“Readers craving history entwined with their romance (a la Outlander) will find everything they desire in Jarecki’s latest. Scottish romance fans rejoice.” –RT Book Reviews She cannot resist the man behind the mask… As the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl, Lady Magdalen Keith is not one to partake in lavish balls or other frivolities. Yet at her father’s urging, she agrees to dance … urging, she agrees to dance with the battle-weary officers at this year’s holiday masquerade. It’s practically her civic duty But when one such officer–whose dashing good looks cannot be disguised by a mere mask–sweeps her off her feet and into his arms, the innocent lass can’t help herself. Her lips are his for the taking.
But will he betray his country for a kiss? Navy lieutenant Aiden Murray has spent too many months at sea to be immune to the charms of this lovely beauty. Even after he returns to his ship, she lives in his dreams. But when he discovers Maddie’s true identity-and learns that her father is accused of treason-will the brawny Scot risk his life to follow his heart?
“This book hit all the right notes for me: swoon-worthy hero (oh, so, swoon-worthy); a sympathetic and capable heroine; intrigue and action scenes (fast paced); witty dialogue and banter; and sensual love scenes that grow the relationship. An excellent read.” —The Romance Dish
Lords of the Highlands series: The Highland Duke The Highland Commander The Highland Guardian
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Aiden is a Scottish naval officer forced to serve in the combined forces of England and Scotland, under Queen Anne. Maddie is the bastard daughter of a Scottish Earl; and the Earl is being held on charges of treason against the Queen. Lots of romance, intrigue, and insight into the perils and backstabbing of the Royal court.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Magdalen aka Maddie is the illegitimate daughter of the Earl Marischal of Scotland, she meets Lord Aiden, the second son of the Duke of Atholl at a masked ball hosted by her father. Aiden is a first lieutenant in the navy and he, along with his shipmates are in port for one night. He is immediately drawn to Maddie. They share a kiss and part ways. Neither knows who the other is, as they only exchanged first names, but neither forgets the other.
Three months later, Maddie’s estranged stepmother comes to her with news that her father has been arrested and is being held in London. The countess is heavy with child and cannot make the trip – she insists that Maddie goes in her place. Aiden is also in London, he has been granted a two week leave for the first time in almost two years and he has big plans for his time. They meet again when Aiden comes to Maddie’s aid. They quickly realize their prior connection and Aiden offers to help Maddie. They work together to free her father and become much better “acquainted” but their blossoming love will be tested when Aiden is recalled to his ship early. Maddie remains in London and is able to have her father released – but there are conditions to the release and those conditions mean Maddie must stay in London too. The queen has “requested” that Maddie stay and play the harp for her and Maddie’s father has “requested” that she spy on the queen for him. She is not happy with either scenario, but feels duty bound to comply.
Over a year has passed when Maddie learns that Aiden’s ship was attacked and that they are in Portsmouth for repairs. She offers to go to Portsmouth to show the crown’s support and to tend the wounded. When they meet on the ship, she is overjoyed that he is safe and he is stunned and elated to see her. They barely have any time together when Aiden is summoned to London by his father. His brother was killed in battle and Aiden is now the Marquis of Tullibardine and his father’s sole heir. On the journey back to London, Maddie tries to offer Aiden comfort, but he is lost in his own grief. When he meets with his father, he is told that he needs to find a bride and his father forbids him to consider Maddie. Aiden at first refuses, but his father uses his mother’s grief to bring him to heel. Maddie is hurt and confused by Aiden’s dismissal – Aiden feels awful about the way he has been treating Maddie and tries to make amends – but Maddie isn’t having it.
Aiden has another chance at redemption when Maddie is falsely accused of trying to assassinate the queen. He rescues her from certain death and they flee together. Maddie is still hurt and makes it perfectly clear that while she is grateful for his rescue – she will not be his whore. Aiden has a lot of groveling to do before these two can have a HEA.
Just when it seems like they have overcome the past and are committed to a future together – Ms. Jarecki throws in another twist and all hope for a swift HEA is shattered.
I loved this book, it has an epic feel to it and the love story is never lost, no matter how long they are parted or by the many obstacles thrown in their path. When they finally get their HEA it is beautiful and will stay with me for a long time. The book is well written, flows wonderfully, has some very well done warm love scenes, a lot of tense moments, a lot of surprising twists and turns and finally a spectacular ending with a very believable soul-mate type of love.
It is the second book in the series, but it is very loosely tied to the first and could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Reid’s book, Highland Guardian!
Jarecki weaves a tale so descriptive of the time and place that it pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until the end. You can just feel and cringe at the terror Maddie feels while she’s imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle. I just love to read about these strong, resilient people, but I am so grateful that I don’t actually live in that time.
