This is the second book in the series, but I inadvertently read it before the first book in the series. All things considered, this made more sense because most of the book takes place BEFORE the events of the first book.

If you look at this book as a historical romance, you’ll find it somewhat lacking considering there’s virtually no chemistry between the two protagonists. They met a couple of times and then bam, he’s proposing marriage. Worse yet, they connect physically, and then he tells her that she’s freed from any obligations regarding their engagement because he has to go off and do things.

OMG WHAT??

But it ends up okay because fate has deigned that their paths will cross again and then they do get married and everything works out, aside from the lack of chemistry.

However, if you consider this book as a work of historical fiction, it’s a decent story. On one side, you have a secret rebel who works hard to ensure that weavers and other workers have rights. On the other hand, you have a trained soldier who is tired of doing England’s dirty work and would like nothing more than to see Scotland free and independent.

See, the setup has good bones! The only thing I didn’t like was the strange preoccupation with torture. Yes, we all know that English troops are the Baddies, But the mentions of torture if caught, and even WORSE torture for women seemed excessive for a book that isn’t marketed as a dark romance.

In addition to the dual points of view from the hero and heroine, there's also a third POV character who's only tangentially related to the events of this book. It makes more sense if you've read the first book, but it's confusing as to how she related to the two protagonists of THIS book.

I would recommend Highland Jewel if you’re looking for historical fiction with elements of romance. But like I said, if you’re looking for only historical romance, this is probably not the book for you.






I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley.

This lush Scottish historical series is going to steal your hearts and you will want more. Highland Jewel is a stunning page turning read. I Read it in one sitting.

A Must Must read for all readers.

I'll be honest--when I first read the blurb, I found it confusing and jumbled. However I was optimistic that the story would be better as the premise sounded intriguing. It was not.

I’ve been a lucky girl to have been gifted e-arcs of the first three books in this series. I really fell in love with this world when I first read book 1, so I was excited to dive back into this world when picking up this 2nd instalment, focused on other MC’s. Whereas I do still like the first book a bit more, this was definitely a solidly written book. I really came to love this author’s duo who writes these historical fiction books together. The romance combined with the setting, the suspense and story development, is mostly very well executed and had me hooked from beginning till end. These books are really perfect to pick up when you’re in need of a good historical romance, set in Scotland <3

Firstly, I have to mention how much I love this cover. It's is simply stunning, and one of the things that caught my eye first, it fits the story so well too. I liked the story, I thought it started off a little on the slow side but it soon picked up the pace, which made it easier to fall into the story. The characters are all wonderfully crafted, they each bring a certain sparkle to the story and made for interesting reading. I haven't read any of may McGoldrick's books before this, but I thoroughly enjoyed her light-hearted and charming writing. Overall, this is a sexy, charming and very romantic story full of love!

I enjoyed this second book in the royal highlander series probably a bit less than the first. This book is also set during the real historical events of 1820 and centers around Maisie who is an activist for women’s and civil rights, and Niall who is a former lieutenant. The romance definitely makes this book easier to read than a typical dry historical account, but I think I'd like a bit less "history" and a bit more romance in my historical romances.

This story was a strange duck but one that I really enjoyed reading. If you have read this first book in this series this some of the story will seem familiar as the timeline actually overlaps for the first half or more of the story as Maisie and Niall first meet and begin their friendship which develops slowly into more. I was really surprised to see the events of this story as there was not even a hint of any of it in the first novel so it was fun to see the parallel lives of these characters and how the author interwove the story so beautifully. Maisie is a secret rebel and a reformer that is working for the safety and freedoms of women in Scotland at a time when anyone stepping out of line is considered a crime against eh crown that is severely punishable. She just barely escapes capture one day with the help of her friend’s brother and finds herself in the arms of Niall Campbell, a man that has spent years looking after his sister and her family only to find himself drawn to another trouble-making female. While Maisie’s family has written her off as a bubble-head Niall slowly begins to see that not only is she intelligent and sweet, she fires his blood and makes him long for a future and family of his own. But the crown will have its pound of flesh; when Niall’s sister is taken Maisie and Niall are forced apart until suddenly they are thrown together in the most unlikely of places and they must chose if they are willing to work together as rebels and find a way to save his sister and be together or they will lose not only their chance a future together but likely their lives and the lives of all of those they love. Being a bit of a history buff, it was fun to learn so much about the women’s movement in Scotland through this story as Maisie finds her footing as a rebel leader and a woman to be reckoned with. I enjoyed seeing her finally force those around her to see the real her and accept that she has a lot of contribute to the world. It was obvious from the beginning that her light would not be able to be hidden in the dark forever, but at the same time I feared for her safety once she came out of hiding. Niall is a man that I would snap up for myself in a heartbeat—hard-working, loving, protective of those he loves, and willing to give his all, up to and including his life for the woman he loves. Niall is terrified when he is reunited with Maisie at the most inopportune time, while at the same time his heart sings with the joy of having her back in his arms. It is obvious that he loves her with all he has, but his mission, the oaths he has taken mean a lot to him too because he is a man of his word and that makes me like him even more. The passion sparks between Maisie and Niall from the first argument they have and continues through the moment they declare their love and earn their HEA and we can see no end in sight for that. I loved seeing them find a way to have it all and be happy together in the end. I am looking forward to whatever comes next in this series for sure and think this author (authors?) has earned a place of my insta-read shelf for sure.

