This is the first book in the series, but I accidentally read the second book first and then this book after that. It ended up working out because most of the second book takes place BEFORE the events of the first book.

This book has way too much “tell” and not nearly enough “show.” As the story begins, Isabella has fled Edinburgh and is hiding out because of her association with seditious efforts. Her husband has been killed and she only got out of the city because of Sir Walter Scott. Yes, THAT Sir Walter.

But the reader doesn’t get to experience any of that; we are merely told of these events as Isabella hides in a cottage waiting to move to her next location. That’s where she meets Cinead when he washes up onshore after his ship sinks.

Like I said in my review of Highland Jewel, when considering this book as a historical romance, it’s somewhat lacking. There’s virtually no chemistry between the two protagonists. It’s also strange that Isabella’s husband has JUST been killed in an attack on his clinic, yet she’s jumping into a new situation only a few months later. Yes, they had a marriage of convenience, but she’s still not particularly upset about his death.

Ironically, there are plenty of details when it comes to torture and abuse from the English. In one scene, at least three or four characters described what the English did to their antecedents. Yes, the English were unequivocally horrible, but the effect was more “infodumping” rather than invoking sympathy for the torture and degredation.

I would recommend this book as historical fiction. The story is intriguing and the characters are likeable, despite their lack of romantic chemistry. The series as a whole would probably make more sense chronologically rather than the piecemeal fashion in which it’s presented.




I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley.

Perfectly charming and heartwarming characters. Witty and romantic! Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

This book was everything I love about historical romances with a slight twist. I have never read a historical romance with a female physician before. It was very unique to me for having a heroine with that background. Cinaed was absolutely swoon-worthy of course. I very much enjoyed the way the very real history of 1820 was featured in the story. I feel like this was historical fiction meets historical romance and I'm here for it! I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. The word building was phenomenal in this book. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! It's the first book I've read by this author, but definitely will not be the last!
These characters swept me right into the book and I was hooked. The action, suspense and romance were wonderful and had me on the edge on my seat. I cannot wait to read more. Thank you Ms McGoldrick for a fascinating tale.

Perfect for fans of Outlander and those seeking adventure in lush Scotland, complete with hunks in kilts!

I enjoyed this book. I don’t have much experience reading historical Scottish books. But I liked the story. Will be nice to continue the story.

May McGoldrick is a favorite in period time romances. I love any and all romances set in Scotland and Ireland. Gifted read by Netgalley, this is my honest review

A while ago I commented on Facebook that so many historical romances today do not include any real history. They are somewhat generic. Well, that complaint is not relevant with Highland Crown. It is loaded with fascinating history AND there is a compelling romance as well. Isabella Drummond is a doctor and was recently widowed. She is wanted by the British government because she knows the name of Scottish insurgents in Edinburgh. Cinead Mackintosh is a ship captain importing weapons and other supplies to the Highlanders until his ship crashed on the Scottish coast. From that point Isabella and Cinead are on the run and danger abounds while love develops.

This book is full of heart-stopping adventure and its all part of history! I was so happy to find out that the love story (and history-embedded story) of Cinead and Isabella is not over. Their adventures in Scotland will continue in two more books, focusing on her half-sister and her step-daughter. I am definitely looking forward to them! Anyone who enjoys history and a really good romance will love Highland Crown.

Finding the one person you need the most at exactly the right time. They saved one another and embarked on an adventure. Great historical romance that will toss you into a world that requires you to fight for what you believe in and choose your allies very carefully.

A Scottish romance novel between two strong characters who aren't what they seem. Some of the supporting characters are so dynamic and well-written that it makes it hard not to finish the book just to find out what happens to them. Pretty good story overall, although the budding romance is somewhat tame and the ending definitely feels more like an introduction to the next installment. Net Galley Feedback

This is quite a fast-paced and interesting beginning to a new series, and also very promising.
The author does a good job creating and developing likable and compelling characters with Isabella and Cinaed. If you like History I think you'll also enjoy the backdrop of the Scottish rebellion, the politics could feel a bit slow but it wasn't really a problem, I think readers will get hooked into the story that it won't matter much. It has a nice pace and good combination of action and romance.
Would surely I highly recommend it.

Highland Crown by May McGoldrick
Subgenre: historical romance
Release date: 30 Apr 2019
Publisher: St Martin’s
Format: ebook, print
Length: 316 pages
RRP: $8.60 (ebook); $15.99 (print)
The highlands are a hotbed of rebellion and Cinead and Isabella are in the middle of events.
Isabella Murray Drummond has trained as a physician, unusual for women in those days, but she followed her father around and then married a doctor, who has many activities opposing British rule in Scotland. One night she sees her husband shot by the British and has to escape quickly. However, she also needs to find her sister and her stepdaughter. Events lead her to Jean and Cinead.
Cinead Mackintosh is a ship’s captain. On a bad night his ship sinks, and he blows the ship up rather than have the locals scavenge the contents. It is this night he is shot. Isabella takes care of him but he is then discovered and both need to run.
Once Isabella, Cinead and Jean arrive at Seanc’s house, Cinead and Isabella need to marry, or ‘pretend’ to be married so that they will not be betrayed. But it is here that the couple fall in love. As events swirl around them both, their love intensifies and the commitment to the cause also intensifies and becomes more open in their rebellion. Isabella is being hunted by an English officer who wants names of subversive types that her husband associated with. Once this rogue officer finds Isabella, she has to fight for her life.
Jean is a first suspicious of Isabella and her motives but then swings fully behind her as she knows Isabella’s heart. Jean also becomes a great support to Isabella and Cinead. Does this small rebellion by the people in the town mean that Isabella, Cinead and Jean and their close family have to run further, and to Halifax?
You can feel the connection between Isabella and Cinead from the beginning. And while they are on the run, this closeness is also attraction. It is practical to marry to hide Isabella’s identity, but the attraction is greater.
Stories about Scotland are always interesting when they contain some of the historical background. In this case, a town has not complied with the rogue officer, so he sets a course to destroy the town. Events move quickly, so the story moves along at a pace. But Cinead and Isabella do what they need to make sure events are in their favour and that their relationship can last the distance.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
reviewed by Heather
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

I ended up DNFing this book despite getting rather far into it. I had to set it down and then completely lost interest. The two star rating is because it will not let me leave it unrated. The book showed promise early on but midway it became a bit of a chore.

