An intense tale filled to bursting with historical intrigue with descriptive words that make you feel you are there in Scotland, walking in the characters steps and feeling their emotions.
Unrest and mistrust is rampant with the innocent being punished and taking the blame for many infractions.
Aidan Grant is one man trying to defend those who are innocent of crimes the corrupt government have placed on them. Trying to get information out a government informant to help in a trial, leads him to Morrigan Drummond, who is only wanting the man dead. The spy had worked for the man who was responsible for the death of her father and she wanted vengeance.
Wow, this story never stopped and as these two come into contact again, a lot happens and leads this story into intrigue, secrets, a battle of minds and a slow build of passion.
If you have never read on of this fabulous writing teams books, don't miss this one and all in this remarkable series.. I highly recommend!

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick was a book set in the early 1800s. It is a time when Scotland and England, although being ruled together, were at odds still over the past. Intrigue, murder and mayhem ruled daily life. Strong politicians with lines to the regents ruled and others were hounded and jailed.

Morrigan Drummond and Aidan Grant meet under these circumstances. Morrigan knows she can never marry and is bent on revenge. Aidan is a lawyer who is working on justice for the Scottish citizens, He has decided that he is going to also run for political office. According to Morrigan, she would drag him down with her temper and secret. According to Aidan, she is the only thing that matters.

Of course, nothing is quite that easy. There are all sorts of interesting incidents and people in their way. The story is one of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone with some background knowledge. Highland Sword by May McGoldrick was a good read.

Truly a another gem from May McGoldrick. I love this series. Great characters in one of my favorite book locations.

I found this book to drag on a little bit as it needed a lot of explanation for the political side of things. There were also times when I thought it probably would have helped if I had read the previous books in the series for context even though the book can be read as a standalone. However, I did enjoy the complexity of the characters and the different personalities of the main characters and the supporting characters. It produced many moments that made me laugh and felt like a member of the clan.

A wonderful Scottish historical romance and perfect ending to the Royal Highlander series with complex characters and a story that kept me glued to the book from beginning to end with twists and turns, ups and downs, Scottish pride, a Highland romance and so much more. I loved the instant attraction and slow-burn romance between rebel Morrigan Drummond and barrister Aidan Grant. If you enjoy well-crafted historical romance, don't miss "Highland Sword". I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Highland Sword, by May McGoldrick, is available at booksellers on 3-31-20. Sword is the 3rd and final book in the Royal Highlander series. I rarely give out 5 stars but this series has been so entertaining and informative that I've given 5 stars to all 3 books. The characters are well fleshed out and as interesting as the timeframe in history. I'm sorry to see the trilogy come to an end and can only hope the next subject grabs my attention like "The Rising" in Scotland.

Morrigan Drummond is the daughter of a doctor who was murdered in front of her during a British raid. Dr. Drummond had been involved with the rabble-rouser Scottish underground. Although Morrigan's story is a stand-alone it behooves you to read books 1 & 2 to fully understand the horrors the Drummond family endured. In Sword we follow Morrigan on her journey through hell. She has PTSD & lives in fear of everyone & everything. Her solution is to learn self-defense, meaning daggers & swords. She practices everyday to prepare for the other shoe dropping, she knows it will. She's hard to like at first but understandable, she has to take control & make her own opportunities. She grew on me as I read more about what was going on in her head. She meets our hero, Aidan Grant, in an alley where she whoops him. He's left "searching for any remnant of his manly self-respect", hysterical statement!

Aidan is much easier to understand. He's a barrister who fights for the underdog. Today he'd be called a human rights attorney. His brother is solicitor and they work together, and have each others back in this dangerous line of work. He's adorable & I liked him from the start. I'm not including any spoilers or too much of the plot, it wouldn't be fair. This is something you should enjoy for yourself. Happy reading.

#MayMcGoldrick #Netgalley #StMartin'sPress #HighlandSword #RoyalHighlander #TheRising

Another wonderfully written story from two magnificent authors, I loved the characters they were great.

This was my first read by this author and first in this 3 book series. I enjoyed this story greatly. Morrigan is out for revenge but Aiden has a different plan for her though she is determined to stay away from him. Aiden is equally as determined to protect her. Entertaining read. Grab this book if you can.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review

What a wonderful series. As always, the characters are relatable and the story engaging.
Although not technically necessary, I would recommend reading the previous books in the series first for maximum enjoyment. Highly recommended.
Thank you May McGoldrick, St Martin Press and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

This series is one best read in order, and contains a lot of historical information in addition to the romance. Aidan was a dreamy hero - smart, caring, and strong, just what Morrigan needed at this time in her life. They were able to overcome deep suspicion to work together and yes, to fall in love.

