With the epic series beginning in Highland Crown, I thought that the following books couldn’t possibly live up to the bar that was set. Au contraire. This was every bit as good as the first book – just a bit less intense. Not less exciting and interesting, just less intense because this story happens at the same time as the first one – but from another perspective. Therefore, I already knew some of the events that would take place and I could read with that in mind.

There was a lot of social unrest in Scotland, England, and Ireland after the Napoleonic wars. Rather than try to make fair laws to help all of its citizenry, the Regent/King and parliament passed laws that basically stripped citizens of their basic rights. Those laws lead to more unrest and the populace began to rebel. Ever fearful of its citizens taking the same path as those in France had taken, the government clamped down, sent in spies to infiltrate the groups, and sent in troops who beat, massacred and the participants. The Peterloo massacre was one of those events. The author has masterfully woven fact and fiction together that keeps you riveted to the page. I particularly liked the reimagining of Princess Caroline’s life.

Maisie Murray has always lived in the shadow of her older sister who was always their father’s favorite. Her sister was brilliant, compassionate, beautiful and shared their father’s interest in medicine. Maisie just never measured up in her father’s eyes, so she quit trying. She didn’t give up on life – she just went her own way and did her own thing while presenting a meek, mild, and frivolous face to her family. After their father died and her sister married a man in order to give Maisie security and stability, Maisie continued to present the same face to her new family.

Maisie became appalled at the oppression of those around her especially after the new laws were passed. Things were getting worse and worse for ordinary citizens and Maisie had to get involved. She and her best friend, Fiona, founded the Edinburg chapter of the Female Reform Society with the goal of suffrage for all citizens. Once the new seditions laws were passed even their non-violent meetings were illegal and would be treated as treason by the crown. Maisie really came into her own and began to blossom as a real leader. Her main talent was writing and she wrote all of the pamphlets and flyers for the society. However, later, she was forced upon the speaking platform and found that she also had a real talent for engaging the crowds. She never had any thoughts about love, marriage or even whether she was attractive or not – her entire focus was in her suffrage movement. Then, the troops started cutting a swath through one of the rallies and she was on the stage – and couldn’t get down – until a very large and handsome man saved her.

Niall Campbell, highly decorated war hero, had had enough of being required to draw his sword against his own countrymen – so he retired from the military. Not only was he highly decorated, he was revered by his men, and greatly respected by those to whom he reported. They tried their best to convince him not to retire, but he’d just had enough. Niall knew of his sister’s political activities and was on the outskirts of a rally when he saw the militiamen start cutting through the crowd. As he started toward the platform to save his sister Fiona, he caught sight of another woman who was saving her. His sister begged him to go and save her friend Maisie. After that first meeting – he and Maisie became closer and closer and finally agreed to marry.

When Fiona is arrested and charged with treason, Niall is beside himself. He’ll do anything to free her – even if that means giving up Maisie. The government has a task for him to do – and if he completes it, his sister will go free.

I loved this book – but I don’t suggest reading it as a standalone. Be sure to read the first book as it sets up the entire premise of the series and the additional books work off that one. I loved that all of the ends were wrapped up and we got to know Morrigan better – setting up for the next adventure.

One thing I didn’t understand was – why was Niall still only a Lieutenant? He was in the military for ten years, he was highly decorated, his men loved him and his superiors greatly respected him. I’d think he’d have been a major or more likely a colonel at that point.

I highly recommend this book – and I can hardly wait for the next one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fantastic historical romance!

As much as I loved Book 1, Highland Crown, I have to admit I love this one more. Still the same all-consuming historical detail that requires frequent reality checks to make sure you're still in the 21st Century, but this one was a little more sweetly focused on the romance.

And oh, what a romance! Maisie is so sweet, so perfect for Niall, and oh boy is he worthy of more than a few swoons! An love story for the ages, to be sure, yet it also felt like these were everyday people that we'd be friends with in real life. I was completely swept away, and I couldn't have loved it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Maisie Murray's family believe her to be docile and empty-headed, a beautiful doll. They couldn't be further from the truth, but she cultivates this misconception since it enables her to have freedom for her activist activities. She and her friend Fiona found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society and protest for equal rights and speak out against an increasingly repressive government.

