The Highland Duke is one action packed historical romance. From the opening pages, we are launched into an adventure that never lets up making this a fast paced and fun read. When Akira, a gypsy healer intervenes in "Geordie's" life and puts him on the path to recovery, she takes huge risk and ends up on the run. Unbeknownst to Akira, Geordie is a Duke and he's on the wrong side of the English law in the battle to restore James Stewart to the thrown.

I've read enough historical novels to know that Jarecki does a great job capturing the predicament that Akira and Geordie are in. The story revolves around Geordie getting home alive and Akira finding her way home safely. The time they spend together awakens their passion and it's a lot of fun being in their heads. There's a fair amount of intrigue as an English captain set his sights on seeing Geordie stripped of his dukedom. Akira's role and her standing as a commoner is impacted by being in his life. The tension builds as does their connection - turning from them from strangers to a lot more. Jarecki captures their flirtation and growing attraction in the ongoing banter and heightens the drama in perfect accordance.

This is a fun read that I flew through as I was anxious to get to see how Geordie would resolve his issue and make Akira happy. 4 stars and recommendation in historical romance

received in exchange for a honest review.
Amy Jarecki writes a wonderful female lead. She is strong and capable but also vulnerable and not quite comfortable when she is falling in love. She isn’t used to the attention of a man and it confuses her. she is a very sweet and giving young lady. Akira doesn’t come from money and society, she is a healer and gypsy but she has more class and style than the aristocrats. she treats everyone the same and shows respect to all.
Geordie is the duke she helps. He is shot while fighting against the queen’s men. When you first meet him he seems gruff and arrogant. He sees Akira and is attracted and intrigued. she treats him like a man not a duke so he doesn’t change the situation. She knows he is from money but not who he is. She baffles him. She stands up to him and doesn’t back down. She makes him look at his own behaviour and actions. She also makes him feel alive and wanting to be a better man. He doesn’t see her as a gypsy but as a capable and wonderful person and healer. He wants to know her more and as they are going on the run to get to his land he does. She keeps him alive and sasses him as well. She intrigues him and he at times frustrates her. They are definitely attracted to one another.
I loved how his children are towards Akira as he sees her as more but with the times they are in and the crown after him it is hard for them to be together the way Akira would like. It is her mom that comes up with a way for that to happen. But along the way there, he does a heroic rescue and sees a different side to tinkers and gypsies. He comes to their defense and it was awesome. Akira changes him for the better. He was already a great guy but this just has you swoon. And the moment in the forest with the family so so swoony.
the story is fun, sweet and entertaining. We see Akira grow confident in love and Geordie find a woman that he loves and is willing to risk it all for her. Great story, plot, characters and romance.

Amy Jarecki is a new to me author and I am so glad I read this book because I absolutely loved it so much that I am going to purchase a paperback copy of this book as soon as I have the chance because I know I will want to read this book again in the future.

This book is filled with action, adventure, chemistry and I just love the main characters (Akira and Geordie).

If you are a fan of Historical Romance I think you will like this book as much as I do.

I give this 4 out of 5.

This historical romance set in 18th century Scotland is fast paced, adventurous and action-packed. The story is well-constructed and filled with intrigue and memorable characters. The hero, The Duke of Gordon, aka Geordie, always stands for what he believes in. As a Highlander born and raised, he has challenged Queen Anne’s Government troops and ridden against the English crown. He is a fervent Jacobite, supporting the rightful king of Scotland, James Stuart, exiled in France.

Badly shot in the leg, he is saved by Akira Ayres, a street urchin with Gypsy ancestry and a skilled healer. She accepts to flee with him and gets into trouble for helping him. The sequences of their journey across the Highlands moved with rapidity and were exciting and full of drama. The Duke has powerful enemies, determined to ruin him, who will stop at nothing to catch him.

I loved the main characters in this story, they are well-portrayed and complex. They come from two totally different worlds, but they share a deep emotional connection. They just make sense together and I loved how their relationship progressed as the story unfolded. Akira has no notion of Geordie’s standing in society, he hides his identity to protect her. Akira is forthright, kind and competent, she is an endearing heroine. Her past is touching, she has grown up in poverty and she makes Geordie realize how privileged he has always been. His title comes with responsibilities, he can’t run from who he is, but he wants to become a better person for her. Akira doubts the depths of Geordie’s feelings, she isn’t sure she can trust him. He may have turned her world upside down, but she has values she can’t compromise on.

