic James Frances Edward Stuart crossed from being exiled in France in attempt to take the throne from Protestant Queen Ann Stuart (who has no children btw). Maddie's step-mother cannot make the trip as she's 8 month pregnant. She meets Commander Aiden Murray when she arrives, who met at a dance at her Da's castle a few months ago. He comes to the aid of a maiden in distress. Oh I love Aiden, ever the "guardian-protector" and one who cannot leave a lady in trouble even if he really doesn't want to get involved. I'm a sucker for guardian-protector heroes, sigh... The story progresses from there and oh what a journey.

This is a violent time in history and not to give any spoilers but Maddie spends her own time in London Tower that could be difficult for some readers. Amy handles it well in my opinion but the story is true to history and probably softened quite a bit. I loved seeing the struggle between these two trying NOT to fall in love. They are NOT right for each other according to society. I have to say I loved how Aiden came to her rescue.

Thank you Amy for allowing me the opportunity of reviewing this story for you. Awesome adventure once again!

Jarecki weaves a tale so descriptive of the time and place that it pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the end. You can just feel and cringe at the terror Maddie feels while she's imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle. I just love to read about these strong, resilient people, but I am so grateful that I don't actually live in that time.

Lady Magdalen Keith is the illegitimate daughter of a Scots Earl. While she has been acknowledged by her father, his wife will not allow her to mingle with the family. She has led most of her life separated from most other people except for Agnes, her ladies maid. She also runs and endows a hospital for women who have been abused and abandoned. She is a very admirable young lady, filled with spunk and intelligence, but feels inferior because she is illegitimate.

Navy Lieutenant Aiden Murray is the second son of a very powerful Duke. Aiden serves on an all Scots ship and is very unhappy that the Scots Navy is forced to merge with the English Navy. While his father's sentiments support the Whig party and agrees with the merge, Aiden leans more toward the Tori party.

Maddie and Aiden first meet at a masquerade ball hosted by her father. The ship is in port for only the one night, but they are both attracted to each other. They meet again in London when Maddie has come to try to rescue her her father who has been charged with treason. Maddie and Aiden have a wonderful week or so together and then he's off to sea and war for another year or so.

There is so much intrigue, spying, and backstabbing going on at court that it is unbelievable. Poor Maddie has to endure it because part of the agreement to free her father was that she remain at court as the harpist for the queen. Maddie is constantly ridiculed because of her birth status. Then, the unthinkable happens and Maddie is accused of trying to murder the Queen. Aiden helps her escape and the chase is on. They are pursued all across England and Scotland while friends are trying to prove Maddie's innocence.

It is an intense tale and the ending is so very, very perfect!

"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Enjoyed about the first 75% and then felt the author wrote "fillers" just to extend the length of the book. Besides which the premise of this story was similar to others I've read and towards the end could figure out the outcome.

This delightful story takes place during the time of Queen Anne's reign and the ongoing conflict between England and Scotland over the rightful Heir to the throne. Although this is fictitious, some of the characters and events are based on historical facts.

Aiden is a Ship Commander and being the second son, he has no rightful claim to his father's title or inheritance. He is happy with his situation and quite likes his life at sea.

Magdalen known as Maddie is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl and she has been granted the title of a Lady. She runs a women's hospital where she feels safe from the nastiness of the socialites. Her other escape is playing the harp.

Maddie's father is holding a masquerade on Hogmanay and has invited the crew from Aiden's ship. Although Maddie is not one for socialising, her father coaxes her into attending the ball and when Aiden spots her, he is taken by her grace and beauty despite the mask that she is wearing. They have a dance and find that they like each other's company, enough for Maddie to agree to go for a walk in the freezing cold. Aiden feels something that he has never felt before and they share a kiss which neither of them will be able to forget. They part ways as Aiden has to return to his ship.

When Maddie's father is accused of being a traitor, she doesn't hesitate to go to London to plead his case. Agnes, her life long maid accompanies her. They run across some difficulties and as fate would have it, Aiden just happens to be there and he comes to the rescue. He is very accommodating and they start on an amorous journey.

What Maddie doesn't expect is the appaling treatment she receives from the court for being who she is. Basically, she is treated like dirt! Unfortunately, Aiden has to return to sea and Maddie is stuck in London at the queen's demand. She grins and bears the unfair treatment for her father's sake. One of the ladies of the court takes an intense dislike to her and humiliates her at every opportunity. There is an incident regarding the Queen and fingers are pointed in Maddie's direction. She is more or less condemned before being tried and it looks like there is no way out.

