I’m so disappointed, I was just extremely excited to read this. But I couldn’t even get passed the third chapter after trying over and over. I finally realized that I was just not meant to read this. I honestly don’t even know what I read or what the plot is. The characters were forgettable and the plot was insignificant. The moment I put the book down I totally couldn’t tell you what I just got done reading. I was really hoping to enjoy this, but it just wasn’t meant to be.


Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

This book moves pretty fast. A woman doctor with a price on her head is on the run. While in hiding she sees a shipwreck and it's explosion. One man is shot after escaping from the ship. Once ashore, she and the old woman hiding her, drag him to the cottage. She removes the bullet and stitches up the wound. No sooner done, then they are all three on the run. His only instinct is to keep her safe, from the British and the Scots. This captain of the ship is a lot more than he seems. Historical fact, a love story and more to be revealed in the next two books.
A free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

I tell you what I love a sweet highlander romance and this book did not disappoint. I hope to read more of this author's works in the future and will be recommending it to my friends.

After I got pasted the prologue, I enjoyed most of this book. Loved the characters, especially Jean. However, as I got closer to the end of the story I felt a bit lost. Things just didn’t jive or flow well. I’m just not sure what it was.

Highland Crown by May McGoldrick. St. Martin's Press, 2019.

Set in 1820s Scotland, The Highland Crown is a captivating story about young, recently widowed Isabella, a physician with a price on her head for treating Scots wounded while fighting against the English, and Cinaed, who destroys his own ship to hide its cargo after it runs aground on the Scottish coast..

This well-written historical romance gets full marks from me on all three counts – it is beautifully written, it is loaded with Scottish history, much of which was new to me, and a romance develops while two main characters we like and admire help each other escape. Readers will cheer them on.

Each of the main characters has an association with an historical figure, so famous that 200 years after their ancestors came to North America, these two were still so famous they had a presence in my grandparents’ home. The first famous person we meet had an important function in the story as he arranged for Isabella’s safety. The second, an unsavoury character revealed near the end, is revealed as Cinaed’s ancestor; the only element in the story I did not embrace. In fact, I found this so jarring and hard to believe I am gving this book four stars instead of five.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of Highland Crown via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Link to Amazon review to follow after publication.

I did like this story but I found it jumped about to much. It got down to it right away once you got past the prologue and you were anxious to find out what comes next loved the middle couldn’t put it down and although the end was alright I had mixed feelings when Hudson got Isabella it was not heart stopping and I felt the end left you hanging and from this I gathered it is not a stand alone book .

I am not one to request romance novels often, but something about this novel caught my eye. And I must say, if more romance novels were written the way May McGoldrick writes, I would definitely be a fan of this genre. Highland Crown was a wonderful read, combining accurate historical details with unforgettable characters. A fast-paced, fun read!

This book. I really loved reading this story, it was captivating and enjoyable. I loved Isabella as a character, she was relatable. Jean was a great character as well, fiesty and strong. I am looking forward to the next books and more from this author. I’m thankful for the opportunity to read this.

I normally love May McGoldrick's books, but I had a really tough time finishing this book! I found it way too slow moving, the romance didn't really work, and I found myself putting it down quite often. There was very little chemistry between the hero and heroine, and I felt like once they became intimate, it wasn't natural. It felt a bit out of place to me. The pace of the story combined with the tepid romance made this one I wouldn't recommend. Her other books are much better, in my opinion.

Highland Crown is the first installment from the Royal Highlander series. It is, also, the first book I have read by May McGoldrick. It definitely will not be my last. I loved this Scottish tale. The chemistry between Isabella and Cinaed was undeniable.
I am giving Highland Crown five stars. I can not wait for the second addition to the Royal Highlander to release. I will be looking for books by Miss McGoldrick until then.