Morrigan Drummond had to flee after her father's murder and vows revenge on Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for the death. She trained alongside rebels in the hopes to fight off the English but might be the one person that barrister Aidan Grant needs to prove two men innocent. He understands her need for revenge and wants Burney taken down just as much as she does.

Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series, following Highland Crown and Highland Jewel. We get yet another facet of life for women in Edinburgh in the 1820s, which is a time period rife with danger. Morrigan's stepmother had been a physician in her own right and her step-aunt worked in the suffrage movement, and in this novel, we see Morrigan's fight. For those who didn't read the first two novels, we open with Cinaed and his mother discussing the future of Scotland, and he won't do it the way she envisions it. It's a tense time in Scotland, as there's agitating for the rights of the poor, trying to get the British influence out of the country, and the hope of true reform to get corruption out of government.

Morrigan had her own traumas to deal with prior to the opening of this book, and she's a fighter because of it. She doesn't want to return to her victim state, though it means she's got a quick temper. That means her "meet cute" of sorts with Aiden is actually a brawl in an alleyway. They both give as good as they get in physical and verbal sparring, 'and do appreciate it as much as their physical appearance. She's loyal to family and often puts their reputation and safety ahead of her own. That means she can also forget how helpful they can be when she needs it, and that she really can't take care of everything on her own.

Aiden is a good lawyer, and adept at social maneuvering. It's especially important in that political climate and trying to save men from hanging when they were set up by a spymaster. He's also a good man, willing to put his personal safety and reputation at risk to help others and to stand by Morrigan when she's in trouble. The two really are a good team, and that's even before they bond in a romantic and then in a sexual way. Aiden is patient and can temper Morrigan's temper. She also helps draw him out of his own thoughts and gives him a perspective he didn't have before.

It's not an easy path they set for themselves, but it's one that works best when they're together. Healing Morrigan's trauma isn't resolved unreasonably quickly, and the series is wrapped up in a satisfying way without it seeming like a complete deus ex machina. It is a great conclusion for the trilogy.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Highland Sword by May McGoldrick is the third book in their Royal Highlander Series.
I do think to get full enjoyment of this one you should read the first two books in the series.
Morrigan Drummond has survived some very dangerous times and now that she has a moment to breath is trying to figure out who she is and what she will do with her life. A chance encounter on a busy street leads to a fight in an alley and she is shocked to find that the man she fought with is barrister Aidan Grant is a close associate of her family’s and the witness he needs for her latest case is her darkest nightmare. Secrets long buried threaten to overwhelm her present and she will need all of her courage and strength to fight her way through. This book nicely ties up the series and each book is one that you will not want to put down. Content Warning for sexual abuse of a child in the past. Medium Steam. Publishing Date March 31, 2020. #NetGalley #HighlandSword #MayMcGoldrick #ScottishRomance #StMartinsPress #HistoricalRomance #bookstagram

Yes this was a little slow at first but it soon developed into a captivating read. Something had happened in Morrigan’s past that still affected her today. She is a brave woman and is able to fight like a warrior. Morrigan’s first meeting with Adrian Grant is explosive to say the least. Adrian is a handsome man, a barrister who knows how to be persuasive. They are attracted to each other but there are many dangerous times ahead. I enjoyed the close family feel between the characters, Adrian’s brother, Sebastian is quite a character! There were interesting descriptions of the Samhain festival. There is also the political manoeuvrings that are taking place. Although this may be read as a standalone, past events are explained, the reader will get a deeper understanding of the first two books are read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying and this was a great installment. The author’s voice gets inside her characters heads and they climb out of the pages. A great escape during a time that I needed it.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 3rd book in the Royal Highlander series and can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I didn't read any of the other ones and completely understood everything that happens in this one. Morrigan Drummond blames and english spymaster for the death of her father. And swears to avenge his death. Aidan Grant is a barrister who is fighting for two mens lives and needs for Morrigan to hold off on her revenge in order to make sure these men are found innocent. But can a woman trained as a warrior wait, and in waiting will she find the man who is perfect for her?

I had a really hard time with this one. It took me a long time to get into the story and I still had to push through in order to finish it. The writing is good, the story line and characters just didn't hook me like I thought they would. I had a hard time connecting. It's not necessarily a bad story, I just couldn't get into and I'm honestly not even sure why. Usually I like this type of book, but not this time unfortunately.

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick was a very pleasant read. Had some action mixed with romance but I don't feel like they went overboard with the mixture.

