Found this book boring, uninspiring, and never felt engaged with the characters at all. Storyline appeared to be one I've read before.

Awesome beginning to a new series. The characters were well developed and the story line was great. I was glad Geordie & Akira were able to find their HEA.

The Highland Duke had many of the individual qualities that normally add up to a complete winner of a book for me.  I’m a sucker for big, tough Highlanders.  I love opposites attract love stories, and you don’t get more opposite than a duke hero and a gypsy healer.  I absolutely adored the last book I read by Amy Jarecki, so I was very excited to dive right in to this one.  
Unfortunately I wasn’t bowled over by this book.  I’ve read what other reviewers have said about it and I don’t think I was reading the same book!  I loved everything about Amy Jarecki’s writing in the past, but this one felt different.  I thought the beginning, when Akira finds Geordie and risks her life to save his, was very well done.  It set the pace for a grand adventure, but after that it never really lived up to it.  
I SO wanted to be able to join the others in giving a rave review of this book, but I just felt something was lacking.  Geordie (gah – I hated that name!) was not a convincing strong, sexy Scottish hero.  He seemed kind of beta to me, which was not the normal stereotype.  He was protective of Akira and cared for her, but in my opinion he revealed a flaw in his character when he seduced her.  After weeks of hiding his identity and convincing himself he can’t allow anything to happen between them, he gives in to his desires so easily, with seemingly no regard for the consequences for Akira.  He’s a duke.  He can do what he wants.  She’s a poor commoner whose reputation will be forever altered by their dalliance.  I never got the feeling that he was so overcome with lust or love that he couldn’t live without her.  I felt like he just couldn’t control himself and didn’t give much thought to her.
I never got a good read on Akira.  She was naïve and innocent and knew better than to get involved with someone like Geordie, but she fell for him hook, line and sinker.  She was indignant and protected her virtue like a warrior….for a few chapters.  Then all bets were off and she was letting him do whatever he wanted to her.  I don’t really know what this book was about aside from the “I shouldn’t be with him, he’s a duke” and “I can’t be with her, she’s a healer” argument.  Nothing really happened in the book to hold my interest.
I wanted to love this book, but Geordie and Akira’s romance wasn’t a love story I could fall in love with.
I give The Highland Duke 3 stars.

I was so excited to be granted access to NetGalley for this book. Amy asked her publisher to let me review it! *throws confetti* I am a huge fan of Amy and am delighted she's making it "to the big time". 

Akira Ayres is a gypsy healer who supports her mother and 3 sisters by healing those she encounters. Her compassion takes her out to the battlefield to see who she can help. She encounters "Geordie", the Duke of Gordon in disguise injured after aiding his cousin in a battle against Queen Anne, half sister to the true King James exiled in France. He'll be hanged if he's caught as they lost the battle. Akira carves the musket ball from his thigh and she finds herself unable to leave the badly injured man when he's being collected for the injured wagon. And so the adventure begins. George keeps his identity hidden to protect both of them as they work to get him home to safety. She's a poor, despised gypsy and he's a lofty duke. It is a love story for the ages. Akira must learn to trust and Geordie must learn to love unconditionally and without rich arrogance. I loved their adventurous journey to get to true love. I was most pleased with the author's note at the end explaining the history and people, as well as the liberties she took with them.

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 . . .

Akira is a healer in the small town of Dunkeld.  After the battle of Hoord Moor she heads to battlefield to see if she can help any of the wounded.  She finds a man who has been shot in the thigh and tries to help him.  When they hear people coming he quickly sends her to find a horse and they head out.  You see, the man is a Duke and if he is found to be fighting on the side of the Jacobites he will be imprisoned or killed and have his lands taken from him.  Geordie and Akira take off and hide from the dragoons that are never far behind.  Geordie dropped his flask with his family’s crest on it so the dragoons know who to look for.

Akira and Geordie avoid the red coats and make it to Geordie’s lands but not before they fall in love with each other.  Akira, who’s very proper gives in to Geordie’s advances when he says he’ll take care of her thinking that he’s going to marry her. When he offers to make her his mistress instead she’s heart-broken. She had no idea he was a duke until they got to his castle but that played no part in her feelings for him. He is divorced and he knows that Queen Anne and the bishop will never approve the marriage.  He loves her but he doesn’t know what else to do. 

