Highland Sword is the third novel in the Royal Highlander series and is standalone. I've not read either of the previous novels by the new to me author, May McGoldrick.

Morrigan Drummond is a feisty heroine, as wild as the Highlands she's escaped to after the death of her father. She's a match for any man she encounters, something barrister, Aiden Grant found out when he tried to confront her. The incident ended up with him covered in cuts and bruises and more importantly, a respect for the mystery woman.! Together they make a dynamic couple with a relationship foundation cemented in friendship. With dissimilar backgrounds, it's always satisfying when two people find each other especially when they have a common goal.

A slow burn, friends to lovers romance set in 19th Century Scotland, May McGoldrick has written a fascinating narrative full of historical detail. Due to the inclusion of so many facts and secondary plot threads, I found it difficult to keep track of every incident, within this fast-paced narrative. It wasn't always easy to keep remembering everything single incident along the way, but as the story unfolded, reflecting and recalling details became easier and in its conclusion, everything ties together perfectly. Set against the beauty of Northern Scotland, the author paints a lovely landscape of Inverness and the surrounding countryside.

I feel confident I've not lost out in any way by jumping into the Royal Highlander series at book 3 as the author introduced the secondary characters skilfully so they blended in perfectly well. As with any novel I've enjoyed within a series, I'm going to recommend reading the novels I've missed too especially as Isabella and Maisie are equally strong women and trailblazing role models of their time.

***arc generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

Morrigan Drummond is living with her step-mother Isabella and has trained daily in the early morning to fight. She seeks revenge for her father’s death. She meets Aidan Grant as he is a barrister trying to get defend two innocent brothers. He has in hand a very sick man that is none other than Morrigan’s uncle who forced an unforgivable sin on her when she was 12 years old. As they Morrigan and Aidan become close, they have the same course of action, to settle a score with Sir Rupert Butney. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review........

Well, we have Morrigan a women with A LOT of Spirit !!! I loved her determination for justice !!. Enter Aiden who throws a spanner in the works (so to speak) with Morrigans quest for revenge. I enjoyed the slow boil between these two characters. The plot ties them together beautifully. I was quite eager to see how Aiden would pursue Morrigan. That lady has other things on her mind......defiantly not love. But love however comes !!

Plenty of twist and turns and delicious villains who you soooo want to get what they deserve. Mix that with the fact that its an "historical" read and I was in heaven, truly the icing on the cake !!!

Winner, winner from me !! Great read May and many thanks for this opportunity to review x

Later peeps xx

This story touches on real-life historical events with the British and Scots at odds, Scots enduring harsh conditions and oppression by the ones who were supposed to rule and protect them. I’m not well versed at all in the history that is the backdrop for this story, but it seems that the human condition is the same in any time period gone by.

I loved Aiden and Morrigan’s story, at odds at first, with lots of back and forth, while the sexual tension sparked between them. Love the fun push and pull! Both had their motivations, each striving for right, and the good of their people, but I felt the care and devotion between them. They thought of others before themselves and it was inspiring.

Okay, so am I the only reader who can’t put their thoughts together for a proper review? I’m sure my words don’t properly highlight this story, but I can tell you that I really enjoyed Highland Sword! It managed to take me away from all the Covid-19 worries and entertain me. The perfect escape!

I love Historical Romance novels. So when I was approached to read ‘Highland Sword’ I was immediately excited and wanted to start reading right away. Although this book is the third one the in the Royal Highlander series, it can be read as a standalone. And that is what I did.

In ‘Highland Sword’ we meet Morrigan. Morrigan is a fierce young lady who is nothing like other ladies. She trains as a fighter, she goes on field trips with the guys and she isn’t one to marry or have a relationship. After Morrigan’s father was murdered, Morrigan has been wanting revenge. And she is determined to get it. But one evening, when she sees one of her enemies, she accidentally meets Aidan Grant. Aiden is immediately fascinated with Morrigan. But her has to patience with her.

This book is my first May McGoldrick read, and I definitely enjoyed reading it. Morrigan’s character is very fun to read about. Especially since she is so very different than other ladies. I loved how fierce she was, and how she was this badass.. especially as a young woman in that age and era. From the moment Morrigan met Aiden her life changed. And you could easily feel the connection they had.

Aiden’s character was also very fun. He was intrigued with Morrigan right from the start. But he soon learned he had to be patient with her. And that was what he was. Determined but patient, and I loved that. I could have easily read more about Morrigan and Aiden.

There were many times that I wished I read more about these two and their starting relationship in this book. There was a lot of information about Morrigan’s revenge and Aiden’s job too, and although it was interesting I missed the romance a little in those parts. When this book started it definitely took me some time to really get into the story. And I honestly had to push through. Luckily the connection between Morrigan and Aiden was good enough to keep me interested.

Overall I did really enjoy ‘Highland Sword’. But I wished there was more romance.

