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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No one writes historical romance like the McGoldricks! Five stars is not enough for this excellent series. Highland Jewel is the second story and we learn more of the history of Scotland and England in the 1820’s during a time of political unrest. Scotland is being raped and crushed by the English and it’s people are rising up to be heard even while being arrested and killed by the British crown.
Niall Campbell is a newly retired Lieutenant in the 42nd Royal Highlander Regiment. He is tired of suppressing rebellion and killing people in the name of England when he realizes it’s only for power and riches for the Crown and rich lords. He comes home and discovers his widowed sister Fiona and her best friend Maisie Murray are in the thick of the rebellion in Edinburgh as founders of the Female Reform Society. He rescues Maisie as she’s about to be cut down by a British soldier. He knows full well the horrors that await women in political prison. He finds himself saving her several times from arrest. They fall in love during their interactions as he tries to protect her and his sister.
Niall finds a way to support a wife and is engaged. He’s offered a job by Sir Rupert Burney and his former commander who are in town to root out and arrest the radicals for the crown. He turns it down as he’s done with working for the crown. His happiness is ripped away from him when Sir Rupert Burney arrests Fiona and blackmail him into working for them for her release. He has to act as the crown’s spy, capture and kill Cinaed MacKintosh (Highland Crown hero)who is Queen Caroline’s son before she married the Prince Regent who’s now King. Niall is part of a company in a secret meeting between the Queen and Cinaed. I won’t give away the spoilers but where do Niall’s loyalties lie? Do Niall and Maisie ever get married? Will Fiona be freed and reunited with her two young daughters? You’ll have to read and see! This story kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read through the night never knowing what would happen next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book: Highland Jewel
by May McGoldrick
Series: (Royal Highlander, Book #2)
Release Date: September 24th
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews
Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews, Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating: Hot
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Edinburgh and The Highlands,
August 1820
The heroine of this story is Maisie Muarray. The younger sister of Isabella Murray Drummond, heroine of Highland Crown. Maisie is a bit of a chameleon, living a double life. To her family she is just a pretty face with an empty head that only require a husband and bairns. In other words a life with no other requirements besides being a whore in the bedroom, a cook in the kitchen and housekeeper and governess. For other women this might be enough but not Maisie she has a passionate nature and accomplishments to be met. They find her simple-minded, submissive, often silent and speechless where she is ready to conform to the authority of others. A follower more or less not a leader at all but they are wrong on so many levels.
Those outside the home especially her best friend, Fiona Campbell, knows Maisie has a warrior’s heart and a rebellious nature for the right reasons. Maisie wants to fight to change things for women at peaceful meetings and protests. Proving that this oppression has to stop! It’s not even just for women but everyone who of middle and lower classes. Anyone not born into wealth and nobility. Maisie is the conqueror of women’s rights and justice and wants to change things especially after Peterloo Massacre and similar incidents slaughtering innocent lives! This is how she and Fiona Campbell discover The Edinburgh Female Reform Society together. As they both take pride in carrying the banners for Universal Sufferage and its cause.
The swoon worthy hero of this story is Niall Campbell. A decorated, war hero, and recently retired, veteran officer, of the Royal Highland Regiment. A man who has seen too much death and destruction, for no other reason but to fill the noble Kings pockets! He just wanted to find a quiet, stable life and existence. Of course his senior officers are less than thrilled about losing this young, high ranking, superior, officer.
Niall soon meets and finds out his sister and her new friend are taking big dangerous risks in this new obsession of theirs. He understands their passion, wanting to correct society’s wrongs. Trying to make a better life and protection for others if only it was that simple. He agrees with them, but he also knows they could end up dead. As this corrupt authority will add charges of things they did not do, but can not prove. They will throw them in prison as traitors with the possibility of a traitors death or worse being they are women. In addition his sister is a widow with two young daughters and Maisie’s family would just assume she is missing. As they have no idea she is doing these activities.
During this time he falls in love with Maisie, but than some corrupt officers want Niall under their thumb, abducting someone near and dear to him. All his hopes and dreams come to an end, the only way he can be a savior is to hurt someone close to Maisie. Will this destroy Maisie and Niall’s love and future? Will Maisie ever tell her family who she truly is? Will she ever forgive Niall?