The dragoons haven’t given up and they are determined to get Geordie to admit he’s a traitor.  They’ll even use Akira to get to him and it may actually work.

I really liked the premise of this book and there was a whole lot about it that I liked.  I really loved Akira and her strength.  She’d been the sole caretaker of her mother and 3 sisters for the past 10 years and she was happy to do it.  She was an amazing woman and I truly admired her.  She also stood up to Geordie when she needed to and that was awesome as well. 

The first part of the book, while they’re on the run from the dragoons before they hit the duke’s lands, was pretty slow, imho.  It was decent but I had to stop myself from skimming ahead on more than one occasion.  I know this was meant to be a time when Geordie and Akira get to know each other but there was so much internal thought I found it quite sluggish.  I thought that once the pair hit Gordon land things would pick up a bit but it was only a little. 

Things really came to a head when Akira headed home and the dragoon who had been after Geordie made his move.  I really liked the last ¾ of the book but unfortunately it didn’t make up for the other parts.  This got higher marks because I really loved that Jarecki wasn’t afraid to match up a Romany woman with a Duke and made it work.  Of course I wasn’t quite convinced at the end of the book that those who were after Geordie were going to give up, but maybe that’s just me.

Geordie grew on me.  At the first part of the book I didn’t care for him at all but he showed his true worth throughout the story and I really liked him by the end.  He was a good man who had lost his way but had finally found the right path. 

Overall I liked the story I just had issues with tempo.  Hopefully the next book in the series will be more evenly paced.

Rating 3.5 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on The Book Binge.
http://bookbinge.com/

A Highlanders true color is always shown through their honor, respect, and the powerful yielding rule of their swords. This is one intriguing story that will fulfill that Highlander addiction and have your heart swooning over those big hearted true colors. 

I truly enjoyed getting to know the Duke of Gordon "Geordie" and the Queen of Fairies "Akira". 

Geordie shows his true colors in a growing manner. His circumstances and status some what prevented him from acting out his true feelings but his determination and crazed love for his gypsy rose "Akira "opened up his heart and a gateway to conquer what he truly desired. 

Amira's gypsy charm and beauty showed throughout the story by her caring role as a healer. I totally admired her for always sticking to her true self regardless of her situation.  Yes she was poorer than dirt and being around a glamouring duke might have been tempting to sway her morals in order to give her mother and sisters a better life, but honoring her own self respect and holding on to her principles is what won and mattered in the end.  

The story is very intriguing when it gives you insight between the highlander clans and how they respect each other and always ready to fight by their sides. I especially love how the enemy is betrayed and how wicked and evil the red coats were - the story gives a great build up and becomes so visual you want to become a highlander yourself and jump in the story just to start killing off the enemy - LOL. 

The story started off slow for me but built up steam after the first chapter. By the end of the story I wanted it to last a little longer just so I could stay in their world.   There is so much to say about this story and the many directions and leads into more stories of their own. I hope the author will consider giving those leads life - especially with Akira's sisters and Geordie's children or even some of Akira's Gypsy family like her Uncle. 

Overall great read. 
5 stars
3 flames

Review requested and book provided by author.

Akira and Geordie are the epitome of opposites attract. He's a Duke and she a commoner, he's a rake and she's an innocent. And I loved every minute of them. From their first meeting they were surrounded by danger and it doesn't stop until the last pages. I could feel the danger and fear, the despair and passion. The depth of characters and scenery are impeccable. Great start to this series!

Akira is a gypsy healer. Looked down upon by almost everyone she does her best to help others and change their perception of her and her family. But when she finds this braw highlander with a musket ball in his thigh she knows she must do whatever she can to help. And when the redcoats come she must follow him or be captured.

Geordie or the Duke of Gordon doesn't know what he would have done without her. He would be dead or as good as if she hasn't shown up. And now they must race back home to safety. But he can't let her know his true identity. 

As the dangers along the way mount, their affections grow but he knows he would never be allowed to marry a commoner. And she deserves more than just being his mistress. Is their no way to overcome their obstacles and be together?? And when the redcoats catch up and accuse him of treason what will he do to keep her safe?? And will she even be able to forgive him for hiding his identity and lying to her?