Amy Jarecki has delivered a cast of quirky, interesting characters and a suspense filled plot in a fast paced romance I didn’t want to end. The author’s love for Scotland, its rich history and tumultuous past is reflected in her imaginative, evocative and captivating storytelling. I’ll definitely follow this talented author in the future. 4.5 stars

George Gordon, the Scottish Duke of Gordon, is taking part in a battle on the side of the Jacobites, but he’s doing so secretly. He’s not displaying his clan’s banner or taking his own warriors along because he doesn’t want to risk losing his dukedom or his lands. Unfortunately, Geordie (as he prefers his friends to call him) is injured and will no doubt be found soon by the Redcoats and be branded a traitor. However, Akira Ayres, a young healer, who was searching the battle site for wounded men, finds him first. She tends to the bullet wound in his leg, but soon the British approach, and they have to flee. Akira, whose family is struggling to survive, agrees to being hired by Geordie, and will tend to his injury and travel with him as he heads to safety.

Geordie doesn’t reveal his status to Akira for two reasons – first, if she’s ever questioned about him, she’ll be unable to confirm his identity, and, second, he quite likes not being fawned over because of his title. As they flee, Geordie inadvertently leaves behind his flask, which has the ducal monogram, and which is found by an overzealous British captain. Said captain is determined to bring the duke to justice as a traitor, and even hopes that some of the duke’s lands may be his reward. He refuses to give up, and travels all the way to the duke’s castle to confront him directly.

While travelling, Geordie and Akira were forced to be close to each other, sharing a single horse, and snuggling up to each other at night to stay warm. As Geordie starts to heal, he begins to feel lust for the lovely gypsy healer. Akira is an innocent, and is somewhat bewildered at feeling desire for the first time. She fights it, knowing her own mother’s history, and how a woman can be loved and left. Inevitably, they give in to their passion. When they finally reach the castle, and it becomes obvious that Geordie is a duke, Akira is not sure where she stands.

THE HIGHLAND DUKE is the first book I’ve read by Amy Jarecki. It’s described as the first book of a new series, yet I felt that I was missing information about the duke. He is shockingly divorced, something very rare in 1703, but we don’t have many details. I would have liked more information about his marriage, how the divorce came about, and why he was such a libertine while he was married. This void left me wondering if he could ever be true to Akira, if and when they ever committed to a real relationship. It also seems that Geordie and Akira didn’t give serious consideration to the difficulties that would occur because of the difference in their stations in life. A duke is a far cry from a bastard gypsy girl, but perhaps it’s a testament to their intense romance, that any misgivings were secondary to their desire to be together. Geordie certainly showed his determination and his heroic side in regard to Akira and her family. If you enjoy an unconventional Scottish romance with an abundance of adventure, THE HIGHLAND DUKE may be just what you’re looking for.

This is a first story in a new series by Amy Jarecki and I think you’ll have a lot of fun reading it.

From the moment our heroine finds our injured Scotsman, the story takes off as she’s trying to save his life, at her peril. As they’re fleeing across the moors of Scotland, the story moves at a fast clip and our duo gets to know each other.

I loved the complexity of these two characters and their different backgrounds were well depicted so watching them fall for each other was so much fun.

Akira was everything I like about heroines, devoted daughter and sister; a caring healer and all around kind person, and yet she was strong and wise.

Geordie, the hero, was someone I liked right from the start. He was not just a handsome man, but he was wealthy, loyal and he was a highly respected duke. I loved the intriguing baggage he brought to this romance and couldn’t wait to see how it would be resolved.

What I also loved was the authors ability to suck me into the setting and transport me to the Scotland of old and take me on a journey through history I could almost touch.

If you’re a fan of men in kilts and opposites attract romance, as well as history, this is a perfect story for you.

Melanie for b2b

The Highland Duke is a historical romance with one of my favorite tropes, the secret identity. Because of the political climate at the time, the Duke of Gordon has to hide his support for King James III. But, when injured in a battle he should not have been at, he needs the help of a local healer, Akira. Forcing Akira to run off with him to heal him puts her on the wrong side of the law in the duchy she lives in. Gordon doesn't tell her who he is, insisting she call him 'Geordie'. She doesn't mention her family's gypsy heritage.

