Okay, this being the third in a series makes all the difference in how you're going to perceive this book. At the start, I really had no idea who was who and what was going on. Which is why I DNF after one chapter. I feel it shouldn't be read as a stand alone.

I will shamefully go get the first book and maybe I'll be ready for the third one.

Recommend reading all three books in this series. All the characters intertwine in their fiight to separate from England in the mid 1800's. This is Morrigan Drummond's story and her single focus of revenge. The opening chapter is the first encounter between Morrigan and Adrian Grant, a barrister. A very unusual encounter, which includes a fat lip and a black eye. Adrian is on my list of top heros. "SIGH." A slow beginning that really takes off later in the book.

I am reviewing an advanced reader's copy of this novel.

This is the first novel I've read by May McGoldrick. And I think there will be more in my future.
Morrigan and Aidan's story is compelling in a way not usually seen in this genre.
While there is a love story at the heart of it, the author skilfully weaves in elements of history so cleverly that you don't really know what is real and what is fiction outside the main characters.

Morrigan is exactly the kind of heroine I adore. She's got guts, a hunger to learn and is fiercely loyal to those she loves. Her actions at the beginning of the book (no spoilers here!) are a little fuzzy to understand their motive until about half way through the book when all becomes crystal clear.

Aidan is rather more complex than your usual hero. Sure he's a good guy, smart and handsome. But there's a depth to him that kept me turning pages faster than I thought I would.

Add to them a host of characters that wouldn't look out of place in a modern setting (I told you this was an usual book) and the whole thing is a cut well above what I expected.

Very nice story and a great continuation to this series. The story and characters were so well developed that I had a difficult time putting this book down. Great book!

Definitely a buy buy buy buy buy book. This author has yet to disappoint. While it starts off a little slow the rest of the book makes it all worth while... SO from beginning to end.... just buy and sit and let her writing sweep you away into another time and place. A truly enjoyable witty read. One I will use as a keeper. The author is extremely talented in placing the reader into her make believe world and keeps us wanting more. I was given this book via NetGalley ...... All opinions expressed here are my own. Regards, Anna

Fantastic! Sweeping, epic, and lush, this book is everything you could want from a historical romance. I can't wait to read more McGoldrick titles!

This was cute! This was my first book by this author and I’m definitely interested in reading more in the future. I really liked how strong the heroine was, she felt very modernized which I really appreciated. I felt like the romance itself took its time. You really watch these two fall in love and it’s very sweet. It did seem a bit on the slower side for me and it took some time for me to get into it, but once I did I found myself really enjoying it, especially the twist and turns towards the end! Overall, this was a sweet historical and I really liked it!

Once this book got going - it got going 🤣. The storyline was great and the characters interesting. I didn't realise that this was book 3 in a series and while the book was good as a standalone, I did feel that I was missing a little bit of background that I could have done with. All in all, a nice read.

Historical romance with good characters and fast paced story. The female characters in this series are all strong and inventive with different strengths and the males are all forward thinking. Makes for lively relationships.

This is the 3rd book in the series. It brings all the characters back in to play and continues to have lots of adventure and suspense. Morrigan and Aiden’s first encounter leaves both of them a bit bruised. Morrigan is feisty but caring. Aiden is a lawyer who is trying hard to help the injustice going on. I enjoyed their playfulness and interaction and watching the love between them grow as they took on the bad guys.

Highland Sword
A Royal Highlander Novel by May McGoldrick is Book 3 of "A Royal Highlander" series, while, it can be read as a stand alone, however, I would recommend reading HIGHLAND CROWN and HIGHLAND JEWEL, first, just to have a better understanding of the characters, however, you don't have to in order to enjoy HIGHLAND SWORD. Set in 1820 Scotland, during what was dubbed "Radical War of 1820. Fast paced, well crafted and expertly excuted.
May McGoldrick has weaved actual facts and real historical characters with fiction, brilliantly.
A tale of intrigue, danger, bits of humor, and romance. A Historical adventure that's fun, intriguing, romantically engaging with magnetic characters. Readers with be drawn into Aidan and Morrigan's story. Political intrigue, parliamentary reform, strong heroine, revolutionary militant and a brawn, brave hero, will keep readers on the edge if their seats. Dangerous and compelling story. The epilogue pulls everything together. I believe this is the final book in A ROYAL HIGHLANDER series. A magnificent, climactic finish! Highly recommended for fans of historical facts, Scottish history, revolutionary war, strong heroines, brave, brawn heroes, romance, and finding a HEA
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
#NetGalley, #HighlandSword,#MayMcGoldrick

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR

This book is fast paced and adventurous in nature. The main characters Morrigan and Aiden are the perfect fit for one another. I can’t wait for whatever comes next from May.

