I have to say first off I have read other books by May McGoldrick and really liked them. That being said I had a really hard time finishing this book. The beginning was interesting with how Aidan and Morrigan meet for the first time. It's hard to below the amount of damage and hurt this woman causes him. This is not the first Highlander/Historical/Romance I have read. If a book is listed as romance I don't think the story should have more about the the law of the times and historical events
then about the couple. I almost stopped reading half way thru. I hate not finishing a book, even if am not enjoying it, I feel I owe it to the authors to get the whole story before reviewing it. In my opinion the beginning and the end is only good reading.
As much as I tried it felt like I was back in History Class.
I haven't read the first two books in this series, and am not sure right now I want to give it a try.
If you love lots of history and what was happen at in the Highlands in 1800 and little romance then this is the book for you...

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

Not your typical bodice ripper!
This is the first book from this author that I have read. I loved the way history was woven through the story, both the major historical facts and the day to day tidbits. This is the 3rd book in the series, and it was obvious that there were storylines that predated this story. However, I knew that going in. Others may want to read the first 2 books prior to reading this one. There were a few typos, but overall well written with a believable romance story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A perfect book for lovers of history, intrigue and romance!

The last book in May McGoldrick’s A Royal Highlander series, Highland Sword, wraps up the trilogy and tells the story of the last Drummond family member, Morrigan. Morrigan is the step-daughter of Isabella, renowned doctor and now re-married to Cinaed, the leader of the Highlanders, and step-sister to Maisie, an influential activist within the movement. Everyone in her family has a role in the Radical War playing out… Morrigan decides her role will be to fight.

Aidan Grant has arrived in the Highlands to aid the movement. He is a barrister known for his ability to get around the English traps set for reformers. With political aspirations in mind, his plans shift when he comes across Morrigan. She challenges him at every turn, but they both find that in order to win this battle they are both fighting, they are stronger as a pair.

The characters and setup was extremely well written, so much so that reader new to the series could easily catch up, if starting here. May McGoldrick has an amazing ability to bring history to life. The story gives great insight to a lesser known time in Great Brittians’ history, while continuing to deliver a compelling love story. Definitely will keep you on the edge of you seat!

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick is scheduled to release March 31st, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HighlandSword #MayMcGoldrick #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

A great Historical romance about the trouble times between the Scots and British.
Morrigan and Aidan seem to be on opposite sides of the conflict but in the end they are fighting for the same cause.
Drama ,twists, suspense , mystery and romance.
Good read.
Voluntarily reviewed.

May McGoldrick is a new author to me. I was given an ARC of Highland Sword for my honest review. I have not read the previous books in the series, so at the beginning the characters were confusing to me. I thought the story started off slowly —- but that could be because of my character confusion. However, I soon became engrossed in the story —- staying up past my bedtime to read “just 1 more chapter”!

The story takes place during the English suppression of Scotland and the Clearances. Morrigan is a strong warrior and fiercely loyal. She also has a secret that has affected her choice not to marry. She hates the English and a particular ruthless officer. Aiden is a lawyer and defender of those accused —falsely—- by the same officer. They meet in a skirmish with each other —both wearing bruises and abrasions. Aiden decides she will be a perfect wife for him. Morrigan will need much convincing.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Highland Sword is the third and final book in the Royal Highlander series. This has been a great series and even though the books can be read as stand-alone, they are so much better if read in order. The book was well written and kept the reader’s attention from the beginning. It was full of history, politics, intrigue, traitors, twists and turns, and wonderful characters. The authors do a great job weaving the history and politics of Scotland’s reform into their stories and the entire series is worth reading.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of Highland Sword by May McGoldrick.

I really love how historical events have been woven into the stories of this series. Morrigan and Aiden have an interesting meet cute. The historical details still stand out in this book but I felt the romance between them was given more attention. I like Aiden as a hero. He is doing what he can to make thing better for those living in Scotland. He also is willing to face scandal. Morrigan is a fighter and is willing to fight to avenge the wrongs done to her family. I thought she was interesting as a character because she had strength and at the same time has her weaknesses. The story has interesting plots and enough going on to keep me turning pages to see what would happen next.

Enjoyable story overall and a nice addition to the series.

