Highland Jewel was my first book by May McGoldrick and I really liked it although I would have loved to read the first book first. The characters and the writing was really good.

Highland Jewel is the second book in May McGoldrick’s Royal Highlander series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, the book description sounded fascinating, so I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Oh, my! Highland Jewel is an outstanding Scottish historical romance, but it’s so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. McGoldrick, but it will certainly not be the last. Her writing is vivid, and her detail is amazing. I felt as if I had been dropped right into the middle of the action! The emotions of the characters are so strong, I could feel them deeply.

Maisie Murray’s character is not your typical Regency heroine. She is way before her time and is willing to risk all to stand up for her beliefs. There is nothing meek or mild about her, even though she has presented that demeanor to her family, but it’s to protect them.

Niall Campbell is a great hero. He’s a roughened officer, recently retired from active duty, looking for a new place. He’s not sure what he wants to do, but he knows it’s not politics. I enjoyed his personal journey to find his way as an honorable man in a world filled with political machinations.

The romance between Maisie and Niall is lovely. While it isn’t blazingly sexual as so many are in Regency romances today, it is most satisfying, if not more so. It’s deep and abiding and both characters are determined to protect the other. I truly wanted them to find a happy ending.

If you enjoy historical romance with plenty of substance and detail, then you will love Highland Jewel as much as I did. I can’t wait to read the next book which comes out in March 2020. Now I must go back and read the first book in this amazing series. Happy reading!

Maisie is a firebrand fighting for women’s suffrage. Niall wants nothing to do with trouble after a lifetime serving the Crown. They meet one day at a rally that has turned into a riot when soldiers descend. Niall saves Maisie at his sister’s request. Can they find a way past the political schemes and buried secrets to find lasting love? A good mix of fiction and historical events that will appeal to historical romance readers.

3.5 stars!
A great combination of history, romance, danger and a few other things in between!
Both Maisie and Niall are two wonderful main characters, both filled with passion and a fierce loyalty towards the ones they love
I appreciated how the author weaves in the story of advocacy for women's righ and how that is a big part of Maisie's identity.
This was a wonderful book, hard and painful sometimes, but executed beautifully.
*I received an ARC from the publisher*

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick
3 Stars ⭐️
Blurb:Maisie Murray’s sweet, docile exterior masks the courageous spirit of a firebrand determined to champion women’s suffrage with like-minded friends. But fighting for her principles has swept her directly into harm’s way and into the arms of a man she cannot resist. A trained officer with the Royal Highland Regiment, Niall Campbell has spent his life serving the Crown. Battle weary and searching for peace, he nothing to do with trouble until he meets Maisie. But unless Niall and Maisie can find a way to stand up to the destructive forces that threaten to divide them, long buried secrets and political schemes are destined to stand in the way of the glorious love they’ve found.

This is a new to me author. The story was too political for me with events starting 30 years prior in the opening of this book. Also, I am not into activist heroine stories unless it’s done really well where the romance doesn’t suffer. The romance in this book was on a back burner. This book has flashbacks which take me out of the story. I would like to read Isabella’s story - it sounds interesting!
Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

The "Highland Jewel" is so well-written, the complex characters come to life right off the page and I felt like I was completely involved in all that was happening and had traveled back to 1820 Scotland. It was fast-paced and intriguing and had me sitting on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding and turning the pages as fast as I could because I had to know what was going to happen. I felt a connection to Maisie Murray, a rebel at heart, who was determined to champion women's suffrage with like-minded friends and loved her undeniable chemistry and romance with Niall Campbell, a retired officer with the Royal Highland Regiment.

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted romance that includes actual history and I can hardly wait for book three in the Royal Highlander series.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review.

Although I did not read book 1 this can easily be read as a standalone. I enjoyed reading about Maisie and her place in the Suffragette movement in Scotland. It was nice to read about a strong, independent, free thinking woman for that time period. Of course, we have to add in the ex-military, over protective love interest to really get a good story.

May McGoldrick continues the adventure in Highland Jewel, the second in a three-part series. Reading them in order is recommended because this is a complex, layered story. Prepare to have your heart beating faster as you read the tale of Maisie and Niall, and the complications of a Scotland still under the thumb of an England that wants to stamp out all rebellion. In addition to a passionate love story, the characters are in real danger, and the pace of the story is thrilling. What makes these books so good? Lots of historical details, characters with depth and intelligence, and a plot that engages the reader from start to finish. Whew. (I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions mine.

