Yet another skilful blending of historical fact and fiction. The second book in a trilogy the story goes back and forth in time but in the main covers a similar period to the first book but this time focusing on Maisie and her love interest. Felt it was a shame that whilst the authors had a good grasp of the politics of the day, they were unaware that Scotland does not have sidewalks or street blocks but otherwise this was a good story. Looking forward to reading Morrigan’s story in the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Title: Highland Jewel



Series : Royal Highland #2



Author: May McGoldrick



Genre: historical romance



Pages : 329



St. Martin's publishing



September 24,2019



Rating :4.5





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



My thoughts

Would I recommend it? Yes

Would I read more of this series ? Yes

Would I read more by this author ? Yes

This is the second book to the Royal Highland series and just like the first one I enjoyed it , the author brought to life the characters as well as their struggles and what was happening doing that time period .This story has everything that you would want in a romance , it has romance, danger , history and political intrigue , once you start to read it you won't want to put it down , after read this one and book one I can't wait for the next one to come out . With that said I want to thank St.Martin's and Netgalley for letting me read and review it .

This is an exciting story from start to finish, I love the descriptive storytelling that brings this to life.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

This is a story of a couple that obviously was meant to be together, though, at times, it might seem otherwise. To her family, Maisie Murray is a compliant, docile, gentle soul. However, beneath the surface of this sweet girl lies a warrior, willing to go to any lengths necessary in the fight for woman’s rights, especially suffrage. Massie and her friend found an organization, Edinburgh Female Reform Society to fight for woman’s suffrage. War hero Niall Campbell, worn out from the life of a soldier, gives up his career to for a search for stability in his life. During a violent protest, Niall meets Maisie, and the pair realize that, despite Niall’s battle-weary past, and Maisie’s strong idealism, they may just make it together. After the disappearance of his sister, Niall then finds that the British authorities have a mission for him—in exchange for his sister’s release. Meanwhile, violent protests cause Maisie and her family to relocate to the Highlands, where, probably by happenstance, she meets up with Niall again, with has a new name, a mission and a message of hope. Niall and Maisie must now overcome every and all forces, which may impact the future of Scotland, to finally reach the desired goal of living together in love and peace.

This is a well-done book true followers and lover of historical romances will read and enjoy. The other book in the series, Highland Crown, can help set the stage for this book, so, if possible, though not necessary, any reader may want to read it first. Maisie and her friend were fighting for a cause that is near and dear to my heart, woman’s suffrage. Niall was also a strong person, totally devoted to his beliefs and to the people he loved. Both were embroiled in a tumultuous, but very important, time in their country’s history. I loved the way the author took history during an era of unrest and reconciliation and mixed it with a wonderful tale of romance, love and devotion to one’s family and ideals. I love the artful way the author manages to mix history with romance, presenting a good picture of the times in a delightful, interesting manner. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

A wonderful journey through history. Reading this story is like standing in the middle of the action. Niall thought he was done with war and found the love of his life in Maisie. This is a story that depicts the fierceness of the women who fought tirelessly to bring freedom to the common people of Scotland. It is also about the men they supported and who stood by them through it all. This story is built on the facts of the freedom fights. Despite all the spies, intrigue and the people out to stop their progress they still persevere. I love the depth of research and feeling that has gone into creating this masterpiece series.

Highland Jewel was a wonderful read featuring a delightful romance between two characters searching for their place in the world.

To her family, Maisie Murray is the same quiet woman she has always been. In private, Maisie is one of the cofounders of the Edinburgh Female Reform Society which advocates for women’s rights. Niall Campbell, a decorated officer, is ready to settle into a quiet life far away from the battles he fought for the Crown. But after Niall meets Maisie, that quiet life goes out the window. As the two fall in love, the situation in their country worsens and when Niall’s sister is arrested, the other cofounder of Maisie’s women’s society, Niall is forced to take on a job that will destroy the life he was trying to build with Maisie. But when the pair encounter each other months later in the Highlands, it becomes clear that nothing between them has changed.

