Though this book is about a different couple to that featured in the first in this series, Highland Crown, you’re going to miss a lot of the underlying context here if you haven’t read Highland Crown. At the end of that book we discovered Cinead’s royal lineage, and the fallout from that discovery. It’s obvious Cinead and Isabella’s marriage will have repercussions for everyone close to them, and in this book we see the effect it has on Maisie, Isabella’s younger sister.
Highland Jewel actually opens before Highland Crown takes place, setting the scene in Edinburgh as we discover Maisie wasn’t the quiet, biddable girl everyone thought. She was heavily involved in the Female Reform Society, a group considered seditious by England’s government, and with her friend Fiona, getting into all sorts of dangerous situations. Fiona’s brother Niall, a former army officer who retired when he couldn’t stomach the violence against his own people he was tasked with, is Maisie’s hero, and put in a terrible situation when his sister is held hostage to force Niall to commit an unspeakable act.
I still can’t quite see, given the historical context of the time, how Cinead and Isabella can get any sort of satisfyingly happy ending considering the impressive forces arrayed against them (and the fact that I know very well he didn’t get to be King of Scotland :P) but I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, Highland Sword, to find out how May McGoldrick manage to wrap this all up. I have every confidence they’ll manage it in some satisfying but unexpected way, though, because honestly this pair of authors are some of the best you’re going to find writing historical romance today. Weaving real historical events with fiction with such a deft touch the lines blur into insignificance, there are history lessons blended with a wonderful romance in every story.
Five stars for yet another fabulous read from May McGoldrick!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

Highland Jewel: A Royal Highlander Novel
Audible Audiobook
– Unabridged
May McGoldrick
(Author),
Raphael Corkhill
(Narrator),
Saskia Maarleveld
(Narrator),
Macmillan Audio
(Publisher)
&
1
more
See all formats and editions
Hide other formats and editions
Amazon Price
|
New from | Used from |
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial |
Mass Market Paperback
"Please retry"
|
$11.18 | — |
©2019 May McGoldrick (P)2019 Macmillan Audio
Read & Listen
Switch between reading the Kindle book & listening to the Audible narration with
Whispersync for Voice.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $3.47 after you buy the Kindle book.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $3.47 after you buy the Kindle book.
- Your choice of audiobook each month
- Plus a free monthly audiobook chosen by our editors
- Unlimited access to exclusive podcasts
- After 30 days, Audible is $16.45/month. Cancel anytime
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible’s
Conditions Of Use
and
Privacy Notice.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
People who bought this also bought
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
Product details
Listening Length | 8 hours and 52 minutes |
---|---|
Author | May McGoldrick |
Narrator | Raphael Corkhill, Saskia Maarleveld |
Whispersync for Voice | Ready |
Audible.com.au Release Date | 24 September 2019 |
Publisher | Macmillan Audio |
Program Type | Audiobook |
Version | Unabridged |
Language | English |
ASIN | B07Y8PCKH5 |
Best Sellers Rank |
86,071 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
936 in Regency Romance (Audible Books & Originals) 3,645 in Scottish Historical Romance 9,716 in Regency Romance (Books) |
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
25 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews from other countries