Again another action packed, awe inspiring, extraordinary May McGoldrick novel blew me away! I absolutely loved the main characters of the book Maisie and Niall. I also loved Fiona Campbell as I hope this young widow gets a future book. I loved getting to know the humorous and independent Morrigan Drummond too. Of course this spectacular heartwarming phenomenal novel had my favorite ingredients for a story, true history with a fictional romance. I have been reading May McGoldrick books for over two decades and am never disappointed, finding all their books major addictive! The Edinburgh and Highland settings were absolutely breathtaking. Another amazing dialogue and the extraordinary plotting with so many twists and turns. It made me wonder with my heart racing, what could possibly happen next? You think you have one plot figured out, but find out you are totally wrong! I love that about May McGoldrick novels as they always keep me on my toes guessing!
This book has all the elements historical romance readers love. It is a fast moving heart felt, adventurous, novel with murder plots, attempted murder, blackmail, abduction, espionage, treachery, betrayal, hatred, loyalty, faith, trust, joy, passion, love and more.
Any historical romance or lover of true history is going to love this book. In history I always felt bad for Queen Caroline. So I am glad they are giving her a new life in this book. You can read this as a stand alone book, but I recommend you read Highland Crown too. I can’t wait to read the third book in this magnificent series Highland Sword. That will be Morrigan’s story.
I received this book from St. Martin’s Paperback publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Buy Links:
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This is book 2 in May Mcgoldricks Royal Highlander’s series. And, wow, it is amazing. It can be read as a stand-alone but, I recommend you read the first book prior to this book for some background. These authors (Nikon and Jim) writing as May McGodrick has a way of melding history, fiction, and romance like no other. This story is about Maisey Murray, a champion of women’s suffrage and Niall Campbell, a decorated war hero of the Royal Highland Regiment. Their paths cross and they fall in love. But, will their love survive all the obstacles thrown in their way? Travel back to a time of unrest in 1820 Scotland and fall in love with the characters and country in this wonderful story. I look forward to the next book. I was gifted this book by the publisher and NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it. Thank you for the honor of reading it.
The “Highland Jewel” is so well-written, the complex characters come to life right off the page and I felt like I was completely involved in all that was happening and had traveled back to 1820 Scotland. It was fast-paced and intriguing and had me sitting on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding and turning the pages as fast as I could because I had to know what was going to happen. I felt a connection to Maisie Murray, a rebel at heart, who was determined to champion women’s suffrage with like-minded friends and loved her undeniable chemistry and romance with Niall Campbell, a retired officer with the Royal Highland Regiment.
This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted romance that includes actual history and I can hardly wait for book three in the Royal Highlander series.
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Highland Jewel, by May McGoldrick, is the second in the Royal Highlander series. Available 9-24-19, it can work as a stand-alone but I would strongly recommend reading Highland Crown first. The timeline between Crown and Jewel overlap. Highland Jewel is told from Maisie Murray’s perspective of events during “The Rising”. Once again I’m giving a rare 5 stars. The research and talent it takes to blend fact with fiction so well is to be commended.
Our heroine, Maisie, fades into the background on purpose. She plays the part of just another biddable, empty-headed girl. The truth is a far cry from what she projects. She’s a political and social activist, dedicated to the cause & aware of the possible consequences. She’s so much stronger than anyone knows. She meets her friends brother, Niall Campbell, recently retired from military service. She’s put out with him & he can’t stop thinking about her. Niall is also strong, determined, loyal, he’s a fleshed out complicated character in an impossible situation. He’s forced to choose blood or love, who to save & who must be hurt. They spend a lot of the story apart so it’s a good thing each can be written independent of the other
Up next will be Highland Sword, Morrigan’s tale. Pretty sure it will be entwined with books 1 & 2. Looking forward to it’s release. Happy reading.
#Netgalley #MayMcGoldrick #HighlandJewel #RoyalHighlander #StMartin’sPress #Romance
Though this book is about a different couple to that featured in the first in this series, Highland Crown, you’re going to miss a lot of the underlying context here if you haven’t read Highland Crown. At the end of that book we discovered Cinead’s royal lineage, and the fallout from that discovery. It’s obvious Cinead and Isabella’s marriage will have repercussions for everyone close to them, and in this book we see the effect it has on Maisie, Isabella’s younger sister.