Lieutenant Niall Campbell, decorated officer of the 42nd Royal Highlanders is done with fighting the king's wars and craves a quiet, settled life. His superiors despair of his loss but he's determined not to return to government service, especially when he meets his sister's friend Maisie and realizes she is just what he wants for his future.

But when Niall's sister is arrested and he is unable to find her, he realizes the government never intended to let him go so easily. The government has a task he must accomplish to free his sister and overnight Maisie loses her friend, her fiance, and her home. Maisie and her family are forced to flee into the Highlands where fate brings her and Niall together again. But Niall's task remains incomplete and his sister is still imprisoned and if they can't overcome the secrets and treachery that stand between them, both their future, and that of all of Scotland, is in danger.

Y'all this book stressed me out. Maisie and Niall had so much to overcome and Niall was so questionable for a good part of the book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. This is part of a series, but I think you'd probably still understand everything as a standalone, thought I'd definitely recommend reading the first one before this one. This book gives us more details of the events leading up to the start of the previous book then gives us more information from after that book ends and I had to go back to the first book to get the timeline straight. As with its predecessor, this book is heavier on the action, intrigue and history than on steamy romance, but it was steamier than it's predecessor and I was here for the Robert Burns quotes. This book is incredibly well-written and didn't even have the editing issues I expect in ARCs. I'll definitely keep following this series and I'm looking forward to the next one.

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

Highland Jewel (Royal Highlander, #2) by May McGoldrick...Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. I felt a little lost with the jumping back and forth from past to present. I also felt I missed to much from not reading the first book in this series. There is history, intrigue and suspense.. I would give this 3 1/2 stars.

I've always been intrigued by historical fiction but hold a special affection for stories that take place in the Highlands before and after the Jacobite rebellion and the battle of Culloden (cue Outlander *sigh*).

The Highland Jewel is a historical gem, highlighting the Female Reform Society in which the heroine, Maisie, was instrumental in developing.

Niall, an ex officer of the Royal Highlander Regiment, returns home to lead a quiet life until he meets Maisie, his sister Fiona's best friend.

There's plenty of intrigue and mystery as Maisie and Niall's story is further complicated by the return of the "son of Scotland" stirring up dormant Jacobite sentiments.

The writing is excellent and transported me in time for the duration of the novel. Loved it!

Maybe I'm a broken record, but I'll say it again. I love May McGoldrick's books. They are clever, have great character development, have excellent chemistry, intrigue the reader, and leave me wanting more. Also, I love how they have infused some actual events and historical accuracies into this romance. Everything about it works for me and I always dread waiting for the next book in the series.

This story focuses on Maisie Murray, Isabella Drummond's sister (from HIghland Crown - Royal Highlander book 1). Maisie is not what she seems. In fact she's been hiding in the shadows of her sister's brilliance as a doctor. What her family doesn't know is that she's involved in advocacy for women's rights, starting a women's equality group along with her best friend, Fiona. When things become unsettled with the royal government and gathering becomes illegal, she and Fiona find themselves in danger. Fiona's brother, Niall Campbell, a retired soldier helps his sister and Maisie escape some drastic "police" violence and arrests. Of course, Maisie and Niall fall in love (and it's so yummy), and they will wed. Until Fiona goes missing, arrested by the crown, and Niall is forced to complete one of the crown's missions.

This ultimately takes him into contact again with Maisie. And once reconnected, their love blooms and the plot thickens with a twist.

I love this series and eagerly await the third.

I really enjoyed this second book in the Highlander series. I can't wait to read the first one after this.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick

This book in the second installment in a series of three: ‘Royal Highlanders’ after Highland Crown and before Highland Sword.
It can be read as a stand-alone as the parts from book 1 are briefly summarized but not having read it, I felt I missed some good bits of the stories as the events in book 1 and 2 overlap. I am going to read Highland Crown now for my own curiosity. And I am definitely looking forward Highland Sword because I have grown very attached to the character this new book will focus on. It’s really more like a saga as the characters from book 1 are still very present and important through the story line.

