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?
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Highland Sword is the first book from this series as well as from this author that I have read. If you are someone who loves historical romance with some intrigue and revenge. I loved reading and following Aidan and Morrigan’s story and look forward to reading more from this series.
This is the first book that I have read from these authors, and I did not realized that it was the third book in a series, so I missed out on the romances of four of the main characters. Because there are so many characters that are related, some distantly, it would have been helpful to have a Family Tree at the beginning, but nevertheless, the authors did review many times the relationships in the narative.
The books take place during the Radical War of 1820 in Scotland. The authors based their fictional characters on real historical figures. The book switches chapters back and forth between the perspective of the two main characters of this book, Morrigan Drummond and Aidan Grant, a barrister. Morrigan’s father, a physician was murdered in front of her eyes, in his surgery, by a soldier. Her stepmother is also a physician. The characters all come together in a effort to save Scotland from the British. Lots of interesting history is woven into the book. However, there was not much descriptions of the Scotland scenery, which would have added to the story. The artfully developed romance between Morrigan and Aidan goes from enemies (they had a fight in a dark alley the first time they met) to friends to lovers. Lots of danger and intrigue, a well written story and fascinating characters made this a engrossing read. I will have to read the other books and then read this one again.
I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Highland Sword takes the Royal Highlander trilogy out on a high note. Morrigan and Aidan’s repartee and slow-burn romance are fun to watch reach fruition. The overarching plot plots from Highland Crown and Highland Jewel wrapped up nicely. For those who have read their other books, references to older books are a welcome reminder that they all take place in the same world.
Read my full review: https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-may-mcgoldrick-highland-sword/
Action packed, heart racing adventure filled with dangerous and intriguing charters, witty dialog, exciting twists and undeniable passion for both family and country. Was a great battle of wits and hearts. Great reading!
Spirited, intricate, and suspenseful!
Highland Sword is set in the Scottish Highlands during 1820 and features the fiery, resolute Morrigan Drummond, a loyal relative of the heir to the Scottish throne who is bound and determined to revenge the death of her father no matter the cost and with or without the help of the handsome, barrister Aidan Grant.
The prose is authentic and precise. The characters are intelligent, focused, and driven. And the plot is a push-pull tale full of family drama, political intrigue, historical facts, retribution, action, adventure, danger, and romance.
Overall, Highland Sword isx1b an engaging, meticulous, entertaining read by McGoldrick that in my opinion could have used just a little more heat, but is nevertheless still a highly satisfying finale to the Royal Highlander series.
This is an enjoyable historical romance fiction book. I really enjoyed reading about this time period in the highlands. I have read very few books that were based in Scotland and I had never read one in this time period. I loved the characters and the story was very good. I wish I had read the first two books in the series but I was able to understand everything even without reading books one and two. I received this book from Netgalley from St. Martin’s Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I was captivated by the continued world building of this volume. The additional of new characters as well as the development of characters who played lesser parts in the previous volumes of the series brought a depth to the story. I loved the blend of action/adventure with romance.
Morrigan is a strong and physically trained character, capable of rescuing herself most of the time, but inclined to get into situations that require more than just physical preparedness. Aidan supplies the social finesse that Morrigan is lacking. Together they are a great team. Watching Aidan find a way to persuade Morrigan of this truth in the midst of daily threats to their very lives was engaging.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Highland Sword, by May McGoldrick, is available at booksellers on 3-31-20. Sword is the 3rd and final book in the Royal Highlander series. I rarely give out 5 stars but this series has been so entertaining and informative that I’ve given 5 stars to all 3 books. The characters are well fleshed out and as interesting as the timeframe in history. I’m sorry to see the trilogy come to an end and can only hope the next subject grabs my attention like “The Rising” in Scotland.