This trilogy more than most books by these authors skillfully blends historical fact and fiction to create a very believable tale. When I started the trilogy I felt that there was too much history and not enough romance but as the trilogy has continued I've had to reconsider my opinion. This concluding chapter is a delightful story full of passion and the soft emotions that make a romance a hit.
Morrigan Drummond has maintained a low profile most of her life until her father's murder at the machinations of the English spymaster Sir Rupert Burney sends her on the run with her step mother Isabella and Isabella's sister Maisie. An ardent rebel she seeks to avenge her father's murder. Opportunity brings her into the vicinity of her uncle who is in the employ of Sir Robert but she is prevented from taking her just revenge by Aidan Grant who needs her cooperation to save two innocent men.
As the chemistry between Aidan and Morrigan simmers the clan watches to see if Aidan can prevail on Morrigan to give her uncle the absolution he seeks for the evidence that he needs. Aidan is such a romantic for the time. He wants to give Morrigan every thing he can and yet fate forces him to ask for almost more than she can give. The struggle between revenge and love intensifies and plays out against a rich tapestry of the history of Scotland such that the line blurs between history and fiction blurs in the most charming way.
I really do love these two authors and the passionate voice they bring to Scotland. Can't wait to continue to read more from them.

It took me a little bit to get back into the storyline and remember Morrigan's family history. Once I did, I could instantly feel her need for vengeance and appreciate who she was. I liked the twist to the story of how she first meets Aiden and his misunderstanding of her true mission. There is so much about Morrigan that is underestimated but Aiden learns that lesson very quickly. I found that I liked both of these characters very quickly and easily which kept me immersed in the story.

I enjoyed the blending of the historical aspects with the blooming romance, but I truthfully would have liked a bit more from the romantic perspective than we received. However, that is a personal opinion. Overall, I really enjoyed the flow of the book and how the different events unfolded. I felt that it concluded the series in a satisfying way and I was content with the resolution everyone received. Is it the conclusion though? I'm being vague because I truly don't want to give away any of the details...I like for people to have a chance to experience it for themselves.

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

Highland Sword is the third installment in May McGoldrick’s Royal Highlander series. Having not read the first two books, I had a hard time following the characters and storyline in the first three chapters. It seemed the author assumed you had read the prior books and knew who the characters were and how they were related. However, once I finally figured things out I loved the story!

Morrigan is one feisty woman! And given her past, she must be. She has seen both parents die; her father’s death was caused by the same man who wreaked havoc and pain directly on Morrigan. After her father’s death, Morrigan trains alongside her stepmother’s new husband and his men becoming a warrior intent on seeking revenge. It is while she is trying to revenge her father’s death that she meets Aidan – in a dark alley. The villain gets away but Morrigan and Aidan fight and are quite a match! He was shocked such a beautiful woman could hold her own in a fight and get away!

Aidan needs the villain to testify in court, but Morrigan only wants to see him dead. The villain is seeking forgiveness from Morrigan before he dies (he is very ill and may not even live long enough to testify) but she would rather see him rot than offer forgiveness.

Morrigan and Aidan are perfect for each other. They are strong people and their innate strengths counter-balance each other. His patience calms her temper. His love opens her heart. Their humor and jesting bring out the best in each other.

This was my first May McGoldrick book, but it will not be my last. I am sold on their writing style, use of accurate historical references, and character development! I plan to go back and read the first two books so I can enjoy more of this series that offers intrigue, romance, heart-ache, murder, humor, action-packed drama, and above all a HEA!

I voluntarily agreed to read and review an advanced copy I kindly received from St. Martin’s Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

May McGoldrick - a great historical author. I read her couple books in the past. This one does not disappoint. Strong female character. Good storyline. Murder revenge. Intrigue. Love. What else can you ask for?

Morrigan Drummond sees a man she has been hunting for many years. As she follows him down an alley, she is suddenly, grasped from behind by a man she doesn't know and, she takes him down with quite a few bruises and cuts. Aidan Grant has never seen a woman fight like the woman who just managed to almost cost him his manhood. He is quite intrigued! Who is this woman and, why is she here?
Once back at the castle, Morrigan realizes that this man is apparently, friends with her family and, she is mortified that they will soon find out just why she has a split lip and, multiple bruises! Aidan is having the same problem with his brother, who just happened to witness the "takedown!"
These two people are both fighting for the same thing, Freedom! Also = maybe = love?!
This is the perfect addition to the Highland Rebels series and, I loved the fact the characters from previous stories were woven into this story and, wrapped them all up together in an absolutely lovely read!

Received in exchange for a honest review.

What I love most about this book is how Morrigan isn’t written like she is a shrinking violet. In fact none of the women are in this book. They are fierce, smart, cunning and respected for that.

