Highland Crown by May McGoldrick is an exciting tale of Scotland in the 1800's. There is an introduction written as if by Sir Walter Scott. The story itself begins with the unrest in Scotland over British rule. The reader is introduced to Isabella, a young female doctor, in hiding after her husband, also a doctor, is killed in an uprising and a bounty has been placed on Isabella's head. The place where Isabella is hiding is located on the Scottish coastline and a violent storm has caused a ship to crash. Now the reader is introduced to Cinead Mackintosh, captain of the ship getting his crew off the boat and then blowing the boat up so that the cargo wouldn't fall into the wrong hands. Isabella and Cinead are thrown together in a truly interesting adventure culminating in a satisfying ending. This is one of the best tales of Scottish history I could hardly put the book down not wanting to miss what was to happen next.

Highland Crown is an amazing romance with historic events woven into its fabric. Although an excellent book, in no way could it be considered a light-hearted read. The history of Scotland is extremely difficult due to English oppression. Isabella and Cinead have a very unique courtship and supposed marriage as she cares for him after his being shot. She is a trained doctor, trained by her father and attending the medical school of which he was a professor. Cinead is a smuggler, smuggling arms for the Scottish cause.

She saves his life, he saves hers. They have a strong bond having been through the life changing events thrust upon them. Going on around them is the difficulty of the Scottish people fighting for their lives. Isabella forms a close bond with Jean, an older lady to whom she has been taken to for hiding. Isabella’s step-daughter and young sister were spirited away for their safety. All of this having occurred following the death of her husband. Isabella is being hunted by every one for the reward offered for her capture.

In caring for Cinead, they find themselves in a home in which he was raised for a time. He was basically an orphan, but had family in his fellow clan members. The way McGoldrick kept their tale alive with the connection growing quickly between Cinead and Isabella is one you do not want to miss. You will stay riveted to this book to find out what is going to happen next.

“They’d known each other for only a short time, but life was short with no guarantees of tomorrow.”

Isabella Drummond is a trained physician in a man’s world. Fighting hard to garner the respect so rightly deserved, she treats those that come to her in need of her care. But unbeknown to her, some of her patients are part of the Scottish rebellion and her husband is one of them. After a skirmish between the British soldiers and the rebels, Isabella finds herself a widow on the run from both the British and Scotts for information. Hidden away in a small village along the shore, she meets Cinaed MacKintosh, a wounded sea captain with secrets of his own. Together Isabella and Cinaed fight for their lives while falling in love in the wilds of the Highlands.

While reading Highland Crown, I found the story more of a work of historical fiction rather than romance. The characters are well developed as well as the conflict that surrounds them, but I found the romance a little lacking until I changed my reading point-of-view and thought of this not as my typical historical romance and more of a telling of two characters fighting for what they believe in and finding solace in each other’s company. Highland Crown is the first installment in May McGoldrick’s Royal Highlander series. While there is an ending, there are questions still left unanswered. Overall, Highland Crown is an enjoyable well written historical that I would recommend.

Highland Crown
Royal Highlander #1
By May McGoldrick
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Isabella Drummond is smart and beautiful, but that's not the only things she's got going for her she's also a trained physician who is wanted by both the British Government and Scotish Rebels. She has come to the Highlands desperately trying to survive. Then one night she sees a man shot from a long boat. The man washes up on shore almost dead and as a doctor she decides she has to help him no matter the danger.

Cinaed Mackintosh was cast out of the only home he knows as a child and had to work for everything he ever has. Because of this he is a fierce soul who's only allegiance is to himself until he meets Isabella the beautiful physician that saved his life. There is just something about Isabella that makes him want to protect her and he will protect her with his life if he has to. Now, the only way Cinead can keep her safe is to seek refuge at Dalmigavie Castle, the Mackintosh family seat. But when the scandalous truth of his past comes out will he still have a chance with Isabella? How much with these two ill- fated lovers have to go through before they can find their way home?