Lady Magdalen Keith is the illegitimate daughter of a Scots Earl. While she has been acknowledged by her father, his wife will not allow her to mingle with the family. She has led most of her life separated from most other people except for Agnes, her ladies maid. She also runs and endows a hospital for women who have been abused and abandoned. She is a very admirable young lady, filled with spunk and intelligence, but feels inferior because she is illegitimate.
Navy Lieutenant Aiden Murray is the second son of a very powerful Duke. Aiden serves on an all Scots ship and is very unhappy that the Scots Navy is forced to merge with the English Navy. While his father’s sentiments support the Whig party and agrees with the merge, Aiden leans more toward the Tori party.
Maddie and Aiden first meet at a masquerade ball hosted by her father. The ship is in port for only the one night, but they are both attracted to each other. They meet again in London when Maddie has come to try to rescue her her father who has been charged with treason. Maddie and Aiden have a wonderful week or so together and then he’s off to sea and war for another year or so.
There is so much intrigue, spying, and backstabbing going on at court that it is unbelievable. Poor Maddie has to endure it because part of the agreement to free her father was that she remain at court as the harpist for the queen. Maddie is constantly ridiculed because of her birth status. Then, the unthinkable happens and Maddie is accused of trying to murder the Queen. Aiden helps her escape and the chase is on. They are pursued all across England and Scotland while friends are trying to prove Maddie’s innocence.
It is an intense tale and the ending is so very, very perfect!
“I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
I am a fan of Ms. Jarecki and her latest book does not disappoint. The author does an excellent job of weaving in historical facts while she takes the reader on an heart-stopping adventure. The hero, Aiden Murray, is a naval officer, who is invited to a masquerade ball where he meets the illegitimate daughter of the earl, Lady Magdalen Keith. Sparks fly between these two and they part ways after one scorching kiss.
Add in war between the French, an unpopular queen and court intrigue, Aiden and Magdalen find themselves in London 3 months later. Magdalen is trying to free her father who has been accused of treason and Aiden is on leave from the Royal Mary. Without going into any spoilers here, the chemistry between these two heats up, but court politics and backstabbing ladies to the queen find Magdalen accused of trying to kill the queen. I couldn’t put the book down as Aiden and Magdalen go on the run. There are multiple twists and turns that totally surprised me in this book. My only complaint is the book wrapped up the storyline and different plot points rather quickly. It felt a little rushed at the end.
Fans of Scottish romances and English history will definitely enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
You met Aiden Murray in The Highland Duke, here is his story. Love the characters and the time period. This is a wonderful story set in my favorite country Scotland.
Amy’s highland romance historicals are always inventive and different. This one is delightful, sometimes hard to read and oh so satisfying.
This story is set during the tumultuous time in history where Scotland finds itself divided as to who the true ruler is. Henry VIII died without a living son as heir. The line of succession went to his sister, Margaret Tudor who married James IV of Scotland. Independent Scotland being incorporated into England didn’t go well. And to sum up history, we have several male rules with no issue surviving and the line goes to the females. Then you mix in the Catholic/Protestant issues thanks to Henry VIII and Catholic Scotland and you have major conflict with the line of succession. This is a time of civil unrest.
Her heroine is an illegitimate daughter of an Earl. He claimed her and has supported her although since she was nine, not an active part of her life. He’s married and the step-mother is not happy about the results of the previous relationship. Maddie is strong and independent having to make her own way in life and not really having a foot in society. She’s been granted the title of Lady as a daughter of an Earl but has been snubbed all her life because of her birth. She find herself at the age of 22 hieing off to London to get her Da released from the Tower because he has been accused of treason for being in Edinburgh when the “Pretender”, Catholic James Frances Edward Stuart crossed from being exiled in France in attempt to take the throne from Protestant Queen Ann Stuart (who has no children btw). Maddie’s step-mother cannot make the trip as she’s 8 month pregnant. She meets Commander Aiden Murray when she arrives, who met at a dance at her Da’s castle a few months ago. He comes to the aid of a maiden in distress. Oh I love Aiden, ever the “guardian-protector” and one who cannot leave a lady in trouble even if he really doesn’t want to get involved. I’m a sucker for guardian-protector heroes, sigh… The story progresses from there and oh what a journey.
This is a violent time in history and not to give any spoilers but Maddie spends her own time in London Tower that could be difficult for some readers. Amy handles it well in my opinion but the story is true to history and probably softened quite a bit. I loved seeing the struggle between these two trying NOT to fall in love. They are NOT right for each other according to society. I have to say I loved how Aiden came to her rescue.
Thank you Amy for allowing me the opportunity of reviewing this story for you. Awesome adventure once again!