I loved this book: it is engaging and the main characters are great.
I was hooked since the first pages, rooting the characters and their love story.
A very good romance that will involve you and touch the right emotional chords.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to St. Martin Press and Netgalley for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine

1832: Sir Walter Scott, author, sits in his home and wonders what happened to Dr. Isabella Murray Drummond. Some say he invented the new Scotland, but he hears the haunting voices of the hungry, homeless Highlanders dying. Pushed out of their homes for sheep and money. His mind returns to the upheaval of 1820.

1820 Edinburgh: Isabella worked alongside her husband in Edinburgh treating those hurt in the fighting. She has been declared an enemy of the Crown for treating injured Scots and has a price on her head. She has a younger sister and step-daughter to care for and they have gone north hoping to find passage to Canada. As the soldiers are pursuing her, she takes shelter at Jean’s, an old woman, cottage. Jean’s son is helping her hide and has the girls hidden in another place.

Cinaed Mackintosh has lost his beloved ship in a storm off the coast near Jean’s village. He must blow it up to prevent anyone finding his cargo – weapons for the Scots. The villagers always come to take whatever is washed up on the shore from shipwrecks. He is also injured. Discovered by Isabella and Jean, they hide him at the cottage and Isabella tends to his wounds. A townsman came snooping around and they decide to head for Inverness, where Isabella expects to board a ship for Canada.

They meet danger and Red Coats on their way but manage to get as far as Cinaed’s uncle Searc’s interesting home. To find out the rest of Isabella and Cinaed’s story read this book! You’ll enjoy it.

I love historical fiction, and this book about Scotland's past and troubled times was one of the best. Here we find Isabella Drummond a physician, wanted by both the British Government and the Scottish Rebels. This sets the stage for an exciting read and a bit of danger, as she runs to the Highlands to seek refuge. This is the "Rising" the rebellion.

In the gathering storm Cinead Mackintosh lost his beloved ship "The Highland Crown." With no choice but to let the ship go and set fire to the cargo, he makes his escape on a longboat as his men rowed to shore. In the midst of a crowd of villagers watching the ship go up in flames, a shot is heard. A stranger is pulling himself up from the beach and lay wounded. As a physician, it goes against Isabella to let him die. Rescuing him she takes him to the cottage where she is seeking sanctuary. Will he burn into her heart, will he reveal his secrets?

I have read the Outlander series, watched the TV series, but this book gives us a fresh take on the history of Scotland. This is my first book by May McGoldrick and I intend to follow the series for as long as it goes!

My thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Ken?

I am a fan of this writing team and I have enjoyed other books they have written. This is the best of their books that I have ever read.

Isabella is a female physician. She is running away from Aberdeen where her husband was murdered by British troops. She has escaped with her sister and her step daughter. They have been separated and now Isabella is in a tiny cottage being hidden by Jean.

Jean is an elderly widow who has agreed to hide Isabella at the request of her nephew. She is a strong character who deals with life as it comes, no matter what it takes to survive.

They are on the coast of Scotland and in the midst of a large storm, a ship is breaking up in the surf. The villagers are at the shore to pick up anything of value. There are some life boats leaving the sinking ship but the villagers are not welcoming anyone who might be able to claim salvage. The shooting starts.

Cinaed, the captain of the ship has blown his ship up because of illegal cargo. The British frown on illegal cargo. When the British frown on things, they murder anyone in their path.

Isabella sees a wounded man, she intends to give him her best care. Jean does not want the man in her cottage because the villagers will murder him as well as anyone who is shielding him. When they are discovered, Cinaed kills the intruder and saves their lives. But, that means they must abandon the cottage and escape as quickly as possible.

Thus begins a dangerous journey.

This story is a romantic one, but it is also based on the history of British abuse of the Scottish people. The Scots were treated as though they were all criminals. Wealthy British and Scottish landowners converted small farms into large areas for sheep. The human beings who had lived on the land were either starved to death or forced to emigrate across the Atlantic to Canada or the United States.

