Gave it a go, but good grief was this ever boring. Couldn't even get through the first ten pages after several attempts. Terrible start to a story and if that sets the tone for the rest of it, I'm out.

If you are a fan of romantic historical Scottish books, you may be more accustomed to seeing stories that are heavy on the romance with a fair amount of steam (and perhaps a little light on history!). I would call this novel more of a light romance that's heavy on history. In fact, in the way that it looks at and integrates this difficult time in Scottish history with a personal story that reflects that history but also is at its heart a romance, it reminds me of Gaskell's North and South. We truly do get a window on how the history of the moment impacts the characters in a most personal way.

I absolutely adored the heroine, Isabella, a university trained doctor who has an amazing combination of compassion and skill as a physician. In parts of the story, she has formidable strength and resilience. I loved one of the early scenes when it appeared as though she was caught by the British. She would not be cowed. She stood firm with her head held high. I found the hero to be a complex and fascinating character. While I could understand his pull toward the heroine because she literally did save his life, I felt like the romantic aspect wasn't as fully realized as it should have been. I would like to see more of a buildup for this to feel authentic.

If you like romantic fiction that truly personalizes history, you will most likely enjoy this book.

Great story about love, loss, war and time changing everything you thought you knew to be true. Isabella is wanted by both sides of the war, Cinaed has been helping one side of the war and everyone has secrets. Will she be caught, will he change his ways, is his past what he thought it was?

Highland Crown by May McGoldrick is an awesome book. It's not your typical historical romance. I really enjoyed the actual history aspect of the book. Yes, there was romance, but there was a serious look into the lives of the Scottish of the time. I appreciated the honest view into their life. There weren't house parties and balls. The was poverty and hunger.

Fantastic writing and wonderful storytelling! And the attention to detail and history for this reader is greatly appreciated. I enjoyed every moment of this book. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

Isabella Drummond is a surgeon, married to a doctor. They had lived in Edinburgh for six years and had a stable if unexciting life. Her husband, Archibald, was a reformer, however and when it came down to a day of strikes, he was killed and Isabella ran for her life with her sister and her step-daughter. She was now being pursued by soldiers who think that she was part of her husband’s radical dealings, and the people in charge of the group of reformers were after her as well so she won’t tell the authorities any information.

When the book opens Isabella is in northern Scotland at a small cottage with a woman who is none too happy for her to be there. Isabella was helped by her friend Sir Walter Scott who then implored his solicitor to help. The woman was the solicitor’s aunt. Isabella’s sister and step-daughter had gone with the solicitor to book passage on a ship to America. The small town on the shore where she is staying is a rough one. The villagers gather any items from ships that wreck on the rocks and shoot any survivors so they can’t argue about it. Nice. This happens when Isabella is there and she ends up saving one of the men who is the captain of a ship. When a villager finds out about the man and Isabella they end out having to leave the cottage and take the aunt with them.

They end up fighting for their lives while staying with a relative of the man they saved, Captain Cinaed Mackintosh, but in order to do so they have to act like man and wife. After just a short period of time together they fall in love but Isabella is unwilling to bring Cinaed into her troubles even though he’s already knee-deep in them. The pair have to save themselves as well as Cinaed’s relative and decide if they want to leave for America or stay and fight for their country.

This was a good story that I enjoyed. I’m not normally a fan of country politics in my romances but I have to say this one was well done. I did think that the H/h fell in love way too fast for me, but I considered the year and went with it. Lol

I loved the fact that Isabella was a doctor/surgeon. Everyone looked at her funny when she helped others, but she was so good at what she did. I loved that McGoldrick made her a doctor, rather than just a wife who was running for her life.

Because of the politics I’m not sure I’ll read further in the series. That said, I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good Scottish historical romance with some political intrigue.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

So many Highlander romances ignore the harsh realities of life in Scotland, the way those not in the top 1% in particular suffered under English rule, and the sheer callousness many had to adopt as their way of life just to try and survive.