From this point onwards, I was on tenterhooks. Aiden has received some news which has changed their situation but can he turn a blind eye and leave her to her fate?

This author excels at turning historical events into beautiful and mesmerising stories. The sequence of events is vividly described and the behaviour of the redcoats and the highlanders is credible. The romance is a real rollercoaster of emotions and the love story is heartfelt. It's a moving story with convincing characters. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I am a fan of Ms. Jarecki and her latest book does not disappoint. The author does an excellent job of weaving in historical facts while she takes the reader on an heart-stopping adventure. The hero, Aiden Murray, is a naval officer, who is invited to a masquerade ball where he meets the illegitimate daughter of the earl, Lady Magdalen Keith. Sparks fly between these two and they part ways after one scorching kiss.

Add in war between the French, an unpopular queen and court intrigue, Aiden and Magdalen find themselves in London 3 months later. Magdalen is trying to free her father who has been accused of treason and Aiden is on leave from the Royal Mary. Without going into any spoilers here, the chemistry between these two heats up, but court politics and backstabbing ladies to the queen find Magdalen accused of trying to kill the queen. I couldn't put the book down as Aiden and Magdalen go on the run. There are multiple twists and turns that totally surprised me in this book. My only complaint is the book wrapped up the storyline and different plot points rather quickly. It felt a little rushed at the end.

Fans of Scottish romances and English history will definitely enjoy this book.

Magdalen aka Maddie is the illegitimate daughter of the Earl Marischal of Scotland, she meets Lord Aiden, the second son of the Duke of Atholl at a masked ball hosted by her father. Aiden is a first lieutenant in the navy and he, along with his shipmates are in port for one night. He is immediately drawn to Maddie. They share a kiss and part ways. Neither knows who the other is, as they only exchanged first names, but neither forgets the other.

Three months later, Maddie's estranged stepmother comes to her with news that her father has been arrested and is being held in London. The countess is heavy with child and cannot make the trip - she insists that Maddie goes in her place. Aiden is also in London, he has been granted a two week leave for the first time in almost two years and he has big plans for his time. They meet again when Aiden comes to Maddie's aid. They quickly realize their prior connection and Aiden offers to help Maddie. They work together to free her father and become much better "acquainted" but their blossoming love will be tested when Aiden is recalled to his ship early. Maddie remains in London and is able to have her father released - but there are conditions to the release and those conditions mean Maddie must stay in London too. The queen has "requested" that Maddie stay and play the harp for her and Maddie's father has "requested" that she spy on the queen for him. She is not happy with either scenario, but feels duty bound to comply.

Over a year has passed when Maddie learns that Aiden's ship was attacked and that they are in Portsmouth for repairs. She offers to go to Portsmouth to show the crown's support and to tend the wounded. When they meet on the ship, she is overjoyed that he is safe and he is stunned and elated to see her. They barely have any time together when Aiden is summoned to London by his father. His brother was killed in battle and Aiden is now the Marquis of Tullibardine and his father's sole heir. On the journey back to London, Maddie tries to offer Aiden comfort, but he is lost in his own grief. When he meets with his father, he is told that he needs to find a bride and his father forbids him to consider Maddie. Aiden at first refuses, but his father uses his mother's grief to bring him to heel. Maddie is hurt and confused by Aiden's dismissal - Aiden feels awful about the way he has been treating Maddie and tries to make amends - but Maddie isn't having it.

Aiden has another chance at redemption when Maddie is falsely accused of trying to assassinate the queen. He rescues her from certain death and they flee together. Maddie is still hurt and makes it perfectly clear that while she is grateful for his rescue - she will not be his whore. Aiden has a lot of groveling to do before these two can have a HEA.

Just when it seems like they have overcome the past and are committed to a future together - Ms. Jarecki throws in another twist and all hope for a swift HEA is shattered.

I loved this book, it has an epic feel to it and the love story is never lost, no matter how long they are parted or by the many obstacles thrown in their path. When they finally get their HEA it is beautiful and will stay with me for a long time. The book is well written, flows wonderfully, has some very well done warm love scenes, a lot of tense moments, a lot of surprising twists and turns and finally a spectacular ending with a very believable soul-mate type of love.

