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.

The Highland Duke is a delightful, well-written and compelling historical fiction romance.
The Duke of Gordon rode, incognito, against the Queen. He knew that if he was recognized in battle that he would not only stand trial as a traitor; but his lands would be forfeited as well. The Duke, however, did not plan on getting shot. He hid behind a bush with a musket ball in his thigh, moaning in agony, until Akira Ayres, a beautiful Gypsy healer found him. The two didn’t escape the battlefield unseen, however, and although Captain Roderick Weaver, couldn’t identify, at first, who they were,  he and his men galloped after them. The Captain was determined to show the Jacobites exactly what would happen to a man if he dared to take up arms against the Queen. When the Captain came across the Duke of Gordon’s silver flask, he almost salivated with anticipation. The Captain knew that when he delivered the traitorous Duke to the Queen, he would become a rich man. The Captain could practically taste the sweet bounty of the Duke’s lands. 

The Duke had his hands full with Akira, his feisty Gypsy healer. Although he couldn’t make Akira his wife, he also didn’t want to let her go. Akira’s mother, however, had other plans for the Duke. And she had no qualms about letting him know precisely what they were.  

I was completely captivated by the storyline, the characters and the humorous banter between the Duke and his Gypsy healer, Akira.   

Thank you, Forever-Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

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.

The Highland Duke was a fun and romantic read! I love books involving highlanders and this one did not disappoint! This book had action, conflict, steamy romance, and more. The Highland Duke was a quick and enjoyable read. 

The romance in this book was interesting because the two characters came from different social classes. The male character, Geordie, was a Duke while Akira was a Gypsy/healer. Their social classes acted like a barrier for their romance, so it was interesting to see them overcome those issues. It lead to some secrets being kept, but I was glad those issues were resolved. Their romance was very steamy and sensual. I thought the author did a great job at building chemistry between Akira and Geordie. At first, I thought their romance seemed to be moving too quickly, but luckily, it seemed to slow down. Some of the sexual tension between Geordie and Akira was off the charts!

The plot of this book was fun and action packed. There were a few times when this book felt a bit slower, but it was extremely enjoyable as a whole. I thought the author did a great job balancing mystery, humor, romance, and action throughout the story. 

The historical elements that the author included in this book were very lush and detailed. It was obvious the author did a lot of research for this book and it really paid off! I love learning about Scotland and their history, so I was so happy that the author was very detailed. I felt like I was actually in Scotland right next to the characters! 

Overall, this book was a lot of fun to read! If you are looking for and Scottish highlander romance with lovable characters, then I would definitely recommend checking out this book!

4 /5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *

The Highland Duke is quite the adventure.  As Geordie and Akira are pursued across the Highlands, an explosive chemistry emerges. He desires Akira like no other and plans to keep her at his side begin to grow.   To protect his family, Geordie must keep his identity a secret as they outrun the dragoons.   Akira must hold strong and true to her beliefs or fall victim to the perils of forbidden desire. What a great highland story!  I look forward to reading more from Amy Jarecki.

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!!!

Thanks Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and netgalley for this ARC.

Unexpected loyalty, love, and fierce fighting in this awesome romance. You will have a new fav author after reading this.

FINAL DECISION:  An action packed adventure combined with a romance where the hero is a jerk for most of the story, but redeems himself by the end. I especially loved the heroine who is strong but sweet and genuine.

THE STORY:  Akira Ayes, a healer from a Gypsy family finds an injured Scot after a battle with English troops during the Jacobite Rebellion.  Akira can't bear to leave the Highlander to fend for himself and ends up embroiled in his danger.  Geordie aka George Gordon aka Duke of Gordon keeps his identity a secret from Akira.  He needs to make his way home to hide his participation in the battle because otherwise his life and lands would be forfeit.  As the two travel together fleeing the English, Geordie finds he likes how Akira treats him as a man -- not as a duke.

OPINION:  I found this book to be a rousing adventure story as Akira and Geordie race across Scotland evading the English.  That portion of the book was excellent. Geordie and Akira argue, work together, find commonality and care for one another as they race through the countryside.  The book had an exciting beginning and didn't leave off until the two reached Georgie's home.

For me, the book slowed down a bit when that happened and I think the book lost a bit of focus.  As the two fall in love but have to confront the impossibility of them marrying, I thought the book meandered a bit and I was not as interested in the ending of the book as I was in the beginning.  Ultimately, however, I thought that the story overall was a success.

Akira is a wonderful character.  She has been treated poorly by many people because of her Gypsy heritage.  (In the book Gypsies are called Tinkers and are thought of as mere thieves and beggars, reflecting the prejudices of the time).  Despite the discrimination and intense poverty she has faced, Akira is a healer.  A kind and generous woman. A woman willing to risk herself to save a stranger's life.  She has a progression in this book.  Akira begins with fixed ideas of sexual morality, but finds herself having to think about what is important in her life as she and Geordie fall in love but are unable to marry.  She is also a woman who can make a duke appreciate being a man.