Highland Crown is the rare novel which does none of these things. Beginning with the way the heroine, Isabella, is on the run after her husband was murdered just for trying to give medical aid to men injured in an Edinburgh riot. Isabella’s in hiding in a tiny fishing village on the coast, waiting for word she can get passage safely to Canada, when a ship wrecks on the shore. She’s horrified to realise the villagers have no intention of helping any surviving crew; they want anything they can salvage from the wreck without having to share.

A doctor trained on the Continent, Isabella’s oath won’t let her stand by. She goes out to help, exposing herself to danger in the process because there’s a price on her head, and meets our hero, Cinead. (Incidentally, I couldn’t figure out how to pronounce Cinead and had to Google it - KIN-ay seems to be the general consensus).

Although he lost his ship - and made the choice to burn it to prevent the gunpowder and weapons he was smuggling to rebels from falling into the wrong hands - Cinead Mackintosh is injured and alone among those who’d happily slit his throat. Save, that is, for Isabella, the woman like no other he’s ever met, who saved his life and is clearly on the run from the law, just as he is.

There’s some wonderful bits of historical fact woven seamlessly into the fictional romance here, and this writing duo really know how to build up great characters and narrative tension to keep a reader utterly enthralled. Though most of the action takes place in the city of Inverness rather than in some remote mountain castle, the character of the Highlands is deeply woven into the narrative, the indomitable Scots pride an integral part of the story.

I was wondering where the heck the narrative was going to lead to a happy ending for much of the book, until a sudden rather shocking twist (which made sense in the context of the story, but I really didn’t see coming) regarding Cinead’s heritage was revealed towards the end, and then I discovered that Highland Crown is actually the first part of a planned trilogy. I’m now absolutely fascinated to find out what happens next for Cinead and Isabella!

5 stars for a wonderfully written romance which will immerse you in the Highlands of the 1820s - the real Highlands, gritty and sometimes brutal, but as wild and free as the proud Scots who inhabited them.

This is a book set in Scotlands history. I though this was well written. I t pulled me in from the first page. Not only did I get a romance, but I also got a history lesson.

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review*

Highland Crown is the first book in May McGoldrick’s latest series “Royal Highlander”, set in Scotland in 1820. This book held a lot of promise. However, a slow and repetitive start almost made this book a DNF for me. I had issues with the pacing of the story and the overload of historical information. I liked that the authors wove actual history into the story, but I wanted more focus on the characters and the development of their relationship.

The story is about Isabelle Murray, a physician and surgeon, dedicated to her profession, and Cinaed Mackintosh, owner and shipmaster of the Highland Crown. Both of them are considered enemies of the Crown. Cinaed is an outlaw and has been wanted for years. He has operated on both sides of the law, bringing illegal arms to the Highlanders who refuse to give up the fight against the British authorities. Isabelle is wanted for treason and the government has offered a bounty on her head. Cinaed has been shot and is badly wounded. Saving Cinaed restores Isabelle’s confidence in her abilities and in the future. I loved her positive outlook on life despite the difficulties.

Overall, this book was a pleasant read, but far from the authors’ best book. The hero and heroine were likeable, but their romance was a bit lackluster.

This is a fantastic story and so well written. This is the first in this new trilogy and I can't wait for the next one. All the issues were not resolved in the book. Really I don't mind that because this author takes you along for the whole book. The world around them and staying in the time period is remarkable. The characters are well written and you root for them right from the start.

This is such a wonderful, deeply romantic tale with wit, charm and lots of passion! I loved Isabella's character so much, she is one strong, gutsy heroine that you are just going to be drawn to and root for! If you love a good historical romance, with mystery and magic, then this is the book for you!

Dramatic Highlands romance a winner!