Highland Jewel actually opens before Highland Crown takes place, setting the scene in Edinburgh as we discover Maisie wasn’t the quiet, biddable girl everyone thought. She was heavily involved in the Female Reform Society, a group considered seditious by England’s government, and with her friend Fiona, getting into all sorts of dangerous situations. Fiona’s brother Niall, a former army officer who retired when he couldn’t stomach the violence against his own people he was tasked with, is Maisie’s hero, and put in a terrible situation when his sister is held hostage to force Niall to commit an unspeakable act.
I still can’t quite see, given the historical context of the time, how Cinead and Isabella can get any sort of satisfyingly happy ending considering the impressive forces arrayed against them (and the fact that I know very well he didn’t get to be King of Scotland :P) but I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, Highland Sword, to find out how May McGoldrick manage to wrap this all up. I have every confidence they’ll manage it in some satisfying but unexpected way, though, because honestly this pair of authors are some of the best you’re going to find writing historical romance today. Weaving real historical events with fiction with such a deft touch the lines blur into insignificance, there are history lessons blended with a wonderful romance in every story.
Five stars for yet another fabulous read from May McGoldrick!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
I have completely enjoyed this book. The characters have so much depth and the story had me transported into their world. I always like books that include characters from previous books. I like knowing what is going on for them. I truly look forward to reading the next installment of this series!
Great characters & story!
Highland Jewel, the second book in the Royal Highlander Series, is a splendid blending of romance, action, and history. The story takes place following the Napoleonic Wars, a time of political unrest and social upheaval across the British Isles. Danger, secrecy, intrigue, betrayal, narrow escapes, and rescues, and a cast of absolutely marvelous characters come together to create fantastic Highland adventure and a dramatic romance. Niall Campbell is a decorated war hero who is tired of war and its aftermath. He wants to return to the highlands and live in peace. Maisie Murray is an activist for social reform, particularly suffrage for all citizens. Niall and Maisie meet through his sister Fiona (also a social activist). They fall in love, but tragedy strikes endangering their desire to marry. Niall must rescue his sister from a charge of treason. Maisie seeks refuge with her sister to avoid the same fate. How does it work out? Can Fiona be saved? Is their hope for Niall and Maisie? This one is a real page-turner. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Oh, look for a big surprise at the end.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
HIGHLAND JEWEL by May McGoldrick is book Two in the Royal Highlander Series. This is the story of Niall Campbell and Maisie Murray. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Maisie and her friend Fiona Campbell are founding members of the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. They are standing up for the women’s suffrage which leads them to protesting which of course in its self if very dangerous. That is how Maisie meets Niall when he comes to a protest to protect his sister. Niall has walked away from the Royal Highland Regiment but when his sister is taken he ends up having to go back into the field. Maisie to ends up suffering the lost of her friend, then Niall along with her home. Isabella her sister and brother-in-law all take off for the Highlands for safety when the threat of being a traitor is made…this brings Niall back into her life.
Enjoyed their story.
Read in Order of Publication.
Yet another skilful blending of historical fact and fiction. The second book in a trilogy the story goes back and forth in time but in the main covers a similar period to the first book but this time focusing on Maisie and her love interest. Felt it was a shame that whilst the authors had a good grasp of the politics of the day, they were unaware that Scotland does not have sidewalks or street blocks but otherwise this was a good story. Looking forward to reading Morrigan’s story in the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A wonderful journey through history. Reading this story is like standing in the middle of the action. Niall thought he was done with war and found the love of his life in Maisie. This is a story that depicts the fierceness of the women who fought tirelessly to bring freedom to the common people of Scotland. It is also about the men they supported and who stood by them through it all. This story is built on the facts of the freedom fights. Despite all the spies, intrigue and the people out to stop their progress they still persevere. I love the depth of research and feeling that has gone into creating this masterpiece series.