It took me a little while to get into this book but then I couldn’t wait to see what happened. There is quite an amount of politics, particularly at the beginning but this is essential to the background of the story. The manipulative ways of the government play a major part as well. I did like the characters of Niall and Maisie. Maisie has hidden her true beliefs from her family. Their romance was endearing but certainly not straightforward. There are a number of interesting secondary characters and I look forward to reading Morrigan’s story. Some issues are resolved in this story but not all. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

Highland Jewel, by May McGoldrick, is the second in the Royal Highlander series. Available 9-24-19, it can work as a stand-alone but I would strongly recommend reading Highland Crown first. The timeline between Crown and Jewel overlap. Highland Jewel is told from Maisie Murray's perspective of events during "The Rising". Once again I'm giving a rare 5 stars. The research and talent it takes to blend fact with fiction so well is to be commended.

Our heroine, Maisie, fades into the background on purpose. She plays the part of just another biddable, empty-headed girl. The truth is a far cry from what she projects. She's a political and social activist, dedicated to the cause & aware of the possible consequences. She's so much stronger than anyone knows. She meets her friends brother, Niall Campbell, recently retired from military service. She's put out with him & he can't stop thinking about her. Niall is also strong, determined, loyal, he's a fleshed out complicated character in an impossible situation. He's forced to choose blood or love, who to save & who must be hurt. They spend a lot of the story apart so it's a good thing each can be written independent of the other

Up next will be Highland Sword, Morrigan's tale. Pretty sure it will be entwined with books 1 & 2. Looking forward to it's release. Happy reading.

#Netgalley #MayMcGoldrick #HighlandJewel #RoyalHighlander #StMartin'sPress #Romance

I really enjoyed this book! The romance that built between Maisie and Niall was incredible. Filled with history and danger, this book was a thrill from the start.

Make no mistake, May McGoldrick is one of my verra favorite top ten Scottish historical romance authors. Having absolutely loved book 1, Highland Crown, which featured a brave, courageous, talented doctor heroine and an equally awesome, protective, selfless, dashing swoon worthy hero, I had high hopes for the next book of this series. Well, folks, I’m going to have to chalk this one up to personal preferences getting in the way of my overall enjoyment of the story line. You see, unlike the first book, I felt the scales were tipped way too far to the political content side, stealing too much time from developing an authentic, genuine romantic connection. Normally this author does a great job of juggling both. This time around I felt romance got lost in the shuffle. In order for Highland Jewel to shine, I needed more of the spotlight on the main couple.

My literary litmus test is at 40% I found myself not wanting to continue. A red flag warning for me was instead of being swept off my feet when Maisie and Niall both said .“I love you”... I just wasn’t feeling it. Because of all the verbage/dialog being spent on politics and other matters, they really had not spent all that much time together. Therefore, their connection felt very premature and undeveloped. Their first smexy scene felt rushed and thrown in all for the sake of having one at that point in the story. It didn’t help matters right afterwards they parted ways in such a manner it could be assumed he just ended things.

At 60%, I definitely was done. They weren’t even together anymore, folks. Though circumstances were not of their choosing, I could only guess more time was going to be wasted...Ooops, I likely should say “spent” on the political drama/danger.

So here’s to hoping others really enjoy this addition to the series. Morrigan, Maisie’s sister, is the heroine of the next book. Since she was not portrayed all that favorably in regards to her interactions with Maisie at the start (sarcastic/bratty/even accusing Maisie of having a secret lover), I’m actually surprised she was considered worthy of getting her own book. Yeah, about mid-way they find some common ground/understanding/bonding. I guess we are supposed to forgive, forget, even pretend what I just mentioned didn’t happen. These books after all were meant to feature these three sisters getting their own HEA. So far, I can only recommend Book 1 (Isabella’s story), Highland Crown. Again, I LOVED it.