The dramatic soliloquy in the introduction from no less than sir Walter Scott captured my attention first up, setting the initial steps for this sensational new series, 'Royal Highlander', set in Scotland, mostly in Inverness during the 1820's.
I loved the stanza's from Scott's poetry as chapter headings!
We have an intriguing rogue physician (female no less) pursuing her calling in firstly Edinborough, without favor to any injured be they British troops or Rebel Scots.
After a Weavers strike, where many were slaughtered by British troops she became a wanted woman. The English authorities (well one despicable representative in particular) furiously searching for her because she treated the wounded and dying strikers, and the Scottish rebels for her knowledge of their identities. Oh, did I mention her husband was sympathetic towards the Rebels? (or Independence fighters depending on your point of view).
Throw in a shipwreck off the coast of a desolate Scottish coastline where Cinaed MackIntosh's ship is thrown onto rocks, the threat of scavengers and pursuit by government troops and the scene is set.
I adored the characters of Cinaed and Isabella Drummond. I particularly enjoyed the character of the village woman who hides them both, Maisie.
A well crafted novel with just the right amount of suspense, intrigue and of course, passion, all underlined by actual historical happenings.
So here's a fine thing! Another series I'm hooked into! With this first in the series being such a winner, all I can say is, "Bring it on!"

A NetGalley ARC

Terrific action and adventure with a swoon-worthy romance to boot! This starts out fast and doesn't really stop with the heart pounding action and danger as Isabella jeopardizes her safety to save the hunky Ship's Captain from sure death. The physician in her demands no less. I loved Isabella in all her glory and beauty. As she cares for her patient she's intrigued and not immune to his handsome manliness. A sexy pirate and a hot Scotsman! Two of my favorites. Cinaed with his commanding persona is a leader of men and a favorite with the ladies. He recognizes the growing connection and chemistry with the mysterious and talented Isabella as he heals and saves her from the evil Crown that's after them both. There are similarities between this story and the Outlander series but don't let that deter you because this is really terrific and there's no time travel in this story. Also, history is history regardless of the story and I love a good Highlander tale. I'm a history lover too so this story is right up my alley with the fantastic characters and thrilling historical storyline. I didn't even mind the hero's twist at the end and look forward to seeing where this goes in the next installment. Cinaed and Isabella's romance is quick to develop and sizzles but who had time to waste with all the impending danger and upheaval of the times. I just wished for a few more details of their intimate times, but that's just me. Going from skin on skin and kissing to afterglow had me missing the good parts! But I can do without. The superb writing with loads of danger, suspense and intrigue along with the wonderful romance had me turning the pages. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It's that good! Great secondary characters too. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

This was a story of two halves for me. The first part was intriguing, action-packed, great set-up with fascinating characters in Isabella, a university-trained physician and Cinead, a smuggler from the Highlands. Then, it became highly political and a Javert-like character Lt. Hudson and Cinead's kin played too large a role for supporting characters. So much so that the book's central story became less about Isabella and Cinead getting together, but participating in the fight for Scottish independence.

Overall, I like the writing and the meticulous research the authors had undertaken to create the background, but the lack of development in the romance, the many similarities to Outlander, and the inconsistencies in characterization had me a tad disappointed. I consider this historical fiction with romantic elements rather than historical romance.

Passionate, evocative and mesmerizing from start to finish, May McGoldrick’s latest novel Highland Crown is historical romantic adventure at its absolute best! A wonderfully written Scottish historical romance that sweeps readers back in time and into a world of danger, daring and desire, Highland Crown is another winner for this outstanding storyteller.

Vengeance, conflict and chaos reign supreme in the Scottish port town of Inverness as the mortal struggle for survival and dominance rages between the Highland rebels and the English authorities. The two warring parties will stop at nothing to achieve their aim of being the ones in charge and in the middle of these two factions who detest each other stands a woman with an indomitable spirit with a gift for healing and a generous spirit who inspires anger, fear, devotion and desire. Isabella Drummond is no ordinary Regency miss, but a woman who stands out from the crowd. The trained physician is hiding in Inverness and laying low until she can smuggle herself in a ship bound for Canada. However, when she ends up coming face to face with a man who will change her destiny, she ends up in a quandary torn between her head and her heart.

Cinaed Mackintosh has always marched to the beat of his own drum. Having learned at a very young age to depend on nobody other than himself, Cinaed has always kept feelings and emotions at bay and been the master of his own destiny. He never imagined that there would ever be much room for love in his life – until he is rescued from a shipwreck and saved from the brink of death and disaster by Isabella Drummond. Cinaed had been ready to die, but Isabella’s skills in the art of healing had saved him and left him beholden to a woman with a price on her head who is wanted by the Scottish rebels and the English authorities. Isabella had risked her life for his and he vows to protect her at all costs – even if it means breaching the impenetrable walls he had built around himself.