Morrigan Drummond is the daughter of a doctor who was murdered in front of her during a British raid. Dr. Drummond had been involved with the rabble-rouser Scottish underground. Although Morrigan’s story is a stand-alone it behooves you to read books 1 & 2 to fully understand the horrors the Drummond family endured. In Sword we follow Morrigan on her journey through hell. She has PTSD & lives in fear of everyone & everything. Her solution is to learn self-defense, meaning daggers & swords. She practices everyday to prepare for the other shoe dropping, she knows it will. She’s hard to like at first but understandable, she has to take control & make her own opportunities. She grew on me as I read more about what was going on in her head. She meets our hero, Aidan Grant, in an alley where she whoops him. He’s left “searching for any remnant of his manly self-respect”, hysterical statement!
Aidan is much easier to understand. He’s a barrister who fights for the underdog. Today he’d be called a human rights attorney. His brother is solicitor and they work together, and have each others back in this dangerous line of work. He’s adorable & I liked him from the start. I’m not including any spoilers or too much of the plot, it wouldn’t be fair. This is something you should enjoy for yourself. Happy reading.
#MayMcGoldrick #Netgalley #StMartin’sPress #HighlandSword #RoyalHighlander #TheRising
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 woven in the plots, I’d then immediately gone back and started from book 1 to learn more about the 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 raid, 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 to master weaponry skills. I couldn’t help but rejoice when she literally brought Aidan down on his behind ! It was such an unexpected “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 …
Aidan was a war veteran, a famous 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. They had such opposite characters that they didn’t seem to be a good match : she was hot-tempered, he was patient; she was blunt and brutally honest, he was charismatic and charming… Their fun banters and gradual development of their romance was such a joy to read .
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 highly recommend this whole series !
5 Read for me!
*Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for sending me the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Highland Sword
A Royal Highlander Novel
May McGoldrick
St. Martin’s Press, Mar 2020
320 pages
Historical Romance, Scottish historical romance
Pub’s rep via NetGalley
4.5
I like the cover with just a suggestion of rich surroundings and the young couple, supposedly Morrigan and Aidan. Once again, I have a book that loses half a star for the author’s name being in the same large font as the title and up at the top where I feel the title should be. That’s my personal bugaboo. I just feel the title of the book should take precedence over the author’s name on the cover.
However, the story inside is a total winner, as with all May McGoldrick tales. This one is not hugely based on fast action scenes. This has lots of descriptions and thoughts and lively repartee. Sniping that becomes flirting. Or baiting between captor and captive. That’s not to say it doesn’t have its fair share of action segments. Our heroine and hero meet in an alley and have a fight where they both end up quite battered with swollen lips and black eyes. Needless to say, they don’t hang around for formal introductions at that point. Those come later on.
Our authors handle this sort of writing very well. It’s not boring. Things move along quickly as if you were watching a movie. As you read the descriptions you see the scenery and things happen. As you read the thoughts of people, you get a lot of backstories and understand what motivates them in what they are doing and why they are or are not going to do things in the future. You get hints about things, too. McGoldrick books are always very mentally visual. You need to open your mind when you read them, they are visually rich in such a way as to create a mental video for the reader.
The book was just released yesterday, March 31st. I highly recommend it!
In this dazzling conclusion to the Royal Highlander series, a dedicated barrister fighting for reform falls for a rebellious lass with the heart of a lion. If you’ve read the first two books in the series, you’ll already be keen to see Morrigan find her happy ending, and if you haven’t read those books… then you really should, because the overarching plot of the Son of Scotland which is brought to a conclusion here won’t make a lot of sense.
I have to admit I did wonder how the authors were going to bring the overarching plot to a satisfying conclusion without a massive history rewrite, but they really did do an excellent job of it, while not allowing this to overshadow Morrigan and Aidan’s love story. The historical details show the authors’ meticulous research and make the whole story feel so real and authentic. Real historical personages mix with fictional ones, real events influencing the fictional plot until the lines between are truly blurred and it would take a historian to be sure which parts really happened and which are products of the authors’ imagination. It’s just so good, and something very few authors can pull off with real legitimacy because the depth of research required to make it feel this real is intense. This writing duo is right up there with the best currently writing historical romance.
