Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series by May McGoldrick. A slow burn historical romance that pulls you in from the beginning and leaves you wanting more with each page you read. The characters have an undeniable chemistry that leads to them slowly falling for each other. Full of drama, heated exchanges, love, and steamy romance makes this a must-read for fans of historical romance!

I was excited to read Highland Sword. I was excited because this is Morrigan’s book. I wanted to see who would be brave enough to tame her. I also wanted to know more about her. She was rarely mentioned in Highland Crown. In Highland Jewel, she was mentioned, and she did have a couple of scenes that showed how strong she was. Highland Sword more than delivered on that.

Highland Sword is the 3rd book in the Royal Highlander series. It cannot be read as a stand-alone book. You do need to read Highland Crown and Highland Jewel to understand the different backstories in the book. Also, Cinead’s story is fully explained in the first book. The author does explain it here, but it goes more into depth in Highland Crown.

Highland Sword has two, sometimes 3, POVs’. The book is split between Morrigan and Aidan, with Cinead and sometimes his mother’s POV thrown in. The transition between Morrigan and Aidan’s POV’s was wonderfully written. I had no issue following the book went it went back and forth between them.

I loved Morrigan, but I did wonder why she was so standoffish with people. I liked that she didn’t care about going against what was considered the norm for that era. She was independent, and she was handy with just about any weapons, including her fists. I wondered what made her that way. I got my answer and I was horrified. It was then that I understood why she was the way she was.

I liked Aidan. I wished there was more focus on him being a barrister. Seeing how the law worked back then fascinated me. I wanted to know more!! There were points in the book where I thought he was a pushover, but, in hindsight, he wasn’t. He allowed Morrigan to do what she wanted (well, except the last thing she did), and he made sure she was safe.

I wasn’t a fan of how Aidan and Morrigan met. But I wouldn’t say I liked how it was escalated. A knockdown fight between a man and a woman? Nope, not my cup of tea. The romance angle of the book was super slow in getting started. And even after that, I was left halfway wondering if they would break out into a fight again.

I was disappointed to read that Highland Sword was going to be the last book in the Royal Highlander series. There were a few people who I wanted to see get their happy ever afters. But, in the author’s note, there was a hint about more books in that world. I will be anxiously awaiting those.

The end of Highland Sword was sweet. I liked that Aidan and Morrigan got their happily ever after. The epilogue also saddened me.

I read the author’s previous two books in the series and loved them, but this one left me cold. I just couldn’t get into Morrigan and Aidan’s story at all. I thought perhaps I just wasn’t in the headspace you read, but I picked up another book while I was struggling and struggling to get through this one and read it within 24 hours. For whatever reason, this book just didn’t work for me. I am going to give it another try in a few months and see if it clicks then, because I was truly looking forward to reading this book and don’t want my memory of it to be that it was a slog to get through.

I really liked the other two books in this series, but I just could not get into this book. It felt like it jumped around too much and started out very slowly.

This is my subjective opinion of a story that I’m voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a courtesy copy of the book. A three star read for me of the final book of the Royal Highlander series. I admit, it took me a while to read the book because the story flowed very slowly. Initially Morrigan, the female heroine was described as a strong lady with rude manners. Aidan, our male hero, was instead a true gentleman and their match seemed to me very odd. The best part of the book was the final part, where things finally started to become more interesting and I finally observed the vulnerability of a woman who had worn a mask to protect herself and a man who had done everything to encourage his beloved to leave her past behind. A journey of a very controversial historical period, with a series of twists that will unravel only at the end.

The final book in the Royal Highlander series (at least that's my understanding) wraps things up in a lovely HEA with Morrigan getting her shot at love.

Morrigan Drummond is out for revenge after the death of her father. Spymaster Rupert Burney, responsible for her father's death, is in hiding and Morrigan won't stop until her father's death is avenged. As she joins her stepmother, she meets a young lawyer, Aidan Grant, tasked with defending the innocence of two men. However defending these two men means Morrigan must stall her agenda of revenge. Moreover, she is forced to confront another member of her family that caused her grave pain. All these people are entwined and Morrigan and Aidan must navigate their strategy that helps save innocent men while convicting the guilty.