Highland Sword is the third book in the Highland Historical Series by May McGoldrick. The book like the ones before it has a strong, spirited, intelligent heroine with an equally strong hero. Being the early 1800’s is easier for a man to make his way in the world than a woman. So Morrigan Drummond must keep her wits about her, readjusting her plans as she goes. Aidan Grant, a barrister, has quite an eventful first meeting with Morrigan. An alliance of sorts is formed. From there the relationship continues to develop with the conflict between Scotland and Britain as the backdrop.

The strong character driven plot has characters from the previous book supporting so it may be a series best read in order. Expect to learn some English history too. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself siding with the Scottish, after all Morrigan Drummond is a rebel warrior seeking revenge and freedom from Britain. She makes you proud if you have Scottish roots.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Morrigan Drummond is on a mission. She wants revenge for the murder of her father. He was a doctor who was killed by the English as he tried to defend his patients. I loved this heroine! She's a skilled warrior and has a fierce desire to protect those she loves. She won't let the pain and betrayal she has suffered stop her. I was upset at what Morrigan endured at the hand of a someone she trusted. I wanted her to be able to escape her memories. When she meets Aiden, he prevents her from killing the Sparrow, a turncoat. She bests him and escapes, but they are destined to meet again. I disliked this lowly villain. He has caused so much pain. He hurt Morrigan and now wants forgiveness. Unbelievable! Aidan is intrigued by this beautiful woman but she rebuffs him. She has closed her heart to love. I was thankful that Aidan won't give up. They have so much chemistry. As they fight to save Scotland from the oppressive political machinations, they open their hearts. Can Aidan's determination overcome Morrigan's fear? I hoped so. Highland Sword is an exciting story filled with romance and danger. May Mcgoldrick kept me enthralled with her well written story, vibrant characters and passionate romance. This series pulled me in. I can't wait for more.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

What I loved most about this book, and what I’ve loved about this whole series, is a great combination of action, adventure, intrigue and romance! Aidan and Morrigan lead a cast of shrewd, compassionate, and brave characters! The romance started as a slow burn and grew to a sizzle—which was perfect for these two! I loved Morrigan’s spirit and passion, as I appreciated Aidan’s loyalty and steadfastness. I especially appreciate that the series cane to a very satisfying conclusion, wrapping all of the stories up. Great series!

📚📚📚BOOK🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿REVIEW📚📚📚
Book: Highland Sword
by May McGoldrick

Series: (Royal Highlander, Book #3)

Release Date: March 31st 2020

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews
Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews, Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating: Heartwarming

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Warning: Spoilers from “Highland Crown” and “Highland Jewel”. Thought the connections and character backgrounds might help readers who were reading “Highland Sword” first.

Dalmigavie Castle, the Highlands
September 1820

The heroine of this story is Morrigan Drummond. A woman whose father is murdered several years earlier, because of that corrupt unscrupulous, English Spymaster, Sir Rupert Burney! She definitely wants vengeance against this treacherous black guard! Morrigan felt so helpless on the day her father was murdered. Now with the help of her step-mother’s new husband and his men, they teach her how to be a proficient fighter and how to protect and defend herself. She trains with the Macintosh men everyday in the lists, some might call her a warrior, some might call her a trained assassin, and some might possibly call her an overachiever and perfectionist!

Slight spoilers from Highland Crown and Highland Jewel:
Morrigan’s physician-step-mother, Isabella
Murray Drummond has a new husband. His name is Cinaed Macintosh. A man with royal bloodlines and is called {The Son of Scotland} on the broadsheets. Her step-mother’s younger sister is Maisie Murray, whose best friend is Fiona Campbell, a widow with two of the bonniest, sweet, young, daughters. Fiona was captured by that knave Rupert Burne, due to their strong beliefs and allegiance to the women’s suffrage and reform movement. This is how Maisie meets and falls in love with Fiona’s retired war/hero brother, Niall Campbell. He is now her husband and they do finally get Fiona out of prison eventually.