Highland Jewel is about Maisie and Niall. Niall is a retired lieutenant of the 42nd Royal Highlanders. Maisie is friend with his sister Fiona. Both women are radical reformers having started the Edinburgh chapter of the Female Reform Society. Maisie and Niall will soon be caught into a political game putting their young love at risk.

If you like historical romance where history is as important as the romance component, this book is for you. The authors weaved the story around many actual historical facts without taking away from the story of two people meeting in trouble times and falling in love. It’s not all about romance but the build up of feelings is very satisfying nonetheless. The characters are well developed even if a bit too perfect sometimes. Maisie is one very modern heroine. And Niall a very caring Highlander.

A must read.

Honest review in exchange of an ARC.

“Highland Jewel” by May McGoldrick
This is a good story…that took me just short of forever to finish reading. My because, I just never really got hooked by the any of the characters. I cared but never got fully emotionally attached. I received an ARC via NetGalley from the publisher and this is my opinion of the story. It is a good read and an excellent reminder that we should know history, if for no other reason than to ensure that history does NOT repeat itself. This story is well worth the read. Happy Reading !!

Highland Jewel (Royal Highland Book 2) features Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell. I really liked Maisie, she was the kind of heroine I could root for. The hero, Niall, on the other hand I never warmed to.
This book was ok, but not one of my favorites. I liked the premise of this story, especially the fact that it was a little different than most of the other historical romances. I didn't love it though, not as much as I hoped I would when I started it. It felt more like historical fiction than historical romance. The romance took a backseat to everything else going on and I wasn't fan of it. I also wasn't fan of time jumping in the chapters.
I feel like I say this a lot about books these days, so maybe the problem is with me, but the beginning of this title was better than the end. But overall this wasn't a bad book or a bad story. It was a complex and interesting story. I feel like this deserves solid 3 stars, I liked it.

Here are my thoughts on Highland Jewel: McG’s writing is infused with MAJOR old-school romance flavors. It has kind of a sweeping and epic vibe that made me nostalgic for Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and her ilk. Highland Jewel is dramatic and ALMOST too over the top but it’s well executed and the characters are well developed so it still worked for me.

The backdrop of specific 19th century British/Scottish political strife and turmoil was actually pretty interesting. Often I will be a little bored by these kind of details if they’re emphasized too much. But it was working for me here. I really enjoyed this book.

Highland Jewel release on September 24th. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read an advanced copy.

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

Wow, what a story. It was intense and was exciting. It is so surprising that people betrayed, killed, and were just plain nasty. The English were very cowardly. I know that not all were but they had some heavy hitters and Prinny was among them. They want the status quo and didn't care who it hurt. The authors were knowledgable about the history and it was so superbly written, there was no way you could put it down. The characters were refreshing and so in love.
Maisie Murray was the sister of a female doctor. She had been subversive, militant and started a group to fight for the rights of women and the hunger and cruelty of the government. They demonstrated, gave out handbills and peacefully protested.
Lieutenant Naill Campbell of the 42nd Royal Highlanders, rather he retired and wanted to find a simpler life. Fiona, who is Naill sister and Maisie formed the Edinburgh Female Reform Society to make people aware. I am so glad I got the chance to read the novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Maisie Murray is a woman who wants equal rights, and a life dictated by no one but herself. Niall Campbell is a battle-worn man looking for some stability in his life. Can these opposites find love?
When I started reading this story, I became confused because the plot seemed very disjointed. I couldn’t follow the story and became disinterested. I think this story needs a little more editing. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