This is May Mcgoldrick at their best. This book was absolutely fantastic. Almost from page one this book sucked me in leaving the real world to fend for itself around me until the hold let me go at the end. I'm almost speeches. There was so much great chemistry between Cinaed and Isabella that it made me feel as if I was intruding on a real couple at times. The flow was wonderful and there was never a dull moment. There was so much action I never knew what was going to come next. I can't wait for the next book to what they do next.

“Highland Crown” is an amazing new novel by May McGoldrick that took me by surprise by its complexity of historic facts that made me want to learn more about the history of Scotland. Isabella Murray Drummond who is a trained physician who was forced to flee for her life with her sister and stepdaughter after the death of her husband due in part to his activities to get rid of England’s iron fisted rule over Scotland. Cinaed Mackintosh has been a thorn in the side of England by using his ship to provide weapons to the Scottish rebels until he is shot and left for dead. A chance encounter with the lovely Isabella changes both of these young people’s lives and together they fight for their freedom and for the freedom of their countrymen. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I was quickly pulled into the lush landscape of this tale. The balance of historical events with fictional pazazz made for the perfect bit of escapism I look for in the romance genre. In my opinion, the balance of historical fiction to romance was more heavily weighted to HF.

I found the characters to be both relatable and interesting to follow. I for one did not see the twist presented at book end. Typically a cliffhanger ending irks me. In this novel I felt enough was resolved that the ending succeeded well in its purpose of hooking me into looking forward to the next installment of Isabella and Cinead’s journey.

Thank you netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary ARC of The Highland Crown. All thoughts/opinions are my own.

Highland Crown by May McGoldrick is a fantastic historical romance. Ms. McGoldrick has provided readers with a well-written book and a stellar cast of characters. I got such a kick out of Jean, probably because I'm turning into her. Isabella was in hiding with a double bounty on her head. Cinaed's ship sank and he was shot as his longboat was headed to shore. Isabella and Cinaed's story is packed cover to cover with drama, action, humor, steamy sexy bits and suspense. I enjoyed reading Highland Crown and look forward to my next book by May McGoldrick. Highland Crown is book 1 of the Royal Highlander Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The story idea was pretty awesome, especially with actual history included in the story. Cinaed was a strong hero who would do anything to protect his people. Isabella slowly developed into an extremely strong woman who knew what she believed in. What I was disappointed in was how the story ended. It's not a cliffhanger exactly, it's a "Happily Ever After-for now" ending with unresolved major parts of the story. The part after the book says we'll get the rest of the story in the next 2 books which are about the girls. Sadly this is my biggest pet peeve when reading. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

Remarkably well done. Engaging characters, interesting history and genuine conflict rooted in history and relationship dynamics. Look forward to the continuation of this excellent tale.

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I thought this story was enjoyable and the characters very interesting. At times I found the plot hindering on boredom as it was more of a telling than feeling. I commend the writing style but it was a little dry and found myself jumping ahead to other parts and chapters hoping that it would pull me into the characters and story.

I wish I could rate this more but it just did not bowl me over with much excitement.

2.5 rounded to 3-Stars

I liked the historical aspect of this book along with an interesting storyline. The characters were interesting and well written. It was an easy story to get into had a surprise ending. Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the sequel.

It’s been a while since I fell in love with a novel.. From the start of the book I couldn't help but fall deeply and lose track of time. This was a wonderfully written romance!

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I loved the interweaving of Scottish history with the fictional characters. The events show the determination and courage of the hero and heroine. The hero and heroine, Isabella and Cinaed were likeable characters and they seemed well-matched for each other. When Isabella took risks, she took them for a greater purpose. Cinaed is a leader who is strategic and cares about what happens to the Scottish. I felt the historical events feature more strongly in this story than the romance.

Overall, this was an enjoyable story with a strong historical thread.