As a History scholar (I have a bachelors degree in History with a focus on military history), I appreciate historically accurate stories. This is a time period that was very tumultuous in British history but often only told from the side of those who supported the Protestant line. So, to have this story told from a Scot who supports the Catholic line of King James is unique! Also, when I was in Rome in September I actually saw the tomb of King James in St. Peter's basilica. Ok, back to the book.

Akira is a bit naive, but it works. She is mistrustful yet driven to do her job as a healer to save anyone and everyone, regardless of how or why they were injured. She didn't go to the battlefield looking only to help the soldiers of one side of the war. Geordie is a big oaf but you kind of love him anyway. Obviously, he is injured and that is causes great pain, so he is cranky and takes it out on Akira, because, well, she is there.

I was worried that Geordie was going to keep Akira as a 'dirty little secret'. After she slept with him, I was worried he would treat her like a kept woman. While that would solve LOTS of her problems (she could learn to read, her family could get out of their terrible circumstances, etc) it wouldn't be love. The first 1/2 of the book felt very slow to me. I think because I was expecting Geordie to keep her a secret or at least downplay what they have, I was skimming to get to some action that might confirm my suspicions. There is still the tension from the redcoat soldiers searching for them but I was afraid once that threat had passed, Geordie would screw things up royally. This doubt in the hero kept me from fully investing in the story, honestly. I will fully admit that I was perhaps being judgmental and projecting on Geordie, so keep that in mind!

I love a good Highlander tale and I couldn’t pass this one up (sexy cover, anyone?). The Highland Duke‘s love story centered around two people separated by class and station: A Scottish Duke and a Gypsy healer. Forced to escape with her wounded patient, the two find love on their uphill and battle-driven path to happily ever after. But it isn’t an easy path, and the suspense, action, and slow burn romance heat up as the pages keep turning.

The romance between Geordie and Akira was slow and built with no pretenses. Both ignored their outside worlds in order to keep each other alive, all the while falling in love between horse chases and back-door escape routes. The way in which they intricately became close with one another in the most subtle of ways was beautiful. I especially enjoyed how they worked around their very real differences in wealth and royalty–his abundance and her lack of. It created tension, both emotional and sexual, and brought them closer in resolution. Geordie’s outer strength complemented the inner strength of Akira well; what he lacked, she made up for and vice versa. They played well off one another which created great banter.

As a new reader to Jarecki’s works, I found her historical writing to be very engrossing and well-researched, both things crucial to the genre. Even with the plot dragging a bit in a few places, the story still managed to keep pulling me in to it, my needing to see the resolution to the intense storyline overruling everything. I loved Akira’s strong sense of will and what was right–she was a badass in her own right. It was fully enjoyable seeing such a strong female character in this sort of tale. The Highland Duke is a great book for all Scottish lovers, historical romance junkies, and those who love a good tale of a woman overcoming her class to find the love she deserves.

The Highland Duke is the first book in the Lords of the Highlands series by Amy Jarecki.

Akira Ayres is of gypsy descent, she lives with her mother and sisters in one room. They are poor as church mice, but Akira does her best to look after them all. She is a healer and earns what food they get from helping people with their ailments.

After a skirmish between the Scots and some Redcoats, Akira who is a healer goes to the battle area to see if there is anybody she can help. She comes across a wounded highlander, he's bleeding, a lot, from a musket ball to the leg. She knows she must help him and sets to removing the ball and binding the wound.

The wounded man is George, the Duke of Gordon. He was fighting incognito under his cousins banner rather than his own, against the English when he was shot. If it was discovered that he had any part in the skirmish he would end up forfeiting his land and title and any chance of getting the rightful person back on the throne. He would also find himself hung for treason.

When Akira finds him he can't give her his real name or tell her who he is for fear that she could be forced to tell if she were questioned by his enemy. He introduces himself as Geordie. Not long after Akira starts to tend to his wounds, a redcoat begins to close in and Geordie knows he has to get home to safety and the only way to do that is with Akira's help. She's doesn't want to leave her family but when he offers her payment, enough money to feed her family for a year, she has no other choice but to help him to his home.

The time they spend getting back there is fraught with trials and tribulations, but somewhere along the way an attraction starts to grow between them. One that is ridiculous because although she doesn't know his true identity, Akira can tell Geordie is of the higher classes, and somebody like him could never be with a common poor person like her, and especially one that's a gypsy. Any thoughts of romance often end up taking a back seat to the drama involved with getting the man home and fully healed safely.