TRIGGER WARNING REQUIRED: CSA/RAPE. A significant part of the plot hinges on Morrigan’s childhood abuse and rape at the hands of an older relative, who she is forced to confront as an adult. The actual abuse isn’t dwelt on, but enough details are given that this could be a dangerous trigger for those who have been victims of CSA or rape. Please approach with caution if this is an issue for you.
This is a stunning and satisfying conclusion to one of the best historical romance trilogies I’ve ever read. Do yourself a favour and read the whole series. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I love how the author switches the story back and forth from Morrigan to Aidan. Morrigan has a heart of gold. She is a fierce protector of those that she loves and cares about. She trains to be a warrior just like the men. The Mackintosh Clan sees no problem with that. Aidan Grant is a lawyer and is a warrior. He has fought for Scotland and now wants to help its people fighting the scourge. When these two meet, it is priceless. Neither knew who they were. A day later they were properly introduced. The two of them act like oil and water but everyone sees this a mating dance. Evil is rearing its ugly head. Ready to tear them apart. Aidan asks one thing of Morrigan, to trust him. It is the key to everything. So many HEA’s at the end.
Stepping into the past with a Highland tale was a turn from the norm that was needed. With murder in the mix this is one I turned the pages quickly with. with vengeance being a cruel master you follow Morrigan to see where she is led. Another strong character in all this was Aidan and with the two of them a dynamite pair to take us on this exciting tale.
This is story with love, betrayal, passion and a great adventure, and two leading characters you can’t help cheering for all through the journey. She is seeking revenge, while he wants justice — and one often cancels out the other. Still, the two find a way to make peace and work together, falling in love along the way. Through this series, the history has enriched the story, with compelling characters who become friends as you read. Morrigan Drummond is a superior heroine, one with guts, determination and brains, while her love, Aidan Grant, is a lawyer dedicated to seeking justice in a Scotland where the English are intent on stamping out any free-thinking (or treason, as they call it.) The characters link to the two earlier books in the series, and this is one you’ll want to read all the way through. Once more, this book combines romance, adventure and history in a thrilling read. (I reviewed an advance copy from NetGally. Opinions mine.)
Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series after Highland Crown and Highland Jewel. No matter if you haven’t read those two books, because you can pick right up with this one and thoroughly enjoy it. But if you have read Highland Crown and Highland Jewel, you’ll be thrilled to be back in the land of the heart-pounding Scottish historical, with characters you grew to love, characters like Maisie, Naill, Isabella, and Cinead. They’re familiar and it feels good to catch up with them and their continuing stories. And to focus now on Morrigan Drummond and Aidan Grant, two characters who will delight you, make you laugh and make you swoon, and make you fear for their lives because of the danger they are in.
Both Morrigan and Aidan are honorable, loyal, proud, fierce. But they don’t know that about each other and their first encounter is dangerous and unpleasant, and when they find themselves unexpectedly throw together a little thing called trust is missing. But a not-so-little thing called attraction is not.
Morgan flees to the Highlands to avenge her father’s death, and to be with those she loves. Aidan is a barrister working to free innocent people in a time of danger and treachery. They must decide if they can work together, and what, if anything, to do about the pull between them.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of Highland Sword via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation.
Highland Sword by May McGoldrick is book Three in the Royal Highlanders Series. This is the story of Aidan Grant and Morrigan Drummond. I have read the previous books which added to my enjoyment of this one but I did feel this could be a standalone book. Morrigan has been train to fight at Dalmigavie Castle along with the men their. Morrigan happens upon the man she feels is the enemy and sneaks off to confront him. Aidan is a barrister who is traveling looking for witness to free the innocent men he is defending. This leads him to encounter Morrigan when it appears she may attack the man he is looking to get information from. A physical encounter happens between Morrigan and Aidan when he tries to stop her which leaves him bleeding and the other man getting away. Their next encounter comes when Aidan goes to the Dalmigavie Castle for help and who is there but Morrigan. Slowly a friendship is formed between the two along with their intense attraction. Enjoyed their story.