The beginning of Maisie and Niall’s relationship is actually nice and I enjoyed how well the two fit with each other. The two are very compatible and ultimately want the same things out of life. After Niall’s sister is kidnapped, their relationship is essentially put on hold as Niall leaves town with Maisie eventually following suit for different reasons. Their reunion is fairly dramatic, which is understandable due to the circumstances, and the progression of the relationship picks up a lot after that. Physically the two have great chemistry and when their physical relationship progresses it’s very well done with some fantastic scenes.

The back-drop of the Scottish rebellion is once again prevalent in this book, more so at times because Maisie is directly involved with a women’s group fighting against the unfair laws. I liked getting to see a different side of the rebellion than we saw in the first book and I still find it to be a fascinating topic. The timeline of this book somewhat overlaps with the first book in the series before eventually moving past the end of that book. We do get to see quite a bit of the characters from Highland Crown which was nice. There is a fair amount of focus on Maisie’s relationship with Morrigan, Isabelle’s step-daughter who is Maisie’s age, and it was great to see how much their relationship grew over the course of the book.

I enjoyed Highland Jewel more than the first book in the series, Highland Crown, and I’m looking forward to reading the third book, Highland Sword, next year. I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for a new historical romance series to read.

Excellent continuation of the Royal Highlander series. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, the experience will be richer if you read Highland Crown first. One of my favorite things about both books is that they deal with events outside the usual Society life. Indeed, the upper crust of Society is shown in an entirely different light. The setup of the book is a little different also. It starts in the middle of the story, goes back to the beginning to catch up, then continues in the present. Part of the story also takes place at the same time as the previous book, but from Maisie's point of view rather than Isabelle's.

There are two sides to Maisie. One is the quiet, docile girl who doesn't seem to have a thought in her head. This is the side that her family sees, and the reason for it is heartbreaking. Outside of the home, she shares with her family, Maisie is just the opposite. She is an activist, working for the rights of women and the ordinary people of Scotland. She has formed a Women's Reform Society with her best friend, Fiona, where they meet to talk about issues, plan protests, and recruit new members. Unfortunately, the British government is cracking down on what it considers to be subversive activity.

Niall is Fiona's brother. He recently retired from active service, disturbed by the things he's been called to do since the end of the war with Napoleon. All he wants now is a stable, quiet life with his sister and nieces. He is dismayed to discover Fiona's double life, knowing from experience the danger she is in. When a rally turns dangerous, Fiona begs Niall to save Maisie too. From that moment on, there is an undeniable connection between Niall and Maisie.

I liked the development of the relationship between Maisie and Niall. Though he was a soldier for a long time, there is also a softer side to him that comes out around Maisie. She understands that the things he's seen haunt him. I liked the way that she listens to more than just the words when he talks. Niall is also just as protective of Maisie as he is of Fiona and I ached for how he worries about them both. The feelings between them grow rapidly, but there are obstacles to overcome. Maisie's brother-in-law has taken a dislike to Niall, and she has to find a way to overcome that. She also needs to tell them about her other life. But before she can do that, Fiona is taken by the authorities.

There is more behind Fiona's capture than either Maisie or Niall is aware of at first. Niall is blackmailed into accepting a dangerous mission for the Crown. Accepting the danger to save his sister, Niall refuses to drag Maisie into it. Instead, he frees her from their commitment, breaking her heart. He never expects to see her again, but fate has other plans. The intrigue and intensity ramp up when Niall shows up in the Highlands under suspicious circumstances. There are multiple twists and turns that put Niall, Maisie, and even Cinead and Isabelle in danger. I was glued to the pages as each event played out, and I found myself rooting for the best outcome. I loved seeing Niall and Maisie come together despite the turmoil around them. I especially enjoyed Niall's words to Maisie at the end about their future and life together.

The story arc that runs through both books, and will continue into book three, is an intriguing one. I love seeing more of the world outside London, and the realistic look at the social problems of the day. The story of Cinead and his mother is especially intriguing. I ached for Caroline and what she went through. I was somewhat familiar with her as a historical character, but these books provide a different look into her life. The ending brought tears as Caroline finally got her dearest wish. It will be interesting to see where it goes in the next book.