Title: Highland Jewel, Series: Royal Highlander (Book 2), Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: 329, stand-alone but part of a series, loyal/good guy/former soldier hero, privileged life/activist heroine, perilous situations. Rating: 2.5 stars

Book 1 - Highland Crown (Isabella and Cinead)
Book 2 - Highland Jewel (Maisie and Niall)
Book 3 - Highland Swords (Morrigan and Aidan), releases in 2020

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a free advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Book: Highland Jewel
by May McGoldrick

Series: (Royal Highlander, Book #2)

Release Date: September 24th

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews
Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews, Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating: Hot🔥

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Edinburgh and The Highlands,
August 1820

The heroine of this story is Maisie Muarray. The younger sister of Isabella Murray Drummond, heroine of Highland Crown. Maisie is a bit of a chameleon, living a double life. To her family she is just a pretty face with an empty head that only require a husband and bairns. In other words a life with no other requirements besides being a whore in the bedroom, a cook in the kitchen and housekeeper and governess. For other women this might be enough but not Maisie she has a passionate nature and accomplishments to be met. They find her simple-minded, submissive, often silent and speechless where she is ready to conform to the authority of others. A follower more or less not a leader at all but they are wrong on so many levels.

Those outside the home especially her best friend, Fiona Campbell, knows Maisie has a warrior’s heart and a rebellious nature for the right reasons. Maisie wants to fight to change things for women at peaceful meetings and protests. Proving that this oppression has to stop! It’s not even just for women but everyone who of middle and lower classes. Anyone not born into wealth and nobility. Maisie is the conqueror of women’s rights and justice and wants to change things especially after Peterloo Massacre and similar incidents slaughtering innocent lives! This is how she and Fiona Campbell discover The Edinburgh Female Reform Society together. As they both take pride in carrying the banners for Universal Sufferage and its cause.


The swoon worthy hero of this story is Niall Campbell. A decorated, war hero, and recently retired, veteran officer, of the Royal Highland Regiment. A man who has seen too much death and destruction, for no other reason but to fill the noble Kings pockets! He just wanted to find a quiet, stable life and existence. Of course his senior officers are less than thrilled about losing this young, high ranking, superior, officer.

Niall soon meets and finds out his sister and her new friend are taking big dangerous risks in this new obsession of theirs. He understands their passion, wanting to correct society’s wrongs. Trying to make a better life and protection for others if only it was that simple. He agrees with them, but he also knows they could end up dead. As this corrupt authority will add charges of things they did not do, but can not prove. They will throw them in prison as traitors with the possibility of a traitors death or worse being they are women. In addition his sister is a widow with two young daughters and Maisie’s family would just assume she is missing. As they have no idea she is doing these activities.


During this time he falls in love with Maisie, but than some corrupt officers want Niall under their thumb, abducting someone near and dear to him. All his hopes and dreams come to an end, the only way he can be a savior is to hurt someone close to Maisie. Will this destroy Maisie and Niall’s love and future? Will Maisie ever tell her family who she truly is? Will she ever forgive Niall?

Again another action packed, awe inspiring, extraordinary May McGoldrick novel blew me away! I absolutely loved the main characters of the book Maisie and Niall. I also loved Fiona Campbell as I hope this young widow gets a future book. I loved getting to know the humorous and independent Morrigan Drummond too. Of course this spectacular heartwarming phenomenal novel had my favorite ingredients for a story, true history with a fictional romance. I have been reading May McGoldrick books for over two decades and am never disappointed, finding all their books major addictive! The Edinburgh and Highland settings were absolutely breathtaking. Another amazing dialogue and the extraordinary plotting with so many twists and turns. It made me wonder with my heart racing, what could possibly happen next? You think you have one plot figured out, but find out you are totally wrong! I love that about May McGoldrick novels as they always keep me on my toes guessing!

This book has all the elements historical romance readers love. It is a fast moving heart felt, adventurous, novel with murder plots, attempted murder, blackmail, abduction, espionage, treachery, betrayal, hatred, loyalty, faith, trust, joy, passion, love and more.

Any historical romance or lover of true history is going to love this book. In history I always felt bad for Queen Caroline. So I am glad they are giving her a new life in this book. You can read this as a stand alone book, but I recommend you read Highland Crown too. I can’t wait to read the third book in this magnificent series Highland Sword. That will be Morrigan’s story.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Paperback publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.



Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Jewel-Royal-Highlander-Book-ebook/dp/B07PBLFV1K?_bbid=11880715&tag=individualbookpagesite-20

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-jewel-may-mcgoldrick/1132306384?ean=9781250317285&_bbid=11880713&st=AFF&SID=Barnes+%26+Noble&2sid=Pubmark+Inc._5620418_NA&sourceId=AFFPubmark+Inc.&cjevent=4a28befad9fb11e9825c01330a240613&dpid=tekz25v83

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https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/highland-jewel-2?utm_source=walmarthybrid&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=BookBub&utm_term=bookbubblogd&ranMID=37217&ranEAID=tWxX%2FRg9ax8&ranSiteID=tWxX_Rg9ax8-fzrQ0fBk7wO7Kam2mCFfAQ&siteID=tWxX_Rg9ax8-fzrQ0fBk7wO7Kam2mCFfAQ

https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-jewel/id1455119722/


https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250317278

Though this book is about a different couple to that featured in the first in this series, Highland Crown, you’re going to miss a lot of the underlying context here if you haven’t read Highland Crown. At the end of that book we discovered Cinead’s royal lineage, and the fallout from that discovery. It’s obvious Cinead and Isabella’s marriage will have repercussions for everyone close to them, and in this book we see the effect it has on Maisie, Isabella’s younger sister.

Highland Jewel actually opens before Highland Crown takes place, setting the scene in Edinburgh as we discover Maisie wasn’t the quiet, biddable girl everyone thought. She was heavily involved in the Female Reform Society, a group considered seditious by England’s government, and with her friend Fiona, getting into all sorts of dangerous situations. Fiona’s brother Niall, a former army officer who retired when he couldn’t stomach the violence against his own people he was tasked with, is Maisie’s hero, and put in a terrible situation when his sister is held hostage to force Niall to commit an unspeakable act.

I still can’t quite see, given the historical context of the time, how Cinead and Isabella can get any sort of satisfyingly happy ending considering the impressive forces arrayed against them (and the fact that I know very well he didn’t get to be King of Scotland :P) but I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, Highland Sword, to find out how May McGoldrick manage to wrap this all up. I have every confidence they’ll manage it in some satisfying but unexpected way, though, because honestly this pair of authors are some of the best you’re going to find writing historical romance today. Weaving real historical events with fiction with such a deft touch the lines blur into insignificance, there are history lessons blended with a wonderful romance in every story.

Five stars for yet another fabulous read from May McGoldrick!

Highland Jewel, the second book in the Royal Highlander Series, is a splendid blending of romance, action, and history. The story takes place following the Napoleonic Wars, a time of political unrest and social upheaval across the British Isles. Danger, secrecy, intrigue, betrayal, narrow escapes, and rescues, and a cast of absolutely marvelous characters come together to create fantastic Highland adventure and a dramatic romance. Niall Campbell is a decorated war hero who is tired of war and its aftermath. He wants to return to the highlands and live in peace. Maisie Murray is an activist for social reform, particularly suffrage for all citizens. Niall and Maisie meet through his sister Fiona (also a social activist). They fall in love, but tragedy strikes endangering their desire to marry. Niall must rescue his sister from a charge of treason. Maisie seeks refuge with her sister to avoid the same fate. How does it work out? Can Fiona be saved? Is their hope for Niall and Maisie? This one is a real page-turner. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Oh, look for a big surprise at the end.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Maisie Murray was used to being overlooked due to her sister's brilliance in medicine and surgery, and she used that to her advantage. She helped to found a women's suffrage group in Edinburgh, modeled after those in other parts of England. The problem was, the Prince Regent and his advisers saw any and all reform groups as traitors to the crown.

Highland Jewel is the second novel in the "Royal Highland" series, following Maisie through the events prior and after those discussed in the first novel, Highland Crown. If you missed that novel, you only really miss out on Isabella's story. You learn over the course of this one that she's a physician and then is wanted for information she possibly holds about the protesters and rebels that her husband was meeting with. Maisie is separated from her sister after the British officers storm their home and kill her brother-in-law, and she is shuffled from one location to another to keep her safe. This novel starts long before that fateful day and details how Maisie actually spent her time when not with Isabella in the household.

