As usual, this author does not disappoint, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. Laced with love, politics, intrigue, and a common enemy, this unlikely but absolutely perfect for each other main couple face off in an unexpected, physical confrontation that leaves both of them reeling right from the explosive get go. Their sassy, quick witted, back and forth banter/comebacks soon set the stage for their emotional, slowly unfolding, enemies to lovers romantic tale.

Morrigan is first introduced in Highland Crown, which features Isabella, her amazing, physician stepmother as the heroine. Morrigan was still a teenager at that point. Well, she is all grown up now and definitely a sassy, feisty, hot headed, warrior type leading lady. Yeah, she knows not only how to defend herself but can fight with the best of her clan’s fighting warriors.

Aidan was no wimp, either. A former soldier physically fit and skilled with a blade, his undeniable weapon of choice is his war of words. As a barrister, no one seems to stand a chance against his assault of logic and persuasion in defending the innocent and bringing bad guys to justice. He ends up having to use that skill, patience, and determination to win the hand of this leading lady love.

There are cameos of characters from previous books and references to life changing events that cause the after effects to spill over in this book. Besides being a great read, I do suggest you read Highland Crown first, if possible. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highland Jewel spent too much time on the political aspect for my taste, so the romance felt like a subplot. It is the HEA of Maisie, who makes a few appearances in Highland Sword. You may want to consider reading it, as well.

I do not know who gets to take center stage in the next sequel. I’m just keeping my Kindle addicted fingers crossed more books are on the way, sooner rather than later. This author remains one of my top favorite romance authors in this genre.

Title: Highland Sword, Series: A Royal Highlander (Book Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: 320, stand-alone but part of a series, sassy/feisty/warrior heroine, former soldier/wealthy/lawyer/good guy hero, common enemy, reference to past child rape/flashback, HEA, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, romance safe.

Book 1 - Highland Crown (Isabella & Cinead)
Book 2 - Highland Jewel (Maisie & Niall)
Book 3 - Highland Sword (Morrigan & Aidan)

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)

In this dazzling conclusion to the Royal Highlander series, a dedicated barrister fighting for reform falls for a rebellious lass with the heart of a lion. If you’ve read the first two books in the series, you’ll already be keen to see Morrigan find her happy ending, and if you haven’t read those books… then you really should, because the overarching plot of the Son of Scotland which is brought to a conclusion here won’t make a lot of sense.

I have to admit I did wonder how the authors were going to bring the overarching plot to a satisfying conclusion without a massive history rewrite, but they really did do an excellent job of it, while not allowing this to overshadow Morrigan and Aidan’s love story. The historical details show the authors’ meticulous research and make the whole story feel so real and authentic. Real historical personages mix with fictional ones, real events influencing the fictional plot until the lines between are truly blurred and it would take a historian to be sure which parts really happened and which are products of the authors’ imagination. It’s just so good, and something very few authors can pull off with real legitimacy because the depth of research required to make it feel this real is intense. This writing duo is right up there with the best currently writing historical romance.

TRIGGER WARNING REQUIRED: CSA/RAPE. A significant part of the plot hinges on Morrigan’s childhood abuse and rape at the hands of an older relative, who she is forced to confront as an adult. The actual abuse isn’t dwelt on, but enough details are given that this could be a dangerous trigger for those who have been victims of CSA or rape. Please approach with caution if this is an issue for you.

This is a stunning and satisfying conclusion to one of the best historical romance trilogies I’ve ever read. Do yourself a favour and read the whole series. Five stars.

An interesting Highland adventure. I like Morrigan and Aiden very much. Lots of danger and intrigue, history of the time, and romance. I haven't read the other two books in the series, so I struggled a little as the author tired up some loose threads from the previous books. I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

I love how the author switches the story back and forth from Morrigan to Aidan. Morrigan has a heart of gold. She is a fierce protector of those that she loves and cares about. She trains to be a warrior just like the men. The Mackintosh Clan sees no problem with that. Aidan Grant is a lawyer and is a warrior. He has fought for Scotland and now wants to help its people fighting the scourge. When these two meet, it is priceless. Neither knew who they were. A day later they were properly introduced. The two of them act like oil and water but everyone sees this a mating dance. Evil is rearing its ugly head. Ready to tear them apart. Aidan asks one thing of Morrigan, to trust him. It is the key to everything. So many HEA's at the end.