The hero of this story is Barrister, Aidan Grant. He is surprised that Burne informer and spy Robert Sparrow, enters his office. He looks at his brother Sebastian shaking his head, knowing what his brother is thinking, “do not trust this crooked and despicable liar! Aidan just needs him to be alive through the trial. So he must know the reason why he chose him and Sparrow replies, simply wanting the best lawyer in Scotland! Aidan realized he can’t work anymore due to his illness. Now he wants to retire and end his filthy dishonorable career. This double agent finds out many want him dead, as he has too much information about these corrupt officials and government. He promises Aidan he will give him names, places, dates, times. Sparrow just wants a peaceful death. Can Aidan even trust this traitor and will his word even mean anything in court. As he knows the home office will paint Sparrow as a dishonorable employee possibly another trait

Morrigan is shocked to see the cause and reason of the worse turmoil of her past life, besides her father’s murder. She can share her grief with others about her father’s death, but her father was the only person that knew about her past secret trauma. This would never ever go away and let her move on. She could never be a normal person with a bright future, as long as this corrupt man was alive. She honestly feels the only way to end her agony is to end his miserable life! This was a spontaneous move, as a good samaritan who looked at her as if she was absolutely insane. Of course Sebastian was loving this that a lass was kicking Aidan’s arse! He would never hear the end of this humiliation he was certain! The war hero that didn’t even get a scratch in battle but a lass tore him to shreds his brother mentioned plus she got away!



A few days later, it turns out the Grant brothers ironically brought Sparrow so Dr. Isabella Macintosh could care for their ill informant. Both Morrigan and Adrian both had swollen faces, she now realized how this brilliant lawyer might even get a spot on Parliament according to Isabella and Cinaed.
The worst of it is the man she does not care he is dying and hopes he suffers for it and in lots of pain! This made her want to vomit as she is furious, shaken and tormented that this poor excuse of a human being is here on her territory!o

As time goes on: Aidan sees how beautiful, intelligent and brave Morrigan Drummond is. He also discovers another secret Sparrow is holding. He sees Morrigan is from and understands Sparrows bad character this man’s bad character and the harm he caused other people. He doesn’t know the reason for Morrigan wanting to kill Sparrow , but understands he probably deserved it!

Now Aiden sees how perfect Morrigan is, plus he is very aware what a piece of rubbish that Sparrow is! As feelings develop very quickly between these two, could it be love? The first man to open Morrigan's heart to wish for a future that will never exit for her! She is seeing what a brave, romantic, smart, kind hearted, man Aidan is! He also fights for the people and believes she’s not good enough for him. If anyone ever found out her secret it would destroy his promising career and future. Although Aidan will not take no for an answer and continues to woo Morrigan Drummond, putting everything aside for the woman he loves.

Now another dangerous enemy has incriminating information on Morrigan, plus he despises Aiden Grant, who has made a ifool of him more than once. Desperate times take desperate measures. Will this enemy destroy this star crossed couple forever? Will Aiden take his seat at Parliament and forget all about Morrigan? Could Aidan’s career survive a scandal? Is Morrigan safe from government manipulation and harm? Will the corrupt home office incarcerate Morrigan? Will Isabella and Cinaed also be caught and incarcerated? Will Isabella deliver a baby in prison? Is Queen Caroline’s life in danger? Will Cinaed be the next King in Scotland? Is Morrigan and Aidan free from harm or possible destruction? Does Aidan have a chance to win Morrigan over, or is it too little-too late? So many unanswered questions and a definite must read! A book readers definitely don’t want to miss!

I believe this is the last book in the Royal Highland trilogy. I love all the characters from all three books, even cameo appearances from true historical icons in history, and from May McGoldrick’s classic Pennington series which was a lovely surprise. I did give a quick description of each book in this review. I would recommend you read each book in this series, as it is like connecting the dots. I personally think readers will understand the connections to Isabella, Maisie, and Morrigan. Each book centers around these three powerful women and the men that capture their hearts. Readers will understand what issues they are passionate about with each relationship to each other. Although Isabella is Morrigan’s step-mum they are more like sisters. Isabella was quite a bit younger than her first husband, Morrigan’s father. I found all of these relationships fascinating!

This book has my favorite ingredients for reading books. I love when true history is weaved with a fictional romantic story - this was an absolutely masterpiece! Also I love some cameo from true historic figures in history too! I truly ! I loved the pairing of Morrigan and Aidan. Plus a mini reunion as all the main characters from this series appear in this book. To me these are some of the reasons Highland Sword was a super fun read!