One of the continuing characters in this story is Lieutenant Hudson of the British Army. His cruelty and delight in abusing people seems almost over the top. But, actual history of the time shows that he is not over the top as much as he represents actual actions of the British military.

Isabella, Jean and Cinaed slowly make their way to where Cinaed has a relative who will help them and keep them safe for a time.

The main part of the story is about Isabella and Cinaed learning about one another. They are both intelligent people who have worked very hard to become successful. The attraction between the two is partially physical but also based on an emotional connection.

Isabella has had to struggle to get her medical education. She then had to earn the acceptance by patients in order for her to practice medicine. She held her husband as he died of his wounds, she has crossed Scotland trying to protect two young women as well as herself. The danger and tension are like a physical burden.

Cinaed was sent away from the only home he remembers at an early age and put on a ship in order to learn a trade. He progressed from ship's boy to Captain who owned his own ship and had a successful business. Now he has lost his ship and must start over. He feels that he has no family and little sense of loyalty to Scotland.

Both of these people have a strong belief in right and wrong, a duty to others and survival.

The historical events in the story are fictional but developed from actual events and attitudes.
This plot moves forward at a good pace. I was not happy with the fact there was little to note when one scene followed another and one character's activities began and another character's activities stopped. I would have liked more evidence of shifts in time and place.

Character development was excellent. The reader gets to know Isabella, Cinaed and Jean very well. We get to understand how they have become the people they are and why they behave as they do.

I liked all three of them very much. Cinaed is one of my favorite heroic characters. He is strong and brave and willing to do anything necessary to protect the people around him. He is a rock star.

I liked this book very much. I received it from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

Dr. Isabella Drummond is on the run. She is wanted both by the British Military for being a subversive and also by the Scottish Highlanders for being a traitor. The question is will she be able to stay off the radar of both groups and make her way to Halifax where she can start over along with her sister and her step-daughter.

Then there is Cinaed Mackintosh, a sea captain, privateer, smuggler. He is bring military arms to the people of Scotland who are in direct defiance of the British Crown. Thus he also is wanted by the British. But is life is turned upside down when his path crosses with Dr. Drummond.

In this historical novel from the early 1800's we will have a great time getting to know one of the first female surgeons in the world and one sea captain that is tougher than tough. When the two come together there will be sparks that fly for more than one reason.

What makes a surgeon good is that they are determined, confident, arrogant, and take no grief from anyone, especially if they are a woman in a man's occupation in the 1800's. What makes a good sea Captain / privateer is that he is determined, confident, arrogant, physically strong and intimidating and strong willed.

So, are two main characters have sparks fly as their personalities clash. But they also have sparks fly as their hearts start to meld together in love, or is it love?

I don't want to give away any spoilers, so lets just say that the story line is awesome and you will fall in love with our characters and the surrounding cast of supporting characters.

The author's do a great job of weaving this story together with the historical times. They capture the essence of the struggle of the Scottish people with the British Crown. They capture the struggle of the Scottish Clans one against the other at times.

They also weave in some mystery to the story (which is also historical) and that makes it even more enjoyable.

Now I did say author's, even though it says it is written by May McGoldrick. Well, there are two authors who collaborate on the story, Nikoo and Jim. In their author's note they give their first names and state that they write under the pseudonym of May McGoldrick.

This also is the first book in a trilogy. The next two are Highland Jewel and Highland Sword. I can't wait. I wish they were already out there as I don't want the story to stop. I want to have more. So, I trust that you will be like me when you finish this story and be anxious to have more.

Enjoy!

Highland Crown is full of adventure and history. The story unfolds in Scotland where there is unrest; the Scottish looking for their independence and the English looking to squash it.

Amidst these times, we have Isabella, a female doctor who must flee for her life and Cinaed a man who was sent away by his people. Both are trying to help their people in the only way they know how.

When they meet the attraction is immediately apparent but can anything more become of it during such tumultuous times?

