This is the story of Niall and Maisie in historical Scotland at a time when women were fighting for the right to vote and to lift suppression. It felt a little preachy, to the point that the first half of the book focused a lot on the problems of society and Maisie and Fiona's political stumping. It didn't really feel like a romance.

Highland Jewel
Royal Highlander #2
May McGoldrick
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maisie Murray is a very quiet and docile girl in the eyes of her family, but all is not what it seems. She is an activist who is fearless when it comes to what she believes in. Maisie and her friend Fiona founded the Edinburgh Female Reform Society right after the Peterloo Massacre and she is proud to carry the banner for universal suffrage.

Niall Campbell is a hero of the wars. He is a former decorated officer of the Royal Highland Regiment who is now trying to live a normal life away from the military. His superiors are not very happy about his decision to leave, but they know that they can't stop him. One day he runs to save his sister Fiona when a protest goes bad. At the protest he finds his sister safe, but she asks him to save her friend Maisie which he does. He soon realizes that Maisie is everything he's ever wanted in a woman.

Then Fiona is arrested and dragged right off the street and disappeares leaving Niall to face the fact that his life is no longer his own because the British authorities have a mission for him to complete in exchange for his sisters freedom. In the span of one night Maisie loses Niall, Foina, and her home. In the wake of the riots that are happening all over Scotland, Maisie's own sister Isabella is branded a traitor to the crown, and they all must flee to the Highlands. In the Highlands months later Maisie meets up with Niall again. Now he has a new name and carrie's a secret message, but Niall has a task to complete and their future rests on them being able to overcome all of the obstacles that are set in front of them. For the sake of Scotland she must somehow put a stop to the only man she has ever and will ever love. Will she be able to do what needs to be done or will she shy away from what she believes in?

Oh my goodness. This book is fabulous. May McGoldrick does it again and it's even better then the last. From the second I started reading I surrendered my heart to Maisie and Niall. These two characters were so well matched in every way. They were both courageous, strong, and loyal to their causes. They did what had to be done with no thoughts as to how what might happen to themselves. I felt like I was part of the book. I was a simple bystander to one of the greatest stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This book litterly blew my mind. May McGoldrick I don't know how you do it, but you never cease to amaze me.

Adventurous and somewhat dangerous plot with great characters and full of love. A Mother’s love; New love; and the love of freedom. They all come with a price. Niall is such a brave man, very smart, an expert at what he does, protective and a perfect gentleman. Maisie is so brave, a spitfire and very smart as well. They make a fierce couple; their situation is dire and as their life churns their love is undeniably bold and sustains them. Very interesting heartfelt story, page-turner which realistically captures the determination and sacrifice we willingly endure for the ones we truly love. Actually kept me up past my bedtime on a work-night reading. :)

Highland Jewel
⭐️⭐️⭐️.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.

This is the second installment in May McGoldrick’s series Royal Highlander. It can be read as a stand alone or in series (recommended).

There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book. I love historical romance that centers around real historical events. This book hit all my high marks, except one.

The ending was so abrupt that I was/am concerned that the book must have a different ending that is still being worked out. Because of this I have rated it at 3.5 ⭐️.

Also briefly mentioned in the Author’s Notes is the third book in the series Highland Sword.

I received this ARC for free in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you NetGalley, May McGoldrick and St. Martin’s Paperbacks

I read the first book in the series and couldn't wait to read book #2. Royal Highlander Guard, Niall Campbell, has resigned his commission and wants to live a simple life away from the oppressive English rule over Scotland. Unfortunately, his sister Fiona and her friend Maisie Murray, are heavily involved in the female suffrage moment in Edinburgh and his warnings of danger go unheeded by the two of them. When Niall saves Maisie from a raid on their latest rally, he is intrigued with the blond beauty. Their attraction is immediate and when Niall proposes to her and she accepts, he feels like it's the perfect time to retire to the country with Maisie, Fiona and her two young daughters. Everything changes in an instant when Fiona is kidnapped and Niall is forced to be involved in another English mission if he ever wants to see his sister again.

I loved all the historical details in this story, but I wasn't a fan on the many info-dumps throughout the book. I wanted to "feel" Niall and Maisie's love, but it seemed too distant for the reader to really be submerged in their love affair. The resolution of the major conflict in the book was well done and I definitely am looking forward to the next book in the series.

TO BE POSTED 09/23/2019

🍷🍷🍷🍷 ARC #Review of Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick
May McGoldrick returns with another sweeping tale set in early 19th century Scotland, to a country on the brink of war, and a rebel with a voice that won't be quieted.