The trouble won't end there though because the redcoat that was following after them has a strong suspicion of who Geordie is and he won't let it lie. If he captures the man and proves him a traitor to the 'usurper' he would win great favour from the Queen. He isn't 100% sure of Geordie's identity but after questioning people he knows that Akira is a healer and that she was the one on the run with the man. If he can get to her, he will make her confess to who she was with.

Will they be able to keep him from getting proof of Geordie's participation in the skirmish, and can Akira be kept safe when she leaves his home to return to hers? What of their budding relationship, can that stand any chance when he has kept his true identity a secret. How can they even be friends if he can't trust her?

This story was so much more than a romance, it was full of intrigue, excitement and drama. Akira is a strong female character who can give as good as she gets, and she is faithful to those that deserve her trust. She won't let Geordie down no matter what. In fact if it were a case of life or death between them, she would chose herself to die. Would Geordie do the same for her? You will have to read the book to see. You can be assured that the redcoat is not going to give up easily and that the drama that unfolds will make you want to read and keep on reading until you find out what happens.

This book was a fantastic read that I fully recommend. It has just the right amount of everything to make it perfect, and the passion when it happens is hot hot hot. How could it not be with a sexy highlander involved! I loved the setting of the story, I love the history the author managed to put into the story, and the description of Scotland just left me wanting to jump into the book and be there. This is just the first book in the series, and if it's brilliance is anything to go by then I cannot wait for the following books to come!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki brings us into the conflict between Scotland and England in the 1700s. Akira Ayres, a healer went out onto the battlefield after the battle and found a wounded Scot off the edge of the field. She agrees to help him as he offers her money and her family was desperately poor. The scottish man called Geordie had a musket ball in his leg. Akira managed to get him away before the English found him and started to help him heal. What she does not know is that he is the Duke of Gordon, a lord of the realm and if found would be found guilty of treason. She only knows they seem to be tracked by the English and Geordie needs to heal.

Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki was enjoyable. I liked the storyline and the characters. I felt the emotions of Akira especially as Geordie’s lineage becomes more apparent. What Geordie didn’t know or understand was Akira was of gypsy descent and as such was considered the lowest of the low. A love and marriage story with people two different ends of the economic spectrum during the 1700s - an impossibility.

Akira Ayres was a healer above all else and when she happened upon a brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, Akira had no doubt she must act to save him. Even though the hated English were closing in on them Akira could not let another man die for not being brave enough to tend his wounds. Even as Akira does her best to ease his pain and help him out she was definitely intimidated by the fearsome and huge brutally handsome highlander who refused to tell her his name.

Geordie knew that if Akira ever knew he was the Duke of Gordon, both of their lives would be forfeit. The only way to keep her safe was to keep her by his side day and night. However, the more time he spent with the sassy lass, the harder it seemed to let her go. Despite the difference in their social standing Geordie was determined to make Akira his.

*** Again this is a new author to me and don’t you know I am just going to have to put Ms. Jarecki on my author watch list. I really enjoyed THE HIGHLAND DUKE with its fast pace, great writing and and wicked good dialogs. I wasn’t always happy with Geordie assuming that his elevated status was insurmountable to making Akira an honest woman – I understood it – I just didn’t like it!

There were a lot of scenario’s where Akira was captured and released - some of them were even quite humorous but most were not. However each attempt to free Akira was devilishly clever and the entrance of Akira’s Uncle Bruno was for me one of the highlights of the hit and run scenario’s found in the book .

Bottom Line: Don’t be afraid of new authors - Ms. Jarecki’s THE HIGHLAND DUKE brought me a lot of pleasure and I highly recommend to fans of Scottish Historicals!

Marilyn Rondeau

Wow this was a scorching Hot historical romance, I loved it!!

This review will be published on my blog March 29 as part of the Rock Star PR blog tour. Amazon, Goodreads and B&N will be posted on the actual release date.


THE HIGHLAND DUKE
LORDS OF THE HIGHLANDS #1
Amy Jarecki
Forever
3/28/17

This is not my first Amy Jarecki novel, nor will it be my last. THE HIGHLAND DUKE is the first in her new series, Lords of the Highlands. And what a start it is! This book pulled me in and kept me captivated until the last page. I didn't want it to end. Seriously. I'm already looking forward to the next book, The Highland Commander.
This story centers around 2 people from very different social standings. Akira is a healer of Romany descent that lives in a thatched cottage and Geordie is the Duke of Gordon with plenty of land, properties and money. There's a good flow to the character development not too fast and yet not too slow. The story itself is just fantastic, it keeps you reading page after page. I really didn't have any idea how they were going to solve their "dilemma".
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves Highlanders, Dukes, or anything historical!!