The story started off slow but I was intrigued nonetheless.

The story is ripe with historical detail but has more history and action than romance. When the romance did come out, so did the sparks, angst and passion.

I loved both the main characters and they were both compelling in their own right.

Cinaed is a man without a real home yet he fights to help those in need. He is just and understanding. Cinaed is a also a warrior and yet he is romantic and kind.

Isabella is a doctor during a time where female doctors are scarce. She is passionate about her calling and it shows in everything she does. She has so much courage and empathy.

I wanted more of these characters though. More from their pasts and more of their relationship since the romance aspect of this book took second fiddle to everything else that was going on.

With that being said, this is the beginning of their story and there will be more to come. I am excited and intrigued to delve more into Cinaed’s past, to see where Isabella will fit in and of course where their love will take them.

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Took me awhile to finish this book. The story was interesting, more so with the mystery with Cinead. I have to admit I got a little bored and read ahead. Who'd've thunk?

Isabelle is wanted by both the English and the Scottish worker leaders, running for her life with a big bounty on her head. Cinead is in trouble too...for being a menace to the British on the seas. But fate brings them together in a small fishing village.

It is an interesting story, it is. But it really dragged in some places...and it felt like the author couldn't really decide if she wanted a thriller with romance or a romantic thriller...

I do like the characters: Isabelle, Cinead and Jean. Though Jean faded in the background when Cinead and Isabelle got together. She should've still been there more, I feel.

And I think I'm curious to know what happens in the next books.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this advance copy.

The first part was really, really, really good. Like, I can't put it down good.

Then it became less so. *sigh* Less adventure and more "Scottish lives in 1820 sucked" which I understand, but I signed up for a romance novel, not a historical novel. Also, there are no sex scenes in this-the author cuts to "and then after"-which again, I understand, but given the cover I was expecting some lovely scenes and felt kind of cheated when they did not happen.

Four stars. Because the beginning part was so good and I'm hoping that she'll recapture that in future books.

I was curious about this book. I've been reading more books set in and about Scotland, so I was open to the description. Overall though, the book was so-so. The romance and tension between the two characters was great. That said, we didn't get to see them act on it much since all the sexy scenes were fade to black. While I don't have a problem with that specifically, it didn't fit with the tone of the rest of the book. One thing I loved was that Isabella was a doctor. Her knowledge and expertise was evident in her actions in the book. For the entire book, I could sense a reveal was coming about Cinead. That said, the actual reveal took me by surprise. Sadly, it wasn't because the author plotted it well but because it was so out there. I'd brush it off to the side, but it's clearly a set up for the next two books. I might read the next book, but I won't go out of my way for it.

Scottish pride, persuasion, and passion—this is Highland romance at its breathtaking best.

Inverness, 1820
Perched on the North Sea, this port town—by turns legendary and mythological—is a place where Highland rebels and English authorities clash in a mortal struggle for survival and dominance. Among the fray is a lovely young widow who possesses rare and special gifts.

WANTED: Isabella Drummond
A true beauty and trained physician, Isabella has inspired longing and mystery—and fury—in a great many men. Hunted by both the British government and Scottish rebels, she came to the Highlands in search of survival. But a dying ship’s captain will steer her fate into even stormier waters. . .and her heart into flames.

My Thoughts:


This sweeping Scottish Historical romance is filled with historical pageantry at it's best.

In the vein of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series this is a can't put down read. I literally read this sweeping romance in two sittings.

The book starts at Inverness, of 1820 and carries our heroine to the highlands to hide from her would be assailants.

There Isabella can not turn away the man she finds on a beach and in dire straits likely dying.

Who is this man actually? Why would he help her other than the fact that she saved his life?

The McGoldrick husband and wife team of authors have once again written a winner.

I gave this book 4.9 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development.

This book is not to be missed by fans of historical fact woven with mythical Scottish romance.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book by invitation from the publisher.

This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
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