The secondary characters were terrific as well. My favorites were Fiona and Morrigan. I liked Fiona's determination to make a better world for her daughters. She and Maisie made an excellent team, each with their own strengths. My favorite was Morrigan. I liked seeing her relationship with Maisie change from adversarial to the closeness of sisters. She is just as committed to her cause as Isabelle and Maisie are. I look forward to the next book and seeing what is in store for her.

This book was very good and highly entertaining.. I really enjoyed reading this book by one of my favorite authors. The characters were well developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. You get a sense of the time and place of historical facts with lots of romance added in. I felt so much in this book which is the second in the series.
Maisie Murray is one heck of a lady. She's got the timid exterior, but inside she is a warrior for women's suffrage. She is a fighter in her own mind and wants the future in women's rights here and now. But there is a lot of opposition from outside forces.
When Maisie is caught in a firestorm of a mob, she is rescued by her best friends brother. His name is Niall Campbell a trained officer with the Royal Highland Regiment. He is not very happy about finding the woman in such a fix.. Niall is just tired and wants only peace in his life. When he meets Maisie, he knows she is trouble with a capital T.
But Niall and Maisie are destined to be together, and love is the key.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review. Looking forward to the next one.

This is my fair and honest review, in my own words, in exchange for this ARC. While this book was well written, to my mind it is more of a political expression than a romance.

Highland Jewel
A Royal Highlander Novel #2
May McGoldrick
St. Martin’s Press, Sep 23, 2019
313 pages
Historical romance
Provided by NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌙 4.5 stars

The cover isn’t anywhere near as exciting as the book itself is. What drew me to the book is the author’s name. I’ve always liked Ms. McGoldrick’s books and this one is no exception.

Maisie’s father and older sister, Isabella, are doctors. When their father dies, Isabella marries Dr. Drummond, who is a radical. He has a daughter about Maisie’s age, Morrigan, but the girls are nothing alike and aren’t close. So Maisie goes on her quiet way and the household sort of overlooks her most of the time. However, pretty Maisie isn’t the empty-headed lightweight they all seem to think she is. She listens when Dr. Drummond’s radicals meet at the house and she reads the papers and forms opinions. She and her friend Fiona have formed the Female Reform Society in Edinburgh. They speak in small groups with the women in the city. They print up and post the information so that people can understand what’s being passed as law. And now they’re speaking at local gatherings. Gatherings that the local constabulary are about to break up mounted on horses with clubs and pikes. Fiona escapes ahead of the horses and clubs. Maisie is saved by Fiona’s brother, Lieutenant Niall Campbell, now retired from the 42nd Royal Highlanders. His regiment is famous for its loyalty to the Crown and its bravery and brutality. But what Maisie sees is a very handsome man who is trying to tell her what to do. Go home and stop getting in the way of danger.

True to historical romance form, as the story goes on, the hero and the heroine, of course, grow to have warmer feelings for each other. I don’t want to tell the story here, but after several crises and some time and travel for each of our main characters, fortune will shine on them again. But it takes a kidnapping, a death, a loss of home for both, a marriage to a famous renegade, a close call, being thrown in prison, a queen, a threat or two, and Maisie speaking out again. I recommend this second book in the Royal Highlander series and probably the others of the series as well. This is an author that is easy to recommend.

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick 4 stars

I confess I haven't read anything by May McGoldrick and thought this book started out slow. I was getting ready to give up and told myself two more chapters. I'm glad I didn't give up; the book turned out to be very entertaining.

This is Book #2 in the Royal Highlander series and I think that you miss some of the plot points if you didn't read Book #1 Highland Crown. The main characters Maisie and Niall were done very well and the historical aspects of the book was interesting. The criticisms spoken by Niall were unfortunately true, armies were used to further the economic interests of large British owned companies of the time. The colonialism of Britain quashed many nations and essentially looted their resources in the name of profit. The unrest of the British citizenry was due to a downturn in economy, the movement from agrarian to industry and social injustice between classes. The call for universal suffrage threatened the old establishment. I sure some of the aristocracy was afraid that the revolution would ensue.