It is the second book in the series, but it is very loosely tied to the first and could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Reid's book, Highland Guardian!

Lady Magdalen's father has been imprisoned in the Tower and charged with treason against Queen Anne. Magdalen's step-mother is pregnant and even though she's shunned Magdalen for being a bastard, she begs her to go to London and plead for her father's case. Magdalen would do anything for her father so she takes off with her maid Agnes.
Commander Lord Aiden has leave from his ship for the first time in two years and plans to finally live life to the fullest at Whitehall. However, on his way there he comes across a Lady and her maid needing help.
Magdalen and Aiden have met before but court intrigues and war may keep them from their true destinies.
 
Second in the Lords of the Highlands series, The Highland Commander can be read as a standalone. When we are first introduced to Magdalen and Aiden they came off as gently sweet characters; they were a bit Garwood-esqu in their feel. Magdalen was the slightly outcast heroine because of her label as bastard but she had cultivated a role with the people of her town by running a hospital for battered women. Aiden is a second son of a duke and in the Royal Navy, is very young (early twenties), and the exact opposite of a rake. While we've seen the essence of Magdalen many times in romance, Aiden was sweetly different.
 
As the story went on I thought it lost some of its focus on Magdalen and Aiden together and instead kept hammering on Aiden's virginity. I wished the focus hadn't been on Aiden simply wanting to lose it and instead his growing attraction and affection for Magdalen for the sake of herself; missed more of an emotional bond. Don’t let Aiden’s lack of experience fool you though, towards the middle and end, sexual escapades are had. The court intrigue and Magdalen trying to find a way to free her father and later trying to work for her father lacked some details and progression that could have kept it from feeling like Magdalen only bemoaning her circumstances instead of making moves to change it.
 
There's a plethora of secondary characters, real and historical, that the author did a good job of incorporating that helped shaped the world and setting. The ending did seem extremely rushed and the fate and revealing of some characters lacked the emotional punch it was supposed to have because of the lack of previously laid groundwork. The first half was a bit slow while the ending was rushed as a jumble of ideas and story plots got thrown at the reader and wrapped up with perfect bows. Magdalen and Aiden were two very sweet characters but their story was lacking support.

This novel was a great read. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The story flowed well, even though it takes place over a couple of years. This story contains romance, action, and adventure.
Lady Magdalen Keith is the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl and many people are cruel to her. She runs a hospital to help those is need. She is a kind, caring, and compassionate person. She meets navy lieutenant Aiden Murray at a masked party her father is having. Aiden is the second son of a duke and is truly good man with morals. The moment their eyes meet, they can see no one else.Even when they do not see each other for months, their thoughts are of the other.
Aiden and Maddie meet again in London when her father is imprisoned for treason and he has leave. Maddie does everything she can to prove her father's innocence and Aiden helps her, even though it is against his father's political standings. Maddie then becomes the queen's harp player, but she really just wants to go home. Aiden has been recalled back to his ship and does not see Maddie again for over a year. Her father has been released with conditions and he gets Maddie to spy on the queen and report back to him "for the cause". When Aiden and Maddie meet again, their passion ignites once again. However, there are those who do not want them to be together and others who are cruel to Maddie due to her birth.
When Maddie is accused of a crime she did not commit, Aiden does everything he can to save her. He will prove her innocence and try to keep her out of prison. However, things do not always go according to plan and this will test their love beyond all measures.

“The Highland Commander” by Amy Jarecki was a fast-paced historical romance thriller. I marveled at the situations that the heroine, Lady Magdalen Keith, got herself into. During this time in history, England and Scotland are beginning unification. Scotland’s ships are now flying under the Union Jack and there is treason and espionage abounding. Lady Magdalen’s father, a Scot, is a Member of Parliament who is loyal to James Stuart, brother to the Queen of England. His loyalty is seen as treason in the eyes of the English and he is taken to the Tower of London to be tried for his “crime”. Lady Magdalen travels to London to see to his release.

She is constantly involved in one problem or another and it seems that the dashing First Lieutenant Aiden Murray is always in the vicinity to rescue her. He is the second son of a Scottish lord who supports the English, although Aiden disagrees.

This story is non-stop catastrophe after catastrophe which certainly keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. I think that the author has written a very good story and has included historical facts which bring it to life. Well done.