Scottish pride, persuasion, and passion–this is Highland romance at its breathtaking best. From USA Today bestselling author May McGoldrick comes Highland Sword, the third book in the Royal Highlander series. A VOW FOR VENGEANCE Fleeing to the Highlands after her father’s murder, fiery Morrigan Drummond has a score to settle with Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for his … Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for his death. Trained to fight alongside the other rebels determined to break Britain’s hold on Scotland, she swears to avenge her father’s death–until a chance encounter with a barrister as proud and principled as she is presents her with a hard choice…and a bittersweet temptation.
A PLEA FOR PASSION
Aidan Grant has never encountered another woman like dangerous beauty Morrigan–and he has the bruises to prove it. Yet she could be the key to defending two innocent men, as well as striking a death blow to the reprehensible Burney. Convincing Morrigan to help him will take time, but Aidan is willing to wait if it means victory over corrupt government forces and freedom for his people…and Morrigan’s hand in marriage. Can two warriors committed to a cause stand down long enough to open their hearts to a love fierce enough to last…forever?
more
I encountered no issues following the events or relationships in Highland Sword despite not reading any prior novels in this series. Against a historical Scottish backdrop, Morrigan and Aiden search for vengeance. Both characters are determined and capable in their quests, whether they are working together toward a goal or individually. Morrigan is a strong-willed, fun heroine, and Aiden is well suited to calm Morrigan’s storm. The romance between Morrigan and Aiden was slow to take effect, but I enjoyed the pacing of it. I found their snarky and flirtatious encounters to be endearing. I enjoyed reading Highland Sword and recommend it for lovers of historical romantic fiction.
An intense tale filled to bursting with historical intrigue with descriptive words that make you feel you are there in Scotland, walking in the characters steps and feeling their emotions.
Unrest and mistrust is rampant with the innocent being punished and taking the blame for many infractions.
Aidan Grant is one man trying to defend those who are innocent of crimes the corrupt government have placed on them. Trying to get information out a government informant to help in a trial, leads him to Morrigan Drummond, who is only wanting the man dead. The spy had worked for the man who was responsible for the death of her father and she wanted vengeance.
Wow, this story never stopped and as these two come into contact again, a lot happens and leads this story into intrigue, secrets, a battle of minds and a slow build of passion.
If you have never read on of this fabulous writing teams books, don’t miss this one and all in this remarkable series.. I highly recommend!
A wonderful Scottish historical romance and perfect ending to the Royal Highlander series with complex characters and a story that kept me glued to the book from beginning to end with twists and turns, ups and downs, Scottish pride, a Highland romance and so much more. I loved the instant attraction and slow-burn romance between rebel Morrigan Drummond and barrister Aidan Grant. If you enjoy well-crafted historical romance, don’t miss “Highland Sword”. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was excited to read Highland Sword. I was excited because this is Morrigan’s book. I wanted to see who would be brave enough to tame her. I also wanted to know more about her. She was rarely mentioned in Highland Crown. In Highland Jewel, she was mentioned, and she did have a couple of scenes that showed how strong she was. Highland Sword more than delivered on that.
Highland Sword is the 3rd book in the Royal Highlander series. It cannot be read as a stand-alone book. You do need to read Highland Crown and Highland Jewel to understand the different backstories in the book. Also, Cinead’s story is fully explained in the first book. The author does explain it here, but it goes more into depth in Highland Crown.
Highland Sword has two, sometimes 3, POVs’. The book is split between Morrigan and Aidan, with Cinead and sometimes his mother’s POV thrown in. The transition between Morrigan and Aidan’s POV’s was wonderfully written. I had no issue following the book went it went back and forth between them.
I loved Morrigan, but I did wonder why she was so standoffish with people. I liked that she didn’t care about going against what was considered the norm for that era. She was independent, and she was handy with just about any weapons, including her fists. I wondered what made her that way. I got my answer and I was horrified. It was then that I understood why she was the way she was.