Isabella and Cinaed are such lovable characters!!! And their story is filled with so much intrigue that I cannot wait for the next book in this series! I literally read this book in 8 hrs and pushed everything to the side until it was finished. I was gripped within this book and held tight within its pages until the very end. Such an amazing story! I highly recommend this historical romance novel to all who enjoy reading a gripping and thrilling journey!

You are in for a treat if you love a fast-paced action-packed historical romance. Author May McGoldrick is respected in the writing world for their intense research and descriptive writing which continues in this new "A Royal Highlander Novel" series.

The development of the primary characters Isabella and Cinaed are noteworthy. Both of them individually excel in what they do, have strong integrity and personalities with deep beliefs. On the surface they appear to have nothing in common but as the reader gets further into the story you will see they have more in common than what appears on the surface. Commitment to doing the right thing, caring and helping others who can't protect themselves and taking care of those they love are just a few examples. As they run for their lives they learn how to work as a team, to trust each other and then come to like and respect each other.

There is constant action in this book to keep the reader glued to the pages wanting to know what will happen next. This is what the author does with precision. Enthrall the reader.

5 STARS for the depth of this storyline and showing the readers that anything is possible even in the darkest of times.

Highland Crown is the first book in this trilogy and WHAT A BOOK. I simple adored this story in every way. There was so much delicious moments and great historical adventures. First off SALUTE to this couple writing team (and yes the name May McGoldrick is for a couple that have been writing romances since I got hooked on them) they definitely were in depth with all their research that came into play with this book here. I simply loved it in so many ways. It might not be for everyone though, there is plenty of focus on the romance but there is just as much romance as there is historical plot but at least for myself, I didn’t feel like the romance was neglected in any form but its style might not work for everyone. But seriously, I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book and I have no complaints here.

The story begins with our heroine whose husband has been captured and viewed a traitor to the crown, and so she and her sister and stepdaughter are on the run and Isabella is now in hiding but then a ship captain ends up injured on the shore near where they live and as a Doctor, Isabella aids him but through a series of events she and Cinead will be forced to go on the run and find help with his mentor and friend. Along the way of their journey there is a connection that forms that is sweet and sensual but also each of them discover many elements of their own lives and the history and where they are heading in the future.

Highland Crown is a great beginning to a fabulous story and I am thrilled to be able to pick up books two and three and see where this journey takes our characters and those people that are connected to Cinead and Isabella. I have a feeling May McGoldrick will be taking us on quite a ride and I am totally ready for that. It’s really so fascinating the history that is shown here but its a history that is not easy to read at times to be honest. This is the WORST time for the Scot’s (in my humble opinion) the regency era while in Scotland is full of turmoil and hardship for the great people of Scotland. And McGoldrick really showed this so well but at the same time they also show the true strength, zest and courage they had to fight for what they believed in.

Overall I found Highland Crown to be elemental reading for anyone who loves a historical rich romance that elevates and illuminates the beauty and strength of the Scottish people!! Beautifully portrayed in every way!!

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in a new series by May McGoldrick. I had started to read this awhile ago and couldn't finish the first chapter. I am glad that I finally pushed through. The story did get better and I did end up enjoying the read just wasn't a fan of the beginning. Looking forward to seeing if the author grew is style in book 2.

Rich in historical detail with a compelling plot and some interesting characters, this novel is smarter and more interesting than your average Highland romance novel. i Will be sure to read the rest of the series.

Review will be posted on 1/24/2020

Isabella isn't your usual woman living in the early 1800s. She is a trained doctor, which is unusual for the time period. She finds herself on the run from the British government and ends up saving Captain Cinead Mackintosh, who was essentially dying after his ship's demise. Now that Isabella has saved his life, he feels like he owes her to keep her save since he made her dire situation even more complicated. There's an undeniable attraction between the two that neither person can ignore. Cinead takes her to Dalmigavie Castle, where his family resides, with the hopes of keeping her safe. However, once there they find much more is in store for these star-crossed lovers, not to mention the fact that Cinead's relationship with his family isn't great as they essentially abandoned him. If you love historical romances that remind you a bit of Outlander, then check out Highland Crown by May McGoldrick, which is the first book in a historical romance series.

So, Isabella sounds familiar, yes? A beautiful doctor amongst a bunch of Scots? She's definitely got a Clarie Fraser from Outlander vibe going on and I appreciated it. Like Claire, Isabella isn't some young naive teenager; she is an experienced woman and an educated physician. She was married previously to an older man (a marriage of convienance), so her feelings for Cinead take her by surprise. It's not something she is used to. Speaking of Cinead, I wish McGoldrick would have developed their relationship a bit more. There's a bit of insta-love going on in Highland Crown, but I guess that should be expected when reading a romance novel? Once I looked past the insta-love, I was able to enjoy their romance.

Speaking of romance, I am not a romance reader by any means. I dabble in the historical romance genre from time to time, and I decided to pick up Highland Crown as I heard it's a good choice for Outlander fans. Highland Crown had a lot more action in it than I expected. So, if you like your romance novels action-packed, look no further. While this wasn't on the same level as Outlander, it was a fun romp through the Scottish highlands filled with a delightful romance, action, and historical events.