In terms of the romance, the historical plot points did not detract from the love story. I found that Maisie and Niall were able to navigate obstacles in order to have their HEA. The next book in the series is Highland Sword that features Morrigan Drummond should be an exciting end to the series. I hope that the bad guy finally gets what he deserves in that book.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC,

The Highland Jewel is the second book in the Royal Highlander series. I believe you can read it as a standalone. However, your reading experience will definitely be enhanced by reading the first book prior to this so that you have the complete history of the characters involved from the beginning.

This book not only gives you a classic historical romance feel, it also blends in some legitimate historical events along with the romance. The main character, Maisie, is a spirited and brave woman who is open to trying new experiences. She has also led a movement for women's rights with her good friend, Fiona. It is through Fiona, that she meets Niall, Fiona's brother. Even though their initial meeting is a bit awkward, they end up becoming friends and then realize that they care about one another as more than friends.

Maisie and Niall are both dedicated to their families. Niall's sister, Fiona is taken and held as a prisoner in order to get him to do things he has no interest in doing. Life gets in the way and Niall and Maisie are forced apart. Niall has a mission and Maisie and her sisters are forced to leave their home after an attack on it. They meet up again years later and find that they still care for one another. But will it be that easy??

I really enjoyed Highland Jewel and look forward to reading others in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this book to read in exchange for a fair review. Highland Jewel is the second book the A Royal Highlander series written by May McGoldrick (the husband and wife writing team of Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick) The novels blend a mix of history and fiction to tell the stories of three sisters, Isabella, Maisie and Morrigan. The first book told Isabella’s story. This book tells the story of Maisie Murray and Nial Campbell. I do think you should read the first book before reading this one. When Nial’s sister Fiona is arrested Maisie blames herself and separate factions attempt to blackmail Nial into working for them with his sister as hostage. The story is full of action and adventure and will keep you turning pages avidly to see what happens next. I very much enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading Morrigan’s story next. Light steam. Publishing Date September 24, 2019 #NetGalley #HighlandJewel #ARoyalHighlander #MayMcGoldrick #StMartinsPress #StMartinsPaperbacks
#HistoricalRomance #HighlanderRomance #Bookstagram

I enjoyed this book more than the first one, there was a lot of back and forth in the story that had me confused at times. Maisie is a strong woman who truly wants whats right for all and will fight to get it. Niall, her friend Fiona's brother, saves her a few times and falls in love. Lots of twists that I didn't expect, no spoilers here, that made it such a good story! Can't wait for book 3 and Morrigan's story. I would highly recommend reading book 1 in this series, Highland Crown, before reading this one as it's a continuation in the story.

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Highland Jewel is the second book of the Royal Highlander series by May McGoldrick (also known as Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick). You don't have to read the prior book first, but I recommend doing so. The characters and history in that book are deftly blended with the ones herein. You'll get maximum enjoyment if you read both in order. The beginning of this story actually occurs before the start of book one.

Maisie Murray is the sweet, quiet sister of Isabella and stepsister Morrigan. Or so she would have them believe... Unbeknownst to her family, Maisie and her best friend Fiona are the founders of the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. They are fighting for the rights of not only women but also those of the Scottish people who are downtrodden under the monarchy. One day Maisie and Fiona are caught up in the violence of a protest and are saved by Fiona's brother Niall Campbell. He was formerly in the Royal Highland Regiment, but he retired because the soldiers were being used to suppress people for the government. Niall is immediately smitten with Maisie, and she with him. However, their happiness is torn away when Fiona is arrested and imprisoned. Niall is contacted by politicians who will see that his sister is released. First, however, Niall must do a certain task for them...

The romance between Maisie and Niall was very sweet and I really liked both characters. I loved seeing familiar characters from the first book. The stars of this story, however, are politics and history. The authors obviously did their homework concerning this unsteady time in history. It's absolutely horrible how the government treated those they should have been protecting. Though the history and politics were very interesting, I think they both overshadowed Niall and Maisie's romance. They just didn't get enough screen time together. I don't feel like I really got to know Niall. Still, the story was excellent and I can't wait to read Morrigan's book!