Historical Highland love story where love outweighs propriety.  I loved Akira from the start.  Who wouldn't adore a healer who puts others above themselves, even if they're the enemy.  The Duke had to grow on me.  I loved him in the beginning, then went lukewarm, but in the end he won my heart as well.    Akira's mother will be a character that all mothers will relate to.

I completely loved this story.  I know with Amy Jarecki, there will be history behind the story.  This book is no different.  It takes place during the Jacobite rising and is slam-packed with the battle, the chase, and the long road to winning one's heart.  I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars!

The Highland Duke (Lords of the Highlands) by Amy Jarecki is another one of those WOW,  moments in reading an intense, dramatic and heart pounding Scottish Romance.

Akira Ayres, is a healer, who finds a brawn Highlander wounded on the field of a battle with the English red coats, with a musket ball in his thigh. What's she to do,  leave him for the English to slaunder or help him to safety. Decision made, she must save him, or at least get him to safety, the sexy, brawn highlander, even at danger to herself and her beloved family. Geordie, aka, Duke of Gordon, knows both himself and Akira, his little angel, are in grave danger. He cannot reveael his true identity, do they must flee quickly or both risk dying. They must make it to friendly territory,  high in the Highlands with a determined Captain on their heels. If he catches them, Geordie will forfeit his clan, be named a traitor,  and forfeit his land and his life. Akira, will forfeit her life and possibly the life of her mother as well as her siblings.  Can they save each other?  Or lose all to an overzealous Captain, one who seeks wealth and property above all else?

Well written with well-developed characters and an intriguing storyline.  I found, once again, Ms. Jarecki,  has written a story filled with intrigue,  danger,  passion, secrets,  suspense,  mystery,  a bit of deception,  and romance. Whew, I absolutely loved "The Highland Duke" from the first  page to the last. I was glued and drawn to Geordie and Akira's story. They are brawn, strong, intriguing,  feisty,  brave, which makes for some exciting reading,  as each try to save the other,  on their quest to a HEA.

Once again Amy Jarecki did not disappoint me, instead she kept me up all night reading. I had to finish "The Highland Duke", which I read in one setting.  I wish to thank, Ms. Jarecki for her historical details,  her vivid descriptions of both Scotland and her charactizations.  She brings Scotland to life on each page of her amazing and thrilling Scottish Romance.  A must read for fans of Scottish Romance,  Medieval Romance,  HighlandRomance,  brawn Highlanders and brave, feisty lasses,  you don't want to miss, "The Highland Duke". I absolutely and unequivocally loved this story! Bravo, Ms. Jarecki! ! I can hardly wait for the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy. 


Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild 
Reviewed by: AprilR

"The Highland Duke"  is a 17th century historical fiction based on some real characters. It was the time of the uprising of the Jacobites during Queen Anne's reign. It's the story of the Duke and the Gypsy Rose. 

Geordie is the Duke of Gordon. He is non too happy about the rejection of the Scottish Parliament’s proposed Act of Security. It's difficult for him to take sides as this can be looked upon as treason. 

Akira is a healer from a very poor background. She takes care of her mother and her siblings. It's a hard life but it hasn't tainted her character. She takes pride in helping others for very little in return. Her family is frowned upon because of their ancestry. 

Geordie is caught in a crossfire during an uproar and being injured he has to stay hidden. He can't afford to get caught and connected to this war. Whilst Akira is going around, helping the injured, she stumbles upon him. As a healer, she cannot turn her back on him. She is aware that he might be from an affluent family but Geordie doesn't reveal his full identity. Doing so might put his life and hers in danger. Besides, he doesn't know if she can be trusted but has to rely on her due to the severity of the injury. 

Akira starts to help him,  when they are discovered and have to go on the run. Even when the going gets tough, she doesn't turn her back on him. The pursuers are intent on catching them because they have something to gain if Geordie is identified. Having to face numerous dangerous situations together,  they start to care for each other. Then the fondness starts to turn into something more. 

