Series: Royal Highlander #2
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group on September 24, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Scottish, Regency
Pages: 300
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
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 WARRIOR BY BLOODA 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...
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review the opportunity to read and review.
Unfortunately, Highland Jewel wasn’t quite what I was hoped for. Maisie and Niall were interesting characters in their own right. I adored Maisie’s strength, though at times her naivety was a major source of irritation. Niall was a tad overbearing but I think that is pretty typical for highland males. While I enjoyed them separately, I wasn’t sold on their chemistry as a couple.
Steeped in the social and political issues of the time, Highland Jewel gives readers an in depth glimpse of the issues plaguing Scotland post-Napoleon. I can only imagine the amount of effort that went into researching and weaving historically accurate facts into this intriguing story. While impressive, it sometimes felt like I was reading a history book and it significantly slowed my reading.
The biggest drawback for me was the alternating timelines that jerked readers from present to past events to fill in background. Not all readers have this peeve so it isn’t the end of the world but it certainly had an impact on the enjoyability for me.
Recommend this for fans of the older historical romances with a heavy dose of intrigue, rebellion, and treachery. I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book in the series, but I would give May’s work another chance in the future.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