These two authors Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick are super multi-talented storytellers, an absolute dynamic duo and I love every story they create! I have been reading them for nearly twenty-five years and am totally devoted! Love each and every book I have read by May McGoldrick! As each and every book is absolutely a riveting, action-packed, historical, romantic adventure, that is a awe
fast-paced,awe-inspiring, page turner. This book definitely includes all the elements historical romance readers love! The plotting was amazing, as it had so many twists and turns which was absolutely exhilarating too! The setting was beautiful, with amazing dialogue. The multi dimensional characters both good and bad ones were magnificent, bonnie children and the games were absolutely enchanting too. I would love to see a future book for Aidan Grants war hero and armless brother Sebastian. He definitely deserves a happily ever after, a book for Fiona and John world be lovely too.

You can definitely read Highland Sword as a stand alone book too! I just personally think you will get more out of it reading the entire series. I definitely recommend “Highland Sword” it is such a spectacular read from start to finish!

Another McGoldrick Masterpiece I couldn’t put down! Read in one session! ❤️❤️❤️

Royal Highlander Series by May McGoldrick
1)Highland Crown * Isabella and Cinaed
2)Highland Jewel * Maisie and Niall
3)Highland Sword *Morrigan and Aidan




Personal Note: This is set during The Radical War of 1820, also known as the Scottish Insurrection of 1820, was a week of strikes and unrest in Scotland, a culmination of Radical demands for reform in the Great Britain and Ireland which had become prominent in the early years of the French Revolution, but had then been repressed during the long Napoleonic Wars. It was caused by high unemployment, unfair working conditions, expensive food price and unfair and unresponsive government. I love that these authors weave true history with a fabulous fictional romance.

Disclaimer: I received this book from St. Martin’s Paperback publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.


Pre-Order Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Sword-Royal-Highlander-Book-ebook/dp/B07SCV5RF4?_bbid=


https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-sword-may-mcgoldrick/1131253857?ean=9781250315007



https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-sword/id1465613293


https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250314994


https://play.google.com/store/books/details/May_McGoldrick_Highland_Sword?id=RCiaDwAAQBAJ


https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/highland-sword-2



https://m.booksamillion.com/p/Highland-Sword/May-McGoldrick/9781250314994?id=7508721120029

This is the last book in the Royal Highlander series., Morrigan's story.
With such a strong personality, you knew the hero would have to be someone just as strong but not forceful.
Aiden was her perfect compliment. Intelligent, cunning, funny, he challenged her at every turn.
She, likewise did the same for him. He thought he wanted a demure, ladylike, polished wife. Morrigan is passionate,, hot tempered, dresses in pants to train with men.
It makes for an interesting relationship and a very good story.
Loved the book, loved the series.

I could not get through this book. First of all, how could Caroline of Brunswick, care anything about Scotland? She was German to the core! She is buried in Germany, you have to have lived there, or be married to someone of German extraction to understand how "German" they are means! She would have never cared two cents for Scotland, and being of Scottish ancestry myself, I find this too far of a stretch to believe.
I recommend if you can stretch your imagination, not if you enjoy at least some realistic history, which comes in the middle of the book. Thank you!
carolintallahassee.com

The alley meeting between Aidan and Morrigan was cute and exciting and was about the only part of this book that was. If you prefer your historical leaning much heavier towards fiction than romance, you may enjoy this book more than I did. The book was slow and not very exciting and dragged on and on. The romance felt forced and more back burner with all the focus being on the potential war.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Fantastic historical romance for history lovers!

This entire trilogy has been absolutely wonderful, rooted in historical accuracy and loosely based on historical facts and figures, yet filled to the brim with amazing detail and fictional characters that bring the history to life. While each (including this one) is a standalone romance, there are quite a lot of interconnected people and events that tie all the books together to make one epic historical adventure.

In this final book of the trilogy, we have a warrior maiden named Morrigan, a woman with her own plans for vengeance, and a brilliant lawyer, Aidan, a man who will risk everything for truth and justice. These two at first seem to be on opposing sides (their "meet cute" is most definitely anything but cute) but their shared passions soon have them fighting together against a common foe.

As a history buff as well as a romance enthusiast, I love the way this series mixes fact and fiction. I absolutely adored the way Aiden arranged things for Morrigan once she made up her mind. His tender insight into what she needed was beyond sweet, and proved just how perfect he was for her. Their pairing brought out the best in each of them, and together they're a truly unstoppable team.

I want to warn sensitive readers that this story contains the brief description of a sexual assault on a child, told in retrospect. It was handled delicately and respectfully, but it was crucial to the overall story and therefore could not have been omitted.

