Highland Jewel is definitely a treat for historical romance reader's like myself. The plots are twisted and the love runs deep in this book, making it a jewel within itself. I recommend Highland Jewel to anyone who enjoys an intriguing romance.

Just as good as the first book in this series! Despite the danger Isabella is always finding herself in her values and morals have not and will not change. It is refreshing to see a character strong willed and stick to their morals despite the danger they may face. Love conquers all.

Maisie Murray is the picture of docility, quiet and compliant in the eyes of her family. To her activist friends, however, she's a fearless crusader for women's rights. In the wake of the Peterloo Massacre, Maisie and a friend found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society, and she carries the banner for universal suffrage.

Niall Campbell, a hero of the wars, a decorated officer of the Royal Highland Regiment, is battle weary and searching for stability in his life. A fierce warrior by training and a poet at heart. Niall walks away from the shining career that lies ahead of him, to the dismay of his superiors. In saving his sister when a protest turns violent, he meets Maisie. Their relationship begins as one of experience versus idealism, of scars versus hope. Soon, however, he finds in Maisie the heart he longs for.


When Niall's sister is arrested and disappears, he quickly realizes his life is not his own, for the British authorities have a mission for him to accomplish in exchange for his sister's freedom. Overnight, Maisie loses Niall, her friend, and her home. And the wake of the riots that sweep through the cities of Scotland, Maisie's own sister Isabella is branded a traitor to the crown, and the family must flee to the Highlands. Here in the heart of the Highlands, Maisie runs into Niall again. He has a new name and carries a message of hope―but Niall has a task to complete―and their future rests on their ability to overcome the forces that divide them, or―for the future of Scotland―she must stop the man who owns her heart.

This second installment of the Royal Highlander series offers readers for more political intrigue than romance.
While the action and cloak-and dagger happenings that surround Maisie and Niall are indeed first rate. Their relationship often seems to be left to its own very lackluster devices.
There is also a very obvious disconnect between Isabelle's story as told in book 1, and Maisie's. Though the effort is made to tie the two together by the end of the second.
All other relationships, save that of Maisie and Niall are well done. And serve to fill in the emotional gaps and story line holes left by that rather unfinished plot point.

Surprised is just a beginning of what I think about this book. Author May McGoldrick takes the reader on a merry chase with the delightful character of Maisie Murray. You know that saying "Cool waters run deep"? That is Maisie and what a merry chase she takes us on in her quest to advance women's rights.

Both Maisie and Fiona, sister to Niall Campbell, are entangled in the quest to advance women's right which put them in a precarious position. The times are unruly and the Crown is persecuting anyone speaking out against the crown.

Niall loves his sister and supports her beliefs but wants her safe. His frustration regarding keeping Maisie safe also takes a huge toll on his sanity. When the government wants him for their personal gain neither of these women are safe so the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride involving these three characters.

The story picks up speed when Maisie and her family go on the run to avoid being taken by the soldiers. The twists and turns to the storyline add even more excitement to this already well written storyline.

Well deserved 5 STARS for this exciting historical love story.

Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 02/28/20

Maisie is quiet and docile for all outward appearances, but inside lurks a woman full of passion and intent on aiding the fight for freedom and equality. In a time where anyone outspoken is branded a traitor and hanged, Maisie must carefully strategize the best ways to bring about more support without outing herself or placing others in harm’s way. A bit naive to the danger, she continues to make appearances at rallies and very nearly gets caught. If it weren’t for the handsome stranger who appears at her side to rescue her, she would have been cut down on the street. When she discovers the identity of her champion is none other than Fiona’s brother, she fears he will out her and her secret activities. Together she and Fiona founded the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. Her family has no clue what she’s been up to and would likely put an end to her fight. But something unexpected happens and before too long, she finds trust and love within the arms of Niall. Unfortunately, his past as a successful soldier brings their future plans to a screeching halt. Maisie suddenly finds herself alone and at a loss. Fear of discovery forces Maisie into hiding and a brutal attack on her home forces her into a new home surrounded by strangers. When Niall shows up and shocks Maisie with his unexpected appearance, she is sure she knows what he is about. But Niall has another purpose and he’s in need of some luck if he’s going to be able to pull it off without getting those he loves caught up in the crosshairs. Maisie has only to trust in him.