Maisie is not the meek and empty-headed girl she presented herself to be. She actually wrote a lot of speeches and worked with her best friend Fiona to stir up consideration for women's suffrage in 1820 Scotland. This is not a popular topic by any means, and many protests are dogged by British officers determined to root them all out. The tactics used by the Crown are hardly savory ones, and Niall Campbell is only too aware of them due to his position as a former officer in the army. He wants to keep his sister Fiona safe, but she is soon abducted in order to force him to become a spy against the reformers in Scotland. He is also charged to find the "Son of Scotland" and kill him so that the Scottish people wouldn't rally around him and oppose rule by the Prince Regent, who was also busy defaming his wife with the intent to divorce her. The "Son of Scotland" is her son, and none other than Cinaed Mackintosh, the man that Isabella married.

The driving force of this novel is to flesh out what Maisie was up to, as well as her romance with Niall. Political forces oppose them, and the events that Niall and Maisie had actually happened. Isabella's story had been so tightly focused on what she was experiencing at the time, and in contrast, Maisie's story involves the outside world. She's interacting with different people in Edinburgh, and her experiences with Fiona, Niall, and the various other characters along the way give us a look into the city of the period in a different vantage point. I have no doubt that Morrigan's upcoming story will further flesh out this highly changing time period.

If you like resourceful, dedicated heroines and fearless devoted heroes then you will love Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick. This is the second book I have read by this author, coming to like this historical series very much. As a woman I appreciate those who came before to work towards equality. As a reader, I appreciate how the author has fleshed out the characters making them seem real, natural and full of life.

So well-written that the events came to life making you feel as if you also were experiencing the dangers and the struggles. Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell were a study in contractions in that they have many sides that seemed opposite at times but made them into characters of depth.

While this is a romance, it was not always evident that a happy ending was to be had by the end of this book. But never fear, there is not cliffhanger the story of Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell and his sister Fiona is complete. It might help to read the books in order since they are tied together but I still think that it could be a stand-alone.

This is the second book in the Royal Highlander Series and is just as good as the first. Maisie and Fiona worked together to running meetings to help the gain the respect and the rights of the people. Lieutenant Niall Campbell, Fiona’s brother, has just resigned his commission as he is tired of fighting his own people for the king and the rich. He has saved them when they were leading a demonstration and has warned them of the danger they are in but his warnings go unheeded. I found Maisie stands by her convictions with determination and strength. There were lots of twists and suspense which kept me engaged to find out what was going to happen next. Will Maisie and Niall ever find their HEA? If you read the first book, you will find this one just as compelling of a story. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and this is my honest review.

HIGHLAND JEWEL by May McGoldrick is book Two in the Royal Highlander Series. This is the story of Niall Campbell and Maisie Murray. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Maisie and her friend Fiona Campbell are founding members of the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. They are standing up for the women's suffrage which leads them to protesting which of course in its self if very dangerous. That is how Maisie meets Niall when he comes to a protest to protect his sister. Niall has walked away from the Royal Highland Regiment but when his sister is taken he ends up having to go back into the field. Maisie to ends up suffering the lost of her friend, then Niall along with her home. Isabella her sister and brother-in-law all take off for the Highlands for safety when the threat of being a traitor is made...this brings Niall back into her life.
Enjoyed their story.

A Real Jewel
Highland Jewel is Book #2 of the Royal Highlander series, but you don't need to have read Book #1 (Highland Crown) to understand the plot. However, Book 1 is so well written, with nice characters, that i strongly advise readers not to miss it.
In Book 2, Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell meet in a very dangerous event - a demonstration, which initially was supposed to be peaceful, turned violent when the Royal Guard attacks. Maisie, one of the demonstrators, is saved by Niall, brother of Maisie's best friend.
Niall, an experienced war hero looking for a stable life, can't fight his attraction to idealistic Maisie. And Maisie has her own personal dragons to slay at home - being the Dr. Isabella Drummond's younger sister, she's considered a porcelain doll, when in fact, she's been fighting for women's rights.
I loved reading this book as much as I did with Book 1. Yes, as it happened in the previous book, Book 2 is "a historical romance with real history on it". Still, don't be afraid, take your time and enjoy how the characters, plot and historical facts are worked in a masterful way.
Needless to say I'm anxiously waiting for Book 3, Highland Sword.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.