My suggestion is to read the first book, HIGHLAND CROWN, before this one, because of the overlap of characters and events. 1820, George III dies and Prinny becomes King George IV. Crowds of dissension and protesting the loss of people's rights, including women and the homeless veterans of the Napoleon War and their families, create fear in the King and his cronies. In the middle of all this turmoil are Maise Murray, Fiona Campbell and Fiona's brother Nial, recently out of the 42nd Royal Highland. Maise and Fiona found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society. Nial is their protector who finds his love for Maise tested when a kidnapping and a betrayal come into play. Will the "King of Scotland" live or die? A lot of politics based on historical facts with a romance included in the story makes this a very interesting book.
An ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

This series really brings the Scottish struggles to life. Danger lurks around every corner and standing up for your principles isn’t easy. I loved the characters and the snippets of history that are thrown in. The first few chapters were a little unsettling with the time sequences, but I understood later what the author was driving for. The end seems a little rushed and I look forward to getting more information in the next book in the series.

Great book. I would recommend to lovers of history. I typically like most regency/victorian romances but these seem a cut above the rest and i've read thousands. You can't go wrong if you try one of author's books.
I received this as an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. Thanks

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick is a fantastic historical romance. The actual history of the time is highlighted in this book as much as the character's story. I loved that, but folks that aren't big fans of history might not care for this book as well as others they may have read by this author. Maisie spends her time secretly writing speeches for the Female Reform Society and attending forbidden protests. Niall is a retired officer of the 42nd Royal Highlanders and just wants to find a peaceful life with his sister and nieces. Maisie and Niall's story is full of drama, humor, sexy bits, action and cover to cover suspense. I enjoyed reading Highland Jewel and look forward to my next book by May McGoldrick. Highland Jewel is book 2 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.

Great story full of twists and turns that keeps you reading page after page. Can't wait till the next installment.

I really enjoyed this book! The romance was really sweet. I don't have a lot to say on the positive side, not because I didn't like it, but because it doesn't really need commenting on. Two things bugged me though. One was that the book felt a bit lopsided. It takes place at two points in time, separated by a few months. The description makes it seem like it takes place mostly in the second half, it actually takes place mostly in the first half. While I wouldn't have minded that usually, I did because I knew the second half was coming. I loved watching their romance build, but I was antsy to get to the higher stakes. The other thing that bugged me was Niall's secrecy in the second half. He had no real reason to keep so much from her, and I would have had more faith in their relationship if he had confided more in her.

Book 2. I like that this story brings us back to Cinaed and Isabella but also gives us another story as well. This time it’s Maisie. She’s a passionate young woman. I will say that after about the first quarter of the book is when I really got into the story and that’s when I gained momentum with reading it. The last 20 pages or so seemed rushed but I’m okay with it. I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the third one with Morrigan. Thank you Net Galley!

Not having read the first in this series, I am providing my review on this second book. I thought this story was well-written although I was having a hard time of understanding women's sufferage in a highland romance novel. From my readings of other highland books, I've read quite a bit of women strong in their convictions and this was one that peaked my interest.

Maisie Murray and Niall Campbell were likeable characters that had me wanting to know them and their stories. More important, I loved the story for what it was and how it was written. It appeared a convincing and believable story for this reader. While reading their plight, I became engulfed into the characters and visualize myself in the story moving through the scense with the characters. I thought the dialogue was good and did not have trouble following along in each chapter. It was adventurous fiction and with its share of love and romance in the process. Did I like the characters..yes, Did I like to plot....yes Did I like the HEA....yes. Yes This was a historical romance novel that had strong highland undertones and strong women with convictions.

I've seen this author's name a few times but I've never read any of her novels...so this is a first for this reader. I was afforded the opportunity to read this book while on my travels and it was just an okay read for me. Could it have been a bit better...yes but not sure where.

I thank the author and St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for providing me with an opportunity to read and provide a fair and honest review. All opinions herein are my own.

3-Stars

I read the first book in the series,”Highland Crown “and loved it. I feel the same way with the second book “Highland Jewel”. The story is well written and I was able to feel the characters and their story. I highly recommend this book. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

This was like reading 2 separate stories. One of the conspiracy to kill the Scottish heir to the throne and all that goes with the history that could be accurate or inaccurate.. Not really sure. The other story is the “romance.” The two stories didn’t blend seamlessly together for me. The romance was not believable and everything just felt jumbled and overwhelmed by the historical component. I appreciate the opportunity to read this, but it was not a winner.

I enjoyed this book so much!! Once I started reading I simply couldn't stop. A breathtaking experience. Where do I begin? Maisie and Fiona were fierce and I admired them so much--fighting for a just cause at a time when doing so was literally putting your life on the line even if they didn't quite realize how dangerous it was. Enter Lt.. Niall Campbell, Fiona's brother. He certainly knew the danger they put themselves in and it drove him almost to the brink of insanity...lol.. I loved him at hello. He was wonderful from beginning to end. His loyalty and devotion to his sister and his neices was a quality that I found so admirable. I loved how he loved. And I loved how he loved Maisie. Their forced separation broke my heart. And the political history made me sit up and pay attention. I soaked up every word of it. This is a truly captivating tale. I'm very much looking forward to Morrigan's story next and find out who captures her heart as this battle/war continues on around them, dragging them in with it.

Note: I do recommend reading book one, Highland Crown, before reading this one. This is a continuation story in my view with a shift in point of view being the major difference, but the basic plot and ultimate goals remains the same.

ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was an interesting novel it's not every day you encounter a feminist in a Highlander romance. The heroine was fiercely devoted to her cause which I could appreciate. The hero is overly protective but noble. The author stays true to the time period and scenes of battle and hardship are riveting. Unfortunately, I felt it was a bit slow to start and heavy on the description. But still worth the read.

Highland Jewel was an interesting story with an intriguing plot. It’s set in the early 19th century during a time of social unrest and demands for more representation of the workers and women, ideas not well received by the British government. The story has well developed characters and shows a deep understanding of the history of the time. Sometimes a bit heavy on the history and light on the romance, but still worth reading.

Loved this book! This is a deeply engrossing story of a young woman, Maise, who is in love with a retired military man, Niall. They are caught in a time of great turmoil, as Maise leads a women's reform movement that is in direct conflict with laws. This puts her in the cross hairs of unscrupulous enforcers of the recent laws. At the same time, Niall is being pressured to take a position of authority with these same enforcers. When unimaginable events unfurl, the trajectory of their lives, and those close to them, are completely changed and redirected.

I found myself totally immersed in this book and flipping pages just as quickly as possible. The characters had depth and felt real as they came to life on the pages. I found myself invested in their story and wanting them to get their HEA ending.

While this is the first book I've read by this author, it won't be the last. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

This was more history than heat, felt more like homework than romance

I did not read the first book of the series but I may have to now. The story is about Maisie Murray is fighting for women's rights. She is a quiet women. Niall Campbell is a hero and an officer of the Royal Highland Regiment. He want to walk away from all the violence and when he meets Maisie. He thinks she can help with his wish. But when Niall's sister is arrested and he has to do something for the the British authorities in order for them to free his sister. Maisie is afraid she has lost Niall. I really like Niall. I hope there is another book.