There are so many storylines happening in this story, I wouldn't necessarily recommend reading it as a standalone. Though it could be done, the reader will have a much greater appreciation of the story if it's read in order. Because the political upheaval and espionage, secrets and rebellion from the first two books blend into this third book and helps us understand Morrigan's motivation. Why she's so reticent to fall in love with Aidan, a very swoon-worthy hero.

A final piece I love about this series is how they weave historical events and facts into the story.

Definitely recommend!

Highland Sword is the culmination of the epic Royal Highlander series. This is Aidan and Morrigan’s romance and connection to Cinaed, son of the Queen. Although this is a stand-alone book, it is best enjoyed as part of the series. The McGoldrick team goes to great lengths to bring historical accuracy into a believable, fictional romance.

I loved the strength of Aidan and Morrigan. Loved that he was insistent on marriage before sex. That doesn’t happen often in today’s romances. There is a sensual side in their relationship, but the relationship does not dwell on the sex.

The way Aidan believes in Morrigan and berates himself once his finds out her ‘secret,’ appears genuine and only increases his love for her. With the way their meeting began, you would not think these two would grow close so quickly, but their respect for each other’s gifts goes a long way toward building their relationship, even when she bests him.

Sebastian is the best secondary character. The amazingly loving relationship between Aidan and his brother is caring and close. Their witty banter and teasing add to this book in a hilarious fashion.

May McGoldrick is consistent in terms of writing quality and this book does not dissapoint. Her intricate plots and character relationships are once again evident.

I just couldn't get into Highland Sword. Maybe it was because it felt like the story jumped around to me. Maybe it's because it didn't feel like the book had a strong plot - just the Scottish continuously being wronged by the English. Maybe it's because I didn't ever really feel chemistry develop between the two main characters, Morrigan and Aidan. They seemed to go from bickering with each other to marriage without any transition whatsoever. There's also a lot of random characters, some that were the protagonists in the previous two books of the series, and some that were probably just a part of those books too. I'd say you don't really need to read those books, but there are relationships that are difficult to understand without it. I could have dealt with that if there weren't points where I felt like I'd skipped paragraphs of the book because plot lines weren't fully developed or explained. This is a pass for me.

CW: This book deals with themes and recollections of sexual assault on a child.

While I still enjoyed this book, it felt more rushed than the previous two books. I like Morrigan and Aidan's characters. Morrigan is incredibly fierce, partially due to trauma she faced as a child. It takes a while for that trauma to be revealed to the reader, and even longer before she reveals it to Aidan, but I was able to guess what it was pretty early, based on her reaction to a character.

There are a number of time jumps in the novel, which contributed to it feeling rushed. Morrigan and Aidan would be separated for periods of time, and while I understand the desire to skip when they aren't together, it meant large periods of time happened between chapters. Additionally, those times apart were often when aspects of the secondary plot were occurring, which leads to some jumping around there.

Despite the pacing issue, this was still an enjoyable read. It's easy to like the main characters, and I loved getting to check in with our previous main character's, especially Isabella and Cinead!

4 stars

I liked the story but I wasn't wholly bought into Cinaed's lineage. Aidan is a lovely hero, kind, worldly whereas Morrigan seemed to be a bit too hot headed. There's lots of jeopady about her history, her horrible uncle and her links wth the evil english spy master. It's worth noting that she has suffered abuse so some readers might want to know this before starting it.

I believe its the final book in a trilogy but doubt that I'll read them as highland romances are not really my favourites. As a romance, thriller read it fills the brief.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved the first 2 books in this series, but this one just didn't capture my interest. I couldn't get into it.

I don’t think this one is for me! Just not pulling me into the story, unfortunately. Maybe I’ll try something else by this author

I requested to read and review this book from publishing company St. Martin. This is the first book I have read by author May McGoldrick. This book is based in the 1800 and in Scotland. I didn't realize this was third in a series. But this book can stand along as one. This book was a little hard to into at first because of all the names you have to figure out at first. But as you continue to read you it gets easier to say the names. This book has something for everyone romance, mystery, war, history. You will love the characters and there determination for justice. Characters such as Cinaed, Morrigan, Isabella, Blair, Searc, Aidan, and Sebastian. Read this book you won't be disappointed!!

Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series.
Rating: 3.5 stars

Highland Sword was an okay read. I have read the previous two in the series so I did not have any difficulty following the story line. This one tells the story of Morrigan Drummond and Aidan Grant.
Like the previous two, the romance between the MCs plays second to what is really happening around them. The authors did a good job in giving details about the history of the time, but I wished we could of had Morrigan and Aidan spend more time together. They are attracted to each other since they first meet, but they don't kiss until more than half of the book has taken place. I loved their scenes together. They enjoyed bantering and pushing each other's buttons. I would of liked to see more of this. I feel that by the time they do get together their story line shadowed by the hunt for the villain.

This novel was the third in a series and I really wish I had read the others first. I felt like a lot was happening to finish all the subplots and it was a little confusing, not really a stand-alone story. I did enjoy reading the romance. It started a little slow for me, a ton of historical data which was interesting but also lagging at times. The hero and heroine were the best part for me, Morrigan and Aiden. They were both strong, likeable characters and I was routing for them as a couple. All in all I enjoyed this novel, a little hard to get into at first but a great ending. Definitely read the other novels in this series first.

Morrigan is a warrior with a deeply hidden secret. Her actions and reactions are understandable as the story unwinds. The romance builds slowly and is so touching, but the best part of this book is the historical depiction of events and the intrigue surrounding these events, whether they are fictional or factual. Beautifully written, with compelling characters, this story and the preceding books in the series will remain with you for a long time.

The Highland trilogy comes to a worthy - and fast paced - end. (Or will this no longer be a trilogy?)
Morrigan was not a character I much cared for in the previous books, but here she comes to life. She must literally face her past and come to terms with it.
As a barrister representing accused enemies of the crown, Aidan has to be - and is - a very cautious man. And patient. His patience helps him in dealing with Morrigan.
I was drawn into their world and stayed up very late to finish reading.
I especially enjoyed the sarcasm and dry humor of Aidan's brother and sidekick, Sebastian. He never missed a chance for some good-natured ribbing of his older brother, which Aidan weathers with much aplomb. Hmm, could there be a spin-off with Sebastian's story?
There was very little to no description of the discussion and planning of the revenge against Sir Rupert; suddenly all was in place.
I read an advanced reader copy I received via NetGalley; the thoughts and opinions are my own.

When a woman seeking revenge meets a man wanting justice, can they find a common ground...

This is my first read by the duet of authors, and
as the third book in a series, I had to catch up with the many characters from the two previous stories, and even if this one is a standalone some side characters from the other tales interact with the main protagonists, it takes some time to get acquainted with everyone.
I even googled for some historical informations as England history was not on my cursus, it cleared some parts of the background plot, as grand history is mixed with fiction.

On the romance part, it is a slow burn one, going on the long run. Nothing is rushed between Morrigan and Aidan.
Their first encounter is quite a thing, one for memory with fists and daggers involved. From there, their relationship moves from physical interactions to battle of wits.
I quite loved to see them slowly fall for the other, as much seduced by the brain than the aspect of one another.
Still they have to navigate the Intricate webs of lies, betrayals and deceits surrounding them and only waging to pounce on them.
Aidan is a superhero of the courtrooms, he uses his profond knowledge of human nature to drive people where he wants them to be.
He is clever and open minded, why he does not renege his attraction for Morrigan, if her fiery temper is far from ideal at first for a barrister looking for a political outcome, he does not let it deter it from pursuing her. She is the woman he wants and he uses his praetorian talent to woo her.
Morrigan is a woman of many layers, she rebuilt herself as a stronger woman, one to attack first and question later. She refuses to ever be again a victim. Her past wound is still raw, it is at the root of her attitude. I loved she gave herself the strength to rise from her ashes. Yet, the past always lingers at the border and until she confronts it in the face, she will still be a prisoner of her own fear, mind and scars. Despite her mistakes, she braves her worst nightmares and refuses to cower when threatened of exposure.

I do not know how narrated are the other romances by this duet but here I felt like I was watching a movie unfolding before me, with actions, many protagonists playing their own part, a driving plot and a romance brewing slowly as a conducting wire.
4.5 stars for this tale of resilience and faith.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks through Netgalley.
I purchased my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Okay, this being the third in a series makes all the difference in how you're going to perceive this book. At the start, I really had no idea who was who and what was going on. Which is why I DNF after one chapter. I feel it shouldn't be read as a stand alone.

I will shamefully go get the first book and maybe I'll be ready for the third one.