Maisie Murray and her friend Fiona are members of the Edinburgh Female Reform Society where she carries the banner for universal suffrage. Fiona’s brother, Niall Campbell a hero of the wars who comes to their rescue when a protest turns violent and he meets Maisie. Maisie and Niall grow closer and she soon finds Niall has her heart, but he’s forced to leave. He has no other choice he’s sent on a mission in exchange for his sister’s freedom. They meet again Niall’s has a new name, but the same love for Maisie. Highland jewel is a complex love story filled with twist and turns with a true hero and a strong heroine who fights for a cause she deeply believes in and the man who believes in her. I loved this excellent book and I voluntarily wrote a review.
Highland Jewel is a delightful mix of strong heroines, daring men, and political intrigue. Scotland is in a uproar, people are protesting injustice and the new laws set forth by the crown make everyone a target. Maisie Murray is a docile little mouse at home but in reality she is a fiery spitfire that helped found a women’s reform group with her best friend Fiona. Danger comes for the women and Fiona’s brother Niall saves Maisie from the law. A soldier looking for peace, Niall Campbell finds love instead until disaster strikes and his sister is held over his head by the crown to make him pull off a dangerous mission. In the background runs the story of Princess Caroline trying to be reunited with her son and hoping to place a new man on the throne of Scotland. I love the unconventional female leads in this story and the men make you want to swoon. The pages turn quickly and the story draws you in for a sweet and addicting read with just the right dash of spice to heat up the pages. May McGoldrick has gained a new fan for life. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martins Press for the free ARC – in exchange for my honest feedback.
I strongly recommend that you read Highland Crown first – the background that that story provides made this an even more enjoyable story!
“Maisie Murray’s determination to win women’s suffrage has swept her directly into harm’s way—and into the arms of a man she cannot resist. A trained officer with the Royal Highland Regiment, Niall Campbell has spent his life serving the Crown. He wants nothing to do with trouble—until he meets Maisie. But unless Niall and Maisie can find a way to stand up to the destructive forces that threaten to divide them, long-buried secrets and political schemes are destined to stand in the way of the glorious love they’ve found.”
I really liked the way that May McGoldrick wove us back to when Niall and Maisie first met – it provided background and filled in some missing pieces from Highland Crown details as well. Easy read – I highly recommend this as a nice vacation read this summer for anyone who likes historical romance!
Highland Jewel is the second book of the Royal Highlander series by May McGoldrick (also known as Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick). You don’t have to read the prior book first, but I recommend doing so. The characters and history in that book are deftly blended with the ones herein. You’ll get maximum enjoyment if you read both in order. The beginning of this story actually occurs before the start of book one.
Maisie Murray is the sweet, quiet sister of Isabella and stepsister Morrigan. Or so she would have them believe… Unbeknownst to her family, Maisie and her best friend Fiona are the founders of the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. They are fighting for the rights of not only women but also those of the Scottish people who are downtrodden under the monarchy. One day Maisie and Fiona are caught up in the violence of a protest and are saved by Fiona’s brother Niall Campbell. He was formerly in the Royal Highland Regiment, but he retired because the soldiers were being used to suppress people for the government. Niall is immediately smitten with Maisie, and she with him. However, their happiness is torn away when Fiona is arrested and imprisoned. Niall is contacted by politicians who will see that his sister is released. First, however, Niall must do a certain task for them…
The romance between Maisie and Niall was very sweet and I really liked both characters. I loved seeing familiar characters from the first book. The stars of this story, however, are politics and history. The authors obviously did their homework concerning this unsteady time in history. It’s absolutely horrible how the government treated those they should have been protecting. Though the history and politics were very interesting, I think they both overshadowed Niall and Maisie’s romance. They just didn’t get enough screen time together. I don’t feel like I really got to know Niall. Still, the story was excellent and I can’t wait to read Morrigan’s book!
I must give special props to Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick. I can’t get my husband to read a book, never mind write one with me!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
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. A trained officer with the 42nd Highland Regiment, Niall Campbell has spent his life serving the Crown. When he’s ordered to go to Ireland & stamp out any rebellion he knows his days as a soldier are finished so resigns his commission. He returns to Edinburgh to spend time with his sister Fiona & her two young daughters, whilst there he meets Maisie. The pair fall in love & agree to marry but Fiona is arrested & her life is dangled in front of Niall in order for him to perform a task for the government.