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley for my honest unbiased review.

This was a page turner. I loved Akira, her good heart and innocence. She also had a lot of spunk. Geordie was so determined and bone-headed, but endearing. As trouble followed and threatened to take everything away from them, their spirits and feelings remained strong and entwined. The pace of this story was fast and you never knew what was coming next. I very highly recommend this story.

I received a copy of the story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

It's been awhile since I read a highland historical romance and I throughly enjoyed it. Amy Jarecki is a new author for me and I intend to check out the other books she's written.
Akira and Geordie are very different types of people, she is a gypsy and he is a Duke. Yet, they actually go together very well. This was an amazing read and can't wait to read more of her writings.

Amy Jarecki has once again written a captivating story full of intrigue and suspense, danger and everything you could wish for in a story.

Akira is a healer who helps Geordie after he is injured on the battlefields where he was fighting the English. To escape capture from an over zealous Captain they must flee to friendly territory, do they get away from him or does he catch them, find out by reading this fantastic story, you won't be disappointed.

I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley and my views are my own.

Secretly fighting for the Jacobite cause the situation looks dire for the Duke of Gordon when he finds himself the recipient of a musket ball in his leg compliments of the Redcoats. Akira Ayres’, a Gypsy healer, kindness and skill vie with her beauty as she labors to treat the wounded at the Battle of Hoord Moor, both Jacobite and Redcoat alike. When circumstances join these two together danger surrounds them and love awaits them.

Amy Jarecki takes the past and gives it an emotional charge as she fluidly joins history with her vibrant imagination accompanied by her dazzling writing in The Highland Duke. This author challenges her characters to be their best as she plots adventures full of feats of courage as they encounter high-risk adventure that threatens their bodies and souls. While both Akira and Geordie were attracted to each other physically the momentum of this couple's relationship was sustained by the genuine admiration and respect that grew between them for who they were as people. Nothing says romance more than characters that fall in love based on the beauty of their hearts. As with all her work this story was meticulously crafted around events both real and created by this writer who always puts a vast amount of research into her historicals. Ms. Jarecki's distinctive writing style carries through in the debut book of her Lords of the Highlands series bringing to her audience a marvelous reading experience they will not soon forget!

A great start to a new series by Amy Jarecki. After the battle is over Akira Ayres finds a brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh. She’s a healer and when she finds him barely alive she works to save his life. Geordie aka the Duke of Gordon, the highlander realizes he needs to get as far away from the battlefield before he is discovered and asks for Akira’s help. They are racing across country the highlander and the healer, trying to outwit the English Dragoon’s. This is quite a different story with a Duke and the healer who’s a Gypsy. Geordie knows if he's caught and it's discovered the Duke of Gordon was at the battle both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat.
These two are from very different ends of the social standing, Geordie is very wealthy and near royalty and she’s almost a leper who lives in poverty, but she’s so unlike anyone he’s ever knows. Akira stands up to him, she’s as fierce and brave as any of his clansmen. Geordie loves that she’s not intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander. You’ll be rooting for the two escape and wanting them to find a way for these to stay together even though they are from socially different backgrounds to find their happily ever after. Great writing Amy I loved it!!!
I received an ACR copy from Net Galley and the publisher and this is my honest review and opinions.

Publisher's Description:

She'll put her life on the line for him . . .

When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.

Yet she can never learn his true identity.

Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .

My Thoughts:

Amy Jarecki never fails to entertain me with her well written Highland tales set during the jacobite rebellion.
This is book #1 of a new series, Lord of the Highlands .
There is at times a decidedly comic nature to this story that is loosely predicated on the Duke of Gordon. He is one of the characters in this story who actually lived in or near the time of this tale.
I found myself laughing out loud at times.
Our heroine is a healer and a gypsy. Our hero's character is the one Duke of Gordon although he never intends for the young woman to know his true identity.
This highly entertaining book by Amy Jarecki is no less than what I have come to expect from this talented author.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5 stars for storyline and character development. There are characters in this book that are sure to get stories of their own. The sensual rating gets 4 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read from the publisher by invitation through NetGalley.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title and my review has been left voluntarily.

