Release Day Review: Highland Sword by May McGoldrick

Highland Sword is the third novel in the Royal Highlander series and is standalone. I've not read either of the previous novels by the new to me author, May McGoldrick.

Morrigan Drummond is a feisty heroine, as wild as the Highlands she's escaped to after the death of her father. She's a match for any man she encounters, something barrister, Aiden Grant found out when he tried to confront her. The incident ended up with him covered in cuts and bruises and more importantly, a respect for the mystery woman.! Together they make a dynamic couple with a relationship foundation cemented in friendship. With dissimilar backgrounds, it's always satisfying when two people find each other especially when they have a common goal.

A slow burn, friends to lovers romance set in 19th Century Scotland, May McGoldrick has written a fascinating narrative full of historical detail. Due to the inclusion of so many facts and secondary plot threads, I found it difficult to keep track of every incident, within this fast-paced narrative. It wasn't always easy to keep remembering everything single incident along the way, but as the story unfolded, reflecting and recalling details became easier and in its conclusion, everything ties together perfectly. Set against the beauty of Northern Scotland, the author paints a lovely landscape of Inverness and the surrounding countryside.

I feel confident I've not lost out in any way by jumping into the Royal Highlander series at book 3 as the author introduced the secondary characters skilfully so they blended in perfectly well. As with any novel I've enjoyed within a series, I'm going to recommend reading the novels I've missed too especially as Isabella and Maisie are equally strong women and trailblazing role models of their time.

***arc generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

From USA Today bestselling author May McGoldrick comes Highland Sword, the third book in the Royal Highlander series. 

A VOW FOR VENGEANCE
Fleeing to the Highlands after her father’s murder, fiery Morrigan Drummond has a score to settle with Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for his death. Trained to fight alongside the other rebels determined to break Britain’s hold on Scotland, she swears to avenge her father’s death—until a chance encounter with a barrister as proud and principled as she is presents her with a hard choice…and a bittersweet temptation.

A PLEA FOR PASSION
Aidan Grant has never encountered another woman like dangerous beauty Morrigan—and he has the bruises to prove it. Yet she could be the key to defending two innocent men, as well as striking a death blow to the reprehensible Burney. Convincing Morrigan to help him will take time, but Aidan is willing to wait if it means victory over corrupt government forces and freedom for his people…and Morrigan’s hand in marriage. Can two warriors committed to a cause stand down long enough to open their hearts to a love fierce enough to last…forever?

USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo and Jim wrote their first MAY MCGOLDRICK romance using historical figures that Jim researched while earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature. Nikoo, a mechanical engineer, is a born storyteller. She is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Together, they have crafted over forty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical and contemporary novels and two works of nonfiction under the pseudonyms May McGoldrick and Jan Coffey.