Niall is fuming when he discovers the blackguards who tried to enlist him into their nefarious schemes have turned the tables on him; now blackmailing him to carry out their orders. He had plans for a future with Maisie. He was finally going to be free of the death and destruction which plagued his military career. Wanting only a quiet, happy life with Maisie and their future family, he has now been completely derailed and unsure if a future with Maisie is even possible. Hope now barely hanging by a thread, he concocts a plan that just might allow the best outcome possible if he can convince others of his intentions. Maisie showing up before he has a chance to speak his mind ends up working in his favor. But her presence throws a bit of a wrench in his plans – until he ends up married to her. He still has a huge undertaking to pull off and letting Maisie in on the plan isn’t an option. He just prays everything will work out the way he’s desperately hoping it will. If it doesn’t, they could all well die very soon.

Good grief! And the story just gets better! I was wondering how the writing team of May McGoldrick could possibly continue to run with the fast-paced, thrilling read that was book one, but dang! Did they ever! Picking up prior to where book one, HIGHLAND CROWN began, much of the events prior to Isabella’s exile are explained. In the first story, Isabella has already been forced from her home and into hiding. Much of the events leading to such circumstances were explained, but not in great detail. Now, with book two, the reader is allowed to travel back in time and experience everything that happened. HIGHLAND JEWEL begins with an accounting of why Cinaed was abandoned by his mother, then directly to where the first book left off. Following Niall’s unexpected reappearance, the book then travels back to the months prior to the attack on the house at Infirmary Street. I was extremely happy to be able to have a clearer understanding of what took place and everything that led to such a horrific ordeal. Even though a bit of the events were being retold, the telling was created in a way that nothing seemed repetitive. Given that this was all happening through the eyes of Maisie and Niall, rather than Isabella, the information presented as a fresh accounting. In truth, given their very different perspectives, it actually was new. I remained engaged and just as eager to turn each page as I had been in the previous book. Not only was Maisie quite a surprise in her alteration from book to book, but we are also reunited with Cinaed and Isabella. Their transformation was inspiring – both trusting one another implicitly; operating together almost as if two halves of a whole; projecting nothing but love and respect for one another. I loved that their union had progressed to something so powerful when next they appear.

There was a bit of a shift within this book as far as the intimacy between Niall and Maisie. Whereas book one has very little description, the joining within this story was more descriptive. I wouldn’t call it raunchy by any means, but their union was born more of desperation and then having been separated and unsure if they would ever again be together – their circumstances always leaving a bit of doubt and fear that each time could be the last. Also revealed in quite a bit more detail is Cinaed’s mother and finally, her appearance. There is literally just as much, if not more, occurring within these pages as the first tale. May McGoldrick had no problem what-so-ever reeling me right back in and capturing my attention through the books entirety. The bar was set high with HIGHLAND CROWN. I was a bit worried given how wonderful it was, but they met that bar easily with this second installment of the ROYAL HIGHLANDERS series. I very much enjoyed how they were able to expand on events within the previous book, keep every character true to self, and bring something completely new to this story with the love between Maisie and Niall. I knew I would be jumping into a book that continued on the journey begun in the previous book and was thrilled to see all of the former characters once again spring to life. Isabella and Cinaed remain my favorite. How could they not with so much time and emotion invested in them? However, I was very nearly as enchanted with Maisie and Niall’s story and excited that theirs was a completely different path from the previous book.

My advice with this author stands. If you have yet to experience this wonderfully told, beautifully crafted world, interwoven with history and fiction, you are doing yourself a disservice. Do yourself a favor and jump into this series. I promise there will be no regrets. However, this is a series that definitely needs to be read in order. A reader would likely make it through book two without book one just fine, but the absence of knowledge in doing so would be a tragic mistake. Guaranteed to enchant, captivate, and inspire, the ROYAL HIGHLANDS series has thus far been one of the best in HR I have ever come across; truly giving new meaning and life to the genre.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St. Martin’s in exchange for an honest review.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Royal Highlander series. I have to say I loved this one a great deal more than the first. This one was written a little different most of the book was in flashback format. I enjoyed the story and the romance and can’t wait for book 3.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading from the beginning of the series and most certainly will continue reading the rest. The stories are entertaining with just the right amount of intrigue. Coupled with the rich fodder of historical events which the characters play their parts, I was caught up in the utter turmoil of their circumstances. Concerned for their well-being, I was compelled to keep flipping the pages!