Highland Jewel: A Royal Highlander Novel is the second book in the Royal Highlander series by May Goldrick. It is a good historical book and a fun read. If you like action, political unrest, historical fiction with a great romance, you will like this book. I will be reading the next book in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for free.

This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were complex and interesting. I found the story to be well paced and engrossing throughout the whole book. I was invested in the couple throughout the book and felt all the emotions through both the highs and lows of the story.The side characters were such an integral part of this story as well. This is the love story i needed to read at this time. If you want an entertaining and well written book this is it for you

I love love love this series and learning more about the original family we met in book one. The surroundings of our characters made you feel like a part of the world and REALLY makes me want to take a trip. I have fallen head over heals with every single couple and can’t pick a favorite either!

This is a fun historical romance that I really enjoyed reading. It’s a Avery fast paced read and the characters are just what you love to read about in a book I’m really so glad I read this book and you will be too!

Historicals aren't my favorite anymore but I found myself really enjoying this one. The heroine feels really modern and relatable. I love it when authors flex a bit when it comes to historicals (like Sarah Maclean!) in terms of traditional backgrounds. I did feel like I should have read the first book before this, but overall just a wonderful read.

I wasn’t a huge fan of this book, unfortunately. I didn’t like any of the characters and the story itself felt boring, that I had to force myself to finally finish it.

This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main characters were really exciting to follow on their journey. I’ve read a number of this author’s books and they don’t disappoint. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

The McGoldricks' books always are well connected with history, but this Royal Highlander series takes the words "historical romance" to a whole new level. Highland Jewel continues the story begun in Highland Crown. England and Scotland are experiencing tremendous unrest and some degree of outright rebellion. The characters in this series are deeply embroiled in the danger and intrigue.

This is not a comfortable read. There is trouble around every corner and we fear for the characters we love. But it is still a tale of love and accomplishment. I enjoyed the book from cover to cover yet I would have liked a little less history and a little more depth in the relationship between Maisie and Niall. Still, an excellent book.

I absolutely loved the dynamics between Maisie and Niall. They complimented one another in their strength and determination to make a difference in the injustices they saw and experienced on a daily basis. This series was beautifully written and gives you perspective of the past while unfolding a love story.

Suffragette in Scotland.

I was interested in a suffragette in Scotland.
It was bogged down by quite a bit of politics, though I did enjoy Maisie and Niall and can recommend.

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick
Subgenre: historical romance
Release date: 24 Sep 2019
Publisher: St Martin’s Paperbacks
Format: ebook and print
Length: 313 pages
RRP: $9.00 (ebook); $16.99 (print)

The people of Scotland are rebelling, and the authorities are desperate to stop it. They are also looking to find the son of Scotland, Queen Caroline’s son with her secret first husband.

Maisie Murray is the sister to Isabella whose story can be read in Highland Crown. Maisie keeps her activist activities on the down-low from her sister and her husband even though she is the founder of the local women for reform group. At one event, the protest is broken up by the authorities, Maisie is in the middle and rescued by a stranger. That stranger is Niall Campbell.

Lieutenant Niall Campbell, previously of the 42nd Royal Highlanders, has left the army and is feeling somewhat disappointed in what is happening in his Scotland. He rescues Maisie and so begins their relationship. Niall is being requested to participate in a mission. He says no. Then just when he has asked Maisie to be his wife, his sister, Fiona, goes missing and the condition that she remain unharmed is for him to kill the son of Scotland. (This was hinted at in the first book, but you do not have to read the first book to understand). Niall breaks off the relationship with Maisie to save his sister.

When the Infirmary is raided, Maisie, and her sister, Isabella, and Morrigan, a stepsister, flee and end up at Dalmigavie Castle.

Niall eventually turns up at Dalmigavie Castle and Maisie calls him out as an assassin. Through different events Niall and Maisie manage to resolve their issues to be together.

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I really like the historical background to events both real and hypothetical, the Peterloo Massacre, to the interesting premise to have Queen Caroline, despised wife of George IV, previously married with a son who could be heir to the English throne.

The female characters are true to themselves and their ideals. Maisie is able to work around many of the restrictions that are on women of the time. So far Isabella is a doctor, Maisie an activist and I can’t wait to find out what Morrigan’s role in life will be.

Reviewed by Heather

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

Although I suffered through the first book to be able to read this one, it wasn't necessary.
I did like most of the story between Niall and Maisie more than the romance in the first book, it just seemed to be missing something. They fall in love instantly, and then are separated, only to come together and still not develop in their romance. Also, it must just be my fault, but I have no interest in the Scottish uprising.

This is the second book in the Royal Highlander series! I really enjoy historical fiction. This book follows through on all things great about historical fiction romance, intrigue, murder, abduction, blackmail, passion and so much more. I would highly recommend this! Niall and Maisie are complex characters. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to the next book.