Maisie Murray is far from the meek and mild young woman with little ambition that her family thinks her, she is an activist. A young woman with a voice for women's rights. Without her families knowledge, Masie is a leader for the Female Reform Society alongside her friend Fiona. Speaking at public gatherings and penning articles concerning Scotland's suffrage and the need for equal rights. When a peaceful protest turns violent though, Masie finds herself in the middle of pandemonium, with danger right on her heels. Thankfully, a rescuer is not far behind... Niall Campbell fought for his country with everything that he had, but the blood on his hands soon began to stain his soul and he craved peace and family. Retiring from the Royal Highland Regiment, Niall is now searching for that tranquility, and a purpose. When he realizes the peril his sister Fiona, and her friend Masie have put themselves in with their advocacy, he can't help but fear for them... nor can he help to be intrigued by his sister's courageous friend. As Maisie and Niall navigate the troubles sweeping through Scotland as King George IV endeavors to stomp out even the whisper of rebellion, friendship soon turns to passion and a future blossoms. But that future is snatched away before it can bloom when Fiona is arrested and Niall is blackmailed to take on a secret mission for the crown. Can Maisie and Niall find their way back to each other through the deceit, danger, and distance that is put between them?

I was so excited to return to the Royal Highlander series after the first book, Highland Crown that released this spring. Cinaed and Isabella captured my heart and I couldn't wait to see what the future held for them, and their family. If you're familiar with Highland Crown, I won't rehash that story. You can find my review of it and a general overview of the book → HERE ←. This tale however, opens at the beginning of all that, before Isabella, Maisie, and Morrigan flee Edinburgh for their lives. There were a lot of different dates to keep track of, months that would pass between the characters, that slowed the story down for me because I had to go back and remember the previous date to count time. Finally, I just had to force myself to stop focusing on those dates and let the story flow. Once that happened the narrative quickly swept me away!

Niall and Masie were dynamic leading characters, and while they don't have as many intimate scenes together as one would expect from a romance, there was no denying the fact that these two were meant to be. Throughout the story-line they face danger at every corner, never knowing who they can trust, even with each other. They grow, and change, and develop into respectable voices for their country as the story-line progresses. Creating depth and authenticity to their self. I really loved how they each fought for their beliefs, bending to accept each other's if they differed, and never demanding change from their person. They had courage. Once the plot moves past the point where Highland Jewel left off, familiar characters return and the over-all series arc advances with Cinaed and his mother finally being reunited. And can I just say again how much I love Cinaed and Isabella? Their support of Niall and Masie was integral.

The writing for this time period is phenomenally rich, you can't help but become immersed into the Scotland of the 1820's. It wasn't an easy time, and this author duo masterfully weaves fact and fiction, wholly capturing the hardships and hope that the Scottish people endured. The character's plight was moving and believable, and the political upheaval hair-raising. May McGoldrick is without question, my favorite new-to-me author of 2019 and I can't wait for more from this series. While Highland Jewel can certainly be read as a stand-alone, I feel that it is more of a continuation of the first book and you will loose a lot of the history that this series stands on without reading Highland Crown first. Teeming with action, intrigue, love, family, and loyalty, Highland Jewel is not a story that historical romance fans want to miss!

Maisie, his wife. She challenged him, body and soul. She was the air, the water, the food that sustained him. They were lovers and friends. She made him want to live, to be a better man, to dream, to imagine that they could stretch the happiness of today into an infinity of tomorrows.

Highland Jewel (Royal Highland Book 2) features Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell. Joining the struggle for women's suffrage in Scotland, Maisey and former military officer Nially Campbell share an instant attraction. After loyally serving the Crown, Niall wants nothing to do with the suffrage movement. Maisey and Niall struggle to overcome outside forces trying to divide. Overall Highland Jewel is a great read featuring history, intrigue and loads of action.

Highlander Jewel ⭐️⭐️⭐️by May McGoldrick

I enjoyed this story although I was hammered down with all the history. I found it very distracting and interrupting to the flow.

Maisie Murray and her friend found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society she is in the center of the woman’s reformation league. Maisie does not realize the danger and is saved by Niall Campbell her fiend Fiona’s brother.

Campbell is a retired soldier and wants nothing to do with politics. A smoldering love blooms between the two but they are separated.Niall’s sister is arrested and he finds that he is drawn back into service just to protect and free Fiona.

I liked this story but I have read better. As I said romance was not prevalent enough for me. History was too much.