Morrigan came to the Highlands to get revenge. To gain the fighting capability to do what she must to avenge her father. In the process she gained so much more. She gained family, friends, confidence and people who believed in her and respected her mind and opinions.

Aiden was a smart, kind and caring man. He loved the law and defending the innocent. Especially those that were setup by the same man Morrigan is wanting to harm. He is hoping to gain freedom for his people through the law while gaining the victories to remove the corrupt forces in government.

Upon meeting one another there is an instant attraction. ONly they don’t act on it. Morrigan is on a mission and feels she will only harm Aiden. At first she was wary of him and as time went on she thought she was protecting him. As she went on a mission to find out who is besmirching Cinead’s name which leads to a dangerous game that Aiden ends up in the middle of with her, we see her strength and determination shine through. We see the danger surround them as they play the dangerous game of cat and mouse and unveil the truth behind the caricatures and free innocent people from harm. As they start to see all the tendrils of Sir Rupert, their lives and heart are in danger. Aiden wants Morrigan and she fears harming his future. Only he fights just as fiercely for her love as he does his people and in the end we get a happy ending on both fronts.

A book full of family, loyalty, friends, danger and strong women. Where love rules out and decency and kindness wins in the end.

This was third in series, wish I would have read book 2.
I love reading books with strong female characters. This book delivered. Men also accepted strong women.
Possible trigger- rape mentioned no details

‪This is the third book in a trilogy and is best read after the first two, though it is more of a standalone and could be read as such (the first two books covered the same time period, whereas this follows on). I felt this neatly tied up all the loose ends from books 1 and 2 and gave a happy ending to all three couples. I very much enjoyed the romance between Morrigan and Adam, Morrigan’s backstory and the sisterhood between the women. Recommended read for those interested in the turbulent economic period after Waterloo and amidst the Highland clearances.‬
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Morrigan Drummond's hot temper has her pulling out her dagger when following her quarry. When barrister Aidan Grant keeps Morrigan from her quarry, Aidan realizes what a fierce woman she is. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is the first book that I have read by May McGoldrick. I really like how Aidan admires and is drawn to Morrigan. In turn, I like discovering why Morrigan was so strong and fierce. I enjoy Aidan and Morrigan's verbal battling and flirting. This is an interesting Scottish historical romance set during the 1820's Radical War. I really like how history is interwoven into the story as well as the suspenseful moments. I enjoyed reading this book.

Morrigan wants revenge for her father murder.
I like the story, it has so many characters in it
Overall, it is a good story.

Highland Sword brings (husband and wife writing team) May McGoldrick's Royal Highlander trilogy to a close with another satisfying story set amidst the events of the Radical War of 1820. One of the things I most enjoy about a McGoldrick novel is the rich, well-researched historical detail. That, combined with their storytelling skill, brings characters and events to life, immersing me fully into time and place. Had they been my college professors, I would have been much more excited about learning history!

While Highland Sword is a romance, it leans heavily on the historical aspects of the story and there's no doubt that Morrigan is the central character. She's a warrior, holding herself apart from others, intent on training with the men of the Mackintosh clan, honing her skills to a deadly edge, foiling her opponents, and taking her revenge. As her story unfolds, and her character evolves, we learn the heartbreaking reason for that determination. I appreciate the way the author handles the situation as Morrigan faces her past, regains control, and finally begins to move forward.

I adore Aidan. He's a wonderful match for Morrigan, with a calm, measured personality that balances her fiery temper. I love his honor, his humor, how he not only accepts the warrior within Morrigan but celebrates it. I love how determined he is to put their relationship first even if that is at the expense of his career ambitions. I finished their story confident that their future would be a happy one.

Highland Sword is not a book I would recommend as a standalone read. It concludes an overarching story that begins in book one, Highland Crown, and could be confusing to the reader without the information imparted in books one and two. I recommend reading the three books in order: Highland Crown, Highland Jewel, and Highland Sword.

Content Warning: rape

*ARC received from publisher.
*All opinions unbiased and my own.

📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Highland Sword is the last book in the Royal Highlander series by May MacGoldrick. I’d actually read this book first, fallen in love with their beautiful prose, the intriguing background with real historical figures in the plots, I’d then immediately gone back and started from book 1 to learn more about this period in England called Radical War of 1820. This book is about the third and last extraordinary heroine of the trio, Morrigan Drummond, and her love interest Aidan Grant, a compassionate, brilliant barrister, who was fighting for the voice of Scottish people, for their freedom and equality against the corrupt English government.

After her father was killed in a riot, Morrigan fleed to the Highland with her stepmother Isabella (book 1) and Isabella’s sister Maisie (book 2). Here she trained with the Mackintosh fighters for the use of different weapons. I couldn’t help but rejoice when she literally brought Aidan down on his behind 🤣! It was such an unexpected and memorable “meet-cute” moment 🤣. We would eventually find out how her childhood had shaped who she was now, and it breaks my heart to read about her life journey 😭. It’s understandable it took Aidan great patience and kindness to win over her heart 😍.

