Review - - Highland Sword

Highland Sword
by May McGoldrick
A Royal Highlander Novel - Book 3
Publisher: St. Martin's 
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  

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 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?

PJ's Thoughts:

Highland Sword brings (husband and wife writing team) May McGoldrick's Royal Highlander trilogy to a close with another satisfying story set amidst the events of the Radical War of 1820. One of the things I most enjoy about a McGoldrick novel is the rich, well-researched historical detail. That, combined with their storytelling skill, brings characters and events to life, immersing me fully into time and place. Had they been my college professors, I would have been much more excited about learning history!

While Highland Sword is a romance, it leans heavily on the historical aspects of the story and there's no doubt that Morrigan is the central character. She's a warrior, holding herself apart from others, intent on training with the men of the Mackintosh clan, honing her skills to a deadly edge, foiling her opponents, and taking her revenge. As her story unfolds, and her character evolves, we learn the heartbreaking reason for that determination. I appreciate the way the author handles the situation as Morrigan faces her past, regains control, and finally begins to move forward.  

I adore Aidan. He's a wonderful match for Morrigan, with a calm, measured personality that balances her fiery temper. I love his honor, his humor, how he not only accepts the warrior within Morrigan but celebrates it. I love how determined he is to put their relationship first even if that is at the expense of his career ambitions. I finished their story confident that their future would be a happy one.  

Highland Sword is not a book I would recommend as a standalone read. It concludes an overarching story that begins in book one, Highland Crown, and could be confusing to the reader without the information imparted in books one and two. I recommend reading the three books in order: Highland Crown, Highland Jewel, and Highland Sword. 

Content Warning: rape

Review - - Highland Crown

Highland Crown
by May McGoldrick
Royal Highlander - Book 1
Publisher: St. Martin's
Release Date: April 30, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

Inverness, 1820
Perched on the North Sea, this port town—by turns legendary and mythological—is a place where Highland rebels and English authorities clash in a mortal struggle for survival and dominance. Among the fray is a lovely young widow who possesses rare and special gifts.

WANTED: Isabella Drummond
A true beauty and trained physician, Isabella has inspired longing and mystery—and fury—in a great many men. Hunted by both the British government and Scottish rebels, she came to the Highlands in search of survival. But a dying ship’s captain will steer her fate into even stormier waters. . .and her heart into flames.

FOUND: Cinaed Mackintosh
Cast from his home as a child, Cinaed is a fierce soul whose allegiance is only to himself. . . until Isabella saved his life—and added more risk to her own. Now, the only way Cinaed can keep her safe is to seek refuge at Dalmigavie Castle, the Mackintosh family seat. But when the scandalous truth of his past comes out, any chance of Cinaed having a bright future with Isabella is thrown into complete darkness. What will these two ill-fated lovers have to sacrifice to be together…for eternity?

My thoughts:

I enjoy a well-written, and well-researched, historical romance that seamlessly blends fiction with reality and Highland Crown is one of the best I've read in a while. The husband and wife writing team known as May McGoldrick skillfully intertwines fictional characters with actual events to bring history to life on the pages of this book. It's like stepping back in time and being fully immersed in the struggles between Scotland and England but taking it down to an individual, personal level.

The Scottish rebels, and Cinaed and Isabella, in particular, are sympathetic characters fighting seemingly insurmountable odds. The English villain is scarily realistic in his unshakable assurance of superiority and his fever to rid the world of Scots. It's easy to become emotionally invested in the Scots' cause and in the lives of the characters so vividly portrayed. I was on the edge of my seat many times during their story. 

The romance between Cinaed and Isabella is a slow burn with an undeniable attraction, gradually deepening emotional bond, and satisfying conclusion. I liked both of these strong characters. They're so well matched and I was in their corner, cheering them on the entire way.

This is the first book of a series and it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger, not regarding Cinaed and Isabella's relationship but, rather, a secret about one of them that calls into question everything that person thought they knew about their identity. It makes me even more eager to read book two, The Highland Jewel, which is due to be released in September. I already have it on pre-order.