First, let me say that when I read historical romance, I'm not expecting accuracy and reality. That's really not what this type of story is about. For me, these stories are meant to be a fun bit of escapism, and I suppose in that, Highland Sword does deliver. However, it's a bit slow to start, which is never a good sign for me, and I really wanted more of the romance. The romantic couple is fun and likable, but there are quite a lot of other characters just coming in and out of the story and a lot of the everyday life stuff taking up more page time than the love story, and in that, I was disappointed. As far as this being part of a series, it seems to stand alone pretty well. If there was anything missing as far as information from the first two books, I didn't notice it, and I didn't feel like I was coming in late to story. In the end, I really wanted more from the romance here, and this one ended up being just okay.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

Morrigan Drummond vows to see that Sir Rupert Burney, a spy, will pay for his past sins. When she spots him in the Highlands she seizes the opportunity—only to have a riotous meeting with a renowned barrister, Aiden Grant. Aiden needs Burney’s secrets to save the lives of two men… and does not need a vengeful woman scuttling his pursuit of justice.

After their tumultuous meeting, the pair meet again within the walls of Dalmigavie Castle. Morrigan is unhappy at first about Aiden invading her home, but the barrister is an honored guest of the laird. He makes her feel things she never wanted to feel. Aiden also may be the key to moving on from her shadowed past.

Morrigan was a difficult character to connect with for the first half of the book, because even if you pick up on some clues, she doesn’t reveal much about who she is and why until she opens up regarding her past. Aiden was more straightforward and was guided by his morals. He knew that Morrigan was holding back, yet was patient and didn’t push. I admired his tenacity for defending his clients as well as the care he exhibited for Morrigan.

The duo’s relationship had time to breath and grow. Were there feelings early on? Of course. But they took the time to learn who each other was long before committing themselves to a relationship. Morrigan had additional hurdles to overcome, and this is when the beauty of her resilience shined through. She fully came into herself and that was the moment I knew we were seeing the true Morrigan—the one who could see a future for herself.

There was one subplot I could’ve done without in this book: the caricatures. They were an interesting opener to Morrigan, but ended up being a weird tool that was employed only when the characters needed an excuse to go certain places. The story had enough going on without this addition.

Morrigan and Aiden’s story is third in the series but can be read as a standalone. There are a couple oddball chapters with Cinaed as the narrator which seem to exist only to tie an overarching series story to the previous book and, presumably, the next. Not reading the previous books didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this story at all—the author does a great job at explaining previously established relationships and events.

Book 3 of the Royal Highlander series,Highland Sword, may be read as a stand-alone. However, I wouldn't miss Books 1 and 2 if I were you, since the author present a well-written plot for both books.
On her search for revenge against the spy responsible for her father's murder, Morrigan Drummond meets the proud barrister Aidan Grant. Their attraction is almost at first sight, but Morgan's and her family's future is uncertain amid the political and social instability in Scotland, so she tries to ignore Grant and focus on her "mission".
I loved reading this series, as the plot and historical facts were masterfully written and full of lovable characters.

Stepping into the past with a Highland tale was a turn from the norm that was needed. With murder in the mix this is one I turned the pages quickly with. with vengeance being a cruel master you follow Morrigan to see where she is led. Another strong character in all this was Aidan and with the two of them a dynamite pair to take us on this exciting tale.

This is story with love, betrayal, passion and a great adventure, and two leading characters you can't help cheering for all through the journey. She is seeking revenge, while he wants justice — and one often cancels out the other. Still, the two find a way to make peace and work together, falling in love along the way. Through this series, the history has enriched the story, with compelling characters who become friends as you read. Morrigan Drummond is a superior heroine, one with guts, determination and brains, while her love, Aidan Grant, is a lawyer dedicated to seeking justice in a Scotland where the English are intent on stamping out any free-thinking (or treason, as they call it.) The characters link to the two earlier books in the series, and this is one you'll want to read all the way through. Once more, this book combines romance, adventure and history in a thrilling read. (I reviewed an advance copy from NetGally. Opinions mine.)

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read with a well written storyline and well detailed characters that kept me turning the pages until the very last page!

This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. Morrigan is out for revenge after her father’s death. Aidan is a barrister and has a different plan of attack. Will they be able to work together? Is Morrigan still in danger? Fast-paced historical read with loads of drama, steam and fun characters. The story is fast-paced with lot of action. I loved the interaction between the characters and the story is entertaining. I liked it.

Feisty Scotswoman fights free!


