The next book in the new lush Scottish historical series from USA Today bestselling author, May McGoldrick. A REBEL AT HEART Maisie Murray’s sweet, docile exterior masks the courageous spirit of a firebrand determined to champion women’s suffrage with like-minded friends. But fighting for her principles has swept her directly into harm’s way–and into the arms of a man she cannot resist. A … man she cannot resist.
A WARRIOR BY BLOOD
A trained officer with the Royal Highland Regiment, Niall Campbell has spent his life serving the Crown. Battle-weary and searching for peace, he 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…
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This was an absolutely-delightful, romantic romp through the Highlands. It had all the essential elements that make for a great, historical romance read. The story line was interesting, and the characters were complex and rich with life. I enjoyed this book immensely!
#NetGalley #HighlandJewel #MayMcGoldrick
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
My suggestion is to read the first book, HIGHLAND CROWN, before this one, because of the overlap of characters and events. 1820, George III dies and Prinny becomes King George IV. Crowds of dissension and protests of the loss of people’s rights, including women and the homeless veterans of the Napoleon War and their families, create fear in the King and his cronies. In the middle of all this turmoil are Maise Murray, Fiona Campbell and Fiona’s brother Nial, recently out of the 42nd Royal Highland. Maise and Fiona found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. Nial is their protector who finds his love for Maise tested when a kidnapping and a betrayal come into play. Will the “King of Scotland” live or die? A lot of politics based on historical facts with a romance included in the story makes this a very interesting book.
An ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
Maisie is quiet and docile for all outward appearances, but inside lurks a woman full of passion and intent on aiding the fight for freedom and equality. In a time where anyone outspoken is branded a traitor and hanged, Maisie must carefully strategize the best ways to bring about more support without outing herself or placing others in harm’s way. A bit naive to the danger, she continues to make appearances at rallies and very nearly gets caught. If it weren’t for the handsome stranger who appears at her side to rescue her, she would have been cut down on the street. When she discovers the identity of her champion is none other than Fiona’s brother, she fears he will out her and her secret activities. Together she and Fiona founded the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. Her family has no clue what she’s been up to and would likely put an end to her fight. But something unexpected happens and before too long, she finds trust and love within the arms of Niall. Unfortunately, his past as a successful soldier brings their future plans to a screeching halt. Maisie suddenly finds herself alone and at a loss. Fear of discovery forces Maisie into hiding and a brutal attack on her home forces her into a new home surrounded by strangers. When Niall shows up and shocks Maisie with his unexpected appearance, she is sure she knows what he is about. But Niall has another purpose and he’s in need of some luck if he’s going to be able to pull it off without getting those he loves caught up in the crosshairs. Maisie has only to trust in him.
Niall is fuming when he discovers the blackguards who tried to enlist him into their nefarious schemes have turned the tables on him; now blackmailing him to carry out their orders. He had plans for a future with Maisie. He was finally going to be free of the death and destruction which plagued his military career. Wanting only a quiet, happy life with Maisie and their future family, he has now been completely derailed and unsure if a future with Maisie is even possible. Hope now barely hanging by a thread, he concocts a plan that just might allow the best outcome possible if he can convince others of his intentions. Maisie showing up before he has a chance to speak his mind ends up working in his favor. But her presence throws a bit of a wrench in his plans – until he ends up married to her. He still has a huge undertaking to pull off and letting Maisie in on the plan isn’t an option. He just prays everything will work out the way he’s desperately hoping it will. If it doesn’t, they could all well die very soon.
Good grief! And the story just gets better! I was wondering how the writing team of May McGoldrick could possibly continue to run with the fast-paced, thrilling read that was book one, but dang! Did they ever! Picking up prior to where book one, HIGHLAND CROWN began, much of the events prior to Isabella’s exile are explained. In the first story, Isabella has already been forced from her home and into hiding. Much of the events leading to such circumstances were explained, but not in great detail. Now, with book two, the reader is allowed to travel back in time and experience everything that happened. HIGHLAND JEWEL begins with an accounting of why Cinaed was abandoned by his mother, then directly to where the first book left off. Following Niall’s unexpected reappearance, the book then travels back to the months prior to the attack on the house at Infirmary Street. I was extremely happy to be able to have a clearer understanding of what took place and everything that led to such a horrific ordeal. Even though a bit of the events were being retold, the telling was created in a way that nothing seemed repetitive. Given that this was all happening through the eyes of Maisie and Niall, rather than Isabella, the information presented as a fresh accounting. In truth, given their very different perspectives, it actually was new. I remained engaged and just as eager to turn each page as I had been in the previous book. Not only was Maisie quite a surprise in her alteration from book to book, but we are also reunited with Cinaed and Isabella. Their transformation was inspiring – both trusting one another implicitly; operating together almost as if two halves of a whole; projecting nothing but love and respect for one another. I loved that their union had progressed to something so powerful when next they appear.