This is the second book of this spellbinding series & events from the first book do overlap as both books take place at the same time. I felt this book didn’t pull me through the wringer as much as the previous one but it still took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It’s over three hundred pages &, luckily, I began it just after lunch & my head didn’t lift until I’d finished it. Intrigue, treachery & romance held me totally enthralled. I loved both Niall & Maisie who really deserved each other. It was set against a backdrop of the troubles in Great Britain after the Napoleonic Wars & the plight of many ordinary people & I loved the mix of historical fact & fiction.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Highland Jewel: A Royal Highlander Novel by May McGoldrick is an intense, and intriguing Historical Romance set in 1820. I feel this is not a stand alone novel, I’d recommend reading book 1, HIGHLAND CROWN first. I had a difficult time connecting with the characters, at first.
May McGoldrick, has weaved history with fiction to create a story that draws readers into a compelling, enticing, intriguing tale of political unrest, danger, deception, treason, betrayal and love with a HEA. HIGHLAND JEWEL has a dramatic and climactic ending. I loved this story, the cast of characters are very intriguing. The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly. Strongly recommended for fans of Historical Romance, danger, intrigue, politics and More.
Looking forward to reading More of this series.
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
#NetGalley, #HighlandJewel,#MayMcGoldrich
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: mild
Reviewer: AprilR
This story was so much more than I thought it would be. Strong women characters fighting for the rights of the people and amidst the rebellion a love story blooms. Many surprises in store as to who is a villain. Simply wonderful. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Excellent continuation of the Royal Highlander series. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, the experience will be richer if you read Highland Crown first. One of my favorite things about both books is that they deal with events outside the usual Society life. Indeed, the upper crust of Society is shown in an entirely different light. The setup of the book is a little different also. It starts in the middle of the story, goes back to the beginning to catch up, then continues in the present. Part of the story also takes place at the same time as the previous book, but from Maisie’s point of view rather than Isabelle’s.
There are two sides to Maisie. One is the quiet, docile girl who doesn’t seem to have a thought in her head. This is the side that her family sees, and the reason for it is heartbreaking. Outside of the home, she shares with her family, Maisie is just the opposite. She is an activist, working for the rights of women and the ordinary people of Scotland. She has formed a Women’s Reform Society with her best friend, Fiona, where they meet to talk about issues, plan protests, and recruit new members. Unfortunately, the British government is cracking down on what it considers to be subversive activity.
Niall is Fiona’s brother. He recently retired from active service, disturbed by the things he’s been called to do since the end of the war with Napoleon. All he wants now is a stable, quiet life with his sister and nieces. He is dismayed to discover Fiona’s double life, knowing from experience the danger she is in. When a rally turns dangerous, Fiona begs Niall to save Maisie too. From that moment on, there is an undeniable connection between Niall and Maisie.
I liked the development of the relationship between Maisie and Niall. Though he was a soldier for a long time, there is also a softer side to him that comes out around Maisie. She understands that the things he’s seen haunt him. I liked the way that she listens to more than just the words when he talks. Niall is also just as protective of Maisie as he is of Fiona and I ached for how he worries about them both. The feelings between them grow rapidly, but there are obstacles to overcome. Maisie’s brother-in-law has taken a dislike to Niall, and she has to find a way to overcome that. She also needs to tell them about her other life. But before she can do that, Fiona is taken by the authorities.
There is more behind Fiona’s capture than either Maisie or Niall is aware of at first. Niall is blackmailed into accepting a dangerous mission for the Crown. Accepting the danger to save his sister, Niall refuses to drag Maisie into it. Instead, he frees her from their commitment, breaking her heart. He never expects to see her again, but fate has other plans. The intrigue and intensity ramp up when Niall shows up in the Highlands under suspicious circumstances. There are multiple twists and turns that put Niall, Maisie, and even Cinead and Isabelle in danger. I was glued to the pages as each event played out, and I found myself rooting for the best outcome. I loved seeing Niall and Maisie come together despite the turmoil around them. I especially enjoyed Niall’s words to Maisie at the end about their future and life together.