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

The Royal Highlander Series so far has just been okay for me by May McGoldrick. So when I received Highland Sword, I was hoping that the story would entertain me a bit more than the other two books.

The story was well written but a bit slower than I like. I did enjoy the main characters but wanted to see more romance in their relationship although they have two very different personalities and backgrounds. The strong romance I was expencting was just not there for me and several times I found myself drifting and trying to get back into the story because it dragged a bit. I wanted to contribute it to the plot but not sure if was the plot changes or the characters that were coming in/out of the story that sometimes made it difficult to continue with my reading.

In summary, I did love the strong female characters and the liberation the men afforded them in the story. It was refreshing. I also enjoyed the action scenes and the twists and turns. Did it do better than the first two? About the same for me. If there is another in the series, I would love to read and hope it hits above my other ratings in this series.

3-Stars

Highland Sword is a spectacular historical romance by May McGoldrick. Ms. McGoldrick has once again produced a well-written book populated with an outstanding cast of characters. Morrigan is wanted but continues to do what she thinks is best, often putting herself in danger. Aidan is a barrister and will be defending 2 innocent men. Morrigan and Aidan share a secret. Their story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I loved this book from cover to cover and look forward to my next book by May McGoldrick. Highland Sword is book 3 of the Royal Highlander Series and reading books 1 & 2 would help you understand the back-story, it 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.

Morrigan Drummond lives right in the hot middle of Scottish resistance to the British Crown of the 1820s. Her father was killed at the behest of Sir Rupert Burney, a spymaster working to keep Scotland subjugated. In the years since Culloden, the people of Scotland have become more integrated with former enemies fighting at their side in places like the Napoleonic war. Morrigan and her people have sacrificed much for the British government. She wants revenge on Burney and his cronies so Morrigan has been training with other insurgents to learn fighting skills. While it seems unusual for the time period perhaps, women have always needed strength to work their heavy lodes though those of high society are less likely to be inclined. Backed by Queen Caroline whose son is the Scottish leader, Morrigan and those she supports are ready to give their all for the cause.

Aidan Grant works as a barrister for Morrigan’s group trying to keep the corrupt courts from sentencing innocent men and women to prison or worse. Once he encounters the feisty and fiery Morrigan, Aidan knows this young woman is something special. Morrigan holds an important key to helping fight their enemies; however; it requires something emotionally wrenching from her. Aidan desires Morrigan for more than her political value, but she resists their mutual attraction because of an early trauma in large part.

As a historical fiction, this story interweaves actual facts and real people with characters who exemplify what the authentic emotional and personal costs would have been for these deeply loyal and brave people. Third in the Royal Highlander series, several characters are already well established and add a wider dimension to this book. Though there is an element of romance, it is quite slow burn while functioning as an underpinning of the story. Fans of historical fiction and the series will be pleased with this well told tale.

I liked this book, it had the right amount of drama and playfulness and the H and h had a very good chemistry, that I also appreciated :)

Mi é piaciuto questo libro, perché c'era la giusta mescolanza tra dramma e divertimento, inoltre i due protagonisti avevano un'ottima chimica, il che rendeva il tutto ancora piú piacevole.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

Another absolute stunner by May McGoldrick!

Before I even started Highland Sword, I already knew I would love this book. There is no one who writes like the McGoldricks do. I love every single one of their books. The history flows so effortlessly in and through every story. The balance of story to history is perfect. It is rare to find an author(s) that is able to keep the historical detail in the forefront, without overwhelming the story. Highland Sword lived up to my every expectation. 

The vibrant characters are three dimensional and vivacious. Morrigan is one of my all time favorite heroines. She doesn't just get mad, she gets stabby. I love her. Though she has experienced traumatic experiences, she does not let them define her. She is fierce. Aidan is an equally perfect hero. A barrister with a reputation for defending the innocent against an increasingly corrupt government. They are a match made in heaven! 

The plot is well developed, easy to follow, and fun to read. Highland Sword kept me on the edge of my seat. I particularly enjoyed the appearance of beloved characters from earlier in the series. 

Highly recommend this and every May McGoldrick book to all fans of excellent historical fiction.

It was very fast paced and the plot was interesting. I really liked the characters and how likeable they all were, except the villains, obviously. I would definitely be willing to read more of this series!

I loved this book, just like the first and second book in the series.
I was instantly immersed in the story because it flowed all the way through. The writer had me connecting with all the characters, which made the book thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend this series and this book “The Highland Sword “.

What’s not to love if you love book about highlanders and historical fiction you’ll enjoy this book. It was so captivating and engaging. I was drawn in from page one it was a page turner. The storyline was so amazing well written and the characters were so engaging you could almost see the story unfolding before you eyes. I was truly please all the way through the book. Can’t wait to read what this authors writes next