This book was the very first book I have tried by the Author and with it being in a series I was a little hesitant on reading it not knowing any of the backstory. The book was a slow at first which it took a lot to keep me engaged with the story. It was definitely not a bad start just for my usual reading tendencies it didn't grab me at first. Surprisingly with this being in the series and the last of the series, it gave a standalone vibe where you gained enough information for characters that were introduced from previous books to understand their reason for being in the story.

Once I was engaged with the book it went to a page turner very quickly. I ended up not being able to put the book down until I finished the very last page. I feel that the Author did a wonderful job on bringing the story to a close and wrapping up a very happy ever after for the characters.

This definitely is a light read that will lift your spirits in the end so if you need something to pull you away from the dark and heavy definitely pick this book up!!

#netgalley #highlandsword

I really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between the 2 characters was off-the-charts for me. I also really enjoyed the pacing.

As usual, this author does not disappoint, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. Laced with love, politics, intrigue, and a common enemy, this unlikely but absolutely perfect for each other main couple face off in an unexpected, physical confrontation that leaves both of them reeling right from the explosive get go. Their sassy, quick witted, back and forth banter/comebacks soon set the stage for their emotional, slowly unfolding, enemies to lovers romantic tale.

Morrigan is first introduced in Highland Crown, which features Isabella, her amazing, physician stepmother as the heroine. Morrigan was still a teenager at that point. Well, she is all grown up now and definitely a sassy, feisty, hot headed, warrior type leading lady. Yeah, she knows not only how to defend herself but can fight with the best of her clan’s fighting warriors.

Aidan was no wimp, either. A former soldier physically fit and skilled with a blade, his undeniable weapon of choice is his war of words. As a barrister, no one seems to stand a chance against his assault of logic and persuasion in defending the innocent and bringing bad guys to justice. He ends up having to use that skill, patience, and determination to win the hand of this leading lady love.

There are cameos of characters from previous books and references to life changing events that cause the after effects to spill over in this book. Besides being a great read, I do suggest you read Highland Crown first, if possible. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highland Jewel spent too much time on the political aspect for my taste, so the romance felt like a subplot. It is the HEA of Maisie, who makes a few appearances in Highland Sword. You may want to consider reading it, as well.

I do not know who gets to take center stage in the next sequel. I’m just keeping my Kindle addicted fingers crossed more books are on the way, sooner rather than later. This author remains one of my top favorite romance authors in this genre.

Title: Highland Sword, Series: A Royal Highlander (Book Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: 320, stand-alone but part of a series, sassy/feisty/warrior heroine, former soldier/wealthy/lawyer/good guy hero, common enemy, reference to past child rape/flashback, HEA, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, romance safe.

Book 1 - Highland Crown (Isabella & Cinead)
Book 2 - Highland Jewel (Maisie & Niall)
Book 3 - Highland Sword (Morrigan & Aidan)

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)

In this dazzling conclusion to the Royal Highlander series, a dedicated barrister fighting for reform falls for a rebellious lass with the heart of a lion. If you’ve read the first two books in the series, you’ll already be keen to see Morrigan find her happy ending, and if you haven’t read those books… then you really should, because the overarching plot of the Son of Scotland which is brought to a conclusion here won’t make a lot of sense.

I have to admit I did wonder how the authors were going to bring the overarching plot to a satisfying conclusion without a massive history rewrite, but they really did do an excellent job of it, while not allowing this to overshadow Morrigan and Aidan’s love story. The historical details show the authors’ meticulous research and make the whole story feel so real and authentic. Real historical personages mix with fictional ones, real events influencing the fictional plot until the lines between are truly blurred and it would take a historian to be sure which parts really happened and which are products of the authors’ imagination. It’s just so good, and something very few authors can pull off with real legitimacy because the depth of research required to make it feel this real is intense. This writing duo is right up there with the best currently writing historical romance.

TRIGGER WARNING REQUIRED: CSA/RAPE. A significant part of the plot hinges on Morrigan’s childhood abuse and rape at the hands of an older relative, who she is forced to confront as an adult. The actual abuse isn’t dwelt on, but enough details are given that this could be a dangerous trigger for those who have been victims of CSA or rape. Please approach with caution if this is an issue for you.

This is a stunning and satisfying conclusion to one of the best historical romance trilogies I’ve ever read. Do yourself a favour and read the whole series. Five stars.

An interesting Highland adventure. I like Morrigan and Aiden very much. Lots of danger and intrigue, history of the time, and romance. I haven't read the other two books in the series, so I struggled a little as the author tired up some loose threads from the previous books. I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.