I must give special props to Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick. I can't get my husband to read a book, never mind write one with me!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Set in Scotland in the 1820’s, this novel is full of the atmosphere of rebellion, protest against the English, the rise of industrialism and the ever-present wish for a free Scotland. Niall and Maisie are caught up in the politics of the time, and their love story is interrupted by the intrigues of the court. I enjoyed this story and look forward to Morrigan’s story.

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

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick
Royal Highlander 2

A mother’s promise should never be broken...even if it takes over two decades to keep. No matter how hard Caroline tried to get back to see her son – she was thwarted – until this book allowed it to finally happen. This book begins with a promise made by a soon-to-be-queen to a son she had before the marriage. Her intentions are good but political intrigue keeps her away. She will find someone to help her bring this about and that man is a man of honor, soldier and so much more!

In this book we have Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell meeting when he saves her from the sword of a soldier in the midst of a rally the soldiers are to break up. Maisie and Fiona, Niall’s sister, are active in a reform group working to improve the situation of those oppressed by the English. The times are dangerous with spies and informers working against those who are activists. In spite of the tense situation Maisie and Niall eventually come to an understanding but of course, something throws a wrench in their happily ever after...at least for awhile.

This book has some overlapping time with book one in the series and has a number of the same characters in both books. It is not essential to read book one to understand this book but I really did enjoy Highland Crown and highly recommend it, too.

This book has murder, mayhem, intrigue, history, love, loss and a whole lot more. The history is there but not the main part of the story...though history impacts more than one person in this book in big ways.

What I liked:
* Maisie’s strength of character and willingness to work for what she believes is right
* Niall’s commitment to family and to what he believes is right.
* The romance between Maisie and Niall
* The closeness that develops between Isabella, Maisie and Morrigan
* Learning how people reacted when Maisie’s true self is revealed
* The bad guys getting caught
* Caroline being able to keep the promise she made to her son
* Wondering who will have their story next...Morrigan or perhaps Fiona or maybe someone else.


What I didn’t like:
* The bad guys…
* The way people in power use power for their own gain (I do wish this would change but it never does)
* Having the book end

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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. A trained officer with the 42nd Highland Regiment, Niall Campbell has spent his life serving the Crown. When he's ordered to go to Ireland & stamp out any rebellion he knows his days as a soldier are finished so resigns his commission. He returns to Edinburgh to spend time with his sister Fiona & her two young daughters, whilst there he meets Maisie. The pair fall in love & agree to marry but Fiona is arrested & her life is dangled in front of Niall in order for him to perform a task for the government.
This is the second book of this spellbinding series & events from the first book do overlap as both books take place at the same time. I felt this book didn’t pull me through the wringer as much as the previous one but it still took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It's over three hundred pages &, luckily, I began it just after lunch & my head didn’t lift until I'd finished it. Intrigue, treachery & romance held me totally enthralled. I loved both Niall & Maisie who really deserved each other. It was set against a backdrop of the troubles in Great Britain after the Napoleonic Wars & the plight of many ordinary people & I loved the mix of historical fact & fiction.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is a wonderful period book. You really feel like you're there. The writing is excellent and the characters are well developed. Enjoy!

Highland Jewel covers the rarely known Radical War of 1820. When you say Regency, people think balls and pretty gowns. But the Radical War in the Highlands is a time of brutality and beauty.

Maisie Murray and her family have found shelter at Dalmigavie Castle, the place at the heart of the resistance in the Royal Highlander series by May McGoldrick. Maisie and her family are committed to Scotland’s fight for freedom. For every success, betrayal is biting at their heels.

Six months earlier, Maisie had been the picture of docility, quiet and compliant in the eyes of her family. To her activist friends, however, she is a fearless crusader for women’s rights. In the wake of the Peterloo Massacre, Maisie and a friend had founded the Edinburgh Female Reform Society, and she had carried the banner for universal suffrage. Caught up in the wave of her enthusiasm, Maisie never expects to fall in love with the man who saves her life during one of their protests.

Niall Campbell, a hero of the wars and 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. Beautiful explanation towards the end of the story, why Niall left the British Army and chose to join the resistance.

Maisie and Niall’s 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.