Highland Jewel is the second book in the Royal Highlander series. I liked it...
In Highland Jewel we read about Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell. Maisie was an independent and strong heroine who was more herself when she was in the streets fighting for justice. Maisie is at the frontline of fighting for women's rights along with Fiona, who is Niall's sister. It is during one of these protests that they meet when he rescues her from the crowd and military. Niall was also a strong, sweet (he wrote poetry) and protective hero.
There's an instant attraction between them. Niall admires Maisie's courage for what she does, while her family is unaware of her involvement in the women's movement. He sees the real her and this is one of the reasons why Maisie likes him. What I liked about Niall was that he was a rough and tough guy, but in reality he was a sweet man who loved his sister and his nieces. He lives and will do anything for them. I would of liked for Maisie to have been a little more open about her activities with her family, since they also were involved in radical activities. Maisie and Niall develop an honest friendship which then leads to them falling in love.
Sadly it is when Niall is given the task of killing someone in order for him to reunite with his sister, who is being held prisoner, that Maisie and him are torn apart. Later on they are reunited when the person who he was ordered to kill is someone very dear to Maisie's sister.
The issue I had with this story was the timeline. This one focused mostly on the events that happened before book one. Therefore I believe reading the first book, Highland Crown, will help to understand a little bit better the characters in this one. Also, though Maisie and Niall are the MCs of this book, the main theme was of a mother trying to reunite with her long, lost son. Throughout the book we see the process of what had to be done in order for them to reunite.
I recognize that the authors did a great job in describing the historical events that were happening during that time.
I'm looking forwards to the next one!
*Thank you to the publisher for the ARC provided through NetGalley for review.*

Overall an interesting story woven around the political fight between George IV and his estranged wife, Queen Caroline, but not quite as engaging as Highland Crown.
The prologue describes a scene which occurs about 60% into the book; it's like a mega-spoiler and I dislike that.
I found the first half, which takes place in Edinburgh starting with the political gathering at Grassmarket, much more suspenseful than the rest. Very suitable reading at the 200-year anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester, which is referenced in the story. The political unrest, and underlying threat of government reprisal Maisie subjects herself to, create suspense and tension. Then there is the mini-courtship between Niall and Maisie in the tea shop.
The latter half I found a bit deflating and rushed; here the main characters are in the realm of the Mackintosh clan (after the prologue's scene) and there is much less suspense. Kind of sleepy, but with a nice surprise at the end.
I'm interested in reading how this trilogy ends.
I read an advance copy via netgalley; the above thoughts and opinions are my own.

The prologue gives an insight of how the "Son of Scotland" is in his current situation. It's informative and gives more background information to what took place in the "Highland Crown".

Niall has just left the army and is looking to have a quiet life away from the political unrest brought about by the English in their quest for power over Scotland.

Maisie is the "quiet" one in her family, but that doesn't mean that she is going to twiddle her thumbs and quietly watch the injustice of those inflicting pain because of their greed for power.

Maisie attends a peaceful demonstration with her best friend Fiona. Things get out of hands and Niall comes to her rescue. Subsequently, they fall in love and make future plans. Alas, when his sister is taken prisisoner, he has to abandon all his plans in order to save her. He is given a mission from which he might not return. This changes everything. Can he and Maisie find their way back to each other?

There are traitors amongst the mist. Those who will sell their soul for money and a title. This second installment in the series perfectly ties in with Cinead and Isabelle who are the main characters in the Highland Crown. It sheds light on some unanswered questions as well as keeping up with where they are, right now.

It's full of greed for power, cruelty and injustice. There is love and compassion too. It's very well written and although most of the contents are fictitious, there are some that are based on facts. I found it to be heartbreaking in places, but the love and loyalty are spellbinding. If you like a good historical romance, then this is definitely for you. I would recommend that you read the "Highland Crown" before reading the "Highland Jewel".

I was kindly issued with an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

As the continuation of the saga May didn't disappoint. The suspense, intrigue and action kept me wanting to turn the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope May writes another one soon.

Maisey Murray lives with her sister, a doctor and her sister's husband and, his daughter. Maisey Murray is a dyed in the wool suffragette, who is fighting behind the scenes for women's rights in Scotland. While almost being arrested during a demonstration, she meets Naill Campbell, a retired lieutenant of the Royal Highland Regiment.
The attraction is immediate but, Niall has had enough of murder, death and, the politics of war to last him a lifetime. Little does he know that Maisey is quietly involved in the resistance against England and, their attempts to force Scotland and Ireland to bend to their will.
Niall and Maisey fall madly in love in a very short time, only to have Niall leave her for months, in order to find his sister, Maisieys'' partner in crime, who has been arrested and has vanished.
This story sweeps you up into medieval Scotland and England and, the horrific political unrest going on at that time.
I was fascinated!