It's fast paced,  very well portrayed and extremely addictive. As soon as they think that they are home free, something more dangerous crops up. The interactions between Geordie and Akira are fascinating. This story has danger, violence, deceit, betrayal, loyalty and unconditional love together with fun and laughter. The enemy doesn't care about the population as long as they retain their lives of luxury whilst thriving to amass more riches! 

This is the second book that I have read by this author and I like her writing style. Even when the situations are dire, there is sharp wit and humour. The characters are credible and interesting.  It's very romantic and ends beautifully. 

I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Hot damn, this a great historical romance from Jarecki. Lots of intrigue, passion, and impossible odds to keep these two apart; somehow they get the happily ever after in a wonderful way. Loved this one.

Akira Ayres lives in a time and place where her native Scotsman and the English who rule are in constant battle.  A fact brought close to home with the recent uprising.  An uprising that has Akira searching the battleground for any wounded she can help.  What she doesn’t anticipate is a race across the Highlands with a handsome wounded Scot.  As she works to heal him she finds she must protect her heart; especially when she finds out who her patient really is.
Georgie, Duke of Gordon, knows if he stays wounded on the battlefield he’s as good as dead.  His chance to escape appears in the form of a beautiful healer.  Keeping his true identity a secret is for her safety though he has to admit that being treated as someone other than a Duke is refreshing.  The more time he spends with his beautiful healer the more he realizes he will do anything to protect her and keep her by his side.
Will Geordie’s past and Akira’s heritage stand in the way of happily ever after?
Adventure, danger, misunderstandings and haunted pasts all rolled into a delicious tale for my first full length story by the talented Amy Jarecki.  It will definitely not be my last!

I was a little dissatisfied with this book. There is this strong woman with strong convictions, but not even 24 hours, throws all that away to sleep with the dude. The insta-love wasn't believable. Maybe if there was attraction from the beginning, I would believe it more.

I loved this story! I fell in love with Akira and Geordie!  This was such a fun story to read. I loved the spirited Akira and the connection between them! I loved that Geordie learned what live is really about and how he could overlook being a duke and fall in love with a poor gypsy girl! This has everything that I live in a story! I would definitely recommend this book!

This was really a great story.  There was never a lull in the book.  Geordie who is the Duke of Gordon finds himself shot in the leg by Redcoats.  He needs to get back to the Highlands before he looses everything.  To his surprise, a beautiful lass discovers him badly wounded.  He knows he cannot tell her who he really is.  The less she knows the better, but he needs her help.

Akira Ayers is a healer who is also considered a gypsy from Romanian descent.  When the battle is over she goes to the battlefield to help.  While there she comes across a large man who is wounded.  She knows she must help him, but doing so could cost her and her family their lives.  He is willing to pay her an enormous amount to help him.  So she takes on this endeavor.

Again, a really great story.  I look forward to the next book in this series.

OMG! I couldn't put this book down, from the first page until the last, I was mesmerized!

Akira is a healer of gypsy descent.  When she happens upon a wounded highlander, she is drawn into a dangerous adventure beyond her wildest imaginings.  Her first instinct is to leave the highlander, but when he offers to pay for her services, she can't refuse the money that would be a godsend to her family nor will her kind heart let her leave him suffering and in danger.

George Gordon, Duke of Gordon aka Geordie is desperate, he joined the battle against the queen incognito, if his part in the battle is ever discovered his title, lands and possibly his life are forfeit.  Shot in the leg, he dragged himself into the brush and was hoping to be able to travel home.  Once he understands the depth of his injury, he commands the healer to help him, when that doesn't work, he bribes her.  Akira removes the musket ball from his thigh and tries to stop the bleeding.  The arrogant highlander orders her to buy him a horse and when she returns, he insists that he can ride.  While they are bickering about this, they are discovered by a patrol of redcoats.  Geordie grabs Akira and they take off.  What follows is epic!

I really don't want to give too many details, but suffice it to say, this story will grip you from beginning to end.  It is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, a lot of action, twists and turns, life and death moments, a vile ex-wife, a very determined villain and seemingly impossible obstacles to overcome to give these two a much deserved HEA. 

I loved this book and would highly recommend it!

Started off strong and I felt it lagged towards the end. It became a what else could go wrong. Flowed very well though.