Highlander romances is one of my all-time favorite genres, and I especially love this book (and the entire trilogy) because of the ring of authenticity wrapped around life-and-death adventure and a legendary romance. It's everything I could want in a historical romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I started this book quite a few weeks ago and to be honest I gave up. The start did not hold my attention and as it is the 3rd one in the series I was a bit lost at first.
I did go back to it and try again and I’m glad I did. The story is well written and the characters come to life out of the pages. I would love to read more by these 2 authors.

Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series by May McGoldrick, which is the nom de plume of the phenomenal writing team of Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick. This book can stand alone, but I highly recommend you read the previous two books first. If you don't, you'll be missing a lot of background and the development of the characters. This story was the perfect blend of history, politics and, of course, romance. Trigger warning and possible spoiler alert: This volume contains references to a sexual assault.

Morrigan Drummond fled to the Highlands with her family after her physician father was murdered. She vows revenge on English spymaster Sir Rupert Burney, the man ultimately responsible for his death. She trains with the other rebels at Dalmigavie Castle, biding her time. While going after a man she plans on killing, she is confronted by barrister Aidan Grant, who needs said man as a witness in order to save two innocent clients. In the battle between Morrigan and Aidan, he basically had his butt handed to him. Is he humiliated? Not Aidan; he is extremely intrigued by this warrior woman. He does his best to convince Morrigan to help him in order to put an end to Burney's reign of terror.

I was intrigued by Morrigan in the glimpses we received of her in the previous books; I couldn't wait to read her story. She was truly a warrior, but also a woman conflicted and hurt about an incident in her past. My heart broke for her, yet I also admired her strength. And then there is Aidan...I LOVED Aidan! I've put him on my list of favorite romance heroes ever. Aidan does his best to seek justice for his Scottish countrymen and women, first by being a barrister and also by his future plans to become a member of Parliament. He was intrigued by Morrigan from the start, and the two first became friends before deeper feelings rose to the surface. He had the deepest respect for Morrigan and refused to give into passion unless they married. ~Sigh~ The romance was beautiful, but I also loved the witty banter between the two. It was wonderful to see the couples in the previous books, and I adored Aidan's brother Sebastian. I would love to see funny and endearing Sebastian have a book of his own. Don't miss this fascinating series!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

In this installment of the series, Morrigan Drummond finds love. We've seen here before, but now we learn more about her past and how it has influenced her. She's a true fighter, in every sense of the word, and I was pleased that when confronted with a challenge that might have given a weaker character an excuse to flee and be rescued, she chose to stand her ground and fight.

Aiden Grant, introduced under less-than-ideal circumstances, proves to be her soulmate. He never imagined he would fall in love, especially with someone like her. She never imagined allowing herself to fall in love.

One of the things I appreciate about these authors is that they don't take the simple path of plot development. When presented with an obvious choice that could lead to misunderstandings and stress, characters choose to communicate instead. I love this! I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for its fictional adherence to historical events.

I thought this was supposed to be a romance book, not a historical novel. I liked the back and forth between Morrigan and Aiden but I was lost with some of the history. The book got better as it moved along but it was a bit tough for me to get through.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Morrigan Drummond knows that she will get the justice that she wants when the man that took everything from her dies, she just needs to find him. She knows that she has to be careful as her new family has many enemies that would be quite happy to see them dead. She can't believe that she has found the turncoat and she has the chance of taking him out but that is dashed when a stranger stops her. She has no choice but to go with the men to Dalmigavie she just has to find a way to keep her face hidden from everyone as they will all want to know who she got hurt. Can anything go right, the two men from the village are here the Grant brothers Aidan & Sebastian and the turncoat. Morrigan can't believe that they are all here and that Robert Sparrow is actually dying and he wants to see her before he will help the brothers. Aidan didn't realize that he would feel anything for the woman that tried to kill his witness and he knows that he needs her help but will he be able to convince her to help them? She doesn't know if she could do what they are asking, she just wants him dead and that if she can help Aidan save two men from hanging she must try. She can't help herself from falling for Aidan but could it be even more? The country is upheaval and she worries about her family and what would happen if things change. Can she put her heart in Aidan's hands? Aidan knows that nothing will stop him from coming back to Morrigan he just needs her to stay safe. Can Morrigan let go of the past and move on with her life now? Is Aidan her future? A good read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.