Book Title: Highland Jewel (Royal Highlander #2)
Author: May McGoldrick
Pub Date: September 24, 2019

***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 3.5/5 I think it is more of a continuation of Cinaed’s story than the author(s) set out for.

Heroine (Maise Murray): 4/5 Maisie is a young woman who would like to see change in the world. She wants women to be able to vote, to have a say in how their lives are run.

Hero (Niall Campbell): 4/5 Niall is newly returned from the Crown’s army. He is a good soldier but longs for a simple life for those he cares about. He’s tall, blonde, and Scottish.

Plot: 3/5 The first part of the story takes place before the events of Highland Crown and chronicles Maisie’s life before having to flee the city. She attends a rally to promote women’s suffrage and gets swept away by the crowd when the police come to break it up. She is saved by her friend’s brother Niall and the two eventually find they have much in common. But when things get serious they are pulled apart when the government takes Niall’s sister hostage, he must go try to save her. Months later the story picks back up after the events of Highland Crown and we see the pair reunited but is Niall now a danger to Cinaed, the Son of Scotland?

Personal Review: I loved Highland Crown, really enjoyed every twist and turn, but Highland Jewel was lackluster for me. The first half was good, with Maisie and Niall falling for each other and Maisie being bold and leading a double life. But the second half felt more like a sequel to Highland Crown in that it is more about Cinaed and Isabella’s adventures than Maisies and Niall’s. Like the main characters take a backseat in their own story. While I recommend it to those who read Highland Crown and what to see where the next step in Cinaed’s chapter, I don’t recommend to those hoping for a Maisie and Niall story.

Though you get chapters from Niall’s POV, they leave a lot out. If Maisie doesn’t need to know it yet, neither does the reader. It was a bit odd.

Highland Jewel is the second in a series (A Royal Highlander). Maisie Murray is the younger sister of the main character from the first novel. She appears to be quiet and shallow to her family, but secretly works with her good friend for women’s suffrage in Scotland. Niall Campbell is a former military officer who just returned home and is figuring out what to do next with his life. He meets his sister’s friend Maisie and is instantly attracted to her, but also concerned for her safety (though is never opposed to the goals she’s fighting for).

The timeline of the book seems intertwined with the previous book – I was able to enjoy it without having read the other book, but I did feel like I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other one first. The main characters are compelling, though you get to know Maisie a little better than Niall. There is a lot of history/plot that isn’t directly connected to the romance – the romance is almost secondary to the rest of the story actually. However, it doesn’t get bogged down and is still really interesting throughout. The only drawback is that some big plot points are more “told” vs. “shown.” It might be that they were more fleshed out in the previous book, but I’m not sure.

Overall, I really liked the book and recommend it to others – but do suggest you start with book 1.

I received a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't really get into this book.
The prologue started with one story and then began telling another totally different story.
Then it would go back to the other story really confusing.
Just wasn't a book for me..

It started with a prologue and then all of a sudden there were completely different characters and situations in the first chapter. Honestly, I just felt like i wasn't invested enough to put that much time into figuring things out. The prologue and first chapter are supposed to draw you in, not make you feel like someone switched your book when you weren't looking.

Highland Jewel is the second in the Royal Highlander series by May McGoldrick and tells the story of Maisie Murray, the "sister" of Isabella Drummond who we met in Highland Crown. It follows her exploits from her days as an organizer of the women's suffrage movement and follows her and her love, Niall Campbell through their tumultuous courtship as they are torn apart by the strife of nations. An excellent follow up to Highland Crown!

Thank you to the authors, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

A great historical romance. This story is full of secrets, betrayal and trying to find the hidden enemies. It’s book 2 and rejoins the characters and continues with the struggles of the time. A protest meeting brings Maisie and Niall together. Trouble parts them but fate had other ideas!

Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martins Press for the free ARC - in exchange for my honest feedback.

I strongly recommend that you read Highland Crown first - the background that that story provides made this an even more enjoyable story!

"Maisie Murray’s determination to win women’s suffrage 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. He wants 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."

I really liked the way the author wove us back to when Niall and Maisie first met - it provided background and filled in some missing pieces from Highland Crown details as well. Easy read - I highly recommend this as a nice vacation read this summer for anyone who likes historical romance!