Spirited Morrigan Drummond had secrets. Secrets that eat into her soul. Whilst in Inverness she overhears men speaking, revealing that her hated uncle, Robert Wemys, the 'Sparrow', who'd betrayed her was close by. She trails the two men to his location, ready to take his life. She's prevented by Aidan Grant, a solicitor who needs Wemys to be a witness for clients being brought into court on a trumped up charge. In the frackou Aiden and Morrigan fight. Both end up bruised and cut.
Later Morrigan's profoundly disturbed to find her uncle's been taken to Dalmigavie Castle to be hidden until the court case. (Her absolute surprise and reaction is a great piece of writing. I felt like I was really frozen with the same unthinkable torment Morrigan was.)
Through all this Morrigan works out where the person creating outrageous caricatures against Cinaed Mackintosh (the grandson of Teàrlach, the Bonnie Prince, often referred to as the son of Scotland) could be located. Solving this puts her in direct conflict with the cunning Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster, and Director of the Home Office in Scotland.
As the story develops so does the romance between Aiden and Morrigan, although Morrigan cannot bring herself to face her problems lying between them-- until she does.
Superbly founded on accurate historical facts, this story set in 1820 Scotland adds further Intrigue and heart to the series.
I've already enjoyed Books 1 and 2, Book 3 only adds to the 'Royal' suite with aplomb.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley

The publisher and Netgalley provided me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Morrigan is not the typical daughter of a Scottish physician and Aidan is not the typical Scottish barrister. Morrigan would rather have a sword in her hand than a needle, and would rather go for the jugular than sit quietly sipping tea. Aidan's comfortability as a soldier is not common to his chosen profession, and his argumentative nature can lead to a brawl in and out of the courtroom setting. They have an immediate attraction, even though their first encounter ends with Morrigan rendering him immobile.

Soon they are both embroiled in an intrigue to preserve the sanctity of the Scottish crown, and they are both loyal to the grandson of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Their loyalty has been garnered for different reasons, and they are thrown in close proximity because of it. And Morrigan has secrets she needs to protect.

Morrigan's secrets come home to roost when a horrible piece of her past becomes part of her community. She must balance her instinct for flight against the safety net she has found, and her growing attraction for Aidan against her feelings of betrayal.

This was a multi-layered love story with an intriguing cast of secondary characters, a plot rich in historical detail and a lens focused on a more obscure facet of the Victorian era.

Awesome conclusion to this series. I was a little concerned as to how the story would resolve the English/Scottish rebellion since I don't know my history well, but it was a perfect wrap up. The story had twists & turns that surprised me and the love building between warrior Morrigan and barrister Aiden was delicious. To top it all off the evil manipulating Sir Rupert Burney himself was manipulated into a trap and got his just reward! Aiden is so cleaver and uses Burney's own techniques against him to bring him down.

Morrigan Drummond is our last family member to get her story. She's hardened her heart over the years and trained to be a warrior in these troubling times. I feared she would never find love. Then barrister Aiden Grant appears in her life and he won't seem to leave her in peace. When she spots her long lost & hated uncle Robert "Sparrow" Wemys and tries to kill him Aiden & his brother Sebastian get in her way. Sparrow-Wemys is willing to give evidence against English Burney & for Aiden's clients he's defending, so he must be protected. Sparrow is quite ill and Morrigan's step-mother Isabella treats him not realizing who Sparrow is to Morrigan. We find out there's ugly history between Wemys and Morrigan that shaped her into who she's become. As the story progresses, I loved seeing how Aiden uses strategy, first to free his clients and later to get Burney. He and Morrigan worked so well as a team. This was an intriguing strategy story. I also liked the man Cinaed Mackintosh became as the Son Of Scotland, heir to the Scottish throne but wanting the best for his people.

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

Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series after Highland Crown and Highland Jewel. No matter if you haven’t read those two books, because you can pick right up with this one and thoroughly enjoy it. But if you have read Highland Crown and Highland Jewel, you’ll be thrilled to be back in the land of the heart-pounding Scottish historical, with characters you grew to love, characters like Maisie, Naill, Isabella, and Cinead. They’re familiar and it feels good to catch up with them and their continuing stories. And to focus now on Morrigan Drummond and Aidan Grant, two characters who will delight you, make you laugh and make you swoon, and make you fear for their lives because of the danger they are in.

Both Morrigan and Aidan are honorable, loyal, proud, fierce. But they don’t know that about each other and their first encounter is dangerous and unpleasant, and when they find themselves unexpectedly throw together a little thing called trust is missing. But a not-so-little thing called attraction is not.

Morgan flees to the Highlands to avenge her father’s death, and to be with those she loves. Aidan is a barrister working to free innocent people in a time of danger and treachery. They must decide if they can work together, and what, if anything, to do about the pull between them.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of Highland Sword via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation.