The author told the story using three strong women of spirit and determination who wish to make the world a better place for all. Isabella, who was the main heroine in book one, Maisie and Fiona, taking the stage in book two, and Maggie in book 3, The Highland Sword, publishing March 2020.

Fiona and Maisie are heavily involved in changing the conditions women work under. They start a branch of the Female Reform Society. These societies actually existed. The author captures the sentiment of the times when grassroot efforts of women like Fiona and Maisie are spread throughout England.

When the government decides to curb these so-called disturbances of society, they attack unarmed men and women such as what happened at the Peterloo Massacre. Take time to Google and learn about the massacre. They then enacted The Six Acts, further fueling the outrage of the people. With a heavy hand they beat people suspected of involvement and imprison them.

Fiona and Maisie, our heroines, print material to inform the people what is happening and lead rallies. On several occasions they were almost caught, once saved by Niall, Fiona’s brother. Romance is afoot when Niall and Maisie are drawn to each other, but it is questionable whether a burgeoning love can keep danger at bay.

This chaos was a perfect cover for the undergoing of powerful people who had a different agenda, an agenda to weaken Scotland through killing the man known as The Son of Scotland.

Niall, Fiona’s brother, loves his sister and her two children very much and tries his best to protect her, yet give her the freedom she deserves. He understands her motives and sympathizes with her. When a good man has a weakness, his enemies will use it to get what they want. Niall is snared into a plot to harm the queen. He has choices. All are risky and dangerous. Which does he choose?

A remarkable story and clearly one I will remember long into the future.

Another captivating story by this author. I love how they blend history with the romance.

I loved watching Maisie and Niall fall in love. I wish he would have been a little more honest with her, but I get his reasons.

While this was the second in this series, you could easily read it as a stand alone. You'd miss out on seeing Isabella and Cinead fall in love, but you would briefly get their story while seeing them here.

I am looking forward to Morrigan's story. She is interesting

3,5 stars
If you like historical romance with a lot of politics and intrigue, this is definitely the book for you.

This book is the second book in the Royal Highlander series, and I havn’t read the first one, which I think is the reason that I was a bit confused at times.

In this book we meet Maisie Murray who has always spent her life in the shadow of her sister Isabella. Maisie is a very strong-willed woman who uses other People’s assumptions about her to lead a double life. She was a activist fighting for women’s rights and for equal treatment for all. Through her fights she meets Fiona and her brother Niall.
When Maisie first meets Niall a sweet romance starts to develop.

I would definitely recommend this book, but I would recommend that you pick up the first one in the series first, so that you don’t end up confused.

Maisie is a strong protagonist. She fights for what she believes and at the same time, care for the one she loves.

Niall is a great brother who will do anything for his one and only sister. He fell in love with Maisie's fierceness.

I was happy that they were united but in quite not so good situation. That plot twist wow!

I enjoyed Highland Jewel but I still a fan of Highland Crown. Hopefully, I will be given a chance to read Highland Sword too.

Thank you to St. Martin's Paperbacks and Netgalley for the ARC!

5 star read! This review slipped my notice. I had forgotten to post it. But I absolutely loved this book!! Wholeheartedly recommend. May McGoldrick is one of my favorites. This story is no different. The characters and plot are amazing. The world building is, as always, phenomenal. I consider May McGoldrick to be one (two!) of the best world builders in the historical romance genre at the moment. I adore the settings of all of their stories.

A historical fiction romance that I found very interesting and finished in one day.I recommend to any romance reader

Romance, history, an action packed book is exactly what you are getting with this one. This is the second book in a series and found myself a little lost, having not read the first. However, I was still able to enjoy the story and get involved with the characters.
Niall and Maisie are our two main characters and I fell in love with then both. They sure kept things moving and Niall just makes you swoon. Absolutely enjoyed this story, definitely reading the first so that I don't feel lost. Highly recommend.