M. Nguyen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written with captivating plots and rich history 👍
Reviewed in the United States on 2 April 2020Verified Purchase
“To see her is to love her, and love but her forever; for Nature made her what she is, and never made another.”
Highland Jewel is the 2nd book in the Royal Highlander Series. This story is about Maisie Murray, a female activist for women’s and civil rights, and Niall Campbell, a former Lieutenant in the Royal Highlanders regiment. I love this book ❤️, perhaps more than book 1, but I’d suggest you start there to get to know all the characters and historical settings. It also provides a nice complementary view in Maisie’s voice for many events happening in book 1. And I feel more romance element is depicted in this book 🥰 (a best friend’s brother trope 😆!)
Maisie is such an intriguing character. She led a double life: a shy dull girl to her family, and a fierce compassionate activist to the world. Co-founding Female Reform Society, Edinburgh chapter, with Niall’s sister, she used her written words to fight against unjust treatments to the Scottish people, and for the voice of women in society. She had this quiet strength that surprised many people, even her own family. Her spirits and convictions were what attracted Niall the most, on top of her stunning beauty 😆.
Niall was an honorable, tough, and intimidating man, but he was all “custardy” inside, a feminist at heart, who would roll on the floor to role play with his nieces, write to them poems and stories about strong heroines 🥰... He saw Maisie for who she really was, admired her passion and intelligence, at the same time, he was concerned for her and his sister’s safety. He was hoping to build a future with her, away from danger and violent protests, but then his plan was upended overnight when he was thrown into a nasty game of politics...
I love the strong bonds developed among the three women. Unlike Isabella, who progressed into an activist during the course of book 1, Maisie had always been one from the beginning, her fighting spirit was not dampened by any forces, one way or another she continued to fight the battle. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the political unrest during this period, from a point of view of an activist, how people had fought, violently suppressed or killed. The book is beautifully written and insightful, it’s sweet, emotional, yet captivating and thrilling that will keep you reading till the end ❤️!
Definitely a 5⭐️ read for me!
Highland Jewel is the 2nd book in the Royal Highlander Series. This story is about Maisie Murray, a female activist for women’s and civil rights, and Niall Campbell, a former Lieutenant in the Royal Highlanders regiment. I love this book ❤️, perhaps more than book 1, but I’d suggest you start there to get to know all the characters and historical settings. It also provides a nice complementary view in Maisie’s voice for many events happening in book 1. And I feel more romance element is depicted in this book 🥰 (a best friend’s brother trope 😆!)
Maisie is such an intriguing character. She led a double life: a shy dull girl to her family, and a fierce compassionate activist to the world. Co-founding Female Reform Society, Edinburgh chapter, with Niall’s sister, she used her written words to fight against unjust treatments to the Scottish people, and for the voice of women in society. She had this quiet strength that surprised many people, even her own family. Her spirits and convictions were what attracted Niall the most, on top of her stunning beauty 😆.
Niall was an honorable, tough, and intimidating man, but he was all “custardy” inside, a feminist at heart, who would roll on the floor to role play with his nieces, write to them poems and stories about strong heroines 🥰... He saw Maisie for who she really was, admired her passion and intelligence, at the same time, he was concerned for her and his sister’s safety. He was hoping to build a future with her, away from danger and violent protests, but then his plan was upended overnight when he was thrown into a nasty game of politics...
I love the strong bonds developed among the three women. Unlike Isabella, who progressed into an activist during the course of book 1, Maisie had always been one from the beginning, her fighting spirit was not dampened by any forces, one way or another she continued to fight the battle. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the political unrest during this period, from a point of view of an activist, how people had fought, violently suppressed or killed. The book is beautifully written and insightful, it’s sweet, emotional, yet captivating and thrilling that will keep you reading till the end ❤️!
Definitely a 5⭐️ read for me!

KRM
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Saga Continues
Reviewed in the United States on 19 September 2020Verified Purchase
Great historical fiction centered @the Scottish uprising of 1820. The story continues with Cinead, Son of Scotland and Isabella as secondary characters. The main characters Maise and Niall fall in love but he is forced to spy on and kill Maises new bother in law. Niall was a strong character he works to save his sister and his love. I enjoyed book 1 better as this seemed to move slower.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse

Lauren C. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun strong fast-paced read
Reviewed in the United States on 23 January 2020Verified Purchase
This historical fiction novel is fun and an easy read. Instead of a damsel in distress, it’s a fast-paced romance novel with plenty of action that allows the female characters be just as heroic as the male character!
One person found this helpful
Report abuse

Marcia J
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great historical romance!
Reviewed in the United States on 12 March 2020Verified Purchase
This is the second in the Highland series and is a wonderful read. I recommend anything from this author!
One person found this helpful
Report abuse

penelope hiigel
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
Reviewed in the United States on 30 September 2020Verified Purchase
great story
One person found this helpful
Report abuse