There was a bit of a shift within this book as far as the intimacy between Niall and Maisie. Whereas book one has very little description, the joining within this story was more descriptive. I wouldn’t call it raunchy by any means, but their union was born more of desperation and then having been separated and unsure if they would ever again be together – their circumstances always leaving a bit of doubt and fear that each time could be the last. Also revealed in quite a bit more detail is Cinaed’s mother and finally, her appearance. There is literally just as much, if not more, occurring within these pages as the first tale. May McGoldrick had no problem what-so-ever reeling me right back in and capturing my attention through the books entirety. The bar was set high with HIGHLAND CROWN. I was a bit worried given how wonderful it was, but they met that bar easily with this second installment of the ROYAL HIGHLANDERS series. I very much enjoyed how they were able to expand on events within the previous book, keep every character true to self, and bring something completely new to this story with the love between Maisie and Niall. I knew I would be jumping into a book that continued on the journey begun in the previous book and was thrilled to see all of the former characters once again spring to life. Isabella and Cinaed remain my favorite. How could they not with so much time and emotion invested in them? However, I was very nearly as enchanted with Maisie and Niall’s story and excited that theirs was a completely different path from the previous book.
My advice with this author stands. If you have yet to experience this wonderfully told, beautifully crafted world, interwoven with history and fiction, you are doing yourself a disservice. Do yourself a favor and jump into this series. I promise there will be no regrets. However, this is a series that definitely needs to be read in order. A reader would likely make it through book two without book one just fine, but the absence of knowledge in doing so would be a tragic mistake. Guaranteed to enchant, captivate, and inspire, the ROYAL HIGHLANDS series has thus far been one of the best in HR I have ever come across; truly giving new meaning and life to the genre.
Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St. Martin’s in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading from the beginning of the series and most certainly will continue reading the rest. The stories are entertaining with just the right amount of intrigue. Coupled with the rich fodder of historical events which the characters play their parts, I was caught up in the utter turmoil of their circumstances. Concerned for their well-being, I was compelled to keep flipping the pages!
The author told the story using three strong women of spirit and determination who wish to make the world a better place for all. Isabella, who was the main heroine in book one, Maisie and Fiona, taking the stage in book two, and Maggie in book 3, The Highland Sword, publishing March 2020.
Fiona and Maisie are heavily involved in changing the conditions women work under. They start a branch of the Female Reform Society. These societies actually existed. The author captures the sentiment of the times when grassroot efforts of women like Fiona and Maisie are spread throughout England.
When the government decides to curb these so-called disturbances of society, they attack unarmed men and women such as what happened at the Peterloo Massacre. Take time to Google and learn about the massacre. They then enacted The Six Acts, further fueling the outrage of the people. With a heavy hand they beat people suspected of involvement and imprison them.
Fiona and Maisie, our heroines, print material to inform the people what is happening and lead rallies. On several occasions they were almost caught, once saved by Niall, Fiona’s brother. Romance is afoot when Niall and Maisie are drawn to each other, but it is questionable whether a burgeoning love can keep danger at bay.
This chaos was a perfect cover for the undergoing of powerful people who had a different agenda, an agenda to weaken Scotland through killing the man known as The Son of Scotland.
Niall, Fiona’s brother, loves his sister and her two children very much and tries his best to protect her, yet give her the freedom she deserves. He understands her motives and sympathizes with her. When a good man has a weakness, his enemies will use it to get what they want. Niall is snared into a plot to harm the queen. He has choices. All are risky and dangerous. Which does he choose?
A remarkable story and clearly one I will remember long into the future.
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.
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!
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!