I have read many of May Mcgoldrick's books and loved each and every one of them. The first book in this series, Highland Crown, was excellent. If you haven't read it, I suggest you do. It takes place simultaneously as this one.
Mcgoldrick always has a strong heroine who is able to stand up for herself. That was the case here with Maise.
At the same time her hero's are definitely Alpha males with a sensitivity to strong minded females. Niall is just like that. He's a Lt. In military who has a love for his sister and 2 nieces.
But this book, Highland Jewel, I thought was just ok. I loved the beginning and how it started out. I immediately became engrossed in it. But then it started to drag little. I felt it bogged down a little too much with the political aspects of the time and lost the romance of the story.
But as usual, the ending brought me to tears ( she always does at least once). The two weddings were perfect. The reunion between mother and son was so touching.
So for the most part I enjoyed this book.
If you like alot of history with your romance then you'll love this book.
I thank netgalley for the chance to review this book.

Maisie Murray is a revolutionary. She and her friends are fighting for reform .That puts her in grave danger.

In these the early years of the reign of King George IV the working classes have had enough of the excessive measures being used against them since Peterloo. When the military was sent in to break up a huge meeting and killed lots of unarmed people.

Nial Campbell has just left the army, it's time for him to settle down and look after his sister's family and find a new life for himself. Unfortunately his sister is involved in something dangerous. That will cause him to be targeted by someone who wants to use him for a bad purpose. Will he be able to keep those he loves safe??

An exciting adventure set in a very difficult time.

This is part of a series and while you could read it on it's own, it's better to read the series in order.

This is a very detailed story of the struggle to get personal reforms in Britain.

Maisie and Fiona are two women who are working for women's rights and voter equality. It is difficult in the 21st century to face the fact that a good portion of the advantages and freedoms we enjoy cost a very high price.

Britain's government did not want to give power to people they consider to be less. That less included women as well as men who are not of the gentry. Voting was not a right that was given to every adult who would be eligible today.

Fiona's brother Niall has come home from fighting Napoleon and he understands that Maisie and Fiona are putting their lives in danger. He loves his sister and her daughters and he learns to love Maisie.

But, this story is more than a love story. This is a significant story about a time in history when there was turmoil in the lives of nearly every person who lived in Britain.

It is a story of heroism, commitment to a cause, integrity, courage and many qualities we all would like to believe we hold in our hearts.

The authors have done their home work and their historic details are precise and accurate. The plot moves along at a good pace. They also have created characters who are admirable as well as very human.

Niall is a hero in the true sense of the word. Maisie was not always easy for me to like. I was not sure why she felt the need to lie to her family and pretend to be someone she was not. They did not appear to be people who would not understand her intense feelings and desire to change their world.

Although this book can be understood as a stand alone read, I would suggest that reading the first in the series would add to the enjoyment and entertainment.

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

This book is the second in the series and reading them in order would be helpful. Like the first book, I loved the blend of history, romance, and intrigue. I can’t wait for Morrigan’s story!

I am just not big into the whole jumping around in time plot. Great for a Quentin Tarantino movie, not so much a book.

The Peterboro Massacre occurred in Scotland 200 years ago. May McGoldrick's A Royal Highlander series is greatly influenced by this event and the troubled times in England and Scotland. The common people were suffering and some brave citizens set about to right some wrongs.

Maisie Murray was a true believer in women's rights and helping the people. She joined with Fiona Johnston to try to educate the people and better their lives. The Crown considered their pamphlets and activities acts of sedition. Fiona's brother Niall Campbell is a former officer in the Royal Highland Regiment. He had been sent to Ireland to quell the Irish. He did not like what was happening and resigned his commission. Highland Jewel (Book #2 in May McGoldrick's A Royal Highlander series) is the story of Maisey and Niall. It is a beautiful story. I loved it!

First, let me say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every May McGoldrick book I have read. Then, allow me to add this seemed to be the most confusing book the duet has written, at least in the beginning. Yes, it ends beautifully for Maisie and Naill. You must stay with it even if you have already read Isabella and Cinaed’s Highland Crown. Both the historical and fictional characters keep you engaged once you get through the switch between time periods.

Maisie is unique for the typical female of the period and you will love her for it. Naill is everything you would want in a Highlander. Take time to read this addition to the Royal Highlander series!