Another great book in this series, it has all the elements we want in a good book. It’s fast moving, suspenseful, and has so many great twists and turns. The characters are interesting and believable; their romance well-paced and invitingly written. The history came alive in this story, making me feel I was right there in Scotland. A really good book.

This series is heavy on a history of the times skillfully blended with fiction such that the line often gets blurred between fact and fiction for the reader. This second book in the series has a lot more romance and interestingly it fills in the lines on the romance that the first book in the series appeared to lack.
Maisie is a firebrand, she strongly believes in women's rights as well as fundamental human rights that the English seek to destroy. Unbeknownst to her family she's out in public and barely escapes capture by the English a few times. Nial Campbell has come home sickened by the human carnage that he's seen in battles and wants to do nothing more than live his life in peace. He tries to do what he can to keep his sister and his love Maisie safe in their dangerous activities. Unfortunately his sister is kidnapped and held hostage to force him into taking on a job that he's already refused.
When Maisie and he come together again, they are on opposite sides but perhaps appearances can be deceiving. I really enjoyed how this story played out especially some of the surprises that came along totally unexpectedly. I can't wait to see how the next book in the series ties together all the events for what I believe will be a stunning climax.

What a fun book. I absolutely loved it. Very well written and with characters that I fell in love with. I highly recommend it.

May mcGoldrick writes lush Highland tales that I can not get enough of. Her Highland Heroes are so brawny and deep that I fall in love with them,.

The second book in the Highland series and I loved the continuing of this story! It was so cool to see Isabella and Cieand's story through her sisters Maise's love story. Thankfully.y, the author answered a lot of what happened to Isabella's story after her and Cienad married.

Maise is SASSY and I love it. She speaks her mind, which isn't a normal or even acceptable behavior for the period. She is fighting for women's rights at the beginning of when women started to do so, also very dangerous as you could be imprisoned or killed for it in this time period.

Love it! I cannot wait for the next book!!

This is a powerful novel from start to finish with strong characters and an excellent plot that leaves you on the edge of your seat right to the very end.

Maisie is an amazing woman that almost leads a double life. With her family, they have always viewed her as a sweet, quiet girl and as a future wife with no thoughts or opinions. This is in the backdrop of a family that hides some political secrets that could destroy them. When she is away from her family, she is actually a champion of women’s rights and the average Scottish person. She hands out pamphlets, organizes rallies – in fact we even see her almost captured at one! She is one incredible female in a time when women were not allowed to behave and think like this. She is fearless in her fight to champion for those would could not fight.

Enter Niall, an officer with the Royal Highland Regiment with quite the fierce history. He has seen and done things that he would like to forget. He has returned home for peace but finds more then he bargains for. His sister is close friends with Maisie and her partner in championing for women’s rights. Niall would do anything to protect both his sister and Maisie, whom he finds himself attracted to instantly (and the feeling is mutual). They have excellent chemistry throughout the novel and are very well suited.

Throw in a kidnapping, blackmailing and we have so many twists that you will not want to put this book down. It had me guessing right to the very end.

The novel is well written, with a great pace to the story. You never feel overwhelmed or lost but it also never feels too slow. I love how she ties in secondary characters from this series, and while you can read this novel on its own, I do recommend reading book one.

(2.5 rounded up to 3)
Unfortunately, Highland Jewel wasn’t quite what I was hoped for. Maisie and Niall were interesting characters in their own right. I adored Maisie’s strength, though at times her naivety was a major source of irritation. Niall was a tad overbearing but I think that is pretty typical for highland males. While I enjoyed them separately, I wasn’t sold on their chemistry as a couple.

Steeped in the social and political issues of the time, Highland Jewel gives readers an in-depth glimpse of the issues plaguing Scotland post-Napoleon. I can only imagine the amount of effort that went into researching and weaving historically accurate facts into this intriguing story. While impressive, it sometimes felt like I was reading a history book and it significantly slowed my reading.

The biggest drawback for me was the alternating timelines that jerked readers from present to past events to fill in the background. Not all readers have this peeve so it isn’t the end of the world but it certainly had an impact on the enjoyability for me.

I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book in the series, but I would give May’s work another chance in the future.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.