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.
DMy only complaint about this book is that it was too short or maybe I just read it too fast. As the second book in the Royal Highlander series, it seems to be a nice fit between number one and the the final book. Relationships seemed to be the main point of this installment. The characters are very closely intertwined to each other. Their relationships to each other are very important to this series as a whole. More important than even the ones between couples, is the one between Isabella, Maisie, and Morrigan. In particular the development of a sisterhood between Maisie and Morrigan is very nicely done. We did not see too much of these two in the first book, but their presence and personalities make this one an interesting read. I love May McGoldrick ‘s books and this one does not disappoint. Morrigan’s story promises to be very interesting, indeed.
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. 🙂 I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
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.
Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick is a fantastic historical romance. The actual history of the time is highlighted in this book as much as the character’s story. I loved that, but folks that aren’t big fans of history might not care for this book as well as others they may have read by this author. Maisie spends her time secretly writing speeches for the Female Reform Society and attending forbidden protests. Niall is a retired officer of the 42nd Royal Highlanders and just wants to find a peaceful life with his sister and nieces. Maisie and Niall’s story is full of drama, humor, sexy bits, action and cover to cover suspense. I enjoyed reading Highland Jewel and look forward to my next book by May McGoldrick. Highland Jewel is book 2 of the Royal Highlander Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a fun historical romance that I really enjoyed reading. It’s a Avery fast paced read and the characters are just what you love to read about in a book I’m really so glad I read this book and you will be too!
The McGoldricks’ books always are well connected with history, but this Royal Highlander series takes the words “historical romance” to a whole new level. Highland Jewel continues the story begun in Highland Crown. England and Scotland are experiencing tremendous unrest and some degree of outright rebellion. The characters in this series are deeply embroiled in the danger and intrigue.
This is not a comfortable read. There is trouble around every corner and we fear for the characters we love. But it is still a tale of love and accomplishment. I enjoyed the book from cover to cover yet I would have liked a little less history and a little more depth in the relationship between Maisie and Niall. Still, an excellent book.
Excellent Follow Up!
Highland Jewel picks up right where Highland Crown left off but from younger sister Maisie’s point of view.
Before the attack that sent her and her family running, Maisie has fallen in love with Niall. Unfortunately, Niall has to make a choice between his sister and Maisie…or did he?
I absolutely loved the continuation of the story and felt that the romance was a bit more central in this story (perhaps because Highland Crown bore all the weight of the world building). I’m moving right on to Morrigan’s story.
Also, I highly recommend the audio version of this book!
“To see her is to love her, and love but her forever; for Nature made her what she is, and never made another.”
Highland Jewel is the 2nd book in the Royal Highlander Series. This story is about Maisie Murray, a female activist for women’s and civil rights, and Niall Campbell, a former Lieutenant in the Royal Highlanders regiment. I love this book , perhaps more than book 1, but I’d suggest you start there to get to know all the characters and historical settings. It also provides a nice complementary view in Maisie’s voice for many events happening in book 1. And I feel more romance element is depicted in this book (a best friend’s brother trope !)
Maisie is such an intriguing character. She led a double life: a shy dull girl to her family, and a fierce compassionate activist to the world. Co-founding Female Reform Society, Edinburgh chapter, with Niall’s sister, she used her written words to fight against unjust treatments to the Scottish people, and for the voice of women in society. She had this quiet strength that surprised many people, even her own family. Her spirits and convictions were what attracted Niall the most, on top of her stunning beauty .
Niall was an honorable, tough, and intimidating man, but he was all “custardy” inside, a feminist at heart, who would roll on the floor to role play with his nieces, write to them poems and stories about strong heroines … He saw Maisie for who she really was, admired her passion and intelligence, at the same time, he was concerned for her and his sister’s safety. He was hoping to build a future with her, away from danger and violent protests, but then his plan was upended overnight when he was thrown into a nasty game of politics…
I love the strong bonds developed among the three women. Unlike Isabella, who progressed into an activist during the course of book 1, Maisie had always been one from the beginning, her fighting spirit was not dampened by any forces, one way or another she continued to fight the battle. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the political unrest during this period, from a point of view of an activist, how people had fought, violently suppressed or killed. The book is beautifully written and insightful, it’s sweet, emotional, yet captivating and thrilling that will keep you reading till the end !