I liked Aidan. I wished there was more focus on him being a barrister. Seeing how the law worked back then fascinated me. I wanted to know more!! There were points in the book where I thought he was a pushover, but, in hindsight, he wasn’t. He allowed Morrigan to do what she wanted (well, except the last thing she did), and he made sure she was safe.
I wasn’t a fan of how Aidan and Morrigan met. But I wouldn’t say I liked how it was escalated. A knockdown fight between a man and a woman? Nope, not my cup of tea. The romance angle of the book was super slow in getting started. And even after that, I was left halfway wondering if they would break out into a fight again.
I was disappointed to read that Highland Sword was going to be the last book in the Royal Highlander series. There were a few people who I wanted to see get their happy ever afters. But, in the author’s note, there was a hint about more books in that world. I will be anxiously awaiting those.
The end of Highland Sword was sweet. I liked that Aidan and Morrigan got their happily ever after. The epilogue also saddened me.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
This is the 3rd book in the Royal Highlander series and can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I didn’t read any of the other ones and completely understood everything that happens in this one. Morrigan Drummond blames and english spymaster for the death of her father. And swears to avenge his death. Aidan Grant is a barrister who is fighting for two mens lives and needs for Morrigan to hold off on her revenge in order to make sure these men are found innocent. But can a woman trained as a warrior wait, and in waiting will she find the man who is perfect for her?
I had a really hard time with this one. It took me a long time to get into the story and I still had to push through in order to finish it. The writing is good, the story line and characters just didn’t hook me like I thought they would. I had a hard time connecting. It’s not necessarily a bad story, I just couldn’t get into and I’m honestly not even sure why. Usually I like this type of book, but not this time unfortunately.
Rating: 4.5 stars – GREAT unlikely perfect for each other MC/GREAT sassy banter/One very disturbing element included (painful secret)
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.)
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 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!
I really wanted to like this book. But to be honest I struggled with it and getting though it. I think most of that stemmed from there being SO much history of the time and all the politics and plotting. While it made for a good plot, it also made me feel like it kind of overshadowed everything else. But my mixed feelings came in when I also had to give credit to the author for them doing their homework.
I did enjoy the strong women in the story, starting with Morrigan. Aidan was also a good man who valued Morrigan’s skill and her bold independence. He didn’t try to keep her down or put her down. The more he got to know her the more he wanted her BY his side, not a step behind him. They both have the same main enemy who is cunning and dangerous. I did like how that got sorted out and there is a good Epilogue. All these things have me giving it 3.5 Stars on Amazon reviews.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
I liked this book but not without issue. What worked: I thought the chemistry was intense and the main characters likable. The story is made up of a mix of powerful emotions, drama, intrigue, danger. What didn’t: I found the pacing exceptionally slow and I overall I felt it was just kind of bland. Still, that is just my opinion and as I said there were some good elements. I’d classify it as a good read. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
I read the book overnight. In the beginning the book did catch my attention with a lot action, however as I continued to read the book, political talk over shadowed the romance of the book. If the book discussed more of the Romance between the two characters, I would be able to be in tune to the book. This my review as a reviewer for Net Galley
I had a really hard time with this book and I only made it half-way thru the book before I had to say, “enough.” I was looking for more of a romance and this book seemed to be more bogged down with history of the Scottish highlands and of England trying to gain control of them and the underhanded ways they went about undermining the ruling son of Edinburgh. This book was also about Morrigan trying to seek atonement for her father’s murder and her step-mother’s imprisonment and the attorney who I think was trying to help her, but by the midway point he hadn’t done much and there did not seem to be any romantic entanglements between them on the horizon. I don’t mind a little history with my romance, but not when at least half the book is history with no romance.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are freely given and are strictly my own.
Well, you learn something new everyday, right?! Turns out this author is actually a duo (a husband/wife team)…how cool! Wonder who writes the love scenes!
My first from them, and I was pleasantly surprised. Swoon-worthy hero , feisty, strong heroine , humorous banter …what’s not to love?! I will definitely read more from them in the future.
Two things to note here, it’s the third in a series, but I was able to keep up, and *SPOILER* the heroine was sexually molested as a child. It is not graphically explicit but thought I should mention it.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.