Geordie is a man who has two sides...the distant duke and the man he finds himself being with Akira.  Akira challenges Geordie's assumptions about his world and about his obligations in it.  Akira demands that Geordie consider the common folk and he realizes that she is right and he is ashamed of his prior self-absorption.  In order to be with Akira, Geordie must change himself and prove himself worthy of her.  I like that he is willing to acknowledge his mistakes.

This is a good start to the new series and I look forward to the next book.

WORTH MENTIONING:  Some parts of this book had vague echoes to OUTLANDER but perhaps that is only because I have been reading those book recently.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  THE HIGHLAND DUKE is the first book in the Lords of the Highlands series.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE:  I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

akira ayres is a dedicated healer, even if most her patients are ready to toss her off the british isles due to her gypsy heritage, she has a duty to uphold. after a jacobite uprising, akira is helping the wounded when she comes across an injured jacobite with a musket ball buried in his leg.

with the local lord in the redcoat's pockets, helping this man could have devastating consequences for akira and her family, but she does not hesitate. even when he refuses to tell her his name. geordie, the duke of gordon, isn't sharing his identity for akira's own safety. he's worried she'll be in greater danger if she ends up being questioned by the redcoats. and he needs her to stay safe, if only to repay her for her assistance in escaping the battlefield. it would have been disastrous for his family if he had been caught. 

from the battlefield, geordie and akira travel across scotland to geordie's main seat. and the close quarters they are forced to keep heightens the sexual tension but also allows them to reach an unexpected emotional intimacy. akira is an innocent, but geordie should know better than to trifle with akira's affections. he's been married before, and has endured a humiliating and rare divorce. even if he were interested in remarrying, the petitioning he must do with the church and the royal court would make any approvals a difficult proposition. it would be one thing if he falls in love with a woman who is his social equal and could provide some political capital, but a gypsy with uncertain parentage and no money to her name is not likely to be viewed as a future duchess with any favor. 

so it seems hopeless, that's a pretty tight corner geordie and akira are in. and the fact that they must navigate these relationship concerns while being chased and captured and released and re-captured by redcoats and their scottish allies make for an action-packed third act. but true love can overcome all things. and the gypsies have their own ways and traditions that might make it possible for geordie and akira to attain their heart's content. sometimes the thorniest problems are solved with the simplest solutions.

A definite buy book. As much as I totally enjoyed the book, I had a few problems with it also. The problems first. The duke and his lack of loyalty could be a weakness for me. I would of wanted him a wee bit stronger if he was going to play both sides! As for the heroine, A healer that is so light of character was a little difficult to swallow. 
HOWEVER;!!!!
I love the way this author writes and pulls you into her story. I sincerely enjoyed the first page through the last and wanted more immediately even with my disagreement as stated above. The author has a talent of story telling. I will definitely be on the look out for more from her. I was given this book in return for an honest review. 
Anna

Well, well, well…what have we here?

I see the word Highland or Highlander in a title and I get a wee bit excited. When I find a new author to me who writes Historical Highlander set way…way back in the day, you may catch me doing a shake and shimmy happy dance. There’s just something about the big braw Scottish dudes wearing a kilt, with a sword in one hand, a flask of whisky tucked into his sporran and riding a wee beastie, that gets my heart pumping. Well, The Highland Duke has given me a great introduction to Amy Jarecki AND she has a backlog…SCORE!!!!

I really enjoyed The Highland Duke and I was very surprised at how much I loved it. See, I’m a bit of a snob. I kind of need (in my previous reads) for the hero and heroine to be on equal footing. I think it makes it a little more believable when they are both at the same level in social standings. Well, this was definitely not that. Good old Dukey (yes, another bloody Duke) is getting matched up with a healer. This healer is near the bottom of the rung when it comes to social standings because she’s a…Gypsy (gasp).

I didn’t know too much about Gypsy’s before starting this one and I found it interesting to learn more about them and their history. I always knew they were looked down on but I wasn’t sure why. Tinker, a term used in this story (and I’m guessing derogatory), is used to describe them. Tinker’s are “known” for stealing, trickery and begging and were outlawed. Most left the country but some were able to meld in with society but with their distinctive dark colouring, most were treated badly.

So, we have two very different ends of the social standing, near royalty and near leper. Hmmm…if you’re anything like me you start questioning how this could ever lead to a happy ever after. Well, I will admit, I started gripping my kindle tighter and mumbling and grumbling under my breath when the dreaded word…Mistress floated about. I can confirm that with a very valid reason why the word was even floating about and an ending that left me smiling, I was content.