As an avid and critical reader of historical romance, I have very few that qualify as my favorites but Highland Crown is now top of my favorite list. It is rare for a book that I’ve just finished to scream at me to read it again but this one does. Highland Crown has a fine and well detailed crafted story line that is very well written. There was a tremendous amount of research and care put into the words, the characters, the settings and it shows. The weaving of fiction and history together was done effortlessly and beautifully. I could envision every scene as if watching a movie and indeed, this could end up being a great motion picture. For sure, it should win an award for great storytelling and very lovable characters. I cannot wait for the other books of the series to come out. Well done.
I was given an ARC to read in exchange for my unbiased review

Very good book! Interesting view about women in Medicine back in the days. I also liked the fact the heroine was not a spring chicken and even older than the guy. I won't go into details about the end but it sure was surprising!

Dare Me Again (Angel Fire Falls, #2) by Shelly Alexander ...WOW... thank you Shelly for a great read..and thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. I'm in love with all the Remingtons and Angel Fire Falls... Elliot and Rebel are both hurting from 10 years ago and are both hiding something that has ruled their lives. She is a trainer of support dogs..he is home helping the family and the resort but plans to go back to his high paid, high stress financial job. This books pull at all the strings of your heart. Vets who need support dogs, dogs that need to be needed, Autism, love and forgiveness. Lets not forget Rem and Bogart. I laughed, cried (ugly), enjoyed the story and the feels and steamy sex all on the way to a very HEA. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Original Easy-to-read Entertaining Romantic Realistic Wonderful characters Great world building Informative Funny Page-turner Steamy Happily Ever After

This is a riveting take that will keep you entertained for hours. The characters jump off the pages with all the action. Isabella Drummond is a surgeon who learned from her father and received an from university, which is not heard of being a female. When her husband is killed by the English for treason against the Crown for helping organize protest for the Scottish people, she is forced to go in hiding along with her sister and step daughter until something can be arranged to leave Scotland.

Ciened is a captain a a ship that bring much needed items to the Scottish people to fight the British Government and the land owners who are running its people off the land that they have lived and worked all their lives. But he loses everything when his ship is destroyed in a storm and he is forced to blow it up because of the contents it was carring. This did not make the people of the cove happy who scavenge the beach in order to survive. Ciened is shot Isabella is determined to save his life even if it means putting hers in danger. But when the man that shot Ciened and Isabella hiding and threading them Ciened kills him. Ciened knows that Isabella saved his life and is determined to protect her.
This is a great read and will have you waiting for more.

I received this book for an honest review.

Trained physician Isabella Murray Drummond is being hunted by both Scottish rebels and the British government. Recently widowed and hiding out in the Highlands, she encounters a wounded ship's captain on the beach and is compelled to save him.

Cinaed Mackintosh is a sea captain operating on the fringes of the law and he's just lost everything. After saving each other, Cinaed and Isabella are drawn to each other, for safety and for reasons of the heart as well. Both are living in a perilous time and place with a highly uncertain future, but they soon realize they can't be without each other.

This is most definitely a deep and well-crafted literary work, not your typical light and fluffy romance. Steamy scenes occur mostly off page and the main focus is the adventures and trials of these two and the rich, violent, and tragic history of Scotland in a tumultuous time of what was essentially ethnic cleansing in the years after Culloden. Secrets are revealed about Cinaed's past and some threads are left untied to be explored and fleshed out in later books that I look forward to reading. There's sweet romance and character development here along with rich history and gripping storytelling. All in all, it's an intense, but great read that shouldn't be missed, especially if you're a history fan and feel like reading something with some depth.

I received an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars. I liked this book. I liked the history of Scotland. I liked the H/h both. The story flowed well. I wish I would have known that this is the first book in the series! The ending had a semi-happy for now, but I was left hanging somewhat in that we don't know what happens to the characters next. This was disappointing. If these issues had been addressed, I would have given the book 4-4.5 stars.

This was a very good story, not your typical Highland romance...a female surgeon and a pirate. But the story line works very well and is very well written. The characters draw you in and have you wishing they find their HEA.