The story arc that runs through both books, and will continue into book three, is an intriguing one. I love seeing more of the world outside London, and the realistic look at the social problems of the day. The story of Cinead and his mother is especially intriguing. I ached for Caroline and what she went through. I was somewhat familiar with her as a historical character, but these books provide a different look into her life. The ending brought tears as Caroline finally got her dearest wish. It will be interesting to see where it goes in the next book.
The secondary characters were terrific as well. My favorites were Fiona and Morrigan. I liked Fiona’s determination to make a better world for her daughters. She and Maisie made an excellent team, each with their own strengths. My favorite was Morrigan. I liked seeing her relationship with Maisie change from adversarial to the closeness of sisters. She is just as committed to her cause as Isabelle and Maisie are. I look forward to the next book and seeing what is in store for her.
With the epic series beginning in Highland Crown, I thought that the following books couldn’t possibly live up to the bar that was set. Au contraire. This was every bit as good as the first book – just a bit less intense. Not less exciting and interesting, just less intense because this story happens at the same time as the first one – but from another perspective. Therefore, I already knew some of the events that would take place and I could read with that in mind.
There was a lot of social unrest in Scotland, England, and Ireland after the Napoleonic wars. Rather than try to make fair laws to help all of its citizenry, the Regent/King and parliament passed laws that basically stripped citizens of their basic rights. Those laws lead to more unrest and the populace began to rebel. Ever fearful of its citizens taking the same path as those in France had taken, the government clamped down, sent in spies to infiltrate the groups, and sent in troops who beat, massacred and the participants. The Peterloo massacre was one of those events. The author has masterfully woven fact and fiction together that keeps you riveted to the page. I particularly liked the reimagining of Princess Caroline’s life.
Maisie Murray has always lived in the shadow of her older sister who was always their father’s favorite. Her sister was brilliant, compassionate, beautiful and shared their father’s interest in medicine. Maisie just never measured up in her father’s eyes, so she quit trying. She didn’t give up on life – she just went her own way and did her own thing while presenting a meek, mild, and frivolous face to her family. After their father died and her sister married a man in order to give Maisie security and stability, Maisie continued to present the same face to her new family.
Maisie became appalled at the oppression of those around her especially after the new laws were passed. Things were getting worse and worse for ordinary citizens and Maisie had to get involved. She and her best friend, Fiona, founded the Edinburg chapter of the Female Reform Society with the goal of suffrage for all citizens. Once the new seditions laws were passed even their non-violent meetings were illegal and would be treated as treason by the crown. Maisie really came into her own and began to blossom as a real leader. Her main talent was writing and she wrote all of the pamphlets and flyers for the society. However, later, she was forced upon the speaking platform and found that she also had a real talent for engaging the crowds. She never had any thoughts about love, marriage or even whether she was attractive or not – her entire focus was in her suffrage movement. Then, the troops started cutting a swath through one of the rallies and she was on the stage – and couldn’t get down – until a very large and handsome man saved her.
Niall Campbell, highly decorated war hero, had had enough of being required to draw his sword against his own countrymen – so he retired from the military. Not only was he highly decorated, he was revered by his men, and greatly respected by those to whom he reported. They tried their best to convince him not to retire, but he’d just had enough. Niall knew of his sister’s political activities and was on the outskirts of a rally when he saw the militiamen start cutting through the crowd. As he started toward the platform to save his sister Fiona, he caught sight of another woman who was saving her. His sister begged him to go and save her friend Maisie. After that first meeting – he and Maisie became closer and closer and finally agreed to marry.
When Fiona is arrested and charged with treason, Niall is beside himself. He’ll do anything to free her – even if that means giving up Maisie. The government has a task for him to do – and if he completes it, his sister will go free.
I loved this book – but I don’t suggest reading it as a standalone. Be sure to read the first book as it sets up the entire premise of the series and the additional books work off that one. I loved that all of the ends were wrapped up and we got to know Morrigan better – setting up for the next adventure.
One thing I didn’t understand was – why was Niall still only a Lieutenant? He was in the military for ten years, he was highly decorated, his men loved him and his superiors greatly respected him. I’d think he’d have been a major or more likely a colonel at that point.
I highly recommend this book – and I can hardly wait for the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.