The Highland Duke is filled with action, adventure, chemistry and conflict. The characters are far from perfect but are lovable and endearing. The baddies will make your skin crawl and tutt, tutt over their greedy and self-serving attitudes. We also meet some interesting characters that I desperately want to know more about. 

If you’re a fan of historical romance and don’t mind a wee bit of braw Scottish highlander, The Highland Duke will definitely keep you satisfied.

I’m not gonna lie I was a little skeptical at first but pleasantly surprised by Amy Jarecki. Usually when reading highland romances, I am more apt to lean toward my favorites in the genre, Lynsay Sands and Hannah Howell. I have always enjoyed their works and very seldom do I waver. However, in the case of Amy Jarecki and The Highland Duke I am extremely pleased that I did! Amy’s writing is superb and her story is full of adventure, danger, secrets and of course an amazing tale of romance. Once I opened the pages I had to finish it and was obsessed with Geordie and Akira. Their story and their love and hardships called to my heart and I had to see their happy ending come to life. Everything contained in the pages was well constructed and throughout. Jarecki’s detail of Scotland made the moments vivid and you could swear you could smell the heather on the breeze. The same perfection was applied to the characters all around! Geordie is the hardened Duke who starts to show his true self as he develops feelings for Akira. Unfortunately, he is already divorced and he wants to desperately find a way to have Akira for life where as she is from a lower class and cannot see how he would want to have her. It makes your heart sing and you find yourself smiling like a fool throughout.

The Highland Duke was a hoot to read! It’s nonstop action across the roaming hills of the highlands with lots of quick-witted banter and charm. Add in a dollop of romance and a touch of brogue? The start to this series was a home run.

Akira Ayres is a gypsy healer. She lives in Scotland on English controlled soil, and she’s tasked with healing wounded Jacobite rebels before they are shipped off. It’s when she’s looking for any stragglers that she hears a masculine groan in the woods. Before she knows it, Akira’s agreed to help one a brawny and mysterious highlander with a musket ball in his leg. Now she’s an accomplice to the man’s escape with a regiment of dragoons on her tail. As if that wasn’t bad enough? She has a heavy and thoroughly unconscious Geordie against her back.

Geordie, the Duke of Gordon, is part of a Highland uprising against English soldiers. He's shot and left behind, and with the English closing in, he knows he won't survive long without Akira's help. Akira agrees, but Geordie doesn't expect to remain unconscious for most of their journey nor does he count on the tenacity of English soldiers. That’s before he falls hard for a sweet woman who doesn’t even know he’s a duke.

I adored both of these characters so much. Geordie is such an adorable grump! Granted, he gets shot in the leg, so who wouldn’t be? But Geordie is determined to take care of himself only to find he cannot. He needs Akira. It doesn’t sit well for him, but he doesn’t have much choice. It’s breakneck speed for much of the book. From complications with Geordie’s injury to the myriad escapes and maneuvers in eluding the enemy. Add in the attraction and lust dogging their steps, and it made for a quick read.

Akira has to be the sweetest heroine I’ve read in a long time. She’s gentle and soft-spoken and kind-hearted. She gets roped into helping Geordie because of this inherent nature. But in Akira fashion, she takes it like a trooper. This girl overcomes a lot of her fears and has many more still to face. However, sweet does not equal meek! Geordie growls at her so much in the beginning (again, he’s an adorable grump), before Akira just explodes. Ooooh boy, is Geordie not going to make that mistake again! I loved it!

Despite all of their obstacles, this story was just so romantic. Geordie doesn’t realize how tired of being a duke he is until he meets Akira. She speaks and looks at him like a man, and he can’t help but be charmed by her guilelessness. And Akira isn’t used to being looked upon with anything less than suspicion or scorn because of her gypsy heritage. Geordie only sees the selfless healer before him.

"Akira was dear and beautiful and made sunshine radiate in his chest when she smiled."

Gah, this one was so swoony. Lots of tension and buildup, some scorching scenes that were just perfect, and a steady wooing that brought the sugar to Akira’s sweet. I’m highly anticipating the rest in Amy Jarecki’s Lords of the Highlands series. Just the read I was looking for!

What a great romance. Loved the plot and characters. Hooked from the first.

I absolutely LOVED Jarecki's Highland Force series. The writing was very strong and the storyline had me reading well past when I should have gone to bed. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for this story. It is almost as if it is someone else's writing, someone that that is not as good a writer...

Having said that, I did like the idea of the story. A healer finds a wounded soldier and then they must run or take the chance of being captured. I have to say that I didn't like Akira in the least. I just felt like she was so wishy washy and not a strong female lead. Geordie was just an ok hero. He was nothing to write home about in my book.

I really hope that Jarecki's stories improve in the future because after reading her first series, her books were automatic reads for me. Not so much anymore...