Isabella needs his protection and Cinaed is not about to let her face her foes on her own after all she had done for him. Taking her to his childhood home of Dalmigavie Castle seems the only logical conclusion. However, thrust into close proximity by fate and united by an undeniable passion, Isabella and Cinaed quickly find themselves giving into the flame of desire that sizzles between them. But with so many obstacles standing in their way – not to mention scandalous secrets, shocking truths and dangerous deceptions – do Isabella and Cinaed have any hope of a future together? Or is theirs a love that simply is not meant to be?

Highland Crown is full-bodied, lyrical and captivating historical romance written by a virtuoso of the genre. May McGoldrick is an outstanding writer with a fabulous gift for bringing the past to vivid and colorful life and Highland Crown is no different. Brilliantly written, joyously romantic, action-packed and sparkling with history, sensuality and heart, Highland Crown stands head and shoulders above many historical romances published today and is easily one of the best books in the genre published this year.

I enjoy a well-written, and well-researched, historical romance that seamlessly blends fiction with reality and Highland Crown is one of the best I've read in a while. The husband and wife writing team known as May McGoldrick skillfully intertwines fictional characters with actual events to bring history to life on the pages of this book. It's like stepping back in time and being fully immersed in the struggles between Scotland and England but taking it down to an individual, personal level.

The Scottish rebels, and Cinaed and Isabella, in particular, are sympathetic characters fighting seemingly insurmountable odds. The English villain is scarily realistic in his unshakable assurance of superiority and his fever to rid the world of Scots. It's easy to become emotionally invested in the Scots' cause and in the lives of the characters so vividly portrayed. I was on the edge of my seat many times during their story.

The romance between Cinaed and Isabella is a slow burn with an undeniable attraction, gradually deepening emotional bond, and satisfying conclusion. I liked both of these strong characters. They're so well matched and I was in their corner, cheering them on the entire way.

This is the first book of a series and it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger, not regarding Cinaed and Isabella's relationship but, rather, a secret about one of them that calls into question everything that person thought they knew about their identity. It makes me even more eager to read book two, The Highland Jewel, which is due to be released in September. I already have it on pre-order.

4.5 stars

HIGHLAND CROWN by May McGoldrick is an fascinating historical Scottish Romance with well-developed character including a strong woman and a devilishly handsome, fierce hero. There’s plenty of drama and suspense to keep readers in the edge of their seat, reading straight through to the end. 5 star, must read, highly recommend!

highland crown kicks off a new trilogy from may mcgoldrick, and it is the perfect blend of intrigue, scandal, and forbidden love in the scottish highlands. isabella is bound by her profession to save the injured ship captain she's encountered as she's trying to escape her own past. little does she know that he is in as much, or possibly more, trouble than she is.

as they are caught up in the danger that nips at their heels, the unexpected feelings that bloom between them only ups the ante more. a blend of historical fact and creative storytelling, highland crown hits all the right notes.

this is a true trilogy, so we when reach the end of this novel, there is still more story for these two to endure. and it's clear that the road ahead won't be easy. but perhaps the reward is worth it?

**highland crown will publish on april 30, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press in exchange for my honest review.

Sadly, this book did not do it for me. I did like Isabella a lot. Her feisty spirit is what actually kept me reading this book and sticking with it as long as I did. For someone who is a sea captain, Cinaed did not come off with a dominant personality. I expected his presence to fill the room immediately. In fact, by the time that I did stop reading this book, I was not convinced that Cinaed was a good love interest of the male lead for this story.

This is sad because I did like Isabella and if the rest of the storyline and Cinaed had grabbed me better and drew me into the storyline, I would have stuck this book out way longer. Yet, this does not mean that while this book was not my cup of tea that it might not be another readers.

I loved this book! It was full of action, great characters, tension, history, Highlanders and is the start of a series so there are more stories coming for these characters. It was a great read!