Aidan Grant as a barrister fights to bring justice to his fellow Highlanders. He encounters fiery Morrigan Drummond as she’s about to attack his key witness and avenge her father’s death. Aiden’s witness Robert Sparrow ends up being Morrigan’s uncle and the source of childhood trauma. Poor Aiden ends up with a few black eyes, cuts and bruises from their initial encounters. Morrigan is smart, she finds the artist responsible for the caricatures, she has allies and turns a blackmail situation in her favor as Aiden continues to follow leads to build a case for his clients and in an attempt to bring down Sir Rupert Burney the English spymaster. I love how shew and Aiden banter back and forth trying to hide their attraction. A great story of loyalty, love and betrayal. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
Awesome conclusion to this series. I was a little concerned as to how the story would resolve the English/Scottish rebellion since I don’t know my history well, but it was a perfect wrap up. The story had twists & turns that surprised me and the love building between warrior Morrigan and barrister Aiden was delicious. To top it all off the evil manipulating Sir Rupert Burney himself was manipulated into a trap and got his just reward! Aiden is so cleaver and uses Burney’s own techniques against him to bring him down.
Morrigan Drummond is our last family member to get her story. She’s hardened her heart over the years and trained to be a warrior in these troubling times. I feared she would never find love. Then barrister Aiden Grant appears in her life and he won’t seem to leave her in peace. When she spots her long lost & hated uncle Robert “Sparrow” Wemys and tries to kill him Aiden & his brother Sebastian get in her way. Sparrow-Wemys is willing to give evidence against English Burney & for Aiden’s clients he’s defending, so he must be protected. Sparrow is quite ill and Morrigan’s step-mother Isabella treats him not realizing who Sparrow is to Morrigan. We find out there’s ugly history between Wemys and Morrigan that shaped her into who she’s become. As the story progresses, I loved seeing how Aiden uses strategy, first to free his clients and later to get Burney. He and Morrigan worked so well as a team. This was an intriguing strategy story. I also liked the man Cinaed Mackintosh became as the Son Of Scotland, heir to the Scottish throne but wanting the best for his people.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin’s press for this ARC! The review is my own.
I loved the description of this book!
“Fiery Morrigan Drummond flees to the Highlands to avenge her father’s death. When she arrives, she meets a barrister named Aidan, who hopes to convince Morrigan to help him defend two innocent men and strike a blow to the man responsible for her father’s death. Can two warriors committed to a cause stand down long enough to open their hearts to a love fierce enough to last … forever?”
Morrigan had been the character I wanted to read about the most from the beginning and she didn’t disappoint! Aidan is a barrister who values both reason & passion – the second of which Morrigan has in spades. There are a few twists to their love story and the backdrop of the Radical War of 1820 provided some historical basis that made it more interesting than a typical contemporary story.
I highly recommend this book!
Cinaed is the son of Caroline of Bruswick, Queen of England and Ireland. She has some regrets like leaving her four-year-old son in Scotland. She has to leave early in the morning and she hates leaving her son with strangers.. He is cast out at the age of nine and becomes a ship boy. He felt very unwanted and lonely but he was the grandson of Tearlach and the son of Scotland. Queen Caroline wants Cinaed to take the throne but he won’t. He refuses to spill blood like on the Culloden Moor.
Morrigan Drummond is a reformist just like her father. He was killed when he tried to protect the patients in the sitting room of his office. Aidan Grant is a very good Barrister. Sebastion his brother, is a Solicitor and protects Aidan was also a soldier and was at Waterloo. He has helped a traitor escape from the English who are looking for him. He wanted to quit spying. He was the cause of many reformers being caught, tried and then hanged. Aidan was going to trial because the Chattan Brothers had been caught the same way and were awaiting their trial Robert Sparrow was his name but they had to keep him alive long enough to testify. He had Cancer of the lung.