Definitely a 5 read for me!
I thoroughly enjoyed Highland Jewel, the second book in Royal Highlander series by Mary McGoldrick; a fantastic historical romance. Maisie spends her time secretly writing speeches for the Female Reform Society and attending forbidden protests. Niall is a retired officer of the 42nd Royal Highlanders and just wants to find a peaceful life with his sister and nieces. Maisie and Niall’s story is full of drama, humor, sexy bits, action and cover to cover suspense. I enjoyed reading Highland Jewel and look forward to my next book by May McGoldrick.
Ms. McGoldrick wrote a wonderful story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with interesting (old and new) characters, a swoony romance, political intrigue, and Scottish history. I recommend Highland Jewel to other readers and look forward to the next book, Highland Sword, in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Can I just say this story was amazing? After the first in this series, it was thrilling to continue on with the descriptive narrative of this fabulous author team in another top of the charts historical romance.
The opening brings us into the mind of Princess Caroline of Brunswick -Wolfenbuttel contemplating her marriage to her first cousin, the English Prince. Her son Cinaed, only four is ripped away from her for his journey to Scotland to the land of his father.
We begin in the past, go forward and then go back to find out what happened to lead our heroine Maisie and hero, Niall to where they are now. It holds everything and more that are the key ingredients to a successful story. True historical happenings with a twist entwining intrigue, suspense, political unrest along with unrest of the people, spies, the Queen and her son along with Maisie, her sister Isabelle who is tied to Cinaed and Maisie’s best friend Fiona, sister to the man she falls in love with Niall.
I could go on and on about this book, but truly it is one you need to read because once you start, you seriously cannot put it down. I have to say both books in this series are truly inspired and I cannot wait for more!
Highland Jewel has been on my must-read list since I read Highland Crown. I usually don’t get excited for 2nd books in series. They can be used as a filler book, or the characters aren’t as good as book 1. I have very rarely read a series where book two not only keeps up the pace from book one but exceeds it. Highland Jewel did that.
Highland Jewel’s plotline was fast-paced and well fleshed out. There was no lag in the plotline, which surprised me. There was also no dropped storylines, which thrilled me to no end. What I liked is that the author took the storyline back to before the events in Highland Crown. She was able to make a believable storyline for Maisie while keeping true to the events in Highland Crown. I loved it!!!!!
Maisie surprised me. The picture the author painted of her in Highland Crown was turned upside down. I would have never expected her to be a crusader for women’s rights. What stunned me even further was that she was doing this in an era where women had zero rights. Her passion for what she did carried off the pages. I didn’t understand why she didn’t come clean to her sister and her husband with what she was doing. It puzzled me for most of the book. But a crucial scene with Archibald answered that for me.
I loved Niall. I liked how he had an open mind. When he opened up to Maisie and explained that his parents raised him like that, I started to love him. For a man in that time to think as he did was amazing. He might not have agreed with what Maisie and his sister did, but he supported them. I did feel bad that he was pressured to do what he did. But, he ended up getting the last laugh in the end. Loved it!!
The romance between Niall and Maisie was bittersweet. I loved watching them fall in love. That scene in the coffee house was terrific. Just two people talking and getting to know each other. Their forced separation brought tears to my eyes. What Maisie had to endure, and because of what Niall was forced to do, it made their reunion bittersweet.
While Highland Jewel can be read as a stand-alone book, I would advise reading Highland Crown first. That way there is no confusion when the book goes back to eight months previously, right before the events of Highland Crown.
The storyline with Cinaed was continued into this book. It is essential to keep that storyline in mind because everything that happens in the latter half of the book centers around it. Cinaed’s mother is discussed more, and the real reason she sent Cinaed away is revealed.
The storyline involving Fiona was intriguing. She was part of the same feminist movement that Maisie was. I did raise my eyebrows when she was arrested and held. I had a feeling why, and my feeling was right.
The end of Highland Jewel was exciting. I loved how Niall and Maisie’s storyline ended. Talk about giving me a heart attack at one point. I almost hyperventilated!! The storyline with Cinaed and his mother took an exciting turn, as did the storyline with Fiona. The lead into Morrigan’s book was excellent!! I can’t wait to read it.