Aidan was a war veteran, a well known barrister who came to Inverness for a trial. A Highlander at heart, he worked tirelessly to support government reforms and protect the victims of social injustice. I love that both Aidan and Morrigan admired the special qualities in each other and that admiration slowly morphed into love. Not only that, they always had each other’s back and encouraged the other to follow their ideals. I also enjoyed their fun banters and gradual development of their romance.

I’ve learned a great deal about the history of Scotland and Highland traditions throughout this series. I love the descriptions of their festivals, their lifestyle and daily activities. This beautifully written book made me laugh 😂, cry 😭, swoon 🥰, and sigh happily 😌. It’s a slow burn romance with a bit of steam 🔥 and interesting history. If you’re into a well researched historical fiction, I’d recommend this whole series ❤️!

*Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for sending me the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

✨Release date: March 31, 2020✨

I understand why Morrigan trained so hard and why she wanted to kill a man. Her life hadn't been easy. When she encounters Aidan in the alley, it is explosive. Morrigan has been part of the resistance for most of her life and has vowed revenge for her father's death. There are two men she hates and one just came into her sight. When Aidan tries to stop her, they tangle. Even though she gave him some bruises, Aidan is smitten with Morrigan. The more he gets to know her, the more he is sure that she is the one for him. Morrigan has a secret and knows she can't have Aidan. Will she take a chance? Will Aidan still want her when he discovers her secret?

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick
Royal Highlander #3

A man with royal blood hidden as a child by his mother
Unwilling to take the throne as an adult
Machinations
Evil-doers
AND
As usual
Some are caught in the crossfire
Will they do well
OR
Will they not?

This is a great book! I love this author’s books that are filled with historical settings, wonderful characters, delightful plots and of course...the splendid romance they provide in every book. This story caught us up with Cinead but went directly into the story of Aidan Grant and Morrigan Drummond.

Morrigan is a woman who was wronged as a child and the wrong has festered for years. She has become adept at fighting and deals with her emotions by working on improving her skills as a female warrior. She is the daughter of a doctor who was killed in a previous book and though she has skills as a healer it is not her calling to be a doctor. Aidan is a superb sought after lawyer who has been to war, lost family and wants to see wrongs righted. His brother Sebastian is a character I would love to have find his HEA in a future book.

Morrigan and Aidan should have nothing in common but they soon realize that perhaps they do. They both are on the same side politically and have the same vision for Scotland. In their “meet cute” he is pummeled, bruised and battered...by her. Meeting strangers in alleys is not always a pleasant experience. As the story progresses we find out more about both characters and a bit about what makes them tick. There are secrets exposed, bad men to deal with, political intrigue, family and clan events and the slow wooing of Morrigan by Aidan.

So often in reading historical romances I get caught up in the costumes or what is going on with the people and lose sight of the historical time period and what is going on in history. I know, my bad. This author wove into this story just enough information from previous books to remind me what happened in the previous books in the series and thus helped me remember why I care about the outcome of THIS book. And care I did.

What I liked:
* Morrigan: smart, strong, daring and caring – loved that she was also unbending and in some cases unforgiving
* Aidan: intelligent, has a vision, strong and heroic – loved the way he knew just how to handle Morrigan
* Sebastian: an interesting man I want to know more about
* the political issues taking place in the background
* The characters, plot and writing
* The closeness of the women in the story
* That evil was thwarted – at least a few times

What I did not like:
* The spymaster...a horrible person who deserved much more pain than he eventually received
* The Sparrow...another horrible man that got just what he deserved
* Having to say goodbye to the characters when the story ended

Did I like this book? Yes indeed
Would I read more by this author? Without a doubt

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

5 Stars

I requested and received an ARC of this book from the publisher.

I love strong heroines especially in a historical romance where they were expected to just be prim, proper and not concern themselves with things considered to be 'manly'.Morrigan has vowed vengeance after her father is killed. She's learned to fight, and when she sees the man while she's in town the time is right. Or so she thought.

Barrister Aiden Grant is looking to get testimony out of the man called Sparrow. Sparrow had been selling out the Highlanders to the British for years. Now he wants to make restitution, but what is the actual cost?

Morrigan is set to get her vengeance but is blocked and gets into a bit of an altercation, losing her knife in the ensuing fight she has no choice but to flee.

In interesting circumstances, Morrigan's prey ends up at Dalmigavie, home to Searc and Isabella as well has the hope of the highlands Cinaed. Unfortunately for her so does the man she had the fight with.

Oh so much fun, tension and romance as this story unfolds, along with some very uncomfortable secrets. I really do love Morrigan and Aiden.

I really have to go back to the beginning of this series, I need to get to know other characters in this book.