Morrigan Drummond is a spitfire heroine determined to avenge her father’s murder. Aidan Grant, a principled and dashing alpha male, is quickly drawn in by Morrigan’s brash and bold ways; it doesn’t hurt that she’s also his key to defending two innocent men!
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Highland Sword invigorates the romance genre with a healthy dose of adventure and excitement. (After all, when the heroine of the story gets a fat lip in a back alley brawl within the first few pages of the book, the reader knows he/she is in for a wild ride.) Add to that some political upheaval against a crooked government, a few mysterious caricatures wrapped up in political intrigue, and the witty banter of two well matched characters, and the result is one of this reader’s favorite Scottish themed romances to date!

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick is book Three in the Royal Highlanders Series. This is the story of Aidan Grant and Morrigan Drummond. I have read the previous books which added to my enjoyment of this one but I did feel this could be a standalone book. Morrigan has been train to fight at Dalmigavie Castle along with the men their. Morrigan happens upon the man she feels is the enemy and sneaks off to confront him. Aidan is a barrister who is traveling looking for witness to free the innocent men he is defending. This leads him to encounter Morrigan when it appears she may attack the man he is looking to get information from. A physical encounter happens between Morrigan and Aidan when he tries to stop her which leaves him bleeding and the other man getting away. Their next encounter comes when Aidan goes to the Dalmigavie Castle for help and who is there but Morrigan. Slowly a friendship is formed between the two along with their intense attraction. Enjoyed their story.

Aidan Grant as a barrister fights to bring justice to his fellow Highlanders. He encounters fiery Morrigan Drummond as she’s about to attack his key witness and avenge her father’s death. Aiden’s witness Robert Sparrow ends up being Morrigan's uncle and the source of childhood trauma. Poor Aiden ends up with a few black eyes, cuts and bruises from their initial encounters. Morrigan is smart, she finds the artist responsible for the caricatures, she has allies and turns a blackmail situation in her favor as Aiden continues to follow leads to build a case for his clients and in an attempt to bring down Sir Rupert Burney the English spymaster. I love how shew and Aiden banter back and forth trying to hide their attraction. A great story of loyalty, love and betrayal. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.

Highland Sword is the third book in The Royal Highlander Series. It can be read as a standalone but, there are characters from previous books and it would be better to read read these books in order. Aiden and Morrigan are strong characters who are fighting the same battle but, in different ways. When they come together to take down Burney they realize that they share more than their common goal. This fiery pair go from friends to lovers to a love that could last a lifetime.

May McGoldrick is a husband wife writing duo, I picked up the Highland Sword because there is another husband and wife writing duo I adore and wanted to see if they could do for me in Historical Romance, what Ilona Andrews does for me in Urban Fantasy. They fell a little short, not really their fault as the bar is extraordinarily high. Which means Highland Sword is a good read but from this one book I’m not running out to buy their entire catalogue, which seems pretty expansive.

Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series. I have not read any of the other books for the series and don’t think you need to in order to be able to enjoy this book. There do seem to be quite a few characters from the first few books and even cameos from characters in other series written by May McGoldrick. I felt like I didn’t need to know any of those stories to be engaged by this one.

Morrigan blames Sir Rupert Burney for the murder of her father; he is also guilty of a few other crimes against her. When she sees him walking on the street, naturally she tries to kill him but ends up meeting a man that might be able to love the fighter of a woman she is. She might also have given said man a few bruises, accidentally of course.

Aiden needs Sir Rupert if he is going to save a few fellow Scottish men from being tried and executed. He wasn’t expecting to get jumped in broad daylight by a woman, let alone that she would fight so well. Even worse, he needs her to help him get information out of Rupert if he wants to have a chance of winning the trial.

Morrigan and Aidan definitely take their time circling one another. It takes a long time for them to agree on the attraction between them. Morrigan’s past leaves her feeling like no one will ever accept her. Her present makes her feel like a man will never want a woman more interested with training in the yard with weapons than being at his beck and call. Aidan plans on being a politician and should really pick a wife with some social status to help his future career. He just can’t get the fiery Morrigan out of his head and tries to spar with her both verbally and in the yard in attempts to win her heart.

This was the last book in this series so there is the culmination of bringing down a bad guy mixed in with everything else. This is a time of transition when Scotland and trying to earn a voice in English politics instead of waging another war. It is based in a lot of historical facts with fictions blended in. It did make me want to know a little more about this time in history.

Unfortunately, because I didn’t know any of the other characters or story lines from prior books it seemed to take a little while for anything to really develop in the story. I also struggled with Morrigan and never really connected well to her. I did love Aidan though and he carried a lot of the story for me.

Overall, it was a decent read with a strong heroine and a man willing to take a woman as she is.

“Family can inflict the deepest cuts and the sharpest pain. Disloyalty. Jealousy. Vindictiveness. The marks they leave rarely show to those on the outside. If you can survive, you become hardened to the world perhaps, but stronger.”