Summary

Akira Ayres, a poor healer while out searching for any wounded after a battle near her home, stumbles across a wounded Scot, that pleads for her help to not only save his life but keep his identity unknown to the "red coats" searching for any traitors. Akira, is a kind hearted woman and couldn't resist helping this man even if it means traveling across the lands of Scotland away from her mother and sisters who need her, to keep this man safe. A man that makes her feel like the most beautiful woman inside and out. A man that awakens feelings of desire that she has never even imagined. Geordie knew that it was a mistake fighting in a war he believed in to bring back the rightful heir to the throne of Scotland once again, but by doing so he put not only himself but his children and their future in jeopardy and he must make it back home with no suspicion tied to his name. He can't ever marry again, but for the first time in his life he wishes he could give Akira his name and protection....but there is more at risk because he might lose more if he doesn't win over her heart for his to keep....
The Hero

Gordon, "Geordie" has always been loyal to his country but has had to tread carefully all of his life. Geordie may have power and wealth and a title that is highly respected, but he has lost favor with Queen Anne. But Geordie will do anything for his children, despite the fact that their mother demanded a divorce so she could enter the nunnery in France. There was so much to love about this hero. First off, he makes the best highlander especially when you take in account the era this story takes place. He is titled, but he does have to tread very very carefully, because it could be taken from him in a heartbeat. I loved how loyal to his cause he is, especially to those he is over. But we also see his faults too, and see some changes in him especially when he is faced with the aspect of falling in love for the first time.
The Heroine

Akira is devoted to taking care of her mother and her younger sisters. Akira comes from gypsy heritage, and even though her mother insists they let go of the old ways if they want to survive, we see some hints of it in her character. Akira learns the healing arts from her family, and her healing is what keeps the family afloat but just barely. Akira was a truly wonderful heroine. She is so kind and caring, and is concerned for others above herself and I just loved her nature comes out. And the way she does inspire and motivate others. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body but she also stands up for her values too. We see some personal growth in her character as well.
Plot and Story Line

Oh man, what a story!!! I have only had the opportunity to read this author a couple of times, but each time I have picked her up I amazed by how wonderful of an author she truly is and she makes highlander romances burst alive in so many ways. In many ways, The Highland Duke brings about so many emotions and feels I honestly didn't know what I was feeling most of the time. And boy can she write some sizzling chemistry that doesn't overshadow the actual emotional intimacy of growth this couple shares with each other. But what really makes Amy Jarecki stand out is the historical elements. Now, this may not be an aspect for everyone. But I just love it when an author knows her history and knows the culture and take the time to do the proper research needed for a book and it shows in this one. The story sets off with our hero being shot in the thigh and our heroine a 'healer' coming to save his life and not just in one way. Yes, she proves the physical healing but she also helps protect him from those that hunt him. So from the very beginning, we have some levels of intensity and intrigue. The brogue used in the story is well balanced, and easy to follow along and doesn't overwhelm the reader. I just became swept away with this story pretty quickly. Like within two paragraphs I was fully ingrained in the story and didn't want to let go of it. The romance was simply beautiful. The chemistry builds so perfectly. From the beginning they have a strong connection to each other. And man some of the kisses and more sensual scenes were written so well, "curl your toes" type of scenes that kept you reaching for more.


These two have a long road ahead of them before reaching their happy ever after though. There is the issue of our hero not able to marry unless he gets permission from the Queen who would do anything to see him unhappy. Our heroine really struggles with this. Because she loves him but doesn't want to be seen as his "mistress" even if it would mean her family not living in a hovel or barely making it by to survive. She has an inner battle she fights within herself. But our hero....Geordie is so wonderful especially when he realizes that he will fight for her heart. I love how he is willing to prove to her he is worthy of her love, and loved the way he wins the hearts of her family too. It does get pretty dramatic and intense toward the end though, and man the ending was heart stopping and pulls at your emotions in a very meaningful way.
The Cover

What a gorgeous and breathtaking cover....I love the colors and the pretty castle in the backdrop but I love the pose of the male model here. And I love his celtic like tats, and his HAIR.... I love his hair hehe
Overall View

The Highland Duke is a heart stopping and sensually intriguing romance that takes you on a adventure of a lifetime....back to the wilds and dangers of georgian era Scotland. A tale that weaves its way through to your heart and mind and soul....A love story that tugs at your heartstrings! BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!